110 I want to achieve three goals at once

◎Liu Che: Get out of here!◎

On a spring day in Chang'an, the chill hasn't yet completely faded. A chilly east wind whips the newly sprouted willow branches along the Wei River, bringing with it the scent of moist earth. Along the official road, the once bleak fields have quietly become dotted with fresh green. Occasionally, a few cold-resistant wild apricot trees, their branches laden with pink and white buds, bloom stubbornly in the slightly chilly air. A warmth is about to sweep across the vast 800-li plain.

On the wide and straight road leading to Chang'an, anticipation overwhelmed the slight chill of early spring.

The wide, straight road had long been cleared and cordoned off by solemn and majestic soldiers. Clutching black armor and wielding long spears, the warriors resembled a silent forest of steel, stretching from the towering city gate to the long pavilion at the end of the sight. The great black banners and crimson flags embroidered with dragon and tiger motifs, symbolizing the emperor's majesty, fluttered in the wind, their massive banners casting a solemn shadow. The imperial procession, including the golden chariot, jade carriage, and five-hour auxiliary chariots, lined up in succession. Their canopies resembled clouds, their tassels dangling to the ground, gleaming with dazzling gold in the still-pale spring sunlight. A massive drum and symphony orchestra stood at attention, their chime bells, jian drums, panpipes, yusheng, and other ceremonial instruments playing silently yet exuding an invisible pressure.

Huo Yanfang, taking a quick look from a distance, thought him ostentatious, a parvenu. Huo Qubing, on the other hand, was quite fond of him, his eyes sparkling.

Liu Che, clad in a black robe emblazoned with twelve emblems and a crown crowned with a celestial sutra, with twelve jade tassels dangling from his forehead, sat upright atop a golden chariot. His gaze blazed, disregarding decorum, as he peered toward the end of the road, his face etched with uncontrollable excitement and anticipation.

Crown Prince Liu Ju, clad in his crown and robes, sat on a raised cushion beside the imperial carriage. His face was set in a tense pose, as he tried to imitate his father's authority. However, his darting eyes and occasional twists of his body betrayed a childish curiosity and impatience. Wei Zifu and the eagerly awaiting relatives of the Wei family all looked on with eager anticipation. Behind them stood Huo Guang, who had forcibly "fought" for his place. He was neatly dressed in a long, dark-collared robe. Despite his youth, he exuded a composure beyond his years. Only his slightly pursed lips and clenched fists betrayed his inner excitement.

The whole Chang'an seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the arrival of the triumphant army.

Thirty miles away, where the flags are waving.

The main force of Commander Wei Qing's army was slowly advancing along the official road. Though their faces were weathered from the bitter battle and the long journey home, their spirits were remarkably high. Their backs were straight, their armor polished to a shine, and their steps were in unison. The glory of victory and the longing to return home had made them forget their fatigue.

In the rear army, Li Guang rode his horse, circling Huo Yan's horse relentlessly, his voice booming, "Marquis Tai'an! Chunhe! Look at this willow branch, it's so well-cut! When we enter the city later, I'll treat you to a meal at the newly opened roast meat shop in Chang'an! The taste is so good..."

Huo Yan was thinking that Liu Che was being boastful when he bumped into Li Guang. He didn't even bother to raise his eyelids and only replied coldly, "Marquis Milu, be quiet. His Majesty is watching!"

Li Guang choked and then stiffened his neck, "Your Majesty is looking at the General and the General of the Cavalry!"

Having said that, I consciously lowered the volume a few notches.

Amidst the earth-shaking music and thunderous cries of "Long live the emperor," Huo Yan dismounted along with Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, clasping their fists and bowing in salute. Before they could fully bow, Liu Che, laughing heartily, scurried down from his golden chariot, arms wide open like an old father welcoming his wandering son home. He swept Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and Huo Yan into his embrace, his face radiating the joy of a 200-pound man, his face etched with elation and pride.

Huo Yan just felt crowded.

He suddenly envied his brother's expressionless face, because Liu Che spoke so loudly that it hurt his ears.

"We're back! We're all back!" Liu Che continued, his voice booming with uncontrollable excitement and boastful pride, making Huo Yan's eardrums buzz even as he sat so close. He felt almost suffocated, squeezed between three grown men, especially Liu Che's massive frame. He envied his brother Huo Qubing's ability to maintain an expressionless face at all times, because he wanted to die.

Finally being put down by Liu Che, Huo Yan felt like he'd been rubbed. Liu Che's face flushed, and as he took Wei Qing by the hand, he unceremoniously invited him to his golden chariot. The chariot was ostentatious, with its railings adorned with gold foil and its canopy draped with multicolored feathers, but it was exactly what Wei Qing wanted. Wei Qing foolishly got on board, and Huo Yan sometimes suspected that the old man, Liu Che, knew his uncle loved all that gold, silver, and all that garishness, and was trying to seduce him into riding with it.

