Chapter 95
No one knew what Liu Ju and Liu Che talked about in the palace, and no one cared.
After all, the Crown Prince and His Majesty had a good father-son relationship, and he frequently visited the Xuanshi Hall. This behavior seemed normal to everyone, and nothing to worry about.
But this time, something was different. A quarter of an hour after the Crown Prince entered, a heated argument erupted. The content of the argument was unclear, and those waiting outside the hall only vaguely heard the words "putting oneself in danger" among the Emperor's scolding.
After the quarrel, the prince was ordered to return to the East Palace to reflect on his mistakes.
Reflect on your mistakes? What mistakes did the prince make?
It seems to be just a simple father's instruction to his son, but since the father is the emperor and the son is the prince, it is likely to cause a huge response and even affect the situation in the court and the stability of the world.
Now everyone was getting restless and trying to find out the reason indirectly. On the contrary, everyone in the Wei family was calm and composed, as if it had nothing to do with them.
After much effort, everyone finally got the news: the prince was furious about the assassination attempt by the envoys and wanted to point his sword at the Huns and volunteer to lead the expedition himself.
Everyone: ...
No. It's understandable that you're angry about the assassination attempt. We're angry too. Pointing your sword at the Xiongnu and starting a war is equally understandable; we want to do that, too. The problem is, you're a prince, only eleven or twelve years old. Are you serious? Is it even worth it?
What was that place? The front line, the battlefield. The enemy was the powerful Xiongnu. Even though our army was growing stronger, the Xiongnu were no weaklings. We should not underestimate them.
A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, let alone a prince. Even if he is protected by a large army, who can guarantee that he will be safe?
Everyone suddenly understood why His Majesty was so furious and why the Wei family stood by and watched without even asking for mercy.
Oh. This naughty kid is acting out of spite. He deserves to be disciplined. It's just a private retreat. What's the big deal? No spanking or scolding. What's the rush? Let's go.
East Palace.
The so-called "closing the door" only meant not letting Liu Ju out, not forbidding anyone from coming in. Therefore, Liu Ju did not feel depressed or lonely. Huo Guangwei continued to come every day without question, and Huo Qubing also ran to the East Palace from time to time.
Huo Qubing was speechless: "When you explained the situation to His Majesty, you just said that the situation had improved. Why bother offering advice and even using yourself as bait? How can His Majesty not be angry? This is a complete failure."
"It's just a matter of reflection. It's just a few days of solitary confinement. It's no big deal." Liu Ju waved his hands, looking like a dead pig that is not afraid of boiling water.
The corner of Huo Qubing's mouth twitched. Fortunately, Liu Che was not there, otherwise, seeing his indifferent attitude, he would probably not just reflect on his mistakes.
Liu Ju sighed softly, "Although Father trusts me, he has his doubts in his heart, but he is not completely certain. After all, he is his biological son, and he is the biological son who just saved him. Unless he is completely exposed, Father's suspicions will only be suspicions."
He had originally intended to be cautious and take things step by step, but Liu Hong had been making too many moves recently.
Zhao Gouyi, Jiang Qi, and Luan Da...
Liu Hong had already included the first two figures known to history, so how could he have let go of the last one? Regardless of whether these people were involved in the "Witchcraft Incident," as long as they had left traces in historical records, Liu Hong would have known about them and could have used them to his advantage.
So Liu Ju asked people to keep an eye on Liu Hong and Luan Da, and sure enough, they discovered a subtle connection between the two.
Huo Qubing frowned: "Since Your Majesty is already suspicious, it's only a matter of time before the fox's tail is exposed."
"Indeed." Liu Ju nodded, but then sighed, "But I don't want to wait any longer. I want a quick and decisive battle."
Huo Qubing paused. Liu Ju continued, "That's one reason. Second, he knows Luan Da, Zhao Fan, and perhaps others. I want to lure everyone out and eliminate all the hidden dangers at once."
