Chapter 998: Strolling the Market

Kaifeng, in the tail end of midsummer, was already scorching hot. The blazing sun hung overhead, radiating light and heat, enveloping the city inside and out. In the markets and at the docks, there were many bare-chested porters and laborers, sweating profusely as they toiled to survive in the Eastern Capital.

At some point, the Eastern Capital had also earned the label "hard to live in." The Eastern Capital was prosperous, to be sure, but for the common folk at the bottom, it was hardly a paradise. Of course, as the imperial capital, it brought obvious benefits to the people—as long as one was willing to work, one could always find a decent job.

The oppressive heat had a considerable impact on the daily lives of the Eastern Capital's citizens. The most noticeable change in the streets and alleys was the proliferation of vendors selling herbal tea and iced drinks.

"What has been the most discussed topic among the common folk of the Eastern Capital lately?" Walking through the Eastern Market, observing the various scenes of city life, Liu Chengyou asked Zhang Dejun, who attended him.

"Your Majesty, it is the brawl between the envoys of Champa and Chenla. The streets are abuzz with talk, all saying these barbarian petty states have no regard for national dignity and know no propriety!" Zhang Dejun reported, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou could not help but smile, and said in a relaxed tone: "Petty states like Champa and Chenla were originally of no account, known to few. Now, with just one brawl, they have become known to a million citizens of the Eastern Capital. Tell me, is that worth it or not?"

Hearing the Emperor say this, Zhang Dejun immediately smiled along and replied: "As Your Majesty says, it is indeed worth it!"

The fifteenth year of Qianyou truly seemed to be a special year—special in that, since the beginning of the year, envoys from all directions had been arriving one after another to pay tribute to the Eastern Capital. From the Indochinese Peninsula, not long after Srivijaya's envoy came in spring, Champa and Chenla each sent envoys as well.

In this era, the situation on the Indochinese Peninsula was equally unsettled—many states stood side by side, with endless turmoil. Of course, to the Great Han, these were merely minor squabbles.

For instance, between Champa and Chenla, the two sides had been at war for over half a century, fighting from the height of their national strength down to exhaustion, with no end in sight.

This time, coming to the Eastern Capital to pay tribute, both wanted to put on a good showing before the Celestial Court, and their rivalry extended to the Eastern Capital as well. It was also the guesthouse's poor arrangement—they had not considered the relations between the two states. With more contact, conflict broke out, even escalating into a brawl that became the talk and mockery of the Eastern Capital's citizens, with even both chief envoys joining in, ending up battered and bruised.

"Speaking of which, I haven't paid much attention to it. How did the mediation go?" Liu Chengyou asked.

Zhang Dejun replied, his faint tone carrying a hint of pride: "Petty little states, daring to commit crimes and brawl in the imperial capital of the Great Han—the court not throwing them in prison is already leniency beyond the law. It is said that when faced with mediation by officials of the Ministry of Rites, the envoys of both states were trembling with fear, apologizing profusely, and promising to restrain their attendants from now on and cause no more trouble!" Zhang Dejun answered.

"It seems their attitude in admitting fault is not bad after all!" Liu Chengyou said with a faint smile.

In truth, Liu Chengyou cared not a whit about the grievances and entanglements between Champa and Chenla. He treated the conflict between their envoys purely as entertainment. However, he still welcomed the exchange of envoys.

By comparison, Liu Chengyou was more concerned with Champa itself—for the sake of Champa rice, the famous "divine tool" recorded in historical texts. He had not thought of it before, but the envoy's initiative in coming had jogged his memory. Unfortunately, no rice seeds were among the tribute items this time. Still, the introduction of Champa rice was placed on the agenda, in a position of great importance.

Hearing the master and servant conversing, an elderly man in fine robes beside them chimed in: "The Great Han now increasingly displays the mighty bearing of ten thousand states coming to pay homage. An age of great peace has already arrived!"

His tone was full of emotion, mixed with a measure of pride and gratification. Hearing this, Liu Chengyou waved his hand—whether in self-satisfaction or modesty, he said: "Sir Gao, such words are still spoken too early. The realm is not yet unified, and the people's hardships remain many. How dare we speak of a golden age?"

The elderly man at Liu Chengyou's side was Gao Fang, the Administration Commissioner of Yanan, who had returned to the capital. Everything was proceeding according to Liu Chengyou's plans. After three years of adjustment, the court's rule over the prefectures of Yanan had been thoroughly consolidated. Gao Fang's mission in Youzhou was essentially complete, and he had finally been transferred back to the Eastern Capital.

