114 Red Plum Blossoms Reflecting the Snow
◎Huo Yan: There is snow in Chang'an.◎
In late autumn, Chang'an, the morning light was dim, yet already carrying a biting chill. The tall pear trees in the courtyard had almost all lost their yellow leaves, their bare branches stretching out against the gray sky. Birds left their nests, making subtle, crisp noises. Winter had arrived, and the weather in Chang'an was truly bleak. Huo Yan gazed at the sky, wrapped himself tightly in his dark brocade fur coat, and paused briefly in the corridor, waiting for the servants to harness the four horses and carriage long ago before stepping out of the mansion with steady steps.
He had just carefully examined Huo Qubing's injuries and found them to be much better, so he felt relieved to go out.
He closed the door of his mansion for two consecutive days, keeping the worried relatives of the Wei and Liu families out.
When the news of Liu Che vomiting blood and fainting at his door spread, the whole city was already in an uproar.
At this moment, the door was wide open, and as expected, there was a crowd of servants in front of the mansion who were sent by various mansions to inquire about the news. They were holding gift boxes in their hands, with concerns and temptations.
Huo Yan's face was as calm as water. He ignored the noise around him and just nodded slightly to signal the driver to set off.
The curtains were drawn, blocking out the prying eyes and the early winter chill.
“Those people were driven away.”
The waiter responded, and the wheels of the carriage rolled over the frosted bluestone road, making a rumbling sound as they headed towards the Weiyang Palace. He knew full well that the center of the storm in Chang'an City was not the Huo Mansion at the moment, but the towering palace.
Emperor Liu Che also fell ill.
Front Hall of Weiyang Palace
The emperor is seriously ill, and today's small court meeting will be presided over by General Wei Qing.
Inside the spacious Xuanshi Hall, a copper furnace burned with fine animal charcoal, dispelling some of the chill, but unable to dispel the solemnity that permeated the gathering of important officials. Everyone was filled with doubt and uncertainty, secretly speculating on what had transpired between Wei Huo and His Majesty, but no one dared to ask, no one dared to risk bad luck.
Wei Qing was busy tending to the sick, comforting the emperor, and struggling between the emperor and his nephew. Even he could not hide the fatigue between his brows, and the dark shadows under his eyes were clearly visible.
However, when that familiar crimson figure appeared in the light and shadow, Wei Qing's dull eyes instantly lit up, and he almost subconsciously rushed forward to meet it. Following closely behind him, General Wei Guang also looked excited.
Huo Yan walked calmly, approaching the palace amidst the ministers' inquiring and awed gazes. He had no intention of worrying his family, and his usual, gentle, warm smile played across his lips. He extended his arm and firmly supported Wei Qing's trembling arm. The young man's attire remained resplendent, his hair tied with a jade crown, his waist wrapped in a golden belt, and his deep crimson robe accentuating his fair complexion. He bowed his head slightly, his voice clear and gentle, with just the right hint of apology, "Uncle, when my brother was in danger that day, Ah Yan's words and actions offended you. I hope you won't take it to heart."
How could Wei Qing blame him? He only felt relieved and scared for surviving the disaster.
He gripped Huo Yan's hand tightly, his rough, large hand carrying the strength of a military commander, as if to confirm the person before him through the touch. He studied Huo Yan's face carefully, tears glistening in his eyes, his voice choking. "Good boy...good boy! How is Qubing? He...he..." Wei Qing raised his hand, gently stroking Huo Yan's smooth hair with the kindness of an elder. "Uncle, can you go see him tonight?"
Huo Yan's smile deepened. He gently patted the back of Wei Qing's hand with his backhand and said soothingly, "Okay, uncle, you'll be overjoyed. You're fine now, you just need to rest. I'll definitely take good care of you." He paused, then added, "But right now, I'm afraid you'll have to bear a little longer. I've already reviewed his batch of important military documents overnight, and the briefing has been sent to your desk."
He raised his eyes, and his clear almond-shaped eyes were filled with sincere concern and admiration, enough to soothe any anxious heart.
Wei Qing nodded repeatedly, his throat rolling, and said, "Okay...Okay! Leave it to uncle."
The court meeting ended in an atmosphere of tacit repression.
When the court was dismissed, the uncle and nephew exchanged a few more whispered words before Wei Qing, supported by Wei Guang, slowly left. Watching the backs of Huo Yan and Sang Hongyang, side by side, gradually fading into the grayish-white morning mist, Wei Qing finally let out the tears he had been holding back. Beside him, Wei Guang's eyes welled up as well.
"It's okay, it's okay, let's go see the disease."
Even if one has a heart made of iron, he cannot help but worry about his loved ones, and the general's heart is not made of iron.
Wei Qing shook his head and pointed to the sky.
He wants to talk to His Majesty and reassure him.
On the palace road, the young man was so nimble that Sang Hongyang could not catch up with him. It was rare for him to lag behind Huo Yan by half a step. Thinking of what Huo Yan had asked not to let the general know, he felt quite uneasy.
"Ah Yan, have you looked at the Jiaodong Salt and Iron Revenue Booklet?"
After seeing Huo Yan's frail appearance a few days ago, he was afraid. Seeing Huo Yan's expressionless face, Sang Hongyang felt even more guilty, secretly wondering what he could say to get away with it.
Huo Yan glanced at him and naturally knew what this shrewd "Grand Minister of Agriculture" was thinking, but he didn't want to pursue it at the moment. When he reached the double-story road outside the palace gate, the cold wind suddenly became fierce and hit his face.
Huo Yan pulled his fur collar closer, looked at the leaden sky in the distance, and spoke casually, "Foster father, what do you think of the Changping warehouse I set up in Jiaodong?"
He could hide it from others in the Changping Warehouse of Jiaodong, but how could he hide it from the Sang Pi Xiu who was in charge of the empire's money and grain, and only took in money but never gave it out?
Sure enough, Sang Hongyang's face immediately fell.
In his opinion, the idea of using the Changping Warehouse reserves to stabilize grain prices was a brilliant idea, which could effectively curb the temporary food shortage problem caused by the state-run salt and iron industry for the aristocracy. However, the low or even interest-free interest rate was just putting the country's money into the hands of the people.
"No!" He refused flatly, then changed his tone to a serious one, "Ah Yan, you are a noble relative among the nobles of the Han Dynasty, your status is so noble. You should look up. The money in the world belongs to His Majesty. Those people below are just dust and mud, why do you lower yourself to get involved? You want to work on improving farm tools. I can give you the iron ore equally, as much as you want. I should also talk to His Majesty about the Changping Warehouse. As for other matters, please let it go."
