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

Chapter 371 It's not uncommon for men to pursue women, but for a woman to actively pursue a man, that man must possess a certain "domineering" nature.

In the late summer of the sixth year of Zhangwu (1268).

The Chongde Hall of the Luoyang Imperial Palace.

As dawn broke, the Golden Palace was already filled with civil and military officials.

Liu Bei sat upright on the throne, his gaze sweeping over his ministers from behind his crown and jeweled robes, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

"Do any of you gentlemen have something to report?"

His voice was deep and resonant, echoing throughout the hall.

After a brief silence, Yang Dao stepped forward, holding a jade tablet, and bowed, saying:
"...Your subject has a memorial to present."

"I have heard that the court intends to attack Wu, but I believe this is not advisable."

Du Ji then followed:

"...I second that proposal."

"Now that the country has just been pacified, the people's livelihood has not yet recovered."

"A major war would likely damage the foundation of the nation."

In an instant, seven or eight civil officials stepped forward to object.

Liu Bei's expression remained unchanged as he lightly tapped the armrest of the chair with his fingers, but his gaze drifted towards the ranks of military generals.

Guan Yu slightly opened his phoenix eyes, a hint of impatience flashing across his red face.

Zhang Fei's beard bristled, as if he were about to unleash a furious attack.

Although Zhao Yun appeared calm, he was already eager to try.

"His Majesty!"

Guan Yu finally stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell, "Sun Wu has occupied Jiangdong for a long time. If we don't deal with them soon, they will surely become a future threat!"

"Your Majesty, I request permission to send troops to seize Jianye!"

Zhang Fei followed closely behind, his voice shaking the palace rooftops.
"Brother...your majesty!"

"I, Old Zhang, am willing to lead 30,000 elite troops to capture that blue-eyed man alive and present him to you!"

Zhao Yun also cupped his hands and said:

"Your Majesty, the unification of the world is imminent; how can we abandon the effort halfway?"

"Though I am unworthy, I am willing to serve the Han Dynasty to the death."

The court fell silent as three valiant generals simultaneously volunteered for the position.

Liu Bei glanced at Li Yi, who was standing at the head of the civil officials.

He remained calm and silent.

This prime minister has always been adept at assessing situations and is clearly unwilling to get involved in the dispute at this moment.

Although Li Yi also supported the campaign against Wu, he was well aware of the extremely high prestige of the three tiger generals, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, in the court.

With them involved, the campaign against Wu was a done deal, and he had no need to step forward and offend anyone at this moment.

When Yang Dao and his men saw Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun emerge together, their morale was already dampened.

Du Ji still forced himself to remonstrate:

"The three generals are commendable for their loyalty and bravery, but weapons are instruments of destruction, and even sages use them only as a last resort..."

"Master Du is mistaken!"

Guan Yu interrupted coldly, "The Sun family has carved out their own territory in Jiangdong and refuses to submit to the king's rule. Is this not a time of 'having no other choice'?"

Zhang Fei said impatiently:
"That's the view of a scholar!"

"If it weren't for my brother wielding his three-foot sword back then, how could there be the mighty Han we know today?"

"The world is not yet at peace, and you are already worrying about what will happen to you after your deaths. This is truly disappointing!"

Zhang Fei was straightforward and spoke the truth.

Many people in the court were immediately struck where it hurt, and their expressions changed drastically.

"General Zhang... you... you mustn't make false accusations."

"What did I say to you? Aren't you just afraid that after the conquest of Wu, some new nobles will emerge and replace you?"

"Even I, Old Zhang, can see through this. Do you think your excuses can fool the world?"

As the debate escalated, Liu Bei finally raised his hand:
"My lords, please wait and hear what I have to say."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Liu Bei slowly rose to his feet, the jeweled tassels of his crown jingling softly.

"The decision to attack Wu was made after careful consideration by me."

"Now that my mind is made up, there is no need for further discussion among you gentlemen."

These few words, though brief, resonated deeply.

Yang Dao and the others looked ashen-faced, but dared not speak further.

