Fourth, the King of Cutting

Last winter, Wu Han finally defeated the heir apparent Cheng Jia, Sun Shu, and recaptured the land of Shu. Since then, apart from Lu Fang, who also established a state and claimed the title of Han Emperor, and continued to rely on the Xiongnu to linger on the borders, the national territory has been largely restored, and the chaotic era has finally come to an end

Is there any news from Junling?

In those years, I did not understand why Lu Zhi was so ruthless. Now, as a mother myself, I suddenly comprehend her hatred, her love, and her helplessness

I grasped the railing and leaned out, and the raindrops immediately struck my cheek

Li Tong

The Shadow Chamberlain did not mention anything else, only referring to the Duke of Gushi.

Good people are often bullied by others... but heaven does not deceive. Liu Xiu is not Liu Bang, so I may never become Empress Lü. Because when the sky falls, my husband will hold it up for me first; if there is bloodshed, he will draw his sword for me, without me being forced to take action myself. Our children, he will protect them firmly, and will not allow others to easily harm or insult them.

Last year, Li Tong continuously reported to Chen, claiming to be unwell, and ultimately resigned from the position of Grand Minister of Works. Although he was a noble of royal blood, he withdrew from the critical moment of stabilizing domestic warfare, clearly demonstrating his desire to distance himself from the situation. Li Tong is a person of foresight and insight, considered one of the earliest wise ministers to recognize the situation and step back. Now, although he has retired from the position of Grand Minister, Liu Xiu still granted him the title of "Special Advisor" to serve in court.

A rumble echoed—thunder roared outside the hall, and dazzling lightning split the dark sky, striking the three-tiered eaves of the Changqiu Palace across from me. With a crack, the thunder exploded on the eaves, and I felt a flash of white light before my eyes, momentarily blinding me, while my heart skipped a beat.

How many people were there in total among the royal family and those who were granted titles of nobility in the vassal states this time

I am truly shocked by this. Liu Xiu has demoted the original Liu clan nobles to marquises, and it is not surprising to strip them of their royal titles. However, Liu Liang is his uncle, and Liu Zhang and Liu Xing are his own nephews. It is astonishing that these direct relatives have also been deprived of their royal titles. His actions are even more ruthless than I had anticipated

Recalling more than a decade ago when he first ascended to the throne, amidst turmoil and uncertainty, no one could guarantee that Liu Xiu, as the Han Emperor, would stand out among numerous warlords, ultimately achieving victory and enduring through the chaos, thereby establishing a foundation for future generations

Back then, when that wolfishly charming man labeled me with a comparison to Empress Lü Zhi, I felt a disdainful anger that bordered on insult. However, after experiencing various events and as my children gradually grew up, I revisited historical texts and reread the annals of Empress Gao. Suddenly, I was filled with a sense of helpless lamentation. If I were in her position, I might not possess the ruthless determination that Lü Zhi had in her time, but when faced with a rival like Lady Qi, who was intent on driving my children to their doom, even the weakest of mothers would rise up in resistance.

First, how should the meritorious officials be settled? Following the example of Emperor Gao, Liu Bang, it would be nothing short of a massacre akin to cooking a rabbit after the hunt, and the very person who acted as the executioner at that time was Empress Lü Zhi.

The emperor desires absolute monarchy, while the court officials and aristocrats are naturally unwilling to easily compromise. Who will advance and who will retreat

With a raised eyebrow, my heart began to race.

One hundred thirty-seven individuals, except for the Marquis of Fuping, Zhang Chunnian, who was retained for his merits despite not being of royal lineage, were still granted the title of marquis, and were re-granted the title of Marquis of Wushi. All other marquises who were not of the Liu royal family had their titles revoked. The direct descendants of the royal family were changed from kings to dukes, while the younger members of the clan were demoted from kings to nobles. However, the fief of the Marquis of Wushi was only half of the original Fuping County...

Now, as the emperor focuses on governing the state with the intention of reclaiming the lost territories, the dispersed powers will inevitably be gradually consolidated back.

I signaled for the crowd to disperse, and she quickly approached, leaning in closer. The cool, damp air clinging to her garments immediately enveloped me: "Your Majesty has issued a decree: Liu Xing, the King of Changsha; Liu De, the King of Zhen Ding; Liu Shao, the King of Hejian; and Liu Mao, the King of Zhongshan, are to be demoted to marquises and are to be re-titled as Marquis of Linxiang, Marquis of Zhen Ding, Marquis of Lecheng, and Marquis of Shanfu, respectively"

Chen Min cast a glance at me and continued, "Additionally, change Zhao Wang Liu Liang to Zhao Gong, Taiyuan Wang Liu Zhang to Qi Gong, and Lu Wang Liu Xing to Lu Gong..."

