Chapter 107

Liuche heard this news, first slightly startled, then his face showed a complex expression.

He remained silent for a long time, then slowly said: "I never expected this kid to have such ability. The Yellow River floods have been a major headache for our Han for years; even though I, during my reign, spent countless manpower and material resources, I never fully resolved it, but he did……"

His eyes held both surprise and a hint of relief, but mostly an indescribable complex emotion, as if at this moment he reassessed his view of Liu Ju.

Li Guang heard the news, a flash of surprise and appreciation in his eyes, and could not help but say: "The Son of Heaven has always cared for the people; this achievement is hardly surprising. Back when I lost my way on the battlefield, it was a few words from the Crown Prince that restored my confidence. I have always seen his wisdom and responsibility. Successfully resolving the Yellow River floods shows his extraordinary ability; it is indeed a blessing for our Han."

Huo Qubing wore a proud look and laughed loudly: "I knew the Son of Heaven was no ordinary person! Intelligent since childhood and caring for the world, handling a major matter like the Yellow River floods is no trouble for him. This success will surely make the people under heaven more convinced, and our Han will become even more prosperous! When I return, I will definitely have a good drink with him."

As for Liuche, Emperor Wu of Han watching the two's reactions felt great comfort, having the pride of an old father seeing his son become a dragon.

Then, at this moment, a messenger rushed in and reported that Liu Ju, inside Chang'an City, faced the Han's selection of consorts.

Han Wudi hearing this, first slightly stunned, then a smile appeared on his face, his eyes full of paternal affection.

He burst out laughing, his laughter echoing across the plain, and said loudly: "Haha, I never imagined my son has now reached the age to consider marriage!"

He laughed while shaking his head, feeling as if he saw his own youthful self.

"Back then, I too wandered among beautiful women; a man, everyone loves beauty. That he receives such treatment shows his prestige in Chang'an. Truly worthy of being my Liuche's son, a true hero!"

Li Guang, listening on the side, slightly nodded with a smile and said: "The Son of Heaven is now in his prime; selecting consorts is only natural. This matters greatly for the continuation of the royal lineage and the stability of the court."

Huo Qubing, excited, leaned close to Han Wudi and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this is a great joy! My cousin, who always has his own opinions, I don't know what kind of woman he will choose this time; I must look forward to it."

Han Wudi looking at Huo Qubing's appearance, teased: "You little rascal, you're even more excited than I am as a father. After we finish this battle and return to Chang'an, I will grant you a few fine women."

After saying that, his gaze turned serious again; after a moment of thought, he suddenly slapped his thigh, as if making an important decision.

"No way, as a father I must prepare a meeting gift for my son. There are many beautiful women in the Western Regions, each with her own charm; I decide to capture a few Western Region beauties to bring back for Liu Ju as consorts, and let him taste the flavor of these exotic lands, haha!"

After saying that, he turned to ask Huo Qubing nearby: "How much longer until we reach the royal city of the Greater Yuezhi?"

Huo Qubing replied: "Your Majesty, the scouts just reported that we are still over a hundred li away; there the Chanyu is forcing the Greater Yuezhi to oppose us, so we must still be cautious."

"What are these petty barbarians worth worrying about!"

Han Wudi gave a confident smile, then whipped his horse and rode forward.

"I will capture a few exotic beauties for my son, to continue the Liu family line!"

Li Guang and Huo Qubing laughed and also followed, spurring their horses onward.

At this moment, the Great Yuezhi King's city lay in ruins, broken walls and collapsed houses everywhere; the Young Chanyu's forces had already captured the place and were coercing the Yuezhi people to resist the Han Army together.

The Young Chanyu looked at the dark mass of troops below the city, unable to hold back, he shouted at the commander standing at the forefront: 'Liu Hanmin, you were once a warrior of my Xiongnu, yet you betrayed our ancestors, slaughtered your own king—do you not fear heavenly punishment?'

Liu Hanmin, who had previously been granted a Han surname, looked at the Young Chanyu with contempt; even the Xiongnu warriors beside him who had also been given Han surnames were now part of Liuche's Han Army, and they too sneered at the Young Chanyu.

Liu Hanmin shouted back: 'Young Chanyu, stop spouting nonsense! Your so-called "king" is nothing but a greedy, brutal scoundrel who knows only plunder and slaughter. I, Liu Hanmin, stand here now for justice, for the people of the world—what treason?'

Liu Hanmin slightly lifted his head, his eyes full of determination and pride, and continued: 'Once, as a member of the Xiongnu, I followed you east and west; wherever we went we burned, killed, looted—Han families were torn apart, wails shook the heavens, and my brothers all died on the battlefield.'

'Back then, though I had courage, I was merely a killing tool in your hands. Each time I saw the miserable state of innocent civilians, my heart was tormented. But under Xiongnu law, I dared not resist in the slightest; I could only numb myself and obey orders.'

He gripped his spear tightly, a flash of pain crossing his eyes, soon replaced by steadiness, and he said in a deep voice: 'But since surrendering to the Great Han and being granted the surname Liu, my life has been completely transformed. The Han emperor is broad-minded and benevolent, treating us who have surrendered equally. Here, I am no longer a killing machine at your beck and call, but an honorable Han Army soldier defending home and country.'

Liu Hanmin turned his head to look at his Xiongnu brothers beside him who had likewise been given the surname Liu; they also nodded slightly, their eyes full of approval of their present life.

Liu Hanmin continued: 'In the Great Han, we have stable dwellings and ample food; we no longer need to fight desperately for a mouthful to eat. Our families no longer need to live in fear, dreading the day another tribe might attack.'

'I follow the Han Army on campaigns everywhere, no longer to seize others' wealth and land, but to safeguard peace and protect the innocent. This life is goodness knows how many times better than my days among the Xiongnu.'

Liu Hanmin fixed his piercing gaze on the Young Chanyu and shouted: 'Now you still dare to plot war, to continue bringing disaster upon the people—I will never let you succeed! You keep saying I betrayed our ancestors, but the true traitor is you! You have betrayed the people's longing for a peaceful life, and the land's hope for peace.'

'Today is your doom!'

The Young Chanyu's face turned livid with rage; he brandished his knife and roared: 'You traitor, how dare you be so utterly rebellious! Once I defeat the Han Army, I will surely cut you to pieces!'

Liu Hanmin, however, burst into laughter, his voice full of mockery toward the Young Chanyu: 'Young Chanyu, you remain obstinate and unenlightened. Look at the Yuezhi people you have coerced behind you, then look at the vast Han Army before you—do you still think you have a chance? Give up; stop this pointless struggle, surrender meekly, and you'll suffer less fleshly pain.'

The Young Chanyu on the city wall gritted his teeth, yet he also understood that every word Liu Hanmin spoke was true.

But he would not easily admit defeat; he could only summon the last shred of his dignity, continuing to shout and curse, trying to overwhelm his opponent with sheer presence.

Meanwhile, Liu Hanmin and the Han Army soldiers below the city stood ready in strict formation.