Every word he said was about "cherishing", for he was afraid that this adopted son with a bright future would make a mistake and ruin his own future due to his unwarranted kindness.
"Respecting Heaven and humbly observing the Earth is human nature. How can you not understand this?" He sighed, trying to soften Huo Yan's tone. "You are young and distinguished, with a bright future and a glorious future, but you are always too stubborn, which makes me worry. Don't do such rebellious things again in the future."
Huo Yan's eyelashes drooped slightly upon hearing this. He didn't argue, but simply nodded obediently. "Thank you, foster father. I'll do anything for you. I still have some spare money, so I'll just do it in Jiaodong."
As soon as he said this, Sang Hongyang sighed.
He didn't understand why Huo Yan and Huo Qubing, who were born into the emperor's family, cherished those insignificant common people and soldiers so much that they even did not hesitate to argue with His Majesty.
But Huo Yan at least listened to his advice, and he didn't want to delve into it. He just hoped that Huo Yan would suffer a setback because of this matter so that he could enjoy his supreme honor.
His sighs mingled with the chill wind, muffled by his warm fur coat. Huo Yan then turned to Sang Hongyang, discussing several other specific matters concerning the salt and iron industry, as if his previous proposal had truly been a spur-of-the-moment whim. His sudden, perverse change of attitude made Sang Hongyang somewhat uncomfortable, but he then considered it merely due to Huo Qubing's continued illness and Huo Yan's exhaustion, and so Huo Yan behaved well.
Huo Yan took the opportunity to ask about the military rations corruption case that had been mentioned at the court meeting this morning. It wasn't a matter directly related to his duties, so he didn't know much about it. However, it had been mentioned several times today, so he had heard about it and was keenly aware of the complexities involved.
Sang Hongyang was in charge of finances and grain, and the preparation of rations was one of his core responsibilities. When this case broke out, he bore the brunt of the consequences. The moment Huo Yangang mentioned this, Sang Hongyang's face turned bitter. With anyone else, the old fox would have said nothing, but to this close adopted son and longtime partner, Sang Hongyang, a man who never held back, lowered his voice and unpacked the entire story, sprinkling in curses and slang.
"It's still that damned Liu Ling and the Prince of Huainan who left behind this evil! When you were away at war, wasn't that swordsman named Lei Bei practicing swordsmanship with Your Majesty in the palace? Who could have known that he harbored such evil intentions and suddenly launched an assassination attack? If Your Majesty hadn't been so agile, the consequences would have been disastrous! Your Majesty was furious and ordered a thorough investigation into who Lei Bei had come into contact with during his lifetime. This investigation..."
Sang Hongyang spat heavily, "... Pulling out the radish brings out the dirt! Many of the general's trusted generals lost their rewards and even their lives because of this! Later, the case got bigger and bigger, involving more and more people, and it even led to the case of embezzlement of food and fodder for your expedition! The Chief Justice Zhang Tang had originally not intended to bypass the general and investigate deeper into the military, but some bastards were so greedy! They even dared to replace the food and fodder issued to the conscripted laborers with moldy grain mixed with sand and stones! Many laborers starved to death, and that's not all. The most hateful thing is that even the fodder for the war horses was withheld! Many war horses simply couldn't get enough to eat on the battlefield! War horses are so precious!"
Yes, horses are more valuable than people. Zhang Tang would not check if the war horse was not dead.
Huo Yan's brows suddenly furrowed. "I also joined the army in the battle, how could I not have noticed this?"
The Guanyin on the wall, who had always appeared calm, suddenly seemed to have a temper, with a look of hostility between her brows.
Sang Hongyang, hearing this, seemed to have heard a hilariously absurd joke. He burst into laughter, disregarding the occasion or his expression, drawing the attention of the guards in the distance. He patted Huo Yan's shoulder and said in a low voice, "Silly boy! You're only there because those people are tired of living! If you suffer any loss, or if it affects the battle situation..."
A fierce glint flashed in Sang Hongyang's eyes. "Then we won't investigate this step-by-step like we are doing now! Your Majesty's wrath will cost millions of lives! General, you, and Qubing, as long as those idiots are not completely foolish, who would dare to touch a single ounce of the food and fodder we supply you?"
Before he had finished speaking, the snow in Chang'an came suddenly and violently. What had been fine snowflakes a moment before suddenly turned into heavy snowflakes, fluttering down in a flurry, covering the red walls and green tiles, and whitening the palaces and pavilions.
Snow fell on the shoulders of Huo Yan and Sang Hongyang.
No one dares to mess with Wei Huo, and Huo Yan has a bright future.
But what about those civilians who were buried in the northern desert?
Huo Yan didn't know whether to laugh or not. Finally, he said, "I never thought that in just a few years, I would become a nobleman, making people afraid to attack me."
He bowed slightly to Sang Hongyang, then said no more, turned around and stepped into the increasingly fierce wind and snow outside the hall.
[Respecting Heaven and despising Earth is human nature. People are driven by profit and seek it out to avoid harm.]
[A horse is more valuable than a human being. It's not your fault, so don't worry about it.]
[Ah Yan! It's not your fault for not noticing.]
…
Under the high rank, the scarlet official robe was as bright as a solidified bloodstain against the all-white background, or like a red thread left on the snow, lonely and glaring.
Huo Yan chuckled. "How could you be so sentimental, sick, and melancholic? I only thought there would be snow this year, but I didn't know how deep it was. I must first instruct the wine ministers of all regions to make sure the people's houses are not damaged, and to prepare paper clothes so that the people will not suffer any more. My caravan will leave for the Western Regions in the spring of next year."
"Maybe we can bring back some cotton."
He smiled, still the same as before.
"Winter is here, and spring will soon follow. Can I not, even if I spend my whole life in poverty, bring peace and order to the world?"
"Look down on me."
[Woo woo woo, how is this possible!]
[Long crying is not as good as long singing!]
[If you want to do extraordinary things, you must have a heart as hard as stone and eyes as clear as a mirror.]
[Is this the charm of Ah Yan?]
[Sorry, I've been bewitched.]
On the high level, Sang Hongyang looked at the crimson figure that resolutely blended into the wind and snow, sighed helplessly, and said in a complicated tone, "Young people... are still young people after all..."
On the stone-paved road, the thin snow was quickly crushed into mud by the ruts of the wheels and the horses' hooves. The Huo family's carriage struggled forward in the wind and snow.
