Chapter 79: The Beginning of the Matter

The carriage stopped in front of Sanyong Palace, and Liu Li stared at the building in front of her, feeling somewhat shocked.

The Ming Tang in front of her had red doors and white windows, round on top and square on the bottom, which was very different from other buildings in the Han Dynasty. Historical records state that because Ming Tang was a place where the Zhou Emperor met the feudal lords during the Zhou Dynasty, it was a symbol of a wise ruler, so the purpose of Emperor Wu of Han setting up Ming Tang here was self-evident.

After all, an emperor who doesn't want to be a wise ruler is not a good emperor.

It is said that the Ming Tang in front of her was built according to the draft of the Ming Tang during the Yellow Emperor period, surrounded by ditches, and both its appearance and feng shui were excellent.

The court visits of the feudal kings were all conducted here every year.

"Your Majesty, the King of Hejian's book offering has arrived, should it be moved into Ming Tang for review?" A soldier ran over to report.

A Jiao didn't quite understand the process of offering books for a while, so she nodded and agreed: "Okay, move it in."

Then Liu Li saw two teams of soldiers transporting three carts of bamboo slips and slowly stopping in front of the Ming Tang gate.

The last carriage was the carriage of the King of Hejian, Liu De.

Supported by the attendants, the King of Hejian, Liu De, got off the carriage and walked to A Jiao, then performed the ritual of a feudal king visiting the Emperor.

A Jiao stepped forward and personally helped Liu De up from the ground: "King of Hejian, no need for formalities."

Liu De stood up from the ground, his expression a bit excited: "Your Majesty, this time I stepped on the land of Lu again, and the King of Lu, Liu Yu, actually obtained a large number of ancient books from the wall of Confucius's house. Although they are tadpole scripts, I have copied them all, which took several months. Today, I offer them all to Your Majesty."

The King of Lu, Liu Yu, was the fourth son of Han Jingdi, Liu Qi. His fief happened to be in Confucius's hometown. In order to expand the palace he lived in, he wanted to demolish Confucius's hometown.

Who knew that it didn't matter if he demolished it, but when he chiseled the wall, he found bamboo slips hidden in the wall by Confucius's descendants.

Liu De, who was keen on Confucianism, heard about this and went to Lu immediately, copying all these freshly baked ancient classics.

Then, after organizing and compiling, he sent the copied books to Chang'an. It can be said that the development and origin of the entire Chinese Confucian thought would not be possible without Liu De.

Looking at his expression when describing this matter to the Emperor, one could see how excited he was.

Liu Li followed Liu Che and secretly sized up the King of Hejian in front of her. Perhaps because he was a bit old, there were quite a few beards on the King of Hejian's chin, which looked a bit like a Confucian scholar, but not much.

Liu Li, who was a little bit of a face-controller, thought for a while, took a peanut from her small bag and stuffed it into Liu Che's hand, then whispered: "Father, I think you still have an advantage in terms of appearance, I give you this vote."

Liu Che pinched the peanut in his hand, and the corners of his mouth twitched: "..." Hehe, I really thank you.

Liu De finished talking about the ancient books he obtained, and when he looked up, he also saw the "Empress" and Liu Li standing on the side. His expression paused slightly, and then a kind smile appeared on his face: "A Jiao, how have you been lately?"

As a feudal king, calling the Empress by her name like this, Liu Che was naturally uncomfortable, but thinking of the relationship between Liu De and A Jiao, he could only pretend to be happy: "Cousin Liu De, I am doing well."

"This must be the Princess of Jianling?" Liu De looked at Liu Li, his eyes bright.

Liu Li stepped forward, bowed politely to Liu De, and said: "Greetings, Uncle."

A "Uncle" instantly shortened the distance between them. At this time, they were not monarch and minister, but relatives.

Liu De was also happy because of Liu Li's "Uncle". He hurriedly looked for something on his body, and finally found a white jade disc, and gave it to Liu Li without hesitation: "As a first meeting gift from Uncle, this jade disc is given to the Princess."

Liu Li was stunned for a moment, and with A Jiao's nod, she took the gift from Liu De with both hands, and even carefully touched Liu De's hand.

【Ding, unlock favorability of King of Hejian Liu De: 80.】

With so much favorability at the first meeting, it must be because of A Jiao.

