The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 305 Cao Cao loses his beloved son, Li Yi gains a princess, and Liu Bei and his son have a fa

Chapter 305 Cao Cao loses his beloved son, Li Yi gains a princess, and Liu Bei and his son have a falling out.

Winter of the thirteenth year of Jian'an.

Jizhou, Yecheng.

Before the Spring Equinox, the crabapple trees in the Prime Minister's residence bloomed overnight.

On the day Zhen Mi was about to give birth, the maids noticed that all the flowers in the courtyard were drooping towards the delivery room, as if they were bowing.

Li Yi threw down the military report and rushed to the backyard, where he heard a clear, melodious cry of a newborn baby breaking the dawn.

The midwife wept with joy:

"Mother and child are safe! Mother and child are safe!"

"The Prime Minister has a daughter!"

She had given birth to three sons before, but only Zhen Mi, who had just married into the family, gave birth to a daughter for Li Yi.

This woman was born in almost the same month as Liu Bei's third son, Liu Li.

As the second most important figure in the State of Qi, she had a son at the same time as Liu Bei.

A man and a woman, a pair of auspicious dragons and phoenixes, it was a double blessing for the State of Qi.

Li Yi took the swaddling clothes and saw a bright red dot of vermilion between the baby girl's eyebrows, resembling blood.

The Book of Documents says, "When the music of Xiao Shao is played nine times, the phoenix will come to pay homage."

Li Yi lightly touched the baby's palm with his fingertips and said to those around him:
"Why not replace him with Li Yi?"

From behind the screen came Yuan Ying's playful, reproachful voice:
"My husband is biased! When naming Zhi'er and Ping'er, he didn't consult so many books and scrolls."

She led the twins out; they were Li Zhi and Li Ping.

Although Li Ping was born out of wedlock, he had already been adopted by Mi Zhen.

In addition, since he was about the same age as Li Zhi, Yuan Ying usually took him with her when she was taking care of the child.

Eight-year-old Li Zhi was already quite sensible and respectfully bowed to his father.
Congratulations, Father, on the birth of your daughter!

Ha ha.

Li Yi smiled and touched Li Zhi's forehead, "As elder brothers, you should take good care of your little sister in the future."

Mi Zhen came over carrying a colorful brocade:

"I selected cotton from Youzhou, embroidery from Qingzhou, and silk from Huainan, and also asked Lady Wenhou for sable fur lining from Liaodong."

After saying this, he draped the cloak over Li Yi's shoulders.

Those around him, seeing this, all said:
"Excellent! This girl will have an extraordinary future!"

Li Ping, the adopted son, hid behind his mother and suddenly pulled out a straw cricket cage:
"Let your little sister play with it!"

Upon seeing this, Zhen Mi leaned against the brocade couch and smiled, then suddenly coughed lightly.

Li Yi quickly handed his daughter to the wet nurse, held her in his arms, and said softly:
"Mi Mei should not overexert herself after giving birth..."

Zhen Mi suddenly turned around and took out a book, which turned out to be "Admonitions for Women," with delicate handwriting that subtly conveyed a sense of integrity.

"My husband, please read the last chapter."

Zhen Mi pointed her fingertip at a certain spot.

Li Yi read it aloud:

"Peaceful and virtuous, maintaining order and order..."

"Huh? Why is the character '节' here...?"

"I deliberately wrote it wrong."

A blush rose on Zhen Mi's pale face. "We should use the character '节' with the bamboo radical."

"But I wrote it as '即', which is taken from the meaning of '即鹿无虞' in the Book of Changes."

"I hope my daughter will not be confined to her room in the future."

Just then, a servant suddenly reported that congratulatory gifts had arrived from various prefectures and states.

As the prime minister, who was second only to the emperor, Li Yi received congratulatory gifts no less than those from Liu Bei.

But there's nothing particularly new or exciting about it.

It was nothing more than Liaodong fur coats, coral trees, pearls from the East China Sea, and some gold and silver jewelry.

After the banquet ended late at night, Li Yi sat alone in his study.

Two reports were placed side by side on the desk, one from Youzhou.

It turns out that a large number of cattle and sheep froze to death in northern China this winter.

Whether it was the Wuhuan, the Xianbei, or the Xiongnu, this winter was difficult for them all.

This report was written by Qian Zhao, and it states in brief:
"This year, the northern desert is bitterly cold, the north wind splits rocks, many horses die, and three out of ten yurts are destroyed."