In the days that followed, Huo Yan went out early and came back late, and his diligence in major matters concerning the national economy and people's livelihood was still remarkable.
The smooth implementation of the Jiaodong Salt and Iron business allowed him and Sang Hongyang, his "money-making partners" who had cooperated well with him since his youth, to join hands again and devote all their energy to the in-depth layout of the state-run salt and iron business.
He appointed reliable officials, surveyed the rivers, and presided over the opening of new waterways for grain transport, so that official salt from the coast and iron ore raw materials from the inland could be transported to Guanzhong in a steady stream.
It was thanks to their years of near-predatory efficiency that the Han treasury remained full despite the wars of the past few years. This unspoken understanding led to a remarkably unified approach when faced with common obstacles: the powerful merchants who entrenched themselves in the region and obstructed the reforms, as well as the princes with ulterior motives.
With little discussion, they knew these obstacles had to be removed.
Without eradicating these obstructive termites, how could their grand plans be implemented? How could the empire's purse be filled?
The last time they joined forces, King Huainan Liu An was killed and his country destroyed. This time, where will the blade point?
Huo Yan gently placed a petition drafted by Du Zhou on Sang Hongyang's desk, which was a report on the powerful who concealed their property to evade the inspection of the salt and iron monopoly.
The next day, the petition arrived on Zhang Tang's desk. Zhang Tang picked up the scroll and slowly traced the words with his bony fingers, his brows never fluttering. He simply raised his bottomless eyes, seemingly able to see through all evil, and with a subtle hint of inquiry and hesitation, he cast a deep glance at the clerk sent by Huo Yan across from him, then agreed without hesitation, "Yes."
The salt and iron industry was established by Emperor Wu of Han, and was a top priority for Zhang Tang. When it came to currying favor with Emperor Wu of Han, this group of non-aristocratic inner court officials were the natural allies.
After all, as jesters and cruel officials who are despised by everyone in the court, they have to act like jesters and cruel officials.
Use thunderous means to eliminate dissidents and use every possible means to achieve the goal!
Otherwise, why would you survive?
What Huo Yan said that day made Liu Che sick with anger.
The emperor was bedridden and had been unable to attend court for a long time. Strangely, Emperor Liu Che, far from reprimanding Huo Yan, issued a series of decrees, showering him with rewards. This unusual behavior filled the court with doubts, making it increasingly difficult to understand the young Marquis of Tai'an's importance in the emperor's heart.
Huo Qubing took leave to recuperate, and Liu Che was ill, so the burden of presiding over the overall situation fell heavily on Wei Qing's shoulders. Liu Che missed Huo Qubing and Huo Yan, but he had not yet gotten over the hurdle in his heart. He could only ask Wei Qing again and again about Huo Qubing's injury to comfort him.
If Liu Che had been consistent, upon learning of Huo Yan's return, he would have summoned him frequently for meetings. However, Wei Qing, fearing Huo Yan's seemingly docile but in reality fiery temper might irritate the ailing emperor, repeatedly blocked his attempts. Liu Che, unable to bear the thought of his great general being caught in the middle, abandoned the idea.
Fortunately, perhaps the elixir presented by the alchemist Li Shaoweng was indeed effective, as Liu Che's condition gradually improved and he was able to stand up. Once he had recovered a little, he issued a firm order, insisting on seeing Huo Yan.
Whether Ah Yan insults or scolds me, I accept it.
The emperor and his minister had been together for nearly twenty years, and Wei Qing, who was the one who taught Liu Che almost everything, knew his mind best. He looked at Liu Che's haggard face and finally couldn't help crying.
"Your Majesty, I am with you." His tears were hot. He had been crying all the time during Liu Che's illness. "Qubing is getting better now. Your Majesty, don't worry."
Liu Che couldn't bear to see his great general cry. Zhongqing was so nice, and Qubing and Ayan were so nice.
"It's my fault."
He patted Wei Qing's hand and said, "You've implicated Zhongqing."
As the emperor and his minister were talking, the eunuch outside said, "Your Majesty, General, the grain-collecting captain is here."
This sentence caused both the emperor and his minister to stop what they were doing, and Liu Che's eyes were eager. Wei Qing quickly stood up, said "I'll go and take a look", and after getting Liu Che's approval, he quickly left the palace.
At this moment, Wei Qing walked out of the palace with a worried look on his face, and met Huo Yan who was taking off his fox fur coat.
Huo Yan still wore the jade ribbon and a delicate scent sachet at his waist, showing no trace of the resentment he had that day. Under the falling snow, the scene was rich and colorful.
"Don't worry, uncle." The young man had returned to his usual appearance, looking even taller and more graceful. "The emperor has been ill these days, and I'm worried about him. You go ahead. I'll have a private conversation with the emperor. Don't worry, I won't anger him again."
Wei Qing believed his words without a doubt and let him go in first.
The two men moved away from each other and looked at Huo Yan's back. Wei Qing suddenly laughed.
"I think her illness has healed. Otherwise, why would Ah Yan dress like this? She even wore incense on her clothes today. It smells like orchid!"
Shi Ye, who was waiting in the corridor, nodded and said, "My Lord loves this incense and has been wearing it for several days in a row."
Wei Qing sighed and said a few more words to Shi Ye before he was about to leave, giving the emperor and his subject some time to talk.
In the warm room, the charcoal fire burned brightly, dispelling the severe cold of late winter.
Outside the window, the snow continued to fall. The meeting between the emperor and his minister was not as tense as outsiders had speculated. Huo Yan respectfully reported on the progress of the salt and iron industry and the details of the implementation of the "Gao Min Order." Liu Che leaned back on the couch, listening attentively, occasionally coughing and offering a few suggestions.
After the lengthy government affairs report was completed, the cabinet fell into silence, broken only by the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire and the howling of the snow outside the window. An invisible film seemed to separate the emperor and his ministers, the close friendship of the past seemingly frozen by the illness and the previous turmoil.
Finally, it was Liu Che who broke the silence. He looked out the window, not knowing whether he felt guilty or something, but he just didn't look at Huo Yan. "Ayan, is Qubing... feeling better?"
His voice was hoarse, like someone who had just recovered from a serious illness.
