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

Chapter 416 Liu Bei Holds His Grandson: As an Emperor, One Must Abandon Human Relationships
Li Yi left the Eastern Palace, but did not rush back to his residence.

Instead, he traveled light and made a swift, uninterrupted nighttime visit to Prime Minister Tan Teng's residence.

Chen Deng was reviewing official documents in his study when Li Yi came to visit him late at night.

Knowing that something important must be happening, he quickly dismissed his attendants.

"...What brings Ziyu here so late at night?"

Chen Deng served tea and asked.

Li Yi's expression was solemn:

"Brother Yuanlong, I visited the palace the other day and found His Majesty coughing up blood incessantly."

Hua Tuo said... Your Majesty's illness is probably incurable by medicine.

"Oh? It's that serious?"

"But why were there no warning signs at all? It was as if I had suddenly fallen ill?"

"It is precisely because there are no signs that this is worrying, after all, His Majesty is already sixty-five years old this year."

"Your Majesty, we will certainly pray for your boundless blessings, but as your subjects, we cannot neglect the well-being of the nation."

Li Yi frowned and said with concern:

"Doctor Hua has already said that His Majesty is not actually ill."

"It's just that with age, coupled with the injuries and health problems from years of fighting in the world when I was young."

"They all start to appear in old age, leading to organ failure."

"...Sigh, for now we can only take it one step at a time."

The teacup in Chen Deng's hand trembled slightly:
"It's come to this?"

"When I met His Majesty the other day, he appeared tired, but he was still able to govern."

"This is precisely what I am worried about."

Li Yi lowered his voice, "His Majesty is forcing himself to be healthy and doesn't want anyone to know."

"However, the Crown Prince is young, and if something unexpected happens, it may cause chaos."

"Prepare early."

Chen Deng pondered for a moment and said:
"What does Ziyu mean?"

"An imperial edict should be immediately issued to all the regional princes, ordering them to strictly guard their fiefdoms and not to leave without an imperial decree."

Li Yi had a sharp eye, "especially regarding Liu Yong, the King of Wu, and Liu Li, the King of Yue."

"Both of these men are His Majesty's own sons, and their fiefdoms are wealthy."

"If one harbors disloyal thoughts, the disaster will be unpredictable."

Chen Deng nodded:

“Excellent! I will issue a document in the name of the Cabinet tomorrow.”

Li Yi held down Chen Deng's arm:

"There's no time to lose, let's get it done tonight."

"Use the Prime Minister's Jade Decree to issue orders directly to the local authorities, dispatched with utmost urgency."

Chen Deng raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and solemnly said:

"Alright, Ziyu has thought things through thoroughly."

He immediately summoned a clerk to draft the imperial edict:
"By order of the Cabinet: All vassal kings should guard their territories diligently and govern with care to ensure the well-being of the people."

"Without a clear imperial edict, no one may leave their fiefdom."

"Those who violate this rule will be punished as treason."

After the imperial edict was drafted, Chen Deng took out the jade token reserved for the prime minister and solemnly stamped it.

He then summoned his trusted confidants and dispatched them in three separate routes:

One route leads southeast to Wu and Yue, another southwest to Jing and Yi, and yet another east to Qi and Lu.

Although historically, Liu Bei only had four sons, Fengshan and Yongli.

However, in this version of the story, Liu Bei declared himself emperor early on and, on the advice of his ministers, took in many concubines.

Therefore, in addition to the four sons mentioned above, there were three other young sons.

They are Liu Ze, the fourth son, whose name means "blessing".

He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Huaiyang, with his capital at Chen County, and took control of the wealthy lands of Yuzhou.

The name Liu Run, meaning "the fifth son," is derived from the phrase "to benefit the world."

He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Langya, with his capital at Kaiyang, a place renowned for its culture and prestige in Shandong.

Meanwhile, "润" is the same as "水" (water).

Langya is located by the sea, and the great masters of the Han Dynasty should have lived here.

The sixth son, Liu You, was chosen to signify divine protection for the Han dynasty.

He was enfeoffed as the King of Changsha and his southern territory of Jingzhou was seized, demonstrating the vastness of his territory.

Although these three sons were all enfeoffed as kings in their respective regions, they were all relatively young.

Moreover, they did not demonstrate particularly strong abilities or ambitions.

Therefore, it never attracted much attention from Li Yi.

The first to receive the imperial edict was Liu Ze, the Prince of Huaiyang.

The sixteen-year-old prince is fighting crickets in the garden.

Upon seeing the imperial edict arrive, he hurriedly straightened his clothes and received the decree.

After hearing the imperial edict, Liu Ze smiled and said to the prime minister:

"I have no patience for those court ceremonies. Wouldn't it be better to live a carefree and happy life in my fiefdom?"

"Reporting back to the court: Your subject Ze respectfully obeys Your Majesty's decree and will certainly guard the borders."