Huo Qubing opened his mouth and was about to say something when he heard Liu Ju say, "Cousin, there is no such thing as being a thief for a thousand days, but there is no such thing as being on guard against thieves for a thousand days."
Huo Qubing was speechless.
Liu Ju then asked about the main matter: "How is the Lishan workshop?"
After the delegation returned to Beijing, the supervision of the Lishan workshop was handed back to Huo Qubing.
"Li Shaoweng has already produced a prototype of a gunpowder bomb. It makes a loud noise, but lacks power, far from what you described. However, as with all things difficult at the beginning, now that we have a direction, improvements will be much easier. I believe we'll soon make another breakthrough."
Liu Ju shook his head: "No, they have already broken through."
Huo Qubing paused.
Liu Ju chuckled: "Cousin, they have successfully made a breakthrough and produced powerful gunpowder bombs."
Huo Qubing was confused: "When did this happen?"
After saying this, he suddenly froze.
If it was true, why did Liu Ju, who was secluded in the Eastern Palace, know about it, but Huo Qubing, who frequently went to Mount Li, didn't know about it? Looking at the sly smile in Liu Ju's eyes, Huo Qubing instantly understood.
This was done to deliberately release the news so that others would believe that the gunpowder bombs produced were real and effective, rather than just experimental products with insufficient power.
This is the bait.
Huo Qubing's expression flickered and he stood up: "I'll do it right away."
After Huo Qubing left, Liu Ju continued to study and do his homework, and ate and drank as usual. Even though he was confined, it did not affect his daily life and mood at all. However, those who learned the news were not so calm.
********
Zhuangzi (Part 1).
Liu Hong sealed the letter and handed it to Zhao Gouyi: "Go back and give it to Zhao Fan. Tell him that if he agrees to cooperate, he should burn this letter and proceed according to the plan. If he disagrees, he should go to the palace."
Liu Hong did not specify what he was doing in the palace or who he was meeting. As long as Zhao Fan entered the palace, he would naturally understand that the cooperation was broken and Zhao Fan was unwilling to cooperate with him.
Despite this, Liu Hong's expression remained calm, not worried about the latter scenario at all. Based on the information the system had provided about Zhao Fan, rebellion was hopeless, but if revenge was possible, he would definitely act.
If he couldn't take revenge on Liu Che, he could still take revenge on Liu Ju. It was better than doing nothing and being unworthy of being Liu Ling's son.
Zhao Gouyi took the order and left. Liu Hong also stood up and ordered, "Return to the palace."
After getting into the carriage with the maid, and when they were not far from the palace gate, Liu Hong again ordered: "Don't go back to Weiyang Palace, go to Changle Palace."
Changle Palace is the Prince's Eastern Palace, standing side by side with Weiyang Palace. The carriage can reach it by just turning a corner.
Entering the inner hall, Liu Ju still greeted him warmly and poured him tea. "I heard that you left the palace today. How is your injury? Why don't you rest for a few more days? If something happens to you, won't it make me and my father worry?"
"Thank you, Prince, for your concern. My injuries have healed. The imperial physician examined me and confirmed I'm fully recovered. Besides, I've been lying in bed for over a month and am almost suffocating. It's a good opportunity to get some fresh air out of the palace."
After saying this, Liu Hong looked at Liu Ju again, his eyes filled with worry: "Brother Crown Prince has been locked up for several days, and the Emperor still won't let go?"
Liu Ju curled his lips: "Who made him so angry?"
Liu Hong: ...He didn’t know how to respond to this for a moment.
Liu Ju added, "If he weren't an emperor with so many concerns, he would have wanted to kill the Xiongnu himself to show off his power. How could he have the nerve to criticize me?"
Liu Hong was speechless again: Father, you are just thinking about it, it doesn’t matter if you just think about it, but you have to put your idea into practice, how can it be the same?
