The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 422 Who wouldn't be devoted to a leader like this?
In the elegant room of Zuixianlou, south of Luoyang city.

As night fell, several important officials from the court quietly arrived; they were all Li Yi's former students and acquaintances.

The leader was Zhang He, the military governor of Jingzhao.

Following them were Dong Yun, Zhang Hu, Xu Yi, Taishi Heng, Zhou Tai, and others, with Chen Dao and Wang Jing arriving last.

After three rounds of drinking,

Zhang He dismissed his attendants and addressed the crowd in a deep voice:

"I have invited you all here today because it is a very important matter for the court."

"With the passing of Chancellor Chen, the position of Chancellor is now vacant."

"His Majesty is seriously ill, and the Crown Prince is too young."

"This is truly a critical moment of life and death."

As he spoke, he paused briefly and glanced at the crowd.

Dong Yun interjected:
“…Governor Zhang is absolutely right.”

"Recently, Hua Xin, Yang Dao, and others have been frequently entering and leaving the Eastern Palace, their intentions are unfathomable."

"If a prime minister is not chosen soon, there may be unforeseen circumstances."

Zhang Hu slammed his fist on the table and said:
"In today's world, no one is more capable than Prime Minister Li!"

"We should jointly submit a petition, requesting that Prime Minister Li regain control of the court!"

Tai Shiheng, however, looked worried:

"However, Prime Minister Li has been semi-retired from politics for six years and has repeatedly expressed his desire to cultivate younger generations."

"He may not be willing to return to the sport."

At this moment, Wang Jing, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke:

"Do you gentlemen know what Chancellor Chen said before his death?"

"He recommended four people to His Majesty: Pang Shiyuan, Liu Ziyang, Xu Yuanzhi, and Zhuge Kongming."

"These are all outstanding talents of our time; if we were to appoint them as prime ministers..."

"absurd!"

Zhang He interrupted abruptly, "Although Pang Shiyuan is intelligent, he is still relatively inexperienced."

"Liu Ziyang is resourceful, but lacks prestige."

"Xu Yuanzhi is indifferent to worldly affairs and is not suited for great responsibilities."

"Zhuge Liang is far away in Guanzhong, and his influence is beyond our reach."

"At this critical juncture, only Prime Minister Li can command the people's respect!"

As a staunch supporter of the Li faction, Zhang He naturally hoped that Li Yi would return to power and regain control of the court.

If the position were held by someone else, they would lose a powerful patron.

The most obvious example is Chen Deng.

Look at Chen Xiang,

Even though he was on his deathbed, he still entrusted Gan Ning to Li Yi.

Because he was cruel and obsessive, they feared that he would be framed by his enemies after his death.

If a leader takes such good care of his subordinates, how can the subordinates not be completely devoted and loyal to him?
No wonder Gan Ning listened to Chen Deng so much.

Anyone would be devoted to a leader like that.

Similarly, it would be better to replace the prime minister with a new one who has not established a network of connections.

Zhang He and other former officials certainly hoped that Li Yi could return to public service.

Chen Dao stroked his sword and sighed:

"While I was on duty in the palace, I personally witnessed the Crown Prince's recent deep anxiety."

“Many ministers in the court have repeatedly obstructed the process in the name of ‘ancestral rules’.”

"Without a senior minister in charge, I fear the Crown Prince will find it difficult to manage the situation."

Zhang He raised his glass and looked around at everyone:

"We have all received great kindness from Prime Minister Li, and now we should repay him."

"At tomorrow's morning court session, I will be the first to submit a memorial. Are you all willing to join in?"

Dong Yun, Zhou Tai, and Taishi Heng all agreed, but Wang Jing remained hesitant.

Everyone then turned their gaze to him, and Wang Jing sighed:
"If it is not done willingly, it may actually backfire."

"Everyone knows Li Xiang's temperament."

"If we force him to come out of seclusion, it will only make him resentful."

Zhang He sneered:

"...Yanwei is overthinking it."

“I have followed Prime Minister Li for more than 20 years and know that although he is in seclusion, he still cares about the country.”

"Looking at the current political situation, I cannot bear to see treacherous officials in power."

