Chapter 20: Could You Lend Me Some Money?
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Today the sky was clear and bright. The morning court assembly was held at Jianzhang Palace. In the first year of the Taichu era, Emperor Wu of Han, finding the Weiyang Palace cramped, expanded Jianzhang Palace, which thereafter grew in political importance and became the main venue for daily court meetings.
Officials gathered at the front hall of Jianzhang Palace to pay respects to Emperor Wu, marking the formal start of the grand court assembly on the early days of the sixth month.
The Crown Prince Liu Ju, who had not appeared at court assemblies for a long time, unexpectedly showed up today. The officials displayed mixed expressions—some astonished, some disdainful, some dismissive.
Overall, most officials at court did not look favorably upon Crown Prince Liu Ju.
This was hardly surprising.
Since the Taishi years, Emperor Wu had traveled frequently to places like Penglai Island and Mount Tai to perform rituals, leaving Crown Prince Liu Ju and Empress Wei Zifu to govern Chang’an in his stead.
During that period, did Liu Ju govern well? Certainly, he did exceedingly well!
But excelling did not mean the officials approved. Emperor Wu’s governance blended the way of the hegemon with Confucian internal law—a rule that was essentially duplicitous. Though Dong Zhongshu advised abolishing all schools but Confucianism, which Emperor Wu implemented, the Han still relied on harsh laws to control and enslave the people.
Hence, most officials enforced severe laws to govern and subjugate the populace.
Liu Ju was different. He was a true idealist who practiced outer law with inner Confucianism. Deep within, he sincerely believed in and upheld Confucian values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness—vastly different from Emperor Wu’s approach.
This naturally clashed with the officials’ mindset. Regardless of the various factions at court, many dared not and could not allow Liu Ju to ascend the throne. If he became emperor, who knew how many officials would suffer?
Under such circumstances, aside from loyal ministers like Gongsun He and the Wei clan, who else would support Crown Prince Liu Ju?
After the officials concluded their discussions, Liu Ju strode to the center of the hall, cupping his hands and saying, “Your Majesty, your humble son requests the exemption of half a year’s tax from Guanzhong.”
The hall fell silent. Emperor Wu cast a cold, sharp glance at him, expressionless as he said, “The Crown Prince’s heart is with the people. The state rests upon its people, and people live by their food. If the grain does not ripen, then the multitude belong not to the state. Since this harvest is so abundant, as the father of millions, I only wish to practice frugality and shall not indulge in extravagance.”
“Dismissed.”
Emperor Wu shot Liu Ju a cold glance, then swept his sleeves and departed.
He neither agreed nor outright refused the Crown Prince’s request, only uttering some lofty official words about frugality.
Liu Ju did not understand his father’s meaning but saw displeasure, anger, and… apprehension in his eyes.
…
Still short by 300,000 coins, Liu Jin truly did not know how to fill this gap. But soon he thought of Old Master Qiu in the outskirts.
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Though they were somewhat acquainted, it was not to the point where he could simply ask to borrow 300,000 coins. Moreover, Old Master Qiu did not even know who he was or where he lived—what if it was a scam?
He also could not reveal his imperial grandson status, fearing Old Master Qiu might exploit that to demand greater favors. Of course, Liu Jin did not presume ill of others, but what if?
If he himself could suspect others, why would Old Master Qiu generously lend such a sum without knowing Liu Jin’s identity? From Old Master Qiu’s perspective, he certainly would not.
Several ironworks still needed to collect the remaining funds, but that would take a year.
Liu Jin rubbed his forehead, worry etched on his face. He simply could not come up with the remaining 300,000 coins.
Riding his horse, he galloped down Hengmen Street under the morning sun. Passersby made way respectfully. Even in Chang’an today, few could afford to ride horses—commoners dared not offend the powerful.
Upon reaching the outskirts, Bao Shengzhi hurriedly greeted Liu Jin, “Master Shi, my lord is out on some business and likely won’t return until noon. Please wait here a moment. I will prepare some light wine and a singing girl for you.”
Liu Jin waved his hand, “No need for singing girls. If convenient, may I read in the old master’s study?”
“Certainly, young master, please come in.”
…
Emperor Wu had just returned to Weiyang Palace after the court when an embroidered official found him, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, messenger Bao reports that the imperial grandson waits for you in the outskirts.”
Emperor Wu squinted. His displeasure from the assembly vanished, replaced by keen interest. “Prepare to leave the palace.”
“Yes!”
Near noon, Bao Shengzhi informed Liu Jin that the old master was about to return. Since he needed a favor, Liu Jin cooked some stir-fried vegetables and eggs while waiting.
“Heh, I smelled something delicious from afar and thought this was your home,” said Old Master Qiu.
Liu Jin: “...”
“Then next time I won’t cook.”
“Please don’t,” Emperor Wu smiled. “I was looking forward to it. Treat this as your home.”
“What have you been up to lately? Haven’t seen you for quite some time,” Emperor Wu said, sipping wine and popping a piece of scallion scrambled egg into his mouth, appetite suddenly whetted as he ate several more bites.
Liu Jin sighed, “There’s trouble at home—I need some money. I’ve been busy trying to raise funds.”
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“Hm?”
Emperor Wu eyed him suspiciously. “You said your grandfather was not short of money. You haven’t told me your background, but you don’t look like someone who lacks funds.”
He inwardly grumbled, “I just gave you 100,000 coins as pocket money—still not enough?”
“It’s his money, not mine. Besides, he won’t even see me. How can he give me money?”
“Nonsense!” Emperor Wu retorted. “Not long ago—”
“What?”
Emperor Wu fell silent. “You little rascal—already forgotten the reward I gave you?”
“You said your grandfather just saw you recently and relations have eased. Why don’t you ask him for money?”
Liu Jin shook his head. “No, I can’t ask him.”
“Why not?”
“Well… Old Master, I have an impertinent request. May I borrow some money from you?”
“I understand. At best, we are courteous acquaintances, not close friends. I know this sounds abrupt, but please believe me—I am not a fraud. I expect to repay the loan in full within a year. No, with interest added, I’ll repay double.”
“I urgently need this money to resolve some matters. I hope, Old Master…”
“Enough babbling. How much?”
Emperor Wu took another sip, clearly not fully listening.
“Ah?”
Liu Jin blushed and whispered, “Three hundred thousand… is that convenient?”
“Come here at this time tomorrow to collect it. I cannot give it to you today. I need to consolidate the funds.”
“J-just like that?” Liu Jin could hardly believe it. He had prepared himself mentally for all sorts of outcomes, never imagining it would be this simple!