Chapter Nine, the bones are cold, the soul is clear, and there are no dreams in slumber

Liu Piao's face bore no signs of unnatural expression; she gazed steadily at Liu Che, remaining composed.

Haha, it is indeed. Sister Ah Jiao, your face has turned red.

Liu Piao did not interrupt; he merely coldly gazed at his nephew before him, remaining silent.

A-Jiao is not only clever and quick-witted, but also considerate and charming. How could my younger sister refuse anything? I also want to thank my sister for thinking highly of my family’s Zhi-er

"Indeed, my aunt understands me best," Liu Che said with a smile. "Today, I invited my aunt here because I want to have a good talk with her. I truly believe that my aunt is one of the few reasonable people in our Liu family."

"I dreamt of a golden house hiding a beauty," Chen Jiao said, still dazed and unable to awaken from the dream.

Aunt, even if you know all of this, what can you do? Liu Che said with a smile, Everything is in the past. A Jiao will not return.

"Did my sister have a sad dream? Why is she crying like this?" Zhang Cui felt relieved when she saw her wake up. Today, Chen Jiao got up later than usual, and Zhang Cui was worried, so she came over to check on her. As a result, she found her lying in bed, sleeping very restlessly and continuously shedding tears.

When she walked into the main hall of the Changmen Palace, she saw the emperor of the Han Dynasty, her nephew Liu Che, whom she had single-handedly placed on the throne, waiting for her. Liu Piao took a deep breath and asked, "Che'er, has A Jiao died?"

--- "The Book of Han: Annals of Emperor Wu, Volume 6"

Oh! The woman who asked the question clearly did not expect such an answer, and a hint of surprise appeared on her face

Of course, the aunt can also choose not to agree. However, I hope the aunt considers carefully that my decision not to confront you today is not due to inability, but rather a choice.

Upon hearing Liu Che emphatically utter the phrase "mutual confessions of heartfelt feelings," Liu Piao understood his intention. He no longer lingered on the matter, but simply covered his tears and cried out, "My poor child!"

"You are just putting on an act, just like what you said earlier. My mother says that when a man says sweet words to please a woman, it is merely flattery!" The girl released her grip, pouted her lips, and said, looking quite charming and adorable.

"Good, what a statement: 'I, by the mandate of heaven, am the ruler of the world.'" Liu Piao suddenly ceased to be angry, looking at his nephew and laughing heartily, "Then today you will tell me everything, what do you ultimately wish to achieve?"

"Very well, I shall agree. However, your promise must be fulfilled." Liu Piao has finally come to understand the feelings of Emperor Gaozu when he once said, "People are the knives and forks, while I am the fish and meat." She can only hope that Liu Che will keep his promise

Then... the boy's eyes moved, and he said, "Are you feeling very happy?"

It is time to get up, little girl, you have woken up late today. She did not respond, and Zhang Cui naturally pretended to be oblivious, adding, "Hurry up and wash up, your sister is waiting for you outside"

Only this sentence caused Liu Piao's expression to change slightly

I wish to make an agreement with you, my aunt. Liu Che finally revealed his true intention, "I can promise that, regardless of what happens in the future, the Tangyi Marquisate will absolutely not face extermination. If in the future, the Chen family has the capability, I will also reinstate them. The only condition for this exchange is that you must let go. What do you think?"

That is their lack of insight; sister, do not be angry over such matters

Indeed, Wei Qing is more talented than his cousins. However, it is precisely for this reason that I employ him; a capable relative must rely closely on me if he wishes to showcase his talents. Otherwise, who in the court would dare to promote him? Thus, he must always depend on me to survive. Moreover, I am not the late emperor; the late emperor was benevolent, whereas I am different. Before my death, I will naturally remove the thorns from the scepter for the crown prince.

Looking at the familiar mountains, waters, flowers, and birds before him, and then glancing at the numerous officials of the Grand Commandant's office standing everywhere, Liu Piao let out a sigh from the depths of his heart. In any case, everything must be resolved today.

Liu Piao closed her eyes, knowing that in this round of conflict, there was no hope for victory. Liu Che did not directly take action to eliminate her, which was indeed not his intention. She had held a high position for many years, and neither Emperor Wen nor Emperor Jing had ever prevented her from intervening in state affairs. Coupled with the influence of her family, she had a complex web of relationships both within the court and among the vassal states. Now that Liu Che had made it clear that he was about to deal with the feudal lords, taking action against her at this moment would inevitably cause unrest among the people, potentially leading to a rebellion akin to the Wu-Chu uprising. Therefore, Liu Che was unwilling to act against her unless absolutely necessary. She had held a high position for many years, and neither Emperor Wen nor Emperor Jing had ever prevented her from intervening in state affairs. Coupled with the influence of her family, she had a complex web of relationships both within the court and among the vassal states. Now that Liu Che had made it clear that he was about to deal with the feudal lords, taking action against her at this moment would inevitably cause unrest among the people, potentially leading to a rebellion akin to the Wu-Chu uprising. Therefore, Liu Che was unwilling to act against her unless absolutely necessary.

