Chapter 74
After this incident, Liu Ju felt a little depressed and had lost interest in traveling incognito. It was getting late, so he simply set off for the palace after lunch.
Liu Che looked over with amusement. "Just because a father and daughter are trying to climb the social ladder, is it worth your bad mood? Do you think I'm so stupid that I can't even see through this trick?"
Liu Ju's eyes were subtle: "You are not stupid, but you are good at pretending to be stupid."
Liu Che: ...
The schemes of Gouyi and his daughter were not shrewd. But as Jiang Taigong fishes, those who are willing to take the bait will always be there. There are always those willing to play dumb and play along.
Liu Ju had no doubt about his father's intelligence; it was impossible for him to be fooled by such a trick. The historical situation mentioned in the barrage probably also occurred because of "the bliss of ignorance."
After all, I have a beautiful woman in my arms, so why bother about such details?
Liu Ju looked back at the teahouse that was gradually receding into the distance. "That girl is quite pretty. It's normal for her to want to seek wealth and status, unwilling to be trapped in the countryside. Especially since her family is now in charge of the teahouse business, they are used to seeing all kinds of customers, and naturally, they have also come into contact with many wealthy people.
"It's understandable that her feelings are growing deeper and deeper. If she had expressed them openly, or in some other way, I wouldn't have bothered to care. After all, it's a matter of willingness. Even if the emperor wanted to take her into the palace, it wouldn't matter. There are so many concubines in the palace, and she wouldn't be a big deal. Without her, there would be others."
Liu Che: ...Don’t you think you are being too direct?
It was indeed direct. But this was Liu Ju's true thought. He didn't care about Gouyi or Liu Fuling.
Liu Che's expression was complicated. "How do you know their thoughts are only on me? When the old man made his request, he knelt down to you and me, and his words were referring to the two guests."
Liu Ju: ???
What does that mean? Could it be him? He thinks his father has gone crazy.
"I'm only ten, or eleven if you consider my age. That girl looks four or five years older than me. I'm obviously just a bystander. Adding me to the mix will make their purpose less obvious."
Liu Che scoffed, "She's only four or five years old. Isn't there a huge difference between me and that girl?"
“How come they are the same!”
Just like what the commentator said, an 18-year-old can be with an 80-year-old, but an 18-year-old cannot be with an 8-year-old. It's not nice to say that an old cow eats young grass, but pedophilia and targeting minors is inhumane!
Even if the big man got married early, he is still a little young.
Liu Che laughed: "You are not suitable now, but that doesn't mean it won't be suitable in a few years. She can take this opportunity to stay by your side as a maid, take care of you, and cultivate some friendship with you. After a few years, when you grow up and understand the world, it will be natural for her to serve you.
"Did you see the brother and sister at the next table? From what the sister said, I can tell that the old man and his daughter had told them the same mystifying story. The boy is also slightly younger than the old man's daughter.
"However, looking at the other guests, some who were more in line with his age seemed unaware of this. It seems that they were not selecting people based on age, but on status.
"Even without revealing our identities, we can already guess they are extraordinary. The siblings must also be from an official family, and their elders hold high positions. I just don't know which noble's children they are."
Liu Ju:!!!
He was shocked, but he also felt that Liu Che was right. He was of high status, so he should seize this opportunity and follow him until he grew up. This... this was very possible!
Liu Ju opened his eyes wide, feeling as if the door to a new world had inexplicably opened.
Liu Che raised his eyebrows: "If you don't see this, why are you so angry?"
Liu Ju was speechless: "I am unhappy because he used the alchemist as an excuse."
Alchemist...
Liu Che paused and looked away guiltily.
Speaking of this, we have to mention the "cause".
In light of the headaches Liu Ju suffered from his "adventure," Emperor Wu of Han sought out skilled alchemists throughout the land. Over the years, he found several. Two years ago, one possessed considerable skills and offered a "pill" he claimed could cure difficult ailments and prolong his life.
To be on the safe side, Liu Che tested the poison with a silver needle and had someone take it himself. After waiting for several days, nothing happened. Then he called Liu Ju to come and ask the alchemist to see him, hoping that the alchemist's elixir or magic could solve his headache.
