Chapter 744: Changes in Official Posts

The next day, the imperial procession departed on schedule, without any delay, and no one dared to delay it. Before leaving, Liu Chengyou issued another decree, stating that the Yuan City traveling palace did not need too many people to maintain it, and that some should be dismissed as appropriate.

Over three thousand people, with carriages, horses, and ceremonial regalia all in readiness, banners standing in rows, displaying the majesty of the imperial house—iron cavalry clearing the way in front, armored soldiers guarding from behind—proceeded leisurely along the canal route, heading northeast.

During the winter tour of the second year of Qianyou, after passing Yuan City, the route had turned west, following the path of the earlier northern pursuit of the Khitan, passing through Xing and Ming, then crossing Ji and Zhao. This time, however, was different—the route had been changed. According to Liu Chengyou's thinking, he planned to follow the canal northward, inspecting local governance and the people's livelihood along the way.

The journey from Yuan City to Qinghe in Bei Prefecture, a distance of over 130 li, took a full six days with stops and inspections along the way, with only one night's rest at Linqing County. Of course, relying solely on Liu Chengyou's pair of eyes and pair of ears was not enough to see and hear everything—the close ministers and court officials accompanying the procession, as well as the local Wude Office, all served as his eyes and ears.

Spring sunlight always feels comfortable. Leaning askew against a soft cushion, light filtered through the rolled-up curtains, illuminating the interior of the imperial carriage brightly, warmth spreading over his face and body, even lifting his spirits somewhat.

Beside him lay a stack of memorials, all recently delivered from the Eastern Capital to the field headquarters—some of the more important ones or those with disputes over handling. Though he said he entrusted all court affairs to the chancellors, if Liu Chengyou truly let go completely and enjoyed his northern tour freely, he himself would not be accustomed to it.

What gave him some comfort was that the chancellors still knew to report to the field headquarters. Clearly, they all understood that the Emperor was a person with an extremely strong desire for control, and their attitudes were properly aligned.

What Liu Chengyou held in his hands was the collective discussion regarding the transfer of major officials in the Huai West and Hebei circuits, swiftly transmitted to him. Judging by the timing, efficiency was high—the chancellors seemed to have settled on candidates without too much wrangling. Of course, reporting to the Son of Heaven for approval was a necessary procedure.

For the position of Administration Commissioner of Huai West, the collective recommendation was Vice Minister of Rites Liu Wensou, praising him as dignified and upright, incorruptible and principled. Liu Wensou's reputation for integrity in court was very strong—he was the most observant of ritual propriety among all court officials, his every word and action bordering on pedantry.

On ordinary days, apart from his official salary and some ancestral property in his hometown, he had no other income. Unlike many officials who secretly acquired land or operated businesses through relatives and old servants, he strictly forbade his family from engaging in commerce. For this reason, Liu Wensou's life had always been quite frugal.

Liu Chengyou had once heard an amusing story: a student transferred back to the capital from a local post came to visit bearing gifts. Unable to refuse and constrained by social obligations, Liu Wensou accepted them. But the next day, he returned gifts of several times the value. After this happened a few times, everyone understood his principles—when visiting his residence, they no longer brought money or heavy gifts.

However, because of these several instances of returning gifts at multiplied value, Liu Wensou's life became even more frugal. In the Eastern Capital, reaching his official rank while living like this was truly rare. Upon learning of this, to reward his reputation for integrity, Liu Chengyou specially bestowed some money, grain, and clothing—but later heard that all the bestowed goods had been sealed away by Liu Wensou, who did not take a single coin or item for use.

In light of this, rumors spread in the capital praising Liu Wensou's integrity, saying that he would not even use or enjoy what the Emperor bestowed, let alone gifts from others. Thus his reputation for integrity grew even greater.

For Liu Chengyou, Liu Wensou's reputation was considerable. If examined with a suspicious eye, there was an element of posturing—but even if it were posturing, to maintain it to that degree, always consistent in word and deed, was admirable. Moreover, the quality and style of incorruptibility and righteousness were themselves worthy of praise and promotion—the court and the realm both needed "worthy men" like Liu Wensou.

But could he do well if sent out to serve as a local official, directly as the chief administrator of a circuit's civil affairs?

Leaning against the wall of the imperial carriage, Liu Chengyou slowly sank into contemplation, a trace of hesitation on his face. Perhaps he himself had not realized that he actually harbored a slight prejudice against these famous scholars, always feeling that they flaunted their virtue to inflate their empty reputations.

After considering for a long while, he looked up and gazed outward. The bright sunlight was somewhat dazzling—the light and warmth seemed to dispel some of the malicious speculation and prejudice in his heart.