Chen Dao suddenly said:

"I have heard that King Liu Li of Yue has returned to the capital under the pretext of attending a funeral; his intentions are difficult to fathom."

"If Prime Minister Li does not step forward, I fear internal strife may ensue."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

Zhou Tai urgently asks:

"Is the general truly telling the truth?"

Chen lowered his voice:

"I heard it with my own ears while I was in the Forbidden City."

“The King of Yue is quite capable. His Majesty favors him, which may jeopardize the position of the Crown Prince.”

"If we don't ask Prime Minister Li to come out and take charge at this time, the situation in the court will inevitably change."

Zhang He suddenly stood up:

"If that's the case, then we must not hesitate any longer!"

"We will submit a joint petition tomorrow!"

Just as everyone was discussing the matter, they suddenly heard a commotion downstairs.

The waiter rushed in with a panic:

"My lords, Prime Minister Li's carriage is passing by the restaurant!"

Everyone rushed to the window and saw Li Yi's carriage slowly passing by.

Zhang He wanted to go downstairs to pay his respects, but Wang Jing stopped him:
"General, you mustn't! If we meet now, it might give others something to say."

Li Yi's carriage paused briefly in front of Zuixianlou, and the curtain was slightly lifted.

He glanced upstairs as if, then continued walking.

Dong Yun was filled with doubt and uncertainty:

"Does Prime Minister Li already know that we are gathered here?"

Wang Jing sighed deeply:

"Although Prime Minister Li is in seclusion, his senses are still sharp."

According to the scriptures, it would be better to first ascertain their intentions before making any plans.

Zhang He pondered for a moment, then finally nodded:

What you say makes sense.

"I will go alone tomorrow to pay my respects and observe his attitude."

As night deepened and people dispersed, the lights of Zuixianlou gradually went out.

Zhuge Liang, far away in Guanzhong; Liu Li, who was in Luoyang nearby; and Liu Bei, who was on his sickbed.

They will all become crucial pieces in this game of chess.

The next morning,

Zhang He, dressed in court attire, arrived alone at the gate of the Prime Minister's residence.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the vermilion gate remained tightly shut.

Only the stone lions in front of the gate stand silently.

Upon hearing the report, the steward opened the door and, seeing it was Zhang He, quickly bowed and said:
"Good morning, Governor Zhang. The Prime Minister has not yet risen, so it is inconvenient for us to meet."

Zhang He returned the greeting with clasped hands:

"It was presumptuous of me to disturb you at this early morning."

"Since the Prime Minister is not yet awake, I will wait outside the door."

It was early spring, and the morning breeze still carried a chill.

The butler couldn't bear it and said:
"Why don't you come to the side hall for tea first, Commander?"

Zhang He politely declined, saying:
"Since the Prime Minister is resting in peace, how dare I enter without permission? I will wait here."

As the sun rose higher, more and more carriages and horses began to appear in front of the Prime Minister's residence.

Officials passing by all looked surprised to see Zhang He standing solemnly outside the door, but none dared to approach him to speak.

At the hour of Si (9-11 AM), Li Yi's eldest son, Li Zhi, returned from outside.

Seeing that Zhang He was still waiting, he hurriedly dismounted and greeted him:

"Why have you been waiting here for so long, Uncle?"

Zhang He smiled wryly:
"I have come to pay my respects to the Prime Minister, but alas, I have arrived at the worst possible time."

Clearly, Zhang He had already guessed that Li Yi didn't want to see him.

After all, given Prime Minister Li's diligence and self-discipline...

Even if someone is semi-retired from politics, it's impossible for them to be sleeping when the sun is high in the sky.

So there's only one possibility: he doesn't want to see me.

Li Zhi frowned and said:
"My father would usually be up by now..."

Suddenly realizing something, he whispered:
"Uncle, please come with me into the manor."

Despite being Li Yi's student, Zhang He was actually older than Li Yi.

Now he's over sixty, an old man with nothing but bones.

My father is really something, taking such a long time to get through the old man's life.

Li Zhi couldn't bear it, so he invited him into his residence.

Zhang He, however, took a step back:
"Since the Prime Minister has not summoned me, I dare not enter without permission."

Li Zhi understood and sighed:
"In that case, please allow me to go inside and inform them."

