Chapter 85
The Imperial Household Order moved quickly. Almost as soon as Liu Ju and Huo Qubing reached the Eastern Palace, the food was delivered. Liu Ju immediately set up the grill.
Of course, the steps were assigned to each person: Huo Qubing was in charge of roasting, Feng He was in charge of basting with honey, Yu Sui was in charge of controlling the fire, and Sheng Gu was in charge of curing and applying salt. As for Liu Ju? He was in charge of directing the process.
Huo Qubing, who thought that the so-called "cousin together" just meant "eating together", remained silent, but ultimately did not refuse and accepted the proposal.
As he cranked the grill, he talked about the effects of alcohol in the military.
"Cousin, I haven't been on the battlefield as often as my uncle, but I've witnessed many battles. Many died from deep wounds and blood loss; many died from wounds that were not deep but worsened later, either from fever or suppuration.
"Some of them had even been drinking and eating with me the day before, fighting alongside me the moment before, but the next moment... I could only watch them leave one by one and then collect their bodies."
Even though life and death on the battlefield were commonplace, and even though Huo Qubing was naturally carefree, it was difficult for him to accept it calmly and remain indifferent. This feeling was not pleasant, so much so that when Huo Qubing recalled it, his heart tightened and his hands unconsciously curled up tightly.
"If...if there had been alcohol and debridement and suturing techniques back then, would they have had a glimmer of hope, a chance to survive? But..."
After a brief moment of indulging himself, Huo Qubing smiled and said, "It's not too late now."
He raised his glass: "Cousin, cheers to you."
He was still referring to his cousin, clearly speaking in a private capacity. However, his expression was one of seriousness and earnestness that Liu Ju rarely saw.
Liu Ju also raised his glass seriously, and the two looked at each other and drank it all in one gulp.
Of course, this time they were drinking muddy wine. Clear wine was in limited supply and couldn't be consumed daily. Liu Ju couldn't drink it either; it was too spicy and choking. Muddy wine was slightly sweet, so he could still taste it.
As soon as the two finished drinking, Zang Hai came with news from Mount Li.
"Your Highness, this is Li Shaoweng. Li Shaoweng sent a message to Your Highness. Your Highness issued a directive back then, recruiting all the alchemists in the world who could refine furnaces, especially those who could blow up furnaces. He also mentioned that if they knew anyone skilled in the same art, they could recommend them. He wanted to know if it was still possible."
Liu Ju immediately understood the meaning of the words, that Li Shaoweng wanted to recommend him.
He turned his eyes and asked, "Has he been communicating with anyone recently?"
The Lishan workshop is top secret. Not many people know about the existence of this workshop, and even fewer know what it does.
The workshop is located in a canyon, surrounded by cliffs, and the only entrance and exit is the cave. However, this entrance and exit has three checkpoints, each of which is not only guarded by people but also equipped with various traps.
The workshop is heavily guarded, with assembly line work, independent areas and clear hierarchies.
Liu Ju was not so cruel as to exploit the people in the workshop to work, but also deprived them of the right to contact the outside world, making them completely isolated from the world as "prisoners".
They are alchemists and workers, not prisoners.
So they can write letters and communicate with friends and family, but the procedures are strict. Everything that comes in and out of the workshop, even a thin piece of paper, needs to go through multiple levels of inspection and only be released if there are no problems.
Zang Hai nodded and replied, "Yes, it's his junior fellow apprentice, Luan Da."
Liu Ju was stunned. It was nothing more than the long-unseen barrage of comments that reappeared.
—Luan Da? It was actually Luan Da. Cao Xiang was still alive, and Luan Da was here?
Just when Liu Ju was wondering what Luan Da had to do with his brother-in-law's life or death, another barrage of comments popped up, almost blinding his eyes.
With Juzi around, it's unclear whether Cao Xiang would die. Furthermore, with Juzi's debunking, the trust in alchemists in Emperor Che's eyes has been significantly reduced. Even if Cao Xiang still died, Emperor Che probably wouldn't marry Wei Chang-er to Luan Da. Juzi wouldn't allow it either.
Historically, Emperor Wu of Han was overly supportive of alchemists. Luan Da, despite having no significant accomplishments, was deceived by his ability to perform magic tricks, leading Emperor Wu of Han to believe he possessed divine powers. He appointed him General Wuli and even married his daughter to him. Later, upon discovering his deception, Emperor Wu of Han had Luan Da beheaded.
——Zhuzhu's behavior is really speechless. Although Luan Da is dead, what is Wei Chang? Having such a second husband, isn't it disgusting?
Liu Ju:!!!
What the hell. Forget Cao Xiang; he was born into a noble family, had decent abilities, and was a decent person. He was also my sister's childhood sweetheart. But who the hell did Luan Da think he was, that he dared to marry my sister?
The key is that the emperor arranged the marriage.
Is the emperor crazy? A cheating alchemist is worthy of marrying a royal princess?