"The Protector of the Wuhuan, Qian Zhao, requested permission to attack them while they were vulnerable."

It turns out that Qian Zhao thought this was a good opportunity to take advantage of your weakness and kill you.

He hoped that Li Yi would approve his initiative to seize the herders' cattle and sheep, making their situation even worse.

Li Yi frowned, threw down the scroll, and sighed:
“When I established the special zone in Yuyang, my original intention was to develop the economy of Youzhou and enable it to be self-sufficient.”

"A recent unauthorized start of war will inevitably lead to disaster."

The reply was thus issued:
"The alliance of the northern frontier is etched in stone."

"Although the barbarians are besieged, will they emulate Cao Cao's attack on Lü Boshe?"

"Many merchants in Youzhou now hold warrants for Hu horses. If we provoke a border conflict, the market may be overthrown."

“The Tianyu County government ordered the opening of the Ever-Normal Granary for disaster relief; if insufficient, grain and fodder from Jizhou would be transferred.”

"Anyone who dares to speak of war will be subject to military law!"

Although Li Yi said that Youzhou was not enough, Jizhou would be used to make up the difference.

After only a moment's hesitation, Li Yi waved his hand dismissively.

He approved the dispatch of 100,000 bushels of millet and 3,000 felt tents to Youzhou.

This is the first major report.

The second military report was written by Ma Chao, the governor of Bingzhou, and it stated:
"Cao Cao has launched an invasion of Shu, leaving Guanzhong vulnerable. We urge you to send troops immediately and seize Luoyang!"

After reading it, Li Yi pondered for a long time before replying:
"War is a matter of vital importance to the state."

"How can we act rashly without the king's command?"

"All armies in Bingzhou, guard the passes strictly."

"We will discuss our course of action once the magistrate of Xiapi arrives."

Li Yi refused Ma Chao's request to send troops, arguing that there was no order from Liu Bei and that all regions should remain calm.

We'll consider whether to go to war once the official documents from above are released.

Just then, Zhen Yao walked into the room and, seeing the situation, asked:
"My lord has always had great ambitions. Now that Cao Cao is on a western expedition, the Central Plains are vulnerable. Why not take advantage of the situation and seize it?"

The reason they didn't compete with Cao Cao for Xichuan was partly because it was far away, and partly because the Qi leadership wanted the Central Plains more.

Cao Cao's attention is now focused on Yizhou, so why hasn't he made a move yet?

This is a problem that has been troubling everyone in the Prime Minister's residence.

Li Yi put down his pen and explained:

“In the past, we only occupied a state, and we could act according to the situation and advance or retreat at will.”

"The territory of the State of Qi today spans ten thousand miles, and it has a million armored soldiers."

"Every move we make affects the world."

"If we start a war without authorization, Hebei, Huainan, Qingzhou, Youzhou, and Jingzhou will all need to provide support."

"A single misstep can lead to complete chaos."

This is the difference between governing a large country and governing a small country.

Some leaders can thrive in small countries, but if they are placed in the highest leadership position in a large country, they will be overwhelmed with problems.

Li Yifu sighed again:

"Governing a country is like playing chess; one should not be greedy for short-term gains."

"Although Cao Cao was on a distant expedition, his foundation remained intact."

"If our army rashly advances, and they turn back to reinforce us, the outcome will be unpredictable."

"Furthermore, the King of Qi has not given the order; how can we overstep our bounds?"

"For any major matters at present, we should wait for the instructions from Xuzhou before making any decisions!"

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yao was filled with respect and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying:
"...Your Excellency's profound wisdom and foresight surpass even those of Yao."

Li Yi then wrote back to Ma Chao, issuing a strict order:

"Without the king's decree, not a single soldier from Bingzhou may leave the province!"

"Those who disobey will be subject to military law!"

In addition, Li Yi wrote a letter to Pang Tong, the Prefect of Bingzhou, asking him to advise Ma Chao.

Don't do anything reckless.

Pang Tong received Li Yi's letter and then advised Ma Chao:
"The reason the Prime Minister stopped the general is that he had not received the king's order."

"Moreover, Bingzhou is threatened by the Xiongnu, and although we have been able to temporarily pacify it thanks to the good policies of the Prime Minister."

"However, as the saying goes, those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts. How can you not be aware of this, General?"

