The Emperor’s entourage continued their hunting tour according to the original route, turning from the north toward Donghai and Qi. Qi had already been divided into Linzi princedom and several prefectures and counties. Though the rebellion had just been quelled, traces of the war’s devastation remained visible. The Emperor proclaimed a general amnesty, generously rewarded the generals and soldiers who had suppressed the rebellion, and recalled them to their original posts, leaving only a small number to establish a naval force.

Though the rebel army had suffered a crushing defeat, many pirates who had participated in the rebellion, along with their ringleaders, had fled to the sea, remaining a lingering threat.

The Great Chu had originally possessed naval forces, but they were too small in scale and scattered. Han Ruzi consolidated these various forces and appointed commanding generals. The next steps would be recruiting soldiers while constructing ships. The Ministry of War estimated it would take three years to achieve modest success, and at least five years to completely eliminate the pirate menace.

Han Ruzi could wait. He was no longer as urgent as he had been initially – everything required time. Most crucially, the Great Chu had been exhausted for many years and desperately needed rest and recovery.

At his ministers’ strong recommendation, the Emperor did not travel too far south. He merely gazed upon the river from its banks before beginning his journey back to the Capital.

Prince Donghai achieved his wish and was not left behind in Donghai, returning to the Capital with the Emperor.

Except for the princess consort, the Tan family members had to remain in Donghai under official supervision, with several young descendants sent north to serve in the army and atone for their crimes through military merit.

Regarding the pugilist world, Han Ruzi was no longer so eager to strike. He needed to formulate a more comprehensive plan.

Officials from Luoyang traveled a thirty miles outside the city to the border of Henan Prefecture to respectfully welcome the Emperor, with even grander ceremony than the previous time.

It was late summer, and the palace continuously sent messengers urging the Emperor to return quickly to the Capital. Han Ruzi could only stay in Luoyang for three days.

Wang Jianhuo was not among the first group to receive an audience. Only on the morning of the third day did he receive an edict to meet the emperor.

Ugly Wang sensed he had been working in vain. While the Emperor was still en route, he had already written a memorial and sent it through messengers to the Emperor, explaining everything clearly and stating that he held substantial evidence in his hands, ready to present it whenever the Emperor required.

But the Emperor had waited so long to summon him, clearly hesitant about how to handle the Luoyang situation.

The temporary palace had a rear garden, and the Emperor invited Ugly Wang to admire the flowers together. Several eunuchs followed at a distance carrying fruit wine and other refreshments, not interfering with their conversation.

After chatting casually for a while, Han Ruzi smiled and said, “You seem to have something on your mind.”

Wang Jianhuo no longer held any hope. After experiencing the siege of Jincheng City, the Emperor had lost much of his sharp edge and could not accomplish great things. “The displaced people have all been sent back to their hometowns. Some may not have time to plant crops, but these are local problems to solve. I cannot help. I have come today to bid farewell to Your Majesty.”

“You’re leaving Luoyang?”

“Yes, to wander everywhere, then settle in Linzi, where I have an estate.”

Henan Prefect Han Chou had gifted the Ugly King two estates – one in the Capital and one in Linzi. Wang Jianhuo had clearly stated this in his memorial.

Han Ruzi chuckled twice, knowing Ugly Wang was trying to enlighten him. He led the way into a nearby pavilion, where eunuchs immediately served fruit wine before withdrawing.

“The matter is very difficult to handle,” Han Ruzi spoke frankly. He had consulted many people’s opinions. Except for Cui Teng, all believed Luoyang was difficult to govern. Arresting too few people would accomplish nothing, while arresting too many might severely impact the commercial operations of the entire Great Chu. As for Han Chou, he was the Emperor’s elder and enjoyed the favor of Maiden Wang, making his punishment especially delicate.

Wang Jianghuo had no intention of persuading him and nodded. “This commoner understands. I have only one request.”

“Please speak.”

“Large numbers of displaced people borrowed money and grain from merchants to return home. Come autumn, they will inevitably have to sell their land and family members, becoming slaves. Not only will families be destroyed, but it will bring no benefit to the court.”

“Indeed. What do you think should be done?”

“Allow people everywhere to borrow from government offices to weather this crisis.”