Liu De said: "The name of the Princess of Jianling has spread everywhere. I heard that even the great Confucian Doctor Dong is not as good as her. I don't know if Uncle has the opportunity to ask the Princess for advice."

Liu Li's smile stiffened on her face. God knows how she got through the Confucian debate with Dong Zhongshu.

In fact, Liu Li's understanding of Confucian thought was limited to the knowledge she had learned from books when she was in school.

In order to have an effective dialogue with Dong Zhongshu, she spent several days supplementing relevant books, and combined with the translation and understanding given by the system, she achieved her current reputation.

Reading and learning, it's really tiring.

A group of people walked into Ming Tang. The style was very consistent with the positioning of Ming Tang, very solemn and solemn.

In the past, after the King of Hejian offered books, he would have a Q&A session about Confucianism with the Emperor in Ming Tang to express the Emperor's emphasis on Confucianism.

In fact, in Liu Li's view, the so-called "exclusive respect for Confucianism" by Emperor Wu of Han was just summarized by later generations. Emperor Wu of Han himself might not necessarily respect Confucianism so much, otherwise he would not be suspicious of Liu De.

Liu Che would be suspicious of Liu De, wasn't it because Liu De's learning and fame had spread throughout the Han Dynasty, making him feel a sense of crisis?

Ban Gu once mentioned in the "Book of Han": "The thirteen kings of the Han Dynasty, inheriting the celebration of Wen. Lu Gong's library, Jiangdu's lightness, Zhao Jing's danger, Zhongshan's lewdness, Changsha's loneliness, Guangchuan's silence, Jiaodong's stupidity, Changshan's arrogance. Four kingdoms lost their sacrifices, Hejian was wise, rites and music were repaired, and he was the ancestor of the Han."

This sentence means that among the thirteen sons of Han Jingdi, the King of Lu liked to build palaces for enjoyment, the King of Jiangdu was frivolous and arrogant, the King of Zhao was insidious and cunning, the King of Zhongshan was lecherous, the King of Changsha was untalented, the King of Guangchuan had no achievements, the King of Jiaodong was stupid, and the King of Changshan was arrogant. Only the King of Hejian, Liu De, was great and wise, and was a model for the feudal kings of the Han Dynasty.

With such a brother with such a good reputation, even if Liu De had no intention of rebellion, Liu Che had to be wary of him. Therefore, the books and elegant music offered by Liu De were basically collected in the Shiqu Pavilion and were not taken out to educate the public.

Liu De also understood the Emperor's suspicion. After returning to his fief from Chang'an, he began to drink and have fun, and finally died of worry and illness. Such an ending was truly sigh-worthy for someone who was so devoted to learning.

It can be seen how narrow-minded Liu Che was.

Just because this Uncle Liu De gave her 80 points of favorability at the beginning, Liu Li didn't want him to die young in this space-time. Maybe if he lived, he could push the education cause of the Han Dynasty further.

Now that he entered Ming Tang, A Jiao ordered the palace servants to present the banquet to entertain Liu De: "Brother, the journey is tiring. Today we will not talk about Confucianism. Now Chang'an has had many changes, and I specially ordered people to prepare these foods to entertain Brother, please be sure to taste them."

Liu De was moved after hearing this and hurriedly said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward."

These were all prepared by the cooks of Weiyang Palace the day before, and they were also the cooking methods proposed by Liu Li.

After Liu De took his seat, he picked up his chopsticks and tasted a clear soup meatball by his side. The meat was fine and soft but not greasy, and it melted in his mouth.

He tasted another sweet and sour pork rib, a sweet and sour thick taste, a taste he had never eaten after traveling all over the Han Dynasty.

There were also cold dishes on the table, mixed bean sprouts and smashed cucumbers.

After Liu De tasted the bean sprouts, he said in surprise: "What is this? It looks familiar, why have I never seen it?"

Liu Li said: "Uncle, these bean sprouts are cultivated from black beans. It is cultivated according to the method in the "Shennong Herbal Classic" that you previously offered to Father."

Liu De was happy when he heard that it was the method in the book he offered. It turned out that the Emperor did not reject his book, and even cultivated this delicacy according to the method above, and he was very gratified in his heart.

