Chapter 47: The Crown Prince

Inside the silent Beigong.

Liu Bao's face was pale, drenched in sweat, muttering incessantly.

"Grand Tutor. Grand Tutor!"

"Help me, help Han again!"

He seemed to have dreamed something terrifying, his expression twisted with inexplicable pain.

Liang Na watched this, her sorrow deepening.

She gently grasped Liu Bao's hand, wanting to speak, yet afraid of waking him.

But just then.

Liu Bao suddenly shuddered, his eyes snapping open, sitting upright at once, his gaze filled with dread.

"Your Majesty!" Liang Na cried out, trying to soothe him.

But Liu Bao immediately scanned the hall, and when he saw no one inside, he turned sharply to Liang Na and asked urgently: "Where is the Grand Tutor?"

"Where is the Grand Tutor?"

"Your Majesty," Liang Na replied anxiously, "the Grand Tutor is not in the capital."

Instantly, Liu Bao finally came to his senses.

The next moment, he seemed to exhale a long breath, his eyes clearing slightly.

Liang Na tightly held Liu Bao's hand and asked softly: "Your Majesty, what is this..."

"I dreamed the Grand Tutor returned to the capital."

Liu Bao looked at her, paused, then continued: "The Grand Tutor returned at my decree, then passed away in Luoyang."

His expression was utterly desolate.

Hearing this, Liang Na's sorrow deepened further.

How could she not understand Liu Bao?

In truth, Liu Bao shared certain traits with Liu Hu.

Namely, he lacked a sense of security.

His childhood experiences within the palace.

Had forged this character in him.

It was only because of Gu Xi's presence that he overcame it.

Gu Xi safeguarded him, helping him gradually gain the confidence and ambition of an emperor.

Later, his achievements grew ever greater, and his sacrifice at Mount Taishan brought him to the very peak of imperial glory.

But can a person truly alter one's nature outright?

How could that be possible?

Perhaps if no unforeseen events had occurred, all would have been well—but recent turmoil had begun to make Liu Bao feel increasingly uneasy.

He was not afraid of death.

He feared that after his death, Han would return to its old cycle.

This was the true source of his dread.

Most crucially, Liu Bao's reason told him he could not summon Gu Xi back to court.

Not only because of Gu Xi's age.

But also due to political considerations.

Gu Xi was already so old.

If he were to return to the capital, assume control of state affairs, and exhaust his remaining strength—

Could he ever have another chance to cultivate an emperor like himself?

As long as Gu Xi lived, he remained a fundamental guarantee.

Even if Han's court truly descended into chaos,

It would never threaten the realm.

But if Gu Xi's life were shortened by this matter, and he fell again before training a worthy sovereign—

Then Han would face hardships far greater than those of today.

For both public and private reasons, he could not risk it.

Liang Na looked at Liu Bao, her sorrow deepening further.

She longed to speak words of comfort, but what could she say now?

"Empress, my life hangs by a thread—I can no longer hold court."

"Issue orders to all officials."

"Each to their duties. Also, the Northern, Southern, and Central Armies must guard the palace and Luoyang, and prevent any unrest among the people."

Liu Bao made a series of preparations.

He could no longer hope to rule personally—only strive to stabilize the people's hearts and prevent chaos.

Then he added: "Empress, tell me about the imperial heirs of the regional princes..."

Liang Na did not hesitate, immediately recalling the princely heirs who had come to the capital, and spoke softly:

"Liu Zuan, son of Prince Xiao of Bohai; Liu Zhi, son of Marquis Liwu; Liu Suan, son of Prince Gong of Qinghe."

She spoke carefully.

Including their lineage and personalities.

Liu Bao listened with great attention.

But his frail appearance only made Liang Na more heartbroken, as she watched tears fall from her eyes once more.

Liu Bao seized her hand directly and said seriously, "Your Majesty need not worry."

"I will surely hold on until the overall situation is settled!"

"I surely will!"

Perhaps it was precisely because he had let go of state affairs.

Liu Bao's body actually showed signs of improvement; his complexion visibly recovered considerably.

Even the imperial physicians said Liu Bao showed signs of revival.

With proper rest over some time,

he would have a chance to recover.