Huo Yan didn't want to see him either, so he cast his gaze towards the falling snow outside the window. He didn't answer directly, but slowly said, "The day my brother woke up, he told me an old story from our childhood. When he mentioned it, I remembered that it was also a snowy day like this. Your Majesty and my uncle took my brother and me on horseback to Shanglin Garden. It was freezing cold, the snow was deep, and the roads were slippery. I was young and afraid of the cold, so I was reluctant to go. Your Majesty coaxed me, saying that there were dead plum trees in the mountains, whose roots could be dug up to make incense. I believed it and happily went there. But Your Majesty lied to me..." He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Shanglin Garden is the imperial garden, and the flowers and trees are all taken care of by special people. How could there be dead plum trees?"
He looked at Liu Che with clear eyes.
Liu Che withdrew his gaze from the window, stretched out his hand, and gently stroked Huo Yan's young and handsome eyebrows with endless love, like the first snow falling on his brows, gentle, but melting away with a cool feeling.
"I...did indeed deceive Ah Yan."
A smile slowly broke out on his pale face, as if warmed by those distant memories.
Snowy nights, summer days, spring flowers, autumn rains.
Nearly twenty years.
How much effort and hope had he poured into these two children? Looking at them was like seeing his own youthful days of high spirits.
Only when love is deep will one be afraid of losing and will one erupt in such unreasonable anger.
Love and pity, hate and annoyance.
A serious illness is like a long dream.
"I deceived Ah Yan," Liu Che's fingers slid across Huo Yan's smooth black hair, his movements slow as someone who had been ill for a long time, "but Ah Yan never blamed me."
Huo Yan's almond-shaped eyes seemed to be filled with tears, shimmering in the light. "Because it was snowing, Your Majesty wrapped me in a cloak. When we reached halfway up the mountain, Your Majesty patted me and said, 'Ah Yan, look up quickly, the scenery is just over here.' I looked up and saw the crimson plum blossoms covering the mountain."
His voice choked slightly, tears falling from the corners of his eyes, "Your Majesty's side is so warm, I will never forget it in my life."
Liu Che's eyes welled up. He was a man of sentimental temperament, easily moved by emotions, and he'd loved and empathized with countless people throughout his life. But there were always those one or two people he'd poured his heart and soul into, a love so deeply etched in his bones that he'd never want to part with them. Huo Yan's words and tears at that moment precisely struck the softest part of his heart.
Huo Yan looked at him, his smile gentle as the first spring water, but his eyes were filled with deep sorrow. "Your Majesty always asks if my brother and I hold any grudges, but my brother and I can't answer. Perhaps we don't know if we truly do. Thinking back to that time, Your Majesty treated me like an enemy. I resented Your Majesty, but later I wondered what I resented. My brother said it was probably because Your Majesty was drifting further and further away from us. I suddenly understood: only my brother and I cherish the beautiful red plum blossom scene of that day; Your Majesty has left it in the wind and snow of the past."
Liu Che's heart felt like it was being pierced by fine needles, causing a sharp pain. He was speechless.
Huo Yan's voice became softer and softer, as if he was telling a story.
"His Majesty no longer likes us, but we still thought that His Majesty was the same as before, still our uncle."
He smiled at Liu Che, a very cute smile that revealed two dimples, "I wanted to forget Your Majesty, but when I heard that Your Majesty was not feeling well, I was still worried and anxious. I was worried day and night and wanted to come visit you. I don't want to lose Your Majesty."
He then solemnly stood up, lifted his robe, knelt on the ground, and kowtowed deeply, "I hope Your Majesty will take good care of your body and live a long and blessed life!"
Liu Che was heartbroken. He grabbed Huo Yan's hand and pressed it tightly against his chest. Tears streamed down his face. "Ah Yan, you hurt me so much!"
He wiped away Huo Yan's tears with his sleeve. The emperor's majesty prevented him from uttering a single word of apology, but he held Huo Yan in his arms and said over and over again, "Ayan and Qubing, take care of yourselves! When you are well again, I will definitely take you to Shanglin Garden again and take you to see the plum blossoms!"
His embrace was as warm as the day he thought it was on fire, but Huo Yan had grown up and was not easily moved.
But he still obeyed himself and carefully snuggled in Liu Che's arms.
"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will definitely keep my brother here."
Liu Che smiled, talked with him for a long time, and was eager to play a game of chess with him.
Halfway through the game, the door to the warm room was gently pushed open. A eunuch ushered in the alchemist, Li Shaoweng, wielding a whisk and dressed in a green Taoist robe. He looked quite sage-like. He held an exquisite golden plate, upon which lay a single, round pill the size of a longan, shimmering faintly with a golden sheen. A strange fragrance filled the air.
"Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived. It's time to prepare the elixir." The young man bowed and turned to Huo Yan, "I pay my respects to the Marquis of Tai'an."
The overly flattering tone he used as soon as he opened his mouth instantly destroyed all that fairy spirit.
Liu Che signaled him to present the elixir and waved his hand for him to leave.
The immortality elixirs used by the emperor were always carefully tested by a dedicated team. However, according to Shao Weng, this "Nine-Transformation Golden Elixir" required countless precious materials and only one was produced per furnace, making it extremely precious. The imperial physician standing by could only carefully scrape off a small amount of powder with a golden knife for inspection. After confirming that it was non-toxic, Eunuch Feng respectfully presented it to the emperor.
Huo Yan reached out and took the golden plate. He leaned closer to the pill, his slender brows knitted slightly, his expression clearly filled with worry. "Your Majesty, are you taking the pill again? Can this thing... really help you achieve immortality?"
As before, he was dismissive of the pills.
Liu Che smiled indifferently, "This young man is indeed quite skilled. After taking this pill, I feel refreshed and relaxed, and my old ailment seems to have also subsided a little."
Huo Yan still didn't believe it, so he moved closer and sniffed the pill's scent. An almost imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of his lips, which disappeared in an instant and turned into a gentle word.
"The method of refining this pill is indeed ingenious."
Seeing that he agreed, Liu Che felt pleased. He took the hand holding the plate, picked up the clear water in the jade cup, and swallowed the golden red pill and the water.
"It takes seven days to produce one pill from this pill. When the furnace opens next time, please ask the young master to refine more. I will give it to you and Qubing to try."
Liu Che laughed.
Huo Yan's smile grew sweeter, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"
The emperor and his minister played a few more games of chess until dusk fell. Huo Yan excused himself from the palace, using the excuse that he had to return to his residence to see Huo Qubing.
Wei Qing came back from strolling at this time. As soon as he came back, he saw Liu Che smiling, obviously in a good mood.
He also felt relieved.
More than half a month later, the subordinates of the Court of Justice Zhang Tang, referring to the "Law of Theft in the Han Dynasty" and the old precedent of the "Announcement Order", combined with the method of inspecting the salt and iron monopoly, drafted the details of the strict "Announcement Order".