Liu Bei turned his gaze to Taishi Ci:
"Ziyi, you are in charge of the Ministry of War. You are in charge of all preparations for the campaign against Wu."

"Once the cabinet has formulated a strategy, it will be reported to me for a final decision."

Taishi Ci, holding his official tablet, stepped forward and bowed in response:
"I accept the decree."

The court session ended, and the officials filed out.

Liu Yan tugged at the sleeve of Yang Dao's robe and whispered:

"Brother Yang, something's not right."

“A few days ago, His Majesty was clearly not very interested in the campaign against Wu.”

"The sudden change in attitude must be due to the secret meeting between Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun in the palace!"

Yang Dao frowned, stroked his beard, and pondered:

“The three generals have made great contributions, and His Majesty has always relied on them.”

"If they jointly request to fight, it's no wonder His Majesty's attitude has changed."

After discussion, everyone agreed that it must have been a power struggle orchestrated by several influential ministers that led Liu Bei to change his stance on attacking Wu.

"no!"

Liu Yan gritted his teeth, "If the campaign against Wu succeeds, many new nobles will surely emerge."

"At that time, our position in the court will be..."

Before he finished speaking, everyone understood his meaning.

Xun Chen took the initiative to suggest:

"How about we jointly petition His Majesty to offer our advice?"

Everyone agreed, and they went together to the inner palace.

At this time, Liu Bei was reviewing memorials in the Qingliang Palace.

The eunuch whispered:
"Your Majesty, Liu Yan, Yang Dao, and more than ten other officials request an audience."

Liu Bei raised an eyebrow slightly and put down his brush:
"Xuan."

As the palace gates opened, Liu Yan and the others filed in.

Before they could even bow, they all knelt down on the ground, and cries immediately broke out.

"Your Majesty! Please reconsider the matter of attacking Wu!"

Yang Dao touched the ground with his forehead and kowtowed repeatedly.

"When war breaks out, the people will suffer. Our Han Dynasty is a new dynasty and should not engage in large-scale warfare!"

"His Majesty!"

Liu Yan wept bitterly, saying, "The people of Henan have just been slaughtered, and their livelihoods have not yet recovered. In addition, the north has reported drought, and the people are suffering unspeakably."

"If we start another war, I fear it will bring disaster and suffering to all the people of the world."

In an instant, weeping filled the hall, and the officials put on an air of righteous indignation for the country and its people.

Liu Bei observed for a moment, smiled slightly, and then got up and walked out of the palace.

He casually sat down on a stone stool in the courtyard and addressed the crowd:
"Gentlemen, please come here; it's cool here."

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, and could only wipe away their tears and follow, kneeling around Liu Bei.

"How many years have you known me, gentlemen?"

Liu Bei suddenly asked, his tone as relaxed as if chatting with an old friend.

Everyone was taken aback, and someone answered:
"Your Majesty, I have been following you since the early years of the Jian'an era, for twenty-three years now."

"Twenty-three years..."

Liu Bei looked up at the sky, as if reminiscing.

"I have risen from a humble shoe seller to the ruler of all people."

"When we first raised our army, who would have imagined that things would turn out this way?"

Everyone was silent.

Liu Bei's gaze swept over each face.

"How many difficulties have we overcome together over the years? What hardships haven't we survived?"

He counted on his fingers:
"I nearly died at the hands of thieves in Gaotang County."

"In Tan County, they were almost captured alive by Cao Cao's army."

"He fought against Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, and vied with Cao Mengde for control of the Central Plains, engaging in dozens of battles, large and small."

"How difficult those times were! Did you gentlemen ever flinch?"

Liu Yan and the others lowered their heads and remained silent.

"Now that Sun Wu is confined to a corner of the country, and the unification of the world is imminent, why are you all hesitant and afraid to move forward?"

Liu Bei's tone turned somber, "I am nearly sixty years old, and I do not know how many more years I have left."

"My lords... can't you fight for me one last time?"

At this point, Liu Bei's voice trembled slightly, and tears welled up in his eyes.

