Chapter 174

Huo Guang and Jin Fu walked along a country lane, with freshly plowed fields giving off a clean earth scent beside them.

Huo Guang looked at the busy, energetic farmers working in the fields and couldn't help but say:

"Jin Fu, on this trip to the countryside, seeing firsthand the splendid scene after the implementation of the equal-field system, I am truly moved. The Emperor's promotion of the equal-field system precisely grasped the foundation of people's livelihood, allocating land reasonably; the people now have their own livelihoods, and their enthusiasm for labor has risen unprecedentedly."

Jin Fu nodded in agreement, eyes full of admiration: "Huo Guang, you are absolutely right. The Emperor is far-sighted, deeply understanding that land is the foundation of the people's peace and prosperity. This equal-field system not only gives the people a livelihood guarantee but also stimulates productive forces, injecting continuous momentum into the prosperity of the Great Han. Such a sage act is indeed our blessing."

The two continued onward, arriving at the newly settled village.

Neatly arranged houses, orderly planned streets, and the clear well at the village head all showed the care put into the resettlement work.

Huo Guang looked around and said to Jin Fu: "Jin Fu, regarding this demolition and resettlement, the Emperor's decision is equally praiseworthy. From house construction to the provision of living facilities, nothing was overlooked, allowing the people to start a new life without worry; such meticulous consideration is something an ordinary ruler could not achieve."

Jin Fu nodded and continued: "Exactly, the Emperor cares for the people; from selecting resettlement sites and house layouts to the construction of public facilities, he personally oversees every step. Because the Emperor attaches such importance, we dare not be negligent in carrying out the work, and thus the people wholeheartedly support the court's decisions."

Huo Guang pondered for a moment and sighed: "Jin Fu, through this inspection I increasingly feel that the Emperor has far-sighted vision. These two measures—the equal-field system and demolition-resettlement—not only solve the people's current livelihood problems but also lay a solid foundation for the future development of the Great Han. The Emperor, putting the people first and prioritizing development, is truly a sagely ruler ahead of his time; we will surely exert our utmost to follow in his footsteps."

Jin Fu nodded firmly, eyes resolute: "Huo Guang, your words are quite right. To serve under the Emperor's command and strive to realize his grand vision is the highest honor for us officials."

The two conversed while continuing deeper into the countryside to examine the results of the reforms.

After passing several villages, the two unexpectedly met a group of people who seemed to have come from afar; upon asking around, they learned these were volunteers who had relocated to Yanjing.

Moreover, looking far down the official road, such people came in an endless stream.

They all brought their families, yet showed no fatigue; instead, each face brimmed with anticipation and excitement.

At the front of the procession, a middle-aged man carried a simple bundle of belongings on a pole, his steps light.

Huo Guang stepped forward and asked: "Elder, where have you come from, and why are you moving to Yanjing?"

The man set down his pole and smiled: "Sir, we come from a neighboring commandery. Having heard that under the Emperor's rule Yanjing implements the equal-field system, giving people their own land and a hopeful future, along with sound resettlement policies, we held a family discussion and came to try our luck, hoping to live well here."

Going further ahead, a group of children were playing and laughing around the newly built houses.

Jin Fu looked at them, feeling deeply moved: "Huo Guang, look at these children, so happy—you can tell they eagerly anticipate the new life. This is all thanks to the Emperor's policies taking root in the people's hearts, which draws the populace to come voluntarily."

Huo Guang nodded, gazing toward the distance where new settlers were reclaiming wasteland: "Jin Fu, you are absolutely right. The Emperor's equal-field system and resettlement measures give the people genuine hope, prompting them to leave their homes willingly and come to Yanjing seeking a better life. This sufficiently proves the wisdom of the Emperor's decisions."

Just then, an elderly white-haired man approached, eyes full of gratitude: "Sirs, we have just arrived and already feel Yanjing's goodness. The people here are warm, and the policies are good. I heard the Emperor has arranged for people to teach us new farming techniques; we will surely take root here and live well."

Huo Guang and Jin Fu exchanged a glance, seeing in each other's eyes admiration for Liu Ju.

Huo Guang said: "Jin Fu, from the reactions of these voluntary relocators, one can see the Emperor's prestige among the people. By putting the people first, the Emperor has earned the trust of the Great Han's populace, who willingly follow him."

Jin Fu nodded heavily: "Yes, the Emperor is sage; he not only brings vitality to Yanjing but also makes people from all quarters look forward to it, which is of extraordinary significance to the development and strengthening of the Great Han."

