Chapter 173: Daily Life

As you wish, a single stretch of water takes up most of a chapter.

The Eastern Palace sat in the southeast corner of the imperial city, tiny in scale—one could even call it "crude." It was merely a small cluster of palaces cordoned off and designated as the "Eastern Palace."

Interestingly enough, through the Liang, Tang, and Jin dynasties, none of these Central Plains regimes had ever established a Crown Prince. Liu Chengyou was the first to be explicitly designated as such. In fact, had it not been for the Great Han's peculiar national circumstances, combined with Liu Zhiyuan's physical condition, Liu Chengyou would never have ascended. Even after Liu Chengxun's death, the more likely scenario was that Liu Chengyou would later succeed to the throne as the Prince of Zhou.

At dawn, when light was about to break but had not yet arrived, the morning gloom still deep, the entire imperial city lay shrouded in a hazy dimness.

Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's bedchamber, on the couch.

Liu Chengyou woke early. He sat up, took a few deep breaths of cold air, shook his head to scatter the lingering drowsiness. Turning his head, a graceful, alluring figure wrapped in brocade quilts came into view. Though the light was dim, the faint contours were all the more enticing.

The elder Lady Fu's figure—having personally measured it with his own hands—was indeed fine. Though not as "robust" as Gao Huaijin, and lacking some experience, she possessed all the charm that should be there. Women of this era truly matured early.

To this day, Liu Chengyou had only three women, none younger than him—speaking purely in terms of biological age.

Turning slightly to the side, Liu Chengyou gazed calmly at his Crown Princess. She had been a new bride for barely two days, her delicate face blooming like a flower. Reaching out, he gently brushed her cheek, smoothing a few stray strands of hair that had fallen carelessly across her collarbone. At this moment, Liu Chengyou's body was calm, his mind serene—no lewd thoughts stirred.

The elder Lady Fu indeed gave Liu Chengyou an uncommon feeling—perhaps influenced by first impressions, he felt an innate fondness. On the day they first met, Liu Chengyou immediately remembered those bright eyes, gentle yet resolute, carrying a crisp, confident bearing and the fine upbringing of a noble lady...

Most importantly, at their first meeting, the elder Lady Fu dared to look directly into Liu Chengyou's calm, emotionless eyes without flinching. Instead, she took the initiative to ask: "Are you His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Likewise a general's daughter, Lady Gao dared not look directly at Liu Chengyou in his presence. Of course, one couldn't rule out the fact that when he first met Gao Huaijin, the two were already in the bridal chamber...

On the day he visited the Fu residence, though he saw the elder Lady Fu, not much was said. There was no lengthy conversation or particularly deep exchange upon first meeting.

A good first impression that didn't disappoint him—that was already enough.

Liu Chengyou's relationships with his harem were basically all "board the carriage first, buy the ticket later." There was simply no time or patience beforehand to cultivate feelings or anything of the sort.

He rose calmly. Though his movements were light, they still produced some rustling sounds. Casually draping a fur robe over himself, he passed through the beaded curtain and walked out. After Liu Chengyou left, Lady Fu slowly opened her eyes. In the dim light they appeared luminous. She gazed outward and blinked. Raising a hand to cover the cheek Liu Chengyou had touched, a flush crept across her skin.

The palace lanterns were lit, and under the warm, bright glow, Liu Chengyou's focused shadow was cast beside the desk. When the elder Lady Fu stepped out of the inner chamber wrapped in a thick robe, she saw this scene. Her movements were still somewhat awkward as she walked—after all, it had only been two days since she had... broken in.

Early in the morning, Liu Chengyou had already thrown himself into handling government affairs. Several memorials bearing his approvals were stacked on the desk. Only when a faint, subtle fragrance drifted over did Liu Chengyou snap back to attention. Turning to look at the elder Lady Fu, gazing up from a low angle—truly large.

"You're awake," Liu Chengyou asked casually.

His gaze returned to the memorial in his hand. His handsome brows furrowed slightly—another report concerning grain. In this season when the old crop was exhausted and the new not yet ripe, grain was always a major problem.

Lady Fu softly acknowledged. Seeing Liu Chengyou's indifferent reaction, she showed no petty womanly sulkiness. She sat quietly beside him, studying his profile. How did that saying go—a man focused on his work always exudes the most charm. The elder Lady Fu was no ordinary woman; just seeing Liu Chengyou's diligent governance filled her with satisfaction.

Lady Fu adapted quickly. In the two days since entering the Eastern Palace, she had already grown familiar with it. Liu Chengyou treated her with favor and courtesy, and the nights were passionate... Though he was, as rumored, taciturn and reserved by nature, in the elder Lady Fu's eyes, this was a manifestation of authority.

"It's cold out. Why not sleep a bit longer?" Setting down the memorial, Liu Chengyou turned his attention to the elder Lady Fu.

Faced with this sudden tenderness from Liu Chengyou, the elder Lady Fu felt flattered and honored. She smiled gracefully, without any girlish coyness, and replied softly: "Your Highness is diligent in state affairs. How could your concubine indulge in the warmth of the bed? I would rather serve at your side with brush and ink."

Her answer still surprised Liu Chengyou. His eyes flickered, and he picked up the memorial he had just set down, handing it to her: "Take a look. I've heard you are wise and discerning, often offering insights on matters. Perfect—let me hear what you think?"

Seeing this, the elder Lady Fu refused to take it without hesitation, shaking her head decisively: "Matters of state—how could they heed a woman's opinion? Your concubine's knowledge is shallow. I only seek to serve Your Highness; I dare not presume beyond my station!"

