Shuhan

In the Luoyang Imperial Palace, under the sunlight, the glazed tiles sparkle with golden light, and the flying eaves and brackets are like a phoenix spreading its wings about to fly, demonstrating the majesty and solemnity of the royal family.

However, at this moment, there was a solemn atmosphere in the palace.

Liu Chan sat alone in the imperial study, his brows furrowed and his eyes filled with deep worry.

The desk was piled with memorials about the land measurement in Youzhou. The densely packed text looked like insurmountable ravines.

He sighed softly, picked up one of the memorials and read it carefully again.

"Your Majesty, what are you worried about?" A clear and pleasant voice came from the door.

Liu Chan raised his head and saw Guan Yinping wearing a tight martial arts uniform, standing at the door with a heroic look.

Her face is as beautiful as peach blossoms in spring, and her eyes are as bright and lively as the twinkling stars in the night sky.

Her shiny black hair was tied behind her head, with a few strands of hair playfully falling beside her cheeks, adding a bit of charm.

Guan Yinping held a silver spear in his hand, the spear body flashing with cold light, and the spear tassel fluttering gently in the wind, like a burning flame.

She threw the silver spear to the palace maid, then gracefully gathered her hair and walked to Liu Chan with light steps.

Liu Chan looked at Guan Yinping in front of him, and his worries were slightly relieved.

He shook his head and said, "The matter of measuring the fields is a little troublesome, let's not talk about it, let's practice a little."

Liu Chan didn't want to bring his troubles to the woman around him. He knew Guan Yinping was lively by nature and didn't want her to fall into sorrow with him.

Guan Yinping nodded, a bright smile appeared on her face, and she said, "Then I will find a way to make you happy."

Her voice was gentle yet firm, as if it carried a magical power that could dispel all the haze in the world.

The two men came to the parade ground in the palace. The parade ground was wide and flat, and the ground was paved with bluestone. Under the sunlight, it emitted a cool light.

The surrounding walls are tall and solid, inlaid with exquisite carvings, as if telling the history and glory of the palace.

In a corner of the parade ground, various weapons were placed, including swords, spears, and halberds, flashing cold light.

Liu Chan walked to the weapons rack and picked up a spear with a long, straight shaft and an extremely sharp tip.

He swung the spear gently a few times, feeling the weight and balance of the spear.

Having practiced martial arts for many years, he has become proficient in the use of the spear, and every time he swings it, he carries a fierce momentum.

Guan Yinping also picked up his silver spear and stood opposite Liu Chan.

She was agile, like an eagle about to spread its wings and soar. Her eyes were full of concentration and excitement, and she was full of anticipation for the upcoming martial arts performance.

"My dear, be careful!" Guan Yinping shouted and took the lead in attacking.

The silver spear in her hand was like a silver lightning, stabbing towards Liu Chan.

The tip of the gun cut through the air, making a whistling sound, as if it was tearing the air apart.

Liu Chan was not in a hurry. He held the spear in his hand horizontally and easily blocked Guan Yinping's attack.

With a "clang" sound, the two spears collided with each other, splashing sparks.

Liu Chan took advantage of the situation and tried to pick up Guan Yinping's silver spear.

Seeing this, Guan Yinping turned his wrist slightly, and the silver spear flexibly avoided Liu Chan's attack, and then quickly stabbed Liu Chan in the chest.

Liu Chan took a step back and swung his spear quickly in front of him, forming a tight defensive network.

Guan Yinping's attacks continued like a storm, but were all resolved by Liu Chan one by one.

The two men fought back and forth, and their spears flashed coldly in the sunlight, dazzling people.

Guan Yinping was a descendant of a military family. He learned martial arts from his father Guan Yu since he was young and was very skilled in martial arts.

Her marksmanship is sharp, tricky and varied, and every move and every style contains tremendous power.

Liu Chan also practiced martial arts for many years and had mastered various martial arts.

His marksmanship was steady and majestic, and he was good at both offense and defense. With his rich experience and superb skills, he was able to fight Guan Yinping to a standstill.

For a moment, the parade ground was filled with shouts of killing, and the two figures moved so quickly that it was hard to keep up.

The palace maids and guards around were attracted by this wonderful martial arts performance. They gathered around, holding their breath and watching nervously.

"it is good!"

"Wonderful!"

From time to time, cheers from the palace maids and guards could be heard.

They were impressed by the martial arts of Liu Chan and Guan Yinping, and their eyes were full of admiration.

As the martial arts performance progressed, Liu Chan gradually found his feeling and the troubles in his heart were gradually thrown away.

He was fully focused on fighting Guan Yinping, and every movement he made was smooth, natural and full of power.

Although Guan Yinping was a martial arts expert, he gradually became overwhelmed by Liu Chan's powerful offensive.

Her forehead was covered with sweat and her breathing became rapid.

However, she did not give up, and her eyes still showed determination and persistence.

"Watch out!" Liu Chan shouted, and the spear in his hand stabbed towards Guan Yinping like a dragon emerging from the sea.

