Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

He Lian, Liu Bian, and Liu Xie ate their meal quietly and didn't talk much.

But He Lian's eyes kept glancing at Liu Ce.

Liu Ce could feel that gaze, but he pretended not to notice and focused on chatting with Liu Hong.

After a few rounds of drinks, Liu Hong became a little drunk and started talking more.

"My dear brother...you have no idea..." he slurred, "being emperor isn't easy for me..."

Liu Ce: "..."

Liu Ce listened silently without saying a word.

"Those old ministers from powerful families are always nagging me about this and that... and those eunuchs are no pushovers either..."

Liu Hong became increasingly agitated as he spoke, "Whatever I want to do, this person opposes it, that person opposes it... Tell me, isn't being emperor incredibly frustrating?"

Liu Ce nodded: "You've worked hard, Your Majesty."

"That's right!" Liu Hong slammed his hand on the table, spilling the wine.

"You're the best! You're capable in battle, efficient in your work, and you never complain to me... I made the right choice in bestowing upon you the titles of Marquis of Champion and General of the Cavalry!"

As he was talking, he suddenly stood up, staggered down, and plopped down next to Liu Ce.

Liu Ce was startled and quickly moved to the side.

But Liu Hong didn't care and put his arm around Liu Ce's shoulder, acting as if they were brothers.

"Brother...I have something to tell you..." Liu Hong leaned close to Liu Ce's ear, his voice low but reeking of alcohol.

"Those aristocratic families, not a single one of them is any good... and He Jin... he's no pushover either... you'll have to keep an eye on him for me..."

Liu Ce knew perfectly well what was going on, but he could only pretend to be oblivious.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost."

"Good! Good brother!" Liu Hong patted Liu Ce's shoulder hard, making Liu Ce feel a sharp pain.

He then began to complain, from the affairs of the court to the harem, from the ministers to the concubines... he went on and on, without end.

As Liu Ce listened, he secretly glanced at He Lian.

He Lian sat in the main seat, her face not looking too good. Anyone would feel uncomfortable if their husband said these things to her face.

But she didn't say anything, she just lowered her head and ate her food in small bites.

During this time, He Lian asked Liu Bian and Liu Xie to leave.

As Liu Hong drank more and more, his words became increasingly outrageous.

Finally, with a loud thud, his head slammed onto Liu Ce's desk, and he remained motionless.

Liu Ce was startled and quickly nudged him: "Brother? Your Majesty?"

no response.

Liu Hong got drunk and started snoring softly.

Liu Ce was speechless. He looked at the emperor slumped over the table, then at the empress in the main seat, and didn't know what to do.

What kind of situation is this? You're hosting a dinner party, and the host gets drunk first?

(Liu Hong: It's my fault, you're the one who brought this liquor.)

He thought for a moment, then gently moved Liu Hong aside and changed his seat to be further away from the emperor, so as not to be bothered by the smell of alcohol.

Then he looked at He Lian and whispered:

"Royal sister-in-law? Look at this... how about we leave it like this for today?"

Upon hearing this, He Lian raised her head, then got down from the main seat and sat down on the other side of Liu Ce.

"No rush," she said softly, "I haven't had any yet."

Liu Ce's heart skipped a beat: Holy crap, are you two messing with me?! How can this be?! One got drunk, and the other followed suit?

But he dared not say it and could only bite the bullet and accompany her.

He Lian handed the wine glass to Liu Ce, looking at him with an expression that said, "Pour me a glass."

He glanced at the drunken Liu Hong, then at He Lian's expression.

But what could he say? He could only grit his teeth, take the glass, and pour a small cup for He Lian.

He Lian took it, drank it all in one gulp, and even licked her lips afterward—a rather alluring gesture.

"Good wine," she commented, handing over the glass again. "Another one, please."

Liu Ce was numb and obediently did as he was told.

The two of them kept drinking, one cup after another.

He Lian seemed to have a good alcohol tolerance, but Moutai is, after all, a strong liquor, and after a few cups, she began to feel tipsy.

Then, she began to speak, her voice tinged with drunkenness.

"Your Majesty... has been neglecting me for a long time."

Her voice was low and tinged with grievance, "Ever since what happened to Consort Wang, he has rarely come to Changqiu Palace..."

Liu Ce screamed inwardly: No way! Liu Hong ignored you, what the hell are you saying to me?! I don't want to hear it! I shouldn't have come in the first place!

But he didn't dare interrupt, so he could only lower his head and pretend not to hear.

He Lian became increasingly aggrieved as she spoke: "All he does all day is mingle with those palace maids and dancers... I am the empress in name only..."

"Sometimes I wonder... what's the point of being Empress?" He Lian continued, her voice choked with emotion.

"His Majesty doesn't like Bian'er, and he doesn't like me either... I'm just a decoration in the palace..."

As she spoke, she became increasingly drunk.

The way he looked at Liu Ce was getting increasingly... strange; his gaze was fixed on him.

"Royal brother..." He Lian suddenly leaned closer, her voice very low.

"You know... you're... quite handsome... physically strong... and hold a high position of power..."

The hairs on Liu Ce's back stood on end!

He Lian seemed to enjoy the feeling of being close.

She snatched the wine pot from Liu Ce's hand and poured herself a cup.

While pouring the wine, she gently bumped into Liu Ce.

"Sister-in-law, you're drunk..." he quickly said.

"I'm not drunk..." He Lian shook her head, her body unconsciously leaning closer to Liu Ce.

"I'm serious...you look strong...you hold a high position and have great power...you're much stronger than those spineless cowards in the palace..."

She drew closer and closer, and Liu Ce could smell her fragrance, mixed with the scent of alcohol, creating an indescribable ambiguity, even a touch of allure.

Liu Ce froze. He felt He Lian's arm gently touch his own; the touch was soft and warm...

He Lian's face was flushed from drinking, her eyes were glazed with intoxication, and her lips were slightly parted... She looked at Liu Ce and the more she looked, the more...pleasing he seemed.

Looking at her, Liu Ce also felt that He Lian was increasingly taking on the feel of a "married woman"—mature, charming, with a touch of melancholy, and somewhat alluring.

The "legacy of Cao Cao" in my heart began to stir and surge!

No! Calm down! Liu Ce screamed inwardly: This is the palace! She is the Empress! The Emperor is still kneeling beside her!

He Lian moved even closer, almost touching him.

She could feel Liu Ce's body tense and his breathing somewhat rapid.

"Royal brother..." she called softly, her voice carrying a seductive tone.

He forced down his agitation, took a deep breath, and stood up abruptly!

"Sister-in-law, you're drunk!" His voice was a bit loud, startling He Lian.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, it is time for me to take my leave!"

After saying that, he turned and walked out without waiting for He Lian's reaction.

Reaching the palace gate, he addressed the palace maids and eunuchs guarding the entrance:

"His Majesty and the Empress are both drunk, so please take good care of them."

Then he summoned a eunuch: "Take me out of the palace."

"Yes...yes!" The eunuch quickly led the way.