Chapter 46: Precautions

Shanglin Park not only had good hunting conditions, but the scenery was also very charming. Especially in this early spring season, it was the time when all things were recovering. In the garden in front of the temporary palace, hundreds of flowers were blooming and competing for beauty, which was very beautiful.

Liu Li heard that Liu Che was going to take Liu Ling to tour Shanglin Park, so she eagerly crowded over: "Mother, I want to go too."

Liu Che nodded: "Okay, let's go together."

The entire Shanglin Park was very large, and even for sightseeing, one had to take the Imperial Chariot. They set off from the temporary palace, passed through Yichun Garden and Yushu Garden, and arrived at Xuanqu Palace.

The Imperial Chariot had just passed the entrance of Xuanqu Palace when they heard intermittent zither strings coming from inside. Liu Li listened attentively, feeling that the sound of the zither strings was not very good, but not very bad either, generally standard.

However, she could also understand, after all, the ideological culture had not been completely formed at this time, let alone music. Liu Che heard this music, but his face showed appreciation.

The Imperial Chariot continued to move forward, and one could see rows of towering palaces. Liu Che introduced: "In the past, this was a palace garden of the Qin Dynasty. The Shanglin Park was expanded from here starting in the third year of Jianyuan." His expression carried a bit of pride, after all, this was built by his order.

Liu Li silently complained about the spendthrift in her heart.

Liu Ling was unhappy because "

Speaking of this, Liu Che became even more pleased with himself. He nodded and said: "Of course you can."

Having said that, Liu Che ordered the imperial charioteer to head toward Sixian Garden. This was the place Liu Che once used to recruit guests, and the "Shanglin Ode" written by Sima Xiangru was kept here.

Liu Li subconsciously licked her lips, feeling that the name Sima Xiangru sounded familiar, as if she had seen it in some textbook.

The imperial chariot stopped in front of Sixian Garden, and Liu Che reached out to hold his daughter's hand, leading everyone inside. The palace attendants respectfully welcomed the "Empress," and Liu Che said: "Order someone to bring over the 'Shanglin Ode' written by Sima Xiangru."

"Understood." The palace attendant hurried off to carry out the task.

Liu Li suddenly let out an "Ah," and Liu Che lowered his eyes to look at his startled daughter: "What is it?"

She blinked her eyes, shook her head, and said: "Nothing, nothing." She had just suddenly remembered who this Sima Xiangru was.

In junior high, she had learned a poem called "Mo Yu Er" by the Southern Song poet Xin Qiji in her language textbook. One of the lines went like this: "The Changmen affair, the promised happy date was missed again. Beauty was once envied by others. Even if one spends a thousand gold to buy an ode from Xiangru, to whom can this lingering affection be told?"

At the time, the language teacher had explained the background story when teaching this text.

A story about Emperor Wu of Han and his Empress, Chen Ajiao.

After Empress Chen was deposed by Emperor Wu of Han, she went to Changmen Palace, depressed and unhappy. In order to win back the Emperor's heart, Empress Chen spent a thousand gold to ask Sima Xiangru to write the "Changmen Ode" for her, but unfortunately, it failed to win back the Emperor's heart in the end.

It could be said that this was Liu Li's first contact with the story of Chen Ajiao and Liu Che. Although the teacher said at the time that the story of the Empress buying the ode with a thousand gold came from unofficial history and should not be taken as truth, Liu Li still specifically searched for the "Changmen Ode" online.

She couldn't understand it, but she felt it was written very well, with flowery language and delicate phrasing.

So, is this Sima Xiangru the same person who wrote the "Changmen Ode" for A Jiao in history?

The palace attendant brought over the bamboo slips containing the "Shanglin Ode" and presented them to Liu Che. Liu Li also curiously leaned in to look. After staring for a long while, her expression gradually became blank.

It was written really well, although she still couldn't understand it.

If the system were active, she could have used the system's translation to appreciate this work, but unfortunately, the system was upgrading, and she felt like an illiterate person at this moment.

After Liu Ling finished reading the entire "Shanglin Ode," she asked with great interest: "Sister A Jiao, I wonder where this Sima Xiangru is? A Ling would love to meet him."