Finally, there was a dessert after the meal, which was a Han version of cake made by Liu Li after repeated attempts with eggs and flour. Although the taste was not as fluffy and delicious as modern cakes, for the people of the Han Dynasty, this cake was softer and more delicious than the steamed buns they usually ate.

After Liu De tasted it, he fell in love with this taste.

After a full meal, Liu De was moved and grateful: "Today's entertainment by Your Majesty is all food I have never seen before. I didn't expect that while I was immersed in books, Chang'an had already had such changes,"

"which truly made me feel moved. Your Majesty, please allow me to stay in Chang'an for a few more days. I plan to compile a "Rare Food Classic" for today's food, so that the people of the Han Dynasty can eat such delicacies."

A Jiao laughed when she heard this and only said: "Brother, I allow you to stay in Chang'an for a few more days, but this "Rare Food Classic" of yours may not be compiled in a short time."

"Why is this?"

"Because the cooking methods of the food that entertained Brother today were all provided by the Princess of Jianling. If you want to compile a food classic, you have to ask A Li."

Liu De was surprised: "I didn't expect the Princess to have such talent at a young age." He thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, compared to you back then, the Princess of Jianling has something better."

A Jiao smiled: "That is natural, A Li's talent is naturally better than mine back then."

Suddenly being praised, Liu Li covered her cheeks in embarrassment.

Who knew that A Jiao changed the subject, and her words were stinging: "However, I was made Crown Prince at the age of seven, not because I was as excellent as A Li, but because the Grand Princess Dou married A Jiao to me."

This sarcasm, I am afraid only the parties involved can understand. Liu Che's expression suddenly sank, and his slender and beautiful willow eyebrows also frowned.

Liu De in the hall was also a bit embarrassed: "..." As a witness to the events of that year, why did he feel that the Emperor's words had something to say?

A Jiao looked at Liu De and said: "Yesterday, A Jiao complained to me, regretting marrying me back then. If the person she married back then was Brother,"

"or other brothers..."

Before A Jiao could finish her words, she was interrupted by Liu Che: "Your Majesty."

A Jiao looked at him provocatively.

—Aren't you doubting the relationship between me and Cousin Liu De? Then let's make it clear in front of you today.

"Your Majesty, back then, I and the Empress had a brother-sister relationship. You must not misunderstand the Empress." Liu De hurriedly spoke, drawing a line with the "Empress": "The Empress was arrogant when she was young, and she is still so outspoken now. I think it is the result of Your Majesty's indulgence. You two are a loving couple, so don't make fun of me, this brother."

People who have been there know that if someone else had married A Jiao back then, it would be hard to say what the scene would be like now.

A Jiao raised her eyebrows and then smiled: "Brother, don't panic. Just now I was just joking with Brother. I know that Brother is also a brother to A Jiao."

Liu De breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, how can this young couple's bedroom quarrel be said so openly, it's really scary.

When arriving at Weiyang Palace, Liu Che's face was gloomy, obviously still unhappy about the conversation in Ming Tang just now.

A Jiao was also silent.

In fact, A Jiao didn't know that under the circumstances back then, even if she married other cousins, her ending might not be better than marrying Liu Che.

After all, the virtues of those cousins were all there.

At least in terms of governing the country, Liu Che was more powerful than others. So this was also the reason why Uncle Han Jingdi chose Liu Che as the Crown Prince back then.

Since swapping identities with Liu Che and being an emperor for more than a year, she gradually realized the responsibility and burden of being an emperor.

Some decisions of the Emperor must consider the consequences.

Mother often used the merit of helping Liu Che ascend the throne as an excuse to be arrogant. It cannot be denied that the Empress Dowager did promote some things in this matter, but more importantly, it was Uncle Han Jingdi's idea. If Uncle hadn't seen the ability to govern the country in Liu Che, how could he have been impatient to perform the capping ceremony for Liu Che before he was twenty?

At that time, Uncle should have felt that his life was not long, so he hoped to perform the capping ceremony for Liu Che as soon as possible, so that he could ascend the throne and govern as an adult emperor early.

Mother's ambition back then, and Liu Che's inevitable choice as Crown Prince, determined that she had to marry him. This was her inescapable fate.

It was already dusk when they arrived at Jiaofang Hall. Seeing that the expressions of her parents were not good, Liu Li very sensibly didn't say much. After getting off the carriage, she said: "Father, Mother, your daughter is a bit tired, I will go back to my room to rest first."

