Chapter 26: The Han Wu Emperor Who Revived His Mighty Spirit

As the lanterns first lit up, the night scenery of Xianyang City was traced by specks of lights, dreamlike and illusory.

Liuche wore casual clothes, bringing Li Guang and Dongfang Shuo, and walked briskly through the bustling lanes, aiming straight for the famed 'Immortal's Abode'.

"Old fogey, are your subordinates reliable or not? How could there be an Immortal's Abode in the Great Han? Could it be better than my Upper Forest Park?"

"Lord Liu, you didn't have to come!"

If Li Guang hadn't said anything, it would have been fine, but saying that triggered Liuche's rebellious streak, and he insisted on going to see the Immortal's Abode.

Just as they stepped into a place by the waterfront street, they felt a melodious strain of silk and bamboo music drift into their ears; the gentle tune, like flowing water, instantly caught Liuche's attention.

Without thinking, they stepped into the courtyard, where they saw graceful dancers on the stage, their flowing robes fluttering like fairies descending to earth.

Below the stage, some audience members swayed their heads gently to the music, while others stared fixedly at the performance, occasionally bursting into applause.

"Sure enough, this is the Immortal's Abode!"

Liuche's eyes sparkled with novelty and excitement; this folk performance, so unlike the court music and dance, made him feel a different kind of vigor and charm.

"No, this place looks anything but respectable; I must see for myself what sort of business goes on here!"

They found a spot with a good view and sat down; shortly after, a beautiful-faced, sweet-voiced top courtesan swayed onto the stage.

She parted her vermilion lips, and a rendition of 'Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix' poured forth, plaintive and lamenting; her melodious voice seemed enchanted, and Liuche found himself listening, entranced.

However, just as Liuche was immersed in that lovely song, a table of guests not far away suddenly erupted in noise.

They saw a wealthy young nobleman, attracted by the top courtesan's beauty and talent, actually send servants bearing a generous gift, openly expressing his affection for her.

This move immediately caused a stir among the surrounding people.

Seeing this, Liuche felt a sudden, inexplicable displeasure well up in his heart.

Having grown up in the palace since childhood, he had never witnessed such a scene of romantic rivalry, especially since the top courtesan's song truly stirred his heart.

Most importantly, this brat actually delayed his investigation into the evidence of the crown prince corrupting people's hearts?

He furrowed his brows slightly, a flash of arrogance crossing his eyes, then turned to Li Guang and Dongfang Shuo and whispered, 'I want to see just who dares to be so bold.'

Li Guang gave a wry smile; he knew Liuche's temperament well, thought this a bit improper, but saw no way to stop him.

Dongfang Shuo, meanwhile, watched everything with interest, secretly thinking that this trip to the pleasure quarter would become even more entertaining.

Seeing that Liuche's side also seemed intent on vying for favor, the wealthy nobleman stepped forward, gave Liuche a provocative glance, and said, 'Sir, in this pleasure quarter, the highest bidder wins; I think you'd better not waste your effort.'

Liuche let out a cold snort, rose to his feet, and declared firmly, 'The talents of this top courtesan cannot be measured by money; today I… I will contend with you.'

In an instant, the atmosphere inside grew tense; the surrounding spectators cast curious glances, and no one had imagined that this tranquil night would become extraordinarily lively because of a love-rivalry farce.

And Liuche, having long since cast aside his imperial identity, was by nature flirtatious and uninhibited, notorious as an old lecher.

At this moment he had thrown himself wholeheartedly into this unprecedented rivalry, solely for the song that moved his heart and the fleeting figure dancing on stage, reveling in the freshness and stimulation brought by this vibrant mortal life.

Then the madam stepped forward, smiling, and said, 'Gentlemen, though gold and silver can show off your nobility in our refined establishment, to win the heart of my girl you still need learning and literary talent.'

Liuche's eyes lit up as he laughed, 'Interesting, interesting—do tell us what it is.'

The madam laughed, 'This, however, is to be set by my girl "A Jiao".'

"A Jiao?"

Liuche's memories were instantly awakened—his naive first love, the betrayal that pierced his heart—leaving him both nostalgic and resentful, his expression complex.

Then Miss A Jiao said, 'You shall each compose a poem on me as the theme; the literary contest will decide the winner.'

Liuche suddenly rose, his whole being filled with heroic spirit; after a brief pause he said, 'Bring paper and brush.'

One saw Liuche's brows slightly furrowed, his gaze deep as he stared ahead, his mind sketching a vivid scene.

After a long while he finally lifted the brush, soaked it in dark ink, his wrist trembling slightly; the wolf-hair brush made the first stroke on the bamboo slip. The brush tip scraping the paper produced a faint rustling, as if Liuche were conversing with the beauty.