Liu Ju waved his hand: "Don't worry about him, it doesn't matter. After a few days, when his anger has subsided, I will lower my head and comfort him."
It was said lightly, but it was the truth. Not to mention that Liu Che was only angry because he was worried about Liu Ju's safety, even if Liu Ju had really made a big mistake, he would probably only be angry for a while, and Liu Ju would be fine after coaxing him.
As expected, Liu Ju's advantage was too obvious. When Wei Huo was in power, not only did no one in the court dare to show dissenting opinions, but he was also unrivaled in terms of the father-son relationship with Liu Che.
Liu Hong held the water cup with a slight force, then looked up: "Then I shouldn't miss this year's polo match, right?"
In recent years, a polo tournament has been held annually in the capital, with participants exclusively from the sons of the nobility, and hosted by the Eastern Palace. According to convention, it's usually scheduled for mid-to-late May, and it's already May 13th.
"Of course I won't be late, but I might not be able to handle the preparations this year. It's a small matter, so I can hand it over to anyone." He paused and smiled at Liu Hong, "Why don't you do it?"
"Ah?" Liu Hong was a little confused.
"I originally wanted to hand it over to Huo Guangwei, but the polo tournament has been held in Shanglin Garden, which borders Bowang Garden, for the past two years. It's possible for them to do it, but their status wouldn't be very convenient. You'd be more suitable to come forward."
"I...I'm afraid I can't do it well."
Liu Hong was a little hesitant. He really came here to take the opportunity to take over the preparations for the polo match, but before he opened his mouth, Liu Ju took the initiative to bring it up, which surprised him and made him suddenly a little uncertain.
Liu Ju behaved normally, still smiling: "It's just an ordinary competition, there's not much to do, how can it not be done well?
"You're six years old now, it's time to learn to take charge. When I was your age, I'd often play with the sons of powerful officials and nobles. There were endless competitions.
"But since this is your first time in charge, I understand you might be a little nervous. How about this? I'll ask Huo Guangwei to help you."
Liu Hong pondered. With Huo Guangwei and Buyi around, he needed to avoid them and be more cautious. But there was also an advantage. If something went wrong, it wouldn't be his fault.
After all, he is only six years old. It is normal for him to be careless and not think things through. No one would force a six-year-old child to be good at everything.
But Huo Guangwei's suspicions were different. Their failure to see the problem was their fault. When responsibilities were divided, they bore the brunt of the responsibility, allowing him to hide behind them, remaining completely invisible. Furthermore, it was the Crown Prince himself who suggested he take charge.
Thinking of this, Liu Hong suddenly felt that this was much better than taking the task on his own initiative. After a brief thought, he nodded in agreement.
********
Zhao's house.
Zhao Fan took the letter but did not open it immediately. He looked at Zhao Gouyi with a smile and said, "You must have been tired from running back and forth. Go back and rest."
Zhao Gouyi bowed and took his leave. Although Zhao Fan was not from the Central Plains, but belonged to the Nanyue, he was of high status and was quite fond of her. Her goal had been achieved, so she naturally knew what to ask and what not to ask.
She didn't know what was in the letter, and she didn't want to know. So she readily agreed to Zhao Fan's barely concealed move to send her away, without any displeasure or resentment.
There was no one else in the room. Zhao Fan opened the envelope, read it, and handed it to Sang Zhi.
Sang Zhi was horrified: "The Second Prince wants to attack the Crown Prince. How bold!"
"The temptation of the crown prince position is so great, few can resist it. Moreover, the Second Prince is so intelligent, it's hard to find anyone like him in the world. If there were no Crown Prince, the Second Prince would be the most beloved child of all Han Dynasty. But with the Crown Prince standing before him, no matter how intelligent he is, he can only rank second to the Crown Prince. How can he not be jealous and resentful? Only when the Crown Prince dies can the Crown Prince's glory fall upon him."
Zhao Fan understood Liu Hong's intentions very well. He pointed to the third line of the letter: "The problem is not that he wants to kill the prince, but this."