A Jiao watched her daughter's little figure disappear at the end of the corridor, then glanced at Liu Che, and ignored him, stepping back to the bedroom. Since her fate could not be changed, she would face this fate.

What's more, God seemed to have been compensating her, not only letting her have children but also letting her and Liu Che swap bodies. She had experienced this experience, and even if she swapped back with Liu Che in the future, she felt it was worth it.

She is Chen Jiao, the granddaughter of the Empress Dowager Dou who once held power, the niece who was once loved by the late Emperor as a princess, an empress, and now an emperor.

At this moment, A Jiao suddenly felt that her pattern had changed, and she didn't even want to be confined to the love between her and Liu Che anymore.

A few days passed, and there was no excessive communication between A Jiao and Liu Che, and A Jiao even stopped staying in Jiaofang Hall.

Originally, the Emperor should not stay in the Empress's Jiaofang Hall every day. Before, he came every day because A Jiao needed Liu Che's help, and also because Liu Li was in Jiaofang Hall.

Now taking advantage of their "cold war", A Jiao asked the palace servants to tidy up the Wenshi Hall, and after handling government affairs in Xuanshi Hall, she returned to Wenshi Hall.

The first night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

Liu Li sat beside Liu Che and accompanied him silently. Liu Che sneered: "Using this trick again? She doesn't think I will take the initiative to find her, does she?"

Liu Li pursed her lips and didn't say her inner thoughts.

You are very brave!

The second night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

Liu Li accompanied Liu Che for a while, then turned and went back to her room to sleep.

Children are growing up and need to ensure sufficient sleep, so she won't worry about adult affairs.

The third night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

The Great Changqiu was ordered to inquire about the Emperor's whereabouts. Liu Che learned that A Jiao had been living in Wenshi Hall for the past few days, and his expression relaxed a lot.

The fourth night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

News came from the front court that because the Emperor had previously decided to develop the Southwest Yi, he planned to build a road to the Southwest Yi.

But now this road is very difficult to build, causing complaints among the local people, and it has already reached Chang'an. Many ministers proposed to give up the development of the Southwest Yi.

Facing such a suggestion, A Jiao thought carefully and decided to ignore it, and arranged for someone to pass the decree to Sima Xiangru, asking him to appease the local people.

The fifth night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

The Censor-in-Chief in the court proposed again to suspend the plan to develop the Southwest Yi. Although the land of the Southwest Yi is vast, there are few people, and it is a waste of money and land.

Now we should pay more attention to the development of the Guanzhong region of the Han Dynasty, instead of building this meaningless road.

"How can it be meaningless?" A Jiao said slowly in rebuttal: "Since they have already surrendered to the Han Dynasty, they are the people of our Han Dynasty. Building this road is not only to make transportation more convenient, but also to let them feel the power of the Emperor and the power of the Han Dynasty."

Liu Li once told A Jiao that the Southwest Yi region in the future will become the strategic rear of the entire China with Chengdu as the core.

A Jiao also said that China is the Han Dynasty more than two thousand years later. If you don't develop the Southwest Yi now, no emperor will have the ability to complete such a feat in the future.

So for the sake of the current Han Dynasty, and for the sake of the Han Dynasty more than two thousand years later, A Jiao did not want to compromise on this matter.

The sixth night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

The voices of opposition in the court spread to the harem, and the palace maids and attendants would also quietly discuss this matter in their spare time. They also couldn't understand why the Emperor had to build such a thankless road.

Liu Che frowned and found Liu Li: "A Li, follow me to Xuanshi Hall. Now the voices of opposition in the court haven't stopped, and there are rumors in the harem. Your mother must not know what to do. I'm afraid she won't be able to withstand the voices of opposition from the courtiers."

Liu Li pursed her lips: "Why does Father think Mother can't handle this matter well?"

Liu Che: "Because..." Liu Che's words were stuck in his throat, and for a moment he didn't know how to say it.

Because he subconsciously felt that with A Jiao's temperament, she would definitely not handle it well. Maybe she is very panicked in her heart now, and even wants to come to him for help, but because they are in a "cold war", she is holding on.

"I think Mother can handle it well." Liu Li raised her head slightly and said with a smile: "We must believe in her."

