Chapter 882: Condescending Honor

"Your humble servant welcomes Lord Wang!" At the southern outskirts of Kaifeng, on the dock of the Bian River, no sooner had he stepped off the official vessel than he saw Zhang Dejun standing straight and tall, waiting in attendance.

Zhang Dejun was in fact quite handsome in appearance, with dignified bearing and elegant demeanor; unless one knew his background, who would imagine that this man of extraordinary bearing, like a noble young lord, was a eunuch—a man without roots?

His attire also exuded nobility—brocade robes and a jade crown—with several guards at his side who clearly looked like they were not to be trifled with. Wang Pu naturally knew Zhang Dejun, and after sizing him up for a few moments, seeing his respectful manner, raised his hands in return salute: "So it's Director Zhang—ah, by now it should be Commissioner!"

"Lord Wang returns to the capital, and your humble servant has specially received orders from His Majesty to come greet you!" Zhang Dejun said with a beaming smile. Though his words were soft and gentle, there was none of the effeminate softness typical of eunuch spies.

Upon hearing this, Wang Pu immediately straightened his expression, faced north toward the palace city, and made a solemn bow.

Casting a glance at the scenery of the Bian River—green willows forming shade along the banks, dwellings stretching in succession, dense with population, boats shuttling back and forth on the water, and several newly added rainbow bridges soaring overhead to connect the two shores—then looking at the Kaifeng city walls standing before him, doubled in area, majestic and magnificent, Wang Pu let out a long sigh: "Gone for six or seven years, and the capital has already taken on a completely new look—astonishing!"

"The Eastern Capital has changed greatly; Lord Wang will experience it in detail in the days to come!" Zhang Dejun said. "His Majesty has decreed that Lord Wang be granted a bath and purple robes, then enter the palace for an audience. Lord Wang's old residence is cramped and unfit for habitation, so His Majesty has bestowed a new mansion southeast of the palace city to house your family. Lord Wang, please follow your humble servant into the palace!"

Grateful for the Emperor's meticulous care, Wang Pu could not help but bow in thanks once more. Zhang Dejun then pointed to the several guards accompanying him and said: "Knowing that Lord Wang has few servants, your humble servant specially brought along several subordinates. They may not be able to do much else, but helping Lord Wang's family carry boxes and haul baggage is well within their capacity!"

Hearing this, Wang Pu gave Zhang Dejun a deep look—this man had thoroughly investigated his situation. The changes in the Eastern Capital were indeed great; the Zhang Dejun before him was a case in point. Before, there had only been the Wude Office; now a Palace City Office had been added as well.

Though a strange feeling arose in his heart, he still cupped his hands in thanks: "Many thanks for Commissioner Zhang's kind consideration!"

Several large chests were unloaded from the ship. Watching the guards strain to carry them onto the cart, Zhang Dejun remarked with a hint of amusement: "What could be so heavy?"

Glancing at him, Wang Pu said flatly: "Does Commissioner Zhang wish to conduct an inspection?"

"Lord Wang jests! How would your humble servant dare commit such an offensive act? I beg your forgiveness for any impertinence!" Zhang Dejun hastily offered his apologies.

The chests Wang Pu brought back were, of course, not filled with gold, silver, or jewels—apart from some furniture, they contained mostly books and maps. However, he had no intention of explaining. Given Wang Pu's temperament and status, he always maintained a certain wariness and contempt toward Zhang Dejun's dual identity of eunuch and spy. But since the man had the Emperor behind him, Wang Pu found it inconvenient to say much on the matter.

After bathing to wash away the dust of travel and changing into new clothes, Wang Pu went directly to the palace. Though the outer walls of Kaifeng and the imperial city had undergone great transformations, the palace itself remained as familiar as ever.

The audience was held at Wenhua Hall, where Emperor Liu Chengyou was examining and testing the imperial princes' studies. Upon learning that Wang Pu sought an audience, Liu Chengyou immediately issued an oral decree to summon him, and straightened his robes and cap, displaying great solemnity.

