Chapter 41: The Second Prince

"If matters are inconvenient, discuss them with the Emperor as a matter of expediency."

A Jiao placed the memorial submitted by Dou Ying on the desk. Looking at the very familiar handwriting, she could not help but feel nostalgic for her uncle, Han Jingdi, Liu Qi.

In A Jiao's memory, her uncle was a very gentle and loving man. Whether toward her or her mother, her uncle's face always carried a mild and indulgent smile.

Yet who could have imagined that such a person would devise such a scheme, all just to ensure Liu Che could hold absolute power alone.

"Your Majesty, Guan Fu is innocent. Your subject implores Your Majesty to spare him for the sake of this imperial edict." Dou Ying was a man who valued sentiment and loyalty.

Ever since Tian Fen became Prime Minister, the retainers who were once under Dou Ying's roof had all gone to rely on Tian Fen; only Guan Fu was willing to associate with him. Now that Guan Fu had a dispute with Tian Fen, it was a disaster caused by Guan Fu trying to help him, so no matter what, Dou Ying wanted to save Guan Fu's life.

A Jiao mimicked the way Liu Che looked whenever he was deep in thought, tapping her fingertips lightly on the desk. Then, she spoke slowly: "Dou Ying, are you using the late Emperor's last edict to command Us?"

Dou Ying paused, then hurriedly lowered his head and bowed: "Your subject has no such intention; I simply cannot bear to see a close friend imprisoned for a crime he did not commit."

"Since you believe Guan Fu is imprisoned unjustly, the Tingwei Office will surely investigate his affairs thoroughly. Why must you be so anxious?" A Jiao gave a low laugh: "The Marquis of Weiqi is indeed a man of sentiment."

Dou Ying's expression faltered slightly, and a sense of doubt grew in his heart. He felt that the Emperor before him seemed different somehow. That childish young Emperor of years past had now become so composed and reserved.

"Your subject has always been this way." Saying this, Dou Ying felt a strange sense of grievance in his heart.

When Liu Che first ascended the throne, he was merely a sixteen-year-old boy, and the court was controlled by Empress Dowager Dou. Yet Dou Ying, as a relative of the Dou clan, had stood on the Emperor's side.

Because he agreed with the Confucian policies the Emperor intended to implement, he was removed from his position as Prime Minister by his own cousin, the Empress Dowager. For several years thereafter, he had lived in retirement as a mere marquis, stripped of any official post.

As for Tian Fen, because he was the Emperor's own uncle, even without an official post, he could still enter the Weiyang Palace to discuss state affairs with the Emperor. It was not until the Empress Dowager passed away that Tian Fen became Prime Minister.

Dou Ying had been idle at home for a long time. He had hoped the Emperor would welcome him back to court, but all he received was the Emperor's neglect. His once-full ambition had withered in the Emperor's alienation; only Guan Fu remained the same toward him.

How could he not feel aggrieved?

A Jiao curled her lips and raised an eyebrow: "Since that is the case, We shall give you two choices. What do you think, Marquis of Weiqi?"

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"This last edict shall belong to Us, and We shall act as if you never came to see Us. Tomorrow, We will issue an edict appointing you Prime Minister, and you may continue to exercise your political ambitions. Of course, Guan Fu must still die."

Hearing the conditions A Jiao gave him, Dou Ying gasped and asked in a deep voice: "Then what is the second choice?"

"The second choice: this last edict remains with Us, and We promise to spare Guan Fu, but from this day forward, the Marquis of Weiqi, Dou Ying, shall have no further connection to the court." A Jiao raised her eyebrows, her deep eyes staring at Dou Ying: "Marquis of Weiqi, what is your choice?"

The great hall was silent. Dou Ying did not know if this was a test by the Emperor or if the Emperor truly intended to give him these two options. A chill seeped into his heart and spleen. Dou Ying spoke slowly: "Your subject chooses the second."

He would rather no longer be an official than let his friend lose his life.

Hearing Dou Ying's choice, A Jiao did not seem surprised; rather, she seemed quite pleased. She stood up abruptly, took the last edict in her hand, and, right before Dou Ying's eyes, raised her hand and threw it into the brazier nearby.

Dou Ying cried out: "Your Majesty, that is the late Emperor's..."