Huo Guang and Jin Fu pressed on, continually seeing families with hopeful faces heading toward Yanjing.

Rickety carts with belongings rolled along; the older children ran and played in the procession, while infants just a few months old either peeked curiously from their parents' arms or slept soundly in the baskets on the poles.

Seeing this scene, the two sighed all along, their reverence for the Son of Heaven growing deeper.

By evening, after a day's journey, the two returned to their mansion, still reeling from what they had seen and heard, when they received an imperial edict from Chang'an.

The Chief Eunuch reading the proclamation announced loudly: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Summon Huo Guang and Jin Fu to return to the capital and resume office immediately, without delay. So ordered!"

Upon hearing this, both men's faces instantly filled with doubt and surprise.

Huo Guang furrowed his brows, exchanging a glance with Jin Fu, his heart full of puzzlement: he was in the midst of a crucial phase of study and inspection in Yanjing; what could this sudden edict possibly be for?

Jin Fu also looked bewildered, and cautiously asked the eunuch: "Sir, I do not know why the Emperor suddenly summons us back to the capital; may there be a reason?"

"Sir, the Emperor's will is unfathomable; I dare not guess."

The Chief Eunuch shook his head, indicating he too did not know the details.

Huo Guang and Jin Fu fell into contemplation, knowing well the complexity of court affairs; this sudden recall likely meant something had changed in Chang'an.

Huo Guang and Jin Fu, following the edict, set out on the return journey; everywhere they went bore traces of the Great Han's quiet transformation since Liu Ju's ascension.

Along the way, the official roads were flat and broad, trees lined the avenues providing shade, merchants and travelers flowed incessantly, a scene of prosperity.

At the relay stations, the fresh relay horses were strong and well-fed, providing solid support for transmitting orders and information; all this highlighted Liu Ju's emphasis on transportation construction.

Huo Guang gazed upon the distant fields' abundant harvest and exclaimed: "Jin Fu, since the Emperor's ascension, by implementing the equal-field system and letting the people live in peace and prosperity, grain output has greatly increased, granaries are full, and the foundation of the Great Han has become ever more solid."

Jin Fu nodded in agreement: "Indeed, Huo Guang. The Emperor's measure not only benefits the people but also greatly enhances the state's economic strength."

When discussing Liu Ju's military achievements, Huo Guang's face filled with admiration as he said: "After His Majesty ascended the throne, he swiftly quelled the rebellions of the feudal princes, stabilizing the domestic situation. Then he led his troops northward, in one fell swoop destroying the Xiongnu and the Wusun, eliminating the long-standing border threats of Han. His military strategy and decisive courage are truly beyond ordinary men."

Jin Fu then said: "Not only that, His Majesty opened up the southwestern barbarian regions, further expanding Han's territory, promoting ethnic integration and cultural exchange; such achievements are worthy of being recorded in history."

At the same time, in cultural matters, Jin Fu sighed: "Dong Zhongshu's becoming a sage is inseparable from His Majesty's patronage and support. His Majesty widely recruited talented individuals, advocated Confucian thought, making Han's cultural atmosphere ever richer, and the people's moral cultivation also improved."

Huo Guang also nodded in agreement: "This move of His Majesty laid a solid cultural foundation for Han, with far-reaching influence."

Recalling the suppression of Sang Hongyang's rebellion, Huo Guang said: "Sang Hongyang foolishly plotted treason, disturbing the court order. His Majesty, perceptive to the finest detail, swiftly eradicated him, preserving Han's stability and tranquility."

Jin Fu lamented: "His Majesty remained calm in crisis and handled affairs properly; this is indeed a blessing for our Han."

All along the way, Huo Guang and Jin Fu enumerated Liu Ju's achievements without end.

In their hearts, Liu Ju's civil and military accomplishments far surpassed those of Emperor Wu of Han and Qin Shi Huang. Although Emperor Wu of Han expanded the borders, he also caused the people to suffer much from war;

Although Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, he enforced harsh laws.

Whereas Liu Ju, taking the people as his foundation, achieved outstanding accomplishments in developing the economy, stabilizing the frontiers, and flourishing culture, leading Han toward an unprecedented glory.

The two, filled with boundless reverence for Liu Ju, quickened their pace back to the capital; no matter why Liu Ju summoned them, they both hoped to return to the court as soon as possible.

An audience with the Son of Heaven!