These tears are half genuine emotion, and half the result of imperial scheming.

Yang Dao was the first to be moved, and he prostrated himself on the ground, weeping:

"Your Majesty... I was so foolish!"

Liu Yan was also in tears:
"Your Majesty, we were short-sighted and almost ruined your great cause!"

The other ministers exchanged glances, and then all wept and knelt before Liu Bei to admit their mistakes.

Immediately, all the officials kowtowed, filled with self-reproach.

Some of them were genuinely persuaded by Liu Bei, while others had already keenly realized the truth.

Liu Bei's attitude clearly showed that he had made up his mind and could not change it.

They understood the old emperor's temperament.

They've already adopted a succubus persona and are playing the emotional card.

Everyone had to cry for him.

Otherwise, wouldn't all those years of working in the workplace have been for nothing?

Liu Bei wiped away his tears and personally helped Yang Dao and other ministers to their feet.

"How could I not know of your loyalty, my lords?"

"But last night, Emperor Gaozu appeared to me in a dream, hoping that I could launch a campaign against Wu as soon as possible."

"How dare I disobey the wishes of my ancestors?"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other, bewildered.

"We, your humble servants, are willing to serve Your Majesty to the death!"

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei nodded with satisfaction.

"With the assistance of you all, what is there to worry about in achieving our great cause?"

Then, changing the subject, he said, "With the campaign against Wu imminent, there are many affairs in the court, and I would like to ask all of you to take good care of them."

The crowd bowed again and withdrew.

After they had gone far away, the sadness on Liu Bei's face gradually faded, and he regained his imperial majesty.

……

As the sun set, Li Yi's carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Prime Minister's residence.

The butler had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw his master return, he hurriedly stepped forward to help him.

"Where is the lady?"

Li Yi straightened his court robes and asked casually.

The butler bowed and replied:

"Your Excellency, the Madam has been in the East Pavilion for some time and has instructed that she not be disturbed."

Li Yi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Yuan Ying, that girl, would personally greet him at the gate almost every day when he returned home from court.

This unusual turn of events today is truly remarkable.

"Prepare tea."

Li Yi gave the order and then headed towards the East Pavilion.

After passing through several courtyards, we arrived at the gate of the East Pavilion.

Li Yi waved his hand to signal the maid to be quiet, and gently pushed the door open to enter.

The air inside the pavilion was filled with the fragrance of incense. Yuan Ying knelt before a table with her back to the door, intently flipping through a pile of gilded visiting cards.

They didn't even notice anyone coming in.

Li Yi quietly stepped forward and suddenly wrapped his arms around the lady's slender waist from behind.

"Oh!"

Yuan Ying was so startled that she almost knocked over her teacup. When she turned around and saw that it was her husband, her face immediately flushed with anger.

"You scoundrel! You've scared me half to death!"

Li Yi chuckled, then sat down beside her and asked softly:

"What is my wife looking at so intently? She didn't even notice when her husband returned."

Yuan Ying gave him a coquettish glare, then leaned softly into her husband's arms, raising the visiting card in her hand and waving it.

“My husband, look, these are all visiting cards sent by high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital.”

Li Yi took a few pages and flipped through them casually, not paying them any attention.

"Another one seeking favors from the Prime Minister's residence?"

"These trivial matters can be left to the stewards in the manor; why should Madam handle them personally?"

"My husband has misunderstood."

Yuan Ying smiled, a sly glint in her eyes.

"These people aren't here to ask you for favors; they're here to propose marriage."

"Propose marriage?"

Li Yi was taken aback. "Yi'er is only ten years old. What kind of marriage proposal is she making?"

Yuan Ying gently tapped her husband's forehead with her slender finger:

"My husband is so busy he's lost his mind! Zhi'er is already eighteen this year, he should have been engaged long ago."

"So many eyes in the capital are eyeing our family's coveted prize!"

Li Yi suddenly realized, and couldn't help but laugh:
"……I see."

"No wonder my colleagues in the court have been looking at me strangely lately; they're all after Zhi'er."

