Chapter 171: First Time as a Father

Liuju had been busy in Yanjing for a long time; all affairs gradually got on track, especially the equal-field system was implemented smoothly, and the people of Yanjing lived increasingly prosperous lives, whereupon he decided to set out and return to Chang'an.

Before his departure, the people of Yanjing spontaneously came to see him off, the roadsides were filled with people, and everyone's eyes were full of reluctance and gratitude.

On the return journey, Liuju deliberately slowed his pace to observe the livelihood conditions along the way.

In the fields, farmers worked diligently, and the crops showed promising growth.

Seeing this, Liuju felt a deep sense of relief.

When Liuju's entourage returned to Chang'an, the city was decked with lanterns and banners, and the people lined the streets to welcome him.

Civil and military officials gathered outside the city to respectfully welcome the Son of Heaven's return.

Chancellor Tian Qianqiu stepped forward, performed the salute, and said, "Your Majesty, your journey to Yanjing has yielded remarkable results; it is indeed a blessing for our Great Han."

Amid the crowd's escort, Liuju entered the city, and the prosperous scene of Chang'an unfolded before his eyes.

At the market, people came and went, bustling extraordinarily; roadside shops thrived, and vendors enthusiastically solicited customers.

Seeing this prosperous scene, Liuju's heart was filled with myriad emotions.

After returning to the imperial palace, Liuju immediately summoned the ministers to discuss state affairs.

He gave a detailed account of Yanjing's development and the results of the equal-field system's implementation, and emphasized that the successful experience should be promoted to other regions.

The ministers all expressed their agreement.

That day, Liuju had just finished briefing on matters when he concluded the morning audience.

At that moment, a palace attendant suddenly came to report.

"Your Majesty, Lady Li is about to give birth!"

The news of Lady Yan's imminent delivery suddenly arrived.

Liuju hurried toward Lady Yan's bedchamber, his face full of urgency and excitement.

At that moment, the doors of Lady Yan's bedchamber were tightly shut, and faintly from inside came the voice of the imperial physician.

Outside, the area was filled with people.

Liuju paced back and forth, his eyes fixed on the tightly closed door, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.

Each time he heard Lady Yan's painful cries, his heart felt as if it were being tightly tugged.

Meanwhile, Wei Zifu, who had rushed over, although she had already experienced childbirth, still looked anxiously at the sleeping hall.

After a long wait, a loud infant's wail shattered the tense silence.

Liuju first stared in surprise, then his eye sockets reddened and his face broke into an extraordinarily bright smile.

The midwife, holding the infant prince swaddled in cloth, walked out and said respectfully, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, congratulations, Your Majesty; Lady Li has given birth to an imperial prince."

Liuju carefully took the child, gazing at the wrinkled yet exceedingly precious little face in the swaddling, and a feeling of indescribable joy and emotion welled up in his heart.

"I have an imperial son, I have become a father!" he murmured, his voice trembling slightly.

Wei Zifu also came over, her eye sockets instantly moist; she reached out and lightly touched the infant prince's cheek, her movement so gentle as if fearing to disturb this fragile life.

"My grandson, how adorable."

Wei Zifu's voice choked, full of affection.

She lifted her eyes to Liuju, tears glimmering in her eyes yet also bearing a relieved smile, and said, "Liuju, you too now know the joy of parenthood. This child is a precious gift bestowed by heaven upon us; looking at him, I seem to see your childhood self, time really flies."

Liuju nodded heavily, his gaze never leaving the child, his hand trembling slightly as he wanted to hold the baby but feared his movements might hurt him.

"Mother, your servant will surely exert all efforts to protect him completely."

Wei Zifu softly said, "This is a blessing for our Great Han."

After a moment, the imperial physician exited Lady Yan's bedchamber, and Liuju then hurried inside.

He came to Lady Yan's bedside.

Lady Yan's complexion was pale, yet she forced out a smile.

Liuju gently took her hand, his eyes full of gratitude, and said, "Yan'er, you have suffered greatly. Without you, how could I have welcomed such a precious imperial son? You have rendered great service to me and to the Great Han; I will surely not let you down."