After Emperor Liu Che approved it, it was circulated to various departments.
Sang Hongyang took out a scroll of silk book from his wide sleeves. The old fox called the little fox, their heads almost touching each other, as they pondered over it word by word.
The proposal stipulated that anyone who concealed or falsely reported property would have their entire property confiscated upon discovery, with half the sum given as a reward to the informant. The inspections would focus on wealthy merchants and powerful individuals with vast holdings, particularly those who had fiercely obstructed the state-run salt and iron industries. Enforcement would be carried out by the newly established "Gao Min Xiaowei," who would oversee the Embroidered Uniform Envoys and local cruel officials and report directly to the emperor.
Their gazes lingered for a moment on words like "all property confiscated", "half the reward to the informer", and "embroidered robe envoy", and satisfied smiles appeared at the corners of their lips.
Zhang Tang goes first, and we will follow behind.
Liu Che recovered quickly, and once he was able to walk, he, accompanied by Wei Qing, personally visited Huo Qubing at the Huo residence. The emperor and his ministers held a long, private conversation in the inner chamber, their contents unknown. But when Huo Yan returned home after completing his official duties, the emperor's convoy of rewards had already arrived at the Huo residence. Mountains of silks, satins, gold, jade, and jewels piled high, and a row of alchemists and doctors lined up.
Huo Yan ignored the dazzling gifts, his gaze instead drawn to a humble red sandalwood box. Inside, for no apparent reason, sat the dusty-faced young Crown Prince Liu Ju, dressed only in a thin undergarment.
Huo Yan was speechless for a moment. He looked at Huo Qubing, who was holding his forehead with his hands on the couch, and asked, "Brother, how did he get in there?"
Huo Qubing looked helpless and ordered the alchemists and doctors to be sent back for resettlement. He then pointed to a half-man-high bronze Pixiu incense burner in the corner and said, "He drilled it himself and then it was packed in a box and sent here."
The furnace entrance was narrow and it was difficult for him to get in.
When Liu Ju saw Huo Yan, he felt like he had seen his savior and burst into tears. Huo Xian, who was in her nurse's arms, started sobbing as well. Huo Qubing, who had just recovered, rubbed his throbbing solar plexus and said in a low voice, "Why are you crying?"
While signaling the servants to properly place the eunuch who announced the decree and the reward items, Huo Yan sat down in the main seat next to Huo Qubing, and took over the crying Huo Shan and coaxed him clumsily.
"If you cry again, I'll throw you out!"
Liu Ju tightly grasped a large old ginseng root in his left hand and a high-quality Ganoderma lucidum in his right. He sobbed and complained, "Wow... Mother and sisters are right! You've been shutting yourself in and refusing visitors, and you've starved yourselves to death! You need to replenish your energy! Quickly!"
He cried heartbrokenly, his face covered in snot and tears. "My father is a big bastard! Don't bother with him! Eat it quickly! If it's not enough...if it's not enough, I'll go get more from my father's inner treasury!"
It seemed as if he was willing to empty the family's savings to provide for the health of his two brothers.
Huo Yan was at a loss for words. He signaled his maid to accept the Ganoderma lucidum and had someone bring snacks and food to the little prince. The little prince had been taking care of the sick for many days, and he had become much thinner. His face was even pointed, and he looked truly pitiful.
Liu Ju grabbed a grilled chicken wing sprinkled with precious pepper and took a big bite. He continued to cry as he chewed, mumbling incoherently, "If you... wuwu... if anything really happens to you, I'll beat my restless brothers if they bully me in the future. Who will help me stand up to my father! Wuwu."
Huo Yan signaled the maid to hand him a warm, wet handkerchief and personally wiped the oil stains and tear marks off his face. Although his movements were gentle, his tone was full of disgust.
"Look at you! He dared to complain, it's because you didn't hit him hard enough."
Huo Qubing waved his hand to let the wet nurse carry Huo Shan down, then hooked his finger at Liu Ju and said, "Come here, I'll teach you a few moves."
Liu Ju moved closer. Huo Qubing lazily leaned on the table and reached out without hesitation, "Give me the uneaten chicken wing in your bowl."
Liu Ju handed the chicken wing over with a look of grievance. Huo Qubing took it and began to eat it leisurely, crossing his legs and completely ignoring the prince's resentful look.
"Why do you care about them? Study your literature and learn government affairs from Ah Yan and Uncle. When the time comes, while I'm still young, come with me to earn military merit."
When the time comes, you can kill them all. As long as you are not caught, even the heaven will close its eyes, let alone humans?
Upon hearing this, Huo Yan covered his mouth and sneered, as if mocking Liu Ju's IQ.
"Your brain," Huo Qubing observed Huo Yan's expression, gnawing on a chicken wing as he slowly continued his assessment, "Being the crown prince is indeed difficult."
Liu Ju suddenly started to cry again and complained jealously to Huo Yan.
"He's also my younger brother! Just teach Xiaoguang! Let Xiaoguang go to Jiaodong! I want to go too!"
The real purpose is revealed, it turns out to be this!
Huo Yan didn't think this kid was ambitious; he was just afraid that he was cowardly. He couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. "Xiao Guang listens to me, but you can go wherever I tell you to go?"
Liu Ju snorted in dissatisfaction, then suddenly pulled out the jade token that symbolized his status as crown prince from his bosom and tried to keep a straight face: "Then I am the crown prince! I command you!"
Huo Yan laughed out loud at his amusement.
Huo Qubing slowly wiped the grease from his hands without even raising his eyelids. "Crown Prince? The Crown Prince can't order us around."
Liu Ju was so angry that he simply lay on the ground and started to act like a spoiled child, slapping the cold ground with his hands and feet. "I don't care! I don't care! You are biased! Brother Ayan! Brother Qubing! Me! Xiaoguang! We are brothers! You can't favor one over the other! I want to go to Jiaodong too!"
The shameless argument of forcing a Liu into the mix of the three Huos, completely oblivious to his outsider status, made him laugh. He stretched out his foot and gently nudged him, "Is the ground cold? Are you so persistent for Xiaoguang?"
Liu Ju jumped to his feet and patted his chest with a solemn oath, "Of course! Of course! You are my brothers! Brothers cannot be partial to one another!"
He stared at Huo Yan with burning eyes.
"Especially Brother Yan, he only favors Xiaoguang!"
