Chapter 10: The Emperor's Mind Is Unfathomable
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A nation can only achieve long-lasting peace when it puts its people first.
Emperor Wu of Han savored Liu Jin’s words and smiled gently. “I never expected you, boy, to actually understand how to govern a country.”
Having paid no attention to his grandson for over ten years, he truly did not anticipate such a transformation.
Liu Jin waved his hand modestly. “I don’t know how to govern a country. I’ve only read some books. Governing is not something I can explain in a few words. The art of rulership is profound and unfathomable—I hardly understand it.”
Emperor Wu smiled faintly and said calmly, “There’s nothing difficult about it. Ultimately, the heart of rulership lies in balance. The highest ideal is ‘governing by non-interference.’”
The Emperors Wen and Jing of Han always praised the Huang-Lao philosophy of governing by non-action. Earlier, Emperor Wu did not understand this and even despised such a policy. He saw governing by non-interference as losing control over the state. He believed the emperor must firmly grasp power, with the will of the Son of Heaven as the supreme command, carried out by the lower ranks.
But over time, he gradually understood the principle of governing by non-action was vastly different from what he imagined. Non-action does not mean doing nothing; it means achieving absolute control over the realm through balance and guidance.
This highest state was what he had long sought but never attained!
Seeing Liu Jin furrow his brow in thought, Emperor Wu chuckled, “Well? Any insights or feelings?”
Liu Jin replied, “I’m not trying to flatter you. I just think you’re amazing.”
“Tsk, tsk,” Emperor Wu said quietly, “So be it.”
“How is it that you can keep such seriousness and solemnity even when you’re just making things up?”
Pfft!
You say I’m making things up? I have taught you all my insights. Are you saying I’m just boasting?
Seeing the old man’s grumpy expression, Liu Jin chuckled. “Don’t discuss politics here—we might be overheard by someone with ill intentions, and both of us could end up in trouble!”
Emperor Wu rolled his eyes. “Why are you so timid? Where’s the spirit of a man?”
Because Crown Prince Liu Ju was cautious by nature, Emperor Wu thought he was unlike his own enterprising father.
Liu Jin nodded in agreement. “Right, right, you’re right. When the knife’s at your throat, you still hold firm—that’s why I respect you as a true man!”
“Old man, you’re getting on in years. You said you’re a great landowner. Tell me, when the court issued the edict of submission, did you ever back down?”
Emperor Wu snorted. “When the Son of Heaven took control of the state, the Xiongnu were strong and Han was weak. Did he back down then?”
Liu Jin asked in return, “Seven years ago, when Li Ling led an army and surrendered to the Xiongnu, why didn’t Your Majesty continue to fight afterward?”
Emperor Wu replied displeased, “That’s nonsense!”
“You see, you’re still quarrelsome at your age. And when you lose an argument, you get angry. Enough, enough, let’s not discuss this.”
“Besides, I’m not really afraid. If I end up inside, I can get out. I’m worried about you—what if you go in? What then?”
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Emperor Wu paused. “So you’re actually concerned about me?”
Liu Jin laughed. “Of course! You’re old. If you end up in prison, can you endure such hardship? What about your children and grandchildren? Wouldn’t that worry you?”
“Enough, enough. It’s getting late. Let me see you back.”
“Let’s go.”
With that, Liu Jin took the lead without waiting.
Emperor Wu looked troubled and sent a glance to embroidered official Bao Shengzhi nearby, who immediately went off to make arrangements.
He did not understand, nor did he grasp His Majesty’s intention. This was his own grandson—why such treatment?
They traveled to the outskirts.
In front of various fields, officials were present in varying numbers, placing dragon-bone waterwheels into low irrigation ditches, drawing the scarce river water to irrigate the crops.
The countryside stretched wide and vast, endless farmland as far as the eye could see. Although the sun was about to set, many elderly farmers were still busy in the fields.
Yet on their faces, one could see faint smiles.
Emperor Wu sighed, “You have saved so many farmers and common folk!”
“You will surely become the pride of your family someday.”
Liu Jin smiled and said, “Old man, why don’t you think I’m already the pride of our family now?”
Emperor Wu was momentarily at a loss for words.
“Old man, this is your home. It’s quite grand. Won’t you invite me in for a drink?”
Bao Shengzhi’s face was somewhat tense, and Emperor Wu understood time was pressing and the arrangements for the embroidered soldiers were not yet complete. A trace of annoyance crossed his face.
“But it’s getting late, maybe next time.”
Liu Jin spoke again, easing Emperor Wu’s mind.
“By the way, old man.”
“What do you elders usually like? I’m going back soon, and I want to bring something to honor my grandfather.”
Emperor Wu gave a half-smile. “He hardly sees you. Why bother trying to please him?”
Liu Jin said, “Because we’re competing for the family inheritance. How can I compete without currying favor?”
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Emperor Wu said, “Your filial piety is not pure!”
“Well then, give your grandfather a longevity golden peach. Trust me, elders all wish for long life, and your grandfather will treasure it!”
Liu Jin was speechless. “Isn’t that too mundane? Besides, my grandfather isn’t short of money. Will this really work?”
Emperor Wu was calm and confident. “I’m not bragging. Having lived this long, I understand human nature thoroughly.”
“You’ll see how formidable I am. If you truly win your grandfather’s favor, don’t forget me.”
“Of course not.”
“Alright, it’s getting late. You should get some rest—early to bed and early to rise keeps the body healthy.”
“Farewell.”
Liu Jin waved goodbye and walked along the country path, facing the sunset, chewing a foxtail grass, gently bathed in the soft summer evening breeze, leisurely walking into the distance.
Emperor Wu stood with his hands behind his back, squinting as he watched his eldest grandson depart, a kindly smile on his face.
“I acknowledge my fault.”
Bao Shengzhi hurriedly confessed while the emperor was in a good mood.
The notoriously temperamental Emperor Wu did not punish him but merely instructed, “Purchase this courtyard and have the embroidered soldiers move in. This will be my home away from the palace.”
Bao Shengzhi responded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty,”
“I’m slow-witted. Meeting inside Weiyang Palace would be more convenient than here. Why...?”
His unspoken meaning was clear: you and the Crown Prince’s grandson are only separated by one palace wall. Summoning him to Weiyang Palace would be far more convenient.
Emperor Wu’s expression grew complex but he did not answer Bao Shengzhi.
No one knew what the emperor, standing at the pinnacle of power, was really thinking at this moment. Perhaps... he wished to test his grandson?
If so, many arrangements would still need to be made.
But he was not yet certain if it was feasible, so he would wait a little longer.