I'm Doing Infrastructure Construction in the Han Dynasty [Transmigration]

Question: How does it feel to have Emperor Wu of Han as your father and Chen Ajiao as your mother?  

Liu Tan: Thank you for the invitation. I'm in the Han dynasty, just stepped out of a...

Chapter 3

After Fu Yu finished speaking, he saw Liu Tan was in a daze and stopped talking, so he also calmed down and started preparing food.

Liu Tan's mind is now in a mess. Many current situations are in great conflict with the history he knows.

So the question is, which one is true and which one is false?

The answer is very important. It means whether he really has a script in his hand and can live safely according to the script.

Wait...wait a minute, script?

Liu Tan looked thoughtfully at Fu Yu and the others as they laid out various snacks and fruits, feeling that this plot... seemed familiar.

He frowned and thought for a long time before he remembered why he felt the plot was familiar.

Isn’t this the plot of the book that his junior sister mentioned before?

The story told in that book is that Chen Ajiao was reborn after being abandoned and killed, and she made a comeback.

And the most important bargaining chip for her turnaround seemed to be giving birth to a son.

The reason why Liu Tan could remember it was because he had complained about it when he heard his junior sister talk about it. Rebirth is just rebirth. Not only was she not abandoned, but she also gave birth to a son. Rebirth is too magical. Can it even cure infertility?

Now, he has become the bargaining chip. The most annoying thing is that he has not read the book and only knows the outline.

As for the final fate of this prince, he had no idea. You know, even if Chen Ajiao was the heroine, being her son might not be absolutely safe.

What if the author wants to create conflict and kills this supporting character?

So if you want to survive, you can't rely on the plot, you have to rely on yourself!

Liu Tan sighed inwardly, turned around and acted cutely towards the two palace maids, preparing to learn some palace etiquette.

His reason was very good: he had only studied it briefly before, and this time the situation happened suddenly, so he had no time to practice again.

Fu Yu and Cen You both breathed a sigh of relief. This request was simple, much simpler than asking about the situation in the palace.

It has to be said that the court etiquette during the Han Dynasty was not too complicated. After all, it had not yet evolved completely. Liu Tan was on the road for two days and one night, which was enough time for him to learn almost all the etiquette for meeting Liu Che, Chen Ajiao, and even Crown Prince Liu Ju.

As for the others, he just had to be polite, and no one had the right to ask him to salute.

After entering Chang'an, even though Liu Tan wanted to appear calm, he couldn't help but look out through the window of the ox cart.

This opportunity to immerse oneself in the customs and culture of the Han Dynasty's capital is probably something that no history student can refuse. Liu Tan wanted to explore around on the spot and then write a paper to shock everyone.

It’s a pity that he can’t go back.

Thinking of this, Liu Tan's excitement dropped to the lowest point, especially when he vaguely saw the palace that was obviously taller than most houses of this era, his excitement turned into nervousness.

Perhaps sensing his nervousness, Fu Yu comforted him, saying, "Your Highness, please be at ease. My wife is gentle and kind, and she has missed you terribly over the years. If it weren't for Princess Danyang by her side to relieve her worries, I'm afraid my wife would have long since been unable to endure the pain of separation from her own flesh and blood."

After hearing this, Liu Tan couldn't help but complain. Whether in the official history or unofficial history, Chen Ajiao was not a gentle person.

Even if she was reborn and saw clearly what she should and should not do, it is still difficult to change one's nature. Who would believe that she is gentle?

However, after complaining like this, his nervousness was relieved a little.

That’s right, there’s no need for him to be nervous when meeting Chen Ajiao.

To be cold-blooded, he doesn't need Chen Ajiao. In fact, he might even be a burden besides Chen Ajiao. However, Chen Ajiao needs him.

Chen Ajiao is still the queen today, and seems to have a certain degree of control over the six palaces. This may be related to the fact that she gave birth to a son. Of course, the biggest relationship is definitely not this.

If Liu Che wants to depose the queen, does he care whether you have a son or not?

So the ones who posed the greatest threat to him were actually Liu Che and Liu Ju, and even Liu Ju was not the most threatening one among them.