This was undoubtedly astonishing to the ministers, even Liu Bao himself had not anticipated it.

This sudden change completely stunned everyone!

Many among them were overjoyed.

For these officials, building a golden age alongside the emperor was their greatest goal.

Moreover, a golden age benefited their families.

Why not embrace it?

Of course, some felt disappointment.

Liu Bao's previous condition had stirred their ambitions; now, seeing this opportunity seemingly vanish,

they felt they had lost out.

This was human nature.

Liu Bao immediately sent a letter to Gu Xi, assuring him not to worry.

His earlier edict had been too obvious.

Regardless, he must explain himself to Gu Xi.

Of course, although Liu Bao's health had improved, summoning the princely heirs remained urgent.

No one knew what accident might occur tomorrow.

This concerned the very foundation of the state; no one dared gamble.

His improved health merely gave Liu Bao greater confidence to cultivate the chosen Crown Prince.

He relinquished all state affairs, delegating power.

He devoted himself fully to recuperating.

As time passed, the eligible sons of the regional princes gradually arrived in Jingcheng.

Liu Bao took this matter extremely seriously—even under these circumstances, he personally met each of the princely heirs.

He carefully observed their character and temperament.

The entire court's attention was fixed on this matter.

No one could afford to ignore it!

This concerned the future emperor of Han!

Although Liu Bao's health had improved, who could be certain how long he would live?

And most crucially—

These princely heirs had arrived in the capital with no power base whatsoever.

For everyone, this was a golden opportunity!

If one could seize it,

this merit would be enough to firmly establish their foundation with the next reign!

The entire court erupted in excitement.

Liu Bao's method of testing these children was simple: just as Gu Xi had done when he was in the Marquis of Guanjun's mansion.

He used the court's political situation to question them.

Now that he was older, Liu Bao increasingly recognized the foresight of this educational approach.

Because no one could have anticipated that Liu Bao would directly question these children about state affairs.

Only such questions could most directly reveal talent and character.

Whether they could answer revealed whether they had talent.

Their answers often revealed the child's personality.

Liu Bao also had the imperial physicians examine these children's physical health.

He must choose a child with sufficient physical vigor!

Liu Bao used this to make his evaluation.

Finally, under the watchful eyes of the ministers,

Liu Bao made his choice.

—Liu Suan!

In fact, this was a choice many ministers had already accepted.

Because Liu Suan was serious and steady, and at seventeen, he posed no risk of early death.

Appointing Liu Suan as Crown Prince would indeed calm many hearts.

Liu Bao paid no mind to the ministers' thoughts.

He immediately ordered a grand adoption ceremony for Liu Suan and formally named him Crown Prince before the entire court.

Liu Bao held great hopes for Liu Suan.

Because he felt Liu Suan's serious and steady temperament bore some resemblance to Gu Xi.

And the most crucial thing was that Liu Suan truly did idolize Gu Xi.

This made Liu Bao take it very seriously.

Then Xuan began his cultivation.

But although enthroning Liu Suan as Crown Prince could satisfy the wishes of some, it was also destined to provoke the dissatisfaction of others.

Once greed is born, it is not so easily checked before a sufficiently great price has been paid.

The night hung heavy, the stars hidden away.

Liang Manor.

Liang Ji's mood these past few days had not been good at all.

He was the leader of the faction that did not support Liu Suan.

As for the reason, it was equally simple.

It was because Liu Suan was too old in years and not easy to control.

In truth, the original him had not yet harbored such ambitions for power, because the present-day Great Han had already undergone changes far too great from the original.

Liang Ji was not yet that overwhelmingly powerful Grand General, and had no opportunity to monopolize authority at all.

It was only Liu Bao's sudden Critically Ill that let him see his chance to seize power.

One must know that should Liu Bao pass away, Liang Na would become Empress Dowager.

So long as Gu Xi did not return to the capital, the Empress Dowager would be the sovereign of this dynasty.

And he, as this Empress Dowager's elder brother, could naturally soar straight to the heavens.

But if Liu Suan were to be ruler—

At his age he could take power directly, and Liang Na would be completely unable to interfere.

How could he possibly be willing to accept that?

Thinking this, Liang Ji could not help but heave another sigh, feeling his mood grow ever more irritable.

