Pan Hong told him about Xu Cheng. "Though this subordinate does not agree with Lord Xu's proposal to move south, I do not believe he should pay a price for making it. Since it was a court discussion, naturally any opinion could be raised. Whether to use it, and how, should be up to His Majesty."
Yu Qian nodded.
Pan Hong watched Yu Qian's expression. Seeing that his face remained calm, he continued, "Besides, the situation truly was critical at the time. Quite a few officials echoed Lord Xu, including many high-ranking officials of the third rank and above. His Majesty could treat all of them with leniency, so why make an exception of Lord Xu alone?"
Yu Qian spoke a word for the Emperor. "His Majesty believed Xu Cheng lacked the will of loyalty and courage. In a crisis, one wrong proposal, if echoed by many, could very well bring utter ruin. It was I who proposed executing the ministers who advocated moving south."
Pan Hong felt somewhat awkward upon hearing this.
Yet Yu Qian's expression remained unchanged. "However, that was for the sake of deterrence then. Times have changed. Xu Cheng and the others no longer pose a threat to court affairs, so there is no harm in being more lenient."
Pan Hong quickly agreed and added, "If Xu Cheng were an incapable man, this subordinate would not have mentioned him. But in my recent conversations with him, I discovered that he has considerable insight into water control. It truly is a pity for His Majesty to leave him wasted away at the Hanlin Academy."
Yu Qian also knew that Xu Cheng was highly talented in hydraulic engineering, which was why he had twice spoken on his behalf. But the new Emperor disliked him, and Yu Qian could