Chapter 762: Zhending Prefecture, Duke of Shouguo

The matter of Dingzhou had finally reached a preliminary conclusion. As for the follow-up affairs, Liu Chengyou no longer needed to concern himself overly much — Li Huan, Bai Chongzan, and the others would handle them. With newly appointed officials and a task personally assigned by the Emperor, there was no fear they would not exert themselves or fail to do a proper job.

For Sun Xingyou, the matter could also be considered settled. He had passed through the gates of hell. Though his title and rank had been entirely stripped and a portion of his family property had to be surrendered, at least he had kept his life and could still return home with his family and clan to enjoy his remaining years in peace. As for the foundation he had built in Dingzhou, under the current circumstances of the Great Han, he dared not harbor any improper thoughts any longer.

Reflecting on it, his earlier notion of "self-preservation" had been no different from self-destruction. Fortunately, the Son of Heaven was merciful and had not made too much of the matter. Sun Xingyou felt entirely relieved, expressed his gratitude profusely, and took his leave. Having obtained the imperial consent, he hurried back to Dingzhou to cooperate in handling the follow-up matters, paying no heed to his exhaustion.

Liu Chengyou had told him not to rush, to rest and recover his strength, but Sun Xingyou clearly could not spare the thought — or perhaps he was eager to prove himself and show his sincerity. After all that back-and-forth travel, even a strong and healthy man would be drained for some time.

Inside the imperial tent, Liu Chengyou appeared to be in a good mood. Hu Dai, however, wore a contemplative expression. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said, "You must be quite puzzled as to why I handled the Dingzhou matter so lightly and only gave Sun Xingyou a minor punishment as a warning."

Upon hearing this, Hu Dai clasped his hands and spoke frankly: "Your subject's thoughts cannot escape Your Majesty's discerning eye. Your subject believes that the crimes Sun Xingyou committed were vile and grave. Especially his use of a false sorceress nun's name to exaggerate supernatural powers and deceive the masses — to put it seriously, his intentions were improper, bordering on treason and rebellion. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have governed the state and maintained peace through strict laws and harsh punishments. For Sun Xingyou's case, even if you did not exterminate his clan, you should at least have his head displayed, with his crimes enumerated in detail and proclaimed to the realm, so that all the military governors might take it as a warning!"

This literatus, when he turned ruthless, was even more chilling than a warrior's bloody slaughter — it made one's bones shiver. Facing his puzzlement, Liu Chengyou smiled faintly: "It seems my governance through strict law has indeed become deeply ingrained in people's minds now."

"At the founding of the state, a hundred things awaited restoration, the realm was in chaos, the rivers and mountains were unstable, and hearts were not yet won over. I was treading on thin ice, governing with care, and also needed strict laws to correct abuses and rectify errors. However, times have changed. Though the southern states have not yet been pacified, the unification of the realm and the people's desire for peace is the great trend — it cannot be altered."

"As such, we can no longer maintain the high-pressure severity of the state's early years for long. Unrelenting harsh laws certainly inspire fear, but their drawbacks have already begun to show — they make people uneasy. More concerning, some generals and officials specialize in harshness, judging every matter with maximum severity merely to curry favor with the court, completely departing from the original intent of the court's legislation. Therefore, in sentencing and punishment — especially in civil litigation — the court should adopt some leniency and reform, and strengthen verification!"

Seeing Hu Dai nod unconsciously, Liu Chengyou continued: "However, the handling of Sun Xingyou was not actually derived from the concept of 'lenient punishment.' As you said, the problems in Dingzhou, if taken seriously, would justify executing Sun Xingyou without excess."

"The reason I chose to let the matter rest is, first, based on the investigations before and after and Sun Xingyou's attitude, he truly had no intention of rebelling. He was merely momentarily benighted, and fearing punishment, he panicked and took the wrong path. Fortunately, he repented in time — mending the fold after the sheep is lost is not too late."

"Second, though Sun Xingyou's conduct in Dingzhou may have deviated, he ultimately did not abuse his power, bend the law, or harm others."

"Third, the Dingzhou affair did not spread widely, nor did it cause any serious consequences. Since it has already been contained, I do not wish to expand it."

"Fourth, two years ago, before Sun Fangjian passed away from illness, he submitted a memorial to me stating the matters of Dingzhou and requesting that Sun Xingyou be transferred away from Dingzhou. It was only that I did not agree at the time. With Sun Fangjian's foresight beforehand, and Sun Xingyou indeed committing the offense afterward, the accumulated problems in Dingzhou — I bear some responsibility as well..."

Hearing this explanation from Liu Chengyou, Hu Dai could not help but show a look of sudden understanding. He made a bow and said: "Your Majesty's consideration of affairs fills your subject with admiration!"

After thinking for a moment, Liu Chengyou said: "Draft another edict for me, urging Bai Chongzan and Li Huan to rectify the army and stabilize governance, and to have the Yongning Army relocate to Feihu. Additionally, appoint that Yao Jineng as Deputy Commander of the Yongning Army!"

"Yes!" Hu Dai responded.

"Zhang Dejun!" Liu Chengyou instructed further: "Go see whether the Empress, the Noble Consort, and the princes are ready — we can set out!"

"Yes!"