Hearing this, a faint, hidden satisfaction flashed through Liu Chengyou's eyes. He set down the memorial and said to himself: "The Prince of Linqing and Guo... hmm, Guo Rong, the Military Governor of Chanzhou, report that Weibo and Chanzhou are suffering famine—over a hundred dead."

Not noticing the pause in Liu Chengyou's speech, the elder Lady Fu's brows knitted slightly as she sighed in response: "Your concubine accompanied my father to the capital, and along the way I could see the hunger written on the people's faces. But I never imagined there would be the tragedy of people starving to death!"

"Because of last year's suppression of Du Chongwei's rebellion, that war devastated the prefectures and counties around Yedu too severely. Production hasn't recovered since, and the calamity lingers to this day!" Liu Chengyou sighed:

"The Eastern Capital is short of grain too. Since the founding of the Great Han, we've been plagued by these problems of food and clothing without a moment's respite. Especially the Eastern Capital—hundreds of thousands of mouths to feed. Thinking of it truly gives one a headache!"

Hearing Liu Chengyou's lament, Lady Fu indeed lived up to her words, maintaining her proper place without offering reckless commentary. But seeing the worry etched on Liu Chengyou's brows, she displayed her virtuous nature, gently consoling him: "Your Highness, there's no need to worry overmuch. As long as the realm is at peace, things will improve. With Your Highness so concerned for the nation and its people, striving diligently in governance, you will surely bring the common folk peaceful homes and contented livelihoods."

The elder Lady Fu certainly had a silver tongue.

Liu Chengyou's worry eased somewhat. "True enough. We made it through the hardest period last year. As long as the nation remains stable, if we endure a while longer, life will get better..."

Seeing Liu Chengyou's calm confidence and composure, Lady Fu's beautiful eyes curved as she cast him a warm smile.

As dawn was just breaking, Liu Chengyou took his morning meal in the hall. The elder Lady Fu, Lady Gao, and the pregnant Lady Geng were all present—the first time the three women were together at once.

The food remained simple, green and healthy. But with Lady Geng being pregnant, Liu Chengyou also partook of some kidney-nourishing supplements.

It was very quiet—eating without speaking.

On the table sat a small dish of green vegetables. Winter-into-spring greens were quite refreshing, and with the imperial chef's skill, they were tender and fresh, with a melt-in-the-mouth quality.

The atmosphere in the hall, while not exactly harmonious, could hardly be called stiff. In Liu Chengyou's presence, no "battlefield" atmosphere emerged. Only after he had finished eating, wiped his mouth clean, and left did the three women in the hall show some subtle signs of tension. The elder Lady Fu and Lady Gao, both noble ladies, found "kindred spirits" in each other, chatting with light smiles. Lady Geng, as always, was timid and soft, one hand discreetly resting on her belly.

On Liu Chengyou's side, having newly acquired a fine wife and enjoying mutual delight, news of this spread at lightning speed to Hezhong.

"Outrageous! This is going too far!" Inside the Military Governor's residence in Puzhou, before "Green Master" Li Chongxun could say anything, Li Shouzhen couldn't contain his fury, smashing a porcelain cup with a furious roar.

Previously, he had been in Puzhou with his son, anticipating the noble lady's arrival, even preparing to personally travel to the Eastern Capital to welcome the bride. Then suddenly came a letter from Fu Yanqing breaking off the engagement. Shocked and bewildered, he sent letter after letter and dispatched men to demand an explanation for the broken vow—all met with silence.

Now, he understood.

"Do they truly think I, Li, am so easy to bully?" Burning with rage, Li Shouzhen swept his gaze around and sprayed spittle at the few trusted advisors before him.

He had harbored certain designs regarding the elder Lady Fu.

"Send someone to Guanzhong to contact that Shu commander Zhang Qianzhao!" Beside himself with fury, Li Shouzhen directly issued the order, somewhat losing his head.

"Military Governor, you must not!" No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sharp-looking staff officer below immediately admonished: "This is a path to disaster! If the court learns of this, calamity will surely follow. The mandate of the times lies with the Han—you must not act rashly!"

No matter how brutal, benighted, or incompetent a military governor, he always had one or two clear-headed, insightful wise men under him—or perhaps they were merely highlighted by contrast. The official before them was one such man. His name was Zhao Xiuji, currently serving as Judge of the Hedong Circuit. He had followed Li Shouzhen for many years, and knowing his hidden ambitions, had admonished him repeatedly.

A wealth of evidence proved that good medicine tastes bitter and loyal words grate on the ears—Li Shouzhen was not so easily persuaded.

"The court humiliates us so! The grievance of a stolen bride—are we simply to let it go?" Li Chongxun, his own son, chimed in excitedly to reinforce Li Shouzhen.

Hearing this, Li Shouzhen immediately waved his sleeve, cutting off Zhao Xiuji who still wished to speak. However, he also shot his son a glare. After a moment's thought, he did not continue with the matter of contacting the Shu army.

"Send men to keep watch on the situation in Kaifeng. I hear the Han emperor's health is poor!" Li Shouzhen said coldly, commanding his yabing officer.

"Yes!"

He paid no further heed to Zhao Xiuji, dismissing him.

"Father, are we just letting this go?" Li Chongxun's face was full of resentment.

"Hmph! Of course not!" Li Shouzhen's expression was gloomy: "But we cannot act rashly either. Let's see how things stand in Guanzhong first. The Shu army is useless too—fifty thousand troops, dragging on this long, and they can't advance an inch!"

"Someone, go fetch Master Zonglun for me!" After stewing in silence for a while, Li Shouzhen spoke again.

Zonglun was a monk skilled in divination. He had once performed rites to tell Li Shouzhen that he possessed the destiny of a sovereign. First the Fu family daughter was "noble beyond measure," securing a marriage pact, and then the master's revelation.

Li Shouzhen believed it deeply.