"I hope the general will not be greedy for a moment's victory, but wait for the opportune moment."

"The king will surely use the general's army; we can simply wait and see."

Ma Chao had always respected Pang Tong, and upon hearing his words, he abandoned his plan to send troops at this time.

He led his troops back to Jinyang.

Not to be discussed.

……

Xuzhou, Xia Pi.

"A subject serves his superiors with virtue, and his subordinates with the benefit of the people."

"This statement means the way Yi Yin served as a minister."

"One should assist the emperor above and help the common people below."

"All ministers should be of one mind in serving the ruler; only in this way can governance be done well."

"...Here, 'one heart' means 'one virtue'."

Lu Su patiently recounted the story, his voice deep and warm.

It did not become dry or dull despite its length.

At that moment, he forgot the troubles of being a politician.

At this time, he was simply a teacher, and could devote himself wholeheartedly to interpreting and studying classical texts.

"Therefore, this 'being superior and inferior' is the essence of 'All Have One Virtue'."

"Your Highness, have you understood?"

Liu Shan nodded silently.

Lu Su was a very patient teacher who was good at guiding students step by step.

However, Liu Shan (the young emperor) did not seem to be very interested in Lu Su's explanation of the Book of Documents.

He rested his chin on his hand, looking intently out the window, his mind elsewhere.

As the crown prince, he received higher education from a young age.

Liu Bei was very strict with him, and Lu Su, as the Grand Tutor, was his teacher.

However, Liu Bei specially invited the great Confucian scholar Kong Rong to return from Qingzhou every few days to explain the Book of Rites to him.

Liu Shan felt disheartened by this.

Suddenly, his ears twitched, catching a faint sound in the wind.

That was the sound of a football hitting the ground. Liu Shan loved football, so he was very sensitive to this sound.

Seeing this, Lu Su picked up a bamboo slip, tapped it on the edge of the table, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, the way of learning requires utmost concentration!"

As a teacher, Lu Su was strict when necessary.

Liu Shan both respected and feared Lu Su. After sensing the displeasure in Lu Su's words, he immediately sat up straight again.

"Sir, when will get out of class end?"

A Dou sighed, unable to hide the weariness in his eyes.

Lu Su glanced at the sky and said:
"About half an hour."

"Your Highness may have lunch in half an hour."

"After lunch, Meng Yugong will also explain the Zuo Zhuan to you."

what! ?

Liu Shan looked hesitant, but mustered his courage and said:

"...But I want to go play with my friends."

Upon hearing this, Lu Su put down the bamboo slip with a serious expression and said very solemnly:

"Your Highness, you are now seven years old."

“When Su was seven years old, he had already finished learning the Classic of Filial Piety. Your course is still far behind.”

"The King of Qi severely criticized the old minister last time for this matter."

"The Crown Prince should also always keep in mind the meaning of 'working tirelessly day and night to serve one person'."

"How can we idly waste our time like children playing around?"

A Dou pouted and said with dissatisfaction:

"Zhang Bao is about the same age as me, almost the same age."

"How can one ride a horse and shoot sparrows every day?"

"But I have to stay in the palace every day, studying this damned scripture?"

hiss……

Lu Su gasped, his face turning pale.

It's fortunate that Liu Bei isn't here right now, otherwise if he heard these words, he would definitely make A Dou experience the power of the ruler.

Lu Su struck the table with a ruler:
"Zhang Bao is the son of the three generals, and he is skilled in horsemanship and archery."

"The Crown Prince is of Qi royal blood and is a vital asset to the state!"

"Incomparable!"

As he spoke, he suddenly noticed that Liu Shan's clothes were loose, and sighed:
"...This old minister requests permission to adjust the crown of the Crown Prince."

After saying this, Lu Su squatted down and helped Liu Shan straighten his clothes.

Suddenly, a courtier reported that General Zhang Fei had brought his son into the palace.

Upon hearing the news, Liu Shan was overjoyed and wanted to jump up, shouting:

"Alas! Brother Bao must have come to see me."

But Lu Su reached out and pressed his hand down, patted his shoulder, and said in a deep voice:
“Your Highness, as Han Zi said, ‘A loving mother may have a spoiled son, but a strict family may have no unruly children.’”

"If you don't finish reciting the Book of Documents today, this old minister cannot let you go."

Well!
Liu Shan frowned and returned to his desk, looking dejected.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar came from outside the palace.