After all, when she chose to develop the Southwest Yi and build the road, Liu Li had already told A Jiao about the importance of this road, and she believed that A Jiao would definitely not give up.

Liu Che raised an eyebrow, and under Liu Li's persuasion, decided to wait and see how A Jiao would solve the voices of opposition from the ministers.

The seventh night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

A Jiao gathered the ministers of the Inner Court to discuss how to suppress the voices of opposition to the development of the Southwest Yi in the court and among the people. After a discussion, they couldn't think of a good way. Even the people in the Inner Court questioned the Emperor why they must develop the Southwest Yi region.

At this time, A Jiao couldn't say that although this place is not very conspicuous now, it will be very important in the future.

Just then, Su Wen came with an urgent report sent from the Southwest Yi region. A Jiao unfolded the bamboo slips in her hand, and after reading it, she was radiant and showed the urgent report to others.

This was an article sent by Sima Xiangru, describing the current situation of the Han Dynasty and the situation of the Western Expedition, and also emphasized the significance of opening up the Southwest Yi region.

The language was sincere, the contrast was neat, and the intention was also very large. Everyone who read it had to sigh that Sima Xiangru was worthy of being the contemporary master of fu.

"Let the ignorant not be closed... and rest the killing there. Far and near are one, inside and outside are blessed, isn't it healthy?" Dongfang Shuo held Sima Xiangru's "Difficulties of the Shu Elders" and praised: "This sentence is well said! Master Sima truly has a great pattern, it is really us who are narrow-minded!"

Someone else said: "It turns out that the Emperor's move is truly thinking for the people of the world. You are worthy of being the Emperor." Favor for the Emperor +1.

A Jiao heard everyone's praise and thought of the person who really agreed and decided to develop it, which was actually Liu Che. She squeezed her fist lightly and said slowly: "With such a sincere article by Sima Xiangru, I believe others will understand the significance of building this road. Imperial Clerk, I order you to arrange for people to copy a hundred copies of "Difficulties of the Shu Elders" with Jianling paper and send them to the mansions of the ministers for their appreciation."

The Imperial Clerk stood out and took the order: "Nuo."

A Jiao thought for a while and added: "You can copy a copy and send it to Jiaofang Hall first."

In the evening, the Imperial Clerk arranged for people to copy "Difficulties of the Shu Elders" and sent it to Jiaofang Hall. Liu Che saw it for the first time and called out that Sima Xiangru wrote it well: "Xiangru's talent, I am not as good as him."

Liu Li lay on the side and watched for a long time, and it was only with the system's translation that she translated this ancient prose.

Here, Liu Li also had to say that Sima Xiangru was really awesome. She couldn't understand a word of the original text he wrote, but after translating it into vernacular, she called out that he was worthy of being a great writer.

"I didn't expect that this scumbag who became famous for his love story would have such a great pattern, it's really amazing." Liu Li sighed sincerely. It seems that you can't underestimate any ancient person.

These people are all ancestors.

"What love story, what scumbag?" Liu Che didn't understand for a while.

Liu Li coughed: "It's nothing."

"Tell me." Liu Che became interested and insisted that Liu Li make it clear.

Liu Li had to say: "Has Father ever heard that when Sima Xiangru was young, he used a song "Phoenix Seeks Phoenix" to win the heart of the talented woman Zhuo Wenjun in Shu, leading to the story of Zhuo Wenjun eloping with him?"

Liu Che raised his eyebrows: "I have heard a little about this."

"A Li also heard that after Sima Xiangru eloped with Zhuo Wenjun, he couldn't give her a wealthy life, so Zhuo Wenjun could only sell wine with him for a living."

"I have heard of this too."

Liu Li: "This is Sima Xiangru's love story."

"Then what does scumbag mean?" Liu Che asked.

Liu Li's expression froze slightly, she stared at Liu Che for a long time, and then said: "It is rumored that after Sima Xiangru became an official, he intended to take a woman from Maoling as a concubine, failing Zhuo Wenjun. His behavior is scumbag behavior."

Liu Che frowned: "Isn't it normal for a man to take a concubine? Sima Xiangru didn't divorce his wife, so how is it failing? This scumbag statement is really absurd."

Liu Li: "..."

"Yes, yes, yes, in Father's eyes, it is normal for you men to marry a beautiful wife and then take a concubine. But in the eyes of women, this is betrayal, it is scumbag behavior."

