Shuhan

In the spring of the third year of Yanxing, the morning mist in Luoyang City had not yet dissipated, but the copper clock in the East Palace's bedroom had already ticked past the third quarter of the morning.

On the carved sandalwood bed, Crown Prince Liu Si tossed and turned, his brocade quilt slipping down to his waist, revealing faintly visible blue-grey bruises on the dark-patterned collar - those were the marks left by stray arrows during the suppression of the rebellion in Youzhou.

"Your Highness, it's time to get up."

The old eunuch Wang Fu quietly lifted the golden curtain, holding a cup of warm sobering soup in his hand.

The morning light shone through the mica flakes on the window lattice, casting tiny spots of light on Liu Si's pale face.

His brows were furrowed, a muffled groan escaped from his throat, and he slowly propped himself up and sat up. His black hair fell like a waterfall, covering half of his face which was slightly swollen due to a hangover.

The noise of last night’s celebration party still seems to echo in my ears.

The crisp sound of gilded wine vessels colliding, the melodious music of stringed instruments and orchestras, the passionate toasts of the officials...

Liu Si rubbed his throbbing temple and glanced at the jade cup that was tilted on the table. The remaining wine formed dark red stains in the moonlight, which overlapped with the bloodstains on the battlefield in Youzhou.

He took the sobering soup and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy warmth went down his throat and into his stomach, but it couldn't dispel the confusion lingering in his heart.

"Someone, get the ice towel." Liu Si ordered, holding his forehead.

Wang Fu quickly brought over the white handkerchief soaked in well water; the cool touch made his confused thoughts a little clearer.

He leaned against the carved backrest, his eyes fixed on the map of the Han Dynasty hanging on the wall. The locations of Liangzhou and Yongzhou were heavily marked with cinnabar, like two nails waiting to be pulled out.

Suddenly, Liu Si's fingers clasped the armrest tightly, and his knuckles turned white due to the force.

The discussion among the officials at yesterday's banquet, his father's seemingly casual but profound admonitions, and his mother's gentle but worried exhortations, all intertwined into a dense web in his mind.

He stood up suddenly, and the hem of his brocade robe swept the bamboo slips on the table, making a crisp sound.

"So that's it..." He muttered to himself, with a gleam of sudden realization in his eyes.

Outside the window, sparrows chirped on the branches of the ancient locust tree. The sunlight penetrated the gaps between the leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on the blue brick floor.

Liu Si walked barefoot on the cold floor tiles to the map, and his slender fingers slowly moved along the border of Liangzhou.

He finally understood his father's good intentions: as a crown prince, if he wanted to secure his position as heir to the throne and then rule the world, he must have his own team and accumulate experience in governing the country.

Land surveying in each state is not only a training opportunity, but also an excellent opportunity to recruit talents.

Those local tyrants seemed to be resisting the land measurement, but in fact they were secretly planning to use part of their land and population in exchange for the opportunity for their children to enter the Eastern Palace and to create a bright future for their family.

"What a great way to retreat in order to advance. Father is truly unfathomable."

Liu Si raised his lips into a wry smile, his eyes full of admiration and unwillingness.

He recalled the figure of his father working at his desk reviewing memorials late at night, and the awe that the old ministers in the court had for his father. At this moment, he finally understood what kind of imperial scheme was hidden behind this seemingly simple decree to measure the land.

"Wang Fu, gather the officials of the Eastern Palace immediately and meet in the study in half an hour." Liu Si suddenly turned around, his eyes as firm as iron.

Wang Fu was startled by his sudden change in demeanor. He quickly bowed and responded, then turned around and trotted off to convey the order.

Liu Si stood in front of the bronze mirror and let the palace maid change his clothes for him.

On the bright yellow brocade robe, a dragon embroidered with gold thread was baring its fangs and claws, reflecting the sharpness in his eyes.

When the jade crown was firmly on his head, he gave himself a confident smile in the mirror - the prince who had first shown his talent in Youzhou had lost his youthfulness, and now he was ready to face greater challenges.

In the study, the scent of sandalwood is wafting.

Fei Yi, Sima Yi and other officials had been waiting for a long time.

Liu Si stepped into the hall with steady steps and sharp eyes.

He walked straight to the main seat, sat down, glanced at everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, today we have gathered everyone to discuss the land measurement in Liangzhou and Yongzhou."

