Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 48: Clever

As Liu Che frequented the Qingliang Hall, he found himself expressing his grievances to Chen Jiao regarding state affairs.

It wasn’t merely the abundance of troubles that weighed on him, but rather the lack of activity.

“The Huns grow increasingly arrogant with each passing year, and the reports from the border become more pressing by the day,” although he did not intend to criticize the Changshou Hall, his dissatisfaction was unmistakable. “While we remain idle, they continue to gain strength. If we do not expand our military now, will we wait until the Huns are at our gates in Chang’an before we feel the urgency? Must we rely on beacons and hope that the lords from across the realm will come to our aid?”

The Han Dynasty, despite its wealth and prosperity, was fraught with underlying concerns. The feudal lords, the emperor’s relatives, and the Xiongnu loomed over Liu Che like three insurmountable mountains.

The grand empress dowager, aging and increasingly wary of conflict, insisted that peace was paramount, “If we can marry a suitable woman from the imperial family to the Xiongnu, and if wealth and silk can appease them, let us avoid warfare.”

If she did not know how to placate Liu Che, whether through sending troops to the Western Regions or constructing the Shanglin Garden, she would still assert, “If wealth and silk can resolve the issue, we should refrain from arms.”

This would likely lead to yet another confrontation between grandmother and grandson, providing the court officials with another opportunity for amusement.

Chen Jiao found herself compelled to respond, “We currently lack both generals and soldiers to contend with the Huns. Although the grand empress dowager has prohibited you from engaging with them, these matters require little expense or commotion. It would be prudent to prepare in advance.”

“If I were to wait for your counsel, how would I manage the Huns?” Liu Che chuckled at her, then sighed, “We possess talent, yet regrettably, they have never experienced the battlefield. Who can ascertain their effectiveness? Li Guang is also aging! I have preemptively bestowed upon Han Yan the title of Senior Physician, hoping he cultivates his reputation and does not disappoint me.”

In the four years since he ascended the throne, his entourage had gradually transformed. Those who were attractive but lacked talent naturally fell from favor as their beauty waned. Only Han Yan had remained in favor over these four years, with his official position steadily rising.

Although the title of Marquess of Gonggao may not be conferred upon him, his own residence now thrived more vibrantly than that of the Marquess.

“The pond in Shanglin Garden is nearly excavated. By this time next year, I will be able to take you there for a few days.” As he spoke, he sensed the futility of his words and shifted the topic, embracing Chen Jiao with enthusiasm, “They are also constructing tower ships. Although intended for the navy, I could certainly take you for a spin should you wish.”

Chen Jiao could not suppress her smile. She turned to sit on his lap, gradually leaning into him.

In a teasing tone, she whispered in his ear, “How would you like me to plead with you?”

Having once again taken the voice as her teacher in the art of bed, it appeared that the final barrier between Liu Che and her had been surmounted. The last vestiges of their estrangement had finally given way to intimacy.

He pressed his nose against hers and chuckled softly, his hand slipping into her collar as he whispered, “I want you to kneel and beg me.”

Chen Jiao could no longer contain herself. She laughed heartily, and amidst her laughter, she flipped over once more, finding herself pinned down by him.

The notion of kneeling transformed into an unspoken agreement of “We’ll discuss it later,” all due to her playful and uninhibited demeanor. Liu Che, consumed by passion, nearly tore her garments apart…

The palace attendants in the Qingliang Hall withdrew from the room.

After an hour, Liu Che rose languidly, “Han Yan should have arrived at Shanglin Garden by now. This time, I intend to hunt a deer and prepare venison for you.”

When the emperor embarked on a hunting expedition at Shanglin Garden, protocol dictated that someone must precede him to the imperial garden to drive out the wild beasts, thereby preventing Liu Che from roaming the forest without the dignity befitting an emperor.

Han Yan, a senior physician and one of his trusted confidants, was tasked with this duty instead of focusing on the military campaign against the Huns. It could be said that he was a remarkable talent, a gem hidden in obscurity.

Chen Jiao could not help but smile slightly.

She stretched lazily and sat up straight, “Do remember not to take too long this time. The fifth brother will arrive in no time, and you must personally greet him.”

He hummed in acknowledgment, seemingly unfazed. He playfully pinched Chen Jiao’s cheek and bestowed a heavy kiss upon her before resuming his proud and slightly aloof demeanor.

With the assistance of his servants, he donned his hunting attire, and amid Chen Jiao’s languid farewell, he mounted his horse and departed.

“Such a loss,” she murmured as she reclined again, succumbing to sleep in the Qingliang Hall.

Uncertain of how long she had been asleep, she was suddenly roused by a quiet conversation.

Naturally inclined to silence, Chen Jiao cherished her peaceful moments of rest. The palace servants of Qingliang Hall were aware of this and refrained from disturbing her slumber. Although the voices were hushed, they nonetheless stirred her from her nap.

“His Majesty has indeed gone to Shanglin Garden, and the lights in the hall have been lit for Her Majesty.”

Though the voice was soft, it was familiar to Chen Jiao. While not a prominent figure like Chun Tuo, he was a eunuch whom Liu Che held in high esteem. Typically arrogant and domineering, it was unusual to hear such a courteous tone from him.

“Yes, I will ensure the message is conveyed to His Majesty upon his return…”

After exchanging a few more words, the hall fell silent once more.

