Second-hand time travel: Liu Bei, the big-eared bandit

January of the early Jian'an period.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Liu Xie officially came of age and announced that he would assume personal rule.

This was something Liu Bei had said long ago, so no one was surprised. After all, assuming personal rule did not mean holding power; military and political power was still entirely decided by Liu Bei's word.

Weiyang Palace was not yet fully repaired, but the main hall and the Xuan Shi Hall and other front halls and auxiliary palaces were basically completed, and Liu Xie had a formal residence.

With the war over the Three Auxiliary Regions, the new Chang'an court began to get back on track.

Military and political affairs originated from the Prime Minister's Office, while the enfeoffment and sacrificial rites were conducted by the Weiyang Palace; each could be considered to be performing its own duties.

All officials who respected the imperial court also received new rewards and appointments.

For his meritorious service in repelling Liu Yan and defending Chang'an, Duan Wei officially succeeded Duan Jiong as the Marquis of Xinfeng County and went to Jincheng to serve as the Prefect.

Du Ji was appointed as the Prefect of Jingzhao, and Zhang Ji served as the Agricultural Commandant, jointly responsible for the post-war production recovery of the Jingzhao region.

Li Jue, Guo Si, and others had already been promoted to generals when Liu Bei arrived. While Han Sui returned to deal with Ma Teng, they also went to Liangzhou to seize territory. As for who they would deal with... that was really uncertain.

Zhang Ji returned to Nanyang. His wife had just given birth to a son. With his promotion and the birth of his son, Zhang Ji was now enjoying success in both his career and family life.

Jia Xu remained in charge of the Imperial Secretariat, concurrently serving as the magistrate of Chang'an, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Duxiang. He also held the authority of an imperial edict to supervise the army, overseeing the troops of Zhang Xiu, Li Heng, Guo Mu, and others.

Xu Shu was transferred to the position of Left Fengyi Commander, overseeing the troops of Li Meng and Wang Fang, and stationed in Linjin to defend against Hedong.

Yan Xing led the Right Fufeng Army and stationed himself at Huaili to guard against Liang and Yi.

Zhao Yun was appointed as the Central Protector of the Army, supervising and controlling all the generals and guarding the palace. Liu Bei's central army troops were also officially listed as the Tiger Guard.

Xun You was appointed as the Governor of Henan, responsible for rebuilding the devastated province. In reality, he was sent to supervise those officials who claimed to be "rebuilding Luoyang"—if they were not in Luoyang, they would be dismissed and investigated for deceiving the emperor.

Many officials did not go to Luoyang and did not seem to cause any trouble during this period, but that does not mean they are behaving themselves.

……

On January 15th, the first grand court assembly after the change of reign title took place.

Shi Sunrui brought along Wang Bin, the elder brother of Liu Xie's birth mother Wang Rong, who was also Liu Xie's maternal uncle.

After Empress He murdered Wang Rong, Wang Bin dared not return to his hometown of Handan, so he fled to Anyang to avoid trouble. After Liu Xie ascended the throne, he went to Qingzhou. In the past few years, Wang Bin had often heard in Anyang that "Liu Bei had taken Liu Xie hostage and was causing chaos in the court," so he never dared to go and see Liu Xie.

Now that Liu Bang had established his capital in Chang'an, Shi Sunrui found Wang Bin and brought his entire family to Chang'an.

Liu Xie was now an orphan, and his only living relative was his uncle Wang Bin. So the court bestowed upon Wang Bin a house and land, and appointed him as the Commandant of the Imperial Carriage.

Later, Wang Bin mentioned Liu Xie's marriage in court: "Your Majesty, the imperial heirs are now few and far between. Your Majesty should establish a chief concubine as soon as possible to pass on the throne."

Changqiu is a title for the Empress. It is indeed appropriate for an uncle to advise his nephew to get married and have children as soon as possible.

Liu Xie shook his head and said, "I was born into a family of limited means and have been caught in a time of chaos, unable to succeed my predecessor. I have always been at a loss. Now, Liangzhou is not yet settled, and there is also war in Guandong. The world has suffered disasters year after year, and the people are unable to live in peace... I have no intention of establishing an empress at this time. Let's wait until the world is more settled before discussing this matter."