Sangzhi raised her eyes and said, "Put the blame on the Xiongnu?"
"Yes. The Xiongnu arranged a three-pronged strategy at the diplomatic banquet. Everyone initially assumed Princess Cuiyu was the obvious one, and the Wusun attendant was the hidden one. Later, they assumed both were the obvious ones, with the Wusun princess being the hidden one. Unexpectedly, the Xiongnu had a backup plan.
"They have a team of men infiltrating the Western Regions merchant group as spies, seeking to understand the Han Dynasty's military secrets. They're trying to secure military secrets, and they're also trying to assassinate them. If they can succeed, that's great. If not, it's still worth it."
Sang Zhi scoffed. "The Second Prince discovered such a huge secret, but instead of informing His Majesty, he wanted to use this opportunity to get rid of the Crown Prince and pin the blame on these Xiongnu people. What a plan! He killed two birds with one stone, turning the Xiongnu spies into pawns in his own plan. What a plan. But..."
Sang Zhi paused and asked doubtfully, "He doesn't necessarily need us in this plan. Why did he choose us to cooperate?"
"Aunt Sangzhi, no matter how smart this Second Prince is, he's too young and his foundation is too shallow. He doesn't have enough manpower to carry out such a large-scale plan, so we have no choice but to step in." Zhao Fan hit the nail on the head, but then asked, "Is this all Aunt Sangzhi sees?"
Sang Zhi was slightly stunned: "Young Master, what you mean is..."
"Aunt, I'm afraid His Majesty the Han Dynasty doesn't even know about this Xiongnu contingent. How do you think the Second Prince found out?"
Sang Zhi suddenly realized something, and then her brows furrowed. "This Second Prince is indeed a bit strange. He knows too much."
Zhao Fan lowered his eyes and looked at the letter: "Then, aunt, do you think he knows my identity?
"If he didn't know, how could he have dared to reveal his plan, calculating that I would help him? Was it just because he promised that once he came to power, he would push me to the throne of Nanyue and conquer Minyue for me? If he knew..."
Zhao Fan paused, his eyes flickering, "Then he's probably not thinking of killing two birds with one stone, but three birds with one stone."
Sangzhi's whole body trembled.
Zhao Fan continued, "How could he tolerate the existence of a remnant of rebellion? According to the plan, the Crown Prince was dead, the Xiongnu was dead, and there would be no evidence. But we are still alive, and we are his greatest hidden danger."
"Do you think he's planning to wipe us out? Using us to kill the Crown Prince, and then destroying us along with the Huns. He probably wants to blame not only the Huns, but us as well."
Sangzhi's expression changed drastically, and she clenched her hands tightly, "We can't participate in this game."
"No." Zhao Fan's expression was firm. "It's a rare opportunity to take revenge. How can I not move?"
"Young Master, you knew this was a trap, so why did you still..."
Zhao Fan interrupted her first: "Aunt, we didn't know, that was the trap. We have seen his handiwork clearly, so there is no trap. Liu Hong has limited manpower, and if he wants to kill me, he can only take advantage of my ignorance. But if I am alert, he can't succeed.
"As long as I survive this round, it won't be so easy for Liu Hong to kill me again. I can lay out many back-up plans. If he wants to take action, he will have to consider whether he can simultaneously eliminate all the tricks I have left behind.
"As long as he's not absolutely certain, he won't act rashly. But we hold a fatal advantage over him. If he wants to succeed in his position and live a stable life, he must remain my ally and meet my demands."
What could be more beneficial to them than controlling the future "crown prince" of the Han Dynasty?
He certainly knew the risks were great, but the rewards were also huge, weren't they? No matter how smart Liu Hong was, he was still just a child. His own abilities and methods were not bad either. It all depended on who could prevail.
Zhao Fan took the letter from Sang Zhi's hand, placed it on the candle flame, and watched it burn out. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.
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