At this moment, in the warm pavilion of the inner courtyard...
Li Yi had already gotten up and was leaning against the soft couch.

His wife, Zhen Mi, gently stroked the zither, producing a clear and melodious tune.

On the other side, Mi Zhen held a peeled grape to Li Yi's lips.

"Since the Western Regions Protectorate reopened, grapes and cantaloupes from this Western country have become quite common."

Mi Zhen laughed:

"But I always feel that the fruits and melons in the Central Plains are not as sweet and fragrant as those in the Central Plains."

Zhen Mi paused her zither playing for a moment, then said softly:

"It is said that Zhuge Liang opened up trade routes in Guanzhong, so that rare products from the Western Regions could be delivered in a steady stream."

Li Yi closed his eyes to rest, remaining silent.

At this moment, Li Zhi stepped inside and reported that Zhang He had been waiting outside for half a day.

Mi Zhen raised an eyebrow and said:
"Zhang Junyi is quite stubborn."

"If you are truly intelligent, you should leave on your own."

Zhen Mi stopped playing the zither and sighed:

“He is quite old, and waiting like this might cause him to catch a cold.”

Li Yi slowly opened his eyes and finally spoke:
"It's hard on him at his age..."

"Zhi'er, please invite Junyi to the study."

Zhang He, having received permission, tidied his clothes and followed Li Zhi into the mansion.

As I passed through the courtyard, I saw the old plum trees beginning to bloom.

I can't help but recall that twenty years ago, when I followed Li Yi to pacify Hebei, it was also during this plum blossom season.

Inside the study, Li Yi sat upright in the main seat, holding a teacup in his hands:
"Junyi has been waiting for a long time."

Zhang He paid homage with great ceremony:

“He has presumptuously requested an audience, disturbing the Prime Minister’s peace and quiet; he deserves to die.”

"Sit down."

Li Yi gestured for the tea, "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

Zhang He sat upright and solemnly:

"...He has come today specifically for the sake of the court situation."

"With the passing of Chancellor Chen, the position of Chancellor is now vacant."

"His Majesty is seriously ill, and the Crown Prince is too young."

"We humbly request Your Excellency to resume your command of the court in order to secure the stability of the nation."

Li Yi gently stroked the teacup, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
"Does Junyi know why I have semi-retired from politics?"

“He is dull-witted…”

"A tall tree catches the wind."

Li Yi sighed deeply:
"In the court today, Pang Tong possesses extraordinary talent, Liu Ziyang is well-versed in government affairs, Xu Yuanzhi is insightful in governance, and Zhuge Liang is a pillar of the state."

Why must it be an old man like me in my twilight years?

Upon hearing this, Zhang He immediately became anxious and hurriedly said:
"While these men are all talented, their prestige is insufficient to command respect."

"Now Liu Yan and others are eyeing us covetously, and the King of Yue is using the excuse of attending a funeral to return to the capital. If no one is left to guard the capital..."

"Jianyi!"

Li Yi suddenly interrupted, "Do you know why I kept you waiting so long this morning?"

Zhang He was stunned, then suddenly realized:
"Is the Prime Minister admonishing He that some things... cannot be rushed?"

Li Yi nodded:

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; if the heat is too high, it will lose its flavor."

"Go back and tell the gentlemen that I have my own plans."

Seeing Li Yi's resolute attitude, Zhang He knew that further persuasion would be futile, so he tried to probe further:

"Since Your Excellency is unwilling to take up the post, would you be so kind as to instruct me on whom you intend to recommend as your successor?"

"He and others should make plans as soon as possible."

The implication is that since you, sir, are unwilling to come out of retirement...

Then please tell us who you plan to nominate as the next prime minister.

We can also make arrangements in advance.

There was also a hint of resentment in his words.

Li Yi gently stroked the teacup, his gaze distant:
"The selection of the prime minister is a matter of national importance, and Your Majesty and I will consider it carefully."

"...Junyi need not worry too much."

Zhang He then asked:
"The King of Yue is returning to the capital under the pretext of attending a funeral. What does the Prime Minister intend to do about this?"

Li Yi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, a half-smile playing on his lips:
"Junyi is indeed well-informed about palace affairs."

Although his tone was indifferent, it made Zhang He break out in a cold sweat.

