Chapter 779: Arrangements Before Returning to the Capital

After Xiang Xun left, Liu Chengyou still sat alone in the night pavilion. In the deep night, a gentle breeze blew, the courtyard was secluded, and the intermittent chirping of cicadas made the scene all the more tranquil.

Liu Chengyou's expression was very calm and indifferent. The complex emotions of anger, anxiety, and suspicion that had arisen recently due to the unrest in Guanzhong had gradually dissipated.

During his exchange with Xiang Xun, as the latter reported on the affairs of the Southwest, Liu Chengyou silently observed Xiang Xun's conduct—deferential, composed, humble, and mindful of his duties as a subject. He had not become arrogant or overbearing despite wielding great power.

Liu Chengyou admitted that he had been overly suspicious. Once he relaxed his mindset and analyzed things carefully, he could see that the military and civil affairs of the Southwest were far from slipping beyond the court's control.

Although Xiang Xun, as Commander-in-Chief, commanded tens of thousands of troops in the Southwest, looking at the disposition of forces—in Qin, Long, Jing, and Wei there was Wang Jing, and the rest was divided into a portion of the imperial army, Guanzhong-registered border troops, and the two Shu armies of Huaiwei and Huaide.

Among the commanding generals were Gao Huaide, Murong Chengtai, Liu Guangyi, Ma Renyu, and other imperial relatives and senior generals. The mid- and lower-ranking officers likewise included many junior officers who had previously served on garrison duty in the Eastern Capital.

As for administration, Song Yanwo, the Imperial Son-in-law of the Great Han, was handling affairs, and the bulk of the army's logistical supply was also controlled by Grain Commissioner Zhang Mei.

Analyzed carefully, the military and civil affairs of the Southwest were still quite balanced. Even if Xiang Xun truly harbored treacherous intentions, not many would be willing to follow him in rebellion or dare to do so.

Moreover, judging by Xiang Xun's conduct, Liu Chengyou felt that this man was still worthy of trust—a pillar minister he could rely on, a state-supporting general, the commander who conquered Shu. The reason for his suspicion was, in the final analysis, that Xiang Xun had been away too long, and estrangement was inevitable. Time ages easily, and hearts change readily.

However, because of this bout of suspicion, Liu Chengyou actually felt a slight pang of guilt in his heart, though it flashed by in an instant. As an autocratic feudal monarch, suspicion and wariness had become almost an instinct cultivated over many years.

While Liu Chengyou was lost in thought in the quiet night, at Noble Consort Gao's residence, there was laughter and joy, immersed in a warm atmosphere.

"Uncle!" Liu Xi bounced toward Gao Huaide, calling out excitedly.

Gao Huaide was also delighted. He bent down and scooped the boy into his arms, hefting him once, and a warm smile broke across his stern face: "You've grown a lot! And gained weight too!"

"No rudeness!" At this moment, Noble Consort Gao, though with a hint of a smile, gently scolded.

Chastised by his mother, Liu Xi immediately obediently slid down from his uncle and stood quietly to the side. Patting his head, Gao Huaide sighed to the Noble Consort: "You are too strict with Liu Xi!"

"His Majesty has said similar words to me as well!" The Noble Consort's beautiful eyes looked at her elder brother, a curve forming at her delicate lips: "This child is too undisciplined. If not strictly trained, how can he grow into a capable man?"

"Sigh..." Hearing this, Gao Huaide could not help but let out a sigh.

Looking at her brother, Noble Consort Gao's expression softened somewhat, and as her brows shifted, a hint of radiant charm emerged. She asked with concern: "You've been in the army in the Southwest for two years now—are you doing well?"

Gao Huaide realized that this younger sister, who had once needed his and their father's protection and support, had grown increasingly noble, majestic, and dignified—not to be taken lightly. Under her gaze, he actually felt a slight pressure.

He spread his hands slightly and replied: "I've been tempered in the military since childhood. Being among the ranks is like being at home—I have no discomfort at all!"

"Rather, it's you—are you well in the palace?"

Facing Gao Huaide's concern, the Noble Consort broke into a smile: "I've served His Majesty for nearly ten years now. I've grown accustomed to everything!"

Seeing that Noble Consort Gao maintained her composure and calm throughout their conversation, Gao Huaide felt a trace of melancholy rise in his heart. He looked at Liu Xi standing to the side, then turned back to his sister: "You... are too strong-willed!"

"Within the deep palace, there have always been undercurrents and struggles. Everything revolves around His Majesty. His Majesty's favor is divided into three parts, and the consorts compete for them all. Even if one does not contend, relying on the Gao family's influence, one will ultimately be resented..." The Noble Consort spoke with an air of detachment, narrating unhurriedly.

Seeing this, Gao Huaide's brows furrowed slightly as he said: "But what about His Majesty—"

"I have served His Majesty for so many years, so I have a certain understanding of him. Thus, I never overstep, never violate his taboos, never provoke his displeasure!" Noble Consort Gao said with a light laugh, her voice pleasant to the ear.

