Shuhan

Luoyang Imperial Palace.

The afterglow of autumn poured down, covering the entire palace with a solemn golden veil.

The golden glazed tiles sparkled as if countless bright stars were inlaid on them. The flying eaves and brackets were like lively auspicious birds, about to spread their wings and soar into the sky to convey the glory of the Han Dynasty.

The vermilion palace walls are tall and thick. The bricks and stones on the walls have been caressed by the years. Every mottled mark seems to be whispering the story of the changes and vicissitudes of the past.

The Imperial Garden in the palace is like a colorful dreamland, with flowers of various colors vying for beauty. The red ones are like fire, burning with the passion of autumn; the pink ones are like clouds, dyeing a touch of romantic tenderness; the white ones are like snow, exuding a light and elegant atmosphere.

As the breeze blows, the branches of flowers sway, and the rich fragrance fills the air, interweaving into an intoxicating floral melody.

However, the Han emperor Liu Chan turned a blind eye to this picturesque scenery.

At this moment, his heart was filled with the matter of managing the Nanyang Sea. He seemed to be trapped in a foggy maze, eagerly looking for a way out.

In the Western Regions, the second prince Liu Xuan had already gone to manage the region. Liu Chan would carefully review the reports from the Western Regions every day and pay close attention to Liu Xuan's every move there. He was full of expectations, hoping that Liu Xuan could accomplish great things in the Western Regions, open up new territories for the Han Dynasty, and bring new opportunities.

The South China Sea, that vast and mysterious sea area full of infinite possibilities, was like a huge magnet that deeply attracted Liu Chan's attention. He also realized that he must select a capable prince to explore the area and open up a new road to prosperity for the Han Dynasty on the ocean.

Colonize the world and spread the glory of the Han Dynasty to every corner of the world!
Liu Chan sat alone in the imperial study, which was filled with a faint scent of ink.

His brows were furrowed, and a few wrinkles appeared faintly on his forehead, which were traces of his inner struggle and thinking.

His fingers unconsciously tapped on the desk, making a rhythmic sound that echoed in the quiet study, as if it was an outward manifestation of his inner anxiety.

"The South Seas are vast and boundless, with resources as rich as endless treasures, and trade is even more prosperous. If we can properly manage it, it will surely bring endless wealth to our Han Dynasty."

Liu Chan murmured to himself, his voice low and hoarse, floating faintly in the empty imperial study.

"But who should I choose?" His eyes revealed deep hesitation and contemplation, as if he was constantly weighing two difficult-to-decide weights in his mind.

In his heart, the third prince Liu Zhao and the fourth prince Liu Xiang were like two shining stars, each with their own unique brilliance and advantages. But for a moment, he found it difficult to decide who to entrust the important task of governing Southeast Asia to.

Liu Chan understood deeply that selecting a prince to govern Southeast Asia was by no means an ordinary task. Its significance was as great as a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, which would stir up a thousand waves.

This is not only closely related to the future development direction of Nanyang, but also closely linked to the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty.

He leaned back on the dragon throne with carvings of dragons and phoenixes on it, closed his eyes slightly, and tried to find a clear idea in the darkness.

The images of the two princes slowly emerged in his mind, like a silent movie.

Liu Zhao has a gentle and elegant personality, just like the gentle breeze blowing in spring, soft and soothing.

He was fond of poetry, books, rituals and music. On weekdays, he often gathered with literati and scholars to discuss poetry and philosophy, chant to the wind and play with the moon, and enjoy a spiritual feast in the atmosphere full of the fragrance of ink and elegance.

Liu Xiang, on the other hand, was a man of resolute character, like a sharp blade unsheathed, with his edge fully exposed. He had a quick mind, like lightning across the night sky, and could see through the key points in an instant.

He had a keen interest in military strategies, and often practiced martial arts with the guards in the palace. Every move he made showed his heroic spirit, as if he was simulating the changes in the future battlefield.

"Liu Zhao is a man of great intelligence, like a craftsman who carves flowers in spring. He may be able to master the trade in Southeast Asia. With his wisdom and talent, he can establish deep and stable trade relations with the countries in Southeast Asia, and continuously supply treasures to the Han Dynasty's treasure house."

Liu Chan thought carefully in his heart.

"Liu Xiang is both brave and resourceful, like a general commanding an army on the battlefield. When dealing with the complex and ever-changing situation in Southeast Asia, he may be able to make more decisive decisions with his courage and strategy, overcome numerous difficulties and obstacles, and carve out a world of his own for the Han people in Southeast Asia."

Thinking of this, Liu Chan frowned even more tightly, and the tangle in his heart became more and more intense like a tangled mess.