Liu Bei had said that Liu Xie should decide on the matter of establishing an empress. Liu Xie was a reasonable man and knew that if the matter of establishing an empress was rushed, there would likely be problems. He thought it would be better to postpone it until the country was more stable.

He learned a lot during the years he followed Liu Bei, especially during the two years he served as a 'Jiang Ye' (a military officer), he personally experienced what the common people needed most.

The matter of choosing an empress has already been used against him, and Liu Xie has been kidnapped twice. He now understands why Liu Bei told him to decide for himself.

"Your Majesty has already reached the age of coming of age. If the harem is not expanded, I fear the people of the world will criticize you..."

Wang Bin added, "Moreover, the emperor's work is governed by rituals and regulations. Establishing an empress as soon as possible is also to consolidate the foundation of the state."

That's true. If Liu Xie doesn't expand his harem, rumors might start circulating that the current emperor is a homosexual...

"The rites? When my mother passed away, the burial site was not chosen, and the rites were missing, which prevented me from missing her. So why should I mention the selection of concubines now? Now that my grandmother has just passed away, I should observe the three-year mourning period, which is also in accordance with the rites... During the mourning period, auspicious omens should not be mentioned."

Liu Xie still refused. He planned to observe mourning and mentioned that his birth mother's funeral was simple and she had no official status, which was also against etiquette.

When Liu Xie's birth mother, Wang Rong, passed away, the funeral was extremely simple due to the fear of Empress He in the palace. The rites and ceremonies at her tomb were all like those of a commoner, which made Liu Xie feel resentful.

But perhaps it was precisely because Wang Rong's tomb was simple that when the Bai Bo, the Xiongnu and other tribes entered Henan one after another, Henan was in great chaos, and the tombs of many high-ranking officials and nobles were dug up, but no one touched Wang Rong's tomb.

Upon hearing Liu Xie mention this matter, Liu Bei stepped forward, intending to have Liu Xie re-establish an honorific title for Wang Rong.

However, Shi Sunrui beat him to it: "According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, a mother's status is elevated because of her son. I request that the Empress Dowager be reburied and posthumously honored with a title, in accordance with the precedents of Emperor Muzong and Emperor Jingzong."

While Shi Sunrui was sparsely skilled in martial arts outside the capital, he was quite adept in the court. Liu Bei only felt a blur before Shi Sunrui appeared at the foot of the steps and bowed to offer his advice.

Moreover, it wasn't just Shi Sunrui who was skilled; Fifth Jun, who was usually known for his knowledge of the classics, also rushed out of the queue with astonishing speed.

“During the mourning period, auspicious words should not be spoken, but the emperor can establish the inner palace to select concubines first. This is also a way for the emperor to show filial piety.”

Fifth Jun suggested, "Your Majesty should select more women to enter the palace so that you can observe virtuous and capable women early on and make a selection for the future Empress Dowager."

You can't get married during the mourning period, but you still have to do your job.

For the emperor, selecting concubines was an official duty, and having children was also a form of filial piety.

After all, having children was an important task that the emperor had to do. If the emperor had no heir, there would inevitably be great chaos.

Liu Xie certainly valued the matter of restoring his birth mother to an honorific title.

The matter of reburying Wang Rong and posthumously honoring her was quickly agreed upon. She will be reburied at Wenling next month, buried with Liu Hong, and posthumously honored as Empress Linghuai.

This matter was first brought up by Shi Sunrui, and it was then handed over to him for handling.

Fifth Jun's proposal to hold a talent show was also approved.

Selecting concubines to enter the palace first allows for early observation of their temperaments, in order to determine a suitable candidate for empress—this can be considered an impartial decision in any case.

For the sake of the imperial concubine selection, Shi Sunrui and Wu Jun jointly recommended Wang Bin to concurrently serve as the head of the Imperial Household Department and to preside over the Imperial Palace.

This is all to be expected. An uncle helps his nephew with the selection process, and there are currently few eunuchs in the palace, so Wang Bin is the most suitable person to manage the Imperial Household Department.

Subsequently, Wang Bin reciprocated by recommending Shi Sunrui and Wu Jun as lecturers in the Jinhua Hall.

Jinhua Hall was the lecture hall within Weiyang Palace, and indeed someone should have served as a lecturer there.