Huo Yan watched him act funny, shook his head helplessly and laughed, "Who am I favoring? Your face is thicker than the walls of Weiyang Palace."
Even so, he still relented, "Alright. Go convince your aunt first. If she agrees, come find me later."
Liu Ju was waiting for these words! Without a word, he immediately pulled out a scroll from his bosom and handed it to Huo Yan with both hands as if offering a treasure, with a sly smile on his face: "Here! A handwritten letter from my mother! Approved!"
Huo Yan took the letter and glanced at the delicate yet barely noticeable handwriting, and he understood. He didn't show it on his face, only raising his eyebrows and giving a meaningful smile.
"Oh? Since it's the Empress's decree... then all right."
He called out to the Huo family's old servant, "Uncle Li, prepare the car. You will personally escort the Crown Prince to the dock and board the fastest cargo ship to Jiaodong! Make sure he arrives safely at Uncle Wei Bu's place!"
Uncle Li agreed, and Huo Yan drove the white tiger to Liu Ju's side, indicating that they should be taken away together.
Liu Ju cheered for his trick to succeed, and didn't even care about his beloved chicken wings. He picked up the white spoon that was spinning at his feet, and was immediately escorted by the Huo family guards who had been prepared in advance and stuffed into the carriage. They rushed all the way to the Weishui Wharf and boarded the speedboat to Jiaodong.
Watching the carriage disappear at the end of the long street, Huo Qubing thought of the letter left on the table and frowned, "That letter was written by someone imitating my aunt's handwriting."
Huo Yan, who had just turned around, raised the corner of his lips nonchalantly, urging him to go back quickly and not catch a cold.
"Oh? I was wondering why it looked a little awkward." He then changed the subject, speaking with a nonchalant air, "But, so what?"
Huo Qubing rolled his eyes at him in anger. Huo Yanhun didn't care, and even felt that he was being bullied and was quite surprised. He shouted, "Serve the food! We have fresh yellow croaker today. Brother, you can try it."
When Huo Qubing heard about yellow croaker, he threw the letter away and followed him to the dining hall.
It wasn't their fault, they just didn't notice it.
Sure enough, the next morning, Queen Wei Zifu was shocked to find that the prince was missing. She was shocked and angry, but she dared not say anything. She could only send her eldest daughter, the chief guard, to secretly convey the message, asking Huo Yan to find a way to stop the ship immediately!
Princess Wei Chang hurried to the Huo Mansion in the afternoon.
The captain of the guard blinked his bright eyes, which were similar to his mother's. Not only did he not come alone, but he was followed by Princess Zhuyi, who looked curious and nervous.
"Well, Zhuyi is also going to Jiaodong to visit my younger brother. I'll bring her along. Please help me send her there first, and Yangshi and I will take my family's boat later."
The guard chief explained in a low voice, pulling Huo Yan's sleeve, "Brother Yan, you are the best!"
Zhu Yi hugged Huo Qubing's thigh and acted coquettishly, "Master, Brother Qubing, I want to go too. Chang'an is so boring. My father is sick and my mother won't let me go out."
Obviously, this "Prince's Journey to the East" was a masterpiece of collusion between the siblings!
Huo Qubing was helpless against the wrath of these daring children.
Good guy, he even knows that a cunning rabbit has three burrows.
Huo Yan clapped his hands and laughed.
Chang'an was indeed suffocating.
Inside the Pepper Room, Princess Yangshi, the only one not involved in the "conspiracy," stood by with her hands lowered, not daring to utter a word. She was especially skilled in calligraphy and painting, and her imitations of others' handwriting were always incredibly lifelike. With a few inquiries, Wei Zifu knew the fake letter had been written by her.
After being severely reprimanded by her mother, Yang Shi appeared obedient on the surface, but that afternoon she took her maid and boarded the captain's ship bound for Jiaodong, starting the most spectacular and horrifying escape journey of her life.
The children were "lost" one after another. Wei Zifu was extremely worried, but she was afraid to take action, so she could only cover up the news and strictly ordered the palace maids in the Pepper Room to keep silent.
However, the truth will eventually come to light, and there are always a few spies among the embroidered envoys who want to take credit for this.
When the news finally reached Emperor Liu Che, the emperor and empress were furious, and Huo Yan was urgently summoned to the Pepper Room.
He was dressed in a spotless plain long gown, with a sachet tied around his waist. He knelt in the hall with a lively look, facing the emperor and empress and Wei Qing, who had rushed over after hearing the news that his three children were also missing. He raised his innocent and kind face, blinked his clear almond eyes, and spoke in a soft voice.
"Your Majesty! What His Royal Highness showed me is indeed stamped with the imperial seal, and the handwriting is identical to my aunt's! I was simply following orders! I have absolutely no intention of deceiving anyone!" He kowtowed, his posture extremely submissive, his tone filled with grievance, "I... am wronged!"
"And I truly don't know which cargo ship His Royal Highness the Crown Prince boarded! That day, there were so many ships at the dock, coming and going so fast. I'm afraid it must have already arrived in Jiaodong by now!"
The emperor and empress looked tense.
Wei Qing was silent, feeling that his family was full of troublesome children.
He looked anxious, as if even more worried than the Emperor and Empress. "And the princess and the others are on the Marquis of Pingyang's ship. If we want to intercept them, we can't stop and inspect every boat on the Wei River, the Yellow River, or even the Jiaolai waterway, right? That would be a waste of national treasury and a cost to the people. I simply don't dare do it!"
That look and posture looked weak, pitiful, and innocent.
Not to mention Wei Zifu, even Wei Qing wanted to kick him.
You kid!
But they couldn't bear to do so. The three most noble people in the world looked at each other and finally decided to order Wei Bu and Cao Xiang to protect the good people and let Huo Yan get out.
Jiaodong
At this time, Crown Prince Liu Ju had already set foot on the salty and fishy land of Jiaodong.
On the dock, bare-chested porters shouted raspy chants as they unloaded baskets of fish, freshly hauled in from the deep sea. Huge fishing nets were spread out and hung on thick wooden racks to dry, their meshes caked with white salt frost. Even more striking were the vast expanses of straw mats spread out on the shore, on which dark green kelp lay drying, curling slightly in the cold wind like giant leaves from the deep sea. Oxcarts laden with sacks of coarse salt creaked by, leaving behind two shallow ruts. Workers, carrying heavy bags of salt, fish, and lumber, bustled back and forth across the crude pier and muddy mudflats. Brand-new fishing boats bobbed with the waves, and the air was thick with the mingled smell of seafood, sweat, and grease.