Of course, this was the highest honor bestowed upon the general by Emperor Liu Che, and Huo Yan could not speak without evidence.

The eunuch respectfully led him and Huo Qubing onto another gorgeous and spacious carriage that followed closely behind. He then got into the carriage, which was covered with thick and soft brocade cushions and scented with a faint fragrance of frankincense.

Just as Huo Qubing sat down and before Huo Yan had time to catch his breath, the curtain of the carriage was suddenly lifted up, and a big furry head poked in. It was none other than the crown prince Liu Ju who was "driven" off the imperial carriage by Emperor Wu of Han!

"Brother Yan!" Liu Ju climbed onto the car using his hands and feet. With a clear goal in mind, he threw himself into Huo Yan's arms, tightly hugging his waist. He tilted his little face upwards, imitating the heart-holding gesture of Xi Shi, and his voice was choked with exaggerated sobs. "Ju'er misses you guys so much! Every time I think of you two brothers living in Mobei, starving and starving, I can't eat. It hurts so much in my heart that I wish I could die in their place!"

His acting was so genuine that if Huo Yan hadn't known this kid's true nature, he would have been fooled. He looked down at the large head in his arms and couldn't help but chuckle. He tapped Liu Ju's visibly rounder cheeks, "But I see Ju'er seems to have gotten stronger. It's true that he can't eat. What he said is true."

Huo Qubing, standing by, couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and brushed away the loose hair that had been messed up by Liu Ju from Huo Yan's forehead. With a smile in his eyes, he advised, "Your brother Yan can use the word 'qingjian' to gain sympathy, that's true qingjian. You don't need to do that."

Liu Ju's face fell when he was exposed, and he suddenly felt that he could no longer play with these two "boring" adults. His eyes rolled and fell on the snow-white tiger cub that Huo Yan had brought aboard, curled up and dozing in the corner of the carriage. His eyes instantly lit up, "What a beautiful kitten!"

He stretched out his hand and wanted to hug him, but Baihuer was a little silly and meowed at him.

Huo Yan was feeling his hands were sore from carrying his heavy grandson, but seeing this, he immediately felt as if he had been pardoned. He stuffed the little white tiger into Liu Ju's arms and said, "Go."

Liu Ju stroked the soft little tiger and thought it looked very much like Piaoliang. Suddenly, he felt sad. "If Piaoliang were still alive, his cubs would probably be this big too. They would probably call me uncle."

He sighed and missed his good playmate, and asked Huo Yan if the tiger had a name so that he could raise one in the future.

Huo Yan nodded and said, "It's his cub, Bai Baishao." He explained seriously that he doesn't call you uncle, but great-uncle.

White spoon, white.

Liu Ju didn't understand his bad taste, he just felt that his names were becoming more and more weird.

[White spoon? Hahaha, white!]

[Yanzi's naming is becoming more and more perfunctory!]

[Confirmed! The name is useless!]

Huo Yan glanced at the barrage of comments passing by the edge of his vision, snorted, and was too lazy to pay attention to these guys who didn't know how to appreciate it.

Liu Ju's attention was quickly diverted. He rubbed Baibaishao and called him a good grandson. He was usually in the palace, and he needed to establish his authority among his playmates, so he never talked nonsense. It was recorded that only his two brothers, Huo Yan and Huo Qubing, tolerated his complaints.

When he said he missed her, he really did. He chattered again, following Huo Yandong's ramblings, and the topic somehow turned to the late Liu Ling, daughter of the King of Huainan. When Liu An, the King of Huainan, rebelled, the rebellion implicated many, and as a key figure, Liu Ling naturally died. However, she had been operating in Chang'an for many years, with a complex network of connections, and many hidden threads hadn't been fully uncovered at the time.

"I heard that the recent investigation into the salt and iron embassy has led to intense scrutiny, implicating many powerful families in connections with Liu Ling," Liu Ju said, his voice a bit worldly-wise and unbecoming of his age. "The Imperial Court in Chang'an has been abuzz these past few days, with rivers of blood! Father is furious."

He shrank his neck and stopped talking.

Liu Che could not tolerate anything, let alone betrayal.

He is in a very bad mood now. If it weren't for this great victory, many people in the army would have suffered.

[Huainan Princess Liu Ling? We killed her, and even after her bones turned to ash, you still won't let her go? Liu Zhuzhu is truly petty!]