“He…He is just…”

Zhang He stammered and hurriedly tried to explain.

Li Yi waved his hand to interrupt:

"...That's all."

"The King of Yue was the son of the Chancellor of Chen, and his attendance at the funeral to fulfill his filial duty was in accordance with propriety."

"Now that you're back, let's hold a proper memorial service."

"If we let the Prince of Yue return to the capital, what about the Crown Prince...?"

Zhang He hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Li Yi's expression turned solemn, his gaze sharp as torches:
"Junyi, you all should remember this:"

"The matter of establishing an heir concerns the foundation of the nation and is not something that a subject can discuss recklessly."

"What you said today has come to pass and entered my ears; let it end here."

Zhang He stood up solemnly and bowed deeply to the ground:
"He will keep in mind the Prime Minister's teachings."

At this moment, the butler announced from outside the door that lunch had been prepared.

Li Yi's expression returned to its gentle state:

"Since it's noon, Junyi, why don't you stay for a family dinner?"

Zhang He was flattered and overwhelmed:

"What merit or ability do I possess to dare disturb the Prime Minister's family banquet?"

"It doesn't matter."

Li Yi stood up with a smile, "It's a coincidence that Mi'er personally cooked a few dishes today."

The two walked to the flower hall, where they saw that the octagonal table was already full of delicacies.

When Zhen Mi and Mi Zhen arrived, they wanted to leave, but Li Yi stopped them.

"We're all family, no need for formalities."

One of the dishes was roasted lamb chops, golden in color and with a wonderful aroma.

Mi Zhen introduced:
"This is marinated with spices from the Western Regions. Commander Zhang, would you like to try it and see if it suits your taste?"

Zhang He tasted it and praised it highly:
"This spice resembles anise, but it has a unique flavor."

Li Yi said:
"This tea is called 'Kuming' and is a specialty of the Western Regions."

"Since Zhuge Liang re-established the Protectorate of the Western Regions, trade routes have been unblocked, and such products have been able to flow into the Central Plains in an endless stream."

Zhang He's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked:
"Zhuge Liang has been stationed in Guanzhong and has achieved remarkable political success. It seems that the Prime Minister greatly appreciates him?"

Li Yi picked up his chopsticks to eat some food and said calmly:

"Don't talk when you eat, don't talk when you sleep."

"At family banquets, state affairs are not discussed."

Zhen Mi understood and changed the subject at the right time:

"I've heard that the peonies at Governor Zhang's residence are blooming exceptionally well. I'll have to ask him about their cultivation methods another day."

Mi Zhen also laughed:
"I have recently been trying to make sesame cakes, but I just can't seem to get the hang of it."

"If the Governor knows about the food customs of the Western Regions, I hope you can give me some pointers."

Zhang He, sensing the situation, changed the subject to gardening and food.

The atmosphere at the dinner was harmonious.

Li Yi would occasionally recount amusing anecdotes from the past, eliciting laughter from everyone.

After several rounds of drinks, Li Yi suddenly said:
"Junyi, do you remember when we were on our campaign against Youzhou during the Jian'an era, we roasted venison and drank wine in the wilderness?"

Zhang He sighed:

"How could I not remember? At that time, I personally wielded my halberd and charged into battle."

"The Prime Minister, dressed in a feather fan and silk turban, was also full of heroic spirit."

Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Yi sighed softly.

"...Now we both have gray hair."

"Therefore, I often think that young people should be given more opportunities."

Zhang He seemed to understand something, and finally grasped Li Yi's deeper meaning.

After the banquet,

Li Yi personally escorted Zhang He to the gate of the mansion, and said meaningfully as they parted:

“Junyi is a wise man; he should know my intentions.”

Zhang He bowed deeply:
"I will certainly keep to my duty and live up to the Prime Minister's expectations." On the way back to his residence, Zhang He reflected on the events of the day and suddenly realized something.

Although Li Yi was in seclusion, he was well-informed about the political situation at court.

That seemingly casual family dinner was actually full of subtle wit and hidden meaning.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Zhen Mi, while helping Li Yi change his clothes, whispered:

"It seems that Governor Zhang has not yet fully grasped the Prime Minister's meaning."

Li Yi smiled:

"...It doesn't matter."