"The last edict is now in Our possession; We shall dispose of it as We please." A Jiao lifted her chin slightly, her voice carrying an indisputable majesty: "You may return. In a few days, We will issue an edict to release Guan Fu."

Dou Ying had not expected the Emperor to grant his request so quickly, and for a moment, he felt astonished. He lowered his head and bowed again: "Your subject thanks Your Majesty."

With the matter concluded, Dou Ying bid A Jiao farewell.

Watching Dou Ying's slowly departing back, A Jiao could not help but call out to him: "Marquis of Weiqi, are you truly content to be so far removed from the court?"

Dou Ying's footsteps faltered, then he gave a wry smile. Without turning back, he asked the Emperor a question: "Your Majesty has alienated your subject all these years—is it because I bear the surname Dou?"

A Jiao was silent; everything was understood without words. Dou Ying slowly left the Xuanshi Hall.

In truth, Dou Ying knew better than anyone that the once-young Emperor possessed political acumen not inferior to the late Emperor, and was perhaps even more formidable. From the concept of imperial supremacy he proposed during the Jianyuan era, one could see Liu Che's ambition to centralize power.

As Dou Ying, who represented the Dou family relatives, it was destined that after the Empress Dowager passed away, he would no longer be heavily relied upon.

【The "Tian-Dou Dispute" event has been resolved. Reward: 2000 points.】

【The host has resolved and witnessed the "Tui'en Edict event," the "Founding of the Imperial Academy event," and the "Tian-Dou Dispute event," thus unlocking the exchange permissions for the third level of the System Mall.】

The system's notification sound echoed in Liu Li's mind. She closed her eyes to check, and indeed, the "Tian-Dou Dispute" event was marked as resolved.

Before she could check what was in the third level of the system mall, she heard the system prompt again: 【Since the host has accumulated over ten thousand points, do you wish to consume ten thousand points to upgrade the system?】

"The system can actually be upgraded?" Liu Li glanced at her accumulated points; she currently had over thirteen thousand. "You, a system, actually require ten thousand points to upgrade?"

【There will be corresponding upgrade rewards after the upgrade. Does the host choose to upgrade?】

"What kind of rewards?" Liu Li was curious. If the reward wasn't worth ten thousand points, wouldn't she be at a loss?

【This can only be known after the upgrade.】

Liu Li pursed her lips, considering whether she should spend ten thousand points to upgrade the system. As far as she was concerned, points were still quite easy to obtain.

As long as she actively participated in historical events, she could earn many points, so upgrading the system might unlock even more functions.

"Then let's upgrade." Liu Li confirmed the upgrade in her mind.

【The History Check-in System version 1.0 is about to upgrade. The upgrade time is 720 hours.】

Liu Li: "???"

"Wait, you need 720 hours to upgrade?" She said in disbelief: "You need a whole month to finish upgrading?"

【Yes, host.】

"Then what should I do if I want to exchange for items while you are upgrading?"

【During system upgrade and maintenance, the host can use the system mall normally, but favorability values and historical events will no longer be prompted until the upgrade is complete.】

Hearing this, Liu Li breathed a slight sigh of relief: "That's good." It was only a month; that was fine.

"A Li." A Jiao walked in from the outer hall through the curtain: "Did you hear the conversation between Dou Ying and Me just now?"

Liu Li regained her focus and nodded: "I heard it all." When she heard Dou Ying's choice, Liu Li admired him quite a bit; at the very least, Dou Ying was a man who could give up the position of Prime Minister for the sake of a close friend.

"Then from now on, will Dou Ying really just be idle at home?" A Jiao still felt it was a pity. She had once seen Dou Ying at the peak of his career, full of spirit. Could this be considered burying a talent?

"No." Liu Li shook her head firmly: "Of course it won't be like that."

Liu Li wanted to save Dou Ying, not only because he was the last hope of the Dou clan, but also because he possessed exceptional military talent. Back during the reign of Han Jingdi, Dou Ying had been appointed Great General and had pacified the Rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms.

"Mother, if I remember correctly, Wei Qing began to build his career in the sixth year of Yuanguang, and the Wei family also began to rise from that time. To protect Father's position as Empress, there must also be a Great General behind him who can lead troops into battle."