On the same day, Liu Run, the Prince of Langya, was watching the tide at the seaside.

Upon receiving the imperial edict, this prince, who was deeply devoted to poetry, picked up his brush and composed a poem:
"I was originally a commoner, living a carefree life on the eastern coast."

"Since Your Majesty has granted me the right to defend this land, how could I not be utterly loyal?"

He gladly accepted the imperial edict.

When Liu You, the King of Changsha, received the imperial edict, he was chatting with an old farmer in the fields.

Upon hearing this, he immediately said:

"...The court is really overthinking it."

"I am here in Hunan and Hubei, sharing joy with the people. How delightful is that?"

"Lao replied to the Prime Minister: Your subject You has received the decree and will certainly not fail His Majesty's grace."

When the news reached Luoyang, Chen Deng breathed a slight sigh of relief:

"The fact that all the minor kings are content with their duties is truly a blessing for the nation."

Li Yi, however, frowned deeply:
"Although the princes of today have no disloyal intentions, the two kings of Wu and Yue... are not easy to deal with."

"Especially King Liu Yong of Wu, I have heard that he has been trading frequently with foreign countries recently."

"His ambitions are not small."

Chen Deng joked with a smile:

"You're really strange. It was you who opened up overseas trade and encouraged foreign trade in coastal counties."

"But now they are dissatisfied with its foreign trade."

Li Yi said:

“I have no objection to foreign trade.”

"Because under normal circumstances, no one can win a business deal with the Middle Kingdom."

“It was only a local official who reported to me that the King of Wu was smuggling strategic materials such as ironware, refined salt, and sugar for export.”

"I'm worried it could lead to a maritime disaster."

Ok……

Chen Deng nodded slightly and said solemnly:

"My subordinates have also told me about this."

"But Ziyu, you must know that there's a saying: 'The emperor is far away and the sky is high.'"

"Let alone a regional king, many local officials are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant towards the central government."

"Unless we take drastic measures, this matter will be difficult to investigate and handle in a short time."

Li Yi nodded, put his hands behind his back, and said:
"I know, but these are turbulent times."

"Kongming also submitted two memorials to me, saying that the national strength of Wei was gradually being depleted."

"Perhaps the day of destroying Wei is not far off, but stabilizing the central political situation is the top priority now."

Chen Deng sighed:

"I hope His Majesty can pull through this."

"otherwise……"

The two looked at each other, and neither spoke.

The autumn wind howled outside the window, as if foreshadowing the arrival of a turbulent autumn.

Before leaving, Li Yi said again:
"We must also secretly instruct the governors of each prefecture to closely monitor the movements of the vassal kings, especially those in the Wu region."

"If there is any unusual activity, report it with urgent dispatch."

Chen Deng nodded:

"...I will take care of it right away."

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

……

Inside the Wu King's Palace in Jiangnan.

Liu Yong held the imperial edict in his hand, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

He slammed the imperial edict onto the table and said to Zhuge Jin:

"...Ziyu, what is the purpose of the court's move?"

"You forbid me from leaving my fiefdom without an imperial edict? Do you intend to treat me like a prisoner?"

Zhuge Jin picked up the imperial edict, read it carefully, and pondered for a moment before saying:

"...Your Highness, please calm down."

"In my opinion, there may be some changes in the court."

"Unless it is an extraordinary time, we would never issue such orders and emphasize them repeatedly."

"To take such an extraordinary measure."

Liu Yong paced back and forth anxiously.

"Could it be that Father Emperor..."

The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back and changed her words:
"How should I respond?"

Zhuge Jin bowed and said:

“When the imperial court issues a document in the name of the cabinet, it becomes a national decree.”

"The best course of action now is to remain loyal to one's duties as a subject and observe the situation calmly."

Liu Yongbo suddenly changed his expression:

"Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?"

"I am also Father Emperor's own son. Is Father Emperor unwell?"

"How could I, as the son, not go and visit him?"

The voice has not fallen,

Suddenly, the chief clerk rushed in to report:

"Your Highness! Urgent report from Guangling—"

"Zhang Liao has led 50,000 troops from Qing and Xu provinces and has already stationed them at Dantu Pass!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yong was greatly alarmed:
"Zhang Liao? He is the governor of Qing and Xu provinces. How can he leave his defense zone without permission?"

"They still dare to deploy troops to Dantukou?"

"How is this any different from treason!"

"Who gave them the audacity to do this!"

Liu Yong was furious. Dantu was an important port in the north of Wu.

The deployment of troops from outlying states is undoubtedly a blatant violation of his national sovereignty.

This naturally enraged Liu Yong, who felt that Zhang Liao was deliberately provoking him.

The chief secretary said in a trembling voice:
"General Zhang claimed... claimed that he was acting on the orders of Grand Marshal Li Yi."

