Chapter 164 Not so unlucky as to be unlucky three times 76
It was a little over a month later that the basic structure of the State Temple was completed. Although only the main hall was fully built, the statues of the gods had already been formally moved in.
Liu Bang, as the reigning emperor, presided over the first sacrificial ceremony. Liu Bang's confidants, who were standing in front, had no objection to the female figure in the state temple, but were puzzled as to why the statue was blurry and lacked distinct features.
The ministers who had never seen the 'Han' were simply curious about who this deity was and why he received such special treatment from His Majesty.
Liu Bang stood at the front and solemnly offered incense, while Lü Zhi handed the imperial edict written by Liu Bang to Zhang Liang, who was closest to her, indicating that he should read it through.
Those maps are still in her hands. As important strategic resources, they are not easily shown to others, even though most of the people standing here hold high positions in the court.
After they had read through the imperial edict and were secretly astonished, Liu Bang had already completed the necessary sacrificial rites and was now proceeding to the final step, loudly praying for protection: "I, Bang, pray for the protection of the Great Han, for the protection of the people of the northern frontier, and for the certain victory in this battle!"
Half of the ministers were filled with question marks. No, isn't this word a bit off? Shouldn't they be praying to Heaven to protect the Han Dynasty, or praying to this nameless goddess to protect the Han Dynasty?
Because of their doubts, some people were a beat slow. As Liu Bang led the people in front of him down to pay their respects, they were still thinking about how to make up for the mistakes in the sacrifice. They just happened to see their emperor receiving the imperial edict and a rolled-up scroll-like object from the empress. After these objects were held high with both hands, they suddenly disappeared.
The disappearance was completely unexpected. Those who were slow to react opened their eyes wide, but dared not hesitate any longer. They hurriedly followed suit and bowed down, but their doubts only increased.
They were certain they weren't seeing things; they had witnessed firsthand the disappearance of a massive amount of stuff that couldn't possibly be hidden.
Unfortunately, after the event, Liu Bang dismissed them when they tried to ask questions. Those who knew the inside story didn't think much of it, while those who didn't know the inside story couldn't get into the inner circle for the time being.
Even when they tried to get close to the 'insiders,' they only received mysterious smiles without saying a word.
They could only huddle together for warmth. After verifying their identities, they were astonished to find that most of them had seen it, and no matter from which angle they looked, those things had vanished into thin air.
At this time, people have a strong sense of awe for the unknown, and they can easily recall the legends about their emperor before he became emperor, such as slaying the white snake and the auspicious omens that helped them when they were besieged.
Looking back at the name of the temple and the memorial tablets enshrined there, one can see the temple's name and the memorial tablets enshrined within.
They, the great Han people, have a spirit! This country has come back to life.
The crowd dispersed, each with their own agendas. The more honest ones focused on working hard and being honest officials, since there were truly spirits watching from above.
Those who were dishonest before but now want to be honest have anonymously written to their allies telling them not to contact them anymore. They said that it was their mistake to want to rebel before, and now they just want to be honest people and serve as Han officials.
Many more people were observing. They had read the contents of the imperial edict, which simply stated that some important maps and military deployments had been obtained.
The disappearance of something doesn't necessarily mean anything; we can wait and see.
The only traitorous spy was overjoyed and wrote down what he had seen, then passed it on.
Previously, most of the information he obtained was not worth the risk, but this time was different. He smiled disdainfully, thinking that the Han emperor was truly foolish.
As for the mysterious disappearance, he scoffed. As for the methods, who in their class didn't know who was who?
…………
That night, candles were lit in the palace, and the spacious interior was brightly lit, though these candles would not normally illuminate the entire palace.
Having just established the kingdom and having endured numerous wars, Empress Lü Zhi managed all affairs within the palace, minimizing expenses wherever possible.
The palace is so bright today because of 'Han' here. She casually conjured two orbs of light, which made the palace several degrees brighter.
The two leaders were discussing which rebellion to quell first after securing the northern border, when suddenly the Han leader paused and changed the subject:
What do you think?
Han casually tossed the item onto the low table. Liu Bang picked up the secret letter and read it word by word, only half understanding it.
During the Warring States period and even the pre-Qin period, the region with the most exchanges with the grasslands was the former Zhao state. It was perfectly normal for the Xiongnu people to use the script that had been introduced from the former Zhao state.
Unfortunately, he wasn't a linguistic genius and couldn't possibly understand all seven languages. Among these similar but different languages, he was most proficient in the language of the former Chu state and the unified written language used after the First Emperor unified China.
Now that he's used it for a long time, he definitely finds the unified written text more pleasing to the eye.
"Spies have infiltrated Xianyang City." Liu Bang said something seemingly pointless, but quickly added something useful, "Looking at what's written on it, it's from the edict I wrote a few days ago. It should be sent north, right?"
His edict had already been sent through the State Temple and appeared on the table in the main hall of the northern temple. Meng Tian had obtained it, and by the time the letter arrived, he felt that the war was almost over.
"Since that's the case, let's turn the tables and let them deliver it. It'll be a good opportunity to see who these traitors are."
Once again feeling both regretful and relieved that the Han dynasty couldn't read minds, Liu Bang thought with a light heart: "Isn't this just handing them over to me to capture? They're not very capable."