For a moment, Liu Ju wanted to pry open Liu Che's head to see what was inside. But then he realized that this idea was very dangerous and too rebellious.
Thinking about the words "able to communicate with gods and immortals" again, Liu Ju felt a sudden heart attack. His father was indeed...ah.
Indeed, there is still a long way to go in popularizing science to dispel superstitions and advocate science.
Liu Ju's expression changed several times, and his eyes gradually became cold.
Huo Qubing on the other end had already asked, "Li Shaoweng wants to recommend Luan Da?"
This was so obvious that although Huo Qubing asked, his tone was actually a statement. He then sarcastically said, "You didn't recommend me two years ago when the workshop was just established and we were in dire need of manpower. Why are you recommending me now?"
Zang Hai glanced at Liu Ju and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty killed several alchemists two years ago. If it weren't for Your Highness's plea, these people in the workshop would be dead now."
When the emperor is angry, corpses will be scattered all over the place.
At that time, Liu Che had breached the defenses and his anger was running high. Not only the magistrates in the capital, but also the magistrates all over the country were trembling with fear.
In this situation, how could Li Shaoweng dare to recommend someone? Even if he did, how could others dare to come?
"The current situation is stable, and His Highness values the alchemists in the workshop. This is especially true now that the workshop's research has yielded some results."
The meaning of this sentence becomes clearer.
Two years ago, the future was uncertain, but now it's bright. You can't wait until research is complete before hiring someone; what good would that do then? Naturally, you have to hire someone when there's hope, but before success. That way, once someone is hired, they can take the credit as soon as things are done.
Such a great achievement, one more person in our family means more power. Li Shaoweng is supporting Luan Da, but also for his own benefit.
Huo Qubing knew the truth, so he spoke with sarcasm. He looked down upon this little trick.
Liu Ju said in a deep voice, "Although Li Shaoweng has his own ulterior motives, he's no fool. He's now the main force behind the workshop's research. Since he dared to recommend him, I think this Luan Da must have some skills."
He recommended a useless idiot. Isn't he afraid that he would be implicated and the emperor and the prince would be beheaded along with him?
Liu Ju's usual principle is that if you have the ability, you can use it, but it depends on how you use it.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Tell him, yes."
"promise."
Zang Hai left. Liu Ju turned to Huo Qubing and asked, "I have a lot of things to do here, and I'm afraid I can't take care of the workshop properly. I need to trouble you, cousin, to help me keep an eye on it."
Huo Qubing was stunned. This was totally unreasonable.
Liu Ju was busy before, and the workshop had its own supervision and patrol, so why would he need to take extra care? Unless...
"Is there something wrong with this Luan Da?"
“Not at this time.”
Huo Qubing raised his eyebrows: "Will there be one in the future?"
Liu Ju confessed: "Not sure."
Huo Qubing: ...
"Cousin, just as you said, why didn't Li Shaoweng recommend me before, but now? What Zang Hai said does make sense. But besides this, are there any other possibilities?"
Huo Qubing's face turned serious and he looked at Liu Ju. They looked at each other, and they knew the reason tacitly.
"There's no war going on right now anyway, so I have plenty of time. I'll keep an eye on it for you."
Liu Ju pondered and said, "I will talk to my father later and ask you to send an extra team of guards."
At this point, Huo Qubing chuckled: "Why only one team? Let's move the whole battalion over."
Liu Ju: ???
No, you're going to make it this big? The entire camp workshop won't be able to accommodate it.
"Even though it's not wartime, the military still needs daily training."
Liu Ju immediately understood: "Send them to Mount Li to station and train the troops?"
After he finished speaking, his eyes sparkled and he clapped his hands, "This is a good idea. You are the Marquis of Champion, so it's perfectly legitimate for you to go out to the camp for training. Moreover, the training area is set up near the workshop, which can also serve as a cover for the workshop."
"Not only will this allow us to travel back and forth to the workshop more frequently, but we can also use the training to patrol the surrounding area and eliminate other potential dangers. That's how we'll do it."
After the decision was made, Liu Ju was in no hurry. He waited until the rabbit was roasted and shared it with Huo Qubing. He wiped his mouth, wrapped up the remaining two rabbit legs, put them in his arms, and headed towards the Xuanshi Hall.
"Father, please try it. I baked it myself."
"You baked it? Then I must try it."
Liu Che smiled and tore off the rabbit leg meat.
Liu Ju blinked his bright eyes and asked, "How is it?"
"A little burnt."
Liu Che was pragmatic and looked at Liu Ju with a smile, waiting for his reaction.
"Burnt? It tastes fine to me." Liu Ju looked at the rabbit leg and found it was indeed a little burnt than the part he was eating. He coughed lightly and said, "My cousin must have not roasted it properly."
"Cousin?" Liu Che raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say you baked it yourself?"
"I personally directed the roasting. More or less."
Liu Che: ...roasting by yourself is similar to directing the roasting?
