Chapter 649: Old but Vigorous

For Wang Yan, being transferred to serve as Defender of the Western Capital was an unexpected revival of his official career, a burst of new spring. Two years ago, in that political storm, he had acted too aggressively to protect himself and crossed the Emperor.

In the end, thanks to Zhao Hui's mediation, the matter was smoothed over and ended peacefully—the Emperor did not pursue it, and Wang Jingchong died at the hands of the prison wardens. But for Wang Yan, it was still a tremendous setback in his military-political career: he lost the Jinzhou military governorship, his title was reduced to Marquis of Teng, and he was left with only the empty title of Grand General of the Left Yulin Guard, without a shred of real power, living quietly in the Eastern Capital.

Of course, two years of reflection had also made Wang Yan fully realize just how he had violated taboo in the first place. No matter how rampant Wang Jingchong had been, he was still an envoy of the Son of Heaven. For Wang Yan to dare dispatch troops to surround the postal station and keep watch over the Wude Battalion—that was a great crime. Judged strictly, it was rebellion.

Originally, Wang Yan had thought his later years would be like this—living in the Eastern Capital, idling away until death. After all, he was already sixty-five, no longer young, and he had a record of misconduct. The Son of Heaven favored vigorous men in their prime, and those who now occupied the court were mostly "young men" like Fan Zhi, Wei Renpu, and Xue Juzheng.

However, an appointment decree interrupted his carefree life of playing with his grandchildren. Before he left for Luoyang in the west, the Emperor summoned Wang Yan to the palace for a meal together. From Liu Chengyou's hints, it was clear that employing him had the purpose of reassuring the people.

Looking at the Great Han's realm today, the military provinces had come to an end, the military governorships were nearly extinct, one after another dissolved and their power reclaimed by the court. Yet those who endured and remained employed in the central government and the localities were, after all, in the minority.

Fu Yanqing and Zhe Congruan could not be compared—they were imperial relatives, with people in the inner palace. Those who held real power, like Guo Wei, An Shenqi, Wang Jing, and Yao Yuanfu, belonged to the minority. More numerous were men like Wang Yan, who were either given empty titles or simply sent off with money, cloth, and grain rations to retire.

Therefore, among this batch of meritorious ministers stripped of power in the Great Han, no small amount of resentment was brewing. Of course, employing a single Wang Yan was far from enough to dispel that resentment—it merely signaled an attitude.

Moreover, the state also needed some elder ministers and old friends, veteran generals and honored nobles—this point Liu Chengyou understood very well. In his employment of old ministers like Guo Wei, An Shenqi, Yao Yuanfu, and even Shi Hongzhao, whether in military or civil affairs, the results had been quite good.

And this time, considering Wang Yan was truly timely, because in these two years the Great Han's old ministers and veteran generals had withered away too quickly. In the seventh year of Qianyou alone, He Fujin and Feng Dao had died, while capable and prestigious generals and ministers like Zhe Congruan, Shi Kuangyi, Zhao Hui, and Liu Ci were all stricken with illness.

In comparison, Wang Yan's body was still hale and sturdy—he could eat meat and drink wine, ride horses and shoot arrows. And so, Wang Yan, who had been idling in Kaifeng for two years, was called back into service.

Before leaving the capital, Liu Chengyou gave Wang Yan a set of instructions, emphasizing Luoyang's importance and telling him to govern well. The main points were three: develop agriculture and sericulture, clarify the laws and strengthen enforcement, and restrain the powerful and privileged. However, after arriving in Luoyang, he discovered that his predecessor Jing Fan had already done quite well, leaving him little room to develop further. And following the old rules without innovation was not his style...

Learning that Hou Zhang and Xue Huairang had come calling, Wang Yan was not surprised—after all, since arriving in Luoyang, the threshold of his Defender's residence had nearly been worn flat by visitors.

Staring at the name cards, he considered for a moment, then instructed: "Lead the two of them to the flower hall in the rear garden and serve tea!"

"Yes!"

Then he rose, let out a heavy sigh, and moved to the rear garden. The Defender's residence of the Western Capital was considerable in scale, with complete offices within, but because of his predecessor Jing Fan, it lacked the grandeur and solemnity of a government office. Everywhere was old and worn, with many damages and flaws left unrepaired.

Among the people of Luoyang, it was said that when Governor Jing was in office, he repaired the city walls, restored the granaries, dredged the waterways, and dug irrigation canals—but he could not bear to spend a bit of money or grain to renovate the government offices.

And for Wang Yan, looking at those aged bricks, tiles, and decorations, he was in fact somewhat displeased. Although he had no extravagant tastes, he was still a man who cared about "face." The current government offices did not project the dignity of official authority.

In the flower hall, the moment the three met, there was a round of overly enthusiastic greetings. Hou Zhang kept his posture very low, his face wreathed in smiles: "Lord Wang, it's been many years—do you still recognize this humble fellow?"

With a hearty laugh, Wang Yan helped up the bowing Hou Zhang and said: "Brother Hou, you'll be the death of me with such courtesy! The bond of comrades in arms from those years, the righteousness of raising the banner—how could I ever forget?"

He then exchanged greetings with Xue Huairang, and the three took their seats. Speaking of it, back when Zhao Hui, Wang Yan, and Hou Zhang had raised troops against the Khitan, Hou Zhang had been the leader. Yet their respective fortunes had turned out vastly different.