'Han' raised his fingertip and tapped the table. The secret letter disappeared on the spot, and a black curtain as flat as a bronze mirror appeared between the two of them. Soon, a picture appeared: people riding horses and traveling through the night.
"Bang will send someone to keep an eye on it."
“Good,” Han nodded in agreement, then brought up the region about to rebel, “Who do you plan to appoint as the commander-in-chief?”
"For now, I plan to make Fan Kuai the commander-in-chief," Liu Bang paused, then added another person, "When we were trying to assassinate Xiang Yu two years ago, we discovered a talented person who showed his abilities in just one year. However, he still needs more experience. This time, I'll let him follow Fan Kuai and give him a few more experiences. He'll become a fierce general."
As for who it was, 'Han' had already guessed it: it was Han Xin.
Due to the rapid shortening of the war, he was not yet at the level of being enfeoffed as a marquis or king when he founded the country; he was still a junior general who needed to work hard.
Liu Bang appreciated capable people and intended to cultivate them, which is why he arranged for Fan Kuai to lead the group.
Han nodded, not caring who Liu Bang specifically assigned. She was just concerned that Liu Bang wouldn't forget the important matters. She wouldn't care who he promoted. According to her, they were all subjects of the Han Dynasty, all her children, and whoever was outstanding was still her child.
Anyone can be outstanding, but we can't do without them.
Her role was simply to remind Liu Bang when he became overconfident and arrogant: "Just keep your head in mind, lest it turn into a battle to defend Xianyang."
Liu Bang panicked and immediately assured him, "That's definitely not possible!"
"Fan Kuai has been with me since his early years and is a master of military campaigns. Although Han Xin has not been employed for long, he is also very outstanding..."
He recounted the two men's outstanding qualities as if they were his own treasures, whether to reassure Han or to put his own mind at ease, it was unclear.
Ultimately, as it was his first time as emperor, he was afraid of dying on the way. He hadn't yet passed the throne to the second emperor, and the dynasty couldn't die in his hands.
It doesn't matter who the ruler of a fallen kingdom is, but it cannot be him.
...Well, it can't be his son, and it can't be his grandson either.
It should be passed down for at least three generations, otherwise it would be too embarrassing.
If he dies too quickly, the Han people will remember him forever, and even as a ghost, they won't let him go...
"Han" said quietly, "What treasonous things are you thinking about?"
Liu Bang put on his standard smile and sat up straight, looking very obedient: "No, I'm just thinking about what to eat for lunch tomorrow."
Liu Bang quickly changed the subject, carrying a pile of documents and saying that he was going to work hard for the Han Dynasty. He then slipped away from the main hall, feeling completely relieved.
Why don't we go see Ruyi today? He really adores his youngest son.
Thinking this, Liu Bang turned and went to Consort Qi's palace. As he walked away, he naturally did not see the empress who entered the palace after him.
Empress Lü did not come alone; she was also carrying her youngest daughter, Liu Ya.
“E’e’s mother has been well received.” They had a good relationship, and ever since she learned of the true identity of the ‘Han’, Lü Zhi had started calling her mother.
Han, of course, did not refuse, but this matter could not be told to Liu Bang, lest he discover that he had been demoted in rank by generation compared to his wife.
'Han': 'You brought her here because you found she's no different from you?'
Lü Zhi nodded in agreement: "Last time I happened to see you visiting Yuan'er and Ya'er. Yuan'er is my first child, and I know how talented she is. She was not supposed to meet you, but she later said that when she was holding her younger sister, she happened to see a distinguished person."
"Court officials need His Majesty's permission to see you, and they also need to be by his side, in close proximity, and have some contact with him."
"Does E'xu know if this is because of Ya'er?"
Three members of the family could see her independently, but Liu Bang didn't know that; he currently thought he was the only one who was special.
Han looked at Lü Zhi, smiled and nodded: "She may have been born special. You can try to teach her more."
Princess Lu Yuan was strong-willed, capable, and kind, but she was overly protective of her younger brother, perhaps a habit formed from their mutual dependence during the war. As for Liu Ying... she once commented that overly kind people are not suitable to be emperors.
She thought that Lü Zhi now had three children and had already ruined two accounts, so she couldn't be unlucky enough to suffer a third time.
If she really does have bad luck a third time, she'll have an excuse to make, like the child has grown up and lost his talent. The story of Zhong Yong, who failed to live up to his potential, is actually quite common throughout history.
Empress Lü solemnly agreed: "I will certainly teach her well." This is the way of a ruler.
She already regretted hiring such a gentlemanly tutor for her daughter and son back then. It was also her fault for being so busy with her complicated work and focused on consolidating her hard-won empire that she neglected this point. Fortunately, she was still young and had the opportunity to bring out a suitable successor.
Having already reached this position, a true gentleman probably wouldn't survive.
"Mother, does he know about this?"
Han knew who Lü Zhi was asking about and guessed her concerns: "I didn't tell him on my own initiative."
Liu Bang knew that, given his personality and age, she probably wouldn't be wary of his own daughter; it was just that this wasn't the best time. Sometimes, the timing of your moves is also very important.
'Han': 'Since you're so worried, why not have another one just in case?'
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