Chapter 175: Policy Disagreement

Jin Fu returned to Chang'an with mixed feelings, standing before the once extremely familiar Jin Manor, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He clearly remembered that before heading to Yanjing, in order to raise funds, he had painfully sold this manor that carried his family's many years of memories.

Now revisiting the old place, looking at that familiar gate, past memories surged like a tide.

As Jin Fu was immersed in his memories, the gate slowly opened, and a familiar figure shuffled out.

It was actually the steward he had once dismissed; the steward instantly recognized Jin Fu, tears welling up in his eyes, he fell to his knees with a "plop" and said in a trembling voice, "Young Master, you've finally come back!"

Jin Fu was both startled and delighted, quickly stepping forward to help the steward up, asking, "Old steward, why are you still here? Didn't I already dismiss you?"

The steward wiped his tears, excitedly saying, "Young Master, the Son of Heaven is wise! The Son of Heaven, remembering the Jin clan's merits and old affection, hearing that you sold the residence, specially sent someone to buy it back, and instructed this old servant to guard it, saying you would surely return one day."

Upon hearing this, Jin Fu felt as if struck by lightning, his heart full of shock and emotion.

He never imagined that the busy Emperor Liu Ju would care for him so deeply, cherishing this lingering affection.

Jin Fu's eyes reddened, he turned and faced the direction of Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, slowly knelt, and performed a respectful kowtow.

"Your Majesty's grace, I, Jin Fu, cannot repay; I will offer my liver and brains to the ground, serving Your Majesty and the Han with the devotion of a dog and horse."

Unlike Jin Fu, Huo Guang had just entered the Huo Manor, not yet had time to put down his luggage, when he was overwhelmed by the scene before him, feeling somewhat at a loss.

A group of matchmaker-like people swarmed forward, chattering: "Lord Huo, you are now a high-ranking official in the court; at your age you should marry and establish a household. I have a lady here, lovely in appearance and gentle in character, surely she will be harmonious with you like zither and lute..."

"Lord Huo, my family's lady is well-educated and virtuous, talented and of good character, she would be a perfect match for you..."

Huo Guang was surrounded in the middle, wearing an embarrassed and helpless smile, but his heart was full of annoyance.

After finally getting away from the crowd, Huo Guang returned to his room, sat on the bed, and let out a long sigh.

At this moment, Liu Xijun's figure involuntarily appeared in his mind.

He still remembered their first meeting in Xianyang, sunlight falling on Liu Xijun, she seemed like a fairy descending to the mortal world, her beauty that could overthrow cities and states left Huo Guang astonished as if seeing a heavenly being, his heart seemingly stopping at that moment.

Thereafter, they worked together; during those days they fought side by side, offering plans and strategies for Han affairs.

Every conversation, every tacit glance, made Huo Guang feel ever warmer and happier.

However, Huo Guang also clearly knew that Liu Xijun's feelings toward him were perhaps merely friendship.

"Intentional blossoms, indifferent flowing water"—this unrequited love filled Huo Guang's heart with bitterness.

He gazed out the window at the gradually setting sunset, couldn't help but sigh deeply, immersed in memory, unable to free himself for a long time.

The next day, in the solemn Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace, Liu Ju sat high upon the Dragon Throne, his gaze sweeping over the officials below.

"All my beloved officials, today at court I have specially summoned Tian Qiuqiu, Huo Guang, and Jin Fu. I already know that Minister Tian and Minister Huo have many disagreements on policy regarding the construction of the Grand Canal; today I will make this clear here."

Liu Ju's voice was deep and powerful, echoing in the hall.

Upon hearing this, Tian Qiuqiu stepped forward first, slightly bowed, and said with a hint of urgency: "Your Majesty, Huo Guang acts overly cautious and timid, truly the benevolence of a woman. Your Majesty's sagacity, the policies you promote have brought earth-shaking changes to Han, making our nation's strength grow daily. Such wise decisions should be swiftly implemented; how could they be delayed by Huo Guang's hesitation?"