This topic made Liu Li couldn't help but think of A Jiao, and she said angrily: "What golden house, what phoenix seeks phoenix, it's just a joke for men in the world to deceive women."

Originally, it was a vocabulary symbolizing beautiful love, but because of the ending of the story, the meaning of these two words changed.

Liu Che's expression sank: "When did the golden house become a joke?"

Seeing the change in Liu Che's expression, Liu Li suddenly covered her mouth.

The Liu Che in this space-time has not yet deposed the Empress, so for the people of the world now, the word "golden house" is still beautiful, symbolizing the feelings of the Emperor and Empress.

But in the history Liu Li knows, the golden house was a big lie and a joke.

"Oh, let's not talk about this." Liu Li chose to change the subject: "Father, now with this article by Sima Xiangru, whether it is the people or the ministers, they will definitely understand Father's intention to develop the Southwest Yi."

Liu Che responded lightly: "Mm-hmm."

Liu Li said: "This is a good thing that benefits the present and the future."

The eighth night A Jiao didn't come to Jiaofang Hall.

Liu Li quietly went to find A Jiao, and A Jiao shared her experience over the past few days with her daughter. Liu Li praised: "Mother is really great."

Afterward, Liu Li told A Jiao: "Mother, although Sima Xiangru's article can make the ministers and marquises no longer oppose it, the common people don't have such noble feelings. They only care about whether they can eat their fill."

A Jiao nodded: "Indeed." A Jiao also thought of this problem.

"Mother, do you know why there is a saying that rice is expensive and wheat is cheap?" Liu Li decided to help A Jiao solve this problem from the root. 【79

"Mother, do you know why there is a saying that 'grain is precious and wheat is cheap'?" Liu Li decided to help A Jiao resolve this problem from the root.

A Jiao frowned: "Why?"

"Because in the current Han lands, wheat is easy to grow and has a high yield; the northern regions are very suitable for planting wheat. Of course, there is another reason: wheat rice does not taste good."

In the early Han dynasty, wheat rice was always served with the husks, making it proper coarse grain; it would be strange if it tasted good.

A Jiao realized: "So that's how it is."

"Our Han is still an agrarian society, and the five grains currently planted are mainly millet, wheat, and beans. The land in the Southwest Yi region is actually not suitable for planting these, which is why everyone feels that developing this land is useless. But in fact, that is not the case."

A Jiao listened to Liu Li's analysis with a serious expression.

"Mother, you have eaten rice before, haven't you? Don't you think it tastes especially good?" Liu Li raised an eyebrow.

A Jiao nodded: "Yes, it is said that rice was once offered as tribute by Nanyue, and it is very precious and rare."

"It is not rare," Liu Li said. "Actually, rice is not difficult to plant, and it can be harvested twice a year. It is called precious because the current Han lands are not suitable for planting it; the most suitable places are in the Southwest Barbarian region, especially the Nanyue Kingdom."

After hearing Liu Li's analysis, A Jiao seemed to understand something instantly: "Does A Li mean that as long as the common people know that the Southwest Yi region is also suitable for farming, then there will be absolutely no one left to object, right?"

Liu Li nodded: "Yes, as long as we tell everyone that the Southwest Yi region is suitable for planting rice, I believe that not only will everyone not object, but they will strongly support it."

"A Li, you are so smart!" A Jiao praised.

"Hehe." Liu Li smiled: "It's mainly because I don't like eating wheat rice either, and I can't eat white rice every day; it's really miserable."

It would be better to conquer Nanyue as soon as possible,

so that we can eat white rice every day in the future.

With Liu Li's strategy, A Jiao was finally able to completely silence the gossiping tongues. Once they thought about how they could eat white rice every day as long as the Southwest Yi region was well-developed, even the craftsmen building the roads worked as if they had been injected with adrenaline.

The fifteenth day since A Jiao had not come to the Jiaofang Hall.

Liu Ling, the Wengzhu of the Huainan King, came to visit.

Liu Che had never liked Liu Ling, but due to their respective statuses, he met her in a side hall.

"Sister A Jiao, I heard that the Emperor has not been to the Jiaofang Hall for over half a month." Liu Ling looked at the increasingly haggard "A Jiao" with a pained expression.

"You certainly hear clearly about the affairs of the Emperor's inner palace," Liu Che said irritably.

