Chapter 738: On the Liuhe Dike

In the second and third months of spring, peach blossoms bloomed across the mountains and plains. The floodwaters from melting ice upstream, by the time they reached Huazhou, had become much calmer and gentler. The icy banks of the Yellow River were thawing, waves rolled eastward in torrents, and from the relentless sound of water surging against the dikes, one could sense its immense power.

The Liuhe Grand Dike was the site of a major breach during last winter's Yellow River flood. Due to the terrain, the current here was far more turbulent than in other stretches of the Huazhou riverbank. The dike, built at enormous cost in labor and resources, stood tall and solid, facing the river's assault with unwavering stability, not yielding an inch.

Liu Chengyou stood at the head of the dike at this moment, surveying it from his commanding height. He said to Bai Chongzan, who stood beside him: "With a dike this solid, it can hold back the floodwaters and protect the people's safety!"

Bai Chongzan was wearing the robe Liu Chengyou had bestowed upon him, looking especially spirited. He reported: "To build this dike, we conscripted over thirteen thousand laborers in total. In the nearly two years since its completion, there have been no further dangers. To guard against unforeseen circumstances, Prefectural Administrator Li also issued official orders, allocating funds and grain, and had the riverbank residents contribute their own labor to monitor the water conditions, clear the silt, and dredge the floating debris. Every dike within the prefecture has rotating garrison troops stationed to protect and prevent..."

"A single dike cannot secure a hundred years. To plan for every contingency, to prepare before trouble arises, to strengthen protection and monitoring, to prevent disasters before they happen—you have done well!" Liu Chengyou said with satisfaction. "If the prefectures and counties along both banks downstream were all this diligent and conscientious, the flood disasters of recent years would not have been so fierce!"

Facing the Son of Heaven's praise, Bai Chongzan smiled and replied: "Your subjects keep Your Majesty's teachings and the court's decrees firmly in mind. Moreover, protecting the river is also for the sake of our hometowns and safeguarding our homelands, so the people have responded and cooperated enthusiastically!"

"With good governance, the people's hearts turn to you, and they willingly serve!" Liu Chengyou looked at Bai Chongzan with some emotion and said: "I have long known that you, Minister Bai, are a seasoned general in the army—brave, resolute, fierce, and not to be trifled with. I never imagined you would also possess such insight and awareness. That is truly rare. I think that even if I gave you a prefecture or a commandery to govern, you would surely do an excellent job!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Chongzan immediately clasped his hands and declared: "Whatever Your Majesty commands, your subject will only do his utmost!"

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said to Bai Chongzan with a serious expression: "I have heard some rumors even in the Eastern Capital. They say that you, Minister Bai, are neither one of my original followers nor particularly distinguished in achievement, unworthy of being made a general or enfeoffed as a marquis, and that my rewards to you have been too generous. Do you know why I regard you differently?"

Hearing the Emperor say this, Bai Chongzan's expression turned grave. Before he could answer, Liu Chengyou continued with a light laugh: "From the first year of Qianyou, you went from the imperial army to Sishui, from Sishui to the post at Tumen (Jingxing Pass), and from Tumen south to Baima, where you have long been stationed as a garrison commander—your postings have been frequent indeed. Yet you have bowed your head and adapted to each change without a single complaint, and you have given your all. Now in the Great Han's army, there is no shortage of commanders, no lack of seasoned generals, and even more brave warriors. But a general like you, Minister Bai, who strictly keeps to his duties and bears hardship without complaint—that is rare in my eyes!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou's sincere words, Bai Chongzan's aged face revealed an indescribable emotion, and he nearly prostrated himself on the spot. But he kept his composure, did not gasp for breath, and merely bowed deeply, saying with gratitude: "This old subject joined the army in his youth, drifted through the world, and endured the chaos of these times. Now in my twilight years, to encounter a sage ruler who places such trust in me—I have no regrets!"

"Minister Bai, you are not yet fifty—in the prime of your years, how can you speak of being old! There are still many days ahead, and we, sovereign and minister, should encourage each other!" Liu Chengyou smiled broadly.

Seeing this, Bai Chongzan clasped his fists and said with a solemn and serious demeanor: "Your subject will not speak at length. Whatever I am dispatched to do, I will only devote myself fully to the realm's affairs, to repay Your Majesty's grace!"

As the sovereign and his minister were exchanging this "deep affection and sincere words," a burst of clear, cheerful laughter suddenly came from nearby. Turning to look, they saw several imperial princes chasing and playing on the dike.

On this inspection tour of the Liuhe Dike, the four princes had come along as well. The princes, who were raised year-round in the deep palace, had stepped out as if entering a brand-new world—everything seemed novel to them, and they were full of energy.

Liu Yang, Liu Xi, and Liu Fang were racing, seemingly with Liu Chengyou as their goal, running with great effort, their small faces full of lively smiles. The eldest son, Liu Xu, was more reserved, acting like a little adult, watching his younger brothers play while a smile spread across his lips—a cheerful expression. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou suddenly felt that he really should let the children come out and see the world more often...