Liu Bei couldn't teach Liu Xie the classics. Even if Liu Xie didn't deliberately study the classics, he still needed to understand their meaning, otherwise he would be deceived by officials using the classics.

Liu Bei knew that Shi Sunrui and Wu Jun's intentions were simply to exert influence over Liu Xie, but Liu Bei really couldn't object to these things because they were all normal and reasonable arrangements, and they all seemed to be for Liu Xie's benefit.

This is not a scheme; it is simply a normal attempt to advance one's career, and there is nothing wrong with it.

However, a few days later, Wang Bin suggested that Diao Chan (Jiang Li) leave the palace and no longer supervise the affairs within the palace.

This was not because Wang Bin and Diao Chan had a conflict; on the contrary, Wang Bin meant well.

Wang Bin knew that Diao Chan had once been Wang Rong's maid, and he had no intention of harming her.

But now that Liu Xie has come of age, he can no longer be as close to Diao Chan as before. Diao Chan is, after all, an extremely beautiful woman, and Liu Xie is gradually growing old. If Diao Chan stays by Liu Xie's side, it's hard to guarantee that Liu Xie won't develop other feelings for her.

Wang Bin also asked Diao Chan if she was willing to become the emperor's concubine. Diao Chan, of course, was unwilling, as she regarded Liu Xie as her younger brother.

So Wang Bin asked Diao Chan if she was willing to leave the palace—this was actually for the sake of Liu Xie and Diao Chan, otherwise Liu Xie would attract gossip, and Diao Chan would not be able to get married.

Diao Chan knew this was indeed a problem, so she went to say goodbye to Liu Xie.

Liu Xie was extremely reluctant to part with her, and asked with teary eyes, "My elder sister treated me like a mother and accompanied me as I grew up. Now it is my turn to serve my elder sister. Why must you leave?"

Diao Chan sighed, "Jiang Li may be Jiang Ye's elder sister for life... but His Majesty is the emperor, no longer Jiang Ye."

Liu Xie burst into tears: "Who would want to be the emperor... I am Jiang Ye!"

“Everyone has a position and a mission. Your Majesty is now in that position; you must be a wise ruler and not continue to cry and make a fuss like a child…”

Diao Chan offered Liu Xie her final words of comfort, wiping away his tears: "Your Majesty, I am not good at governing the country, and staying in the palace will not help you. From now on, Your Majesty should judge people with discernment, be close to virtuous ministers and stay away from sycophants, and prioritize the affairs of the state."

After speaking, Diao Chan bowed and took her leave with the respect due to a subject.

Liu Xie wiped away his tears as he followed Diao Chan step by step until she walked out of the palace gate. Only then did he sit on the threshold of Xuanhua Hall, his head bowed, unwilling to get up.

……

……

After leaving the palace, Diao Chan arrived at Liu Bei's residence, but not to ask Liu Bei to take her in. Instead, she wanted to bid farewell to Liu Bei: "Prime Minister, I have been away from my hometown for a long time. Now that Hebei is somewhat pacified, I would like to go back to my hometown for a visit."

When Liu Bei heard that Diao Chan was leaving, he was extremely uneasy: "If Lady Chan is not by Your Majesty's side, I fear that spies and treacherous people will fill the palace. Why must you leave in such a hurry?"

Liu Bei didn't have any romantic feelings for Diao Chan; he was just her friend and treated her as a colleague.

"It wasn't too hasty... His Majesty has come of age, and Jiang Li has no more worries, so he had always wanted to leave."

Diao Chan did seem much more relaxed: "If the Prime Minister is worried about palace affairs, why not select some concubines to enter the palace?"

"A concubine?"

Liu Bei was taken aback for a moment: "You know my family's situation, right? Where would we find any concubines to choose from? You're not talking about Ah Li, are you?"

Ah Li is nine years old, which is indeed an age when she could enter the palace.

But Liu Bei would never let his daughter enter the palace... unless it was to become an empress.

Besides, Ah Li is lively and active, and is currently learning martial arts. He keeps saying that he wants to beat up Zhuge Liang, claiming that Zhuge Liang bullied A Dou.

In fact, Zhuge Liang never bullied Liu Shan (A Dou), but Ah Li (Ah Li) often bullied her two younger brothers and then made Zhuge Liang take the blame.