Liu Ju, holding the white spoon, got off the violently shaking speedboat in a daze.
"Brother Yan's kelp-carrying boat is going too fast!" He complained to Uncle Li while vomiting, "I'm about to throw up."
Uncle Li was looking for Wei Bu in the crowd and hadn't answered yet.
A dark-skinned boatman carrying sacks of kelp passed by. Hearing Liu Ju complain about the speed of the boat, he grinned, "Boy, this is the Huo family's cargo ship! Winter is almost here, and the river will be closed soon. The faster we sail, the more time we have to make more trips while the weather is still good and transport the kelp. That way, our kids can wear new clothes for the New Year!"
After saying that, he hurriedly joined the crowd.
Liu Ju was stunned for a moment.
Holding Bai Baishao, he stood amid the clamorous crowd, observing the faces struggling to make a living, faces so different from those he had seen in Chang'an. He saw a less bustling Chang'an. An indescribable shock and bewilderment washed over him. It wasn't until Bai Baishao's warm tongue gently licked his fingers that he seemed to wake up. He subconsciously hugged his furry companion tightly, took a deep breath of the sea-scented air, and mustered his courage, attempting to blend in with this unfamiliar yet vibrant "world."
He is no longer the prince.
He is here, just Liu Ju.
At this moment, a slender and powerful hand suddenly grabbed his collar from behind.
"Who! Dare to touch!" This prince!
Liu Ju was startled and was about to struggle and shout, but when he turned around, he met a familiar pair of almond-shaped eyes with a gentle smile. It was Wei Bu who was waiting here on the orders of Huo Yan.
"Ju'er," Wei Bu's voice was as refreshing as the sea breeze, "Ayan asked me to pick you up."
At the same time, another slightly cool hand gently held Liu Ju's hand.
Liu Ju turned and saw Huo Guang's face, which was gradually losing its childishness and revealing a calmer and more composed outline. Huo Guang looked at him with pure joy in his eyes. There was no red tape in the Chang'an palace, no respectful deference of the crown prince and his ministers, only the sincere smile of young people reunited.
"Aju," he called him by his nickname, "Are you here to see me?"
The sea breeze blew through the boys' hair, and the hustle and bustle of the dock seemed to become a distant background.
Liu Ju looked at Huo Guang's sincere smile, the familiar concern in Wei Bu's eyes, and the warm white spoon in his arms. The confusion of leaving home and the strange feeling of arriving for the first time were instantly washed away.
He opened his mouth wide, revealing a bright and brilliant smile without any shadow, and nodded vigorously and heavily.
"Yeah! I'm coming to see you! Hikaru!"
Uncle Li breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Wei Bu had received the person. He crossed his arms and bowed respectfully, "Young Master, the person has been safely delivered. I will go back and report to the Master and catch the tide to return!"
After saying this, he turned around swiftly, as if afraid of being frozen by the sea breeze, and trotted back onto the boat he came from. He shouted at the sailors to cast off the cables and load the cargo. His movements were as fast as the wind, for fear of delaying his return.
Wei Bu looked at Uncle Li's hurried back and shook his head helplessly. Then he smiled and rubbed Liu Ju and Huo Guang's hair, which was messed up by the wind, with his warm big hands, and led them away from the noisy dock.
As the carriage made its way to the county seat, the scenery along the way was a stark contrast to Chang'an. Low-rise adobe houses, their roofs thickly thatched to protect against the sea breeze, curled faintly from chimneys, carrying the warm aroma of firewood and food. The pedestrians, men and women, young and old, mostly wore thick, durable, coarse cloth jackets. Their faces, stained ochre by the sea breeze and sun, carried a sense of weathered ruggedness. They hurried along, some carrying fishing gear, others carrying baskets filled with kelp. But when they passed one another, they would stop and exchange a few loud greetings in their resonant Jiaodong accents, their faces brimming with simple, contented smiles.
Huo Guang sat beside Liu Ju and softly introduced them to him. "Those things drying on the straw mats are kelp, and over there," he pointed to the faintly visible shallows surrounded by neat embankments in the distance. "Those are salt fields. They use the beach drying method, bringing in seawater and drying it in the sun to produce snow-white salt! It's much easier than boiling salt. Brother Ayan even asked Lord Sima to teach everyone to use shell ash to reinforce the seawall, competing with the sea for farmland..."
Huo Guang's words were full of admiration for Huo Yan and pride in the rebirth of this land, and his lively tone dispelled the winter chill.
Liu Ju listened attentively, his eyes shining. The oppression of Chang'an and the restraint of the Eastern Palace seemed to be blown away by the sea breeze with its rough vitality.
That night, in the simple but warm Weibu courtyard, Liu Ju tasted shrimps and crabs freshly caught from the sea for the first time. They were so delicious that he almost swallowed his tongue.
Huge crabs steamed until red, plump oysters pried open their shells, revealing plump, snow-white meat, and lively prawns simply blanched. Liu Ju imitated Wei Bu, clumsily peeling the crab shell, dipping it in a little ginger vinegar sauce, and placing the snow-white crab meat in his mouth. The indescribable sweetness instantly exploded on his tongue, the rich juices filling his mouth, making him squint with happiness, almost swallowing his tongue.
"Delicious! Delicious!" He praised vaguely, completely disregarding the prince's manners. His hands were covered with juice, his cheeks were bulging, and he looked like a happy little hamster.
It’s delicious, hehe.
Gathered around the roaring charcoal brazier, the warmth was cozy. Wei Bu took the ointment Huo Yan had given him, dipped his fingertips in it, and carefully smeared it on Liu Ju's face, which was a little chapped from the harsh sea breeze. The oil had a cooling and moisturizing effect, which was very comfortable.
The flames danced, illuminating Wei Bu's now unusually gentle face. He looked at Liu Ju, whose face was covered in smudges, and suddenly remembered something. He asked blankly, "Your brother Yan only asked me to pick you up, and didn't explain in detail why you were coming. Ju'er, did you... suffer any injustice in Chang'an?"
He asked without embellishment, with the directness typical of a military commander.
Liu Ju was holding a furry, warm white spoon. Upon hearing this, he straightened up and shouted, "No! I just missed Xiaoguang! Xiaoguang is not here, and Brother Qubing and Brother Ayan didn't come to play with me. It's so boring in the palace, so I came here because I was bored!"
He answered quickly and hurriedly, as if he was hiding something.