[Unofficial history says she had many admirers: Prime Minister Tian Fen, Marquis Zhang Cigong of Antou, knight-errant Guo Jie, eunuch Yan Zhu…]

[And there's something even wilder! They say she hooked up with General Wei Qing and had an affair with His Majesty, and they were so affectionate that His Majesty even promised to marry her!]

Huo Yan's gaze suddenly paused when he saw the word "Wei Qing". He frowned slightly, then returned to normal. His tone was filled with a barely perceptible coldness, "It's just rumors and hearsay. How can you really trust them?"

After he finished speaking, his mind suddenly became clear. He had previously wondered why Emperor Wu of Han had under-rewarded some of Wei Qing's generals, or even deliberately ignored them. It turned out the root of his confusion might lie in this old case! He cursed those ignorant fellows in his heart for daring to be involved with the traitor and bring trouble upon his uncle!

So, could it be that he misunderstood? Liu Che was just blaming his uncle for not controlling his subordinates well.

Is it right or wrong? You will know it after verifying it.

His mind raced with thoughts, and Liu Ju's desire to pour out his heart was not over. He preferred to talk to Huo Yan, and the two of them exchanged words, mostly complaining about how his half-brother, Lady Wang's son Liu Hong, and the two sons of Li Ji had taken away the emperor's favor. Even more troubling was the embroidered envoys Liu Che had appointed four years earlier.

"Those people said they were touring the country and supervising officials, but I always felt like they were following me like a shadow, reporting my every move to Father!" Liu Ju pouted, aggrieved. "Father isn't as nice to me as before... He scolds me at every turn..."

He said he was tired and his mood was obviously low. He held "Bai Bai Shao" with his little head drooping, like a puppy wet by the rain.

Huo Yan looked at him and casually broke off a slender grass stem from the car window. With a few flicks of his fingers, he wove it into a lifelike grasshopper and handed it to Liu Ju. "Well. Your position as crown prince is unstable. You've only been here for less than three years, and you're already an enemy to the whole world."

After he said that, he gently nudged Huo Qubing, who was resting with his eyes closed, with his elbow.

Without even raising his eyelids, Huo Qubing parted his thin lips and blurted out, "He's alive, thank goodness."

Liu Ju was completely emo, hugging the grasshopper and the little tiger, his face wrinkled. He retorted unwillingly, "That...that's not that serious."

On his fair face, the beautiful almond-shaped eyes, inherited from Wei Zifu, twinkled with a stubborn, watery gleam. When young, this child's features resembled Liu Che's, but now that he's grown a bit, his almond-shaped eyes resemble those of a Wei family member, as if beneath Liu's skin lies the bones of a Wei family member. Huo Yan covered his eyes and chuckled, "So what if it's hanging like that? You're still sitting."

Liu Ju's depression caused by his father's estrangement was hit by his frank words. The grievances in his heart almost overflowed. He pursed his lips tightly and refused to speak again.

He has always had a good relationship with Liu Che, but now for various reasons, they are no longer close.

[Baby, don’t cry! Mommy loves you!]

[It's over, it's over. Has the historical plot concluded? Obsession with alchemy, favoritism towards Jiang Chong, the witchcraft disaster...]

[Wow wow wow my little one, the Prince of Li…]

The carriage was spacious and luxurious. Huo Yan looked at the depressed Liu Ju, reached out and pulled him into his arms, then lazily leaned on Huo Qubing's strong shoulders, crossing his legs. He gently rested his chin on the top of Liu Ju's soft head, his voice filled with a soothing, lazy smile. "Little Ju'er, you've grown up. Look, when you grow up, you know who likes you and who doesn't."

Liu Ju raised his little face, his eyes slightly red, and stiffened his neck. Finally, he buried his face in Huo Yan's clothes, which were faintly scented with incense. A muffled voice came out: "That can't be so different! Mother tells me every day to avoid Liu Hong, Liu Dan, and Li Ji, and not to provoke him, lest my father hate me..."

Huo Yan gently patted Liu Ju's back, his tone tinged with disappointment. "Why are you crying, kid? You haven't reached the point where everyone has abandoned you. Look at me, your brother Qubing, your three sisters, your mother, my mother, everyone in the family, including Xiaoguang—who doesn't cherish and love you?"

"You stay away from him. If you don't agree, just fight him! If you can do it, His Majesty won't favor you, so I will. If you can't do it, your brother Qubing will help you beat him. If it's not enough, I'll call my uncle, and we'll all be so angry that you won't suffer any harm."

Huo Qubing also frowned his handsome brows, stretched out his calloused fingers, and gently rubbed Liu Ju's little head. His voice was low but with unquestionable protection.

"Zi'er can't bully our precious Zi'er."

This statement is a bit awkward, but it expresses the position directly.

Liu Ju suddenly raised his head, the frustration on his face disappeared, and the light in his almond-shaped eyes rekindled, with a kind of awakened realization and determination.