Yuan Ying proudly waved the visiting card in her hand:

"I must carefully vet Zhi'er."

"Which woman in the capital doesn't dream of rising to a higher social status and becoming a phoenix?"

As she spoke, she pulled out a gold-embossed invitation.

"My husband, look, this is Doctor Hua Xin's daughter. Their family backgrounds are quite suitable."

"He's just too young, only thirteen years old, still a child!"

Li Yi thought to himself that Hua Xin, that old man, was already so eager to give his daughter away when she was only thirteen.

I guess they're afraid someone else will beat them to it?

Another one was taken:
"This is the younger sister of Zhuge Jin, the prime minister of Lu. She is twenty-seven years old."

She pouted, "At such a young age, not being married yet must mean she's not pretty."

"Our son is so handsome, how can he be paired with an ugly woman?"

If Li Yi remembered correctly, the Zhuge family had two female members.

Historically, they all married into prominent families in Jingzhou.

In this world, she has yet to be married, and the reason remains unknown.

Are they also waiting for a rabbit to run into their trap?
"This is Bu Zhi's daughter, Bu Lianshi. Hmm, I have met her once before."

"Her appearance is absolutely stunning, but that's not all that matters."

Hearing this, Li Yi couldn't help but chuckle and teased:
"I don't want the ugly ones, and I don't want the beautiful ones either. Madam's standards are quite difficult to meet."

Yuan Ying playfully stuck out her tongue:
"My husband doesn't know that the more beautiful a woman is, the more wicked she is."

"Our son is simple-minded, how can we let him suffer?"

"Zhi'er is very shrewd; how could he possibly suffer any loss?"

Li Yi shook his head and smiled, then casually picked up a visiting card.

"This doesn't look like a visiting card from the capital?"

"This is the daughter of Wang Jing, the Prefect of Boling."

Yuan Ying continued, "I've heard that this woman is renowned for her virtue and is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She is a good match for Zhi'er."

Li Yi nodded:

“Wang Jing was a renowned scholar from Hebei, and his family had strict traditions, so it was easy for him to produce virtuous women.”

"No!"

Yuan Ying suddenly shook her head, "Although the Wang family is of noble birth, their influence is weak."

"We would be at a huge disadvantage if our family were to form a marriage alliance."

Li Yi smiled.

Wang Jing actually came from a powerful family in Hebei, and his influence was considerable.

In Yuan Ying's eyes, even the Wang family, a prominent clan in Hebei, paled in comparison to her own illustrious family background of four generations of three dukes in Runan.

Not to mention the Li family's current powerful position in the government.

The Li family would be at a great disadvantage by marrying him.

"Madam..."

Li Yi gently stroked Yuan Ying's hair, "Marriage is a serious matter and cannot be rushed."

"Which of these powerful and influential people in the capital didn't watch Zhi'er grow up?"

"We are hoping to form a marriage alliance with the Li family."

"There are too many interests involved, so we need to be extremely cautious."

Even when Li Zhi was still a child, many people approached Li Yi, hoping that the two families could arrange a marriage between their children.

However, Li Yi refused on the grounds that his great cause was not yet accomplished and that his child was too young.

Because the future is uncertain, and the marriage between the two families is a major event.

Once a marriage alliance is formed, the interests of both families become intertwined.

If one of them makes a political mistake, the other will definitely be implicated.

Therefore, Li Yi resolutely refused to accept arranged marriages, which involved an uncontrollable future.

But then I thought about it,
Generally, it's the man who goes to the woman's family to propose marriage.

As a result, everyone rushed to send their daughters to the Li family.

can only say,
If you're good enough, women from all over the country will throw themselves at you.

Yuan Ying leaned on his shoulder and sighed softly:
"How could I not know? It's just that Zhi'er is getting older, and if we don't settle things soon..."

"As a mother, I always feel uneasy."

"What are you afraid of?"

Li Yi pinched her cheek. "My son, Li Yi, has no trouble finding a good wife?"