Looking at Gao Huaide, she continued: "For now, everything can remain at peace! But what about ten years from now, twenty years from now? By then, some matters may be beyond even His Majesty's control!"

After a moment of silence, Gao Huaide again patted Liu Xi, whose eyes were clear and innocent, and said: "No matter what, I am your elder brother! But I also need to consider the interests of the entire Gao family!"

Gao Huaide's words carried hidden meaning. Hearing them, Noble Consort Gao's phoenix brows relaxed further, and she smiled lightly: "I understand! In the end, it still depends on Liu Xi's growth and performance, and on His Majesty's will..."

Saying this, Noble Consort Gao somewhat deliberately steered away from the obscure and weighty topic, saying: "Our eldest sister-in-law has passed away, and you remain single with no one to look after you. You should consider remarrying! Shall I send someone to find you a suitable match?"

Hearing this, Gao Huaide shook his head: "These past two years, I've been in the army. I haven't had time to think about it!"

In truth, Gao Huaide was hardly lacking in people to attend to him—he had plenty of concubines and maidservants by his side. If he were to take a proper wife, it would inevitably be another political marriage...

Liu Chengyou stayed in Chang'an for nearly ten days, and during that time, he had not a moment of leisure. There was too much he could attend to at close range: Guanzhong's political conditions and people's livelihoods, official governance and legal affairs, Southwest military matters, and Northwest border affairs.

Only after seeing off Xiang Xun and the other Southwest generals did Liu Chengyou begin to think of returning east. At the same time, the court's recommendations for handling the aftermath of the Shu rebellion were presented before him. Regarding the considerations of his chief ministers, Liu Chengyou had little objection and basically approved them all.

In particular, the proposal to relocate the Shu captives to strengthen the border regions received his high approval. He approved it directly and instructed the Eastern Capital to dispatch a team of capable officials westward to coordinate with local and border prefectures. By autumn, it would be a suitable season for migration.

"Guo Tong, how long have you been serving in the Chongzheng Hall?" At the Jingzhao government office, after approving some important matters from the Eastern Capital, Liu Chengyou looked at his brother-in-law and asked.

Not knowing the reason for the question, Guo Tong answered honestly: "Reporting to Your Majesty, about three years now!"

"That's not a short time!" Liu Chengyou nodded, looking at him: "Do you have any desire to go down to the local level and take on specific duties?"

Since the Emperor asked such a question, he must have some plan in mind. Guo Tong was quick-witted and clasped his hands in reply: "If Your Majesty has a task to entrust, I am willing to follow arrangements. The responsibility is mine and none other's!"

"Good!" Seeing this level of understanding, Liu Chengyou was very satisfied and said: "The relocation of these Shu captives—no, these Shu-registered Han people—I am entrusting you with overall coordination and implementation. How about it?"

After brief consideration, Guo Tong replied in a firm tone: "Thank you for Your Majesty's trust!"

"The relocation of nearly thirty thousand people—not too many, yet not too few either. The key is that they are scattered across various prefectures and commanderies, and affected by the recent unrest, people's hearts are inevitably unsettled. You must put in more thought and effort, publicize the court's policies to reassure them.

Cooperate fully with the local authorities, communicate more, and pay attention to methods. The places they are to be relocated to should be considered in advance—better to overthink than underthink—and make thorough preparations.

For all the money, grain, tools, seeds, and pack animals needed for the relocation, draw them from Fiscal Commissioner Yan Jinqing. Administration Commissioner Li Shaoyou will also do his best to support you..."

"In short, this is a meticulous and time-consuming, labor-intensive task. It is not easy, so be patient and don't rush! I trust in your abilities!"

Hearing the Emperor's words—both guidance and encouragement—Guo Tong's face showed a hint of delight, and he seemed full of drive: "With Your Majesty's teachings, I will surely exert my utmost, not fail the trust placed in me, and properly complete the task of relocating settlers to strengthen the borders!"

"Mm!" Liu Chengyou nodded.

Scanning the Jingzhao government office, Liu Chengyou suddenly asked Zhang Dejun: "How is that Li Song doing now?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, he is still at his residence awaiting punishment!" Zhang Dejun said.

"Ha!" Liu Chengyou could not help but shake his head: "Do these literati all like to pull this act on me? Pretending to be composed?"

"Since that's the case, I shall grant his wish! Issue the edict: Li Song, Governor of Jingzhao, shall retire from office in his current post, and Administrative Assistant Zhao Xiuji shall succeed him!" Liu Chengyou instructed, then paused and added with a wave of his hand: "Zhao Hongyin, Chief Commander of Guanzhong, shall accompany the imperial entourage on the return east. The command office shall be temporarily managed by the deputy commander!"

"Yes!"