"I'm saying that what mother said isn't entirely right! Why should I tolerate him?" He straightened his body, the pride of a prince returning to his face, "I am the prince!"

He couldn't give up his father's favor and the prince's honor! How could he allow others to sleep soundly beside his bed? The favor that belonged to his sons was limited. He was willing to share some with his brothers Qubing and Ayan, but he, Liu Ju, would hold the rest firmly in his hands and not give up an inch!

The thought spread like wildfire. Liu Cheng was determined to do it. In his impulsiveness, he didn't care about the consequences and struggled to jump out of the car. "I want to go to my father! I want to accompany my father and the general!"

He was so angry that no one could stop him. He only cared about his head and not his butt, and was about to disturb Liu Che and the general's carriage.

As he said this, he was about to jump out of the car, what a scoundrel.

Huo Yan, helpless, cast a pleading glance toward Huo Qubing, while quickly whispering a few crucial words into Liu Ju's ear. He was confident in Huo Qubing's ability to respond. A knowing smile played at the corner of Huo Qubing's lips. He extended his long arm and precisely grasped Liu Ju by the back of his collar, as if he were a disobedient kitten. He placed his other hand to his lips and whistled loudly and clearly.

A black horse trotted up to the secondary carriage. Huo Qubing, carrying Liu Ju, was as nimble as a leopard. With a single, swift flip, he landed firmly on the horse's back. He then grasped the reins with one hand, his movements so fluid that the surrounding guards couldn't help but stare sideways. He placed Liu Ju firmly in front of him, squeezed his legs against the horse's belly, and the steed, with brisk, small trots, instantly caught up with the slowly advancing imperial chariot.

Huo Qubing tapped lightly on the window of Jingen's car.

The car window opened, revealing Wei Qing's slightly surprised face. Liu Che asked, "Qubing? Aren't you in the car behind?"

Huo Qubing clasped his fists on his horse and said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, the carriage is stuffy. Please clear the way for Your Majesty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Ju in his arms couldn't wait to stick his little head out and said in a clear and loud voice, "Ju'er will go with Brother Qubing to lead the way and protect father and the general!"

Watching his son astride his horse, a handsome and extraordinary boy, his face brimming with admiration and excitement, his spirits radiant, Liu Che's tender fatherly love instantly ignited and surged to the surface. The gloom he'd felt earlier over the diversion of war rations seemed to fade considerably.

"Nonsense! Come down quickly!" Liu Che had a smile on his face, and his tone was unusually gentle. "Come to me, don't delay your brother Qubing's horse race!"

As he spoke, he actually signaled the entire huge guard of honor to stop marching.

The attendants hurried forward. Liu Che personally leaned forward, carefully took Liu Ju from Huo Qubing's arms, and carried him into the warm and spacious golden carriage.

The carriage stopped for only a moment before starting up again. Huo Yan raised his lips slightly and pulled out a book from his sleeve to read.

At this moment, Huo Yan was the only one left in the spacious and magnificent carriage. He was enjoying the quiet, reclining comfortably on a soft couch covered in thick brocade. While the emperor's carriage was certainly noble, its smoothness and comfort could not be matched by a carefully crafted chariot. Sometimes, one shouldn't underestimate the bond between a craftsman and his nine clans.

Just as he was enjoying himself, the carriage curtain moved. Huo Qubing had returned. He had removed his armor and was wearing a comfortable, narrow-sleeved dark robe. His crown was untied, his black hair loose. Without even glancing at Huo Yan, he walked straight to the couch and lay down beside him. Then, with a perfectly natural touch, he rested his head on Huo Yan's lap, closed his eyes, and his breathing quickly became long and steady.

No matter how big the matter is, it cannot stop the championship candidate's interest at this moment.

Huo Yan looked down at the face on his lap, whose handsome appearance could not be concealed even in sleep, and smiled helplessly. He gently placed the scroll in his hand on Huo Qubing's slightly cold eyelids to block the light for him, adjusted himself to a more comfortable position, and continued reading.

Alas, no matter how big the matter is, you have to get a good night’s sleep first.

The wheels rumbled across the official road of Chang'an in the early spring, slowly moving towards the Weiyang Palace, the symbol of the pinnacle of power. Ahead, the towering gray walls of Chang'an were visible. Atop the towers, a large black banner fluttered in the spring breeze, like the open eyes of a giant beast, shrouded in mist.