Inside the hall, Liu Chengyou sat upright at his writing desk, with Zhang Zhao, Grand Academician of Wenhua Hall, attending at his side, while the six imperial princes all stood properly in orderly fashion below.

"Your subject Wang Pu pays respects to Your Majesty!" Entering and seeing the Emperor, Wang Pu prostrated himself in full ceremonial bow.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou immediately rose from his seat, personally stepped forward to help him up, gripped his hands tightly, and said with deep emotion: "All these years you've been in Yangzhou, I have missed you terribly!"

Whether Liu Chengyou's feelings were truly so stirred or not, his display was nonetheless quite moving. Judging by deeds rather than intentions—even if it were mere posturing for reputation—this bearing of treating worthy men with respect was worthy of praise and admiration.

Wang Pu, for his part, was deeply moved as well. Though supported by Liu Chengyou's strong hands, he still bowed deeply: "That Your Majesty should think of me—your subject is infinitely grateful!"

Noticing Wang Pu's aged countenance and graying hair, Liu Chengyou let out a long sigh: "Your temples are gray, your wrinkles like furrowed ravines—so aged you have become. This shows how arduous your labors have been. In my heart, I truly cannot bear it!"

Wang Pu responded with easy grace: "Your subject is old, but content in spirit. To encounter an enlightened sovereign and put my abilities to use is my good fortune. Your Majesty strides with dragon's step and tiger's bearing, your vigor undiminished—that is the true blessing of the Great Han!"

"You governed the Huai region for many years, forgetting sleep and food, devoting yourself utterly, loyal and diligent, your reputation spreading throughout the capital. Though a thousand li apart, between sovereign and subject, our hearts are truly as close as neighbors!" Holding Wang Pu's hand, Liu Chengyou seemed reluctant to let go—alternately stirred and reflective, making a full display of his sentiments.

Hearing this, Wang Pu said: "Your Majesty's lavish praise—your subject dare not accept it. Your Majesty entrusted me with great responsibility, and with heavy duty upon my shoulders, I feared only that I might fail in governance, unable to spread Your Majesty's benevolence to the people, betraying Your Majesty's trust. I could only devote myself diligently to my duties and strive to repay with all my might."

Pausing briefly, Wang Pu continued: "But your subject's temperament has its flaws. While serving in Huai East, my words and actions were often hasty, causing trouble for Your Majesty. Fortunately, Your Majesty's magnanimity is vast, taking no offense and repeatedly showing tolerance. When I think of it, even now I am filled with shame and cannot face you!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled. It seemed Wang Pu had a certain awareness of his own "notorious reputation" after all!

"You speak too gravely!" Liu Chengyou patted his hand.

Finally releasing Wang Pu's hand, Liu Chengyou turned and beckoned to the several imperial princes, saying: "Lord Wenbo is a loyal and worthy minister of the Great Han, who pacified Huai East for the court and won the people's hearts—a man of both talent and virtue. You are princes of the Great Han; toward the rivers and mountains of our realm, you should have the awareness to lead by example. Come, pay your respects to him together!"

With the Emperor Father's command given, the princes immediately obeyed and stepped forward, bowing to Wang Pu together. Even Liu Min, who had only recently entered Wenhua Hall, followed his elder brothers in a dazed manner, though his etiquette was passable enough.

Faced with this, how could Wang Pu dare accept it directly? He hurriedly returned the salute, his heart moved beyond measure, and turned to Liu Chengyou: "That His Majesty should treat your subject with such courtesy—I am unworthy of this honor!"

Among the civil and military ministers of the Great Han, there were not a few qualified to receive such condescending courtesy from the princes, but from beginning to end, those who had actually received such honor could be counted on one's fingers. Of course, Wang Pu had also arrived at just the right moment—being in Wenhua Hall when Liu Chengyou happened to think of this way to express his respect.