"He will understand after tomorrow's meeting."

Outside the window, spring is gradually warming up.

The old plum tree in the Prime Minister's courtyard has shed its last petals, and new leaves are just beginning to sprout.

……

The following day, a court assembly was held at Weiyang Palace.

Liu Bei, despite his illness, attended court.

As soon as the officials finished presenting their reports, Zhang Fei strode forward, his voice booming like a bell:
"Your Majesty! I have a memorial to report!"

"King Liu Li of Yue returned to the capital without imperial decree and violated regulations by leaving his fiefdom. He should be punished according to the law!"

Upon hearing this, the entire court fell silent.

Everyone secretly held their breath in suspense.

This is a rather sensitive topic, and it's only recently that someone in the court, not someone of Zhang Fei's high rank and power, has discussed it.

Liu Bei coughed lightly a few times, but a slight smile appeared on his lips:

"...Yide actually dared to discuss etiquette with me today?"

"It's really rare."

Zhang Fei's face flushed red, and he said bluntly:
"Brother... no, Your Majesty!"

"Ritual and law are the foundation of a nation; how can we abandon public duty for private reasons!"

Liu Bei raised his hand to interrupt him and slowly said:
"Although the King of Yue violated the rules, his situation is pitiable."

"Chen Yuanlong is a pillar of the nation, and it is only natural for his son-in-law to attend his daughter's funeral."

"and……"

His gaze swept over the assembled officials. "His son has been staying in the capital for half a year. How can I bear to separate him from his family?"

Li Yi stepped forward and echoed:

"...Your Majesty is wise."

"Filial piety is the foundation of a nation. King Yue has shown filial piety, and should be shown compassion."

The Han Dynasty governed the country based on filial piety.

Being unfilial is extremely politically incorrect.

Of course, there's also the possibility that this is just for show.

For example, the famous story of "Lu Ji Carrying Oranges" in the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars.

This is 100% a show.

In the end, it all boils down to Lu Ji stealing oranges and getting caught red-handed by the Skeleton King.

He claimed it was for his mother, thus cementing his reputation for filial piety.

But the logic is completely flawed.

Because Lu Ji came from the Lu family of Lujiang, a very famous and prominent family in Jiangnan.

There's no way they'd have to resort to stealing oranges for their mother.

Not to mention, the Skeleton King only associates with celebrities.

How could an ordinary family that couldn't even afford oranges possibly be served at Yuan Shu's table?

Considering that Lu Ji was just a child at the time, he was probably simply greedy and hid a few.

After being caught by Yuan Shu, he made an excuse that he had left it for his mother.

In the Han Dynasty, where filial piety was highly valued, no one would blame him.

This can also be seen from the side.

Even the Skeleton King would be "astonished" by such a "filial" child.

Therefore, the King of Yue's violation of etiquette and law seemed very irregular.

But as long as he wore the cloak of "filial piety," at least in the Han Dynasty, no one would blame him.

Or rather, no one can really hold him accountable for this.

Therefore, Li Yi addressed the matter objectively.

It is said that the King of Yue's return to the capital was against the rules, but it was reasonable.

However, even so, many ministers in the court still held doubts about the Prince of Yue's trip to the capital, and they all said:

"...However, the laws of our ancestors cannot be abandoned."

"If all the vassal kings follow suit, what will become of the imperial court's dignity?"

Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, Liu Bei suddenly issued an edict:
"Crown Prince Liu Shan and Prince Yi Liu Feng, listen to my decree."

The two hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down in worship.

"You two are the elder brothers, so today you will go to the post station outside the city on my behalf to welcome the King of Yue back to the capital."

The entire court was astonished upon hearing this decree.

It is a great honor for the Crown Prince to personally welcome the vassal king.

Zhang Fei wanted to remonstrate again, but Guan Yu stopped him with a look.

"Humph."

Zhang Fei was extremely displeased, standing with his hands on his hips, not uttering a word.

Ten miles outside Luoyang city, at the long pavilion, banners fluttered in the breeze.

Liu Shan and Liu Feng stood side by side in the pavilion, with their entourage standing solemnly behind them.

Liu Feng whispered:
"Isn't it too much of a show for His Highness the Crown Prince to personally greet us?"