A Jiao choked: "Protect Liu Che's position as Empress?" Why did that sound so strange?

"That's right." Liu Li pursed her lips and said: "We are keeping Dou Ying now just as a precaution. When that day truly comes, I believe Father will surely find a way to consolidate his position as Empress himself. Any man, as long as he is in a woman's situation, is a woman."

With the rise of the Wei family and Wei Zifu having the Imperial Eldest Son by her side, would Liu Che, who had become A Jiao, not think of his future predicament?

"Any man, as long as he is in a woman's situation, is a woman?" A Jiao repeated this sentence, feeling inexplicably shocked in her heart.

Tian Fen was already dead, so of course, a new Prime Minister had to be appointed. Liu Che himself was also considering candidates for the new Prime Minister and finally settled on Han Anguo.

Liu Li didn't have much of an impression of this Han Anguo; she only vaguely remembered that the textbook mentioned he was a famous minister, but she didn't know what specific achievements he had.

But since it was proposed by Liu Che, A Jiao had no objections, so she followed Liu Che's wishes and appointed Han Anguo as Prime Minister.

Afterward, A Jiao quietly told Liu Li: "This Han Anguo was once a strategist for Uncle Liang. In the past, when Uncle Liang came to see Mother, he would follow by Uncle Liang's side. It seems this Han Anguo still has some ability."

The Uncle Liang that A Jiao spoke of was the younger brother of Han Jingdi, born of the same father and mother, King Liang Liu Wu. Although this was mentioned, Liu Li still couldn't remember what historical feat Han Anguo had accomplished to be remembered.

Sigh, if only she had a biography of historical figures at hand.

After Han Anguo was promoted to Prime Minister, his original position as Grand Minister of Agriculture naturally became vacant, and A Jiao took the opportunity to promote Sang Hongyang.

During this period, the economic reforms carried out by Sang Hongyang had begun to show initial results, so promoting him at this time was reasonable, and no one in the court objected.

After A Jiao issued all the appointment edicts, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart; she finally had a feeling that things had settled down.

However, Liu Che's mood was not very good.

Because he had lost the child, he had recuperated in the Jiaofang Hall for a full month before his body fully recovered. The precious medicinal herbs that the Grand Princess sent into the Jiaofang Hall were fed to Liu Che every day in various ways, as if they cost nothing.

This caused Liu Che's Qi and blood to surge frequently. Several times in his dreams at night, he dreamed that he and A Jiao had switched bodies back, and then the two of them were doing indescribable things.

But when he woke up and realized he was still A Jiao, and that A Jiao, who should have been lying beside him, had already gotten up and left, he felt an inexplicable sense of emptiness in his heart.

Many times, Liu Che would beat the bed in frustration—what kind of mess was this!

By the time Liu Che had recuperated, it was already mid-March, with spring in full bloom. During this time, A Jiao was so busy she was practically flying. There weren't many state affairs, but there were various large and small sacrificial rites that required her personal attendance.

Spring was vibrant in the Weiyang Palace. In the back garden of the Jiaofang Hall... oh, in the backyard, there wasn't a single flower left; it had all been converted into planting land by the Jianling Princess, and now the ground was covered with all kinds of vegetable seeds.

At this time, Wei Qing was reporting to A Jiao in the Xuanshi Hall about the specific arrangements for the Shanglin Park hunt and military review at the end of March. A Jiao listened and felt drowsy; she hadn't been resting well lately.

In the past, Liu Che would go hunting in Shanglin Park every year at the end of March and take the opportunity to check on the soldiers' training. Ever since Liu Che had a falling out with the Xiongnu, the Great Han had ceased the policy of marriage alliances with them. From that time on, Liu Che had been stockpiling troops, waiting for the day to go to war with the Xiongnu.

"Your Majesty?" After Wei Qing finished his report, he didn't receive a response from the Emperor for a long time, so he couldn't help but raise his voice and call out again.

A Jiao opened her eyes all at once, her eyelids still feeling very heavy: "Hmm? You're finished? Then just proceed according to your arrangements."

Wei Qing looked at the Emperor with a rather strange expression: "Nuo, then this subject will go and make the arrangements."

