Chapter 205: Another Arrangement

After a moment, an attendant announced that the three were to be granted an audience.

They stepped into the front hall of Weiyang Palace with heavy steps.

Upon seeing Liu Ju, they fell to their knees with a thud, neat and uniform, their movements showing both reverence for the emperor and inner fear.

Wei Qing spoke first, his voice low and heavy with guilt: "Your Majesty, I, Wei Qing, deserve death ten thousand times! In the midst of chaos in the court, I failed to see through the treacherous officials, even harbored thoughts of retreat, and nearly abandoned Your Majesty and the court. Though I possess martial skills, I failed to safeguard the court's purity, betraying Your Majesty's trust and heavy mandate; I beg Your Majesty to punish me severely."

As he spoke, he knocked his forehead hard against the ground and did not rise for a long time; his broad back trembled slightly, as if bearing immense psychological pressure.

Zhang Qian immediately said: "Your Majesty, I, Zhang Qian, feel disheartened after returning from my mission; I ought to have retired to the countryside, but thanks to Your Majesty's promotion I again serve the Great Han. I should have wholeheartedly assisted Your Majesty, yet because I failed to see through the scheming and could not in time relieve Your Majesty's worries, the court has become dusty and the loyal have been wronged. I deeply feel self-reproach; my guilt cannot be absolved even by ten thousand deaths, and I beg to accept any punishment You deem fit."

Zhang Qian lifted his head, no longer calm as before, his eyes full of regret.

Tian Qianqiu shuffled forward a few steps, his voice slightly hoarse, and said: "Your Majesty, all this is because of me, your old servant. Though I have retired, hearing of the turmoil in the court, I am also extremely anxious. I failed to step forward in the court's danger, allowing the treacherous to run rampant; I truly feel unworthy of Your Majesty's favor and of this court. I beg Your Majesty to impose punishment, to serve as a warning to others."

Tian Qianqiu's body trembled slightly.

The three knelt on the ground, not daring to breathe, and the front hall fell silent in an instant, only their heavy breaths audible.

They eagerly awaited Liu Ju's response.

Liu Ju sat upright on the main seat of Weiyang Palace, his gaze sweeping gently over the kneeling Wei Qing, Zhang Qian, and Tian Qianqiu, then spoke slowly:

"My three beloved ministers, please rise at once; how could I blame you? The treacherous officials in the court are deceitful, fooling everyone—this is certainly not your fault. In this arrangement I concealed from you, I was compelled by circumstances; I hope you will understand."

Liu Ju's voice was steady and full of sincerity, his eyes filled with concern for the three ministers.

He rose, walked to Wei Qing, extended his hand to help him up, and sighed: "Wei King, you have campaigned south and north for the Great Han, your military achievements are outstanding; you are a pillar of the state. In past campaigns you risked life and limb, expanding the Great Han's territory and securing peace. Now the turmoil in the court is certainly not something you alone could reverse. I know well that your heart is for the nation; this thought of retreat is merely a temporary helplessness."

Wei Qing lifted his head, his eyes full of emotion, red-rimmed, his lips trembling slightly, yet unable to speak from excitement.

Next, Liu Ju walked to Zhang Qian's side, took his hand, and said: "Zhang Qing, you undertook missions to the Western Regions, helped establish an academy, endured hardships, opened the Silk Road, built a new education system, bringing endless trade and cultural flourishing to the Great Han—your merit is immeasurable. Although in this court affair you failed to detect the treacherous in time, your loyalty is evident to heaven and earth. I believe you will continue to devise plans for the Great Han and contribute your strength."

Zhang Qian bowed deeply, his eyes flashing with grateful light: "Your Majesty, such deep favor—I will not shirk even ten thousand deaths."

Finally, Liu Ju approached Tian Qianqiu, took both hands to help up this white-haired old minister, who had served faithfully beside the crown prince from the beginning, giving his all.

Even when he had policy disagreements with Huo Guang, he still displayed the bearing of a gentleman.

Moreover, Liu Ju himself felt a destined fondness for Tian Qianqiu.

Because in his memory, in a previous life the 'Rebellious Crown Prince' was finally vindicated, and that was also thanks to Tian Qianqiu risking his life to advise Emperor Wu of Han—a merit that cannot be overstated.

Faced with such an upright and loyal old minister, how could Liu Ju possibly blame him?

He looked at Tian Qianqiu with concern and said: "Tian Qing, you have labored for the court for many years; even in retirement, I know well that your heart belongs to the Great Han. The turmoil in the court is not your fault. Now I only hope you may enjoy your twilight years in good health. If you have any needs, please speak to me freely."