Liu Shan said gently:
"Since Father Emperor has issued the decree, there must be a deeper meaning behind it."

"Besides, my third brother has been away for a long time and has returned, so it is only right that he does this."

It was almost noon.

In the distance, as dust rose, a train slowly approached.

King Liu Li of Yue had already received the news and dismounted from his carriage and walked from a distance.

Upon reaching the pavilion, Liu Li prostrated himself in deep reverence:

"Your subject Li pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Prince of Yi!"

"I am deeply grateful for the kindness of my two elder brothers in personally welcoming me; I deserve to die a thousand deaths!"

Liu Shan hurriedly helped him up, and seeing Liu Li travel-worn and weary, he couldn't help but shed tears.
"Why do you say such a thing, Third Brother! Three years have passed since we parted, and I have missed you day and night!"

The brothers embraced, and Liu Li choked up as he said:
"While I was in my fiefdom, I never stopped thinking of my father and elder brother!"

Liu Feng, standing nearby, advised:

"Your Highness, Your Highness, this is not the place to talk. Let's return to the city first and meet again."

Liu Shan held Liu Li's hand and rode in the same carriage, carefully observing him along the way:

"My third brother has lost weight. Is he suffering from acclimatization issues?"

Liu Li said respectfully:
"...Thank you for your concern, brother."

"Although Yue is a remote place, the people are simple and honest. I have been governing it with all my heart and dare not slack off."

"Regarding the matter of Prime Minister Chen, I hope my third brother will take heed of your grief."

Liu Shan sighed.

"Chancellor Chen is a pillar of the nation, and the Emperor is deeply grieved."

Liu Li wept:

"My father-in-law was still thinking about the country even on his deathbed."

"Though I am thousands of miles away, I am also moved by his loyalty."

When the carriage arrived at the Chen residence, Liu Li bowed again to express his gratitude:
"My two elder brothers, please return to the palace to report first. I will change my clothes and then enter the palace to pay my respects immediately."

Liu Shan took his hand and said:

"Tonight, the Crown Prince is hosting a banquet to welcome my third brother. Please do not refuse."

Watching Liu Li's retreating figure as he entered the Chen residence, Liu Feng murmured:
"Is the Crown Prince being too generous? This may invite criticism."

Liu Shan gazed towards the palace and said softly:

"...This is the Emperor's will."

"Besides... if my third brother could behave himself, wouldn't that be a blessing for the country?"

On the way back to the palace,

When the people saw the Crown Prince and the King of Yue traveling in the same carriage, they all began to gossip.

This seemingly ordinary reunion of brothers had already stirred up ripples throughout Luoyang.

On the palace wall, Liu Bei, accompanied by Li Yi, gazed at the convoy and murmured:
"Ziyu, is my arrangement appropriate?"

Li Yi bowed and replied:
"...Your Majesty is wise."

"It both fulfills the bond between family members and demonstrates the benevolence and power of the imperial family."

Liu Bei coughed several times, his gaze distant.
"I only hope that my brothers can truly understand my good intentions."

The spring breeze brushed against the palace walls, stirring the robes of the emperor and his minister.

On the second day after Liu Li returned to Beijing, before dawn, he prepared offerings and intended to go to the Chen residence to pay respects to his father-in-law.

The carriage arrived at the Chen residence.

But the white banners in front of the door had been taken down, leaving only two plain lanterns swaying in the morning breeze.

Upon seeing the carriage of the Prince of Yue, the old steward of the Chen family hurriedly came out to greet him, knelt down, and wept as he reported:
"Your Highness is too late! The master's coffin was escorted back to his hometown of Xuzhou for burial three days ago."

Liu Li was struck as if by lightning, and staggered backward:

"Why...why didn't you wait for me to see my father-in-law one last time?"

The butler kowtowed and said:
"This was arranged by Prime Minister Li, who said that Xuzhou was the master's lifelong wish."

"His Majesty has granted special permission to establish a cenotaph at the Imperial Mausoleum for relatives and friends in the capital to pay their respects."

Liu Li remained silent for a long time before speaking in a deep voice:
"Prepare the car, we're heading to the imperial mausoleum."

It was early morning, and the imperial mausoleum was shrouded in a thin mist.