"Responsible for patrolling the river and maintaining stability at the Yangtze River estuary."

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

Li Yi controlled all the military forces in the country, so he certainly had the authority to mobilize troops from various military regions.

Zhuge Jin sighed deeply:
"...Just as I expected."

"It seems that Li Ziyu's move is to guard against His Highness's rash actions."

"If Your Highness dares to make any rash moves, the Qingxu Army of Dantu will take immediate action."

"presumptuous!"

Liu Yongbo's expression changed drastically, and he slammed his fist on the table, shouting:
"I am the Emperor's own son, how dare Zhang Liao!"

"Zhang Liao might not dare, but he has Li Yi backing him up."

“Your Highness, you understand Li Yi’s character.”

Zhuge Jin's face darkened, and he whispered a reminder to Liu Yong.

Liu Yong slumped into his seat, his face pale.

He certainly knew Li Yi's character.

This is someone even the Emperor himself treats with great respect.

Even the crown prince was afraid of him, let alone a prince born out of wedlock?
"Zhang Liao was a renowned general of his time, and the Qingxu Army under his command was an elite force that had fought countless battles."

"I have only been in Wu for three years, and my troops are not yet well-trained. If we were to fight them, I would have no chance of winning."

Zhuge Jin said in a low voice:

"...Your Highness is wise." (Zhang)

"Since Liao dares to station troops in Dantu, it must be because of the imperial court's authorization."

"If Your Highness disobeys the order, I fear you will give others a handle to use against you."

Liu Yong gritted his teeth and said bitterly:
"I understand the reasoning, but this is perhaps a bit too much..."

"This is going too far! Do you really think I'm made of paper, that I'm easy to bully?"

"No."

Zhuge Jin calmly analyzed:
"Precisely because His Highness is His Majesty's own son and his fiefdom is wealthy, Prime Minister Li is extremely cautious."

"The deployment of troops in Dantu today is truly a warning."

At this moment, another scout came to report:
"General Zhang is training his navy in Dantu. Warships cover the river and banners are dazzling."

According to the garrison of Dantu, Zhang Liao will also conduct joint military exercises with Huang Zhong, the governor of Jiangnan, at the mouth of the Yangtze River next month.

Upon hearing this news, Liu Yong, who had just stood up, immediately collapsed back to the ground.

Not only did Zhang Liao mobilize his troops, but Huang Zhong's Jingzhou navy was also brought over.
Now Liu Yong really didn't dare to make any rash moves.

Liu Yong walked to the window and looked towards the Yangtze River, where he could almost see a gathering of warships.

He remained silent for a long time, finally saying dejectedly:
"I hereby issue the following order: Each battalion shall strictly guard its defense zone and shall not act rashly without my personal order."

"Furthermore... report back to the court that I will always respectfully obey Your Majesty's decree and will certainly guard the borders."

Zhuge Jin bowed:
"...Your Highness is wise."

"In extraordinary times, it is appropriate to remain calm and wait for the right opportunity."

Liu Yong sneered:
"Well done, Li Ziyu, indeed a cunning and shrewd old man."

"First, use the cabinet decree to restrain the princes, then send Zhang Liao to deploy troops in key locations."

"No wonder Father Emperor admires and values ​​him so much."

Zhuge Jin said in a low voice:

"...I have heard that Your Majesty's health has been poor recently, and the Crown Prince is still young."

"Li Xiang's move is probably to nip problems in the bud."

Liu Yong's eyes flickered:

"In that case, I will observe the situation quietly."

"Let's see what kind of show is going to be put on in Luoyang."

That night, the lights in the Wu King's Palace remained on all night.

Liu Yong sat alone in the secret room, stroking a jade pendant sent by Eastern Wu, his expression shifting.

Meanwhile, Zhang Liao's camp at Dantu Pass was also brightly lit.

The old general stroked his sword, gazed at the moon, and said to his lieutenant:
"Li Xiang's prediction was correct; the King of Wu indeed dared not act rashly."

"However, I observe that this person is not one to remain subservient to others for long."

The lieutenant asked:

"Does the general believe that the King of Wu will willingly submit?"

Zhang Liao sneered:

"Even when a tiger is confined in a cage, it is still a fierce beast."

"Order all battalions to strengthen patrols, especially to monitor ships coming from Jiangdong."

On the Yangtze River, the moon shines on the waves, and the undercurrents are surging.

A struggle concerning the very foundation of the nation has only just begun.

Let me talk about two things.

At this time, King Liu Li of Yue also received a message from the cabinet.

Inside the council hall of the Yue King's Palace,
Liu Li held the cabinet edict in his hand, his face solemn.

Seated at the lower level were three trusted ministers: Chen Tai, Zhuge Jun, and Zhuge Ke.

"...As you all have seen."

Liu Li placed the imperial edict on the table: "The imperial court decrees that no vassal king may leave his fiefdom without an imperial edict."