“Your Highness, Liangzhou is strategically located, and the Qiang, Di and other tribes have never submitted to the king’s rule. If we rashly implement the land measurement system, I’m afraid…” Fei Yi spoke first, his brows furrowed, his eyes full of worry.

Sima Yi stroked his beard, narrowed his eyes, and said slowly: "What Mr. Fei said is very true. However, I think we can start with intelligence. Although Zhang Yi, the governor of Liangzhou, is loyal to the court, he does not have enough prestige among the tribes. If we can understand the grievances and interests of the tribes, we can prescribe the right remedy..."

Liu Si nodded slightly and turned his eyes to the map: "What Zhongda said is exactly what I want. From now on, order the secret guards to collect intelligence on Liangzhou and Yongzhou, including the distribution of tribes, powerful forces, and troop deployment. In addition,

He paused, a complex expression flashing across his eyes, "My second brother Liu Rui is in Liangzhou. I'll send someone to contact him to see if he can help us."

Outside the palace, the wind and clouds were surging.

The spring sunshine was obscured by dark clouds at some point, and thunder could be heard faintly.

Liu Si looked at the gloomy sky outside the window, but his mind became clearer.

He knew that this time the land survey was more difficult than in Youzhou. But he was no longer the fledgling prince. He had his own plans and trusted subordinates. More importantly, he understood his father's painstaking efforts and saw his own mission clearly.

"Your Highness, if the Qiang people refuse to cooperate, should we..." a young officer asked cautiously, with a hint of uneasiness in his voice.

Liu Si clenched his fists, a fierce look flashed in his eyes: "First use courtesy, then force. For those who can be won over, promise them high positions and generous salaries; for those who are stubborn and unyielding..."

He didn't continue, but everyone understood what he meant.

The experience of Youzhou told him that sometimes, drastic measures were more effective than soft policies.

After the meeting, Liu Si stayed alone in the study.

He stood in front of a huge map and marked several key cities in Liangzhou with cinnabar.

Outside the window, heavy rain was pouring down. The big raindrops hit the glazed tiles, making a crisp sound.

However, he turned a deaf ear to it and concentrated on every detail, as if he was already on the battlefield in Liangzhou.

Late at night, the rain gradually stopped.

Liu Si rubbed his sore shoulders and looked at the rising moon outside the window.

A new storm is coming.

But this time, he was ready.

With his wisdom and determination, he will be able to carve out a name for himself in Liangzhou and Yongzhou, laying a solid foundation for controlling the country in the future.

At this moment, all he needs to do is wait for the opportunity and be ready to go.

In the late spring of the third year of Yanxing, the Luoyang Imperial Palace was shrouded in a soft haze.

Inside the Pepper Room, agarwood curls up from the gilded beast furnace, and wisps of fragrance linger between the carved beams and painted buildings, making the entire hall seem like a dream.

Queen Zhang was dressed in a gorgeous Zhai robe and sat upright on a carved rosewood chair, tightly holding a roll of plain silk in her hands. Her eyes were focused yet revealing a hint of worry.

The "Instructions for Women" spread out on the desk had its corners gently lifted by the draft, making a slight rustling sound, as if it was also sighing for her inner worries.

Outside the window, the crabapple blossoms were in full bloom, and the rouge-like delicate petals swayed gently in the breeze, like the gorgeous clouds in the sky, but it could not dispel the sorrow between her brows - Crown Prince Liu Si was already over twenty years old, and the issue of taking a concubine was like a heavy boulder hanging in her heart. If it didn't fall, she was afraid that something unexpected would happen.

"Your Majesty, the Duke of Yingguo's mansion has sent someone to deliver Miss Zhao Yun's birth date and horoscope." The personal maid Yuzhu walked into the hall quietly with light steps, holding a gold-painted box. Her voice was very low, revealing a hint of mystery.

"It is said that according to my fortune telling, I and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are a match made in heaven."

Zhang was slightly startled when she heard this, and slowly put down the silk in her hand. When the sandalwood box was opened, a faint and elegant orchid fragrance came to her face, refreshing her heart.

Below the yellow paper with the birth data, there was a piece of plain paper, on which just a few strokes were written, outlining the heroic figure of a girl riding a horse and shooting arrows.

The lively lines seem to give life to the picture, and the girl's graceful posture comes to life on the paper.

She looked at the free and unrestrained lines and couldn't help but think of Zhao Yun's heroic feat of saving his master alone at Changbanpo. The passionate scenes of the past emerged in her mind, and the corners of her lips unconsciously raised slightly: "General Zilong's daughter is really a good daughter of a good father."