Weiyang Palace, Xuanshi Hall. A massive bronze crane lantern, its beak clutching a pearl, puffed out the flames of giant butter candles, each the size of a bowl. A golden halo shone across every corner of the vast hall. The hall was deep and expansive, with carved beams and painted rafters. Vermilion lacquer columns supported the high dome, and the caisson ceiling was painted with the sun, moon, stars, auspicious clouds, and auspicious beasts. Illuminated by the lights, the shimmering lights seemed to transport the celestial galaxy into the mortal realm.

The chime bells, zithers and qins played magnificent music, which was a new piece of music composed by Li Yannian.

Huo Yan felt that he was very talented, but it was a pity that he could not compose music for his opera house for a long time.

"The Nine Songs were finished, and the music was extraordinary. The qin, yu, and qin played in harmony with each other."

A melodious singer chanted a long song. In the center, a massive gilded Suan Ni beast cauldron burned with blazing charcoal, emitting precious agarwood and storax. The rich, slightly pungent aroma mingled with the rich aroma of roasted deer, bear paws, and roasted pork steaming from the cauldrons and the mellow aroma of floating lights, filling the air with a lingering intoxication and a faint sense of suffocation.

"The jade chimes and golden drums bring joy to the soul."

Dancers, clad in light, violet silk gowns, with golden armbands and pearl-studded shoes, danced gracefully in the hall, their sleeves fluttering like flowing clouds. The royal family, nobles, civil and military officials present were all dressed in splendid attire, some in long, wide-sleeved gowns, others in brocade robes and sable fur coats. Brocades in shades of black, purple, blue, and purple shone brilliantly under the lanterns. Jade belt hooks, gold seals, and rhinoceros horn hairpins adorned the garments, and the jewels and jewels shone like clouds. Clinking glasses, laughter filled the air.

Liu Che sat high on the throne above the Danchi. He had changed out of his heavy imperial robes and was wearing only a black, twelve-chapter-patterned casual dress with a red border. His face was ruddy and he was in high spirits. He raised his glass frequently to accept the congratulations of his ministers.

Wei Qing sat in the first seat at the lower left of the throne, dressed in a deep crimson robe, a wide black belt, and a green ribbon and gold seal. He had a calm and gentle expression, and in response to the praise he just nodded humbly.

Huo Qubing sat opposite Wei Qing, his crested cap removed and his black hair tied with a gold ring, making him look even more handsome and heroic. He was obviously dissatisfied with his seating arrangement and looked unhappy. Apart from his old subordinates, no one dared to toast him and disturb his mood.

Huo Yan changed into a deep robe made of sky-blue silk, the hem of which was trimmed with soap-colored brocade. He wore a leather belt with a copper belt hook inlaid with turquoise dragon patterns, and a jade pendant made of serpentine stone, a jade crown and a precious belt hanging prominently around his waist. Whenever he returned to Chang'an, he would dress up in a magnificent manner. He was so handsome that he was dazzling.

Huo Qubing looked at him. He looked lazy and raised his glass lazily.

"Embroidered by Zhou and Zhang, inheriting the supreme god."

Huo Qubing raised his glass but said nothing.

Huo Yan found himself having fun with others. He sat below Cao Xiang, opposite to Lord Father Yan. The old man smiled when he saw Huo Yan and raised the wine in his hand.

"All officials gather together, each doing his duty."

Huo Yan saw his lip movements in the brightly lit hall. He was saying, "Congratulations to Marquis Tai'an for getting what he wished for."

Huo Yan raised his glass, drank it all, and then laughed.

As he wished, he saved people, saved tens of thousands of people, he got what he wanted.

"The long and beautiful light shines brightly, and the imperial seal is always there in winter and summer."

The singing became more passionate, the dancers' sleeves fluttered, and the vigorous atmosphere of the Han Dynasty was all in sight, as if it wanted to drown people in this prosperous city.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the music faded, and the dancers withdrew. The clamor within the hall slowly subsided like the tide, and everyone's eyes involuntarily turned to the throne. Liu Che lowered the cup in his hand, and the wine stains on the rim looked like congealed blood in the light. His smile remained warm, but a subtle sharpness deepened in his eyes. He cleared his throat, and the hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the throne.

"Qubing!" Liu Che's voice boomed, drunken and filled with undeniable authority. Huo Qubing raised his head and saluted. Liu Che turned his gaze to Huo Qubing, his smile widening. "I've already prepared your house for you. It's in the prime location of Beique, with the Wei River diverted to form a pond and rare rocks moved from Zhongnan. The layout and expenses of the mansion are comparable to those of the highest rank among marquises! The mansion is complete, and you may move into your new residence today and establish your residence!"

As soon as the words fell, the hall erupted in echoes of envy. Beique Jiadi was the most prestigious address in Chang'an City, directly adjacent to the Weiyang Palace. Only the most distinguished or royally related could reside there. Of course, this was unparalleled, primarily due to the fact that it offered a government office! This meant possessing an independent system of officials and administrative power, the pinnacle of officialdom! Huo Qubing had only just reached adulthood, yet this level of favor was truly unprecedented, unparalleled!