Liu Che

: "??" Why do you want to meet everyone?

"Sima Xiangru was ordered by the Emperor to go on a mission to the Southwest Yi and has not yet returned." Liu Che said irritably: "Also, Sima Xiangru is already married and has a wife."

When Liu Ling heard "A Jiao" emphasizing that Sima Xiangru was already married, she was stunned for a moment: "A Ling only admires people with literary talent; what does that have to do with whether he is married or not? A Ling doesn't want to be his wife."

Liu Che muttered in his heart, it's best if it has nothing to do with it.

Liu Li: "..." She felt that Liu Che's dislike for Liu Ling was becoming more and more obvious.

After finishing the "Shanglin Ode," their group went to the Quan Tai Palace behind it, where there were dog races and horse races that only the nobility could afford to play.

Further back, there was what was commonly known as a zoo for raising animals. Currently, there were not many animals kept inside, only a few white deer. According to Liu Che's plan, he intended to keep a few of every animal that appeared in Shanglin Park for his own amusement.

There was also a courtyard behind called Fuli Palace, and Liu Li actually saw lychee fruits inside!

"My God, it's actually lychees!" Liu Li was stunned; she hadn't expected that there would be lychees in the Western Han period. Unfortunately, the lychees were just bearing fruit at this time and wouldn't be ripe until May or June.

Liu Che raised an eyebrow: "A Li actually knows about 'Li Zhi'?"

'Li Zhi' was the ancient name for lychees, and because the pronunciation was similar, Liu Che didn't realize that Liu Li was talking about lychees.

Liu Li nodded: "I know, this fruit is very sweet and delicious."

Liu Che was curious: "When has A Li eaten 'Li Zhi'?"

Hearing Liu Che's question, Liu Ling also looked at Liu Li with curiosity; she had to know that she hadn't even eaten 'Li Zhi' herself! She had only heard her father mention before that there was such a thing in Weiyang Palace.

In fact, lychees originated in Lingnan and had entered the Central Plains as tribute as early as when Liu Bang was on the throne. But because the shelf life of lychees was short, by the time they were transported from the Lingnan region to Chang'an, they were basically already rotten.

When Liu Che was still the Crown Prince, he had the good fortune to taste a lychee once. After eating one, he couldn't forget the taste. After he ascended the throne as Emperor and learned that lychees came from Lingnan, he ordered Lingnan to send fresh lychees as tribute every year.

Every year, only about ten or so lychees were sent to Liu Che. After sending two to the Empress Dowager and two to the Prime Minister, the Censor, and others, and eating two himself, there were basically none left. So Liu Che was very curious about when Liu Li had eaten 'Li Zhi'.

Liu Li pouted: "Mother, have you forgotten? You peeled one for me to eat last time."

Liu Che followed his daughter's hint and glanced at Liu Ling, immediately reacting: "Oh, I remember now."

The lychee trees in Fuli Palace now were cultivated from saplings sent from Lingnan. The trees had already borne many small green fruits, and they should be ready to eat in another two months.

Liu Che looked at the small fruits on the lychee tree and sighed: "These 'Li Zhi' trees have been planted for six years, and they actually bore fruit this year."

Liu Li smiled and said: "There will be fresh 'Li Zhi' to eat this year."

Liu Che laughed: "You little foodie, are you just thinking about eating?"

The Emperor and Empress stayed in Shanglin Park for half a month, only deciding to return to Weiyang Palace in mid-April. During this period, A Jiao also took Liu Che and Liu Li to offer sacrifices to their ancestors, which was the later Qingming Festival.

When they were preparing to return to Weiyang Palace, Liu Che mentioned to Liu Li that he wanted to let Chen Fei stay here to join the Feathered Forest Guard.

In fact, even if Liu Che hadn't said it, Liu Li had planned to arrange for Chen Fei to join the Feathered Forest Guard, placing him by Wei Qing's side to prepare for future wars.

Following Wei Qing, with Chen Fei's horse-riding and archery skills, he could at least be appointed as a general or something in the future, which would be a good thing for both Liu Li and "A Jiao."