Just then, a maidservant outside the door reported:
"Prime Minister, Madam, Young Master requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Li Yi straightened his clothes.

As the door opened, a handsome young man stepped inside; it was Li Zhi.

"Father, Mother."

Li Zhi stood before the East Pavilion gate, bowing respectfully. The eighteen-year-old youth stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his childishness gone, only his almond-shaped eyes, similar to Yuan Ying's, still retaining a touch of youthful spirit.

Upon seeing her beloved son arrive, Yuan Ying quickly rose from Li Yi's embrace and beckoned:
"You've come at the right time, Zhi'er. Your mother was just discussing your marriage with your father."

Her eyes shone with anticipation.

"Why don't you come and take a look too, and see if there's a girl you like?"

Li Zhi remained calm and composed, cupping his hands in greeting:

"My marriage is entirely up to my father."

Yuan Ying's smile faltered, and her brows furrowed slightly:

"What kind of talk is that? Don't you have your own thoughts?"

"I carried you for ten months and gave birth to you, and now you don't even have the right to say a word to me?"

Upon hearing her son say that he would leave everything to his father and ignore her, his mother's, opinion, Yuan Ying felt a pang of bitterness.

Li Zhi remained calm and patient, explaining gently:

"...Mother, please calm down."

"The child will naturally respect the mother's opinion."

"But Father is far-sighted, and the marriage alliance he has chosen must be most beneficial to the Li family."

"Though I am dull-witted, I know that I should put the family first."

Yuan Ying froze, a flash of pain crossing her eyes:
"Zhi'er, you...you really don't want to marry someone you love?"

Li Zhi's lips curled slightly, revealing a calm smile that seemed out of place for his age.

"If my child were born into an ordinary family, he would naturally stay with the one he loves for the rest of his life."

"However, as members of the Li family, how can we act willfully?"

"Marriage is a small matter, family matters are a big matter."

"Father's arrangement is undoubtedly the most appropriate."

"But what if... if you don't like the daughter your father chooses?"

Yuan Ying's voice was already choked with sobs.

Li Zhi chuckled softly:

"...Mother is joking."

"The marriage is arranged by the parents and the matchmaker."

"Since ancient times, marriage has been a major event, and it has never been related to the private feelings of children."

"Does marriage between nobles have anything to do with love?"

His gaze shifted to Yuan Ying.

"My mother came from the Yuan family of Runan, whose ancestors had produced three dukes in four generations."

"Was your marriage to my father back then due to love?"

Why not—

Yuan Ying was about to speak in her defense when suddenly it dawned on her.

Yes, when Li Yi married her, did he ever utter a single word of love?

The two families arranged the marriage for nothing more than the prestige of the Yuan family and Li Yi's future prospects.

After more than two decades of devoted companionship, she had never thought about the intricacies of the relationship.

Li Yi seems to have never said that he loves himself.

Seeing his wife's somber expression, Li Yi reached out and grasped her slightly cool, soft hand.

"...Ying'er, don't worry."

"When I proposed to marry him, I certainly valued the Yuan family's social standing."

"But if we weren't mutually attracted, how could we have stayed together until now, treating each other with the utmost respect?"

Yuan Ying looked up and saw a rare tenderness in her husband's eyes, which made her eyes well up with tears.

Li Yi then turned to his son, his tone becoming solemn:
"Zhi'er, family background and love have always been difficult to reconcile."

"Your mother and I were quite lucky; we were from similar social classes and happened to be very compatible."

"But it is common for people to marry someone they do not love because of their family obligations."

"Have you really thought this through?"

Li Zhi replied solemnly:

“I have already made it clear that this is a marriage arranged by my parents and a matchmaker.”

"My son's marriage is entirely up to his father to decide!"

"I believe that with your decades of experience and connections, Father, you will be able to arrange the best marriage."

Li Yi gazed at his son for a long time, then suddenly let out a long sigh of relief, his face showing contentment.
"Good, good, good."

"As your father, I was worried that you were too impetuous when you were young."

"In hindsight, it was the right decision to keep you by my side these past two years and not rush you into politics."