Wei Qing's gentle smile froze slightly, and his back straightened even more. Wei Guang, who was sitting at the last seat, also had a flushed face, full of pride.

Oh, my son is so good.

No one in the room could see Huo Qubing's fingers gripping the wine glass, the joints of his fingers turning slightly white from the force.

Your Majesty guessed that he only agreed verbally but was unwilling in his heart.

He glanced at his smirking uncle, then quickly glanced at Huo Yan, exchanged glances with him, then stood up and left the table, walked to the center of the hall, and knelt on one knee with neat and decisive movements.

"Your Majesty, I, Huo Qubing, bow down to thank you for your grace!" His voice was clear and passionate, filled with gratitude. Then he changed the subject, his tone sincere, "I still remember two years ago, when Hexi was first pacified, and I returned to the court at your behest. Your Majesty hosted a banquet here, patted my shoulder, and asked me in a gentle voice, 'Your Majesty, now a young man with outstanding achievements, would you like to find a lady to marry and start a family with?'"

His gaze slowly swept across the faces in the hall, some familiar, some unfamiliar. Under the light, they expressed expressions of fawning, awe, and curiosity. Finally, his gaze returned to the high throne, and his voice suddenly rose, carrying the sharpness of youthful vigor.

"At that time, I was still a young woman, but my blood was still hot! I swore an oath to Your Majesty, to the clear and bright world, and to the 100,000 Han Chinese men behind me who were ready to fight and swore to follow me to the death. As long as the Xiongnu are not destroyed, how can I care about my family?"

The hall instantly fell into a dead silence! Is the Marquis of Guanjun refusing the Emperor's gift of a mansion? How bold!

The smile on Liu Che's face remained unchanged, but his eyes suddenly darkened. "Qubing! The Xiongnu have been destroyed, and the Marquis of Guanjun can start a family now."

You damn boy, you openly reject me, what do you want to do!

Huo Qubing raised his head, his bright eyes gazing directly at Liu Che, fearless and filled with sincerity. "Today, thanks to your majesty's divine power, our soldiers have fought bravely! The royal court of Mobei has been reduced to scorched earth! The Chanyu's head hangs at the northern gate! Mount Langjuxu will forever bear the inscription of the Han Dynasty! The vast ocean reflects our Han flag! The Xiongnu nation has truly vanished into thin air!"

"However, how can we know that beneath the lingering snows of Qilian Mountains, there are not ashes about to ignite? That among the wild grass, there are not jackals and wolves gnashing their teeth? The thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions, with their eagle-eyed gaze and wolf-eyed backstab, alternately side with Qin and Chu! How can we know that in their hearts, they do not have the same ambitions as the Xiongnu, coveting the riches of the Han Dynasty!"

He paused, his tone firm.

"Your Majesty bestowed upon me the name Shouzhi, so that I might seek peace for the Han. Your servant, Huo Qubing, would never dare to exchange my armor for a palace of gold and jade, or the neighing of a warhorse for the melodious music of stringed instruments and bamboo pipes."

He kowtowed deeply, his forehead touching the cold, hard tiles.

"My wish is to have a warhorse at my side, my weapons ready for the day. As long as the beacons on the frontier are extinguished, I dare not lay down my armor! As long as the dust of the barbarians in the land is cleared, I dare not talk about home. I beg Your Majesty to grant this wish!"

After saying this, he kowtowed again.

"I beg to donate all the funds of the Champion Marquis's Mansion and all my rewards to the families of all the soldiers buried in the war."

He took them there, but he couldn't take them back.

All his words were sincere. Huo Qubing was a strict military leader, demanding his soldiers obey orders and keep their promises. Coming from a wealthy family, he had no idea why the country provided relief while soldiers' wives and daughters cried, or why his uncle still gave money to support the wounded. Later, he looked at Ah Yan, his eyes gradually lowering. It turned out that those who weren't killed in war could die of hunger or cold.

Huo Qubing was sincere and honest. He could not be like Ah Yan, who was so familiar with people's livelihood and could help the people. He only gave his all and helped what he could.

The words fell, their echoes lingering in the deadly silence of the hall. Compared to the oath, "How can I return home until the Xiongnu are defeated?", perhaps the general's unwavering dedication to his mission is even more inspiring.

Everyone in the hall, especially those former subordinates of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, were deeply moved. Even some neutral ministers nodded silently.

The smile on Liu Che's face finally faltered. He stared at Huo Qubing, who was kneeling on the ground, with a complex expression: anger, admiration, love and hate. He hated Huo Qubing for not following his plan, but also loved him. He loved Huo Qubing more than Liu Ju. He watched his young general grow step by step into an eagle that soared into the sky.

