The Great Han Dynasty: From Crown Prince Li to Emperor of All Ages!

Inside the Xuan Shi Hall of Weiyang Palace, a chorus of warbling birds filled the air.

"In the north there is a beautiful woman, peerless and independent. One glance could topple a city, a second glance could topple a nation. How could one not know that such beauty could topple cities and nations? Such a woman is hard to find again."

Li Yannian, the Commandant of Music, sang a song.

"Great! Great words!"

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was enjoying the graceful movements of the dancers from the Music Bureau and suddenly cheered.

"His Majesty."

"This is a new composition by the Commandant of Music, titled 'Song of the Beautiful Woman'."

Princess Pingyang smiled and introduced him to Li Yannian.

"What a beautiful poem, 'Song of the Beauty'! Does such a beauty truly exist in this world?"

After hearing this, Emperor Wu of Han sighed and remarked with emotion.

"Giggle!"

Princess Pingyang covered her mouth and chuckled, adding, "Does Your Majesty know why the Commandant of Music composed this poem?"

"Sister, is there some hidden secret here that I don't know about?"

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was intrigued and looked at Princess Pingyang with a half-smile.

Empress Xiaojing (Wang Zhi) gave birth to four daughters and one son, but none of the princesses could get along with Liu Che as well as Princess Pingyang.

Princess Pingyang married Wei Qing, while Emperor Wu of Han married Wei Zifu, adding another layer to their close relationship, the details of which were difficult for outsiders to know.

"This poem, 'Song of the Beautiful Woman,' was written by the Commandant of Music for his younger sister."

"Why doesn't Your Majesty grant us an audience?"

Princess Pingyang picked up the conversation and quietly recommended Li Yannian's sister.

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, smiled. How could he not know that this was Princess Pingyang's way of currying favor with him? Similar things had happened more than once before. Wei Zifu had appeared before him in the same way and thus became the Empress of the Han Empire.

"Come, summon Lady Li."

Seeing that Liu Che was not angry, Princess Pingyang simply called out to him openly.

The lady-in-waiting from the princess's residence tactfully withdrew from the main hall, and soon after, she led Lady Li to appear before everyone.

"call!!!"

Upon seeing the visitor, Emperor Wu of Han's breathing suddenly became heavy. He sat up from his couch and stared intently at Lady Li.

Li was born with a graceful figure and an exquisite appearance. Her eyebrows were like dark mountains, her eyes were like autumn water, her hands were like tender shoots, her skin was like solidified cream, her neck was like a cicada's, her teeth were like melon seeds, her forehead was broad and her eyebrows were like moths. Her figure was as light as a breeze, her long hair was as black as ink, and her clothes fluttered as if she were a fairy descending to earth, detached from the world.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty!"

Li bowed, her voice as light and melodious as pearls falling onto a jade plate, captivating the heart and soul.

"No need for formalities, please rise."

Emperor Wu of Han flicked his sleeve and said urgently, "Come forward."

"promise."

Two blushes suddenly rose on Li's cheeks, like newly blossoming peach blossoms tinged with morning dew. Her eyes darted away, avoiding direct gaze. A touch of shyness spread from her ears to her neck. Her gaze flickered, as if she had something to say but couldn't bring herself to speak. Her bashful demeanor was endearing.

"Well done, what a stunningly beautiful woman."

Emperor Wu of Han took a closer look and exclaimed in admiration.

Princess Pingyang and Li Yannian, the Commandant of Music, were greatly relieved upon hearing this; it was now a foregone conclusion that Li would enter the palace.

"withdraw!!!"

Su Wen, the Yellow Gate Attendant, immediately understood Emperor Wu of Han's thoughts and quickly waved his hand.

The musicians, dancers, and eunuchs who served in the palace left one by one.

"His Majesty."

"I'm getting tired, so I'll take my leave now."

Princess Pingyang yawned, seemingly looking tired.

"Sister, please go now. I will host another banquet for you another day."

Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was completely focused on Lady Li and paid no attention to Princess Pingyang.

