Chapter 159: Great Han Song and Dance Troupe

Liu Ju had just returned to his sleeping quarters when a report came that Li Yannian had come to pay his respects.

Li Yannian?

It's been a long time since I last saw my second uncle-in-law!

Liu Ju smiled and greeted Li Yannian to come in.

And Li Yannian, who had recently resumed his post as Minister of Rites, overseeing the palace's sacrificial music and dance...

He constantly thought of how to secure his sister Li Yan's position in Liu Ju's heart, feeling extremely anxious, racking his brains all day to think of ways to curry favor with Liu Ju.

On this trip to Yanjing he also came along, and today Shi Liangdi was again unwell, so he keenly seized the opportunity.

Li Yannian quickly summoned the women previously sent from the Western Regions by Emperor Wu of Han, and carefully choreographed a song and dance performance full of exotic charm.

This was the moment to invite Liu Ju to come and enjoy it.

Li Yannian slightly bowed and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, today I have prepared a special performance for you. These dancers all come from the Western Regions; the dances they bring are uniquely charming and will surely brighten your eyes and ease the fatigue of state affairs."

He appeared calm and composed on the surface, but inside he felt like he had a rabbit caught in his chest, nervous and uneasy, afraid that Liu Ju would not be interested.

Liu Ju heard this, raised his eyebrows slightly, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, and said, "Oh? Minister Li, you've put so much heart into this; I'll have to take a good look."

Besides, I'm a bit drunk today, and Shi Liangdi is unwell again, so going to see the dancing girls that Father Emperor brought from the Western Regions isn't a bad idea.

Li Yannian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, put on a smile, and said, "Your Majesty, please this way."

Liu Ju followed the respectful Li Yannian to the site.

The whole venue was decorated like a dreamy illusion.

Colorful silk curtains hung all around; as the breeze brushed past, the curtains swayed lightly, like drifting clouds.

In the center of the venue burned several huge oil lamps; their bright flames lit the whole place as if it were daylight, with light and shadow dancing on the performers, adding a touch of mystery.

As a stirring Western Regions melody sounded, the women in splendid attire, like a group of lively spirits, lightly stepped into the center of the venue.

Their costumes were richly Western Regions in style, with vivid, eye‑catching colors, exquisite embroidered patterns, and gemstones inlaid on the hems; every movement flashed with dazzling light.

The leading woman had a graceful figure, her eyes deep and bright, as if they held endless stories.

She led the dance, her arms like soft ribbons swaying gracefully in the air, sometimes spinning lightly, sometimes performing difficult low‑waist moves; her slender waist was like a willow in the wind—flexible and rhythmic.

Her expression was focused and devoted; every glance and smile seemed to recount the mysterious legends of the Western Regions.

The other women followed the beat in unison, sometimes forming a tight circle with skirts flying like blooming flowers; sometimes facing each other in pairs, they intertwined and coordinated, executing various complex and beautiful dance moves.

Their steps were light and agile, as if walking on clouds, yet also like running across the plains.

Liu Ju sat in the seat of honor, his eyes deeply captivated by the performance before him.

His expression, originally weary from various duties, was now replaced by appreciation and praise.

He leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed unblinkingly on the dancers, a delighted smile on his face; as the dance rose to its climax, he unconsciously clapped lightly and occasionally uttered words of admiration.

Li Yannian stood to the side, watching Liu Ju's reaction, secretly pleased within.

He thought, "This time I've backed the right horse—seeing the Emperor's expression, he is obviously very pleased with the performance. As long as I can make the Emperor happy, my sister stands a chance of gaining favor. From now on I will surely seek out more novelties, plan more splendid programs, firmly hold the Emperor's heart, and never let my sister lose imperial favor, lest the glory and wealth of my Li family be destroyed in an instant."

He silently reckoned in his mind that he must certainly plan more splendid programs thereafter, firmly hold Liu Ju's heart, and let his sister always occupy an important position in this palace.

Liu Ju only returned to his sleeping quarters late that night, still wanting more; meanwhile, with the new imperial palace proceeding in an orderly fashion, the master of this palace found himself with nothing to do.

So he simply hung out with Li Yannian, enjoying song and dance performances every day.

A few days later, Shi Liangdi heard that Liu Ju had gone to watch the song and dance performance arranged by Li Yannian with the Hu women, and she felt a vague worry.

She well knew that Liu Ju bore the heavy responsibility of governing the realm and building the secondary capital, and must not indulge in sensual pleasures.

Thus, on a tranquil night, Shi Liangdi gently said to Liu Ju, "Your Majesty, I have heard that you recently watched the song and dance performance organized by Li Yannian. I understand that proper entertainment can ease your fatigue, but now the construction of the secondary capital is at a critical juncture; you attend to myriad affairs every day, and all the people hope you will lead the Great Han toward prosperity. I fear that excessive indulgence in this will delay state affairs."

Shi Liangdi's words were earnest, her eyes full of concern and worry for Liu Ju.

At the same time, several officials memorialized the throne, condemning Li Yannian for bewitching the emperor.

Zhang Tang spoke sternly: "Li Yannian, as Minister of Rites, does not think to devote himself wholeheartedly to the court's sacrificial music and dance, yet he bewilders Your Majesty with the dance of the Western Regions Hu women—this is truly a grave offense of disrespect. Your Majesty should put the realm first and stay away from such bewitching acts."

Liu Ju saw the officials' memorials, and recalling Shi Liangdi's advice, he couldn't help but chuckle.

Even looking at beautiful women isn't allowed—being an emperor really isn't that free.

In the Great Han you can't be a loudmouth champion either, and there's nowhere to pound the keyboard.

Suddenly I miss the livestream sisters from my past life—at least I could skim a bullet comment KKP, and they'd at most politely greet me.

And those officials are always jumping on the bandwagon, it's aggravating!

But Li Yannian, that old rascal, does have something going for him.

Even though he considers himself a clear‑headed time traveler, his blood boils at the sight—did people in antiquity really eat so well?

Liu Ju muttered complaints incessantly, yet upon returning to his sleeping quarters he still said gratefully to Shi Liangdi, "Good Lady, thanks to your reminder I nearly made a mistake. And the various ministers are also loyal and true."

Thereafter, Liu Ju immediately ordered an audience with Li Yannian.

Li Yannian felt uneasy, not knowing why Liu Ju had summoned him this time.

Liu Ju's face turned stern as he looked at Li Yannian and said, "Li Yannian, as a court official you ought to fulfill your duties. This time you used song and dance to bewilder me, nearly causing a major mistake. Though I recognize your talent in music and dance, I punish you to immediately establish the Great Han Song and Dance Troupe, go to the construction site of the secondary capital, and give consoling performances to the hardworking laborers. Firstly, to let you atone with merit; secondly, it can also boost the workers' morale and aid the secondary capital's construction."

At the same time, Liu Ju also had a more far‑reaching plan in mind, which also concerned the success or failure of the recent land‑reform push.

It all hinges on whether the song and dance troupe can succeed!

Li Yannian heard this; although he felt a bit disappointed, he also understood that this was the punishment he deserved.

He hurriedly knelt to express his thanks:

"Your Majesty is sagacious; I will surely exert my utmost effort."

This news spread,

Shi Liangdi also felt relieved by Liu Ju's decisive decision.

And Liu Ju, once Shi Liangdi's health improved, finally got what he wished for.