Chapter 718: Father and Son Guo

The imperial banquet at Wansui Hall did not last too late, after all, the generals had been campaigning for a long time and were weary from the journey home, needing rest, and as emperor, one must show consideration. However, throughout the entire banquet, the guests felt at home, and thankfully there was no repeat of the "arrogance in one's achievements, loss of decorum before the hall" incident—all the generals conducted themselves properly.

"Father drank quite a lot today!" With a half crescent moon hanging in the sky and the night somewhat dim, Guo Rong supported Guo Wei as they walked through the palace passage, speaking softly.

The night wind was somewhat strong, finally bringing a bit of coolness, seemingly blowing away much of the drunkenness on Guo Wei's face. Walking steadily forward, Guo Wei said: "The Son of Heaven shows such warmth and hospitality, how could I refuse?"

"Fortunately, Father has finally returned to the capital. The whole family has missed you dearly, and now we can finally be reunited!" Guo Rong said with emotion.

Back when Guo Wei went south to Xiangyang to take up his post, apart from one concubine, he only brought along a few retainers and servants—his other wives, concubines, and family members were not taken along. Of course, the nature of leaving them as hostages was not that deep, because his children had all grown up, either holding office and establishing their own households, or married off, with only the youngest children still residing in the official residence.

By now, the Guo clan was in fact tightly bound to the Great Han dynasty, and conversely, the Han court's influence was as immense as Liu Chengyou feared.

Hearing Guo Rong mention the family, Guo Wei's face involuntarily showed a hint of tenderness, and he sighed: "It has been hard on you all!"

"Father's return to the capital this time has stirred the hearts of people at all levels. The Guo family's relatives and old friends have all sent letters expressing their desire to visit..." Guo Rong's lowered voice remained steady throughout.

Hearing this, Guo Wei's brows furrowed slightly: "That must have caused you no small annoyance! How did you handle it?"

"I have already notified them to stay in their place, each attending to their own duties, not to gather, not to speak recklessly, not to break the law!" Guo Rong replied.

"It seems you have made great progress indeed!" Guo Wei revealed a satisfied smile.

Guo Rong then sighed, a slight hesitation on his face, and said: "Since Father has returned to court, I should also request to leave the capital!"

Hearing him say this, Guo Wei's mind seemed to recall three years ago—a similar situation. Guo Rong had returned with military achievements, and to pave the way for him, Guo Wei had voluntarily requested to be relieved of his post and take up a post in Xiangzhou.

He immediately saw through his son's thoughts and concerns, but this time Guo Wei's attitude was not as decisive as before. Instead, he shook his head and replied: "No rush. Let us wait for His Majesty's arrangements and then decide."

"Does Father have other considerations?" Guo Rong probed.

Guo Wei looked up at the waning moon in the night sky, its dim light still bright and clear. The sentiment in his tone grew even heavier as he said: "After all, I am growing old, while you are in the prime of your life, and favored by His Majesty..."

At this moment, Guo Wei's expression and tone both carried a sense of a hero in his twilight years, but his eyes shone especially bright in the darkness. Staring at Guo Rong, he said seriously: "As for Guo Xin, Guo Tong, and the others—Guo Xin is mediocre, and although Guo Tong has some talent, his prestige and standing are insufficient. The future of the Guo family must be supported by you!"

Guo Rong was a perceptive man. From his father's words, he vaguely sensed something, opened his mouth, and could not help but say: "Father, you flatter me!"

"Enough! We have finally returned to the capital, and today is a happy day—let us not speak of these things!" Guo Wei quickly resumed a carefree demeanor, chuckling lightly: "In a couple of days, gather all your brothers and sisters in the capital, and let the family have a meal together. Bring Zhang Yongde and his wife, and Chongjin along as well. We are all of the same bloodline; there is no fear of others' criticism!"

"Yes!" Guo Rong replied: "It is time we gathered. It is only that Guo Xin is serving in Songzhou; I fear he cannot easily leave his post!"

"Then we shall not disturb him. I will send him a letter at that time to explain!"

Counting Guo Rong, Guo Wei had four sons under his knee. Guo Xin served as Prefectural Administrator in Songzhou, and Guo Tong was a Chongzheng Attendant—both holding important positions. As for the youngest son, Guo Yi, he had just turned five; otherwise, had he even a modicum of talent, his official rank would not be too low.

On Liu Chengyou's side, although he had controlled his drinking, he could not help but become spirited. His face was slightly flushed, in a state between drunk and sober, which actually made his ears clear and his eyes sharp.

Before Chongzheng Hall, he stepped down from the imperial carriage and entered. Still persisting in working in the hall were Zhao Pu and two duty officers. Liu Chengyou had grown accustomed to his diligence.