Even Zhuge Liang couldn't control her.

As for Liu Bei, he was a powerful prime minister in public, but at home... well, Liu Bei only had one daughter, and things are valued for their rarity.

The only person who can make Ahri obey is Zuo Yuan, because Zuo Yuan will really beat her up...

“I’m referring to Zhuge Zhen… This child is upright, peaceful, and extremely disciplined.”

Diao Chan said in a low voice, "She never knew Jiang Ye's identity, but she got along very well with him. It wasn't until Jiang Ye was kidnapped that she realized he was His Majesty. She is a respectable woman and of marriageable age. Zhuge Liang was His Majesty's childhood friend. If the Prime Minister wants to find a wife for Zhuge Zhen, he should ask her if she is willing to accompany Jiang Ye."

"Then the matchmaker should be the Chan Guan..."

Liu Bei said, "If I send Zhuge Zhen to the palace, everyone will regard her as my eyes and ears, and she will be in danger."

"No... Prime Minister, quite the opposite, if you send Zhuge Zhen to the palace, she will be safer."

Diao Chan shook her head and said, "I have been in the palace for fifteen years and have seen a lot of things that happen to palace people. If you don't have a powerful backer, that is the most painful thing, just like Your Majesty's birth mother... But if everyone knows that Zhuge Zhen has the Prime Minister to rely on, then everyone will befriend and flatter him."

"The palace maids all know her and will surely serve her as their mistress. Zhuge Zhen is also disciplined and has a good relationship with His Majesty. She is also outstanding in appearance. His Majesty will definitely make her his empress in the future."

The Zhuge family has good genes, and Zhuge Zhen is indeed very good-looking. Not only is she fair-skinned and beautiful, but she is also very tall, already seven feet two inches (167 centimeters).

These days, a woman of that height truly has the appearance of an empress.

Zhuge Liang is now seven feet three inches tall and is still growing. It is estimated that he will grow to eight feet (185 feet) without much problem.

The old woman Diao Chan mentioned was someone she had brought from the torture chamber. Now that she had left the palace, she needed to find a new backer for her former people.

"So, it seems that Chan Guan is determined to leave..."

Liu Bei sighed: "The roads are still not peaceful. The Cicada Official is too beautiful. I'm afraid it will be difficult for her to travel far. Moreover, Ah Li and A Dou will definitely not be able to bear to part with you."

Diao Chan once took care of Ah Li and A Dou, and both children really liked her.

"If the Prime Minister wants to send a message to Colonel Zhuge, Jiang Li can go to Wei Commandery with the messenger. With the Prime Minister's troops accompanying him, nothing will go wrong."

Diao Chan seemed to have planned this all along: "I'm not alone... there are several palace maids who will also be returning to their hometown with me."

Zhuge Xuan's opinion must be sought first regarding Zhuge Zhen's matter.

Diao Chan's hometown is Handan, which belongs to Weijun in Jizhou. Zhuge Xuan is currently in Ye County coordinating grain to solve the famine in the north, so it is indeed on his way.

"Fine, it's good for you to go back to your hometown and see the local customs."

Liu Bei nodded and said, "However, although you are not in the palace, you should still have a career in the future. If I were to hire you as a professor in the Eastern Pavilion, would you be willing?"

Diao Chan was taken aback: "Professor? Jiang Li doesn't understand Confucian classics, nor does he know how to govern a country..."

"You don't need to know those things, you just need to teach your children manners and conduct. I'll teach not only my children, but also the children of my retainers."

Liu Bei said, "I have established a home for the orphans of martyrs. You can come and be a professor here, and also promote the home for the orphans."

"If that's the case, then thank you, Prime Minister. I will return to receive your orders after I go back to my hometown to pay respects to my ancestors."

Diao Chan knew about this, and it was something she was willing to do.

Liu Bei did not regard her as a beautiful woman, but as a colleague and friend. He respected his friend's decisions and only considered his friend's career. Diao Chan liked this attitude.

This is the meaning of friendship.

……

Two days later, Chen Dao was ordered to deliver a letter to Zhuge Xuan, and Diao Chan accompanied him.

They didn't encounter any petty thieves along the way, but things went wrong when they went to deliver a message to Zhuge Xuan.

A popular uprising has broken out in Ye County! (End of Chapter)