Since Lü Bu and his men entered the Imperial Guard Camp, Liu Hong has been keeping a close eye on their movements.
The main reason Liu Hong summoned the border army officers to the capital was not only to train and educate them, but also to use the young men of the Imperial Guard to intimidate them and prevent them from having any improper thoughts.
Early that morning, seeing that he didn't have much official business to attend to, Liu Hong ordered all of it to be sent to the Ministry of Personnel and handed over to Tian Feng and others to handle. He then changed into casual clothes and prepared to go out of the palace for a stroll to relax.
Soon, Wang Yue arrived at Deyang Palace with ten elite guards, and the group left the palace quietly.
Walking down the street, Wang Yue asked, "Young master, where are we going?"
Liu Hong thought for a moment and said, "Hmm, let's go to the Cai residence first!"
After saying this, the group headed towards Cai Yong's residence.
Having not seen Lü Zhen for several days, Liu Hong missed her quite a bit, and he was in a very pleasant mood as he walked.
Before long, the group arrived at the gate of the Cai residence, and Wang Yue stepped forward and knocked on the gate.
Who is it?
As soon as a question was asked, the gate of the Cai residence opened, and a middle-aged man of about forty years old walked out.
"What's going on here, everyone??"
Upon seeing Wang Yue in front of the gate, Liu Hong behind him, and the burly guard, the gatekeeper of the Cai residence was slightly taken aback.
Wang Yue stepped forward and said politely, "I am Wang Yue, a General of the Imperial Guards, and I have come to pay my respects to Mr. Bojie!"
"So it's General Wang! This humble one greets you!"
The doorman was quite quick-witted. Upon learning Wang Yue's identity, he immediately bowed and greeted Liu Hong behind him.
Liu Hong nodded, his gaze sweeping into the mansion: "Is Dr. Cai here?"
The gatekeeper respectfully replied, "Young master, the head of the family is currently in the study in the backyard, teaching the little princess and young lady!"
"Alright, let's go in and take a look!"
As he spoke, Liu Hong lifted his leg and walked into the mansion, with the gatekeeper bowing and leading the way.
The group passed through the front hall, turned into a gallery, and as they approached the study, they heard the sound of a piano coming from inside.
The music was cheerful and pleasant, like birds chirping merrily in the forest. It was so delightful that Liu Hong stopped and listened with his eyes closed.
A moment later, the music stopped abruptly, and Liu Hong couldn't help but open his eyes.
Upon seeing this, the gatekeeper apologized to Liu Hong, then quickly pushed open the door and went inside to report.
Soon, Cai Yong, looking anxious, led Lü Zhen and his beloved daughter Cai Yan out. Upon seeing Liu Hong, Cai Yong hurriedly bowed in greeting.
"Your Majesty, I, Cai Yong, pay my respects. I was unaware of Your Majesty's esteemed presence and was unable to greet you properly. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"
"Greetings, young master!"
Cai Yan and Lü Zhen, who were behind, also bowed respectfully, just like Cai Yong.
Liu Hong quickly stepped forward and helped Cai Yong up, saying with a smile, "I am only traveling incognito this time, so there's no need for you to be so polite, Cai Qing!"
Cai Yong said respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty! Please come to the study and take a seat!"
"good!!"
Liu Hong nodded, and then, guided by Cai Yong, walked into the study.
Although Lü Zhen was delighted to see Liu Hong, she remained respectful and obediently followed behind Cai Yong, having been instructed by him over the past few days.
After entering the study, the emperor and his minister sat facing each other, while Cai Yan and Lü Zhen stood obediently beside Cai Yong.
Liu Hong looked at Cai Yong and smiled, "Just now, I heard a beautiful zither tune outside my room. The music was cheerful and light, and it was a rare masterpiece. I wonder if it was a new composition by Minister Cai?"
Upon hearing Liu Hong's praise, Cai Yan, who was standing behind Cai Yong, was moved and felt a sense of kinship. She opened her bright eyes and looked at Liu Hong, momentarily lost in thought.
Cai Yong shook his head slightly: "The piece I just heard was composed by my daughter, and the player was also my daughter!"
"oh?"
Liu Hong was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but turn his head to look at the exquisitely beautiful girl behind Cai Yong.
Cai Yan, who was looking at Liu Hong, noticed that Liu Hong had turned to look at her, and quickly lowered her head.
Looking at this talented woman who would be famous for generations to come, and recalling her tragic fate, Liu Hong couldn't help but sigh, and a touch of gentleness appeared in his eyes.
Liu Hong then praised, "Dr. Cai is truly blessed. Your daughter is so talented at such a young age. She will surely become a renowned woman of talent in the Han Dynasty!"
Cai Yong was delighted to hear this and said with a smile, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. I only hope that she can be safe and happy, and I have no other requests!"
Hearing Liu Hong praise her so highly, Cai Yan, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. She unconsciously raised her head and secretly sized up the handsome young emperor.
Although he noticed Cai Yan's subtle actions, he didn't think much of it.
After all, it's perfectly normal for a seven-year-old girl to feel happy when others praise her.
Liu Hong simply smiled and nodded at Cai Yan, then waved to Lü Zhen.
"Zhen'er, come here!!"
"Um!"
Seeing this, Lü Zhen no longer held back and happily moved closer to Liu Hong.
Liu Hong then took Lü Zhen's small hand and looked at Cai Yong, asking, "Minister Cai, how was Zhen'er's study today?"
Cai Yong glanced at Lü Zhen, then smiled and said, "Mingji is very intelligent, she understands things very quickly, and she is also well-behaved and sensible. Now she can even recite the simple Thousand Character Classic!"
Cai Yong now greatly admires Lü Zhen and is full of praise for her.
"That's good!" Liu Hong nodded in satisfaction, then said, "I rarely leave the palace today, and I'd like to take Zhen'er out for a day of fun. Is that alright...?"
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