This shot was extremely fast and powerful, making it impossible to avoid it.

Guan Yinping was shocked and quickly used her silver spear to block.

But the power of Liu Chan's spear was too great, the silver spear in Guan Yinping's hand was knocked away, and the whole person took a few steps back.

Liu Chan took the opportunity to move forward, grabbed Guan Yinping's wrist and captured her.

"Haha, madam, you lost." Liu Chan said with a smile, his face filled with the joy of victory.

Guan Yinping panted slightly, with a shy smile on her face: "My dear, you are really amazing. I am willing to admit defeat."

Her eyes were full of admiration and love for Liu Chan.

After the martial arts performance, Liu Chan's mood improved a lot.

He loosened Guan Yinping's wrist and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"Thank you, madam. Practicing martial arts with you today made me feel much better." Liu Chan said gratefully.

Guan Yinping snuggled in Liu Chan's arms and said gently, "As long as you are happy, I will be satisfied."

Her voice was like a spring breeze, gently brushing through Liu Chan's heart.

Inside the Luoyang Imperial Palace, the noise of the parade grounds gradually faded away. The sunlight filtered through the mottled clouds, casting a few soft rays of light, covering the entire palace with a layer of light golden gauze.

Liu Chan looked at Guan Yinping beside him, his eyes full of admiration.

Guan Yinping was sweating profusely. The tight martial arts uniform was soaked with sweat and stuck tightly to her body, outlining her exquisite figure in an especially attractive way.

Her breathing was rapid, her chest heaving violently, and her pretty face had a charming blush due to the exercise, which made people's lips dry when they saw it.

Liu Chan's heart was moved, and he couldn't help but say: "Let's go take a hot bath together."

His voice was low and gentle, with a hint of urgency.

When Guan Yinping heard this, her face instantly turned red. She lowered her head slightly, and her long eyelashes fluttered gently like butterfly wings.

Although she and Liu Chan were already an old couple, this intimate proposal in broad daylight still made her feel a little shy and excited.

However, she still nodded slightly to show her agreement.

The two of them walked hand in hand into the palace. Seeing this, the palace maids and guards along the way lowered their heads and stepped aside.

The palace is magnificently decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, fully displaying the luxury and majesty of the royal family.

After walking through a long corridor, they came to a spacious and warm bathroom. The floor of the bathroom was paved with smooth marble, and the walls were inlaid with exquisite jade, which emitted a soft glow under the candlelight.

The huge bathtub was steaming, and a layer of light petals floated on the clear water, emitting bursts of pleasant fragrance.

Liu Chan gently held Guan Yinping's hand and slowly walked into the bath.

The warm water instantly wrapped around their bodies, making them feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.

Guan Yinping closed her eyes slightly, leaned against the edge of the bathtub, and enjoyed this moment of tranquility and warmth.

Her face, shrouded in water vapor, looked even more delicate and charming, like a lotus blooming in the water.

Liu Chan looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, and the pressure in his heart seemed to gradually dissipate with the warm water.

He reached out and gently stroked Guan Yinping's cheek, his eyes full of love.

Guan Yinping opened her eyes and looked into Liu Chan's eyes affectionately. There was endless tenderness in their eyes.

In this warm and private atmosphere, the two of them made love naturally, and Liu Chan poured out all the pressure that had been accumulated in his heart.

After a martial arts competition, Liu Chan felt more relaxed than ever before.

He leaned against the bathtub, his thoughts unconsciously drifting to the land-removal dilemma in Youzhou.

Before, he had been worried about the many difficulties in farming in Youzhou. The resistance of local tyrants, the harassment of bandits, and the complicated ethnic issues were like huge rocks pressing on his heart.

However, at this moment in this comfortable environment, his mind was exceptionally clear.

Liu Chan frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

He thought that the situation in Youzhou was so complicated that if he rushed for success, it might backfire.

It would be better to keep the troops in place for now, secretly send people to search for evidence of crimes committed by those forces opposing Du Tian, ​​and at the same time quietly mobilize troops and wait for the right time.

Let those people with evil intentions run rampant for a while longer. When they let down their guard, I will complete the land measurement work in Youzhou in one swift move.

"Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?" Guan Yinping's voice was like a spring breeze, gently brushing past Liu Chan's ears. She looked at Liu Chan's thoughtful look and felt a little curious.

Liu Chan turned his head, looked at Guan Yinping, smiled slightly, and said: "Nothing, just thinking about some state affairs. Madam, you don't have to worry."

He didn't want Guan Yinping to worry about his troubles and hoped that she could always maintain her innocence and happiness.

Guan Yinping nodded slightly. She knew that as the emperor, Liu Chan shouldered the heavy responsibility of the entire country and there were many things he needed to worry about.

She reached out, gently held Liu Chan's hand, and said, "Your Majesty, no matter what difficulties you encounter, I will always be with you." Her eyes were full of determination and support, which made Liu Chan feel warm in his heart.

After resting in the bathtub for a while, they slowly got up.