Liu Ling raised an eyebrow: "How could I not be clear? That woman named Tian Qian returned to Changle Palace from Weiyang Palace a few days ago looking quite pleased with herself, saying she went to serve the Emperor. I am worried for you, Sister."

Liu Che raised his eyebrows: "What did you say?" Tian Qian hasn't gone home yet?

"Sister A Jiao, you didn't know about this?" Liu Ling looked at Liu Che in surprise, then acted as if she had said the wrong thing: "It's all my fault. Sister A Jiao, just pretend I never said anything."

Liu Che narrowed his eyes dangerously and ordered: "Tell me clearly, what exactly is going on?"

"Then I will speak, but please don't be angry, Sister." Liu Ling held Liu Che's hand and whispered: "It has spread in Changle Palace that the Emperor hasn't been to Jiaofang Hall for a long time, and everyone says you have fallen out of favor again. That Tian Qian probably thought her chance had come and went to Wenshi Hall to see the Emperor without permission. I heard the Emperor wasn't angry when he saw her, and even kept her there."

As Liu Ling spoke, she deliberately paused to carefully observe Liu Che's expression, then continued: "When I came to Jiaofang Hall today, I discovered that Tian Qian had gone to Wenshi Hall again."

Liu Che: "..."

"Sister A Jiao, I don't think it will be long before there is another Lady in this Weiyang Palace." Liu Ling sighed: "If you have fallen out of favor now, what will you do in the future?"

Liu Che could see that Liu Ling was deliberately sowing discord between him and A Jiao. He said irritably: "What do you mean 'what will I do'? Chen... would he, Liu Che, dare to depose me?"

Liu Ling pursed her lips: "This... probably not. After all, the Emperor is your cousin and you have a childhood friendship, Sister A Jiao; he shouldn't depose the Empress."

Hearing Liu Ling say this, Liu Che gave a somewhat guilty hum. After all, when he was the Emperor, he had thought about deposing the Empress.

"But my good sister, you must think about your own future. You only have one daughter, A Li, and no imperial son; and now you have lost favor... this, what is to be done?"

Liu Che: "?"

"Of course, no matter who the Emperor makes Crown Prince in the future, you will still be the Empress, Sister. But you are not the Crown Prince's birth mother, are you?" Liu Ling said: "I am saying, if—when the Emperor passes away and the Crown Prince becomes Emperor, and the Crown Prince's birth mother is still alive, what will you do? Think about the former Crown Prince Li."

Only then did Liu Che understand the purpose of all the things Liu Ling had said to him. He raised an eyebrow calmly: "And so?"

"So you must have an imperial son of your own now." Liu Ling felt that "Sister A Jiao" had become stupid; she had spoken to this extent, and yet she still didn't understand.

"Oh." Liu Che responded: "But I have lost favor now."

Liu Ling looked at Liu Che with a sincere expression: "Does Sister A Jiao remember the female physician I brought last time?"

Liu Che thought for a moment and nodded slightly: "I remember, what about her?"

"A Ling's older brother is about to marry Jin E, and A Ling will be returning to Huainan in a few days, but I am truly worried about Sister A Jiao, so I have decided to give the female physician Chu Fu to you, Sister." Liu Ling said with deep feeling: "Chu Fu has the ability to bring the dead back to life; she seems to have a secret recipe that can help a woman conceive a son in one go."

Liu Che was silent: "..."

"Sister A Jiao doesn't believe me?" Liu Ling said very confidently: "Some time ago, I happened to meet the wife of the Tingwei Zhang Tang outside the palace. It was Chu Fu who performed a ritual for her, allowing her to give birth to a son. It is very effective."

Liu Che grasped the main point: "When did you meet Zhang Tang's wife?"

Liu Ling

: "Eh?"

"That is not the point, is it?" Liu Ling said hurriedly: "The point should be Chu Fu's ability; she can help you conceive an imperial son!"

"Oh." Liu Che responded with a calm face: "A Ling is truly thoughtful."

"Of course I am thinking of you, Sister A Jiao; I hope you can be happy." Liu Ling held Liu Che's hand tightly: "When I came to Chang'an ten years ago, only Sister A Jiao treated me the best."

"I thank you." Liu Che's expression of thanks was neither clearly sincere nor clearly sarcastic.

