Chapter 794: The Palace City Office

In the high autumn of the eighth month, the imperial gardens of the Han Palace were already tinged with a rich, vivid color, and the air was filled with the refreshing fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. Yet the chilly wind rustled through, unavoidably adding a touch of melancholy to one's heart.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Han Palace returned to its usual calm. After a period of adjustment, the central government of the Great Han quickly extricated itself from the brief turmoil and, under the leadership of its new governing team, continued to steadily administer the state.

The daily life of Emperor Liu Chengyou of Han gradually settled back into routine. Compared to the past, he deliberately loosened his grip on domestic governance, delegating most authority to the Hall of State Affairs, where Fan Zhi took the lead in handling matters, with the Chongzheng Hall overseeing the process.

As a result, Liu Chengyou freed himself from those complicated and trivial governmental affairs, slowly becoming much more at ease. After a decade of arduous, laborious governance, he truly felt exhausted. He even had a sense that, though still young, if he kept going on like this, he would sooner or later fall ill from overwork and die of exhaustion or sickness.

Hence this adjustment. In the early days of the state, for the sake of a secure throne and national stability, he had no choice but to personally inspect and oversee everything, handling matters himself. But now that the Great Han had steadily developed to its current level, Liu Chengyou finally decided it was time for a change. Being emperor didn't mean he had to exhaust himself like that.

This was also one of the reasons he had dismissed Li Tao and adjusted the powers and responsibilities of the Hall of State Affairs and the various ministries. Given Li Tao's deep roots cultivated over many years in the Ministry of Personnel and the Hall of State Affairs, Liu Chengyou would not feel at ease if he were to completely hand over the power of governance to him.

This represented a shift in Liu Chengyou's thinking, and at the same time revealed a message: the Emperor was weary—indeed, it was a sign of slackening. But no matter how things were adjusted, one fundamental bottom line had to be held firm: the throne must not be shaken, and imperial authority must not be profaned. If he ever sensed a threat, if affairs slipped beyond his control, he would not hesitate to strike again. This also required a precondition: his substantive control over the state could not be weakened, and the most basic source of that power lay in military authority.

In this way, his extra time and energy were not wasted, but devoted by Liu Chengyou to military construction, national strategy, and research on the surrounding states and various tribal powers. He did not completely neglect governance either, inquiring and checking as needed. On the other hand, he continued to study institutions—how to balance power, stabilize the political situation, and strengthen central influence and control over the localities. There were still quite a few matters requiring Liu Chengyou's consideration; it was merely a matter of emphasis.

Of course, he still had ample leisure time. At least in the past, Liu Chengyou had rarely had the leisure to stand in the imperial garden and appreciate the autumn scenery. But Liu Chengyou was, after all, a man lacking in refined taste. Gazing at the pleasing autumn view filling the garden, beyond remarking that the wind was too cold, he could hardly muster more sentiment.

Several gusts of wind swept past in succession, rustling the plants and trees in the imperial garden. His robes and hair fluttered with the wind, and a chill crept straight into his bones, making him shiver involuntarily.

"Your Majesty, the wind has picked up! Put on a robe!" Zhang Dejun, seeing this, stepped forward and spread open a fur robe draped over his arm.

Liu Chengyou did not refuse, allowing Zhang Dejun to drape it over him and fasten the sash. With a chirp, an autumn bird darted past, lightly leaving ripples across the emerald lake before the pavilion.

Tightening the robe around himself, Liu Chengyou glanced at Zhang Dejun beside him and asked, "How is the preparation of the Palace City Office coming along?"

At the question, Zhang Dejun's spirits lifted. He hurriedly clasped his hands and replied, "In answer to Your Majesty, I have secretly selected over a hundred palace eunuchs and guards, along with twelve clerks and personal officers from the Wude Office, temporarily deployed within and outside the imperial city to serve as surveillance..."

In the autumn of the ninth year of Qianyou, with Liu Chengyou's tacit approval, a secret service agency distinct from the Wude Office was essentially declared established.

"I establish the Palace City Office to further extend my eyes and ears, standing alongside the Wude Office—one within, one without—to investigate the people and ministers, lest I be deceived!" Hearing his words, Liu Chengyou said calmly.

"I understand!" Zhang Dejun said respectfully.

"The office has just been established, and nothing is on the right track yet. You must put in more effort! But remember, keep a low profile—do not be ostentatious or overbearing!" Liu Chengyou turned his head, fixing Zhang Dejun with a piercing gaze that seemed to stab straight into his heart: "Fan Zhi has already made a fuss to me about the affairs of the Palace City Office, and there is much criticism in the court. In this early period, you must be even more cautious. Don't give anyone a handle to seize and make things difficult for me!"