"Haha!" Liu Che's laughter echoed throughout the Changmen Palace. He understood that Liu Piao was using the story of King Zhuang of Chu as a metaphor for the oppression he faced from Empress Dowager Dou at the beginning of his reign, and how he could now finally make a remarkable impact. "Aunt, it is thanks to you that Che has ascended to the throne. The removal of Consort Li, the deposing of the Crown Prince, and the usurpation of the empress's position—each of these is a credit to you. This, the Empress Dowager has not forgotten, and Che dares not forget either"

"Is that true? Then you must keep your word." The woman bent down and said to the boy, then looked up at the woman in front and said, "Sister Wang, it seems we really have some fate."

While Chen Jiao was quietly living her life in Pengcheng, changes were occurring in Chang'an due to the death of Chen Wu. It was as if the calm surface of a lake concealed turbulent undercurrents, all brought to the surface by the stone that was Chen Wu. His death provided Liu Piao with an opportunity; in her capacity as the Grand Princess, she would naturally attend the funeral of her husband, Liu Che, to pay her respects.

"But, Aunt, do you understand the way of emperors?" Liu Che was not displeased by Liu Piao's attitude; he merely continued his monologue, "It is simply a matter of balance. Therefore, if someone of A Jiao's esteemed status were to give birth to a prince, what more could I bestow upon the Chen family? Elevating the Chen family's status further, the throne of my son would likely become exceedingly difficult to secure"

What does "sister" mean

Even such a small child knows the goodness of our A-Jiao, unlike some people...

"Who, who said that!" The little girl, whose secret had been revealed, immediately blushed and shouted, "I didn't!"

***

She certainly would not be foolish enough to expect any favorable outcome from fleeing to the lords, as the lords, who are already estranged from one another, could never defeat the imperial army. She remembers clearly how the Seven States of Wu and Chu met their downfall. Moreover, this nephew would never undertake a venture without assurance; since everything has been laid bare today, she fears that if she does not agree, the Longmen Palace will be drenched in blood.

High and low, all rise from poverty. Liu Piao's voice showed no emotional fluctuation, "Your Majesty, the Wei family you support today, how can you be sure they will not become a future threat? Wei Qing's talent is likely far superior to that of his cousins, isn't it?"

Chen Jiao was awakened from her slumber, and as she opened her eyes in a daze, she realized that her cheeks were already streaming with tears

The nephew merely wishes to convey to his aunt that he remembers her great kindness. However, the nephew ultimately will not spare those who may pose a threat to the future crown prince. Therefore, please understand the nephew's position and show mercy by letting his cousins off the hook. Liu Che did not comment on Liu Piao's evaluation of him.

"It's nothing, what is it that you need, sister?" Upon hearing Zhang Cui's inquiry, Chen Jiao immediately came to her senses and hurriedly replied

"I don't believe it. Even if you have the intention, you wouldn't act on it now." Liu Piao certainly did not believe it. Abandoning the throne was one matter, but killing the former empress who possessed royal blood was another. Currently, the power of the Wang clan, sharing the same surname as the Han, was on the rise, and no matter how anxious Liu Che was, he would not allow such a handle to fall into their hands

"It hurts, it hurts, it really hurts!" The boy winced in pain, his entire face scrunched up, and shouted, "Be gentle, be gentle! What do you mean by sweet talk?"

You. For a full twelve years, you have not allowed her to bear you an heir. Now, as you approach the age of thirty, do you not fear having no offspring to carry on your lineage

I accept the mandate of heaven to be the ruler of the world, and I believe that my descendants will undoubtedly be strong. Liu Che raised his eyebrows, filled with confidence

The voices of the two adults gradually faded away, leaving only the two children surrounded by palace maids, gazing at each other. Upon seeing their mothers depart, the exceptionally beautiful little girl immediately jumped to the boy's side, grabbed his ear, and said, "Well, Zhi'er, who taught you to say such sweet nothings"

What? Zhang Cui was also taken aback. At that time, the story of Emperor Wu of Han keeping his beloved in a golden chamber had already spread throughout the world, and she naturally knew about it

If I could marry Sister Ah Jiao as my wife, I would build a large golden house for her to live in The little boy seemed to be afraid that the woman would not believe him, so he hurriedly continued speaking

***

I wish to betroth A-Jiao to Zhi-Er, but I do not know if you, as her mother, will agree

The child, upon hearing the question, looked up at the mother ahead and the little girl she was holding by the hand, and pointed at the girl saying: "Hmm... like Sister A-Jiao."

Dressed in plain garments, Liu Piao looked at her nephew before her, a smile appearing on her face, obscured by her long, cascading hair. As she returned the courtesy to Liu He as a widow, she grasped Liu Che's hand and, in deep anguish, said: "Your Majesty, this humble servant knows that the daughter has lost the favor of the sovereign and must now spend her remaining days in the Changmen Palace. However, I beseech Your Majesty, considering that today is her father's funeral, to allow her to leave the palace to pay her respects one last time, to honor the bond between father and daughter. Aunt implores you!"