Unexpectedly, when Liu Ju saw the elixir, he became furious and raged, talking about the harmful effects of the elixir. But Liu Che had clearly tried it with various methods, so how could it be harmful?
The alchemist also argued with reason.
Liu Ju immediately ordered his guards to restrain him and feed him the pills directly, and had someone watch him take them daily. Within a few months, the man was bedridden, emaciated, and beyond recovery.
Thinking of this, Liu Che still has lingering fears, and dares not imagine what would have happened if Liu Ju had really eaten it. Therefore, whenever he mentioned this matter, Liu Che felt very guilty.
He almost killed Liu Ju.
How dare the audacious alchemist deceive him! Liu Che was furious at the time, but he only felt that this alchemist was not good, not that all alchemists in the world were "fake".
Liu Ju tried very hard but failed to completely change his superstitious ideas, so he could only use superstition to fight superstition.
It is said that the magic of immortals cannot be used in the mortal world. The so-called "magic" is all a trick used by alchemists to pretend to be gods and deceive others. He also takes over all the alchemists he finds, claiming that he is the one who has truly seen the "fairyland" and his words are the most convincing.
The road to dispelling superstition and seeking scientific truth was already so long and arduous, how could Liu Ju allow others to use the name of alchemists and the way of metaphysics to pursue their own selfish desires under his nose? Especially in front of his father, the emperor?
Even if Liu Che could see through the Zhao family's father and daughter's tricks, as long as he could enter the palace with Gouyi, the "legendary story" would spread widely and many people would believe it. And by then, would his father be swayed by the "alchemist" again?
Liu Ju would not allow it, absolutely not!
He glanced at Liu Che, who turned his head away, avoiding his gaze. Liu Ju rolled his eyes speechlessly and let the matter pass. After all, while his father had shown some lust today, he hadn't done anything wrong, so there was no need to bring up the past.
When the father and son reached the city, Liu Ju spoke again: "Father, please return to the palace first."
What does this mean?
Liu Che paused: "You're not going back?"
"No hurry, it's not too late, and there's nothing else to do. I'll go see my elder sister first."
Liu Che thought for a moment and immediately turned his horse around: "Let's go together. I have nothing else to do."
Liu Ju: ...
He still wanted to say something private to his elder sister, but forget it, it would be the same if he talked about it another day.
The father and son came to Princess Wei Chang's mansion.
At this time, the chief of guards had already married Cao Xiang and was pregnant. Upon hearing the news, she went to greet him at the door. Just as she was about to bow and salute, Liu Che stopped her, saying, "You are in a heavy state now. All these formalities are unnecessary."
When the three of them entered, the captain of the guards had already asked the maid to prepare fruits and snacks and kept them chatting.
Liu Ju glanced around and asked, "Why isn't my brother-in-law here?"
"I didn't know you and the Emperor were coming, so your brother-in-law went out to visit friends. If I had known you were coming, I would have sent someone to find him. But now he's out with some of the young masters of the Xiahou family, and I don't know where he's gone."
Liu Ju frowned: "You are now in a relationship, why doesn't he accompany you and run around everywhere?"
"Of course I won't. He accompanies me every day, but he can't be with me for twelve hours. He doesn't find it annoying, but I do." The guard joked, "Didn't you say that couples should have personal space?"
Liu Ju: ...
This… this is what he had said. At the time, Wei Chang and Cao Xiang were newlyweds, and Cao Xiang wanted nothing more than to be with Wei Chang all the time. Liu Ju was furious, and deliberately used this remark to taunt Cao Xiang. Unexpectedly, today, his sister would return the favor.
Oh, all right. As long as my sister is happy.
Liu Che, however, was thinking of something: "The Xiahou family? Xiahou Po, Marquis of Ruyin?"
"yes."
"Has Cao Xiang been in frequent contact with his family recently?"
"Not particularly frequently, but there have been a few times. There's also the Zhou family of Pingquhou, the Tian family of Zhouyanghou, and so on. But the Xiahou family has definitely received the most invitations and been the most proactive in interacting with us."
Liu Che understood: "The main lord is showing his courtesy to my sister, and then letting his own nephews befriend Cao Xiang and follow Cao Xiang's path. This is a two-pronged approach. It's a beautiful idea."
The words were plain, and seemed to carry a hint of displeasure.
Liu Ju was stunned.