Just then, a servant within the manor suddenly came to report.

Upon hearing who the visitor was, Liang Ji immediately knit his brows.

Meng Ben had actually come?

These days Meng Ben served as a Palace Attendant in the palace, wielding enormous power.

What had he come for?

Could it be that Liu Bao had a decree?

Liang Ji dared not delay, and hurriedly had someone usher Meng Ben in.

"This old servant pays his respects to the General."

The moment he entered, Meng Ben immediately bowed to Liang Ji.

Seeing this gesture of his—

Liang Ji instantly understood this must not be a decree from Liu Bao, and his expression immediately returned to normal. He said lightly, "Palace Attendant Meng, you come late at night—what is the matter?"

Meng Ben did not speak directly, but glanced at the servants in the room.

Liang Ji took the hint and at once waved his hand.

Only after the group of servants had departed did Meng Ben leisurely speak: "I won't hide it from the General—today this old servant and a group of palace attendants went to pay a visit to His Highness the Crown Prince."

"What do you suppose happened?"

Without waiting for Liang Ji to speak, Meng Ben smiled and said: "Yet His Highness the Crown Prince did not give us the slightest pleasant face."

"Quite a few people in the palace are worried."

"If in the future this Crown Prince becomes ruler, what are we servants to do?"

As he said this, Meng Ben appeared very casual.

But Liang Ji nevertheless understood his meaning in an instant.

The people within the palace all harbored thoughts of changing the Crown Prince.

This was support for him!

The ambition that had only just been suppressed surged back to life, and countless thoughts instantly sprang up in Liang Ji's heart.

He was no soft-hearted man!

One must know that in the original history, Liang Ji was capable of poisoning a young Son of Heaven to death.

Although he did not possess such great power now—

His audacity was beyond question.

Of course, to act against Liu Bao—he naturally still did not dare, and had absolutely no such opportunity.

Liu Bao was an Emperor with real power.

—But Liu Suan was different.

He was merely a son of a feudal king who had just entered the capital.

Even though he had already been established as Crown Prince, how could he possibly have any faction of his own?

And most crucially, he had now also offended the eunuchs within the palace!

Liang Ji's gaze grew ever colder.

Ambition churned ceaselessly.

A wild notion suddenly rose up within him.

—Three days later, Liu Suan died within the palace.

The court and the realm were shaken!

The Crown Prince Liu Bao had just established—within mere days, such a problem had appeared.

What does this mean?

Anyone with sense could easily guess.

Someone has gone mad!

When Liu Bao heard this news, he froze completely.

He had never imagined things would escalate to this point.

His face, which had just begun to improve, turned pale instantly.

Ignoring Liang Na's pleas, he sprang to his feet and rushed toward the Eastern Palace.

But before he took two steps,

he staggered violently and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Your Majesty!"

Liang Na's expression changed drastically; she moved to summon attendants,

but this time Liu Bao did not faint.

He fixed his gaze on Liang Na and the palace maids, his eyes brimming with murderous intent, and waved his hand to stop her.

At this point, how could he not know someone had secretly poisoned him?

He had personally ordered the imperial physicians to examine these vassal princes' heirs!

The palace was completely out of control!

His recent delegation of power had caused all of this.

This was Liu Bao's immediate conclusion.

A strong sense of unease surged from deep within him; all his previous thoughts vanished in an instant.

Even Liang Na, the Empress, he could no longer trust absolutely.

At this moment, the only person Liu Bao could trust was Gu Xi!

But unfortunately,

Gu Xi was not in Luoyang!

—Kill!

He longed to shout those words outright.

But his last shred of reason still warned him not to do so.

"Summon!"

After a long silence, Liu Bao suddenly spoke, his voice slightly trembling: "Summon the Grand Tutor."

Thud—

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Bao collapsed suddenly.

The palace erupted in chaos!

Liang Na immediately summoned the imperial physicians.

But it was too late to save him.

In the third month, Bingwu of the tenth year of Yonghe;

—Liu Bao passed away in the Beigong.

Within the Beigong, wailing never ceased.

The ministers were utterly unprepared for this sudden turn.

Liu Bao's sudden death plunged the entire court into icy stillness.

How did Liu Suan die?