"His mental composure is far superior to that of his father back then."

Li Zhi bowed respectfully and said:

"Having served my father for a long time, I have come to realize how shallow my understanding was before."

"My father's teachings were like a sudden awakening."

"It's not that I didn't teach you earlier."

Li Yi stroked his beard and said, "But politics is like a deep abyss, and we must proceed step by step."

“Back then you were still young, and there were many things that were inconvenient to say openly.”

"Now that you are an adult, you should gradually take on important family matters."

When it comes to children's education, Li Yi has always advocated a gradual approach.

What kind of education should be given at what age?

Politics itself is not a particularly virtuous or noble thing.

Therefore, Li Yi taught him some darker and deeper principles very late in life.

Fortunately, Li Zhi's mindset has become much more stable in the past two years.

Li Zhi bowed deeply:
"I have learned a lot."

Seeing that the father and son were getting more and more serious, Yuan Ying couldn't help but scold them:

"Alright, alright, you two never stop talking about politics. Ji'er has probably prepared dinner already, let's go eat."

Li Yi smiled and said, "What you say is true, Madam."

"Zhi'er, have a meal with your father."

The three of them left the East Pavilion and walked through the corridor toward the dining hall.

Inside the dining hall, Xiao Liyi had already ordered the dishes to be laid out.

Upon seeing her parents and brother arrive, she greeted them with a smile:
"Father, Mother, we have some fresh river perch in the kitchen today."

"My daughter ordered it to be steamed; it's the most delicious way to cook it."

Li Yi patted his daughter's shoulder affectionately:

"Yi'er is so thoughtful."

"River perch? Where did you get river perch?"

Lu Lingqi and the other women also came over, only to find that the cook had steamed river perch today.

But Luoyang is right next to the Yellow River, so where can you catch Yangtze River perch?
“This was sent by Yuanlong from Huainan.”

"This sea bass is exceptionally delicious. Where does it come from?"

Lu Lingqi took a small sip of the fish, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Li Yi raised his chopsticks and smiled:

"This is a specialty of Huainan, and Chen Yuanlong specially sent someone to deliver it by fast horse."

"Ladies, please have a taste."

Mi Zhen picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks; the fish melted in her mouth, and she couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:
"Indeed, the flavors of Jiangnan are quite different from the fresh fish of the North."

Zhen Mi took a small sip, savored it for a moment, and said:

"The meat is tender and has no fishy smell; it even seems to have a hint of lotus fragrance."

Yuan Ying suddenly remembered something and put down her chopsticks:

"Speaking of Chen Deng, I have heard that he has a daughter who is about the same age as Zhi'er."

"The Chen family is the most prominent family in Jiangnan, which is a good match for my Li family's social standing. If we could form a marriage alliance..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Yi's face darkened:
"This matter is not that simple."

"It is precisely because the Chen family is so powerful that we need to be even more cautious."

"My Li family is already a prominent family in the north. If we were to unite with another prominent family in the south, wouldn't that put His Majesty in a difficult position?"

Li Yi is a big shot in Hebei and also has connections in Beijing's elite circles.

How can we form a marriage alliance with the leader of Jiangnan? What will Lao Liu think?
The women were puzzled.

Mi Zhen said softly:

"...My husband is overthinking it."

"His Majesty trusts you implicitly, how could he possibly have doubts over a marriage?"

Li Yi shook his head and explained:

"This is not about trust."

"If the Chen and Li families were to form a marriage alliance, someone would surely speak ill of them."

"At that time, even if there is no fault, it will become a fault."

He looked around at his wives and children and solemnly said:

"Moreover, the Chen family in Jiangnan has already caused His Majesty a great deal of trouble, and he doesn't know how to resolve this."

"If they were to form a marriage alliance with my Li family again, wouldn't that put His Majesty in an even more difficult position?"

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Li Yi lightly tapped the table and solemnly instructed:

"You must remember this: the tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind."

"Although my Li family has some power in the court, we cannot put ourselves in the eye of the storm."