Unexpectedly, a cold voice suddenly surfaced in my mind

After the external threats were eliminated, Liu Xiu began to truly shoulder the heavy responsibility of managing a nation. Having set aside his thoughts of quelling external disturbances, the next steps he would take became a matter of great concern not only for myself but also for the entire court and its officials.

"Noble one, be careful." Chen Min warned from behind

When the birds have flown, the good bow is hidden. This is a contest, a contest between the ruler and his subjects, a struggle for rights between the emperor and the powerful gentry. This conflict is devoid of smoke and fire, without swords or spears, yet its brutality is no less severe than that of the battlefield

Yin Lihua, you possess the demeanor of Empress Lü!

"Noble one." When Chen Min entered the palace, water stains were on her shoulders, and her hair was damp with moisture. She casually brushed the droplets from the ends of her hair, her brows slightly raised, yet inadvertently revealing a hint of anxiety.

Liu Xiu was frugal with his own wealth and practiced thrift in all aspects; however, he would never be stingy with rewards for his ministers and soldiers.

From the third year of the Xin dynasty under Emperor Wang, Liu Yan led his clan and guests to raise an army in Nanyang, and now, in the thirteenth year of the Jianwu era, Liu Xiu has transitioned from a twenty-seven-year-old youth to a forty-two-year-old middle-aged man. Over the course of fifteen years of campaigns, pacification, and restoration, how much youth has been squandered in the endless wars, how much blood has been shed, and how many lives have been buried, all to achieve the unified state we see today

I couldn't help but shiver

She did not know how to respond, her gaze flickered for a moment, and she lowered her head, standing quietly to the side

Chen Min promptly supported me, but I, still feeling apprehensive, pulled away from her hand and slowly walked towards the outside of the hall. Through the heavy curtain of rain, the palace attendants of Changqiu Palace across the way were startled by the thunder, looking around in panic and running about, their figures colliding with one another, while the sound of the rain drowned out their terrified screams

There is no need for others to worry about whether Guo Shengtong's Changqi Palace lacks money. Liu Xiu's kindness towards her directly granted her family wealth in gold and silk. Her brother, Guo Kuang, is humble and respectful, and has gained a good reputation in Luoyang, with numerous guests visiting his residence. With such a distinguished family background, what is there to worry about regarding money

He is by no means a pleasure-seeking monarch, neither in times of hardship nor during the founding of the state, and certainly not even after the entire nation came under his rule. Some who excel in flattery present him with fine steeds and precious swords, yet he passes them on to others. To this day, there are no signs of expansion in the imperial harem; from the Empress down, it remains divided into four ranks. Apart from myself and Guo Shengtong, who receive a meager stipend that is insufficient even for rewarding the servants, Xu Yanzhi and her son Liu Ying can only seek basic sustenance within the harem. To this day, there are no signs of expansion in the imperial harem; from the Empress down, it remains divided into four ranks. Apart from myself and Guo Shengtong, who receive a meager stipend that is insufficient even for rewarding the servants, Xu Yanzhi and her son Liu Ying can only seek basic sustenance within the harem.

However, I do not lack for food and drink, nor do I lack money. Although the official salary is only a small amount, Liu Xiu privately provides me with a considerable sum. Aside from the expenses for raising my children, I set aside a small amount each month for Chen Min to send to Yan Zhi and her son. My generosity is not excessive, not because I am stingy, but because my annual salary is only a small amount on the surface. If I give too much, I fear it will not only yield no benefits but also bring unnecessary trouble.

The first matter following the conclusion of the large-scale conflict and the recovery of the Han dynasty's territory is surprisingly grand. The entire court awaits the outcome, and the emperor's first significant gift may reveal some clues to the astute observer

I turned back and smiled at her: "It hasn't rained this heavily in a long time"

When conquering the world and pacifying the four corners, there was actually far less consideration involved. The purpose of eliminating others was to preserve oneself. At that time, the thoughts in my mind were quite simple; all that mattered was to survive.

However, for Yang Er, for the righteous king, for my children, if there truly comes a day when it is absolutely necessary, I will not hesitate in the slightest, just as Lü Zhi did in her fierce protection of her young.