"You have traveled north all the way back, weary from the journey. I shall hold a banquet to welcome you!" Liu Chengyou said, then instructed the attending Sun Yanxi: "Convey the order—prepare a feast at Wansui Hall!"

"Yes! Your humble servant will arrange it at once!" Sun Yanxi was somewhat slow to react. This was the gap between him and Zhang Dejun—had it been Zhang Dejun, he would have anticipated and made preparations long before being asked.

"We have not seen each other for many years; I have a heart full of words to share with you! Come, let us go to Wansui Hall together!" Liu Chengyou said to Wang Pu.

Then, looking at Zhang Zhao beside him, he smiled: "Would I trouble you, Lord Zhang, to join us as company?"

Zhang Zhao, who had witnessed the entire "moving" scene between sovereign and minister from the side of the hall, could not help but feel a trace of envy. As a Doctor of Classics and a learned Confucian scholar, how could he not yearn for such honor? However, he was ultimately merely a man of learning—the Emperor would treat him with courtesy and favor, but to receive such condescending honor as this—that would never be possible.

Facing the Emperor's invitation, Zhang Zhao naturally responded with a smile: "An invitation from Your Majesty is your subject's honor—how could there be any reason to decline!"

In Wansui Hall, a table of reasonably sumptuous fare was laid out as a private reception for Wang Pu. Liu Chengyou said with a slight hint of embarrassment: "I have heard that while in Yangzhou, you have always worn simple clothes and eaten plain food, maintaining your frugality through the years, unswayed by Yangzhou's splendor, your original intentions unchanged.

When I heard this, I was deeply moved. In recent years, the palace's dress and dining have gradually grown more lavish, no longer the scene of scrimping and saving from the early days. Whenever I think of it, I cannot help but feel uneasy."

Hearing the Emperor say this, Wang Pu responded: "At the founding of the state, a hundred things awaited restoration and the national treasury was strained. Your Majesty led by example with strict frugality, already demonstrating the virtue of an enlightened sovereign. Now the nation has gradually grown prosperous, and the common people all have surplus grain. For Your Majesty to eat well is not improper—one need only guard against extravagance and eliminate waste.

That Your Majesty still maintains such vigilance and caution shows your benevolence and virtue!"

Liu Chengyou laughed: "The moment you return, you keep praising me—I feel quite ashamed!"

Wang Pu, however, adopted a serious expression and said: "On my journey northward, all that I saw and heard—people at peace, the nation prosperous, rivers clear and seas calm, a scene of tranquil golden age—your subject's heart is filled with boundless admiration!"

Having lived through the chaos of the previous era, Wang Pu's feelings were naturally profound.

"Though there have been achievements, they are not enough to warrant self-congratulation or complacency. Jiangnan is not yet pacified, and beyond the northern frontier remains unsettled. Even under the Great Han's rule, the burden on the common people is not light. There is still considerable distance to a true golden age of peace and prosperity!" Liu Chengyou said.

All along, under the Great Han's governance, the burden on the common people had never been light. Though the court had reduced burdens several times, it had been a gradual release of pressure; in terms of taxes and corvée labor, the peasants' burden remained severe. After all, in these ten years, the court had undertaken too many initiatives—behind great achievements often lay the people's suffering.

Of course, compared to the previous dynasty, the difference lay in clean governance, national stability, and strict public order, sparing the people worries beyond their livelihoods. A strong military, a wealthy nation, and a secure populace—these were the hallmarks of the present Great Han.

Seeing that the Emperor had not completely immersed himself in existing achievements but still maintained a cautious mindset and clear vision, Wang Pu was greatly gratified and said: "Your Majesty earnestly practices self-reflection; one day, the realm will be well governed, and the hundreds of millions of people will receive its blessings!"

"Let us hope so! For the peace and order of days to come, I still need worthy ministers like you to diligently assist me!" Liu Chengyou raised his cup, toasting Wang Pu.