Upon opening her eyes, Chen Jiao observed the dimness of the room, illuminated only by the flickering flame of a single candle.

She sat up and instructed that the eunuch be brought in.

“It is the empress dowager,” the eunuch announced, bowing low. “From the messenger’s tone, it appears the empress dowager is in a state of anger for reasons unknown. She has hurriedly summoned His Majesty, seemingly intending to confront him in court. Upon learning that His Majesty was absent, the messenger appeared quite anxious.”

Chen Jiao acknowledged with a slight nod and, upon returning to the Jiaofang Hall, instructed the palace servants, “Please ascertain who is present in Changxin Hall.”

The information was promptly relayed: the King of Jiangdu had entered the city in the afternoon alongside Liu Che, and by dinner time, he had already paid his respects to the dignitaries of both Changshou Hall and Changxin Hall.

Upon hearing this, she remained silent.

She dismissed the palace servant, “You may leave.”

She privately lamented, “It is indeed challenging to find capable individuals. Since Chu Fu joined Liu Shou’s side, I have felt quite stretched.”

With no alternative, she decided to send another message to Chu Fu. Within half an hour, the entire account was laid out on Chen Jiao’s desk: the imperial road from Chang’an City to Shanglin Garden had always been the emperor’s route, and it was customary for prominent figures like Han Yan to travel this road on official errands. On this occasion, as he returned to Shanglin Garden, he encountered the carriages and horses of the King of Jiangdu, who had come to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. The flag of the Yulin Army was also raised. Upon seeing the large procession from afar, the King of Jiangdu mistakenly believed it was Liu Che on a tour and immediately knelt by the roadside to pay his respects…

However, Han Yan did not notice him and rode past swiftly, vanishing in an instant. It was the King of Jiangdu, possessing keen eyesight, who immediately recognized that the individual at the center of the crowd was not his tenth brother but rather the favored companion of his tenth brother.

“I have heard that he was so incensed that he wept,” Chu Fu recounted vividly, “and directly confronted the empress dowager, inquiring whether he could enter the palace to serve and also act as His Majesty’s attendant. The empress dowager, furious, shattered a cup in response and promptly summoned His Majesty…”

It remains uncertain how much of the empress dowager’s ire was directed towards the King of Jiangdu and how much was rooted in the ‘kindness’ she had previously received.

Chen Jiao’s expression grew more contemplative as she exchanged knowing smiles and sighs with Chu Fu, “If Han Yan truly is merely a theoretical strategist, it would indeed be a significant loss.”

This statement took Chu Fu aback, leaving her perplexed. Yet, she refrained from questioning further and could only offer a smile. The observation was pointed.

“How much of it is based on his appearance and character, and how much is attributed to that nebulous notion of military genius?” The voice remarked with a hint of sarcasm. “You cannot deceive me.”

Chen Jiao merely smiled, and when pressed too hard, retorted, “You claim all the stakes are placed on the Wei family, and still, you deem it unsafe. Now I wish to cling to Han Yan as well and accuse me of ulterior motives. If you were in my position, what would you do? Could you manage it better than I?”

“If I could manage better than you, would I still be here?” Its tone was laced with righteous indignation, rendering her momentarily speechless.

After a few moments of contemplation, she instructed Chu Fu, “Tomorrow morning, please convey a message to the marquess’ residence… Han Yan ought to be informed about the events of tonight. However, there is no need to elaborate further.”

…

On the morning of the third day, the grand princess entered the palace.

“What is the matter with you!” she admonished Chen Jiao in a hushed tone. “Han Yan is young and attractive, and unlike your cousin, you continue to advocate for him incessantly. Exercise caution, lest you provoke A’Che’s suspicions, which would lead to undesirable consequences for both of you.”

The grand princess was well aware of Liu Che’s jealousy. In truth, she had reflected on this matter countless times within the confines of Changxin Hall. The demeanor of the Princess of Pingyang towards Chen Jiao had grown increasingly courteous.

Chen Jiao regarded her mother, and before she could articulate further thoughts, she let out a sigh.

Since her association with Dong Yan, her mother had truly blossomed. Not only had she retained her youthfulness, but she had also become radiant. Her complexion had gradually become more refined, and the once-dominant intensity had noticeably diminished.

Fortunately, she was at an age where the prospect of another pregnancy was improbable; otherwise, the situation would be considerably more challenging.

Even now, rumors circulated within the court and among the populace, with Princess of Longlu mentioning it several times, her words tinged with grievance. It was said that the affairs within the Marquess of Tangyi’s mansion were now divided into two factions. Although the marquess and the grand princess resided together, they seldom saw one another for months.

“My brothers are ineffectual,” she remarked wearily. “It is a blessing if they refrain from causing trouble. My uncle Dou Ying is advanced in age, and it is uncertain whether he can earn grandmother’s forgiveness or collaborate effectively with A’Che. The Wang family is currently exerting every effort to secure advantages for Tian Fen… Without a leader in the court, how can we contend with the Wang family?”

The grand princess remained silent.

After a stick of incense had burned, she straightened her posture and inquired solemnly, “Do you believe Han Yan can be of use to us?”

No wonder she held the title of grand princess; she transformed in an instant from a haughty noblewoman to a seasoned political strategist.

Chen Jiao responded softly, “Whether he can be of assistance depends on his intelligence.”

She too was intrigued to discover whether Han Yan possessed the requisite acumen.