Shuhan

Luoyang, this ancient and prosperous capital, has an imperial palace that is magnificent and majestic.

The palace walls are high, the red-painted gates are tightly closed, and the palace is heavily guarded, as if isolating the palace from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Deep within the imperial palace, inside the harem's bedroom, the flickering candlelight casts a charming scene.

Inside the bedroom, Liu Chan was lying lazily on a large bed carved with dragons and painted with phoenixes, a bright yellow brocade robe casually draped over his body with the collar open.

His face was slightly flushed, his eyes were blurred, and there was a satisfied smile on the corner of his mouth.

Liu Chan's eyes wandered over these beauties, his heart filled with pride.

Although he was the emperor of the Han Dynasty and had no idea how to govern the country, he did his best to enjoy himself.

These beauties were carefully selected by him. Each of them has outstanding looks and graceful figures, making him unable to stop.

He reached out and gently stroked the hair of a beauty beside him. The beauty tilted her head slightly, a hint of shyness and helplessness flashed in her eyes, but she did not dare to disobey Liu Chan's wishes.

"Your Majesty, you have been so outrageous today. Can your body bear it?" A maid dressed in gorgeous clothes said softly. She held a fan in her hand and gently fanned Liu Chan, her eyes full of worry.

The maid's name was Wan'er. She was Liu Chan's personal maid. She was loyal to him and often advised him to take care of his health.

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan laughed out loud, pulled Wan'er into his arms, and teased, "Wan'er, Wan'er, when did you become so nagging? I am in my prime, strong and healthy, what do I have to be afraid of?" After that, he kissed Wan'er on the face again, which made Wan'er shy. She quickly broke free from his arms and stepped aside.

At this time, the atmosphere in the bedroom was a little awkward. Although the beauties were exhausted, they did not dare to leave without permission. They could only lie quietly on the bed, waiting for Liu Chan's next instruction.

Seeing this, Liu Chan felt even more proud. He felt as if he was the master of the world. Both the country and the beauties were in his control.

"Your Majesty, you have been acting so absurdly for more than ten days." Wan'er spoke again. Although her voice was soft, it carried a hint of unquestionable firmness.

"It's hard to be a wise ruler. Dealing with memorials day and night is harmful to your health. But it's also hard to be a foolish ruler. You indulge in drinking and sex every night. How can your body bear it?"

When Liu Chan heard this, he frowned slightly and felt a little unhappy.

He felt that as an emperor, what was wrong with enjoying life?
However, he also knew that Wan'er was kind-hearted, so he did not get angry. He just said softly: "Wan'er, you don't understand. I have a terrible headache dealing with those memorials every day. Only here can I find a moment of peace."

Wan'er sighed and said, "Your Majesty, I know you are working hard. But you can't ruin your body like this. If anything happens to you, what will happen to the Han Dynasty?"

Liu Chan was moved when he heard Wan'er's words. He knew that he had a heavy responsibility, but he really couldn't stand the boring life of government affairs.

He thought for a moment and said, "Wan'er, don't worry. I know what's going on. Hua Tuo is by my side to take care of me personally, so I'll be fine."

When mentioning Hua Tuo, Liu Chan couldn't help but feel grateful.

Hua Tuo was a miraculous doctor of the time, with superb medical skills and the ability to bring people back to life.

Since Liu Chan ascended the throne, Hua Tuo has been staying in the palace to take care of his health.

Whenever Liu Chan felt unwell, Hua Tuo would always diagnose and treat him in time, allowing him to recover quickly.

Therefore, Liu Chan had great trust in Hua Tuo, and it was because of this that he dared to indulge himself so much.

At this time, it was already dark outside the bedroom, and the moonlight shone through the window lattice onto the ground, forming a silvery-white color.

In the bedroom, the candlelight flickered and the atmosphere was charming. Liu Chan lay on the bed, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

He wanted to continue enjoying the happiness in this gentle land, but he was also worried about his own health and the Han Dynasty.

He didn't know how to choose and could only continue to sink in this contradiction and struggle.

When the beauties saw that Liu Chan remained silent, they felt very uneasy.

Although they were favored by Liu Chan, they were well aware of their humble status and could not influence his decisions.

They could only lie quietly in bed, waiting for Liu Chan's next instructions.

Suddenly, Liu Chan sat up abruptly and said loudly: "I have decided! Starting from tomorrow, I will cheer up and handle the affairs of state properly!"

His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was swearing an oath to himself.

When the beauties heard this, they were shocked, and then they showed joy on their faces.

They knew that if Liu Chan could cheer up, their position would be more stable.

Wan'er also looked relieved, she knew that her advice had finally worked.

