Chapter 9: Inspecting the Common Folk
That night, Crown Prince Liu Ju and his grandson Liu Jin pondered long and hard but could not fathom why Emperor Wu of Han had suddenly changed his mind.
Was this still the same resolute and stubborn sovereign of the mighty Han, known for his relentless militarism?
Yet, no matter the reason, the outcome was ultimately favorable. As long as their father went out the next day to inspect the people—if only as a formality—it would ease the current tension within the Crown Prince’s palace.
It would also cause the external court to show some measure of caution toward the Crown Prince’s household, at least preventing some wavering officials from turning hostile.
That alone was enough.
Liu Jin was in a notably good mood that evening. Returning to the side hall of the rear courtyard, he drank some wine alone and then quietly sat in the study, poring over ancient texts and historical records.
Late into the night, his mother, Lady Shi, brought him a warm bowl of goat’s milk, gently urging him to rest early.
His father, Liu Ju, also came by once, advising him not to worry too much.
Though he had not lived long in the Han era, his parents’ concern for him had never wavered. In such a warm family, he was determined not to let history’s tragedies repeat.
Early the next morning.
Liu Jin rose early to find his father, who had already donned his traveling attire: a crown for distant journeys, supported horizontally by an iron beam, paired with a white silk inner robe edged in black, crimson stockings, and a scarlet outer robe. The colors of the robes adhered strictly to the seasons—scarlet for spring and summer—to comply with the rites and the times.
At his waist, a scarlet sash held jade accessories and a sword, with crimson leather knee guards completing the ensemble.
Every detail displayed the solemn dignity and majesty befitting the Crown Prince of the Han.
Outside, soldiers bearing halberds awaited, and the carriage was prepared.
Liu Jin stood dazed, recalling how gentle and refined his father had seemed the day before. But now, clad in garments symbolizing power and status, he emanated an overwhelming aura of authority.
Once Liu Ju took his place inside the carriage drawn by five robust black horses, a mere glance from him radiated the bearing of the heir apparent.
He nodded slightly to Liu Jin at his side, then the procession departed the Chang Le Palace in perfect order.
...
Citizens lined both sides of Hengmen Avenue, standing solemnly to welcome the Crown Prince’s procession. The people bowed with reverence as Liu Ju acknowledged them with repeated nods, the escort steadily moving onward toward the distance.
---
Among the crowd on Hengmen Avenue, Liu Jin wore a broad smile.
Suddenly, a hand rested lightly on his shoulder. The Crown Prince’s palace guards, hidden in the shadows, did not intervene, so Liu Jin knew the person was an old acquaintance.
He turned to see Old Master Qiu, his hair half black and half white, smiling warmly. Liu Jin returned the smile. “You’re still in the city, sir?”
Emperor Wu of Han chuckled, the lines etched deeply by time across his face. “Why are you grinning like a fool?”
“Did you think the Crown Prince only greets you?” Liu Jin laughed softly, then followed the old man out of the crowd, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “You’re quite skillful, sir—so good at hiding your hand.”
The emperor’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if this youth had recognized him. But seeing Liu Jin’s relaxed expression, he dismissed the thought.
“What’s this about?”
Liu Jin said, “The other night, you claimed there was nothing in Chang’an you couldn’t accomplish. Sure enough, yesterday I met my grandfather. That must have been through your connections, right?”
The emperor pondered briefly, then realized Liu Jin was teasing him. Pretending to be displeased, he said, “You brat, joking about me. I don’t even know who your grandfather is.”
“Ha! Be magnanimous—no calling my grandfather a scoundrel today. He’s actually quite a decent man.”
The emperor’s lips twitched slightly. This little rascal really came every day, hoping he would curse his grandfather, didn’t he?
Seeing the boy’s mood lift inexplicably, the emperor’s own spirits brightened.
But soon he said, “The Crown Prince leaving the palace to inspect the people—that doesn’t bode well.”
“Why not?” Liu Jin asked.
The emperor clasped his hands behind his back, a knowing smile on his face. “Old as I am, I’ve made many friends, and some still hold official posts. I understand a few things. The Crown Prince stepping out to inspect—doesn’t that mean he’s monopolizing the people’s favor? The emperor is still on the throne; won’t this make him even more wary?”
“Indeed. The emperor remains alive; the people’s gratitude is toward him, not the Crown Prince.”
Liu Jin rolled his eyes at Emperor Wu. “You really need to sharpen your political insight.”
---
“How so? The Crown Prince represents the emperor on these tours. Since the emperor cannot find the time, he sends the Crown Prince in his stead. The people’s gratitude is for the emperor, never the prince.”
“Shall we bet on it over lunch? I’ll find someone to ask.”
The emperor hesitated, but Liu Jin quickly grabbed a small old man nearby and asked, “Sir, how concerned is our Crown Prince for us?”
The old man grinned widely. “Very much so. The emperor cares for us deeply. We heard he even ordered the government to distribute irrigation tools, and now the Crown Prince is out inspecting on his behalf. Our Han emperor is truly a benevolent ruler who cares for all his people!”
Though there was some exaggeration, the people’s immediate thought was not of the Crown Prince, but of Emperor Wu himself. This gave the emperor pause, clearly showing he had misjudged the hearts of the people.
Liu Jin shrugged and glanced at the emperor. “Lunch is on you.”
The emperor replied, “...When did I agree to that?”
“No response means consent.”
The emperor sighed, amused and helpless. This youngster really took him for a lifelong friend, didn’t he?
Yet, a complex feeling stirred within him. He had indeed been wary of the Crown Prince’s growing power, especially since the Han’s defeat against the Xiongnu seven years ago. Voices calling for the Crown Prince to assume power grew stronger.
Unlike Emperor Wu’s harsh governance, Liu Jin embraced Confucian principles of gentle rule. Amid the burdens of war, conscription, and heavy taxes, the people longed desperately for stable governance, thus rallying behind Crown Prince Liu Ju.
Liu Ju’s insight into his father’s mind was sharp; he understood what Emperor Wu thought.
But Emperor Wu did not know what his son truly desired. Their intention was simply to protect the Crown Prince’s household from attack by this gesture alone. Even so, they remained cautious, careful not to offend the emperor.
The emperor sighed softly.
“What are you thinking about, lost in thought like that?” Liu Jin asked, curious. “Don’t be so stingy—a meal is nothing.”
The emperor smiled wryly. “Do I look like someone who begrudges a meal?”
“I’m just wondering—why, after all the conscriptions and levies, do the people still praise the current emperor instead of resenting him?”
Liu Jin chuckled. “A ruler who is not kind is not beloved; a people who are not fearful are not subdued. The common folk aren’t so daunting. With just a little kindness, they become grateful and loyal. From ancient times to now, they have always been the easiest to govern. When the people are the foundation, the nation endures in peace.”