"Lu Zijing! It's me, Old Zhang, here!"

Zhang Fei strode in, accompanied by a man and a woman.

He carried Zhang Bao in his left hand and Zhang Xingcai on his right shoulder.

His dark face, covered in a thick, bristling beard, bristled as he spoke:
"How long will this class last?"

"...Oh, it's the Right General."

Lu Su stepped forward, bowed, and said, "It will take another half an hour."

"Hey! We can't wait! We can't wait!"

Zhang Fei waved his hand dismissively, "If the children get sick from being cooped up, who can bear the responsibility?"

Upon seeing his savior arrive, Liu Shan cheered and leaped up:
"Uncle Zhang! Uncle Zhang!"

Lu Su quickly stopped him, "Hey! General Right, you mustn't!"

"King Qi strictly ordered that the crown prince must not be allowed to go out to play until the lessons are finished."

Zhang Fei chuckled and swept past Lu Su.

He scooped up Liu Shan and hoisted him onto his shoulder.

"If my brother blames me, I will go and take the whip myself!"

"Sir, can you please stop being so old-fashioned?"

“My nephew is only a few years old. He’s seven and you’re making him read the Zuo Zhuan and the Book of Documents. How can he possibly understand them?”

"Hey, you!!"

Lu Su was about to speak up in rebuttal.

Zhang Fei had already carried Liu Shan outside.

"Well!"

Lu Su clutched his chest, nearly fainting from anger.

Anyone who has been a teacher knows that

When you encounter students who don't like to learn, yet you still have teaching pressure, and you're also a homeroom teacher.

That was real, immense pressure!
Hair loss, insomnia, and anxiety are common problems.

Although Lu Su doesn't have to manage a class, as the prince's teacher, he still faces considerable pressure.

They are afraid that their child is not learning something thoroughly or well enough.

"Grand Tutor, be careful."

The attendant rushed forward to support him, asking, "What should we do now?"

Lu Su frowned and said in a deep voice:
"Let's go! Let's find King Qi!"

……

They carried Liu Shan, Zhang Bao, and Zhang Xingcai out of the East Palace and headed straight for the Imperial Garden.

It was the twelfth lunar month, with plum blossoms dotting the landscape and snow falling heavily.

As soon as the three children landed, they scattered like sparrows released from their cages.

Zhang Fei lay down on the snow, resting his head on his arms, and laughed:

"Today, I won't practice martial arts or study; I'll just have some fun!"

Zhang Bao, being the most mischievous, scrambled up the old locust tree, broke off a thick branch to use as a spear, leaped down, and shouted:

"Zhang Bao of Yan is here! Cao Cao, prepare to die!"

Seeing this, Liu Shan quickly picked up a dry branch from the ground to use as a sword, and adopted the gentlemanly posture taught by Lu Su: "I am the heir apparent of the King of Qi, you treacherous general, do not be so arrogant!"

Zhang Bao laughed loudly:

"At your slow pace, I would have knocked you off your horse with a single spear thrust long ago!"

Xingcai sat on the snow, picking plum blossoms to make a ring, when she suddenly caught sight of a nest of baby birds under a tree.

He then carefully picked one up and called back:

"Adou, look!"

Liu Shan dropped his "sword" and ran over, only to find the fledgling bird with its downy feathers still covering its wings, chirping mournfully. He couldn't help but worry.

"Is it hungry?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei leaped up in a somersault:
"Wait!"

Before long, they caught several green caterpillars.

The three children huddled together, watching the baby birds peck at the food.

Zhang Xingcai suddenly placed a flower wreath on Liu Shan's head:

"It's your reward!"

Liu Shan blushed and dared not move, while Zhang Bao made a face:
"Shame on you! A real man wears a flower!"

Zhang Fei laughed heartily and suddenly grabbed the three children in his arms:
Come on! Let's see who can throw it the highest!

The dark-faced general suddenly raised both arms—

Zhang Bao did a somersault like a hawk, even kicking his leg in mid-air.

Liu Shan was so frightened that he closed his eyes tightly, but when he landed, he rolled into a pile of soft grass.

Her embroidered skirt, adorned with stars, bloomed like a lotus flower, and a silvery laugh from mid-air startled the plum blossoms on the tree.

Tired from playing, the four of them lay sprawled out on the slope.