"I have heard that my father is unwell, and this order may have... a hidden meaning."

Chen Tai spoke first:
"...Your Highness is wise."

"My father wrote to me the day before yesterday, saying that His Majesty has been coughing up blood non-stop recently."

"This cabinet order is truly a precautionary measure."

Zhuge Ke frowned and said:

"If we guard our fiefdoms carefully, then even if there are changes in the court, it will have nothing to do with us."

Zhuge Jun suddenly said:
"unless……"

"Unless what?"

Seeing that Zhuge Jun seemed hesitant to speak, Liu Li quickly pressed him for an answer.

"Unless Your Highness voluntarily resigns from the throne."

what! ?

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

Liu Li was taken aback and asked:

"Why do you say that, Ji Zhong?"

Zhuge Jun rose, lifted his robe, and calmly said:

"Your Highness, consider this: if His Majesty is indeed unwell, the Crown Prince will succeed to the throne."

"At that time, Your Highness, as a prince, will be far away in Yue. Won't you be at the mercy of others?"

"It would be better to use filial piety as an excuse to voluntarily resign from the throne and request to return to Luoyang to care for the ailing king."

"His Majesty will surely favor you, and at that time, the throne may very well be yours."

Liu Li pondered for a moment and said:
“The land of Yue is barren, and Gu Ben does not wish to stay there for long.”

"If I could return to the capital, I would be more than happy to do so."

"only……"

He gave a wry smile, "I'm afraid my uncle, Prime Minister Li, won't agree."

Chen Taijin suggested:

"No matter how powerful Li Xiang is, he cannot go against human ethics and filial piety."

"Your Highness should start with His Majesty."

"I have heard that Your Majesty has become increasingly sentimental and emotional in your later years, and dislikes looking at sad things."

"Even the opera troupes in Beijing no longer stage tragic plays."

"If Your Highness could send letters to inquire about his well-being every day and also present him with special tonics from Yue, His Majesty would surely be moved."

Zhuge Ke chimed in from the side:

“That’s right. I’ve also heard from my father that His Majesty has become increasingly focused on family ties in his later years.”

"As long as Your Highness can move them with genuine feelings."

"Given time, His Majesty will surely summon you back to the capital."

Liu Li's eyes gradually brightened:

“Yuan Xun’s words are excellent! I will write a letter immediately.”

He immediately summoned the Four Treasures of the Study and wrote a letter in his own hand.

As he wrote, tears actually streamed down his face and fell onto the paper.

Then they summoned Liu Xi, the three-year-old heir who had just been born.

I taught him step by step how to paint a picture of "Grandparents and Grandchildren Playing".

The painting depicts Liu Bei accompanying his grandson, and the simple, childlike brushstrokes make it all the more sincere.

Upon seeing it, Zhuge Jun couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:

"Upon receiving this letter, His Majesty will surely be moved by the tender feelings of a parent."

Chen Tai replied:

"Letters alone may not be enough."

"Your Highness should send messengers with messages every day for seven consecutive days."

On the seventh day, he submitted another memorial requesting to resign from the throne and become a commoner so that he could return to the capital to care for his ailing father.

Liu Li frowned:

"If Father Emperor grants the request, what should we do?"

Zhuge Ke laughed and said:
"If Your Majesty grants your permission, Your Highness will be free."

"If it is not permitted, it also shows compassion."

"In any case, His Highness's reputation for filial piety has spread throughout the land, and even Prime Minister Li cannot stop him."

"After all, our Holy Dynasty has always governed the world with filial piety."

With the plan finalized, the Prince of Yue's residence immediately sprang into action.

Every day, he would ride a fast horse to Luoyang to deliver Liu Li's personal letter of greeting and rare medicinal herbs from the Yue region.

……

Deep within the palace of Luoyang, the fragrance of medicine wafts through the air.

Although Liu Bei was bedridden, his complexion gradually improved under Hua Tuo's careful treatment.

That afternoon,

Sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows, bathing the warm chamber in its glow.

"Father, it's time to administer the medicine."

Liu Shan carefully held a bowl of medicine and knelt down in front of the bed.

Since Li Yi's advice that day, the Crown Prince has served him day and night, never leaving his side.

He didn't even return to the East Palace, but instead lived next to his own bedroom.

Liu Bei struggled to sit up, watching his son carefully blow on the medicine to cool it down, a look of loving affection appearing in his eyes:

"A Dou has been working hard these days."

As rumored in the court, Liu Bei valued family ties more and more as he grew older.

Because as people get older, they develop a subconscious fear of death. So, he cares more about the people around him than about grand ambitions.

Liu Shan respectfully presented the bowl of medicine:

"...This is the duty of a human being."

"Your son was foolish and dull in the past and failed to fulfill his filial duties."

"Now I understand the pain of 'the tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease.'"

