Chapter 1549: A Father's Care

Inside the hall, Prince Wei Liu Min stood there stiffly, somewhat at a loss, this unease stemming from his imperial father, because Emperor Liu had circled around him several times, his observing gaze carrying a hint of probing intent.

"Father..." Liu Min couldn't help but speak up.

At this, Emperor Liu finally wore a look of heartfelt relief, and said with emotion: "Sixth Son, you've improved quite a bit! Not yet twenty, and already able to speak eloquently on military and governmental affairs. It seems experience is useful—young people need more tempering, for only then can rough jade be carved into fine ware!"

Facing Emperor Liu's praise once again, even with Liu Min's shyness, he couldn't help but feel joy within, though he still maintained a humble demeanor on the surface.

"However!" Emperor Liu made a turn, speaking in a tone of earnest instruction: "Mere words won't do. No matter how beautifully you speak, it's still just empty talk. The situation in Liaodong isn't something that can be clarified by the two of us, father and son, sitting here and talking loftily."

"Father's lesson is right; your son understands!" Liu Min's expression turned solemn, and he gave a respectful bow: "Rather than speaking eloquently, I truly prefer to do some practical work!"

As he said this, a look of eager anticipation showed between Liu Min's youthful brows. Seeing this, Emperor Liu couldn't help but laugh: "What, tired of stillness and craving action, wanting to come out and do something for the court?"

Hearing this, Liu Min immediately petitioned: "Father, the Great Han now enjoys peace across the four seas, with all the barbarian tribes submitting. The only place with troubles is the northeastern corner. Taking advantage of this Shiwei-Jurchen conflict, I wish to go to Liaodong, to learn about the local situation firsthand, hoping to thoroughly pacify the northeast for the court!"

"Haha! You brat, quite the bold talk!" Emperor Liu scolded with a laugh: "There are over fifty thousand soldiers in Liaodong, and Ma Renyu is a seasoned and battle-hardened general—even he hasn't dared to promise me a complete pacification of the northeast. Where do you get the confidence to speak such wild words!"

Liu Min gave an embarrassed smile: "One should always have a goal, to share the burdens of Father and the court!"

Seeing his performance, Emperor Liu knew that this sixth son had likely set his mind on it. After thinking it over, he shook his head again: "But even if I agree, the Empress and your elder sister-in-law and the others probably won't allow it. If I let you lead troops into battle again, personally braving danger, wouldn't they worry themselves sick!"

Ever since he participated in the northern expedition last time, got stranded in Mobei, and barely escaped with his life, the Empress and the Princess of Wei had kept a tight watch on Liu Min. Especially the Grand Dowager of Wei—she had nearly fallen ill back then, and during the time when Liu Min was missing without a trace, she had wept daily.

Hearing Emperor Liu mention this, Liu Min couldn't help but show a bitter expression. He was still a filial child, especially toward the Grand Dowager of Wei who had poured all her heart into him; most of the time he dared not and would not defy her.

However, Liu Min had the bearing of a mighty eagle—meant to spread his wings and soar across heaven and earth. Being confined to the capital, living in obscurity, and muddling through his days was not what he wished.

After thinking it over, he placed his hopes on Emperor Liu, saying: "As long as Father agrees, I'll go and talk to Mother myself!"

"You're trying to use me as a shield!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu hastily waved his hand in refusal: "I won't do it! And I'll be frank with you—though I am the Emperor and my word carries great weight, there are some matters where I must defer to the Empress. The Grand Dowager of Wei is my elder sister-in-law, and I must show her due respect. So this matter, my word doesn't count!"

Emperor Liu's words were clearly an excuse to refuse. If he truly intended to let Liu Min go lead troops in the northeast, no one could stop him. The key was whether he had such a thought, and if so, how firm it was. Judging from his current attitude, he clearly had no intention of doing so.

"Alright, let's not discuss this for now!" Emperor Liu proactively changed the subject, beckoning Liu Min to sit with him at the tea table nearby, saying: "Keep me company with some tea and conversation. This is tribute tea from Fujian—only a small amount is produced each year, and most of it is sent to the palace.

Though your father here can't really tell what's so good about it, everyone else says it's good, says it's precious, so that's that. But the taste is just so-so—I can't discern any profound realm from it. Still, have a taste!"

Listening to Emperor Liu rambling on, facing the steaming tea that Yan Tuo had poured, Liu Min said in a low voice: "Father, I'm not much for tea either. Is there any wine?"

"Wine? The palace has plenty!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu raised an eyebrow and said with irritation: "But at your young age, when did you pick up a drinking habit? Not allowed! I don't drink, so you're not allowed to either! Not only are you not allowed to drink in the palace, but after returning to your residence, you're not to drink in daily life either! I know you've seen many things in the army, but you've also picked up some bad habits—those need to be corrected!"