Liu Shan was very fond of Uncle Zhang. He nestled in Uncle Zhang's arms and said earnestly, "A Dou likes Uncle Zhang the most."

Zhang Fei laughed loudly, "If that's the case, how will A Dou repay Uncle Zhang in the future?"

Liu Shan tilted his head in deep thought, then suddenly pointed at Zhang Bao:

"When I become king, I will appoint Brother Bao as a great general!"

He then pointed at Zhang Xingcai again, saying, "I will marry Xingcai as my second wife."

"I will be the King of Qi, and he will be the Queen!"

Zhang Xingcai's face flushed instantly, and she scolded in a silvery voice:
"Who wants to marry a bookworm like you!"

Zhang Bao swiftly stepped forward to protect his sister, throwing a punch to scare her:

"How dare you bully Xingcai! I'll beat you up!"

Zhang Fei laughed heartily, "Good, good, you are all good children."

Suddenly, he pointed to the clouds in the sky and said, "Look, that cloud looks just like Red Hare."

"Back in the day, when I, Old Zhang, was fighting Lü Bu, I almost stole his horse and gave it to my second brother."

Upon hearing Guan Yu's name, Zhang Bao immediately interjected:
"That's clearly the Green Dragon Crescent Blade!"

Liu Shan rubbed his eyes:

"...I think...it looks like Lu Taifu's beard..."

Suddenly seeing the sun setting in the west, Zhang Fei was startled:
"Oh no! I'll miss my evening class!"

After saying that, he quickly picked up the three mud monkeys and ran back.

Lu Su stood in front of the East Palace gate, holding a ruler.

Zhang Fei quickly hid the children behind his back and said with an embarrassed smile:
"Mr. Zijing, today... today I taught them riding and archery..."

They had expected Lu Su to fly into a rage, but his expression remained unusually calm.

There was a loud "smack" as the ruler landed on the bluestone slab, startling a few birds into flight.

"King Qi has been waiting in the inner palace for a long time."

Lu Su's voice was as calm as a still well, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of the snow on Liu Shan's clothes.

Zhang Fei's copper-bell-like eyes darted around, and he thought to himself:
"My life is over!"

Zhang Fei cautiously led the three children into the house.

The inner hall was dimly lit.

Liu Bei is playing against Meng Yugong and Xu Qiu, both with black pieces. The "Golden Well Barrier" formation on the chessboard has become a killing situation.

"Uncle!"

Zhang Xingcai flew into Liu Bei's arms like a swallow returning to its nest, deliberately adorning her uncle's crown with plum blossoms.

"Xingcai misses you!"

Liu Bei's cold and stern face broke like ice in spring as he picked up a fallen flower from the girl's hair.

"...Hehe, Xiaoxingcai is heavier than last time."

Suddenly, he turned to Lu Su and said, "I heard that a new candied fruit shop has opened in the south of the city?"

Lu Su replied, "Yes."

Liu Bei then coaxed Xingcai, saying, "Little Xingcai, how about I have Uncle Lu take you and Bao'er to buy some candied fruit?"

Xingcai jumped up and down happily, "Yay! I love it! I love it!"

Upon seeing this, Zhang Fei bowed to Liu Bei and said:

"Brother, I'm taking the two kids to buy some candied fruit."

"You stay."

As soon as Zhang Fei turned around, he heard Liu Bei's cold voice behind him.

Ugh!
Zhang Fei turned around helplessly, not daring to meet Liu Bei's gaze.

This fierce and invincible general, a match for ten thousand men, was so frightened that he dared not utter a word.

If I remember correctly, the last time Zhang Fei saw Liu Bei with this expression was twenty years ago!
Twenty years ago, Liu Bei had just become the county magistrate of Anxi County.

At that time, an inspector arrived.

Later, that inspector made Zhang Fei bear the blame for over two thousand years.

Do you know what you did wrong today?

Liu Bei didn't even glance at Liu Shan.

Suddenly, the flame on the inner bronze crane lamp stand crackled and popped.

Liu Bei's fingers were still hovering above the chessboard, the black jade chess pieces making his fingernails appear bluish.

"Your son... Your son shouldn't have skipped school... to play with Uncle Zhang."

Liu Shan's calves began to tremble.

"Anything else?" Liu Bei asked again.

"I, I, I..."

Liu Shan couldn't answer for a moment. He didn't know what other mistake he had made besides leaving class early.