However, the smile was fleeting.

Her gaze returned to the table. Five business cards were laid out in a row. Each one carried a heavy weight, like five huge mountains, pressing down on her to the point where she felt a little breathless.

Guan Yuerou, the eldest daughter of Duke Guan Ping, was only fourteen years old, at the prime of her youth. It was said that she had a face as beautiful as a lotus, skin as white as snow, eyebrows and eyes as picturesque, and was proficient in poetry and songs. She was a famous talented woman in Luoyang City.

Ma Yun, the sister of General Ma Chao, was generous and good at riding and shooting. She once went to war with her brother, and her heroic appearance on the battlefield was admirable.

There was also Chen Wan, the daughter of Weiwei Chen Dao, who was famous in Luoyang City for her gentleness and virtuousness, dignified manners and elegant temperament.

Behind each name is a noble family that can influence the situation in the court. Which one to choose is related to the relationship between the royal family and the group of meritorious officials, and there is no room for any carelessness.

"Prepare the sedan chair and go to see His Majesty." Zhang took a deep breath and stood up resolutely.

As she moved, the pearl beads on her robe swayed, making a subtle and pleasant sound, as if it was a reflection of her inner anxiety.

She knew very well that the selection of the Crown Princess not only affected her son's lifelong happiness, but was also the key link between the royal family and the group of meritorious officials. Such a major event must be discussed with His Majesty.

The Taiji Hall is magnificent with carved dragons and painted pillars.

Liu Chan was bending over to carefully examine the colored glass cups presented as tribute from the Western Regions. The colored glass cups were crystal clear, reflecting colorful light under the candlelight.

Hearing that the queen wanted to see him, he ordered without even looking up: "Call her."

The dragon-patterned robe woven with gold thread exuded a luxurious luster as he moved, but the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and the fatigue under his eyes were like a lingering haze, telling of the hardships of governing a country.

"Your Majesty, regarding the Crown Prince's marriage..." Zhang walked forward with lotus steps, and presented the silk respectfully. She stared at her husband's expression, her eyes full of expectation and anxiety, "I have selected the daughters of five noble families, but... it is difficult to make a decision."

Liu Chan took the silk and scanned the five names with his hawk-like eyes. He suddenly chuckled. His laughter startled the white pigeons perched under the eaves. The sound of their wings broke the silence in the hall: "Woman's kindness."

He threw the plain silk onto the table, with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.

"Let Si'er choose for himself. Since he is already capable of taking charge of things on his own, why are you afraid that he won't be able to pick a satisfactory Crown Princess?"

Zhang was stunned, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, then she bowed and saluted, saying earnestly: "Your Majesty is wise. But I am worried that the prince is young and energetic. If he just follows his own preferences..."

"How can there be anything in this world that is based on nothing but preference?" Liu Chan's voice suddenly turned cold, and his dragon-patterned boots made a crisp and powerful sound as they stepped on the gold bricks. His eyes were deep and sharp, as if he could see through people's hearts.

"If he can't even understand the interests of the person next to him, how can he talk about governing the country?"

Three days later, the imperial garden was like a fairyland, with flowers competing for beauty and fragrance everywhere.

At the place where the winding stream flowed, five beautifully decorated green bird chariots slowly stopped.

The wheels made a slight sound as they rolled over the cobblestone path.

Guan Yuerou lowered her head, her beautiful face almost completely hidden by the round fan embroidered with lotus flowers, revealing only a pair of affectionate eyes.

Her fingertips nervously twisted the tassels of the handkerchief, and her delicate skin was faintly flushed under the shadow of the round fan, like a bud about to bloom, shy and moving.

Zhao Yun's daughter, Zhao Qingyi, was not at all shy. She pushed aside the curtain of the sedan chair, revealing her tall and slender figure in a moon-white outfit, looking very heroic.

The soft sword at her waist swayed gently with her steps, and the gem on the hilt flashed with cold light, startling the palace maids beside her and making them look sideways with amazement in their eyes.

Crown Prince Liu Si, dressed in a gorgeous gold-woven brocade robe, with his hair tied up with a jade crown and a sparkling jade belt around his waist, was standing by the Nine-Turn Bridge waiting.

The morning sun shone on him, giving him a golden glow and making him look even more elegant.

When his eyes swept over the five people, the power struggles during the farming in Youzhou flashed through his mind unconsciously. The open and covert struggles with the powerful and the thrilling dealings with the foreign races were all surging in his mind at this moment.