"Hmm, go, go." A Jiao waved her hand, letting Wei Qing leave. Although she was Liu Che now, she had no interest in hunting or anything of the sort.

However... if she could go to Shanglin Park to hunt and relax, that might not be bad. A Jiao thought about how Liu Che had been in a bad mood lately, guessing that he might still be sad about the child, so she decided to take Liu Che to Shanglin Park for a while to let him change his mood.

After returning to the Jiaofang Hall, A Jiao told Liu Che about the hunting trip to Shanglin Park. Liu Che nodded after hearing it: "Of course I will go with you."

Liu Li heard the word "hunting" and asked curiously: "Are we going to hunt? Is Shanglin Park the legendary royal hunting ground?"

A Jiao nodded: "Yes, does A Li want to go?"

"I do." Liu Li blinked her eyes and said: "I haven't been to Shanglin Park yet. Is Shanglin Park fun? If we're hunting, are there little animals and such?"

When Liu Che went to Shanglin Park in March last year, he had let Wei Zifu and her two daughters accompany him. Not long after they returned from Shanglin Park, news came that Wei Zifu was pregnant.

Liu Che seemed to think of this, and he looked at A Jiao with a rather awkward expression, only to find that she wasn't looking at him at all, but was looking at her daughter with very gentle eyes.

He coughed uncomfortably and also looked at Liu Li. Seeing the anticipation on her little face, Liu Che said: "Whatever A Li wants, Father will hunt it for you when the time comes."

"Great, great." Liu Li said: "Hunt a little puppy for me."

Liu Che retorted: "Shanglin Park is full of fierce beasts; where would there be a little puppy?"

As the family of three was talking, the Great Changqiu of the Jiaofang Hall stood at the door and reported: "Your Majesty, Xiaojun, this servant has something to report."

"Come in and speak." A Jiao responded, signaling for the Great Changqiu to enter.

The Great Changqiu walked in and said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the attendant from the Lanlin Hall just reported that Beauty Wang has safely given birth to a little prince."

A Jiao and Liu Che were both stunned.

Beauty Wang gave birth?

And it was a prince?

After the Great Changqiu finished reporting, he waited quietly for the Emperor's reaction. After a long time, the Emperor still hadn't spoken, and the Great Changqiu couldn't gauge the Emperor's attitude.

The royal family had added a new member, which should have been a cause for celebration. But as luck would have it, just a month ago, the Empress had lost the child in her womb.

It was Liu Li who spoke up, her childish voice ringing out: "Father, Beauty Wang has added a little prince; would you like to go and see?"

Liu Che regained his focus, but his brows were tightly furrowed; clearly, he was not very happy about the arrival of his second son.

A Jiao cleared her throat and said: "Very well, We will go later."

After the Great Changqiu received the Emperor's response, he withdrew.

A Jiao turned her head to look at Liu Che. Seeing that there was no joy on Liu Che's face, she said softly: "Congratulations, you have another son."

Liu Che picked up the honey tea in front of him and took a sip, then put the cup down heavily, his face showing neither joy nor anger: "Hmm."

"Do you want to go and see?"

If it were before, Liu Che thought he would surely be very happy. But now, for some reason, he couldn't be happy at all. He thought of the little one who had stayed in his womb for five months; if it were still alive, would it also be about to be born?

Liu Che said in a muffled voice: "I won't go. You go and see on My behalf."

A Jiao nodded: "Very well." Saying this, A Jiao turned her eyes to Liu Li: "A Li, come with Me."

Liu Li was surprised why A Jiao wanted to take her along, but she nodded obediently: "Okay."

The Great Changqiu had already prepared the Imperial Chariot for A Jiao. After A Jiao took Liu Li's hand and sat on it, she said faintly: "Beauty Wang has finally given birth."

Liu Li looked up at A Jiao, only to meet her eerie gaze: "Mother, you..."

A Jiao gently rubbed Liu Li's head and whispered: "I want Beauty Wang's life." She was honest with Liu Li: "To avenge the A Li who died for me."

Liu Li fell into silence instantly, then frowned slightly.

Looking at Liu Li's expression, A Jiao pursed her lips and asked: "Do you not approve of me doing this?"

Liu Li raised her eyes again to look at A Jiao: "No, I have no position to oppose it. Had you already decided that you would execute Beauty Wang once she gave birth to the child?"