Because Chen Fei's name was not recorded in history, Liu Li didn't know what height the future Chen Fei could reach. But she was inexplicably looking forward to it.

Wei Qing, who was once a horse slave, could become a Great General, so why not Chen Fei?

Now that Liu Che had taken the initiative to bring it up, Liu Li didn't put on airs. She first pretended to be hesitant, then reluctantly called Chen

Fei over and told him he was to join the Feathered Forest Guard.

Chen Fei knelt down to thank her.

To make up for his daughter, Liu Che said: "After we return to Weiyang Palace, you can choose a few more attendants. If that doesn't work, you can choose some sons of noble families that you find pleasing to be your study companions."

Liu Li was puzzled: "Study companions?"

"Uh-huh," Liu Che said: "The Imperial Academy has already been built. After returning to Weiyang Palace, you can go to the Imperial Academy to study."

Liu Li gasped, her mind filled with the thought: I have to go to school again?!

After leaving Liu Che's side, Liu Li skipped ahead. When she reached a pavilion in front of the palace, she asked the palace maids beside her to withdraw, as she had something to say to Chen Fei.

Liu Li looked up at Chen Fei standing before her. She thought for a moment and said: "Tomorrow, after I return to Weiyang Palace, you must follow Wei Qing well. Remember to train hard and eat well, do you understand?"

Chen Fei frowned: "Why does the Princess want the servant to stay in the Feathered Forest Guard?"

"Because I need you to stay." Liu Li turned to look at the scenery outside the pavilion. A small yellow flower was growing not far away, standing alone, unbowed by the wind.

"But the servant wants to stay by the Princess's side to protect the Princess." Chen Fei did not want to go to the Feathered Forest Guard, but due to Liu Li's order, he agreed.

"You being in the Feathered Forest Guard is also a form of protection for me." Liu Li said very solemnly: "Brother Chen Fei, I need you to achieve merit in the army."

Chen Fei's expression was filled with confusion: "There is currently no war, how am I to achieve merit in the army?"

Liu Li said words that she shouldn't have said at her age: "Just because there isn't one now doesn't mean there won't be in the future. The Xiongnu have been harassing the Han borders, and there will be a war between the Han and the Xiongnu sooner or later. I need you to establish military merit; I need you to become my backing."

Chen Fei was slightly shaken inside.

Liu Li knew history and knew that the Han and the Xiongnu would definitely fight, so she was also waiting for that battle in history that made Wei Qing famous.

In fact, she had also thought before, why wait for the Xiongnu to invade the Han and then fight back? Why not strike first and catch the Xiongnu off guard? Anyway, she had already changed the history of this space-time.

Later, she thought about it carefully and finally rejected this idea.

How did that saying go? The Chinese have a kind of gentleness carved into their bones: if others do not offend me, I do not offend others. Even in this terrible era, Liu Li couldn't bring herself to take the initiative to invade others.

What she could do was remind Liu Che to pay more attention to the movements at the border and be prepared to fight at any time.

And letting Chen Fei follow Wei Qing and achieve merit was also Liu Li's consideration for her own future, a precaution, so to speak.

Currently, A Jiao and Liu Che had no imperial sons, and they were close relatives, so it was hard to say whether they could conceive and give birth again.

If the "Empress" could not have an imperial son to rely on in the future, then the successor to the throne would definitely be one of the two current imperial sons. It might even lead to another deposition of the Empress.

Even if A Jiao didn't want to depose "Liu Che" as Empress, the court officials and the Imperial Clan Court would not allow it. For a specific case, refer to Emperor Jing of Han's first Empress, the Bo family.

By then, when the Imperial Eldest Son Liu Ju became Crown Prince, the Wei family's power would surely soar as it did in history, becoming an influential imperial relative family in the later period. Her cultivating Chen Fei at this time was also to avoid the Wei family becoming too powerful in the future.

After all, in her impression, among the generals during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, apart from Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, none were capable. Could this Chen Fei, whom A Jiao had accidentally saved, be the turning point of this era?

Once Liu Ju became Crown Prince, her position as Princess Jianling would be awkward, as the Imperial Eldest Son's own sister, Liu Yue, seemed to care very much about this title.