Sister? Father's sister? Cao Xiangluo?
He frowned and looked at the guard captain in confusion: "Do they have something to ask Aunt Pingyang? If so, Aunt Pingyang shouldn't be the only one who can solve it. Asking you, wouldn't it be the same as asking Third Sister? Have they bothered you?"
The guard chief laughed: "No. They did ask for help, but not for a favor, but for a marriage."
Liu Ju was even more puzzled: "Marriage? Aunt Pingyang only has one son, my brother-in-law, and he's already married to you."
The captain's smile widened a little, and he pursed his lips without saying anything.
Liu Che gently tapped him and said, "You are really stupid. It's your Aunt Pingyang."
Liu Ju: Ah?
The guard said, "You also know that Aunt Pingyang has been a widow for many years."
Liu Ju nodded.
"Many widows in the common people remarry, let alone princesses of the royal family. Aunt Pingyang is also my father's elder sister. No matter how old she is, as long as she is willing, she will have no trouble finding a husband.
"In the first year or two of her widowhood, my father wanted to find another husband for her, but she refused. My uncle had passed away not long ago, and they had lived in harmony and treated each other with respect.
"My aunt had feelings for him, and she was heartbroken, but she had no intention of this matter. Later, my aunt gradually came out of the haze, and she felt pity for Cao Xiang, as she was the only blood between her and my uncle. She felt that Cao Xiang was still young, and she was afraid that she would remarry. Although Cao Xiang could understand and support her, she could not help feeling disappointed.
"Now that Cao Xiang has grown up, made great contributions on the battlefield, and married me, she has everything she needs to start a family and build a career. It's time for her to consider her own affairs.
"Well, ever since this idea got out, there have been many people taking action."
Liu Ju understood what was going on and asked Liu Che, "Aunt, are you interested in the Xiahou family?"
Otherwise, even if the Xiahou family invited the most, they would still have to be willing to accept the invitation and give it a chance. Cousin Cao Xiang was not the kind of person who would act on his own. At this time, his frequent interactions with the Xiahou family must have been motivated by Aunt Pingyang.
"I wouldn't say I'm interested, but I'll use their house for the time being."
Liu Ju was confused by this answer.
Aunt Pingyang didn't have to marry, and Liu Che didn't need to rely on his widowed sister's marriage to win over his ministers. In this case, it all depended on whether the aunt was happy or not.
If you don't like it, why would you have such an attitude, especially if it's just temporary use?
Why does it feel weird?
The guard's expression shifted slightly, and he guessed something. He smiled and said, "Don't ask about the elders' affairs. Auntie has her own ideas."
Liu Ju: ...Look at the tone of voice you use to fool a child. Tsk. If you don't want to listen, then don't listen. Haha.
He turned around and sighed again, "Come to think of it, it's been several years since my aunt passed away. How come there's been no movement from my uncle? Father, once Aunt Pingyang's matter is settled, shouldn't you also consider arranging a marriage for my uncle?"
Liu Che and Wei Chang froze at the same time, and almost at the same time, they looked sideways, their eyes looking at him with surprise, astonishment, and a little subtle complexity.
Liu Ju: ???
********
Princess Pingyang's Mansion.
As Cao Xiang poured water for Pingyang, he asked, "It seems that my mother is not very satisfied with the Marquis of Ruyin. Why did she go to the emperor and spread such rumors, and even let me make more friends with the Xiahou family?"
"I'm not asking you to make friends with every member of the Xiahou family. There are a few who are decent and talented. Just follow your heart and pick the ones that catch your eye. There's nothing wrong with having more friends to go horseback riding and outings with."
There's really nothing wrong with it.
but……
Cao Xiang wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Pingyang chuckled: "You don't want your mother to remarry?"
Cao Xiang quickly shook his head, "No. I only regret that I was young and ignorant and didn't ask my mother to remarry earlier. I wasted so many years of her life."
"Now that Mother has this idea, I'm so happy that I can't wait to be unwilling. I just... I just think that Mother can choose someone more satisfactory and don't have to settle."
"Do you think there's something wrong with the Xiahou family?"