Liu Bei suddenly slammed a chess piece heavily onto the "center" position: "Meng Yugong!"

Liu Bei was playing chess with Meng Yugong Xu Qiu using his fingers.

"When Xu Gong was in his eighties, he had already retired and returned to his hometown."

"Your father, despite his high position, personally visited and invited you to receive instruction in the scriptures and doctrines."

“The brat was playing with his uncle, leaving the elder waiting in vain all day.”

"You have read many books, but do you know what it means to respect your teacher and value the Way?"

Liu Bei suddenly grabbed the chess basket and smashed it on the ground, sending three hundred chess pieces flying like hailstones.

Startled, Liu Shan turned to the side to dodge.

Zhang Fei suddenly knelt on one knee, the iron armor slamming down with a dull thud.
"Brother! It's me..."

"you shut up!"

Liu Bei's roar shook the beams, causing dust to fall. He then turned and bowed deeply to Xu Qiu.

"Sir, it is because you have failed to properly educate your son."

"I hope you will be understanding."

The Han Dynasty respected the elderly, especially renowned scholars like Meng Yugong Xu Qiu, who were over seventy years old and were practically national treasures.

Even if Liu Bei were the King of Qi, or even if he were the Emperor of Han, he would still have to be extremely respectful to him.

Xu Qiu served as the Chancellor of Donghai for Liu Bei in his early years, and later retired to his hometown.

It was Liu Bei who swallowed his pride and took the initiative to invite him to come out of seclusion again to teach his son.

As a result, Liu Shan skipped class this afternoon, leaving the old gentleman waiting all afternoon.

This is what caused Liu Bei to be so unusually furious.

The reason is simple: even Liu Bei had to show this elder some respect.

You little brat, how dare you leave someone hanging for an entire afternoon? How could Liu Bei not be angry?
"Adou!"

Liu Bei calmed himself down and looked down at the children below the steps.

How do you memorize the "Chapter on the Feudal Lords" in the Classic of Filial Piety?

Liu Shan's face turned pale. As the saying goes, one can learn something new by reviewing the old.

Lu Taifu had taught him during the day, but he had played all afternoon and hadn't reviewed the material before being dragged to the inner palace for a lecture.

I've long forgotten the contents of the book.

"...Your subject...Your subject only remembers 'not being arrogant when in power'..."

Ugh!
Liu Bei sighed deeply, "Third brother!"

"exist!"

Zhang Fei instinctively snapped his leg armor shut, the clanging of his iron boots startling the birds roosting under the eaves.

"You are not young anymore, and you are already the father of two children."

"Why can't you be more mature?"

"Learn more from Ziyu."

"I have asked you to read more books so that you can calm your mind."

"Do you know that what you are delaying today is the knowledge that will save your life in the future?"

"Brother, I know I was wrong."

Zhang Fei bowed his head and admitted his mistake.

The two, the adult and the child, stood side by side, obediently listening to Liu Bei's reprimand.

Liu Bei, holding a ruler, walked up to Liu Shan.

His gaze was like frost, and he said in a deep voice:
"Does this brat not know that it is easy to take the world, but difficult to maintain it?"

"I and Ziyu fought bloody battles for half our lives, risking our lives to achieve the Qi we have today."

"If you spend your days in frivolous revelry, how can I entrust the fate of the state to you?"

"Even if you were my son, if I were to give you the kingdom, I would be ashamed to see Ziyu again!"

"Do you know you are guilty?"

“Do you know you are guilty?!”

The ruler swung down with a gust of wind, and several crisp "snap! snap!" sounds immediately echoed through the hall.

Historically, Liu Bei was a strict father who attached great importance to his children's education.

Not only did he require Liu Shan to study books such as "Shenzi", "Han Feizi", "Guanzi", and "Six Secret Teachings", he also had Zhuge Liang personally copy these books to supervise Liu Shan's studies.

Then he had Yin Mo teach him the Zuo Zhuan.

Not only that, but Liu Shan also had to learn martial arts.

Historical records state, "Sheshan is located fifteen li north of Chengdu County. Liu Zhuchan learned archery here."

Actually, Liu Bei's mentality is easy to understand; after all, no parent doesn't hope their son will succeed.

Especially those who have worked hard to build their empires will certainly hope that their children can safeguard them.

Otherwise, Cao Cao wouldn't have exclaimed, "A son should be like Sun Quan."