There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "Make a fortune quietly," which is absolutely true.

"I love this quote; I think it's the best one."

"Have you all remembered this?"

All the wives and children stood solemnly and said in unison:
"Keep the teachings in mind."

Just then, the steward hurried inside:
"Master, a messenger is outside the manor requesting an audience."

Mi Zhen chuckled and teased:

"That's what happens when a family business gets big; you can't even afford a peaceful meal."

Li Yi, however, did not take offense:
"Please let the person in."

Those around him knew Li Yi's temperament; at this hour, most people wouldn't dare to come in and disturb him.

If someone comes, they must be someone of high rank and great power.

Or perhaps someone outside the Beijing elite circle...

Before long, a scholar, looking travel-worn, entered the hall.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Li Yi surprisingly rose to greet him:
"Ji Bi? Why did you have to come in person?"

The visitor was none other than Chen Jiao, the Prefect of Huainan and a trusted and important minister of Chen Deng.

Although his official rank was far lower than that of the current prime minister, Li Yi treated him with great respect.

This is a common practice in human relationships.

Upon seeing this, Chen Jiao quickly returned the deep bow:

"I apologize for interrupting Your Excellency's family banquet."

He then bowed to the ladies, saying, "Greetings, ladies."

Yuan Ying and the other women returned the greeting.

Li Yi smiled and said, "Ji Bi has come a long way and must be tired. Would you like to join me for a drink? This perch was a gift from Yuan Long."

Chen Jiao smiled:

"I am in Huainan, where I am accompanied by perch every day. I am afraid I will fail to live up to the Prime Minister's good intentions."

Li Yi didn't take it seriously:

"In that case, why not try some Beijing-style cuisine?"

He then ordered people to add more tables and set out more wine.

After several rounds of drinks, Chen Jiao was slightly tipsy.

Li Yi knew that he was a steady person and would not visit unless it was something important, but he was not in a hurry to talk about his business.

This shows that although this matter is very important, it is not something to be discussed rashly.

After some probing, Li Yi asked gently:

"Ji Bi must have come here on important business?"

Chen Jiao hesitated for a moment, then took out a sealed letter with sealing wax from his sleeve:
"Chen Zhengnan has a handwritten letter, which I have instructed to present to the Prime Minister in person."

Li Yi took it and saw that the seal was intact and bore Chen Deng's private seal.

He didn't rush to open the book, but instead raised his glass:
"How has Yuanlong been lately?"

Chen Jiao understood and followed up on the conversation:
"General Zheng Nan trains the navy day and night, and is still in good health, but he often thinks of his time working with the Prime Minister."

Li Yi nodded, and then drank several more cups with Chen Jiao, talking about the local customs and scenery of Huainan.

After the family banquet was over, the ladies tactfully took their leave, and Li Yi then led Chen Jiao to the study for a private talk.

Under the candlelight,
Li Yi opened the letter, read it carefully for a long time, and his expression changed several times.

Chen Jiao sat quietly to one side, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Chen Jiao cupped his hands in greeting:

"General Zheng Nan said that this matter is entirely up to the Prime Minister to decide."

"If it cannot be accomplished, the Chen family will not force it."

"Furthermore, Chen Zhengnan had something else to say—"

"Everything in Jiangnan is ready; we are just waiting for the east wind."

Li Yicheng remained silent for a long time before slowly saying:
"Please go back and tell Yuanlong that..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "I appreciate your kind words about the delicious perch."

A glint flashed in Chen Jiao's eyes, and he understood immediately:

"I will certainly convey your message."

After Chen Jiao left.

Li Yi walked out of the study with his hands behind his back, where the ladies were already waiting in the corridor.

Yuan Ying stepped forward and took his sleeve:
"My lord, your expression is grave. Has something happened in Huainan?"

Li Yi remained silent, only handing over the letter in his hand.

The women gathered around and saw that the handwriting on the paper was strong and vigorous, and it was indeed Chen Deng's handwriting.