After Liu Bei finished drinking the medicine, he suddenly said:
“I dreamt of your grandfather yesterday, and he still remembers the time when I was young, weaving mats and selling shoes.”

"Now that I am the emperor, I feel that I was once very comfortable."

After speaking, he coughed for a while, and Liu Shan quickly patted his back.

"Father, please do not overthink it. Rest and recuperation are essential."

Liu Shan fetched a warm, damp towel and wiped the sweat from his father's forehead with practiced ease.

Just as the father and son were chatting, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat presented them with a letter:
"The King of Yue sent a messenger on an urgent journey of eight hundred li, presenting ten Ganoderma lucidum plants and a memorial of greeting."

Liu Bei opened the letter and read it; he found every word earnest and sincere. The letter briefly stated:

Your subject, Li, respectfully reports to Your Majesty the Emperor:

"Since I was enfeoffed in Yue, I have looked north day and night, longing for the Emperor's countenance."

"Whenever I hear of the wind and rain at Zhongshan, I am reminded of the days when I was honored to be under Your Majesty's knees, and Your Majesty would stroke my head and teach me the chapters of the Book of Poetry and the Book of History."

"I was shocked to learn of Your Majesty's health problems. My heart is in turmoil, and I have been unable to sleep for several nights."

I have heard the poem "Liao E" which says, "Alas, my parents, who bore me with such toil."

"Although I am a prince, I am in fact a son of a man."

How can I sit idly by and watch my sovereign and father fall seriously ill while I remain far away in a remote corner of the sea?

"Although the Yue region is remote, it is fortunate to have access to precious sea delicacies."

"Today I present a pair of coral trees, their color as red as a cinnabar heart."

"Ten hawksbill turtle shells, their patterns as brilliant as a star map."

"In addition, one hundred mermaid pearls and ten cups of bird's nest from the South China Sea are presented."

"Though these things are small and insignificant, they are all bathed in the essence of the sun and moon, and may be able to benefit Your Majesty."

"I further gathered the immortal herb of longevity and, following the ancient method, steamed and dried it nine times."

"Ten jars of miraculous ointment have been prepared, and I humbly hope that Your Majesty will take them and find peace."

"In the past, the Duke of Zhou spat out his food to welcome guests, and King Cheng took off his clothes."

"Emperor Wu of Han longed for his son, and submitted a memorial to the emperor at dawn in Yan."

"I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past, but how can the natural bond between father and son be separated by mountains and rivers?"

"Whenever the people of Yue fall ill, his sons and sisters will personally serve them medicine."

"As a prince, I am not even allowed to serve you like a dog or a horse. This is truly heartbreaking."

"If Your Majesty would have the mercy to grant me permission to temporarily return to the capital."

"Even if one is engaged in menial tasks like sweeping and cleaning, it is better than ruling as an emperor."

"Your Majesty once taught your son to 'govern the world with filial piety'."

"Now I wish to put the Emperor's teachings into practice, but I dare not have any intention of overstepping the bounds."

"I only wish to attend to Your Majesty morning and night when you are ill, personally taste your medicine, and return to my post once Your Majesty is fully recovered."

"In the past, Emperor Guangwu ordered the Prince of Donghai to come to court, which was a model of imperial benevolence and filial piety."

"Your Majesty, I humbly beg you to grant me this favor, that Your Majesty, in your tender care for your child, issue a decree to recall me, so that I may fulfill my duty as a son."

"Tears stream down my face as I write this, and I know not what to say."

"Your subject Li bows and kowtows twice, and respectfully submits this memorial for your consideration."

"In the late autumn of the fourteenth year of Zhangwu, King Yue's minister Li respectfully submitted this memorial."

This memorial,

Throughout the entire piece, Liu Li expresses his concern for his father's health and his longing for him.

Upon reading the moving passages, Liu Bei couldn't help but shed tears.

Seeing this, Liu Shan asked softly:
"What did my third brother say in his letter?"

Liu Bei wiped away his tears and said:
"Li'er wishes to resign the throne and return to the capital to care for the ailing king."

“Read this letter; every word is written in tears.”

“There are still traces of his tears on it.”

Liu Shan remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said:
"My third brother's filial piety is commendable."

"However, I believe that Yue is a remote place, and if my third brother were to return to the capital, I fear the exertion would further harm His Majesty's health."

"It would be better for your son to work even harder so that your third brother can govern the people with peace of mind."

Liu Bei gazed at his eldest son and nodded with satisfaction:
"A Dou has really improved."

He then sighed and said, "If you brothers can get along so well, what do I have to worry about?"

At this moment, Hua Tuo entered the room to examine the patient's pulse.

Liu Shan personally held up a lamp for illumination and carefully recorded the doctor's instructions.

Seeing that Liu Bei was sweating, they immediately took out dry clothes for him to change into.