It was because Sun Quan defended the Wu kingdom so well that Cao Cao was so moved.

Liu Shan's palms were red and wet with tears, but he dared not pull his hand away, and could only cry out in a trembling voice:
"Your subject knows his mistake! Your subject will never dare to do it again!"

Seeing this, Zhang Fei could only shake his head and sigh, filled with regret.

Just as the punishment was being carried out, the sound of jade pendants jingling suddenly came from outside the palace.

Queen Yuan Ying stumbled in, grabbed Liu Shan in her arms, and wept:

"Your Majesty! If you must hit someone, hit me, but don't hurt my child!"

Seeing this, Liu Bei held the ruler in mid-air but did not bring it down, only letting out a long sigh:
"A doting mother often spoils her son! If this child is unable to inherit the throne in the future, it will all be your fault today!"

Liu Shan quickly spoke up to defend his mother:

"Father! This is not what Mother deserves!"

"This is all my doing!"

"presumptuous!"

Seeing that Liu Shan still dared to talk back, Liu Bei roared angrily, his eyes flashing with cold light.

"How dare this brat defy his sovereign father?!"

Yuan Ying held Liu Shan tightly behind her, looked up at Liu Bei with tears glistening in her eyes, but refused to budge an inch.

“In the past, you conspired with the traitor Cao to kill my father, leaving me all alone and without my father.”

"Do you now intend to kill my orphaned child?"

Women are weak, but mothers are strong.

Although Yuan Shu was not killed by Cao Cao and Liu Bei, he was indirectly caused to die by the two of them.

At that time, Liu Bei took a liking to the Yuan family's background, and Yuan Ying also needed Liu Bei's political protection.

Neither of them mentioned the matter, tacitly agreeing to keep quiet about it.

But in a moment of anger and protectiveness, I brought up old matters.

"How dare you, you lowly servant!"

Liu Bei was furious and raised his hand to slap him in the face.

But at the moment of impact, he restrained himself and only struck Yuan Ying's hair bun.

Even as her hairpin fell to the ground, Yuan Ying still held tightly to her young son, refusing to back down.

Seeing this, Zhang Fei finally couldn't hold back any longer and rushed forward to hug her.
"Brother! You...you've lost your mind!"

Liu Shan mistakenly believed that his mother had been beaten and cried loudly.
"...Waaaah, I hate Daddy the most."

"I...I need to go find my aunt!"

"My mother took me to find my aunt!"

When A Dou was a child, he was taken care of by Yuan Ying.

Because Yuan Ying was naturally charming and was spoiled by Li Yi, A Dou always felt warm and not oppressed when he was by her side.

Today's events have only intensified my longing for you.

He started clamoring to go find his aunt.

"...Adou, good boy, let's go."

Yuan Ying was filled with bitterness; she only had two relatives left in this world: Yuan Ying and Yuan Yin.

But one is in Hebei and the other is in Jiangnan.

They're from all over the country, and we only see each other twice a year.

Moreover, Liu Bei was busy with official duties and had little time to spend with his family.

Even when he has free time, he prefers to spend it with his brothers.

Only when Yuan Ying was giving birth and was physically weak would Liu Bei set aside time to take care of her.

Therefore, children are everything to Yuan Ying.

She would give her life to protect her two sons.

Yuan Ying, holding A Dou, silently walked out of the inner hall.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Fei paused for a moment, then asked:

"...Brother, should I go after him?"

"...Oh, no need."

Liu Bei sat down wearily, looking as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

He reached up and rubbed his temples, saying slowly:
"Only today have I realized how difficult it is to be a ruler, and how much more difficult it is to be a father to a ruler."

After saying this, he smiled at Zhang Fei, as if mocking himself:
“Yide, look.”

"Everyone says that I, the King of Qi, manage the people of the world in an orderly manner, without a doubt."

"But he couldn't control his own son."

"Don't you think it's ridiculous?"

Zhang Fei remained silent for a long time before walking up to Liu Bei and gently patting him on the back.

"...Brother, you...you're just tired."

"Being a monarch is not easy. You are busy with state affairs every day and neglect to spend time with your children."

"It was with this in mind that I took Adou out for some fun."

"I didn't want to make things worse and hurt my sister-in-law."

"Pah! I deserve to die!"

After saying that, Zhang Fei reached out and slapped himself hard.

"Yide!"