Liu Chengyou's itinerary for the day was to take a trip into the mountains — both for a spring outing and to inspect the medicine mountains and medicine fields, and to observe Puyin's pharmaceutical administration and medical governance. Speaking of it, Liu Chengyou could be considered the sovereign throughout the ages who placed the greatest importance on medical governance. With the Imperial Medical Bureau at its core, and revolving around military physicians, official physicians, and civilian physicians, he had constructed a system and framework of medical governance. Though not yet complete, it was sustainable and steadily improving.

Having developed to the present, the greatest problem remained the shortage of medical personnel. Even though he was committed to raising the treatment and status of physicians, those willing to devote themselves to this path were still few. With the Great Han's population base as it was, even with policy guidance, the overall resources invested in medical endeavors remained insufficient.

However, as of now, the number of personnel registered in official medical positions under the Great Han government had already surpassed two thousand three hundred, with military physicians accounting for three-tenths of that. But for a state of ten thousand chariots, this was hardly significant. Still, constrained by the stage of social development, Liu Chengyou had already done his utmost.

On the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month of the ninth year of Qianyou, the imperial procession finally arrived at Zhending Prefecture, reaching the terminus of this northern inspection tour in the Hebei Circuit. Outside the prefectural city, the Governor, Duke of Shouguo Li Shaoyou, had already led his people in preparations to welcome the imperial carriage.

"Your subject Li Shaoyou, Governor of Zhending Prefecture, leading the officials under my command, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty!" By the side of the post road, Li Shaoyou, clad in purple robes with a jade crown, exuding the aura of one in high station, bowed in respectful welcome.

Toward Li Shaoyou's attitude, Liu Chengyou was clearly different from how he treated others — he did not bother with any superficial formalities and directly had him board the imperial carriage for conversation.

The imperial procession moved, slowly heading toward Zhending City. Inside the carriage, Liu Chengyou regarded Li Shaoyou with a smiling expression and said lightly: "Brother You, it's been years since we last met — I've missed you! Not bad, you now have the bearing of a prefecture's lord!"

The Li Shaoyou of today no longer bore any trace of his former frivolity and dissipation. He was proper and meticulous, extremely dignified. Years of holding high position, with his word being final, had clearly tempered him.

Upon hearing this, Li Shaoyou also revealed a slight smile and responded: "Your subject has missed Your Majesty greatly as well! These years, has Your Majesty been well?"

"I eat well, sleep well! But you should also know the situation of the Great Han — the burdens that need bearing cannot be avoided!" Liu Chengyou said.

Li Shaoyou sighed softly: "Your subject governs but a single prefecture, Zhending, with three hundred thousand people, and already feels the weight of responsibility, taxing both mind and body. Your Majesty bears the entire foundation of the Great Han and the great enterprise of a thousand autumns — the burden can well be imagined!"

"It seems these years of governing experience have given you considerable insight!" Liu Chengyou said with a light laugh.

"I merely strive to always remember Your Majesty's teachings — above, not failing the sovereign; below, not shaming the people — and to do my duty to the best of my ability!" Li Shaoyou said.

"Between you and me, what need is there for such formalities?" Seeing that Li Shaoyou remained somewhat reserved, Liu Chengyou feigned displeasure and waved his hand: "Why are you so distant with me?"

Seeing this, Li Shaoyou relaxed somewhat and smiled: "Your Majesty's majesty grows daily, and your subject must observe proper decorum, not daring to be presumptuous!"

"Ah!" Seeing that he remained somewhat reserved, Liu Chengyou sighed softly and did not press the matter. A sovereign is a sovereign, a subject is a subject. That Li Shaoyou had this awareness was rather rare, and it would allow this bond between sovereign and subject to endure longer.

"You're almost thirty now, aren't you!" Liu Chengyou said.

"Your Majesty, burdened with so many affairs, still remembers your subject's age — I am moved to tears of gratitude!" Li Shaoyou responded.

"The passage of time is truly a powerless thing. Making this inspection tour, I too feel that old age is approaching!" Liu Chengyou said.

Li Shaoyou was startled and immediately responded: "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, in your flourishing years — how can you speak of old age?"

Pointing at his head, Liu Chengyou said: "White hair has already appeared early at my temples — there's no helping it!"

Only then did Li Shaoyou notice, and he said with earnest concern: "Your Majesty is only twenty-seven years old! You have been working too hard. I earnestly beg Your Majesty, for the sake of the state and the realm, to take care of your health!"

Liu Chengyou said: "In this position, one must attend to its affairs — I dare not be negligent. But compared to the early years, things have been much better lately. With fine ministers and worthy talents like you governing and guarding the realm, the burden on my shoulders has lightened considerably!"

"Your Majesty overpraises me!"

As he spoke, Liu Chengyou asked Li Shaoyou: "I hear you've added another child to your household?"

At this mention, Li Shaoyou seemed somewhat embarrassed: "Two sons and two daughters!"

"Then you've outdone me — I'm no match for you!" Liu Chengyou laughed.

Li Shaoyou said: "Your subject has over ten children in his household — I can barely afford to support them all!"

Liu Chengyou's expression was very relaxed: "You're asking me to increase your official salary and noble stipend!"

"Your Majesty jests..."