“Local government offices may not have so much money. If there were a few more officials like Prefect Han Chou, they could easily accept merchants’ bribes and force the people to repay their loans.”

Wang Jianhuo sighed softly, “Since Your Majesty has difficulties, I’ll pretend I never mentioned it.”

“No, this matter must be resolved. Do you have any other solutions?”

Wang Jianhuo thought for a while, then shook his head. “I will do my utmost. Perhaps I can still save some people.”

“The displaced people have no relation to you whatsoever, yet you still wish to do your utmost for them. We are the Emperor of Great Chu—how could We stand aside?” Han Ruzi beckoned, and Zhang Youcai entered from outside, placing a folded paper on the stone table.

Wang Jianhuo received the indication and opened it for a glance. It was an imperial edict that had not yet been issued, stating that the Emperor would soon return to the Capital. Moved by the hardships of the people’s displacement, all deeds of debts from displaced people returning to their homes between certain dates would be surrendered to local government offices, then collected from various regions to the Capital, where the Emperor would open his private treasury to repay the debts on behalf of the people.

After reading it, Wang Jianhuo was greatly shocked. He looked up at the Emperor, finally understanding that the cautious prudence was merely a facade—the Emperor still possessed a resolute heart.

“Your Majesty…” After his surprise, Wang Jianhuo still had something to say. “Debt deeds can be forged. Once Your Majesty opens this door, the debts will likely multiply several times over. Your Majesty… can you afford to pay them?”

Han Ruzi smiled slightly. “That is why We need the lists and evidence you have collected. They can come for money—We will never default on debts—but We must also discuss their illegal activities.”

Wang Jianhuo suddenly understood. The Emperor was first taking the debts upon himself, then frightening the merchants so they would not dare demand payment.

“This is… which expert advised Your Majesty on this plan?” Wang Jianhuo could not believe the young Emperor could devise such a scheme.

Indeed, this was not Han Ruzi’s achievement, but a plan drafted by Qiao Wanfu.

“We have capable ministers at Our side,” Han Ruzi said vaguely. “Do you think this is feasible?”

“There may still be some fearless people who will demand payment from Your Majesty.”

“As long as the debt is legitimate and the person has committed no illegal acts, We are willing to repay it.”

Wang Jianhuo pondered for a while. “This means Your Majesty will not immediately deal with the merchants of Luoyang?”

“Merchants pursue profit, but they also facilitate the flow of goods. Too many of them harm the people, but too few harm the people even more. We shall take their profits but keep them as people, observing their future conduct.”

“They cannot change.”

“If all officials in Luoyang could be as honest and just as you, merchants would have no bribes to offer. Would they still be unable to change then?”

Wang Jianhuo understood the Emperor’s intention to retain his services. He rose from his stool, wanting to kneel and decline, but the Emperor gestured for him to sit down. Wang Jianhuo said, “Someone like me is not fit to be an official.”

“We do not force you.” Han Ruzi still felt some regret. “The masses of villains may be pardoned, but the ringleaders must be eliminated. We must at least ensure that Luoyang merchants dare not collude with officials for some time.”

“Even if they are imperial clan members?”

Han Ruzi nodded. “But Our methods may not meet your expectations. We intend to promote the Prefect of Henan.”

Wang Jianhuo was startled. “Promote him?”

“Prefect of Henan has achieved merit in the selection of consorts We intend to promote him to Director of the Bureau of Imperial Clan Affairs, which is half a rank higher. He will accompany Us to the Capital tomorrow, with a bright future ahead.”

Han Chou’s family had operated in Luoyang for several generations with deep roots. Transferring him from Luoyang first would make things easier to handle.

“Does Your Majesty understand the inside story of the selection? Noble families wanting to send their daughters to the palace must send gifts to the Prefect of Henan. Common families who do not wish to curry favor with dragons and phoenixes must also send gifts. The Prefect of Henan secured half the quota—quite a profitable business.”

“Ha! The Prefect of Henan was hoarding goods for speculation, but he misjudged the buyer. This time he will surely lose everything.”

Wang Jianhuo had no more doubts. His disappointment turned to joy, then from joy to admiration. He even felt an impulse to pledge loyalty to the Emperor, but he restrained himself. He understood his own character—he ultimately did not wish to be constrained. So he said, “This commoner has another plan. Would Your Majesty like to hear it?”