Hearing that His Majesty was thirsty, he personally tasted the water to check its temperature.

His series of actions were natural and considerate, showing that he had become quite skilled at taking care of the sick over the past few days.

After Hua Tuo finished his diagnosis, he praised Liu Shan, saying:

"His Highness the Crown Prince is even more attentive to the medicine than his old disciples are."

Liu Bei laughed and said:

"This young man has truly impressed me recently."

"Did Li Xiang teach you that again?"

Liu Shan froze, and stammered:
"No, no, no...it's not...your son..."

"Hahaha."

Liu Bei stroked his beard and laughed heartily:

“Ah Dou, you’ve never been able to lie since you were a child.”

"However, this only proves that you have a kind heart."

"I am at ease entrusting the empire to you."

Saying,

He sat up and took a sip of the medicinal soup.

"Actually, it doesn't matter if it was taught by Prime Minister Li."

"I have said—"

"Do not refrain from doing good because it is small, nor do evil because it is small."

“A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. I have seen your service to me these past few days.”

"You don't need to be so afraid."

Liu Shan scratched his head and nodded, saying:

"Your subject... Your subject is terrified."

In the following days, Liu Shan continued to take care of Liu Bei's daily life.

Liu Bei also received letters from Liu Li one after another.

this day,
Inside the warm chambers of the deep palace, the fragrance of medicine and ink mingled.

Liu Bei leaned against the couch, stroking a simple, childlike painting in his hand—

This is the painting "Grandparents and Grandchildren Playing" by Liu Xi, the Crown Prince of Yue.

The child in the painting is endearingly naive, while the old man has a kind and gentle face.

Although the writing style is immature, the emotions expressed are genuine and heartfelt.

A smile unconsciously crept onto Liu Bei's lips.

Just as they were engrossed in watching, a voice came from behind them.

"Father, it's time to administer the medicine."

Liu Shan approached quietly, carrying a warm cup of medicine. Seeing his father lost in thought as he gazed at the painting, he couldn't help but ask:
"Did my third brother write again today?"

Liu Bei wiped his eyes and sighed:

“Li’er writes every day and even sends people to deliver Ganoderma lucidum from Yue.”

“Look at this painting, Xi’er is only three years old.”

"I have never actually seen him, yet he knows how to miss his grandfather..."

He then coughed lightly again.

Liu Shan quickly patted his father's back and said gently:
“My third brother’s filial piety is commendable, but Father should rest more and avoid troubling himself.”

Just then, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat presented another newly arrived letter.

After reading the letter, Liu Bei's eyes glistened with tears:
"Li'er said she wished to resign the throne and return to the capital in plain clothes to care for the ailing man..."

"This child is too devoted."

"He is truly a loyal and pure-hearted person, just like me."

Liu Shan offered the medicine, hesitated for a moment, and said:

"Your subject believes that your third brother's governance of the Yue region is also an act of filial piety."

"If we return to the capital rashly, it will only cause Father Emperor worry."

After Liu Bei finished drinking the medicine, he suddenly remembered something and instructed Liu Shan:

"Next month is the ancestral worship ceremony at Mangdang Mountain, and I'm afraid I can't attend given my current health."

"A Dou, as the crown prince, you shall go in my stead."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan recalled his father's teachings.

He immediately knelt before the bed, weeping, and said:
"Your Majesty's health is not yet restored; how can I, your son, leave you?"

"Only recently, while serving medicine, did I come to understand the principle of 'While parents are alive, one should not travel far.'"

"Ancestor worship is important, but how can it compare to the Emperor's good health?"

Liu Bei nodded with satisfaction, but then frowned:
"A Dou's filial piety is truly commendable."

"However, ancestor worship is a matter of great national importance and should not be neglected..."

"Your subject dares to speak,"

Liu Shan looked up and wiped away his tears, "Let a member of the imperial clan perform the sacrifice on my behalf."

“Uncle Chen is of advanced age and high moral character, and is fully capable of undertaking this task.”

Liu Bei pondered for a long time, then his gaze suddenly fell on the letter from the King of Yue:
"Since members of the imperial family can act as substitutes... Li'er has repeatedly requested to return home recently."

"Why not summon him back to the capital and go with you to worship your ancestors?"

"Firstly, it will fulfill his filial duty, and secondly, it will allow your brothers to reunite."

Liu Shan, without much thought, replied:

"...Father is wise."

"With the help of my third brother, the ancestral worship ceremony will surely be completed smoothly."

Liu Bei immediately smiled and summoned the Imperial Secretary to draft an edict:

"An imperial edict was issued ordering King Liu Li of Yue to return to the capital and assist the Crown Prince in presiding over the ancestral worship ceremony at Mount Mangdang."

"The administration of Yue territory will be temporarily handled by the Chief Secretary."

Liu Shan left the palace gate.