Liu Ju touched his nose guiltily and immediately changed the subject, saying that the purpose of the training at Mount Li was to carry out the workshop's business. Liu Che naturally had no objection and agreed immediately.
After eating most of the rabbit leg, Liu Che washed his hands with the help of the eunuchs and handed a memorial to Liu Ju.
Liu Ju opened it and looked slightly stunned: "Nanyue wants to send a prince to Beijing?"
"When the Nanyue King, Zhao Yingqi, came to the capital as a hostage, it was to demonstrate Nanyue's stance and reassure the Han. The intention now is the same."
Liu Che tapped his fingers on the table and said the same thing, but he didn't quite think so in his heart.
Liu Ju understood: "Zhao Yingqi said he was sent as a hostage to serve as a guard for my father, but my father has treated him well. Although he has been away from his homeland and has lived in Chang'an for ten years, he has not been without gain. If it were not for the support of my great Han, his return to the throne of Nanyue would not have been so smooth."
This was the truth. Nanyue King Zhao Hu was dead. Zhao Yingqi had easily suppressed his brothers and succeeded to the throne. While this was partly due to his own planning, it was also influenced by the Han Dynasty's stance.
Liu Ju tilted his head and said, "I heard that Zhao Yingqi had a wife and children in Nanyue before, and after coming to Chang'an, he married again and had another wife and children. Who is the prince you want to send to the capital now?"
Liu Che said, "The news that has come in says that his name is Zhao Fan. He was not born to the wife of Nanyue, nor to the Han woman named Qiu. His biological mother was Zhao Yingqi's concubine in Nanyue. She had just become pregnant when Zhao Yingqi entered the capital.
"This child's story is quite interesting. It's said that he was weak in his early years and was critically ill several times after birth. He was forced to be raised in a temple outside the palace to pray for the gods' protection. Unexpectedly, this actually worked, and he grew up safely."
With just a few simple words, Liu Ju imagined a grand palace drama.
"Weak, divine? Not necessarily." Liu Ju curled his lips, "Zhao Yingqi's original wife seems to have a son. Now that Zhao Yingqi has entered the capital, his future is unknown.
"Without the master's care, it would be easy for the Crown Princess to deal with a concubine's child. Especially if this child dies and Zhao Yingqi doesn't return, the Crown Princess's child would become his only orphan.
"Whether for herself or for the child, the concubine found a weakness to reduce the Crown Princess's suspicion and took the opportunity to be sent out of the palace to save her life. This turned out to be the best option at the time."
As to whether it is, who knows.
Liu Che had no interest in other people's palace secrets and continued, "Several years ago, this boy was in good health. He came out of the God Temple in the mountains and returned to the royal palace. He was favored by the late King Zhao Hu of Nanyue. When Zhao Hu was critically ill, it was he who used his iron fist to suppress all forces and delay the return of his father, Zhao Yingqi."
Liu Ju's pupils contracted. "He's a capable man, and probably ambitious too. I guess he asked to come to the capital this time."
Liu Che nodded: "Not bad."
Liu Ju was not surprised at all. "The queen was Zhao Yingqi's first wife and had a son, Zhao Jiande. Qin Shi had been with Zhao Yingqi in Chang'an for ten years and had two sons, Zhao Xing and Zhao Cigong. Each side had its advantages."
"Only Zhao Fan has to rely on himself for everything. If he wants to ascend to the throne, he needs to find some help. Zhao Yingqi can rely on the support of the Han Dynasty to succeed to the throne, and so can he.
"Going to Beijing as a hostage is a risky move, but if done well, the rewards can be substantial. However, if that's all, it doesn't matter. It's not a big deal."
The last sentence is meaningful.
Liu Ju and Liu Che didn't care much for Zhao Fan's thoughts. They could wait for him to arrive in the capital and observe him. If he wasn't useful, they wouldn't care. If he was, why not support him?
What a coincidence, it happened at the time when he asked to go to Beijing as a hostage.
It had been more than two months since the fireworks rain, almost exactly when the rumor spread throughout the world.
Liu Ju narrowed his eyes and said, "I didn't expect that the first to move would be South Vietnam."
Liu Che glanced at him with a subtle expression.
Liu Ju was confused: "What's wrong?"
Liu Che handed over another memorial.
Liu Ju opened his eyes wide and asked, "The countries in the Western Regions want to send envoys to pay tribute?"
Look what he saw.
Wusun, Qiuci, Yanqi, Loulan, Shache, Gumo...
Wow, there are more than ten of them in a row.
Liu Ju opened his mouth wide: "It's only been more than two months, how could the news spread so quickly?"
"It's not an official letter, but rather information sent back by our people in the Western Regions. It will probably take a while for the letter to arrive." Liu Che finished speaking, and then added, "Send it by carrier pigeon."
Liu Ju: ...Okay.
However, after taking another look at the list, I still have doubts. Isn't this a bit too many? Especially since this is just the beginning, will there be more in the future?
It’s just a rain of fireworks, is it so violent?
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