"I don't see any problem at the moment. Regarding family background, Xiahou Po is the great-grandson of Xiahou Ying, a descendant of a founding hero, and comes from a prominent family. But my mother is a princess, and has always been close to my uncle, the Emperor. Even if her family background is higher than yours, marrying down would be a sign of inferiority."
"Only because he's been so busy lately and so attentive and considerate, I think he deserves a second point. But if Mother only wants someone with a good family background and who treats you attentively, he's not the only one. There are plenty of people to choose from. He's really nothing special."
Pingyang nodded.
That's right. Putting aside whether Xiahou Po was pretending or not, and what he was like in private, even if he was sincere, there was nothing special about him.
Pingyang felt that she was no longer a teenage girl and had long passed the age of romantic feelings.
Even as a young girl, mere attentiveness and consideration wasn't enough to impress her. It wasn't enough now. She wanted more now.
She is not someone who indulges in love, but she also does not want to have no feelings for her partner and only have a marriage alliance.
She didn't have to marry again, but if she did, the man would have to have extraordinary qualities that ordinary men couldn't match.
He must have dazzling grace, sufficient power, outstanding character, and be able to understand and stay with her.
Yes, she wanted it all, and wanted it, and wanted it more, so what! Could it be that Pingyang was not worthy?
Pingyang looked at Cao Xiang with a smile: "Mother knows what you mean. Don't worry, as long as Mother doesn't agree, this matter will not be settled. Mother knows what she is doing."
Cao Xiang was stunned: "Does mother have other ideas?"
Pingyang curled his lips. "Of course. Do you think mother would ever compromise herself? Mother never compromises. The person mother has her eyes on has never been Xiahou Po. Xiahou Po is far inferior and cannot be compared to him."
Is it too far behind? Incomparable?
Cao Xiang's expression flickered: "Who is it?"
Pingyang smiled. "It seems the commander didn't tell you. You're not as clever as he is in this regard. He must have guessed it, not only who it was, but also what I was going to do. But she's a junior, so it would be wise not to tell her. Things are still undecided, so we have to consider the elders' reputation."
"No need to ask. You'll know when you need to. If I keep you in the dark, then you don't need to know. If that's the case, knowing would only be embarrassing for you. It's better not to know. The Guardian probably thinks the same thing, so he's keeping it secret from you."
Cao Xiang: ...He believes he's not as clueless as Huo Qubing, but he certainly hadn't noticed anything before. It can only be said that Mother's thoughts are truly hidden.
But at this moment, his mother's words suddenly made him feel that something was not right.
What was it that someone couldn't say, that would be embarrassing to say it? And that would embarrass not only him, but also the Chief of Guards, His Majesty's beloved daughter?
"But there's something I want to tell you. I haven't remarried in all these years. I can't say it wasn't because of you, but it wasn't all because of you. Maybe it was in the beginning, but not later.
"My mother's unmarried status is exactly what you said, and she's unwilling to compromise. So there's no need to blame yourself for this.
"As for the Xiahou family's children, Mother did have a purpose in asking you to make friends with them. But you are not required to go. If you are willing, go. If you are not willing, it is fine."
Cao Xiang suppressed the doubts that were brewing in her heart and said politely, "As long as it can help Mother, why wouldn't I be unwilling? I wonder if there's anything else I can do to help Mother?"
Pingyang paused, thought for a moment, and said, "If you have time, please help me check Xiahou Po."
"good."
Pingyang smiled and said, "Now that we have said that, let's go back and spend more time with the Chief of Guards."
Cao Xiang nodded in agreement and stood up to say goodbye.
Pingyang was still sitting on the couch, gently playing with the water cup in his hand, his expression flickering.
In truth, she hadn't explained the details to Cao Xiang earlier. This suitable candidate had already appeared years before, not just now. However, his current status and position made it difficult to grant a marriage directly. Especially since she was seeking mutual consent, not forced acceptance.
Although she was interested in him, she didn't have to marry him. Why did she take such an action and make the situation awkward?
So she wanted the man to be willing and take the initiative to propose marriage. But if there was no opportunity, given his personality, it would probably never happen in this lifetime. In that case, she might as well give it a push.
If things can be accomplished, that would be the best. If not, there is no need to be obsessed with it. Just let it go.
It's not like Pingyang can't live without a man.
But Pingyang felt that she would win this game.
She didn't believe that the other party had no feelings for her.
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