Qubing ate the emperor's deer, and the next day he would hunt a bigger one for the emperor.

Brat!

After a moment's silence, Liu Che turned his gaze to Wei Qing, thinking, "Look at him, he's not obedient at all." But Wei Qing only focused on his nephew kneeling in the hall, his eyes slightly warmed, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He even wanted to stand up and help the child up, because the ground was so cold.

"Qubing...is utterly loyal...his ambitions are pure and sincere...I...am deeply impressed." Liu Che's heart sank, and he practically squeezed out each word through his teeth. "In that case...the matter of the Guanjun Marquis's Mansion...I agree."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Huo Qubing kowtowed again in a loud voice.

Then he retreated to his seat as if nothing had happened. Liu Che was filled with hatred, and his eyes fell on Huo Yan like a hawk, with an unquestionable sense of oppression, "Ayan, you have no ambition, do you?"

Huo Yan said "mmp" in his heart, but his face remained lazy and calm. He stood up and walked to the center of the hall, parallel to his brother's position, bowed and saluted, and then said a condemnation, "How can I not have it! I do have it. Since I was young, I have been determined to help the people and save the world."

"I understand. You've been promoted to the rank of Sou Su Duwei, responsible for agriculture and grain." Liu Che, struck by his retort, spoke calmly, each word laced with gritted teeth. "Your house is too far away, and I'm afraid it will be inconvenient. I've ordered people to find you a quiet and elegant house in Shangguanli, close to the Shaofu office. You can move there in three or four days. That way, you can focus on state affairs."

Here we come!

Huo Qubing clenched his fists. Liu Che's first move to separate Wei and Huo was blocked, and his second move immediately targeted Huo Yan! He would separate him from Wei Qing's mansion and isolate him.

The hall fell silent again. Everyone's eyes were focused on Huo Yan. How would the young Marquis of Tai'an respond?

Huo Yan raised his head, a perfectly balanced expression of confusion and a hint of admiring pleading on his face. He didn't immediately express his gratitude, but instead raised his voice slightly, speaking with the youthful clarity and innocence that characterized youth. "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness! However..."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Wei Qing, his expression thick with dependence. "I've loved the hustle and bustle since I was little, and I'm not used to that house being all by myself. How about I move back to the General's Mansion? The General treats me like a father, and everyone in the mansion treats me like their own son. Since I moved out, I haven't been willing to leave my uncle, nor have I been willing to leave home."

Liu Che was furious. They were disobedient and disobedient. They were two rebellious sons.

He glared at Wei Qing, "Look at you, you rebellious son!" Under the emperor's gaze, Wei Qing slumped over and decisively pretended to be drunk. He then glared at Huo Qubing, "Rebellious son, you're corrupting your brother!" Huo Qubing glared back, unfazed. Liu Che gnashed his teeth.

Huo Yan, standing in the audience, was preparing for his next big move. He took a deep breath, as if mustering up courage, and addressed Liu Che in a voice clearly audible to the entire audience, "Your Majesty! I dare to make an unreasonable request! The Book of Songs says, 'The mulberry and the cypress trees must be treated with reverence.' The land of mulberry and the cypress is the land of our parents and the very foundation of our being! My mother, Wei Shaoer, has never married, and now she is old and has no one to take care of her. Although my last name is Huo, my blood is half Wei! I dare to ask Your Majesty to allow me to change my surname to my mother's, to acknowledge my ancestors, and from now on be called Wei Yan. This way, I can serve my mother day and night, fulfilling my filial duty, and I can devote myself to serving Your Majesty and the Han Dynasty with unwavering devotion, living up to the trust placed in me by the Captain of the Grain Searching Division! This is a request from the bottom of my heart, and I earnestly request Your Majesty to grant it!"

“Bang—!”

Someone accidentally knocked over the ear cup, and the crisp sound of it breaking was particularly harsh in the silent hall.

Wei Guang, who was always calm, lowered his head, grabbed the messy cup, and finally pretended to be drunk.

Mom! Big brother! Kid! Ah Yan is so fierce!

A Yan divorced his mother!

All the nobles in the room who had seen Wei Shaoer turned into quails. Wei Shaoer was old, and Madam Wei usually walked briskly, so she was very strong. Isn't this a lie?

Of course, everyone with a brain started to study Huo Yan's surname change. Changing from Huo to Wei wasn't just a matter of moving; it was about completely integrating himself into the Wei family lineage, ensuring that Wei Qing would have a legitimate, capable, and legitimate heir. This was a direct, radical counterattack against Liu Che's strategy of separating the Huo and Wei families, even bolder and more decisive than Huo Qubing's refusal to accept the gift of a mansion.