The book states briefly:

"My dear brother Ziyu, it is like meeting you again—"

"The fresh perch from Huainan has been sent by express cavalry. I wonder if it suits your taste, my worthy brother?"

"Whenever I see fishermen pulling in their nets and catching fish on the banks of the Shouchun River, I am reminded of the time when my brother and I shared raw fish in Xiapi."

"The river breeze caresses my face, we drink and chat happily, this scene is still vivid in my mind."

"Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye, but I still remember the taste of the fresh fish from that day."

"I have heard that my nephew Zhi is already eighteen years old, with a handsome appearance and outstanding talent in the capital."

"My daughter Yao is only sixteen years old. Although she does not have a beauty that can eclipse the moon, she is fortunate to have been personally trained by her foolish brother."

"The woman is quiet and graceful, and her needlework and embroidery skills are exquisite."

He was also quite knowledgeable in poetry, literature, music, zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

"Her nature is as gentle and graceful as the willows of Jiangnan, and her virtue is as pure and gentle as the clear waves of the Huai River."

"My brother and I have been sworn brothers for over twenty years, sharing the same heart and soul."

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if the two families could unite through marriage, extending the goodwill between them to future generations?"

"However, I know that you are cautious in your actions, and I fear that this may invite criticism from the court."

"Therefore, this book is only for consultation purposes and there is absolutely no intention to force anyone to comply."

"Even if my virtuous brother politely declines, I will not hold a grudge, and you need not worry about it."

"However, I have recently heard that there are those in the court who are impeaching my foolish brother for abusing his power."

“My dear brother, you should know that Yuanlong’s heart is as clear as the sun and moon.”

"The military preparations in Huainan are all aimed at helping our lord to achieve unification as soon as possible."

"However, the Chen family has flourished for over a century, and as the clan head, I, your humble brother, have no choice but to plan far ahead for the clan."

“My virtuous brother is highly respected in the court, and his students and former officials are all over the country.”

"If you do not mind, this marriage will not only continue our sworn brotherhood, but also leave room for maneuver for the Chen family."

"The river breeze enters the window, and the night rain taps on the window."

"As I write this, I can't help but feel a sense of melancholy."

"I earnestly hope that my worthy brother will remember our past camaraderie and consider this carefully."

"Brother Deng, I bow my head."

After reading it, Mi Zhen frowned slightly.
"...I didn't expect Chen Zhengnan to have the same idea."

"The Chen family dominates Jiangnan, while my family is renowned in the capital."

"If this marriage were to take place, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds?"

Yuan Ying also said:

"Miss Chen is well-versed in poetry and literature, and is also of similar age and appearance to Zhi'er..."

"The ladies only see the benefits, but not the harms."

Li Yi suddenly interrupted, "This marriage is good for both the Chen and Li families, but it will only hurt one family."

Lu Lingqi asked, puzzled, "Whose house is it?"

"The Liu family."

The moment the name Li Yi was uttered, the courtyard fell silent.

The copper bells on the eaves jingled in the wind, making the courtyard seem even more secluded.

"Today, the emperor's surname is Liu, so does the world also belong to the Liu family?"

"Our Chen and Li families are united, but we are not good to the Liu family."

Zhen Mi tightly twisted the handkerchief between her slender fingers:

"Then...what does my husband think..."

"I shall enter the palace to meet the Emperor."

Li Yi adjusted the jade belt around his waist.

The women's expressions changed upon hearing this, and Yuan Ying hurriedly tugged at his sleeve:

"My husband is entering the palace at this time? Could it be that he intends to..."

The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he stopped talking.

The silence speaks.

Everyone knows what Li Yi is going to do next.

"Alright, I'll be back soon, it won't take long."

"You can stay here at home without worry."

After saying this, he instructed Tao Hong:

"Change."

"Here."

Tao Hong hurriedly went to fetch Li Yi's crane cloak and carefully draped it over him.

The servants had already prepared the carriage and invited Li Yi to board.

Just as Li Yi was about to leave, a servant rushed over.

"...My lord, General Guan has arrived!"

(End of this chapter)