Upon seeing the King of Yue's carriage, the soldiers guarding the tomb hurriedly opened the tomb gate.

Liu Li walked alone on the sacred path, where he saw dense pine and cypress trees and heard the mournful cries of crows.

Upon arriving at the burial area for meritorious officials, a newly erected tombstone was indeed found, inscribed with "Tomb of Chen Yuanlong, Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, Duke Huan Xuanzheng".

The incense burner in front of the monument was still warm, suggesting that there were still people worshipping there recently.

Liu Li dismissed his attendants and knelt alone before the stele.

He gently touched the cold stone tablet, and finally tears streamed down his face:

"Father-in-law! Your unworthy son-in-law, Liu Li, is late!"

His voice choked with sobs, sounding especially poignant in the silent cemetery.

“I recall our first meeting in Huainan, where my father-in-law taught me military strategy and tactics, and explained the principles of governing a country.”

"Later, my father-in-law did not abandon me and gave me his beloved daughter in marriage, and he also taught me from time to time..."

Liu Li wept uncontrollably, saying, "While I was in Yue, I never dared to forget my father-in-law's instructions for a single day."

"Light taxes and levies, and encouraging agriculture and sericulture, are all in accordance with my father-in-law's teachings."

He took out a scroll from his sleeve:
"These are the achievements of the Yue Kingdom in recent years. I originally intended to ask my father-in-law for guidance... but who knew that we would be separated forever!"

Suddenly a gust of wind swept by, scattering paper money all over the ground.

From afar, the tomb keeper saw King Yue prostrate on the ground, weeping bitterly.

His expression was extremely sorrowful, and I couldn't help but sigh to myself.

After weeping until he was exhausted, Liu Lifang straightened his clothes, burned incense, and bowed again.

"Father-in-law, rest assured in heaven, I will surely treat Yao'er well and uphold the duties of a son-in-law."

“The people of Yue should also be treated as our own children.”

After the ceremony, Liu Li was about to leave when he suddenly saw Crown Prince Liu Shan arriving with offerings.

The two brothers met in front of the tomb and were both taken aback.

Liu Shan sighed:

“My third brother’s filial piety is evident to heaven and earth.”

"I have petitioned the Emperor to grant the Princess Consort of Yue permission to visit the Imperial Mausoleum to pay respects every month."

Liu Li bowed deeply:
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

"We're brothers, why bother with thanks?"

Liu Shan helped him up and whispered:
"However, there has been some criticism in the court recently, saying that my third brother is using the pretext of attending the funeral to plot something wicked."

Liu Li said solemnly:
"Your Majesty is wise! My return to the capital this time is purely to fulfill my filial duty as a son."

"If anyone makes unfounded speculations, I am willing to confront them face to face!"

Liu Shan gazed at him for a moment, then finally patted him on the shoulder:
"...As your elder brother, I naturally believe you."

"But the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it; Third Brother, you still need to be careful."

Liu Li nodded and continued to weep and mourn Chen Deng.

Inside the imperial mausoleum, he stroked the stele and wept bitterly, his voice hoarse and strained.

Overwhelmed by days of travel and grief, he suddenly felt a surge of anger and fainted.

"Third brother!!"

Liu Shan was greatly alarmed and hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.

Seeing that Liu Li was pale and breathing weakly, the Crown Prince hurriedly summoned the imperial physician who was with him.

After a flurry of activity,

Liu Lifang slowly awoke and, finding himself lying in the Crown Prince's arms, wept:

"Your Majesty, I have been disrespectful..."

Liu Shan sighed:

“My third brother’s filial piety has moved Heaven; what crime has he committed?”

He then ordered a warm sedan chair to be prepared and personally escorted the King of Yue back to his residence.

The news reached the palace, where Liu Bei was discussing state affairs with Li Yi.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Bei remained silent for a long time, with tears welling up in his eyes.

"Your Majesty?" Li Yi called softly.

Liu Bei sighed deeply:
"Among my sons, Liu Shan is kind and benevolent, Liu Feng is brave and resolute, but only Liu Li... values ​​loyalty and righteousness the most."

"Chen Yuanlong was right about him."