Lady Yan looked at Liuju and the child, tears glimmering in her eyes, and softly said, "Your Majesty, to bear an imperial son for you is my fortune."

At that moment, Good Lady Shi also hurried over.

Seeing Liuju holding the imperial prince, a flicker of envy crossed her eyes, but more so she felt glad for Liuju.

After Liuju had comforted Lady Yan, Good Lady Shi stepped forward, made a slight bow, and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on obtaining an imperial prince."

Thereafter, she glanced at Liuju with a hint of shyness and whispered, "Your Majesty, now that Lady Li has borne an imperial son for you, I also hope to be able to bear offspring for you."

Liuju looked at Good Lady Shi and nodded gently.

The news that the Son of Heaven of the Great Han had obtained a dragon heir instantly spread throughout the court.

Officials all showed joyful expressions, and the court resounded with congratulations.

Tian Qianqiu respectfully said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on obtaining a dragon heir; this is an auspicious sign for our Great Han, indicating that our Great Han will have successors and its prosperity will endure."

Other officials likewise echoed the sentiment.

Even the usually stern old officials found it hard to hide their smiles, their eyes glimmering with relieved light.

In this era, the birth of an imperial prince signifies that the Great Han's stable succession has gained a solid safeguard.

And when the newspapers under the Great Han's media outlet reported this news,

After the common folk learned of this happy news, they too were immersed in joy.

On streets and alleys, people were discussing this matter.

Far away in Mojietuo Country, Emperor Wu of Han Liuche, upon receiving the envoy's message, could not help but burst into loud laughter.

He said to Li Guang, Dong Zhongshu, and Huo Qubing beside him, "My grandson has been born; our Great Han has successors!"

Li Guang wore a full-face smile and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty; this truly is a great joy. I imagine the Son of Heaven must now be filled with delight."

Dong Zhongshu gave a slight nod and said, "This is heaven's blessing upon our Great Han; the birth of an imperial prince will bring new vitality and vigor to our Great Han."

Huo Qubing, excitedly, said, "When I return to the Great Han, I will surely lovingly embrace this little imperial prince."

Everyone chatted among themselves, all feeling happy for Liu Ju's having a son.

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche's eyes were full of joy and affection; after a brief pause, he spoke firmly:

"My imperial grandson's birth is a great joy. I have decided to grant Magadha to my imperial grandson as a fief, hoping this land will bless my imperial grandson with healthy growth."

Afterward, Liuche rose slowly and said firmly: "From today onward, this day shall be the 'Christmas' of this land; all localities must participate in blessings and prayers, with no mistake."

Dong Zhongshu stroked his beard, nodded, and said: "Your Majesty, your wisdom is evident; this measure not only shows deep affection for the imperial grandson, but also strengthens the Han's ties with the Western Regions, promoting cultural exchange and trade—truly a multi‑gain move."

Huo Qubing and Li Guang were also full of excitement.

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche listened, smiled satisfiedly, then shifted the topic: "Esteemed beloved officials, now the Han's national strength is strong, and the imperial grandson's birth brings a new atmosphere to the Han. I intend to continue westward expansion, seizing more land. What do you all think?"

Li Guang's expression grew solemn as he clasped his fists and said: "Your Majesty, the road westward is fraught with difficulty, and the front lines are too long; grain and fodder supplies may become a problem. Yet I am willing to follow your commands; if we go to war, I will give my all."

Dong Zhongshu showed a worried look and advised: "Your Majesty, warfare concerns countless lives. Although the Han has the strength to expand outward, we must also consider the sustainability of people's livelihood and national strength. If we can use war to bring peace, and after seizing land govern it well so the people may live and work in contentment, that would be a long‑term strategy."

Huo Qubing, his blood boiling, urged eagerly: "Your Majesty, if not now, when else to go westward? The Han's soldiers are incomparably brave; they will surely be invincible. Seizing more land will not only expand the Han's territory but also yield rich resources, strengthening the Han's power."

Emperor Wu of Han Liuche quietly listened to everyone's opinions, his eyes flashing with determination and contemplation.

Inside the tent, everyone gathered around the decision to go westward, each voicing their own views.