Three Kingdoms: I am not Liu Bian

Chapter 227 What kind of class do you have, wanting to marry a princess too? (4K)

Inside the hall, armored soldiers stood at attention, but Liu Hong and Empress He were already used to this situation and ignored it, continuing to drink and chat.

Liu Bian placed great importance on his own safety. Apart from Empress He's West Palace, the first thing he did when he went to any palace was to order the Crown Prince's guards to take full control of the palace's defenses, leaving no opportunity for those with malicious intentions.

However, after the palace coup, Empress Dowager Dong was forced to move from Jiade Hall in the South Palace to Zhangde Hall in the North Palace, and she rarely even met with Liu Hong.

This was the first time he had met Liu Bian since Liu Xie's death, so he was completely unaware of Liu Bian's current behavior and habits.

Once a person develops a dislike for another, whatever that person does will be viewed with the utmost malice, and this was also the case with Empress Dowager Dong.

Upon seeing Liu Bianfu arrange for armored soldiers to be on guard as soon as he entered the hall, she subconsciously felt that this was her good grandson giving her a show of force. Disgust surged in her heart, her cloudy eyes trembled slightly, and a short, cold snort escaped from her throat.

Her thoughts drifted to the filial and considerate Liu Xie, and Empress Dowager Dong felt a mixture of hatred and sorrow that lingered in her heart for a long time.

"Father, Mother, I was delayed a bit today because of the many official duties."

Liu Bian naturally didn't care about Empress Dowager Dong's thoughts. When he finally made up his mind to stage a palace coup, the old lady's attitude towards him and his mother was an extremely important factor.

Perhaps there is a one in ten thousand chance that Liu Xie is benevolent and mindful of filial piety and brotherly love, and cannot bear to kill the mother and son. But what about that old hag, Empress Dowager Dong?
After bowing to Liu Hong and Empress He along with Liu Qing and Cai Yuan, Liu Bian's gaze involuntarily fell on his younger sister, as if he hadn't even seen Empress Dowager Dong.

According to the rules of etiquette, before a princess reaches marriageable age, she should wear a pure blue and crimson robe.

Seven-year-old Liu Man wore a plain blue silk dress, her hair was carefully combed into two round buns above her ears and secured with crimson ribbons, with neat wisps of hair left on her forehead.

And on her fair, snow-white neck, she wore the jade pendant that Liu Bian had given her.

Jade is believed to ward off evil spirits and suppress negative influences, so the Han people imitated the shape of the compass and carved jade pendants for children to wear to ward off evil spirits and suppress negative influences.

Not to mention royal princesses, even children from ordinary wealthy families would have such a jade compass pendant, but Liu Man, who lost her mother at a young age, did not.

In the palace, children who lose their mothers and are not favored by their fathers are inevitably neglected, and they cannot experience maternal love or paternal love from a young age.

Even though she was not favored, no one dared to bully Liu Man, though life in the palace was somewhat lonely.

The idea that a princess being bullied or even having her food and monthly allowance withheld by eunuchs and palace maids simply because she was not favored or had no mother to love her was something that would never have happened in the Han Dynasty.

How dare a mere servant deceive his master?

No matter how down on his luck his master was, he was not someone a servant could bully. And no one could guarantee that the emperor might suddenly take notice of Liu Man, his only daughter.

Of course, the greatest danger came from other eunuchs and palace maids.

If someone were to report such evil deeds to the emperor, all would be lost, and the entire clan would be executed along with them.

Despite lacking parental love, Liu Bian took on the responsibilities of an elder brother, showering affection on his only younger sister, Liu Man, and granting her almost every request.

Liu Man is also very sensible. She mostly asks for toys, food, and books. Lately, she has started asking for pretty dresses from girls' homes, but she doesn't ask for anything valuable.

"Royal brother~~~"

Liu Man and Liu Bian's eyes met, and she parted her red lips slightly, calling out in a crisp, sweet voice that warmed Liu Bian's heart and filled him with doting affection.

Liu Bian sat next to Liu Man on the right side. Liu Man was about to get up to greet him, but Liu Bian reached out and pressed her head down.