After all, it is rumored that Liu Ju is kind, generous, gentle and cautious. In addition, he has an entire interest group around him. He will probably not take action until he is absolutely sure.

Thinking about it this way...I feel even more desperate.

Those whose interests conflicted with Liu Che's either had grass five meters high on their graves, or the graves had already been prepared.

Liu Tan shuddered and didn't want to think about it anymore. He just hoped that Liu Che would give him a chance to live because he was well-behaved and obedient.

As if to divert his attention, Liu Tan asked, "Princess Danyang?"

Cen You explained, "Princess Danyang was born to a palace maid. Coincidentally, she was born on the same month and year as Your Highness, with a time difference of only about a quarter of an hour. Princess Danyang's mother died young, and Madam took pity on her young age, bringing her up to her side. Princess Danyang is intelligent and clever, and Madam loves her very much."

Liu Tan was slightly stunned after hearing this. Is it such a coincidence?

Is there really nothing wrong with this? Chen Ajiao doesn't seem like someone who would be gentle with Liu Che's other children. Even if it's a daughter, she would at most ignore her because she doesn't pose a threat. She loves this Princess Danyang so much...

Liu Tan didn't know if he was thinking too much, but he always felt that something was wrong.

But that had nothing to do with him. What he needed to do now was... climb the stairs.

Perhaps in order to reflect the supremacy of imperial power, the palaces of the Han Dynasty were really tall!

Even though Liu Tan had the privilege of riding in a carriage all the way to the palace gate closest to the Pepper Room Palace, he still had to walk to the Pepper Room Palace in person, and he... felt dizzy when he saw those stairs.

Liu Tan: I miss elevators very much.

If I had to describe the layout of the Pepper Room in one word, it would be golden.

Various gold ornaments emerged one after another, and most of them were exquisitely made, with delicate patterns so detailed that even Liu Tan, who had seen many Han Dynasty cultural relics, could not help but doubt that this was actually the craftsmanship of the Han Dynasty.

However, although there are many gold ornaments, they only highlight the brilliance and grandeur of this palace and it is not tacky at all.

Liu Tan was thinking about all this when he heard a clear and pleasant voice as soon as he stepped into the Pepper Room. "I have a brother? Is he good-looking? Why haven't I seen him before?"

Then a woman said with a smile: "Don't worry, Danyang, you will see him today."

Princess Danyang was also there. Liu Tan stood outside, waiting for the eunuch to come in and pass on the message.

After a while, an old woman in her fifties came out and looked Liu Tan up and down. The expression on her slightly shrewd and harsh face softened a lot. She bowed to Liu Tan and said, "Greetings, Fifth Prince. My wife has been waiting for you."

Liu Tan nodded slightly and strode in.

As soon as he entered, he smelled a warm fragrance in the room, which greatly eased his uneasy and nervous spirit.

However, when he looked up and saw the woman sitting on the couch in exquisite black and red clothes, his nerves tensed up again.

By the way, he also saw Princess Danyang. In a hurry, he could even tell that although Princess Danyang was young and good-looking, she was not as bright and elegant as Chen Ajiao.

Liu Tan put into practice the etiquette he had learned on the road, bowing and saying, "Your son pays homage to the Queen Mother. May your Majesty live forever."

Chen Ajiao smiled and said, "Tan'er, don't be so polite. Come here and let your mother take a look."

Liu Tan stood up and looked at Chen Ajiao with confidence, and smiled at Princess Danyang who was beside Chen Ajiao.

When he saw Chen Ajiao waving at him, he immediately walked over.

Chen Ajiao stood up and touched Liu Tan's forehead, saying with great emotion: "In the blink of an eye, you have grown up so much."

Liu Tan didn't know what to say, so he just smiled shyly. He was going to create a shy persona anyway. As for the original owner's personality, Chen Ajiao might know something about it, but so what? Hearsay is always wrong.

Of course, the most important thing is that he didn't dare to say much. When he got closer, he could see that Chen Ajiao was looking at him with scrutiny.

That look brought him a lot of pressure. Just when he was about to lose it, Chen Ajiao suddenly smiled and said, "Very good, Tan'er has grown up. His Majesty will like you."