Liu Ling smiled: "There is no need for thanks between us sisters. There is one more thing I must remind you of, Sister: that Lady Wei in the Pixiang Hall is not a simple character. She has been coveting the position of Crown Prince; Sister A Jiao had better be careful and guard against her."

Liu Che had never seen someone as two-faced as Liu Ling. He said: "Wasn't A Ling very close to Lady Wei some time ago? Why are you... saying this about her now?"

"She still doesn't compare to Sister A Jiao in A Ling's heart." Liu Ling said hypocritically: "Besides, she has rejected me several times and even forbade Wei Qing from being on good terms with me; naturally, I don't like her."

Liu Che was actually quite satisfied with Wei Zifu's attitude. He chuckled: "Lady Wei rejected you, so you come to me to speak ill of her?"

Liu Ling pouted: "A Ling is kindly reminding you, Sister, why do you view A Ling this way? If you don't guard against Wei Zifu, Sister, don't blame me for not reminding you if you suffer because of her later."

Liu Che raised an eyebrow: "So, is A Ling planning to give up on liking Wei Qing?"

Liu Ling gave a light scoff, raised her eyes to gaze at "A Jiao's" beautiful brows and eyes, and said gloomily: "Commander Wei already has someone in his heart. A Ling will absolutely not pester someone who doesn't like me."

This sentence could be considered the only sincere one of the day.

Back in Shanglin Park, Liu Ling had indeed taken a fancy to Wei Qing's appearance. Since she was young, she had liked strong men who knew martial arts. Lei Bei was like that, and Wei Qing was also like that; he was exactly her type.

So when she was in Chang'an, she was willing to spend effort to approach Wei Qing, originally intending to have a brief affair with him, just to satisfy her desire. Who knew that Wei Qing would always avoid her advances.

The more Wei Qing was like this, the more excited Liu Ling became, and the more she wanted to get her hands on him, just like with Lei Bei back then.

Back then, Lei Bei had been hindered by his status as a guest and had kept rejecting her confessions, but in the end, didn't he still submit under her skirt?

It was just that what Liu Ling hadn't expected was that Wei Qing actually liked "Sister A Jiao." At the Pingyang Princess's wedding banquet that day, she couldn't have misread the look in Wei Qing's eyes when he looked at Sister A Jiao, even if she had been drunk.

That was love—a hidden and restrained love.

Liu Ling had originally thought her own quirks were special enough, but she hadn't expected that the people in this Weiyang Palace seemed to know how to play even more; it was truly interesting.

For a man who had someone in his heart, Liu Ling completely lost interest. Although she took pleasure in conquering men, she had no interest at all in men who already had someone they loved.

Liu Che felt surprised. Wei Qing, who had spent all these years in the Feathered Forest Guard in Shanglin Park, actually had someone in his heart? Could it be some palace maid in Shanglin Park?

Thinking that Wei Qing was already over twenty and still unmarried, if he really had taken a fancy to some palace maid, it wouldn't be impossible to let him take her home.

"Who is Wei Qing's sweetheart?" Liu Che asked with some interest.

Liu Ling blinked her eyes: "Sister A Jiao, this is where you are wrong. Commander Wei's sweetheart is you!"

Liu Che: "???" Liu Che listened with a face full of question marks.

Liu Ling seemed to fear that there wouldn't be enough chaos in the world: "Commander Wei admitted it to A Ling himself last time. He even said he would remain unmarried for life to protect Sister A Jiao. Such sincerity truly moved A Ling."

Hearing Liu Ling's words, the veins on Liu Che's forehead throbbed: "You can just shut up."

Liu Ling stood up with a giggle: "Sister A Jiao, you must believe in your own charm. It is very normal for Commander Wei to like you. Never mind, I won't say any more. I will send the physician Chu Fu to you, Sister A Jiao, another day as a parting gift."

Having said that, she rose and left the side hall, the smile on her lips deepening.

The claim that she was threatened by her father

with Lei Bei's life and only came to Chang'an because of that was just a pretense; she had come to Chang'an of her own volition. Her father had dreams of becoming the Emperor, and likewise, she was not content with just being a Wengzhu of a feudal kingdom.

She wanted to be a Princess and then possess all the strong-bodied men in the world. A mere Lei Bei was just a pet she had already grown tired of.