"Yes!"

"You have been by my side for nearly ten years now. You should understand what I am like, and I know well what kind of person you are. Let me speak plainly with you. Some courtiers have warned me, citing the disasters of eunuchs usurping power and disrupting governance since the mid-Tang, and their words carry much truth. But I still chose to use you. Do you know why?"

The Son of Heaven's words made Zhang Dejun's heart pound with alarm. Instinctively kneeling, he lowered his head and solemnly swore: "I am but a household slave of His Majesty, deeply favored, knowing only to serve and remain loyal to His Majesty. Whatever command is given, I will not refuse! I dare not harbor other thoughts, nor act recklessly and cause trouble for His Majesty..."

"With such awareness, my heart is comforted!" Liu Chengyou smiled faintly and waved his hand lightly: "Rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Over all these years, just as Zhang Dejun had said, Liu Chengyou had long regarded him as a loyal and intimate household slave. Some words were spoken directly and bluntly, with almost no hesitation, unlike before outside ministers, where he would speak in circles and trade verbal jabs. He also believed that Zhang Dejun would not disappoint him, and that the Palace City Office would not slip beyond his control.

As for the evils of eunuchs, they had existed since ancient times and were often condemned in writing and speech, but in the end, opinions could only differ from person to person. Looking across history, so many wise and brilliant rulers—did they not know the consequences of eunuchs spiraling out of control? Yet they still walked the same old path, inevitably elevating or even heavily employing eunuchs in the course of governance. Why?

Eunuchs were, after all, merely a class and force dependent on the monarch. However much they were despised and resented, they were an extension and supplement of imperial authority, used to balance the outer court and strengthen monarchical power—their utility was considerable. Of course, their use required a measure of restraint, and throughout the ages, examples of backlash were common. That was merely when eunuch power exceeded the bottom line, like a fierce beast breaking free from its cage, producing negative results greater than positive ones. At root, the problem lay with the emperor himself, not with how much the eunuchs deserved to be feared...

Standing in deep thought with a grave gaze for a few moments, Liu Chengyou said, "While bearing the duties of the Palace City Office, select a few clever ones from my side to attend to me."

A slight hesitation showed on his face. Liu Chengyou had entertained such thoughts before, and Zhang Dejun knew it well in his heart, also understanding when to advance and retreat. Though somewhat reluctant, he still gritted his teeth and said, "I understand! I will train a few sharp-witted ones to serve at His Majesty's side!"

"Your Majesty!" Zhao Pu, having been announced, slowly entered the pavilion garden and paid his respects.

"What is it?"

Zhao Pu reported: "Zhao Kewei's remains have been transported back to Fanyang by his family. Youzhou has also been instructed, with the local authorities assisting in handling the funeral arrangements!"

"Zhao Shangjiao had two sons in total, both dying young in succession—truly unfortunate, pitiable indeed!" Mentioning Zhao Yan, Liu Chengyou could not help but sigh.

"Zhao Yan has a son, doesn't he?" Liu Chengyou said.

"Yes! Only three years old, the sole heir of three generations—this one drop of blood is all that remains!" Zhao Pu replied.

After considering for a moment, Liu Chengyou said, "Grant his son the seventh-rank title of Xuande Gentleman!"

Regarding Zhao Yan's posthumous affairs, Liu Chengyou did not arrange anything overly lavish. The posthumous titles and honors merely matched his status in life, without any special treatment.

"Administrative Assistant Zhao has petitioned to return home to handle the mourning, and the court has approved it!" Zhao Pu reported again. Seeing the Emperor's face show signs of grief, he cautiously requested, "Your Majesty, the death of Zhao Yan is lamentable, and Administrative Assistant Zhao losing his son in old age is a great misfortune. Might his past offenses be slightly pardoned?"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou looked at him with an amused expression: "Do you think that's appropriate?"

With that, Liu Chengyou changed the subject: "For Xuzhou Prefecture, who will be appointed to succeed?"

"The Ministry of Personnel proposes Wang Zuo, the Prefectural Administrator of Suizhou!" Zhao Pu replied.

Wang Zuo was the father of Wang Qiwu, the Fiscal Commissioner of Huaidong.

"Among the various gentlemen of the Chongzheng Hall, who do you think could be promoted to Academician?" Liu Chengyou asked again.

After a brief consideration, Zhao Pu said, "What does Your Majesty think of Dou Xi?"

Liu Chengyou shook his head: "Dou Xi is merely of middling talent, insufficient for the post!"