A Jiao nodded: "Yes." She shifted her gaze to look out the window and said softly: "If she hadn't been pregnant, she should have died long ago." A trace of coldness appeared in her eyes.

"Did you bring me out just to tell me this?" Liu Li leaned toward A Jiao: "If I opposed you doing this, would you give it up?"

A Jiao lowered her eyes, gazing into Liu Li's beautiful eyes. After a long while, she curled her lips and nodded: "Yes, if A Li opposed it, then I would spare her."

Her answer made Liu Li feel that she was valued. She was puzzled: "Why? Is my opinion that important?"

"Of course." A Jiao nodded solemnly: "Didn't you say before? We are mother and daughter, but also friends, and even... confidantes."

Liu Li's breath hitched slightly, and her heart felt as if it had been lightly stung by something, bringing a tingling sensation.

"I have already lost my A Li; I don't want to lose you." A Jiao said softly: "However, since you don't oppose it, I want to avenge my A Li."

This was the last thing she could do for her daughter as a mother.

Liu Li did not follow A Jiao into the Lanlin Hall; she just sat in the Imperial Chariot and waited for her to return.

The Lanlin Hall was full of festivity. Beauty Wang had just finished giving birth, and upon learning that she had given birth to a prince, she was even more overjoyed.

Her personal maid congratulated her repeatedly: "That's great, Beauty. You have given birth to the second prince. When the Emperor finds out, he will surely be very happy, and then he will lift your confinement. The days of your return to favor are not far off."

Beauty Wang, lying on the bed, looked haggard, but her expression was joyful: "Bring my son to me to see."

"The midwife has taken the second prince to be cleaned. You can see him in a moment, Beauty."

Beauty Wang nodded slightly, thinking of the suffering and hardship she had endured for this son during this time, and she felt it was all worth it.

Beauty Wang asked: "I heard that Wei Zifu also gave birth to a prince, but the Emperor doesn't seem to like the Imperial Eldest Son very much. Is that so?"

The personal maid nodded: "That's right. After the Imperial Eldest Son was born, the Emperor didn't even attend his full-month ceremony. Before, the Emperor had been looking forward to the birth of the little prince in the Empress's womb, but unfortunately, the Empress miscarried."

"Heh heh." Beauty Wang gave a low laugh: "Since that's the case, then my royal son must be liked by the Emperor."

The maid: "Our second prince is blessed; he will surely be able to make the Emperor happy."

As the two were talking, the maid outside announced: "Beauty, the Emperor has come to see you."

Beauty Wang was startled, and her expression was joyful: "The Emperor really does remember me." After a pause, she remembered that she had just given birth to a child, and in such a state, she really couldn't see the Emperor.

The maid suggested: "This servant will lower your bed curtains, and you can talk to the Emperor through the curtains."

Beauty Wang nodded: "Do that. Hurry, the Emperor will be here in a moment."

The maid got up and lowered the curtains on the bed. Standing outside, one could only vaguely see a graceful figure on the bed, which immediately added a touch of hazy beauty to Beauty Wang.

In fact, the real Liu Che had forgotten what Beauty Wang even looked like.

A Jiao walked into the sleeping chamber with her hands behind her back. Looking at the lowered curtains, she said in a cold voice: "You all leave. We want to reminisce with your Beauty alone."

The maids guarding the side left one after another. When only A Jiao and Beauty Wang were left in the hall, Beauty Wang suppressed her pounding heart and said in a graceful and delicate voice: "Your Majesty, you haven't come to see this concubine for a long time."

A Jiao responded coldly: "Indeed, because We don't want to see you at all."

Beauty Wang: "?"

Thinking she had misheard, Beauty Wang couldn't help but raise her voice and ask: "Your Majesty, what are you saying?"

A Jiao said word for word: "We said, We don't want to see you at all."

She not only wanted to kill, but she also wanted to destroy her heart! ===== CHAPTER 42 =====

Thinking she had misheard, Wang Meiren could not help but raise her voice to ask: "Your Majesty, what are you saying?"

A Jiao said, word for word: "I said, I do not want to see you at all."

She not only wanted to kill, she wanted to destroy their spirit!