Although Liu Che lived for a long time in history, this space-time had changed a lot, and she could no longer view the present through the development of history.

Moreover, it was A Jiao who was the Emperor now, which was why she could be so smooth-sailing. If the Emperor changed, she wouldn't be so lucky.

Unless... the next person to be Emperor was herself.

The Emperor's imperial chariot returned from Shanglin Park all the way to Weiyang Palace. By the time they returned to Weiyang Palace

it was already evening.

During this time, court affairs were handled by Prime Minister Han Anguo. Unless there were particularly urgent matters that needed to be reported to the Emperor, the Prime Minister could decide on other minor matters.

Previously, Liu Che had been excitedly preparing a birthday banquet for the Empress Dowager, but because the child in his womb was gone, and coupled with the fact that the Empress Dowager's younger brother had died in prison, the Empress Dowager was no longer in the mood to celebrate her birthday.

The matter of the birthday banquet was thus dropped.

Now that A Jiao and Liu Che had returned from Shanglin Park, it was already mid-April. Liu Che's anger toward his mother, the Empress Dowager, had dissipated; after all, they were mother and son. Hearing that the Empress Dowager's health had not been very good during this time, Liu Che decided to go to Changle Palace to see her.

The last time Liu Che came to Changle Palace, he had been slapped by his mother. At that time, he was so angry that he affected his pregnancy, and the next day he heard about his uncle Tian Fen, eventually losing the child. Now, walking here again, Liu Che felt an inexplicable realization and subconsciously reached out to touch his flat lower abdomen.

The attendant standing at the door saw the "Empress" coming and blocked Liu Che: "Xiaojun, the Empress Dowager is not feeling well and is not seeing anyone during this time."

Liu Che sneered: "Are you going to move aside voluntarily, or do you want me to arrange for people to drag you away?"

The attendant: "..."

The attendant knew that the current "Empress" was someone even the Empress Dowager couldn't afford to provoke, let alone a small attendant like him. After thinking for a moment, the attendant smiled and moved aside: "Please, Xiaojun."

Liu Che clicked his tongue, feeling that the sensation of bullying others by relying on his status was actually quite good. No wonder his aunt was always so arrogant in the past.

He found the Empress Dowager's sleeping quarters, but before he could enter, he heard a conversation coming from inside.

"These days, it's fortunate that you, Zifu, have come to take care of me." The Empress Dowager's voice sounded exceptionally weak: "The Emperor truly chills my heart now."

Wei Zifu said softly: "Empress Dowager, please don't say that. The Emperor... he must be in a fit of anger, which is why he arrested Prime Minister Tian first."

"Tian Fen is his uncle, after all, cough, cough, cough..." The Empress Dowager began to cough.

Wei Zifu hurriedly reached out to soothe the Empress Dowager's breath, respectful and filial.

The Empress Dowager lay on the bed, held Wei Zifu's hand, and sighed: "I just suspect whether Che'er has been bewitched by something, which is why he has become like this."

The Liu Che of the past, although strong and domineering, would never disobey her wishes, let alone arrest his own uncle. But the current "Liu Che" not only dared to disobey her, but even wanted to kill his own uncle.

Hearing the Empress Dowager say this, Wei Zifu's expression froze slightly. In fact, carefully recalling "Liu Che's" behavior during this period, she also felt it was very strange. The current Liu Che was too different from the Liu Che of her past life, as if he had become a different person.

What on earth was going on? Wei Zifu inexplicably thought of the Princess Liu Li, who shouldn't have existed and was said to be protected by a goddess.

She said cautiously: "Empress Dowager, do you mean that there is some evil spirit at work, causing the Emperor's temperament to change drastically?"

The Empress Dowager didn't say it explicitly, waiting for Wei Zifu to continue.

However, the current Wei Zifu was not the simple Wei Zifu from before, and she didn't speak again, waiting for the Empress Dowager to say it.

Seeing Wei Zifu keeping her head lowered and acting cautious, the Empress Dowager frowned: "I have indeed suspected this. It seems that ever since Princess Li fell into the water and was saved, Che'er has been a bit abnormal."

Princess Li was said to be protected by a goddess, but no one had ever seen the goddess she spoke of; who knew if it was true? Even if something was really protecting her, could it be a spirit or monster protecting her?

Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Wei Zifu gasped: "Empress Dowager, do you mean... Princess Li's recovery wasn't due to a goddess's protection, but because she was possessed by a spirit?"

"Zifu feels the same way?" The Empress Dowager sighed: "Unfortunately, Che'er is currently bewitched, and I don't know what method can be used to wake him up."

"Empress Dowager, why don't we find some alchemists who can exorcise evil spirits to drive away the evil from the Emperor and Princess Jianling?" Wei Zifu said gently: "Perhaps this way, the Emperor can also return to normal."

The Empress Dowager pondered: "That is indeed a good idea."

Liu Che, standing outside the door, had his expression freeze, and then he

turned and left Changxin Hall without a sound. Fuqu, who was following Liu Che, naturally heard the conversation between the Empress Dowager and Wei Zifu. Seeing that there was no joy or anger on the "Empress's" face, she hurriedly said: "Xiaojun, you must not believe the Empress Dowager's words. The Princess has brought so many good things to the Han, how could she be an evil spirit?"

After listening, Liu Che raised his eyes to look at Fuqu, raised his eyebrows, and laughed: "You are quite concerned about A Li."

Fuqu said: "The servant is just afraid that you will overthink it."

"I know how I should think," Liu Che said lightly, but his gaze looked into the distance, his expression becoming unfathomable.

Evil spirits at work? In fact, Liu Che didn't believe this claim. After all, every suggestion Liu Li had made to him during this time, and every item she had brought out, was extremely beneficial to the Han.

Based on this alone, Liu Che would not suspect that his daughter was possessed by an evil spirit.

Then how to explain the fact that he and A Jiao had swapped bodies so perfectly? Perhaps there really were evil spirits, which led to this result, it's just that he didn't know who the other party was yet.

Liu Che thought that this trip hadn't been in vain; at least he knew that the Empress Dowager was preparing to find alchemists for him. If these alchemists were really useful, then he and A Jiao should be able to swap back soon, right?

Liu Che secretly looked forward to it in his heart.

When he returned to Jiaofang Hall with these thoughts, he saw A Jiao walking over with a solemn expression: "Liu Che, the Marquis of Jianling, Wei Wan, is probably not going to make it."

"What?" Liu Che was stunned: "When did this happen?"

"Just now," A Jiao said in a low voice: "His family came to the palace to report it."

Liu Che was silent for a long time and said: "A Jiao, I want to go see my teacher."

Wei Wan was an old minister of three reigns, once the Grand Tutor when Liu Che was Crown Prince, and had also served as Prime Minister. Although he didn't have many achievements in politics, he didn't have any faults either.

Liu Che still respected this teacher very much, so he really wanted to see him off on his final journey.

A Jiao nodded: "Okay, you accompany me to go."

Liu Che sighed: "Thank you."

Liu Li saw that her parents seemed to be preparing to go out, so she asked curiously: "Mother, where are you going?"

A Jiao subconsciously said: "The Marquis of Jianling, Wei Wan, is probably not going to make it. Your father and I are going to see him."

"Marquis of Jianling?" Liu Li fell into silence, wondering what connection this Marquis of Jianling had with her own title.

A Jiao knew her daughter's confusion and explained: "In essence, it is the same. The Marquis of Jianling has a county as his fief, while your fief is a township."

Liu Li understood roughly, and she held A Jiao's hand and said: "Since that's the case, can I go with you to see him?"

A Jiao paused and looked at Liu Che.

Liu Che nodded: "Yes, let's go together."

Sitting in the carriage, Liu Li heard Liu Che say that this Marquis of Jianling, Wei Wan, had once been Prime Minister, but was later dismissed and had been idle at home ever since.

Liu Li suddenly thought of a meme from later generations: the Prime Minister of Emperor Wu of Han was a high-risk profession. During his reign, he changed thirteen Prime Ministers, and those who were dismissed were either beheaded or convicted and imprisoned; few had a good ending.

And this Wei Wan was the first Prime Minister to be deposed when Emperor Wu of Han ascended the throne. Thinking about it this way, it was indeed sigh-inducing.