Princess Pingyang gave Li Yannian, the music director, a look, and the two left Xuan Shi Hall one after the other, leaving Emperor Wu of Han and Lady Li alone in the room. The doors of Xuan Shi Hall closed from both sides, and no one disturbed them anymore.

"Su Wen".

"I heard that you suffered a lot of injustices the other day."

"The Crown Prince is the heir apparent of the empire. He is young and inexperienced, and has a quick temper. Don't take it personally."

Outside the palace, Princess Pingyang's gaze fell on Su Wen, the Yellow Gate Attendant, and she said calmly.

"Your Highness is too kind."

"Your Highness has reprimanded me; it is indeed my fault."

Su Wen's demeanor was humble, revealing no trace of resentment.

"I have recently acquired some warm jade brought by merchants from the Western Regions, as well as some other novelties."

"Have someone bring it over later, you can keep it and play with it."

Princess Pingyang said warmly.

"Thank you, Princess."

Upon hearing this, Su Wen's face lit up with joy. The Western Regions warm jade was a priceless treasure, something that ordinary people couldn't even afford.

"I'll need your help with the Li family's affairs."

"promise."

Su Wen knew perfectly well what Princess Pingyang meant, and readily agreed.

Immediately afterwards, Princess Pingyang returned to the inner garden of the General's Mansion with Li Yannian, the Commandant of Music.

"Princess."

"My little sister..."

Li Yannian couldn't help but ask.

"Based on my understanding of His Majesty, Lady Li is at least a beauty."

I picked up my teacup, took a sip, and said.

"beauty! 』

A glint appeared in Li Yannian's eyes. A beauty with a salary of two thousand shi and a rank comparable to the Lesser Shangzao, such a starting point was already quite high.

"How is Li Guangli doing lately?"

"Reporting to Your Highness."

"My elder brother has arrived in Shuofang, but he is struggling to find a way to join the army."

Li Yannian replied respectfully.

"Um."

Princess Pingyang thought for a moment and then said, "I will write a letter myself, affix the General's seal, and have it sent to Shuofang."

"Let him serve as a border garrison captain first, and then recommend him after he has made some military achievements."

"His Majesty has always valued talent, and besides, there is Lady Li in the palace whispering in his ear."

"In the future, Li Guangli will become the pillar of your Li family, and being ennobled and appointed as a general will be a given."

"Thank you, Princess."

Li Yannian was overjoyed and became even more respectful.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go back now."

"Remember, do not publicize the matter concerning the Li family. The Empress is magnanimous, but she is not someone to be trifled with."

Princess Pingyang gave Li Yannian a stern look, warning him that she needed Li to whisper sweet nothings in Emperor Wu's ear to ensure her own position remained unaffected, but she did not want to incur the wrath of Empress Wei Zifu.

"promise."

Li Yannian left the General's Mansion accompanied by a female official.

"Princess."

"What about the Empress?"

Princess Pingyang's personal maid couldn't help but ask a question.

"Go and select some gifts from the storeroom as my New Year's greetings to the Empress."

"The Crown Prince is fond of Confucianism. Pick a few of the classics from the pre-Qin period in his study and send them to Bowang Garden."

Princess Pingyang's eyelids twitched slightly as she gave the order.

"promise."

The lady-in-waiting responded and went to prepare.

On the same day, an imperial edict was issued from Weiyang Palace, bestowing the title of Lady Li, the younger sister of Li Yannian, the Commandant of Music, upon her, and granting her residence in Ganquan Palace. Ganquan Palace was one of Emperor Wu of Han's favorite detached palaces, holding the same status as Weiyang Palace, Changle Palace, and Jianzhang Palace, demonstrating Emperor Wu's favor towards it.

Once the imperial edict was issued, it attracted a lot of attention, and Li Yannian, the Commandant of Music, suddenly became a hot new favorite in Chang'an.

PS: The ranks of imperial concubines in the Western Han Dynasty were: Empress, Lady, Beauty, Good Lady, Eighth Prince, Seventh Prince, Senior Attendant, and Junior Attendant.

In his later years, Emperor Wu of Han added Jieyu, Xing'e, Ronghua, and Chongyi to his harem, each with a noble title.