He knew very well that this seemingly elegant banquet was actually another rigorous test set by his father, and every choice would affect the future situation.

"His Royal Highness, how is the Crown Prince?" The five women bowed gracefully. Their voices were gentle and melodious, like pearls and jade falling on a plate, echoing in the imperial garden.

Liu Si raised his hand to signal to stand up, his eyes moving between Guan Yuerou's flushed cheeks and Zhao Qingyi's calm and fearless eyes, thinking secretly in his heart.

At the banquet, musicians played the melodious "The Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix", and the beautiful melody flowed in the garden.

Fine wine and delicacies were served on the bluestone table like flowing water, and the aroma of delicacies filled the air.

Liu Si first walked towards Guan Yuerou, and when he saw the crystal clear jade bracelet on her wrist, he smiled gently and said in a gentle voice, "I heard that Miss Guan is good at painting. I wonder if she has ever seen the poplar forest in Youzhou?"

Guan Yuerou's eyelashes trembled slightly, fluttering like butterfly wings, her round fan half-covered her cherry lips, and her voice was soft and graceful, like a yellow oriole singing out of a valley: "Although I have not seen it with my own eyes, I have read the Yuefu poem 'If you don't see the soldiers, how can you know the hardships of the mountains and rivers', it must be very magnificent."

As she spoke, the elegant jasmine scent from her body wafted over with the breeze, as gentle as the spring water in the south of the Yangtze River, intoxicating.

Zhao Qingyi spoke at this moment, her voice clear and loud, breaking the gentle atmosphere: "Your Highness, I heard that you used Xianbei cavalry to break the deadlock in Youzhou. If it was the Qiang people, how would you deal with it?"

Her question startled everyone present. Guan Yuerou unconsciously clenched her round fan, her knuckles turning white; the other women also showed surprised expressions.

But Liu Si turned around with interest, met her clear and firm gaze, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Miss Zhao is quite quick-witted." Liu Si picked up the wine cup, and the amber wine flowed in the sunlight, reflecting a charming luster.

"The Qiang people value friendship and loyalty. If we use kindness and loyalty to win them over, and use drastic measures, we may be able to use them. Just like..."

He suddenly paused, and glanced at everyone, his eyes deep and meaningful, "Choosing a Crown Princess may seem like a matter of love, but it actually concerns the country."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the banquet froze instantly.

Ma Yun tightly gripped the whip at her waist, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes; Chen Wan lowered her head to sip tea, her hands trembling slightly, and her face showing nervousness.

Only Zhao Qingyi had a confident smile on her face. She picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. Her bold attitude fully demonstrated her heroic demeanor: "It's great! Rather than being coy, it's more comfortable to speak your mind directly."

When night fell, the Pepper Room was brightly lit with candles, and the warm yellow light illuminated the entire room.

Zhang looked at her son's tired but determined eyes, her heart full of concern, and asked softly, "Son, have you thought it through? Miss Guan is gentle and virtuous, and she knows you well..."

"Mother, it is precisely because we know each other so well that there is no need for a marriage to consolidate our relationship." Liu Si looked at the bright moon outside the window and thought of the light that flickered in Zhao Qingyi's eyes when she talked about military and political affairs. That light was like the brightest star in the night sky.

"The Guan family already has an uncle working in the Eastern Palace, so their influence is large enough. And the Zhao family..." He paused, lowered his voice, and his expression became serious.

"General Zilong is old, and the Zhao family is in urgent need of new support. If we can form a marriage, it will not only appease the old ministers, but also be of use to me."

Zhang stared at her son and vaguely saw the shadow of the late emperor Liu Bei - the hero who maneuvered among various forces in the troubled times was now reappearing in her son.

She sighed softly, raised her hand to straighten Liu Si's collar, her movements gentle and loving: "Tomorrow, send someone to the Duke of Ying to propose marriage. But you must also remember that in addition to interests, husband and wife must also treat each other sincerely."

Liu Si nodded solemnly. The moonlight shone on him through the window, outlining his resolute figure.

He knew that the selection of concubines, like farming in Youzhou, was a key chess move on the road to the throne.

And Zhao Qingyi will be an indispensable piece on his chessboard - not only a partner to walk hand in hand with, but also a force to stabilize his regime.

The road ahead is still long. Together with her, he will write their own legend in this treacherous court. (End of this chapter)