"It's been many years, and Brother Hou has grown ever more portly. Enjoying wealth and honor in comfort—how enviable!" Wang Yan said, looking at Hou Zhang.

Hou Zhang laughed until the fat on his face trembled, patting his protruding belly as he said: "I dare not speak of wealth and honor, but I've certainly put on plenty of excess flesh!"

"It's Brother Wang who retains his old elegance!" Hou Zhang remarked with feeling.

"This time, when we heard that Lord Wang was to be Defender of the Western Capital, we were both delighted and came especially to offer our congratulations!" Xue Huairang, who was not well acquainted with Wang Yan, was more formal.

Hearing this, Wang Yan sighed: "An old man past sixty, I ought to be retired, waiting for my coffin. Fortunately, His Majesty thinks highly of me and entrusts me with Luoyang. The weight of responsibility is like carrying a thousand jun—I fear only that I might fail His Majesty's trust and harm the peace and well-being of Luoyang's scholars and common folk!"

"Brother Wang is too modest. With your abilities, though Luoyang is great, you will surely govern it well!" Hou Zhang said.

After sizing up Hou Zhang for a moment, Wang Yan, who had been maintaining his reserve, finally took the initiative to ask: "How have Brother Hou's years been? Judging by your dress and bearing, you must be wealthy beyond measure!"

Hou Zhang waved his hands repeatedly: "Luoyang's wealthy and powerful are so many! When it comes to trade and commerce, I can't compare with those merchants. I've acquired some property, but it's barely enough to support my family!"

"Brother Hou, that's what I call modesty!" Wang Yan laughed heartily, and as he spoke, he invited the two to drink tea.

But Hou Zhang said: "Tea is bland and tasteless—what's there to drink? Could we beg a cup of wine from your household?"

"Why not!" Wang Yan raised an eyebrow, waved his hand, and instructed: "Someone, prepare a wine feast!"

It did not take long. The banquet table was set, wine and food were laid out, and several household singing girls attended at the side, roasting meat and pouring wine. The atmosphere grew even more harmonious. After exchanging several toasts, Hou Zhang could not help but sigh: "Back in Shanzhou, the three of us killed the Khitan general, raised the banner of righteousness, drank wine together, ate meat together—those days are still vivid in my mind!"

Old men are often sentimental. Hearing his words, Wang Yan was somewhat moved, and with a smile on his face, he took the initiative to offer a toast.

Feeling that the mood was about right, Xue Huairang beckoned, rose, took an exquisite wooden casket from a servant's hands, and personally handed it to Wang Yan.

Seeing this, Wang Yan's brow immediately furrowed: "What is the meaning of this?"

A bit tipsy, Xue Huairang was casual and boisterous, laughing: "I heard that Lord Wang is old but vigorous, having recently taken a new concubine. I had not yet offered my congratulations. This pair of jade ornaments—please accept them as a congratulatory gift!"

Opening the wooden box, he indeed saw a pair of dragon-phoenix jade pendants with crystal-clear luster, their carvings bearing several lively yellow veins—clearly of the finest quality.

That was right—though Wang Yan was nearly sixty-five, he could still lift a spear, mount a horse, and gallop across the bedchamber. Before being ordered to Luoyang, he had just taken another concubine, a singing girl from Jiangnan.

However, hearing Xue Huairang say this now, using the matter as a gift, Wang Yan felt displeased in his heart, and his face could not quite maintain composure. With a reserved smile, he said flatly: "I appreciate the kind intention, but I have just arrived in Luoyang. I truly dare not accept this gift!"

Being refused by Wang Yan, Xue Huairang was immediately unhappy. The smile on his face froze, and a flash of anger passed through his old eyes. He was not a man of good temper to begin with. Now holding the gift box, he felt even more embarrassed, with an urge to smash it.

It was Hou Zhang who, seeing this, rose and stepped forward to soothe Xue Huairang, then said to Wang Yan: "A few days ago, I acquired a new horse, quite sturdy and spirited. It came along with me today—would Brother Wang care to take a look and appraise it?"

Hearing Hou Zhang's words—whether out of courtesy or genuine interest—Wang Yan went along with it. The three rose and headed toward the residence's stables.

Under the winter sun, by the horse grounds, sentry posts stood in rows. Hou Zhang and Xue Huairang stood at the side, watching Wang Yan's figure as he galloped on horseback.

Wang Yan was indeed delighted at the sight of a fine horse. Seeing such a noble steed, he grew excited, fitted the tack, changed into riding clothes, and, riding on the wine's spirit, began running laps around the grounds.

After more than a dozen laps, he dismounted, his old face still carrying an excited expression. Hou Zhang went up to meet him and asked: "How is it?"

"A fine horse!" Wang Yan said with feeling, stroking the horse's mane with affection.

"A fine steed for a hero. Lord Wang is a man of valor in this age—why not accept it?" Hou Zhang said.

In truth, the moment Hou Zhang proposed appraising the horse, Wang Yan understood his intent. Now hearing him say it outright, he looked at the snow-white steed of pure color, and a flicker of desire passed through his eyes.

But after hesitating, he still sighed: "I dare not call myself a hero, and now I have no place to use my abilities. Such a fine steed should gallop across the battlefield to fulfill its purpose and display its brilliance. Keeping it here with me would be a waste. Brother Hou, you should seek out another hero and present the horse to him instead..."