“I am all ears,” Han Ruzi said with a smile.

Ugly Wang had been harboring this plan for a long time without speaking of it. Only after confirming that the Emperor truly intended to take action did he consent to reveal his innermost thoughts.

Wang Jianhuo rose and cupped his hands, saying solemnly, “I, having received Your Majesty’s grace to oversee the settlement of refugees, accepted two residences and a large amount of wealth. The evidence is conclusive, and I willingly submit to punishment. If Your Majesty wishes to govern Luoyang, please begin with this commoner.”

Han Ruzi sighed softly. He had previously rebuked Wang Jianhuo in an imperial edict, with the purpose of helping him carry out his duties. It seemed Wang Jianhuo had tasted the “sweetness” and wanted to continue, allowing himself to completely withdraw from the court and return to the pugilist world.

Han Ruzi sighed because he had just sent away someone who was unwilling to remain in Great Chu.

“Very well, as you wish.”

Wang Jianhuo knelt down and kowtowed in sincere gratitude.

The Prefect of Henan, Han Chou, did not yet know the news of his “promotion.” Seeing that the Emperor’s visit this time was not as cold and arrogant as the last, and that he was willing to stay in the temporary palace he had arranged, Han Chou was extremely pleased. He had gathered a large number of selected beauties and had artists create illustrated catalogs early on, so the Emperor could select by picture or inspect them directly.

The Emperor’s final morning in Luoyang was spent on this matter. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Officials at all levels were summoned to the temporary palace. Henan Prefecture’s clerks carried in three large chests of illustrated catalogs. Han Chou had been very cautious, having already found the most famous matchmaker in Luoyang city to explain each woman’s characteristics to the Emperor.

The matchmaker had prepared for nearly a month for this. To highlight or conceal certain women’s qualities, she had received many gifts and was therefore full of fighting spirit, ready to display her skills before the Emperor as the pinnacle work of her lifetime career in matchmaking.

However, she had no opportunity to use her talents. She only caught a distant glimpse of the Emperor, and all her beautiful words remained bottled up inside her. It was said that after returning home, she fell seriously ill and did not engage in matchmaking for many years.

Compared to her, the Prefect of Henan Han Chou was even more unfortunate.

Before numerous officials of Henan Prefecture, Liu Jie of the Palace Secretariat read several imperial edicts. The first ordered all selected women to be sent back to their respective homes. In the edict, the Emperor blamed himself, believing that the siege of Jincheng was entirely his fault alone, causing upheaval throughout the realm and anxiety among officials and commoners. Having fortunately escaped, he dared not disturb the people again. For three years, no selection of consorts would be permitted, and women over fifteen years old were allowed to marry.

The Emperor connected the consort selection with the siege of Jincheng, and no one dared make a sound. Han Chou was drenched in sweat and soon discovered this was only the beginning of his misfortune.

The second edict exiled Ugly Wang to the northern frontier for accepting bribes. In consideration of Wang Jianhuo’s merit in settling refugees and his willingness to confess voluntarily, he was permitted to go without shackles, and his family and property would not be implicated.

The third edict was the later famous “Substitutive Payment Decree.” The Emperor took possession of all deeds of debts and loan documents written by refugees in recent months. At the time, Han Chou was least interested in this particular edict.

The fourth edict stated that the Prefect of Henan Han Chou had worked tirelessly with great merit and commendable loyalty, worthy of being a model for the imperial clan. He was specially promoted to Director of the Bureau of Imperial Clan Affairs and was to accompany the imperial entourage to the Capital immediately.

Han Chou fainted on the spot, not even having the chance to express his gratitude.

Han Ruzi ordered Han Chou to be carried along on the journey back to the Capital. Through this expedition, he understood many principles, especially Yang Feng’s words:

A person matures twice in life: the first time when they know what they can do, the second time when they know what they cannot do.

“Cannot” did not mean not doing, but doing more skillfully.

Han Ruzi still had his revenge against the Xiongnu to settle, and various hidden threats like Cloud Dream Marsh, the eastern pirates, and the Western Region’s fortification also needed resolution. But first, he had to return to the imperial palace to face those closest to him.

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