Before taking two steps,

Outside the gates of Luoyang Palace, under an ancient locust tree.

Li Yi was walking side by side with Zhang Fei, discussing recent military affairs.

Suddenly, they saw Liu Shan emerge from the palace gate, and the two immediately stopped talking and laughing, and greeted each other respectfully.

"Father, Third Uncle".

Liu Shan bowed respectfully, "You two are discussing matters here?"

Li Yi nodded slightly:

“…Your Highness.”

"How is Your Majesty's health today?"

"After drinking the ginseng soup, Father Emperor's condition has improved."

"I just played a game of chess with my son."

Liu Shan looked relieved, genuinely happy that his father's health had improved.

Li Yi stroked his beard and finally smiled:
"...That's excellent."

"Your Highness should attend to me at all times and not leave my side lightly."

Zhang Fei suddenly remembered something and asked in a booming voice:

"Next month is the ancestral worship ceremony at Mangdang Mountain, and with my brother's health, he certainly cannot go."

"Has the Crown Prince made any arrangements?"

Liu Shan scratched his head and laughed:

"...Don't worry, Third Uncle."

“Your Majesty originally intended to send me there, but I thought that attending to your illness was more important, so I declined.”

"Your subject also recommended that Prince Chen, your uncle, perform the sacrificial ceremony on your behalf."

Li Yi's expression softened slightly upon hearing this:
"Your Highness's ability to think this way is truly..."

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Shan added:
"However, the Emperor, mindful of his third brother's deep longing for his family, has issued an edict summoning the Prince of Yue back to the capital."

"He was appointed to assist in the ancestral worship ceremony."

"what?!"

Li Yi and Zhang Fei spoke in unison, both greatly alarmed.

Li Yi immediately shouted sternly:

"Your Highness is foolish! How can you summon a vassal king to the capital so casually!"

Zhang Fei's hair and beard bristled, and his voice boomed like thunder.
"Haven't you heard the stories of Fusu and Liu Ju, young man?"

"When Qin Shi Huang died in Shaqiu, Zhao Gao and Li Si forged an imperial edict to order the death of Fusu."

"In the later years of Emperor Wu of Han, Jiang Chong framed Crown Prince Liu Ju, leading to his defeat and suicide!"

"Aren't these lessons profound enough?"

Despite his rough and uncouth nature, Zhang Fei was actually quite shrewd.

He understood this principle all too well.

Liu Shan, his face flushed red from the scolding, stammered:

"Third Uncle is too kind... Third Brother, he..."

"What do you mean, 'him'!"

Zhang Fei angrily retorted, "Do you really think that your father, the Chancellor, canceled your trip to Hebei just so you could fulfill your filial duty?"

"That's to prevent anyone from causing trouble while you're away from the capital!"

Without a doubt, Zhang Fei was a staunch member of the princeling faction.

After all, his daughter was the Crown Princess, and would become Empress after Liu Shan ascended the throne.

He, Zhang Fei, will also be the emperor's father-in-law.

At that time, his favor might even surpass that of his second brother.

Li Yi replied with a heavy heart:

"His Majesty is seriously ill, the Crown Prince has left the capital, and the vassal kings have come to court—"

"This is a path to disaster! How can Your Highness put yourself in such a dangerous situation?"

Liu Shan then suddenly realized what was happening, breaking out in a cold sweat:
"Your son...your son is foolish and dull..."

Li Yi immediately made a decision:

"Your Highness, go find Prince Yi, Liu Feng, immediately and ask him to perform the ancestral rites on your behalf."

"Liu Feng is His Majesty's adopted son, and he has also changed his surname to the imperial surname."

"It is legally justifiable and he is qualified to take on this responsibility."

Zhang Fei slammed his fist on the table and exclaimed:
"Your father and I will go before the Emperor to plead with him to rescind his decree!"

Liu Shan hesitated and said:
"But Father has already issued an edict..."

Li Yi's gaze was like lightning:

"If Your Majesty asks, just say it was my idea."

"Even if it offends the emperor, it's better than causing a great disaster!"

Zhang Fei said loudly:
"Don't worry, sir. I, Old Zhang, will risk my life to persuade you to retract your decision!"

The three had decided on their plan and immediately split up to take action.

Liu Shan hurriedly went to the Prince of Yi's residence, while Li Yi and Zhang Fei went straight into the palace gate.

On the palace road, Zhang Fei suddenly sighed:
"Sir, please don't blame Adou. This child is simple-minded and doesn't understand these complicated matters."

Li Yi smiled wryly:
"How dare I blame the Crown Prince? It is only my fault for not taking precautions earlier."

"The King of Yue... is probably already preparing to set off."

As he spoke, Li Yi teased Zhang Fei again:
"It is you, Third General, who are indeed shrewd despite your rough exterior."

"The intricacies of it are quite clear to me."