If you have the guts, you should be Marquis of Tai'an!

Wei Qing's head was buzzing. He wondered if it would be enough for him to pay all his money. The last trace of smile on Liu Che's face disappeared completely, and he was fixed on Huo Yan.

Treason!

"Nonsense!" Liu Che's voice suddenly rose, carrying a thunderous rage that instantly drowned out all the noise in the hall! "Surnames are the ancestral heritage of our clans, passed down from our ancestors. How can we tamper with them? You are such a spoiled, arrogant, and rebellious boy! Never again bring up such absurdities!"

His chest rose and fell slightly, and he was obviously very angry.

Huo Yan changed his surname to Wei? Absolutely impossible! Not only would this further solidify Wei Qing's power, it would also send a dangerous signal to the court and the public: Wei and Huo are one, unbreakable! This completely contradicts his original intention of maintaining checks and balances! More importantly, this rebellious son! He disobeyed me. Not only did he disobey me, but he also launched a counterattack, what a bastard!

"I grant you this mansion out of sympathy for your hard work for the country, and to facilitate your official duties!" Liu Che's voice was unquestionable. "This matter has been settled, no further discussion! Once the new house is ready, move in immediately! As for the matter of changing your surname, do not mention it again. Withdraw!"

The last two words are very powerful.

Huo Yan lowered his head, his long eyelashes concealing the coldness and understanding that flashed across his eyes. He stopped arguing and bowed deeply and respectfully, tears streaming down his eyelashes. "Your Majesty won't let me go home, won't let me support my mother. I... went so far away alone."

He is like a dead pig that is not afraid of boiling water.

Before Liu Che agreed, Lord Father Yan narrowed his eyes and decided to join the group.

"Alas, the child is still young and wants to be accompanied by his family. It's human nature. Why not let the Grand Marshal Huqi General go with him?"

As soon as he started, Ji An, Sang Hongyang and some other ministers also followed suit to persuade Liu Che.

Liu Che listened to this group of people calling him "Your Majesty" one after another, and the child was still young, so he was successfully framed.

He glanced at the crowd and glared at Huo Qubing, who glared back.

"Ayan, don't be afraid. I'll move when I get back."

Liu Che's chest rose and fell violently several times, and he waved his sleeves, "Don't move, let your brother take you there. You'll just stay by your brother's side and be his baby for the rest of your life!"

These words were harsh. If it were any other official, this matter would be ridiculed for three to five years, but Huo Yan was so courageous, who would dare to laugh at him? Moreover, the officials thought that the more they talked about it, the more excited this kid would become. He might even bring the Champion Marquis to open their eyes and get a hole in his eye from the whip.

As expected, Huo Yan slowly stood up. His face was filled with eagerness and admiration. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Can you donate my courtyard? I plan to donate it to Shuofang."

Liu Che told him to get out of here, then let out a meaningless snort in response. Huo Yan, as he wished, returned to his seat and toasted the adults one by one, his compliments flowing freely.

This made Liu Che very angry. He was so irritated by the brat that he didn't even know how to say a few words to comfort him. He looked at Huo Qubing. Huo Qubing glanced back and continued to glare at him. He was furious and waved his hand suddenly, "Let's have fun! Let's dance! Today is a celebration, let's have fun!"

The sounds of chime bells and zithers began to flow again with difficulty in an extremely eerie and oppressive atmosphere. The dancers' sleeves were unfurled, but they had lost their previous graceful flow. Their movements were stiff, their eyes evasive, as if they were dancing on invisible blades. The ministers raised their glasses, their praises still flowing, but their smiles were as stiff as masks, their eyes shifting, and they exchanged complex, unspoken glances.

The wine in the golden cup is still fragrant, and the delicacies are still abundant.

"Zhongqing!" Liu Che lifted the ear cup in front of him. The wine in the cup reflected his profile. Thinking of the two rebellious sons, he suddenly drank the wine in the cup. The strong wine burned his throat like a flame, but it could not dispel the coldness in his heart. He called to the drunk Wei Qing, "Zhongqing!"

Wei Qing woke up quietly, and the two of them looked at each other. Wei Qing avoided his gaze, and the pair of eyes burning with anger on the throne suddenly burned even more fiercely.

You brought up a rebellious son and made me angry for no reason!

Wei Qing drank with him in silence. He was too embarrassed to say, "Your Majesty, you have spoiled them both a lot."

【Author’s words】

A little bit of sting, not too harsh, right?

I will give a hint, is it good or not?

Kill three birds with one stone: ① Make Liu Che angry ② Change his surname to Wei ③ Make his mother divorce him.