However, as soon as Liu Chan finished speaking, he suddenly lay down again and said with a smile: "But before I cheer up, I still want to enjoy another night of tenderness."

After saying that, he put his arms around the beauty beside him and immersed himself in joy again.

Seeing this, the beauties felt helpless, but they did not dare to disobey Liu Chan's wishes.

They could only continue to play with him and enjoy this moment of joy.

As the night deepens, the candlelight dims.

Inside the bedroom, Liu Chan and those beauties were still playing and having fun, as if they wanted to enjoy all the happiness to the fullest.

However, they all knew that such days would not last long.

After tomorrow, Liu Chan will face the complicated state affairs and heavy responsibilities.

And they will return to their own homes and continue to live their ordinary lives.

At this moment, Liu Chan had both longing for the future and nostalgia for the current situation in his heart.

And those beauties could only accompany him, enjoying this moment of joy and tranquility in this gentle night.

As time passed, the night grew darker.

The candlelight in the bedroom gradually went out, leaving only the moonlight shining through the window lattice onto the ground.

Liu Chan and those beauties gradually fell asleep, their faces filled with smiles of satisfaction and happiness.

The next morning.

Guo Zhao, the former queen of Wei, now led a group of Wei concubines and old friends, walking slowly along the long corridor leading to the Han Imperial Palace.

The sunlight shines through the mottled window frames and falls on them, but it seems unable to dispel the faint sadness.

These women were all orphans left after the demise of the Wei Kingdom. Their fate was like fallen leaves swaying in the wind, helpless and unable to rely on, they could only rely on the king of the Han Dynasty in order to seek a little protection and wealth.

Guo Zhao was wearing gorgeous palace clothes, but her expression could not hide a trace of fatigue and worry.

She was well aware of the awkward identity of her people, as she was both a person from a fallen country and a concubine of another country. She took every step very carefully, for fear of angering Liu Chan, the emperor of the Han Dynasty.

Today, she brought all the concubines to serve, feeling both nervous and expectant, hoping to leave a good impression in front of Liu Chan.

However, when they arrived at the door of Liu Chan's palace, they were blocked by the eunuch guarding the door. The eunuch said in a shrill voice: "Your Majesty, His Majesty invites you to go in. The rest of you, please wait outside."

After saying this, he pointed at Guo Zhao with his slender finger, indicating that she should go in alone.

When Empress Dowager Guo heard this, she was stunned for a moment.

She looked around and saw the concubines' eyes full of envy, jealousy, and worry, which made her feel inexplicably uneasy.

These women who had lost their country had relied on the favor of their king to be able to live a rich and luxurious life in this foreign country.

If the king no longer likes them, they will probably have to spend the rest of their lives in the cold palace. How miserable would that be?
Guo Zhao took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, then slowly stepped over the threshold and entered Liu Chan's bedroom.

The hall was luxuriously furnished and magnificent, but the air was filled with a faint aroma of wine and cosmetics, which made people feel intoxicated.

However, Guo Zhao had no intention of appreciating these things; her eyes were fixed on the man in the hall.

The Han emperor Liu Chan, who had been acting dissolutely in recent days, was now wearing a dragon robe and sitting on the dragon throne.

He had a handsome face, sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a heroic appearance. Where was his previous decadent look, one that was addicted to alcohol and sex?

Guo Zhao was shocked and almost thought he had mistaken someone.

She quickly collected her thoughts, took a few steps forward, bowed respectfully and said, "I pay my respects to Your Highness."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan laughed, and that laughter seemed to contain endless profound meaning.

He narrowed his eyes and looked Guo Zhao up and down, as if he wanted to see through her.

After a long while, he finally said, "Have I disappointed you these days?"

Guo Zhao shook his head, but muttered to himself: Why does His Majesty ask this question? Does he know what people are talking about behind my back?
She did not dare to neglect him and quickly replied, "How dare I be disappointed? Your Majesty is the common ruler of the world, wise and powerful. I am lucky to serve Your Majesty. Moreover, although Your Majesty seems to be unrestrained these days, I have experienced your majesty's valor and wisdom from it."

After hearing this, Liu Chan laughed out loud. His laughter was hearty and bold, as if it could dispel all the haze.

He patted the armrest of the dragon throne and said, "Thinking that I am a tyrant, you must be a little disappointed, right? However, this is just my pretending. If I didn't do this, how could I deceive those disloyal people? Your Wei State is reviving, and Xuzhou is in turmoil. Haha, I don't know how many people will die. If I don't pretend to be addicted to wine and sex, how can I let them down their guard and reveal their true colors?"

Guo Zhao was shocked. She never expected that Liu Chan's dissolute behavior these days was actually to confuse outsiders!