After he spoke, several officials behind him who shared his stance nodded in agreement; one official loudly said, "Your Majesty, Minister Tian's words are absolutely correct. We should firmly support each of Your Majesty's decisions, swiftly implement them, only then can Han continue to prosper."

Huo Guang's face remained calm; he unhurriedly stepped out of the line, clasped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, Minister Tian and the various officials' opinions, I dare not agree. Governing concerns the state and livelihood, pulling one thread moves the whole body. Each policy's implementation should be thoroughly examined, fully considering its possible effects."

"If acted rashly, once a mistake occurs, it will surely shake the foundations of the state and cause the people to suffer. I believe that being cautious is not a fault; only thus can we ensure policies truly benefit the people and promote Han's long-term development."

Huo Guang spoke earnestly, his gaze fixed firmly on Liu Ju.

As his words fell, the atmosphere in the court grew even more tense; officials split into two factions, whispering among themselves.

Ministers supporting Tian Qiuqiu repeatedly blamed Huo Guang for being overly conservative, hindering Han's development;

while some ministers who agreed with Huo Guang's view considered his caution an expression of responsibility to the state.

Jin Fu stood aside, brow furrowed, watching the two sides argue irreconcilably, secretly thinking that if this dispute were not properly settled, it would likely affect court harmony and the progress of governance.

Liu Ju listened silently to both sides' debate, his expression unchanged, while inwardly weighing the pros and cons.

He deeply understood Tian Qiuqiu's urgency, which was an earnest hope for Han's development;

also understood Huo Guang's caution, stemming from responsibility to the state and the people.

After both sides paused briefly, Liu Ju slowly said: "Both of you, beloved officials, are pillars of my Han; your words are reasonable. Yet in court we should seek common ground while reserving differences, jointly planning for Han's development. This matter still requires long-term consideration."

Wei Qing, who had remained silent until now, quietly listened to the debate between Tian Qiuqiu and Huo Guang.

After both sides paused briefly, he stepped forward slowly, clasped his hands, and spoke with a voice like a great bell: "Your Majesty, in the view of this old minister, Minister Tian's heart is set on Han's speed of development, hoping policies can be swiftly implemented to show results; this earnestness is commendable. Lord Huo worries about the foundation of policy implementation, fearing that rash advancement could bring disaster; his caution too is for Han's long-term plan."

Wei Qing gazed peacefully at Tian Qiuqiu and Huo Guang, continuing: "Although the two officials differ in policy views, both are for Han's welfare. I think we should take the strengths of both, ensuring steady policy implementation while accelerating execution, thus achieving both goals."

Zhang Qian also rose, slightly nodded, and said: "Your Majesty, Minister Tian advocates swiftly implementing Your Majesty's wise decisions, which can make Han advance quickly; Lord Huo emphasizes cautious examination, which can ensure policies fit local conditions. The two are not contradictory but complementary. If a balance can be found, my Han will surely advance steadily and swiftly on the path of development."

Su Wu's expression solemn, he stepped forward to admonish: "Your Majesty, I believe Lord Huo's caution is not a fault. Policies concern all the people; if mistaken, the people suffer. Minister Tian's urgency also hopes for Han to become strong early. But in this court, we should show more tolerance."

After a moment's thought, Wei Xiang said: "Your Majesty, the dispute between Minister Tian and Lord Huo essentially concerns differing views on the pace of governance. Minister Tian focuses on the present, seeking rapid change; Lord Huo looks to the future, emphasizing a solid foundation."

Pausing, he continued: "Your Majesty, I suggest establishing a dedicated investigation team, led by Lord Huo, to conduct in-depth research on policy feasibility in various regions; then Minister Tian can swiftly push for implementation based on that. Such division of cooperation could resolve differences, making Han's strategies as perfect as possible."

"Your Majesty, I believe both Lord Tian and Lord Huo are wholeheartedly for Han. However, if this dispute continues endlessly, it may affect court harmony. Rather, Your Majesty should set a deadline, letting each official produce a governance plan, try it out on a small scale, and judge by results; this would both settle the dispute and select the best plan for Han."

Xu Wei also could not help but step forward to speak.

Everyone expressed their opinions, and the court was filled with discussion.