Zhao Pu was somewhat surprised that the Son of Heaven had returned to the hall, and hurriedly rose to pay his respects. Liu Chengyou waved his hand, a tipsy smile on his face, sat down slowly, and even crossed his legs. He asked: "What urgent matters require you to work through the night?"

"Just miscellaneous mundane affairs!" Zhao Pu replied, then quickly added: "Additionally, the Protocol Office has reported that the envoy of the puppet court arrived at the Eastern Capital before dusk and has been arranged lodging at the guest hostel!"

"Oh?" Hearing this, Liu Chengyou immediately showed surprise, could not help but laugh, and said with slight emotion: "They have finally arrived!"

Ever since the Southern Han envoy's party crossed the border heading north, a swift report had been sent from Hunan to the Eastern Capital. They had departed in early May, and now it was already late June. Hence Liu Chengyou could not help but say: "Although Lingnan is far from here, with a rugged journey, it should not have taken nearly two months!"

Mentioning this, Zhao Pu could not help but shake his head, a look of contempt on his face: "It is said that the envoy traveled north while sightseeing and enjoying the scenery along the way, causing the journey to be slow. Had he not been carrying an official mission, he might not have reached the Eastern Capital even in half a year!"

"This is truly an odd fellow and an odd affair!" Liu Chengyou's interest grew even stronger: "So frivolous, treating matters of state and diplomatic missions like child's play. Who is this envoy?"

Zhao Pu reported: "To answer Your Majesty, the envoy is named Chen Yanshou, a eunuch of the Southern Han court!"

Even as he said this, Zhao Pu himself could not help but reveal a look of disdain.

"Sending a eunuch as the chief envoy—Liu Sheng really can do such things!" Liu Chengyou raised an eyebrow, sneering, and asked Zhao Pu: "Throughout the ages, has there ever been a case of a eunuch serving as envoy?"

Zhao Pu shook his head and replied: "Perhaps my knowledge is too shallow, but I have never heard of such a thing!"

"I am becoming more and more curious about this puppet court entrenched in Lingnan!" Liu Chengyou said, his tone carrying obvious mockery.

"Your Majesty, this envoy from the puppet court must have come to offer tribute, repair relations, and seek peace. When would Your Majesty wish to receive him?" Zhao Pu requested guidance.

"After the court session disperses tomorrow, make the arrangements!" Liu Chengyou instructed directly.

"Yes!"

"By the way, take some time to visit Zhao Yan on my behalf!" Looking around the hall, his gaze landing on Zhao Yan's somewhat empty desk, Liu Chengyou said.

"Yes!" Zhao Pu replied with a cupped-fist salute, a barely perceptible trace of envy showing in his eyes.

Because Zhao Yan was unwell, Liu Chengyou had graciously granted him five days of leave to relieve his fatigue and recuperate. It was only the second day, and already he missed him and proactively asked about him.

Zhao Pu's heart could not help but stir. Zhao Yan was low-key and modest, gentle in temperament, even giving an impression of weakness that invited bullying. But in terms of the Son of Heaven's affection and favor, none of the Chongzheng Attendants in the entire hall could compare to him—including Zhang Ji, who seemed favored by the emperor. On the other hand, to be able to sit steadily in the position of Chief Academician of the Chongzheng Hall and remain there for years, Zhao Yan was hardly so simple.

The wine was probably rising to his head, and Liu Chengyou had no mind to pay attention to Zhao Pu's reaction. He suddenly stood up, his body swaying slightly, and Zhang Dejun hurried forward to support him: "His Majesty, do be careful!"

He had originally intended to continue attending to state affairs for a while longer, but seeing that his condition was no longer up to it, Liu Chengyou simply instructed that the carriage be prepared to return to the inner palace. Before leaving, he even instructed Zhao Pu: "You should also return to your residence early. Staying in the palace night after night—your wife will complain about me, and you are also wasting my candles..."

"Your Majesty jests!" Zhao Pu said humbly.

"Your Majesty, go slowly!"

"Your Majesty, which hall shall you stay in tonight?" After leaving Chongzheng Hall and being helped onto the dragon carriage, Zhang Dejun requested instruction.

After thinking briefly, exhaling a breath of wine, Liu Chengyou pointed with his hand: "Yaohua Hall!"

Under the night, Yaohua Hall was not brightly lit, but the light was exceptionally soft, filtering through the gauze curtains onto the wide sleeping couch, illuminating Liu Chengyou's figure sitting with legs spread wide. The very air was thick with an ambiguous atmosphere.

Noble Consort Gao was both surprised and delighted at Liu Chengyou's sudden arrival. As for Liu Chengyou, gazing at the noble lady before him draped in light gauze, the hazy beauty under the dim yellow lamplight made his heart intoxicated.

As for the graceful body beneath the light gauze—the full breasts, long legs, and ample backside... Liu Chengyou suddenly felt that he had sobered up, his body brimming with energy and motivation.