"You need not worry, Aunt," Liu Che said with a slight smile, revealing his satisfaction. In fact, although he could indeed take a hardline approach against this aunt, there were two reasons he hesitated. First, such a method would severely deplete his strength, and the campaign he planned against the Xiongnu would likely be postponed indefinitely, which he absolutely could not tolerate. Second, this aunt had single-handedly elevated him from an ordinary prince to the position of crown prince, and he still held a measure of respect for her. Since it was possible to resolve everything peacefully, why would he not be willing to do so?

Liu Piao understood that this was a warning to her not to interfere in court matters any further

"Che Er, mistakenly taking Hu Er for a cat, it is indeed the aunt who has misjudged. " At this moment, Liu Piao seemed to truly see the true nature of his nephew, "The aunt thought you only possessed the lofty ambitions akin to those of your great ancestor, yet unexpectedly, you are also well-versed in the ruthless strategies of King Qin Ying Zheng."

However, if she refuses to accept Liu Che's suggestion to withdraw bravely, then it is likely that Liu Che will take action against her. For a marquis's wife without military power, the Grand Princess, a single contingent of the Qimen army could easily take her life. Although this would inevitably lead to numerous aftermath issues, for Liu Che, it would be far better than allowing her to maintain influence in the court and offend his supreme authority.

A-Jiao probably left through this secret passage. Since Che Er did not send anyone to pursue her, the aunt asked Che Er about her life and death, to which Che Er could only reply that she did not know. Liu Che nonchalantly closed the secret passage and walked over to Princess Guan Tao, asking, "Aunt, what do you think of Che Er as an emperor?"

Liu Piao has figured out the whereabouts of his beloved daughter. Looking at the nephew who has deceived him for several months, he is filled with rage yet laughs bitterly, "There are birds that settle in the southern hills; for three years they do not spread their wings, do not fly or sing. Though they do not fly, when they do, they will soar to the heavens; though they do not sing, when they do, their song will startle the world"

"What kind of wife do you want to marry in the future, my dear?" A beautiful woman dressed in a crimson gown was leading a little boy through a patch of blooming autumn chrysanthemums. The child was wearing a small, curved deep robe made of fabric with diamond geometric patterns, with delicate features that made him look quite adorable

I command you to speak, I command you to speak

He walked to the edge of the phoenix beak bronze furnace, twisted the phoenix beak, and the exit of the tunnel was revealed. "This aunt should be familiar, right?"

The Han dynasty inherited the shortcomings of a hundred kings, and Emperor Gaozu rectified the chaos and restored order. During the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, the focus was on nurturing the people, yet there remained many deficiencies in the matters of ancient rites and literature. At the beginning of Emperor Wu's reign, he decisively abolished the hundred schools of thought and emphasized the Six Classics. He then consulted the entire realm, selecting the talented and virtuous to contribute to his achievements. He established the Taixue (Imperial Academy), reformed the sacrifices at the altars, corrected the calendar, standardized the calendar system, harmonized music and rhythms, composed poetry and music, built altars, honored the hundred deities, continued the legacy of the Zhou dynasty, and issued decrees and literature that were splendid and worthy of description. His successors were able to follow this grand legacy and embody the spirit of the Three Dynasties. Just as Emperor Wu possessed great talent and strategy, he did not alter the frugality and respect of Emperors Wen and Jing to benefit the people; even though the "Book of Songs" and the "Book of Documents" praised these virtues, what more could be added!

If I say so, will you believe me, Aunt? Liu Che turned his head and looked at the Princess Guantao in front of him

"Well, sister, take care. Ah Yu, please support her a bit," Chen Jiao said

In my view, the greatest mistake made by Emperor Gaozu was not issuing a decree for Empress Dowager Gao to be buried with him. If Emperor Gaozu had issued a sacred edict, how could the Rebellion of the Lü family have occurred? What do you think, my dear aunt?

Sister, sister, wake up!

Princess Liu Piao of Guantao was no stranger to Changmen Palace. It was originally her family's garden, but because Liu Che took a liking to it and frequented the place, she took the initiative to offer it up. However, the unpredictability of life is such that this Changmen Palace unexpectedly became the final resting place for Liu Che's daughter. This can certainly be seen as a form of irony

Liu Che forcibly pulled his aunt, who was about to perform a deep bow, and said with deep sorrow: "Aunt, there is no need for this. The passing of Uncle has left both me and A Jiao feeling very distressed. The other day, A Jiao sent someone from Changmen Palace to convey her message, saying that she is heartbroken over her father's death and has already fallen ill. She fears that she may never see her father again in this life and has asked me to allow you to enter the palace for a final meeting. Aunt, once these matters are settled, I will send someone to bring you to Changmen Palace, where mother and daughter can reunite and share their innermost feelings!"

"Then, I ask you, is it intentional that Jiao Jiao has not become pregnant all this time?" After hearing all this, Liu Piao developed a terrifying suspicion

As everyone left, she propped her chin on her hand and wondered why she had such a dream. It was clearly a memory of the original A-Jiao.