She stared at Liu Chan with wide eyes, as if she was looking at a stranger.

Liu Chan looked calm, with wisdom glittering in his eyes. How could he look decadent at all?
Liu Chan continued, "I know that you may be dissatisfied and think that I am too licentious and unworthy of being a king. But I want to tell you that as a king, sometimes you must endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens in order to protect the country. What I have done these days is for the sake of the overall situation. Now, my goal has been achieved, and the disloyal people have jumped out. Next, it is time to deal with them."

As Guo Zhao listened to Liu Chan's words, she felt a surge of admiration in her heart.

She didn't expect that this seemingly dissolute emperor actually had such profound wisdom and lofty ambitions.

She quickly knelt on the ground and said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise and brave. I admire you so much. I am willing to serve you like a dog and a horse, even if I die."

Liu Chan laughed loudly upon hearing this. He reached out his hand, gently helped Guo Zhao up, and said, "My beloved concubine, why do you have to do this? You are all my concubines, and I will naturally love you. As long as you are loyal, I will never treat you unfairly."

As he spoke, he took Guo Zhao's hand and walked to a table in the hall and sat down.

On the table were several plates of exquisite snacks and a pot of fine wine, the aroma of the wine was overflowing, tempting and mouth-watering.

Liu Chan picked up the wine pot, poured a glass of wine for Guo Zhao, and said, "Come, my beloved concubine, drink with me. I have been feeling very depressed these days, and today is a rare day for me to have someone to talk to."

Guo Zhao took the wine glass, but felt a little nervous.

She didn't know what Liu Chan wanted to say to her, but since he was so kind, she couldn't refuse.

So she took a sip of the wine and found it mellow and sweet, melting in her mouth and leaving a long aftertaste.

Liu Chan looked at Guo Zhao drinking and a smile flashed in his eyes.

He said, "My beloved, do you know why I asked you to come in alone?"

Guo Zhao shook her head, but she felt even more uneasy. She didn't know what Liu Chan's intention was, so she could only answer cautiously: "I don't know, Your Majesty, please tell me clearly."

Liu Chan smiled and said, "It's nothing serious. I just think you are different, brave and knowledgeable, a rare woman. I want to talk to you about my heart, I wonder if you are willing?"

Guo Zhao was delighted when he heard this.

She didn't expect that Liu Chan valued her so much and was willing to share his thoughts with her.

She said quickly: "Your Majesty thinks so highly of me, I am very grateful. Your Majesty, please tell me what is on your mind, I am willing to help you solve your problems."

Liu Chan nodded and his expression became a little solemn.

He said: "In fact, I have been very troubled these days. Wei State has revived, and Xuzhou has been in turmoil. Although I want to quell the rebellion, I have no good opportunity. Moreover, there are some disloyal people in the court. They have wolfish ambitions and want to overthrow my country. Sometimes I really feel very tired and helpless."

As Guo Zhao listened to Liu Chan's words, a feeling of sympathy welled up in her heart.

She didn't expect that this seemingly glorious emperor actually had so many troubles and difficulties.

She hurriedly comforted him, "Your Majesty, don't worry. In the affairs of the world, things that have been together for a long time will eventually separate, and things that have been separated for a long time will eventually come together. The resurgence of the Wei Kingdom is only a temporary phenomenon. As long as Your Majesty is wise and brave and works hard to govern, I believe you will be able to put down the rebellion and revive the Han Dynasty."

Liu Chan felt warmed in his heart after hearing Guo Zhao's words.

He didn't expect that this woman from Wei State would be so wise and considerate.

He looked at Guo Zhao, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes.

He said, "My beloved concubine, what you said makes sense. As long as I have you by my side to support me, I have the confidence to quell the chaos in the world. Come, let's have another drink!"

As he spoke, he raised his glass again and drank it all with Guo Zhao.

The two smiled at each other, as if all their worries and sorrows had disappeared.

At this moment, Liu Chan was no longer the emperor who was addicted to wine and sex, but a man of flesh and blood, with feelings and righteousness.

And Guo Zhao was no longer the queen of a fallen country, but a concubine who could share the joys and sorrows with her king.

The two of them drank and chatted, and before they knew it, the sky had gradually darkened.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, illuminating the figures of the two people, making it look particularly warm and romantic.

Guo Zhao looked at Liu Chan, and an inexplicable emotion surged in her heart.

She didn't know whether it was love or respect, but she knew that she was deeply attracted to this man.

During the banquet, Liu Chan was about to start closing the tight net he had laid.

ps:
This book should be finished next month. The new book will be released on the 25th of this month. It is about the Emperor Tianqi of the Ming Dynasty. I am giving you a sneak peek. (End of this chapter)