The palace maids had already prepared clean clothes and put them on for them respectfully.

Liu Chan straightened his clothes and restored the dignity of the emperor.

He looked at the sky outside the window and secretly made up his mind to solve the land measurement problem in Youzhou, so as to make the Han Dynasty more stable and enable the people to live and work in peace.

Afterwards, Liu Chan returned to the imperial study and immediately summoned his trusted ministers to begin discussing specific strategies to deal with the situation in Youzhou.

He elaborated on his plan in detail, and the ministers nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty is wise, this is a great plan. First collect evidence, then deploy troops, and we will be able to put down the rebellion in Youzhou in one fell swoop and successfully complete the land measurement."
Liu Chan nodded slightly, his eyes showing determination and confidence.

"This matter is of great importance. My dear ministers, please act with caution and do not make the slightest mistake." His voice was low and powerful, full of expectations and determination for the future.

In the following days, the Luoyang Palace seemed calm as usual, but in fact, a major operation against Youzhou was quietly being prepared.

the other side.

Changan.

The tall and thick city walls stretch for miles, and the arrow towers and battlements on the walls are neatly arranged, like loyal guards, silently guarding the city.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the city wall, giving the ancient bricks and stones a layer of golden glow, making Chang'an look even more solemn and dignified.

Liu Xuan rode on a tall horse and slowly passed through the city gate of Chang'an.

He was dressed in a black brocade robe and a belt inlaid with beautiful jade tied around his waist, which made his tall and straight figure stand out even more.

However, at this moment his face looked a little haggard, and there was a hint of loneliness and helplessness in his eyes.

As the second prince of the Han Dynasty, he should have been in the imperial palace in Luoyang, enjoying wealth and glory and participating in important court affairs.

But now, he was sent to Chang'an by the emperor to be in charge of managing the Western Regions.

In his mind, being sent away was like being exiled, which meant missing out on the supreme throne.

"Your Highness, we have arrived in Chang'an." The servant beside him reminded softly.

Liu Xuan nodded slightly, his eyes swept over the two big words "Chang'an" on the city gate, feeling mixed emotions.

He sighed and murmured to himself, "Now that we are here, let's just make the best of it." There was a hint of bitterness and unwillingness in his voice.

Liu Xuan and his entourage walked towards the Secretariat.

Along the way, he looked at the bustling streets of Chang'an, with people coming and going and the vendors' cries one after another.

But these lively scenes could not dispel the gloom in his heart.

His thoughts had already drifted far away, thinking about what path he should take in the future.

Soon, Liu Xuan arrived at the Secretariat.

The architecture of Shangshu Terrace is magnificent, with flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted buildings.

The guards at the door were dressed in armor and holding spears, looking majestic. Liu Xuan dismounted, straightened his clothes, and walked in with steady steps.

"His Royal Highness the Second Prince has arrived!" the guard announced loudly.

Shangshu Ling Fa Zheng had been waiting in the hall. Fa Zheng was wearing a red official robe, with a thin face and wise eyes.

He walked forward quickly and saluted: "Your Highness has been exhausted on the journey, and I have been waiting here for a long time."

Liu Xuan bowed slightly and returned the greeting, "You are too polite, Minister." His voice was flat, with a hint of fatigue.

Fa Zheng looked at Liu Xuan and understood what he was thinking.

After all, coming from the prosperous Luoyang to Chang'an and being away from the core of power, anyone would feel a little lost.

"Your Highness, I have prepared a small banquet to welcome you. Your Highness has traveled a long way, so you should rest for a night. Tomorrow I will take you to understand the specific situation of the Western Regions." Fa Zheng said with a smile, his tone full of concern.

Liu Xuan nodded and said, "In that case, I will trouble you, Minister."

He was so tired, both physically and mentally, and urgently needed a good rest.

At the banquet, the dishes were sumptuous and the wine was fragrant, but Liu Xuan had no intention of tasting them and only took a few bites out of courtesy.

Fa Zheng did not urge Liu Xuan to drink too much, because he knew that what Liu Xuan needed at the moment was quietness and rest.

After the banquet, Liu Xuan, accompanied by his attendants, returned to the mansion prepared for him.

The mansion is spacious and bright, and the courtyard is full of flowers, plants and trees.

But Liu Xuan had no intention of appreciating the beautiful scenery.

He walked straight into the room, sat on the edge of the bed, looked at the sky gradually darkening outside the window, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

"Your Highness, you should go to bed early." The servant said softly, then stepped out and closed the door gently.

Liu Xuan lay in bed, but he couldn't sleep at all.

He looked at the ceiling, thinking about tomorrow's events.

Although he still felt unwilling, he also knew that since he had arrived in Chang'an, he had to complete the task assigned by the emperor.

Only by achieving some results may there be a chance to return to Luoyang and return to the core of power.

As he thought about it, Liu Xuan's eyelids gradually became heavy. In exhaustion and confusion, he slowly fell asleep, waiting for the unknown challenges of tomorrow. (End of this chapter)