Gently shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, he muttered: "What's wrong with me? Under a great reputation, there must be no hollow men—those of integrity are not lacking in ability either."

Having muttered this, Liu Chengyou silently made his decision—at the very least, he should give Liu Wensou a chance; otherwise, on what grounds could he reject him? On the other hand, sending Liu Wensou to Huai West—even at worst, he wouldn't become a corrupt official...

As for the position of Governor of Daming, the proposal was to transfer Wang Zhu, the Prefectural Administrator of Si Prefecture, to the post. This suggestion surprised Liu Chengyou even more. It seemed the chancellors were currying favor with the Emperor, all knowing that Wang Zhu was someone who had come from the imperial presence—or perhaps it was a transaction: Wang Zhu transferred to Daming, and Liu Wensou appointed to Huai West.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Chengyou called out: "Zhang Dejun, summon Guo Tong!"

Shortly after, Guo Tong, as the emperor's brother-in-law, hurried over to the side of the imperial carriage, quickly matching the procession's pace, and greeted through the window: "Your Majesty, how may I serve you?"

Seeing his strained appearance from walking and running, Liu Chengyou waved his hand: "Get on the carriage!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Boarding the carriage—indeed, Guo Wei's household discipline was strict—after running a strenuous stretch, his breath was unsteady, yet before Liu Chengyou he did not dare breathe heavily, lest he lose decorum. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but laugh: "Look at you holding it in. Relax—we're all family, no need for such formality!"

Seeing the Emperor's brother-in-law's amiable face, Guo Tong gradually relaxed, responding: "Your subject dare not be discourteous!"

"You people, so cautious and careful, as if I would eat people. Am I really that frightening?" Glancing at Guo Tong, Liu Chengyou said.

Having said this, Liu Chengyou handed the memorial he had approved to Guo Tong, saying: "Reply to the Eastern Capital—let Liu Wensou take the post of Huai West. As for Daming, change it to Shi Dechong of Yun Prefecture. As for the other position changes involved this time, let the Ministry of Personnel review and handle the transfers—no need to memorialize again!"

"Yes!" Guo Tong responded.

In the end, Liu Chengyou ultimately did not agree to make Wang Zhu the Governor of Daming. The reason was simple—he believed Wang Zhu was not yet qualified. Appointing him as a Prefectural Administrator back then had already been an exceptional promotion. An ordinary prefecture would have been one thing, but Daming was no ordinary place—in administrative status, it was second only to Kaifeng, Luoyang, and Taiyuan, on par with Jingzhao, Yangzhou, Hezhong, and Zhending.

As for Shi Dechong—first, he had governed Yun Prefecture for many years, and it was time for him to move; second, his ability and achievements were quite good. Of course, another consideration was that he was the son of Shi Hongzhao, the Duke of Zheng.

Shi Hongzhao had been at Lingzhou, guarding the western frontier, suppressing and pacifying the barbarian tribes, for quite a few years now. This man was a scourge at court but a fierce tiger at the border—the utility he provided was considerable. Aside from the customary commendations and rewards, only extending favor to his descendants could make him serve with greater dedication and peace of mind.

"Don't rush off!" Seeing Guo Tong about to take his leave, Liu Chengyou waved his hand to stop him.

Upon hearing this, his just-lifted rear settled back down, and Guo Tong clasped his hands and responded: "Does Your Majesty have further instructions?"

Liu Chengyou's gaze turned toward the northwest, and he said: "We're almost at Qinghe. Next, we'll head straight for Cang Prefecture—getting farther and farther from Xing Prefecture! Last year, I promised Guo Ning that during the northern tour, I would visit her father together with her.

But as it stands now, it's not convenient to change course. Therefore, I plan to have you and Guo Ning detour to Yaoshan to visit her father, then head north to Zhending Prefecture to await me. Along the way, also convey my regards to the elder and bring him my blessings..."

Upon understanding the Emperor's intent, Guo Tong suddenly realized, his expression relaxing, and said with some emotion: "That Your Majesty, amidst the northern tour, still thinks of and cares for my father—your subject thanks Your Majesty for this grace on behalf of my father!"

"Ah! I've said it before—we're all family, no need for such formality!" Liu Chengyou said with an amiable expression, waving his hand: "I've prepared some gifts; bring them along when you go!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Also, I can't accompany Guo Ning this time—that counts as breaking my promise. I'm afraid she'll feel wronged, so you should comfort her as well!" Liu Chengyou added, appearing very attentive.

Guo Tong immediately responded: "Yes!"