Chapter 100

After the public execution of Tianhuan and others.

To honor those who made outstanding contributions in this disaster relief work, that afternoon Liuju held a staged victory ceremony for disaster relief efforts at the scene.

The square was crowded with people, the atmosphere fervent and solemn.

The court officials, dressed in splendid ceremonial robes, were neatly arranged on both sides of the square;

The guards fighting on the front lines of disaster relief, wearing new armor, stood tall and vigorous in the center of the square; although their faces still bore fatigue, their eyes shone with the light of victory;

The merchants and civilian representatives who supported the supplies were also invited to the scene; they dressed plainly, yet could not conceal their inner excitement and pride.

Liuju sat high on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the crowd in the square, his heart filled with myriad emotions.

He deeply knew that this victory was not easily won, but the result of countless people working together.

He cleared his throat and loudly said: "This time the Yellow River burst its banks, and the Han people suffered great hardship. But in this struggle against natural disaster, I have seen your bravery, kindness, and selfless dedication."

"It is precisely because of you that we were able to achieve the first stage of victory in disaster relief under such difficult circumstances."

"Today, I will commend and reward those who performed outstandingly in this disaster relief work, so that every Han person knows that your efforts and contributions are remembered by me and the people!"

Liuju first looked at the court officials and said: "Tianqianqiu, for your planning and coordination in disaster relief and Yellow River management, your day-and-night labor is indispensable. I enfeoff you as Marquis of Pacifying the State, with a fief of ten thousand households; I hope you will continue to work for the prosperity and stability of Han and for the people's welfare."

Tianqianqiu excitedly stepped forward, knelt, and expressed gratitude: "Your Majesty, your wisdom is clear; I will devote myself until death."

"Weiqing, you led troops in the disaster area to bravely carry out relief, protecting the people's lives and property and stabilizing order; your bravery and sense of responsibility set an example for the whole army. I bestow upon you the Ninefold Symbolic Gifts and reward ten thousand taels of gold. May you continue to guard Han's territory and keep the people safe."

Weiqing knelt on one knee and loudly said: "Your Majesty, your deep favor; I, the subordinate, will not fail your expectations, willing to go through fire and water for Han!"

"Zhangqian, you did not shy from hardship, contacting the Western Regions and securing valuable support for managing the upper Yellow River's water issues. I enfeoff you as Duke of Bowang, in charge of foreign affairs, granting you a mansion. I hope you will continue to contribute to Han's external exchanges and cooperation."

Zhangqian respectfully performed the salute: "Your Majesty, with such trust, I will exert my utmost and not disgrace the mission."

"Simaqian, you organized historical materials, providing valuable experience for managing the Yellow River. I appoint you as Marquis of Changwen, with a fief of ten thousand households, and award one hundred bolts of silk to honor your achievements."

Simaqian, moved to tears, said: "Your Majesty, your great grace; I will take up the pen as a sword and record Han's glory."

"Sang Hongyang, in terms of material allocation, you have exhausted your mind and energy, ensuring the timely supply of disaster relief materials..."

Sang Hongyang knelt and expressed gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise; I will not fail your trust, and I will devote myself to the Han finances."

Next, Liu Ju turned his gaze toward the guards fighting on the front lines.

He came before the guards and personally awarded them medals.

"You are the backbone of the Han and the guardians of the people! In the disaster zone, you disregarded your own safety, fighting the flood and defying difficulties. Each of you has shown extraordinary courage and perseverance. I have decided to promote every guard who participated in the disaster relief by one military rank and reward them with one hundred taels of silver."

The guards shouted in unison: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Han!"

Their voices echoed through the clouds, filled with loyalty to Liu Ju and love for the nation.

Finally, Liu Ju looked toward the merchants and civilian representatives who supported the supplies.

"Merchants, in the nation's time of peril, you have been generous, donated supplies, and provided strong support for the relief work. I announce that your taxes will be exempted for three years, and in future commercial activities you will be given priority operating rights. I hope you continue to uphold this love and responsibility, contributing strength to the prosperity of the Han."

The merchants all knelt, deeply grateful: "Your Majesty's grace is profound; we will surely support the court with all our might!"

"People of the Han, although you reside among the common folk, your hearts are with the disaster area. Some voluntarily donated supplies; some personally went to the disaster area to help. Your kindness and unity have let me see hope for the Han. I have decided to distribute one hundred jin of grain and ten bolts of cloth to each household that participated in the relief."

The people were moved to tears, shouting: "Long live Your Majesty!"

After the merit-reward ceremony ended, the square resounded with enthusiastic applause and cheers.

But just as the ceremony was drawing to a close, a sudden report came from the Feathered Forest Guard about an urgent message from the Western Regions.

From the distant Western Regions came a shocking piece of news.

Emperor Wu of Han, Liuche, who once exerted his might over the interior and possessed great talent and strategy, now in a humble posture issued a self-reproach edict to the people of the Han.

In this edict, he candidly admitted that this flood disaster resulted from his earlier trust in Tian Fen's words and his excessive belief in spirits and gods. He deeply reflected on his past actions, expressing profound remorse for the previous arbitrary levies, harsh taxation, and wasteful military campaigns.

"During my reign, I failed to perceive worldly affairs, listened to slanderous ministers, causing the nation to fall into turmoil and the people to suffer. I overly believed in spirits and gods, neglected the foundation of people's livelihood, leading to heavenly disasters, for which I cannot escape blame..."

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche's edict is filled with self-reproach and regret, moving people deeply.

When Liu Ju personally read this self-reproach edict, his feelings were mixed.

He was both moved by his father emperor's frankness and pained by the Han's past suffering.

He fully understood that his father emperor's edict was a profound summary of the past and also the strongest rebuttal to the slander and rumors he had faced.

He never expected Emperor Wu of Han would do this for him!

Liu Ju said with regret: "Father Emperor has already given everything for the Han and for me!"

And only now did the ministers who learned that Emperor Wu of Han was still alive become immersed in excitement and remembrance of him, many senior officials shedding tears abundantly.

Immediately, they were unable to contain their excitement.

Now, both wise and martial emperors are present, undoubtedly symbolizing the rise of the Han.

When the people heard the news that Emperor Wu of Han was still alive, cheers rose to deafening levels.

They all shouted "long live," expressing their inner joy.

"I never expected the emperor to still be alive—this is our Han's blessing! Both emperors are so wise and martial; we believe the Han will surely keep getting better!"

"Life used to be so hard; now the emperor is still alive and can hear our voices—we are overjoyed!"

Regarding Emperor Wu of Han, the people's hearts are filled with nostalgia and admiration.

They recall the glorious achievements of Emperor Wu of Han's era, such as the northern campaigns against the Xiongnu, opening up the Western Regions, and large-scale waterworks; these achievements spread the Han's fame far and wide, and the people also benefited from them.

They deeply know that Emperor Wu of Han is a great ruler who made enormous contributions to the Han's prosperity.

Immediately, Emperor Wu of Han's self-reproach edict and the news that he is still alive spread like a spring breeze to every corner of the Han.

In streets and alleys, people are discussing the emperor's edict and news, full of hope for the future.