"But the journey to the South Seas is a difficult journey full of thorns and reefs. Not only do we have to face the bad sea conditions, with strong winds and huge waves that could swallow the ship at any time, but we also have to deal skillfully with the countries in the South Seas. Those countries have their own thoughts, and if we are not careful, we may fall into the quagmire of diplomacy. This is undoubtedly an extremely severe test for the prince's will and ability."

He sighed inwardly, feeling as if he was at a crossroads, facing a difficult choice.

However, Liu Chan's hesitation lasted only a moment.

He suddenly opened his eyes, with a determined light in his eyes, which seemed to be able to penetrate the fog before his eyes and illuminate the way forward.

"Someone come!" he shouted loudly. His voice was loud and powerful, with unquestionable majesty, and it echoed in the imperial study for a long time.

"What does Your Majesty want to order?" An elderly eunuch, with a slightly hunched body but extremely brisk steps, walked quickly into the imperial study like an agile civet cat, then knelt down respectfully, with his head almost touching the ground, and asked in a humbly voice.

"Pass on my order and have concubine Zhou Che and Da Qiao call the third prince Liu Zhao and the fourth prince Liu Xiang here immediately." Liu Chan's voice was steady and firm, and every word he spoke was as clear and powerful as if it were an inscription carved on a stone tablet.

"Yes, sir!" After receiving the order, the old eunuch hurriedly retreated as if he had received a sacred mission.

His steps were hurried and flustered. It was obvious that he was fully aware of the importance of the matter and did not dare to slack off in the slightest.

Soon, two beauties in gorgeous palace costumes came gracefully with their princes, like two beautiful flowers blooming in the palace garden.

Zhou Che has a graceful figure, like a willow branch dancing in the spring wind, light and soft.

She has a pretty face, just like the rising moon, bright and moving, and her pair of phoenix eyes are full of affection, like two deep clear springs, which can captivate people's hearts as they flow.

She was wearing a light blue palace dress, which was like a tranquil blue ocean, or like a blue enchantress swaying gently in the breeze, exuding charming charm.

Da Qiao was equally stunningly beautiful. She had a dignified face, like a towering mountain, calm and dignified, with an elegant temperament, as if she was a fairy from heaven, without a trace of worldly air.

She was wearing a pink palace dress, the pink color was just like the peach blossoms blooming in spring, delicate and gorgeous, and also like a touch of gorgeous clouds in the sky, dazzling.

The two beauties walking side by side are like a beautiful painting. Every movement and every look of theirs exudes a unique charm.

Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang followed behind their respective mothers. They were of similar age, only about ten years old, an age that was innocent and full of vitality.

Liu Zhao was wearing a white brocade robe, which was as white as snow, as if it was woven from the purest snowflakes in winter. It was embroidered with delicate patterns, and every stitch and thread showed the royal dignity and luxury.

He wore a small crown inlaid with brilliant gems, which sparkled charmingly under the sunlight. His face was delicate, just like a flower blooming in spring, fresh and refined, and his eyes were full of bookish air, as if in his eyes, the whole world was full of poetry and elegance. He looked elegant, as if he was a young man who walked out of a poem or painting.

Liu Xiang was wearing a black suit, which was as deep as the night sky, showing his courage and perseverance.

A gem-studded belt was tied around her waist, and each gem shone with a unique light, as if the stars in the night sky were gathered there.

The whole person looks energetic, like an eagle about to spread its wings and fly high, with a capable look on his face, and his small body seems to contain endless power, ready to soar in the vast sky at any time.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Zhou Che and Da Qiao walked up to Liu Chan and bowed lightly. Their movements were graceful and skillful, and their voices were clear and pleasant, like the sound of a yellow oriole singing out of a valley, echoing in the imperial study.

"Your son greets you, father." Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang also followed suit. Their voices were childish but full of vigor, like new buds breaking through the soil in spring, full of vitality.

The voice was filled with awe for the father, as well as the youthful vigor.

Liu Chan looked at the two beauties and the prince in front of him. The tension and entanglement in his heart, like a taut string of a guitar, seemed to be gently brushed by a gentle spring breeze and eased a little.

He raised his hand slightly, and a kind smile appeared on his face. That smile was like the warm sun in winter, warm and gentle.

"Everyone, get up."

There was a hint of kindness in his voice, as if an ordinary father was caring for his children, making people feel the warmth of family.

Zhou Che and Da Qiao stood up and stood quietly aside, looking at Liu Chan with concern in their eyes.

Their eyes showed concern for their husbands and worry about their sons' fate.

Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang looked at the imperial study curiously, with excitement flashing in their eyes.

The dazzling array of books in the imperial study, the precious calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall, and the neatly arranged four treasures of the study all made them feel novel and excited, as if they had opened a door to a new world.

"Zhao'er, Xiang'er, I called you here today because I have something of vital importance to discuss with you."

Liu Chan looked at the two princes and his expression became serious. That serious look was like a towering mountain, which made people feel the seriousness of the matter.

"Now our Han Dynasty wants to open up the South Seas. That mysterious sea full of opportunities is waiting for our warriors to explore. I intend to select a prince to go there to manage it. What do you think?"

Liu Chan's gaze swept back and forth between Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang's faces. That gaze was like a sharp sword, trying to penetrate their hearts, see some clues from their expressions, and understand their true thoughts.

Liu Zhao frowned slightly, and the arc of his brows seemed to be a sign that he was thinking.

After thinking for a moment, he raised his head with confidence in his eyes.

"Father, I think that the South Seas can help our Han Dynasty accumulate wealth. If we can establish good trade relations with other countries, it will surely bring rich wealth to our Han Dynasty, fill our treasury, and enrich our people. I am willing to use what I have learned to open up a new world for our Han Dynasty in the South Seas, so that our Han caravans can travel unimpeded in the South Seas, and our Han goods will be welcomed in the South Seas."

Liu Zhao's voice was clear, like the gurgling sound of a clear mountain stream. There was a hint of confidence in his tone, and that confidence seemed to be the source of his inner strength.

Liu Xiang took a step forward, his steps firm and powerful, as if declaring his determination to the world.

"Father, the road to the South Seas is full of dangers, like a rugged mountain road full of thorns and traps. Not only are there bad sea conditions, howling winds, and huge waves that may overturn the ship at any time; there is also the possibility of being attacked by pirates, who are fierce and brutal like wolves; and the difficulties of the South Sea countries, they have their own thoughts and may set up many obstacles.

Although I am still young, I have been fond of martial arts and strategy since I was young. In the competition with the guards in the palace, I have accumulated some military strategies and tactics. With this, I can carve out a bloody path for my Han Dynasty in Nanyang and let the Han Dynasty's flag fly high on the land of Nanyang."

There was determination and courage in Liu Xiang's eyes, and his small body seemed to contain infinite power, which seemed to be able to break through all difficulties and obstacles and open up a bright path.

Liu Chan listened to the words of the two princes and nodded secretly in his heart.

He was very satisfied with the answers of the two princes, which made his already difficult decision even more difficult, as if he was faced with a choice between two equally towering mountains and had difficulty deciding which one to climb.

He closed his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought again.

At this moment, his heart was like a turbulent sea, with all kinds of thoughts surging in it.

The choice concerning the fate of the two princes must be made with extreme caution.

At this moment, there was silence in the imperial study, as if time had stopped flowing. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound, quietly waiting for Liu Chan's decision.

Zhou Che and Da Qiao looked at Liu Chan nervously, their hands clenched unconsciously, their eyes full of expectation and worry.

They all hoped that their sons would be favored by Liu Chan, take on the important task of governing Southeast Asia, and start a glorious journey in life for their sons.

It can even become a capital for advancement.

After a while, Liu Chan slowly opened his eyes, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and determination.

Helplessly, he had to make a choice between his two outstanding sons; but firmly, he believed that no matter who he chose, it would bring new hope to the Han Dynasty's Nanyang strategy.

He looked at Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang, and said slowly: "Zhao'er, Xiang'er, you are both my good sons, and what you said is very much in line with my wishes. But this time, the responsibility of managing Southeast Asia is as heavy as a mountain. It concerns the rise and fall of our great Han national destiny. I need to consider it carefully. You go back first and wait for my will."

Liu Chan's voice was steady, but with a hint of barely perceptible hesitation. That hesitation was like an undercurrent hidden beneath the calm surface of a lake; although not obvious, it was real.

"Your sons obey your command." Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang said in unison. Although they felt a little disappointed, as if the long-awaited gift did not arrive immediately, they all understood that their father's decision was related to national affairs and must be handled with caution.

There was a hint of loss in their voices, but they also revealed their understanding and respect for their father.

Zhou Che and Da Qiao took Liu Zhao and Liu Xiang and slowly left the imperial study.

Their figures gradually disappeared at the door, but Liu Chan's gaze remained there for a long time.

Imperial power!
It seems that everyone is looking forward to it and holds on to some tiny hope.

Prince, it’s time to practice hard!
How can we control such a country and balance the forces of all parties in the future without sufficient ability? (End of this chapter)