Having returned to the Eastern Capital, Gao Fang seemed to have shed the heavy burden from his shoulders, freed from his shackles, his whole person lightened. Toward this old minister loyal to the state's affairs, Liu Chengyou showed the utmost respect and favor, summoning him to the palace for conversations every few days. On this outing, he had also had him change clothes to attend in disguise.

"Your Excellency is too modest. In the realm today, pick any commoner at random, and there is none who would not be grateful to Your Majesty for giving them a stable life!" Gao Fang replied thus. Having lived through that era of chaos, he knew all too well how difficult survival had been in those times.

However, Liu Chengyou shook his head and said meaningfully: "Sir Gao, fifteen years is enough time for a new generation to grow up. The life the previous generation yearned for may not necessarily satisfy the new generation. Unifying the realm is only a beginning, a starting point for peace. To reach a golden age, there is still much the court needs to do!"

The Emperor's words carried much reflection, and Gao Fang was rather surprised to hear them. After pondering briefly, he clasped his hands to Liu Chengyou and said: "Your Majesty is always able to show such foresight and insight, maintaining such calm wisdom. I admire it immensely. As for the coming golden age, I hold full expectation and confidence!"

"Haha!" Seeing his solemn manner, Liu Chengyou laughed, quickly helped him up, and pointed at the passersby around them.

Only then did Gao Fang realize, and repeatedly apologized: "I was overcome with emotion for a moment—I've lost my composure, lost my composure!"

Looking around, Liu Chengyou said with a light laugh: "Sir Gao, I intend to entrust Kaifeng to your governance!"

Hearing this sudden news, beyond surprise, Gao Fang also felt delight—this was a sign of the Emperor's trust and favor. Still, he remained modest in his words, lowering his voice: "With my meager virtue, how could I govern the capital?"

Liu Chengyou's expression turned serious as he looked at Gao Fang and said solemnly: "You need not decline. Given your contributions to me and to the court, upon your return to the capital, I have deliberated long, and only the post of Governor of Kaifeng can both reward your merits and display your talents. Sir Gao, do you lack confidence in governing Kaifeng well?"

Seeing the Emperor speak thus, and knowing somewhat his temperament, Gao Fang no longer feigned reserve. He clasped his hands and replied: "I thank Your Majesty!"

"Let's walk a bit more. Having lived long in the deep palace, I grow weary. Without more contact with the common people's spirit, I wouldn't even know what the mortal world's daily life looks like." With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked along the broad street with a slightly swaggering step.

This was merely an ordinary side road within the Eastern Market, yet it was nearly five zhang wide, enough to accommodate four carriages side by side. Liu Chengyou's party, strolling through the market, was quite conspicuous, swaggering through the streets and drawing attention.

There was no helping it—the guards had to ensure the Emperor's safety. Not dispersing the crowd and clearing the streets was already a show of restraint. Though it was somewhat unsightly, Liu Chengyou could understand.

As for the strange looks from others, he paid them no mind. Of course, although this party was conspicuous, it did not cause any commotion. In the Eastern Capital, there were too many nobles, with all sorts of displays of grandeur, so Liu Chengyou's party, though somewhat unusual, was not particularly extraordinary. Even the market patrolmen on duty kept their distance, wisely not coming up to question them.

Stopping before a vendor's stall, at a signal from the escort commander Liu Tinghan, two guards immediately pressed forward, frightening the honest-faced middle-aged stall owner into repeatedly begging for mercy.

Seeing this, Liu Chengyou waited until the guards had finished their inspection before lightly scolding them. This was a commoner selling cattail-leaf fans. He casually took one down to examine it, then said kindly to the stall owner: "No need to be afraid, elder brother. My attendants are all rough men, ignorant of proper manners. I apologize for startling you, and hope you'll forgive them!"

The stall owner was rendered speechless by Liu Chengyou's words, completely unable to react. He simply looked at the noble and imposing Liu Chengyou and said instinctively: "Does this young lord wish to buy a cattail fan?"

Liu Chengyou waved the fan in his hand and asked: "How much for this one?"

"The one in your hand is the most expensive—ten coppers apiece." The stall owner answered cautiously, then, observing Liu Chengyou's expression, quickly added: "If you like it, young lord, consider it a gift from me."

"Pay up!"

Hearing this, Zhang Dejun quickly took ten copper coins from the money pouch at his side and tossed them to the stall owner. Not a coin more, not a coin less—a fair transaction.

Even so, the stall owner's eyes lit up involuntarily. Customers willing to buy the expensive fans were, after all, few and far between.

Liu Chengyou, meanwhile, fanned himself with it, without much effort. Hot air hit his face, and he laughed: "Works quite well!"

"Rest assured, young lord—the high price has its reasons. I would never cheat a customer!" The stall owner skillfully pocketed the copper coins and replied.