Facing this scolding from Emperor Liu, Liu Min could only endure it, then said with a wry smile: "At the prince's residence, Mother also keeps watch and won't let me drink."

"See, my sister-in-law is truly wise and principled—well disciplined!" Emperor Liu praised immediately.

Liu Min could only force a smile. Looking at the young face across from him, Emperor Liu said in a teasing tone: "You've reached the age of twenty now. Your elder imperial brothers have all married and given me quite a few grandsons. You should consider this matter too. Do you have someone in your heart? Have you taken a fancy to any young lady from some family? If so, speak up—I'll definitely bring her back for you!"

"This... no!" After a brief moment of surprise, Liu Min answered decisively.

"What, still shy?" Emperor Liu said with an amused smile.

Liu Min shook his head: "Truly none!"

"Since there's none, then I'll have the Empress and your sister-in-law arrange it for you!" Emperor Liu waved his hand, with the air of a family patriarch, settling the matter.

"Yes!" Liu Min responded simply.

Liu Min was no novice—he had long experienced those pleasures. After returning, he had also accumulated some experience at the Prince of Wei's residence, so he appeared calm and indifferent, not particularly concerned.

Of course, he didn't really need to find a true love—he had neither the conditions nor the necessity. On the contrary, if the Empress and the Grand Dowager of Wei helped him choose, it would certainly not be anything ordinary.

And Emperor Liu was clearly quite satisfied with Liu Min's attitude.

"By the way, I heard you went to your fifth brother's residence the day before yesterday and spent the day there. How was it? What did you think? Is his place fun, interesting? What new tricks has he come up with?" Emperor Liu engaged Liu Min in conversation in a casual manner.

Recently, aside from attending to state affairs and handling specific matters, Emperor Liu's biggest change was paying more attention to the imperial princes, including those younger princes who had previously been outside his main focus. Summoning Liu Min to the palace for a talk was just one concrete manifestation of this.

Among the various princes, the most carefree and dashing so far was the fifth prince, Duke of Qi, Liu Yun, and he was also the only one whose personality and behavior had remained consistent from childhood to now.

Liu Yun's reputation in the capital, especially among the upper echelons of the Great Han, was considerable—not for his talents, but for his personality. Liu Yun had wide-ranging interests and was clever enough; whether in civil studies or martial arts, he always stopped at just enough. Despite having ample talent, he had no ambition to advance.

Instead, he devoted more energy to other pursuits, and could always come up with novel amusements. In terms of refined taste, Liu Yun was far richer than his imperial father. Among the imperial family, quite a few princes and princesses enjoyed visiting the Duke of Qi's residence, because there were always surprises and novelties awaiting them.

Hearing Emperor Liu ask about this now, Liu Min also showed a slight smile: "Fifth brother's residence is indeed interesting!"

"Oh?" Emperor Liu asked: "Interesting in what way?"

"I don't know where Fifth Brother found two mastiffs. Over a basin of raw meat, the two dogs fought, battling for their lives..." Liu Min said.

"What, you two brothers spend your time on such dog-fighting and cock-fighting pursuits?" Emperor Liu raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Not exactly. I sparred with Fifth Brother, competed in archery, and discussed military strategy—unfortunately, Fifth Brother isn't interested in those!" Liu Min said.

《Demon-Suppressing Museum》

Emperor Liu also laughed: "It's not that he's uninterested—you competing with him in those things is hardly fair. Aren't you just bullying your fifth brother?"

Liu Min chuckled.

"What has Liu Yun been busy with lately? He's not spending all his time on such pleasure-seeking, mind-numbing pursuits, is he?" His smile fading, Emperor Liu's tone turned somewhat stern.

Liu Min hesitated for a moment, then said: "Fifth Brother invited a master potter from Jiangnan and is learning to make teapots. I also played with some clay. Fifth Brother said that the Worthy Consort's birthday is approaching, and he plans to make a teapot by hand as a birthday gift!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu's expression softened slightly, the corner of his mouth curling up a little, then he said: "At least he has some filial piety!"

Pausing for a moment, Emperor Liu then looked intrigued: "You all say Liu Yun is interesting, that the Duke of Qi's residence is fun—I'm curious now. It seems I should find some time to visit and see for myself..."

Hearing this, Liu Min could only keep a smile on his face, silently thinking to himself: Fifth Brother, I didn't speak ill of you—you'll have to look out for yourself.

Clearly, in Liu Min's view, when Emperor Liu visited the Duke of Qi's residence, he would most likely be going to discipline that unambitious fifth brother...

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