Wei Bu looked at his slightly red ears, said "Oh" twice in understanding, smiled and patted his shoulder, "You miss your friends, that's good! That's good!"
After saying that, he stopped asking questions and got up to arrange other matters.
The two little ones were arranged to sleep on a large, warm couch. The thick quilt carried a sun-dried scent. Outside the window, the sea breeze whimpered across the eaves, and in the distance, the ever-lasting sound of waves lapping against the shore could be heard faintly, low and regular, like the heartbeat of the ocean.
The night was deep and all around was quiet. Liu Ju opened his eyes, looking at the vague outline of the beams in the darkness, and called softly, "Xiao Guang, are you asleep?"
There was a rustling sound beside him. Huo Guang turned over and, suppressing his deep sleepiness, said in a hoarse voice, "Not yet. What's wrong, Your Highness?"
Liu Ju was silent for a moment, then he spoke in a very soft voice, as if afraid of disturbing the rare peace, "I... I just lied to my uncle. It's too cold in the palace."
He paused, as if gathering up his courage. "Father has been very angry lately, like there's a fire burning in him, and he's displeased with everyone. Brother Qubing almost...almost died, and Brother Yan is so sad he feels like he's about to break. Mother is always crying behind our backs. Watching them, I feel so choked up and sad. I suddenly don't want to be there anymore."
"I'm a timid and stupid prince. What if I can't win against those people?"
There was a subtle tremor and fragility in his voice, an emotion he would never reveal in Chang'an. He was the most qualified prince.
In the darkness, Huo Guang's heart felt like it was being tugged at. The sleepiness he had been trying to suppress instantly dissipated, and his eyes felt slightly hot. He reached out his hand, groping for Liu Ju's shoulder, and gently patted him on the shoulder, his tone more resolute than ever before.
"No way! You're the best prince! You'll definitely be an exceptional monarch in the future!"
He tried to open his eyes wide in the darkness, as if to convey this belief to the people around him, "How could you possibly lose to those brothers? Who is better than you? Think about it,"
He counted on his fingers, "You know how to sympathize with the people, even though you read that in a book. You love your mother, but you ran away secretly!"
He argued like this, so Liu Ju covered his mouth.
"Well, it's better not to praise me."
After saying this, he also laughed, and the gloom seemed to be diluted a lot by the laughter. He sniffed and whispered with a hint of self-deprecation, "Yes, although I am a useless little prince, but at least... at least I am still breathing."
Huo Guang also chuckled. He leaned closer to Liu Ju, letting their shoulders touch. "You're just too tired. You've got too much on your mind. Just get some sleep."
Outside the window, the mighty Jiaolai River surged relentlessly, pouring into the boundless ocean. The salty sea breeze whipped up even larger waves, which slammed violently against the rocks on the shore, making a loud rumbling sound. Yet, the boy's heart remained calm.
The two of them fell asleep next to each other.
It was barely dawn, the chill of the night still lingering in the air. Sima Qian was already energetically working on official business in the government office, his desk piled high with bamboo slips. He wore his half-worn official uniform, his pen scribbling without pause. Wei Bu led Liu Ju and Huo Guang, freshly washed and dressed in ordinary linen robes, into the room.
Sima Qian looked up at the sound and saw another unfamiliar child beside Wei Bu. The child had delicate features and looked a bit like the general at first glance. He thought it was a new playmate or student brought by Huo Guang. He immediately put down his pen, put on a friendly smile, and waved enthusiastically, "Ah! What a handsome child! Is he new to our Jiaodong County school? Did A Yan send him here to study with A Guang?"
He rubbed his hands together, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile, like an old scholar who had seen a promising seedling.
Just as Wei Bu was about to introduce the Crown Prince, Liu Ju preempted him, gently tugging on his sleeve to silence him. The young Crown Prince stepped forward, performed a formal student's salute, then untied his small purse from his waist and pulled out two heavy, glittering golden pills—these were the little trinkets he'd taken with him when he left the palace. Holding them in both hands, he presented them to Sima Qian, his voice clear and distinct, "I, Liu...Liu Xiaozhu, greet you, sir. This is a gift of tuition. Please accept it, sir."
He temporarily gave himself a pseudonym.
He didn't know why he thought of this name, maybe it was because his brother Ayan sometimes called him a piglet.
Sima Qian looked at the two golden pills in front of him that were dazzling in the morning light. His eyes widened instantly, and he subconsciously let out a "hiss" with his mouth slightly opened.
He had never received such an expensive salary in his life. Even Ah Yan was not so generous. At that moment, he seemed to see that the roof of the county school could be replaced with glazed tiles.
However, almost the next second, he suddenly came to his senses, as if he had been burned. He waved his hands and stepped back, with a righteous look on his face, "No! Absolutely not! Put it away, kid!"
He tried hard to keep a straight face, trying to appear dignified, but his eyes couldn't help but glance at the golden pill. Then he forced himself to look away, straightened his back, and said in a loud voice, "We are Jiaodong County! The treasury is full, and the granaries are well-stocked! The county school is a place for education. How can we accept tuition from children like you? Not to mention the golden pill, even a copper coin cannot be accepted! Collect it quickly, collect it!"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but secretly swallow his saliva, silently saying in his heart, "Be honest and serve the public! Be honest and serve the public! Otherwise, Ah Yan will come to deal with him!"
Liu Ju was completely stunned as he held the golden pill in his hand. His clear eyes were filled with disbelief and astonishment.
In Chang'an, he constantly heard officials at all levels crying poor and begging for money and grain. Even from his father's treasury, there were always those who tried to squeeze a little profit out of it. He had never seen an official like Sima Qian, faced with gold so readily available, so decisively and confidently declare, "We have money, we won't accept it!"
The winter morning light shone through the window lattice, slanting onto Sima Qian's simple and even somewhat worn official robe. The air was filled with the fragrance of ink, bamboo slips, and the faint salty smell of the sea breeze wafting in from afar.
Liu Ju stood there, feeling the coolness of the golden pill with his small palm.
Jiaodong...is really different.
【Author’s words】
Red robe and white snow, Ayan is so handsome.
Qubing usually wears a black robe and silver armor, which also looks good.
My uncle and Emperor Wu of Han were really good friends. They were genuine and their love grew deeper the more they got to know each other.
It's completely impossible to dismantle.
Ruer is really cute.
Everyone ran away because Liu Che was so terrible some time ago.
A Yan didn't run because Qu Bing couldn't travel long distances, otherwise he would have taken the lead in running.
Hahaha.
Liu Che was hated by both heaven and man.
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