Zhang Fei chuckled and scratched his head, then laughed in a deep voice:

"There should be some progress."

The air inside the warm pavilion was filled with the fragrance of herbs, and Liu Bei was reading through memorials.

Suddenly, a eunuch came to report:
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li and the three generals are requesting an audience outside the palace."

Liu Bei looked slightly surprised and put down his pen, saying:

"It is rare for Ziyu and Yide to come together, please announce it quickly."

moment,

Li Yi and Zhang Fei entered side by side, each bowing and exchanging greetings.

Liu Bei laughed and said:

"What brings you two, my esteemed ministers, here together?"

Li Yi bowed and said:

"We have come to inquire after your well-being."

"Seeing His Majesty's complexion gradually improving is truly a blessing for the nation."

Zhang Fei continued in a loud voice:

"Brother, would you like to drink today? I brought some newly brewed Dukang wine!"

Liu Bei smiled:

"I appreciate your kind intentions."

"However, Hua Tuo instructed me to abstain from alcohol, and that I would drink with you again after I have fully recovered."

He coughed lightly a few times and asked:

"You two have come not just to pay your respects, have you?"

Li Yi and Zhang Fei exchanged a glance before he said:

"We do indeed have something to say."

"I've heard that His Majesty has made arrangements for the ancestral worship ceremony at Mount Mangdang next month?"

Liu Bei nodded, and without any hesitation, said frankly:
"I have issued an edict summoning the King of Yue back to the capital to perform the sacrificial ceremony on his behalf."

"Li'er has been submitting memorials for several days, and his filial piety is evident. I cannot bear to refuse him again."

Li Yi immediately knelt down and reported:

"Your Majesty! Feudal princes are not allowed to enter the capital without an imperial edict; this is an ancestral rule."

"Although the King of Yue is filial, I fear this will set a bad precedent. I humbly request Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"

Liu Bei was immediately displeased, and his face showed his displeasure as he said:

"I personally issued the edict, so how can you say there was 'no edict'?"

"Li'er longs for his family, and I also miss my son dearly. What is wrong with that?"

Zhang Fei said urgently:

"Brother! It's not that I'm being paranoid."

"Your health is not yet fully recovered, and the Crown Prince is still young."

"If we allow the princes to enter the capital, something unexpected might happen!"

Liu Bei frowned:

"Why do you say such a thing, Yide? Li'er has been gentle and kind since childhood; how could he possibly have any disloyal intentions?"

Li Yi kowtowed and remonstrated again:

“During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Chang, the King of Huainan, entered the capital.”

"Although he had no intention of rebelling, he eventually caused a great disaster."

"The Rebellion of the Seven States during the reign of Emperor Jing was all due to the power of the vassal kings."

"The lessons of the past are still fresh in our minds; we urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Liu Bei was furious:

"You've gone too far!"

"While I am still on the throne, how can I allow the vassal kings to cause chaos?"

"His Majesty!"

Li Yi tearfully advised, "Precisely because Your Majesty is unwell, we must be even more vigilant in preventing any potential problems."

"If the King of Yue enters the capital, what will happen if other vassal kings follow suit?"

"Furthermore, King Liu Yong of Wu and King Yue are not on good terms. If they hear of this, they will surely become suspicious!"

Zhang Fei also knelt down:
"Brother! I may be a rough man, but I know that the country is of utmost importance."

“I understand you love your son, but you can’t…”

The voice has not fallen,

Liu Bei suddenly coughed violently, his face turning red.

The eunuch hurriedly offered the medicine, but Liu Bei pushed him away:

"I...I'm not senile yet!"

After catching his breath, Liu Bei said sadly:

"I know that you two are loyal."

"However, I have been ill recently and often think about my family."

"Li'er's letter is filled with tears and blood; I cannot bear it..."

Li Yi hurriedly said:

"If Your Majesty truly misses the King of Yue, you may order his heir to come to the capital for an audience."

"In this way, family harmony is maintained, and ancestral rules are not violated."

Zhang Fei quickly echoed:

"Exactly! Sir, your plan is brilliant!"

"Let Xi'er come, I'll take him horseback riding and archery!"

Liu Bei remained silent for a long time, then finally sighed:

"...Let's do as Ziyu says."

"Issue the imperial decree: Liu Xi, the heir apparent of the King of Yue, is to come to the capital for an audience. The King of Yue need not return to the capital."

Li Yi breathed a sigh of relief, then discussed some military and political matters with Liu Bei before taking his leave with Zhang Fei.

Outside the palace gate,
Zhang Fei wiped his sweat and said:
"That was close! Why was my brother so stubborn today?"

Li Yi's expression was solemn, and he sighed:
"Although what we have done is indeed for the sake of the country and its people."

"But it cannot be denied that there is indeed a way of abandoning the relationship between father and son."

"But as a politician, one must always make some choices."

(End of this chapter)