Tian Qianqiu burst into tears and fell to his knees with a thud: "Your Majesty's grace—even if I were to sacrifice my body and bones, I could never repay it."

The three stood in the hall, their hearts full of gratitude toward Liu Ju.

They never imagined that Liu Ju would not only tolerate their 'mistakes,' but also take the initiative to apologize, affirm their achievements, and care for their livelihoods.

Such imperial favor made their blood boil; they secretly vowed to devote themselves utterly to the Great Han and to Liu Ju, to serve until death.

However, their purpose in coming here today was not at all like that.

Rather, they wished to make a preparatory contribution to the Great Han, not to retire and idle away at home.

Wei Qing, Zhang Qian, and Tian Qianqiu, hearing Liu Ju's such considerate concern, felt their hearts burn hotter; they immediately clasped their fists and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, our bodies are still strong; the court is now in need of talent. We beg Your Majesty's permission to continue serving in the administration and to contribute again to the prosperity of the Great Han."

Their eyes were full of eagerness and resolve; they all wished to continue shining and contributing in the court.

Liu Ju shook his head slightly, a gentle smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over the three, and spoke earnestly: "The loyalty of the three beloved ministers is seen by me and kept in my heart. However, you have toiled for the Great Han half your lives—warfare, missions, and court affairs exhausting your energies; you are already utterly weary in body and mind. Now it is time to enjoy your twilight years."

Liu Ju saw the three clearly disappointed, paused briefly, and a flicker of thought crossed his eyes.

Wei Qing, upon hearing this, saw his expectation vanish instantly; his formerly straight back bent slightly, his eyes full of loss.

He clenched his fists tightly, his lips moved, but ultimately said nothing.

This veteran of countless battles, unafraid of life or death, now felt as if struck by a heavy blow, his mind silently pondering:

Could it be that Your Majesty still holds a grudge over my earlier thought of retreat, unwilling to give me another chance to serve the Great Han?

He lowered his head slightly, feeling utterly disheartened.

Zhang Qian's smile also froze, his eyes showing deep disappointment.

His gaze, once full of hope, turned dim and lifeless, his body trembling slightly.

Zhang Qian reflected on his life; though he now hoped to contribute his remaining vigor in the court, Liu Ju refused him.

He could not help wondering whether his inaction during the court's turmoil had made Your Majesty's heart turn completely cold.

Zhang Qian's mouth corners twitched downward, revealing a hint of bitter smile; his heart was full of self-reproach and helplessness.

Tian Qianqiu, upon hearing Liu Ju's words, saw his aged face full of dejection.

His once straight spine bent completely, as if his backbone had been pulled out.

Tian Qianqiu's eyes reddened, his lips trembling as he said: "This old servant has always been devoted to Han; though retired at home, I still keep watch on the court. I had thought I might again have a chance to ease Your Majesty's burdens, but it seems I was being overly sentimental."

He felt deep regret, wondering whether he had chosen to retreat when the court most needed him, causing Your Majesty to be utterly disappointed in him.

Liu Ju chuckled helplessly, shook his head slightly, and said: "You beloved ministers have misunderstood me; I actually have an idea. Now the Great Han's national strength is flourishing, yet those officials who have earned merit for the state lack a good place to peacefully recuperate and enjoy their twilight years. I wish for the three beloved ministers to take the lead in preparing a Great Han Sanatorium, dedicated to providing these meritorious officials with a place to rest and recover. This matter is of great significance: it would allow meritorious officials to spend their later years in peace, and also demonstrate the Great Han's respect and care for its meritorious subjects, inspiring future generations to devote themselves to the nation."

Wei Qing, Zhang Qian, and Tian Qianqiu, upon hearing this, were first stunned, then their eyes blazed with light.

Wei Qing exclaimed excitedly: "Your Majesty, this plan is excellent! To secure welfare for the Great Han's meritorious officials, I will certainly devote myself fully."

Zhang Qian also hurriedly bowed, his face full of excitement: "Your Majesty, your wisdom is clear; preparing a sanatorium brings benefit to the present and advantage for ages to come—I am willing to give my all."

Tian Qianqiu burst into tears, his voice trembling as he said: "Your Majesty shows such care for your subjects; even if I must strain this old body, I will see to it that this sanatorium is properly settled."

The three were filled with enthusiasm, and the regret of not being able to serve directly at court vanished instantly.