Even though no one yet knew who was responsible, everyone could see the cause.

This was now the most sensitive moment possible.

And precisely at this moment,

Liu Bao died!

He left no imperial edict!

The blow to the entire Han dynasty was unimaginable!

The ministers could only look to Liang Na to restore order.

Liang Na clearly understood this; before the ministers, she declared: "Before his passing, Your Majesty intended to summon the Grand Tutor back to court."

"Until the Grand Tutor returns, all ministers shall await his arrival."

She was calming their hearts.

At this moment, the only person who could make these ministers fall silent was Gu Xi!

Indeed, upon hearing this, the ministers gradually calmed.

That very night, Liang Ji seized the opportunity to meet Liang Na alone.

Liang Na's expression was deeply sorrowful; Liu Bao's death had shattered her.

Seeing Liang Ji arrive, she could not help asking: "Brother, why have you come now?"

"Your Majesty."

Liang Ji bowed solemnly and said: "I have a matter concerning the Liang clan's interests. I beg Your Majesty to consider it carefully."

At this, Liang Na frowned and said: "Brother, speak."

"Your Majesty."

"If the Grand Tutor returns, the choice of the new emperor will rest entirely in his hands."

Liang Ji's face was grave as he said: "Given the Grand Tutor's nature, how could he tolerate interference?"

"Empress, please reconsider."

"This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for our Liang clan!"

"If we seize this chance, why could not our Liang clan become the second Gu clan?"

At these words, Liang Na fell silent.

She understood Liang Ji's meaning!

In truth, in the original history, she had always been a woman deeply devoted to her family.

This also stemmed from the political climate of the Eastern Han.

To become the Gu clan

was the ultimate dream of every great clan today.

But this required the convergence of heaven's timing, earth's advantage, and human harmony!

Now, clearly, was that very opportunity.

Thinking of this, Liang Na could not help asking: "Brother, what do you plan to do?"

"I shall say this plainly."

"Do not lay a hand on the Grand Tutor, or our Liang clan shall meet the same fate as the Yan clan of old!"

"Empress, rest assured!"

Liang Ji's face immediately lit up with joy. He hurriedly said: "How would I dare such a thing?"

"I already have a candidate."

"This man is Liu Zhi, son of the Marquis of Liwu, Liu Yi. His bloodline is distant, he has no foundation, yet he is remarkably intelligent."

"If Your Majesty, as Empress Dowager, names this boy emperor, then our Liang clan shall earn the Merit of Supporting the Throne!"

Liang Na frowned slightly: "Will the Grand Tutor agree?"

"How could he refuse?"

Liang Ji said confidently: "We are not like the Yan clan, seeking to rebel."

"A prince of a vassal state comes to the capital."

"It was the Emperor's own decree."

"And you are Empress Dowager—what is wrong with installing a new emperor after the Emperor's passing?"

"As for the Grand Tutor—"

Liang Ji paused slightly, then lowered his voice: "Empress, the Grand Tutor is over sixty."

"Even if he survives the journey to Luoyang, how many more days can he live?"

"Once the Grand Tutor passes away, our Liang clan—"

He did not finish, but his meaning was unmistakable.

Hearing this, Liang Na fell silent for a long while, then finally gave a slight nod.

"Agreed."

—————————

"In the spring of the tenth year of Yonghe, the Emperor's illness slightly improved; he personally tested the princely sons on their classical texts and moral conduct, and ordered the Director of Medical Affairs to examine their pulses."

At that time, Suans, son of Prince Gong of Qinghe, aged sixteen, had a dignified bearing, mastered the Confucian classics, and expounded clearly on the ways of governance and chaos. The Emperor clapped his hands and sighed: "

"I wished to see the talent of the imperial clan to inherit the realm—now I have found Suans! The Han dynasty's mandate may continue!"

He then announced it to the ancestral temple and named him Crown Prince.

Yet after ten days, Suans suddenly fell ill and died in the Chengming Hall of the Southern Palace; the physicians could not determine his illness.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor collapsed in grief, spat crimson foam, and his illness worsened drastically.

On the night of Bingwu, the Emperor died in the Deyang Hall of the Beigong, aged thirty-one."

——Records of the Later Han. Annals of Emperor Shun

——(End of Chapter)===