Li Yi blinked and bowed, saying:

"King Chunxiao of Yue is truly a blessing to Your Majesty."

Just then, a palace attendant came to report that the King of Yue requested an audience.

Liu Bei summoned Liu Li and saw that Liu Li looked haggard and was being helped by a palace attendant.

"My son, I bow to my father."

Liu Li wanted to perform a grand ceremony, but Liu Bei stopped him.

“My son is in poor health, there’s no need for such formalities.”

Liu Li knelt down and wept, pleading:

"Your son was at the imperial mausoleum just now, thinking of the kindness of his father-in-law in raising him, and he was overwhelmed with emotion."

"Now that my father-in-law has passed away, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me permission to enter the palace to attend to him in his illness, so as to fulfill my duty as a son."

Li Yi raised an eyebrow, his face remaining calm and composed, and remained silent.

Instead, he quietly observed Liu Bei's expression.

Liu Bei frowned and said:
"You yourself still need to recuperate; how can you possibly exert yourself further?"

"Father!"

Liu Li kowtowed to the ground, "Your son has already lost his father-in-law. If he cannot continue to be filial to his father, what joy is there in living?"

"Besides..."

He looked up, his eyes brimming with tears, and said, "Your subject has studied medicine in the Yue Kingdom and is quite knowledgeable in the art of treatment."

"I am willing to serve you day and night, hoping that Your Majesty will recover soon."

Seeing this, the eunuchs present were all moved by Liu Li's filial piety and began to advise him:
"Your Majesty, the King of Yue's filial piety is evident to Heaven and Earth."

"It would be better to grant his request, so that father and son can enjoy their family happiness."

Liu Bei pondered for a moment, then finally nodded:
"In that case, you may temporarily reside in the side hall."

"However, you must promise me that you will not overwork yourself."

Liu Li was overjoyed and kowtowed three times:
"Your subject obeys! He will always keep in mind your father's teachings."

From then on, Liu Li moved into a side hall in the palace.

He would rise at dawn every day to personally taste the medicine.

I accompanied Liu Bei for a walk and a chat at noon.

At night, he would read memorials to the emperor to share his father's burdens.

On this day, before dawn, he was already waiting outside the bedroom.

The eunuch advised:

"His Majesty has not yet risen. Prince Yue may wait in the side hall with tea."

Liu Li said respectfully:
"As your son or nephew, it is my duty to stand by and await Your Majesty's arrival."

The palace doors opened, and Liu Bei saw Liu Li standing in the cold wind, and was deeply moved:

"Why must my son do this?"

"Your son has been away from your side for a long time, and I regret that I cannot serve you day and night."

Liu Li stepped forward to help him up, his movements gentle and practiced.

He personally helped Liu Bei wash and change his clothes, and even tested the temperature of the medicine before presenting it to the emperor.

When dining,
Liu Li carefully arranged the dishes, removed the bones from the fish, and cooled the soup.

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei was deeply moved and sighed:

“Back in Xuzhou, you were still young and needed to be fed.”

"He's become so meticulous now."

Liu Li lowered his head and wept, saying:
"When I was in Yue, I often remembered the teachings of my father when I was young."

"Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; one must carefully control the heat."

"Serving the Emperor should be even more so."

After the morning court session, Liu Li often accompanied Liu Bei for a walk in the imperial garden.

That day, as they arrived at the plum grove, Liu Bei suddenly said:
"I have heard that you have promoted rice cultivation in the Yue Kingdom, and the people are praising you."

"Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teaching that the people are the foundation."

Liu Li humbly replied, "The Yue region is mountainous. Your son will follow the example of Prime Minister Li in Xuzhou, building terraced fields and developing water conservancy."

Liu Bei was very pleased to see that he had not only remembered his teachings but also learned the ways of governance from Li Yi, and nodded in satisfaction:
"...Li Xiang is indeed a capable minister in times of peace."

"However, according to your memorial, the taxes of Yue are 30% lower than those of other places. Why is that?"

Liu Li knelt and reported:
"Your subject believes that a prosperous people make a strong nation."

"Reducing taxes and levies to allow the people to rest and recuperate is the best long-term solution."

Liu Bei helped him up, his eyes filled with satisfaction:

"I am very pleased that you think this way."

……

(End of this chapter)