After hearing this, Liu Tan was a little indifferent, thinking that this was probably Chen Ajiao's wishful thinking.

After saying this, Chen Ajiao turned around and asked, "Did His Majesty say he wanted to summon Tan'er?"

The Grand Chamberlain beside him lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty is discussing politics with the Crown Prince."

Liu Tan keenly noticed that the smile on Chen Ajiao's face had faded a lot. She said with a half-smile, "You are still discussing politics today during your day off. Your Majesty truly has a fatherly heart towards the Crown Prince."

Liu Tan looked at his eyes and his heart, not daring to speak. He felt sad that after Chen Ajiao was reborn, she actually gained the attribute of a great Onmyoji.

Fortunately, Chen Ajiao didn't want Liu Tan to say anything, so she just said, "Since Your Majesty has important matters to discuss with the Crown Prince, you can have dinner with your mother today."

Liu Tan finally got the chance to speak and bowed, "Yes."

Princess Danyang came over at this time, pulled Chen Ajiao's sleeve and said coquettishly: "Mother, you promised me to have dinner at Jiantai today."

Chen Ajiao lovingly tidied her daughter's hair and said, "Okay, I'll do as you say."

Lunch? He had also eaten three meals a day in the Marquis' Mansion before. It seemed that two meals a day only existed among common people.

Princess Danyang smiled happily, turned to look at Liu Tan, and said with a hint of pouting, "Hey, why don't you say anything?"

Before Liu Tan could speak, Chen Ajiao said, "Danyang, this is your brother, don't be rude."

Princess Danyang pouted and said, "He was born just one day earlier than me. Fine, fine, Fifth Brother."

Princess Danyang was indeed a little girl who grew up in love, but she was not annoying either. She talked a little too much, but was very enthusiastic towards Liu Tan. She was obviously not worried that Liu Tan's arrival would dilute her love.

However, Liu Tan was a little overwhelmed. The princess talked too much and asked him from time to time what it was like outside. Even though Liu Tan was taciturn, he had to respond. But the problem was that he didn't know either. It was only after entering Chang'an that he observed carefully and was able to barely cope with it.

While Princess Danyang was talking to him, Chen Ajiao looked at him from time to time, as if commenting on something, which made Liu Tan feel a little uneasy.

That’s not all. The most annoying thing is that he has to pay attention to dining etiquette all the time. After all, he has never been exposed to this before. Apart from occasionally imitating Princess Danyang, he can only try to eat less.

Liu Tan was extremely tired after the meal. Fortunately, Chen Ajiao did not force him to continue to build relationships with family members, but let him go to her own palace.

The place where he lived was called Sui Yu Palace, not far from Jiao Fang Palace. Everything inside had been arranged. Fu Yu and Cen You had always been by his side, and were considered to be the people assigned by Chen Ajiao to take care of him.

Basically, all Liu Tan had to do was to move in with his luggage. Oh, he didn’t even need a luggage, he just had to move in.

A major feature of the Han Dynasty palaces is that they cover a large area. Liu Tan's palace is basically small but fully equipped. There are small gardens, ponds and rockery in the front and back yards. The bedroom is big enough for him to run around in it. The books in the study, even though they are all bamboo slips, make him feel that he may not be able to finish reading them in his lifetime.

However, one troublesome point brought about by the large living area is that he needs more time to familiarize himself with it, especially since he not only needs to remember the internal layout of his own palace, but also the location of Sui Yu Palace.

Time always flies when there's something to do. Liu Tan had barely memorized the location and topography of his palace when it was time for dinner. Chen Ajiao didn't seem to want Liu Tan to join him. Just as Liu Tan was rejoicing at having a full dinner, he saw Fu Yu approach and say, "Your Highness, His Majesty has sent Attendant Ou to summon you to the Weiyang Palace."

Liu Tan was slightly stunned and looked up at the Eunuch Ou who was sent over. Eunuch Ou almost repeated Fu Yu's words, but Liu Tan grasped a key point - he would have dinner with Liu Che and Crown Prince Liu Ju!

Liu Tan couldn't help but feel desperate. He just wanted to have a full meal.