Although Liu Fang was a year younger, his constitution was what it was, and he was still the fastest to throw himself into Liu Chengyou's arms. Scooping him up in one motion, Liu Chengyou laughed heartily, picking the grass clippings from his hair and wiping the dirt from his face, saying: "Why run so fast? If you fell and got hurt, when we return to the Eastern Capital, your mother won't let me off."

Liu Fang's hands grabbed at Liu Chengyou's lapels, dirtying them, and he kicked his little legs, wanting to get down. The moment his hands loosened, he darted off like a tiger cub breaking free of its bonds, replying: "If I ran slower, Second Brother and Third Brother would have caught up!"

Behind him, Liu Yang and Liu Xi caught up two steps later. Looking at the somewhat smug Liu Fang, the Second Prince Liu Yang said with a hint of unwillingness: "Fourth Brother, you started running first!"

Liu Fang raised his chin and replied: "It's because you two were slow to react!"

The Third Prince Liu Xi, meanwhile, looked as if he didn't care at all, just standing there grinning foolishly. Affectionately patting the heads of his three sons, Liu Chengyou said: "Where have all the etiquette and rules you learned in the palace gone? Look at the state you're in!"

Liu Fang tilted his head and said: "Since we're not in the palace, why should we follow the palace's rules?"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's eyes widened as he said: "At such a young age, you've already learned to quibble? All under heaven is the king's land—the rules I set for you are the rules of the realm, and you must obey them wherever you are!"

After saying this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but laugh himself—why was he being so serious with this little child? Liu Fang knitted his small face, seemingly pondering how to refute his father.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou waved his hand and instructed Zhang Dejun: "Take the princes to wash up and tidy themselves!"

"Yes!"

"Father, I won the race—is there a reward?" Liu Fang stood his ground stubbornly, asking Liu Chengyou.

"You held a contest to determine victory and defeat, and you want me to provide the prize?" Liu Chengyou laughed heartily, then looked at Liu Yang and Liu Xi and asked: "Do you think we should give Liu Fang a reward?"

Liu Yang thought for a moment, then said: "We should!"

"Why? Weren't you just feeling aggrieved?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Liu Yang said: "Fourth Brother won!"

Liu Xi said: "Next time if I win, Father should reward me the same way!"

Observing his sons' reactions, his gaze shifting briefly, Liu Chengyou looked at Liu Fang and asked: "Go on then, what reward do you want?"

Upon being asked, Liu Fang's small face immediately lit up with excitement: "Riding in the carriage the whole time is too dull. From now on, I want to ride a horse—a big horse!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou laughed: "Alright, I agree! You can ride a horse—a big horse!"

"Eldest Brother, why are you only arriving now?" At this moment, Liu Yang looked at Liu Xu, who was slowly making his way up, and asked curiously.

The other two brothers also only then noticed the eldest prince arriving belatedly. Liu Xu, unhurried, stepped forward and bowed to Liu Chengyou before saying: "I can't outrun you all, so I might as well not run!"

After the three princes were led away, Liu Chengyou turned his attention to Liu Xu. He saw that the boy was neither flushed nor breathless, dressed in well-fitted fine robes that were clean except for the hem of his gown. Liu Xu had always been precocious, and after being taught by Lady Li and Zhang Zhao, he had gained even more of a gentleman's bearing, carrying a gentle and refined temperament.

Liu Chengyou found a flat stone to sit on directly, beckoned Liu Xu to his side, and asked: "Why didn't you play with your younger brothers?"

A warm smile appeared on Liu Xu's face: "I am older than my brothers, so I should yield to them! Watching them from behind makes me happy too!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou studied his eldest son seriously for a moment. From the child's words, he sensed a simple, sincere emotion. With slight emotion in his heart, he patted his eldest son's head.

Seeing Liu Xu staring intently at the Yellow River waters below the dike, Liu Chengyou asked: "What are you thinking about?"

Liu Xu said: "I was thinking that this great river is even more magnificent and grand than the descriptions in books!"

Liu Chengyou smiled: "Now is the height of spring warmth. A thousand li upstream, the flood crests and waterfalls are even more splendid and awe-inspiring. It's a pity—I've only heard of them, never seen them with my own eyes!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou say this, Liu Xu's eyes brightened slightly: "In the future, I will go and see them too!"

Liu Chengyou said: "The reason I brought you all out this time is also to let you see our family's rivers and mountains, and to experience the customs and conditions of the people. The Great Han's territory is vast, with abundant resources—in every direction it extends more than a thousand li, and in the future it will be even greater. I won't live to see it all, but when you grow up, perhaps you can travel and see it in my stead..."

"Mm!" Liu Xu nodded seriously.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou ruffled Liu Xu's head again. A child so young, yet so well-behaved and clever—toward this eldest son, he felt even more fondness and pity.