"There is a beauty whose fine light shines, her knitted brows radiating glow. She holds the fragrant herbs awaiting the wind, her scattered perfume filling the chapters. Her graceful swaying, soft and supple, her delicate flutter grows more dignified. The swallow's playful flutter brushes the pillars, her flowing gaze lifts her eyebrows. Her stirred feelings chase her heart, embracing her radiant countenance, yet unclear…"

Upon reaching the passionate passage, Liuche suddenly rose to his feet, brush in one hand, cup in the other, and drained the wine in one gulp. The liquor trickled down the corner of his mouth, soaking his collar, but he was utterly unaware.

After half a cup of tea, Liuche set down his brush, completed the poem in one breath, and stood tall.

"Excellent!"

"Who knows who shouted?"

"Fine literary talent."

"It bears the spirit of Lord Sima Xiangru!"

Instantly, others joined in, echoing the praise.

Dongfang Shuo and Li Guang also stepped forward to cheer, their faces full of astonishment, secretly thinking that the former emperor's talent had not diminished at all.

And looking at Miss A Jiao now, her gaze toward Liuche was already brimming with unusual color.

At this moment, Liuche, having just finished his brushwork, stood there; his spirit occasionally returned to the gentle sweetness of the days when he 'hid beauty in a golden house,' and at times recalled reciting poetry with Sima Xiangru—how spirited and exalted that was!

Now those old friends are gone, leaving only endless sighs!

Moreover, recent events have been frequent; even someone as resolute as he has not had a peaceful night's sleep, and now venting his feelings, he finds it rather interesting.

The crowd's clamor gradually subsided; he smiled and asked, 'Do we need another round?'

She glanced around; the arrogant young nobleman who had just been there had already vanished.

The madam came forward smiling, seized Miss A Jiao, pushed her toward Liuche, and said, 'Sir, A Jiao is now yours.'

"I am frail; I hope you will pity me."

Miss A Jiao was already panting softly, leaning against Liuche, having turned into a puddle of water.

Liuche laughed heartily, pulled the beauty in his arms into an embrace, gazed upon the garden full of spring, and his heart swelled with heroic ambition.

"Congratulations, sir!"

Li Guang and Dongfang Shuo hurriedly offered their congratulations.

That night.

Emperor Wu of Han, Liuche, having embraced the beauty and returned home, you follow me, my dear.

(Omitted ten thousand words here)

Next morning.

Liuche felt that his old waist, which Dong Zhongshu had screwed over twice, was about to break.

He once again regained the suave, spirited self he used to be.

He looked at the beauty still soundly asleep in his arms, filled with emotion, and immediately recalled the purpose of this trip.

He slapped his forehead and angrily said, "The Crown Prince truly has a vicious heart, deliberately setting up this pleasure quarter to wear down my will, you unfilial son, you unfilial son!"

He immediately got up, tidied himself, and, supporting his sore waist, went out the door.

At this moment, Li Guang and Dongfang Shuo had already been waiting in the hall for a long time; Dongfang Shuo also had a red-faced glow, evidently he too had gotten lucky yesterday.

In contrast, Li Guang wore a stern expression, looking at the limping Liuche, continually snorting coldly.

Lord Liu, you're still as majestic as ever; even my bed from yesterday swayed along with you.

Liuche let out a cold snort and said, "We've fallen for the Crown Prince's scheme; we shouldn't linger here."

Having said that, he first walked out of the pleasure quarter; after a few steps, he furtively looked back and saw A Jiao looking at him pitifully by the window, his feelings surging again.

What a karmic entanglement! It's all Li Guang's fault, that old fool. I'll never come to this place again; I still have important matters to attend to!

Liuche looked back for a long time before steely himself to leave.

Meanwhile, A Jiao, standing by the window, saw Liuche walk away, her expression changed, and she spat, "Old fogey, you may lack ability but have plenty of tricks—yet you've exhausted this young lady!"

The madam behind her laughed, "He's certainly a wealthy patron."

A Jiao scoffed, "He's just a nutcase with water in his brain, constantly calling himself 'Zhen' (the imperial 'We'), and even calling me his beloved consort, saying he'll someday take me to the Weiyang Palace to rule the world—pah!"

I wish I could go report him to the authorities right now!

The madam chuckled, patting A Jiao, and said with a pout, "No matter, just pillow talk; that Mr. Dongfang even claimed to be a favored minister of the late emperor, tossing me about all night!"

The two, chatting about boudoir anecdotes, immediately laughed till their branches swayed, and spring filled the dark room.