Liu Bian gently stroked her soft hair with his fingertips, his movements extremely slow, as if afraid of tugging at the ends of her hair and hurting her. He said with a gentle smile, "My dear, I just received over a hundred boxes of Wasu today. They are snacks sent by Lu Fengxian, the Commandant of the Yue Cavalry, from his hometown of Jiuyuan County. I will have Awang deliver them to you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Liu Man squinted her eyes slightly, seemingly enjoying Liu Bian's caresses immensely, like a large, adorable raccoon dog.

Liu Qing and Cai Yuan laughed and chatted with Liu Man about girly topics. Empress He and Liu Hong also smiled and watched this harmonious scene of brother and sister.

No one could dislike such a well-behaved and sensible little princess, especially since the crown prince cherished and doted on her as if she were his precious jewel.

However, this heartwarming scene only fueled Empress Dowager Dong's anger.

In her view, the Crown Prince had soldiers stand around him after entering the palace, and he only paid homage to the Emperor and Empress. He also joked and played with Princess Liu Man, but ignored her, the Empress Dowager. What was this if not a provocation?
As expected, a child born of a lowly person is also a lowly person. Even if the bloodline of the Liu family is mixed with the blood of the imperial family, the lowly nature of the child is still hard to change, and the child is so rude!
However, Empress Dowager Dong ultimately suppressed her anger, barely maintaining her dignity as Empress Dowager, accepting everyone's birthday wishes, and drinking the congratulatory wine.

As the wine entered her stomach, Empress Dowager Dong felt pleased, thinking that despite her advanced age, she was still in good health.

Of course, she would have been happier if that vile woman He hadn't congratulated her on her long life in such a sarcastic tone, and if that little vile woman Liu Bian hadn't stood there silently.

After several rounds of drinks, Empress Dowager Dong was already somewhat drunk. With her cheeks slightly flushed, she leaned against the jade armchair, her cloudy eyes darting back and forth between Liu Man, who was chatting and laughing with Liu Bian, and another young man.

That was her grand-nephew, Dong Ping, thirteen years old, with a dignified appearance. He was preparing to formally enter the Imperial Academy next year.

Empress Dowager Dong's eyes flickered slightly. She gently patted Liu Hong, who was chatting with Empress He. Seeing Liu Hong turn his head, she suddenly said, "Your Majesty, Wan Nian's mother has been dead for many years. She is all alone in the palace, and I also feel very lonely in the palace. How about we bring Wan Nian to Zhangde Palace so that I can raise him?"

Liu Hong frowned slightly. Empress Dowager Dong's words were extremely inappropriate. What did you mean by saying in front of outsiders that you felt extremely lonely in the palace?
My Chongde Hall and your Zhangde Hall are separated by only one wall. Every time I come to visit you, you refuse to see me. Now you say you feel lonely?
What, is this to blame me for being unfilial?
As for being lonely and helpless?

If my father dies, I will be an orphan. I am not dead yet, so how can I be without support?

As for suffering, that's even less of a concern. Although that rebellious son murdered his own brother, his doting on Liu Man was genuine. Because of this love for Liu Man, Empress He's attitude towards her gradually changed. At least she was no longer like a stranger to her, and they even occasionally showed affection towards each other.

Liu Hong did not respond to Empress Dowager Dong's words, nor did he directly refute her. Instead, he replied tactfully, "I think Wan Nian is doing quite well these days."

Based on his understanding of this mother, she was definitely not someone who suddenly wanted to raise another granddaughter out of loneliness.

Seeing that Liu Hong did not agree, Empress Dowager Dong was slightly surprised. She then looked at him with a deep gaze and said in a slightly subtle tone, "My nephew Dong often comes to the palace to keep this old woman company, but it is still a bit lonely. Perhaps the Emperor understands what I mean?"

Liu Hong was taken aback, his brows furrowed, and his gaze shifted to Dong Ping, but there was clearly no goodwill in his eyes, only scrutiny and dissatisfaction.

Although the Dong family of Hejian was his maternal clan, he knew exactly what kind of good-for-nothing they were.

Dong Ping's grandfather, Dong Chong, who was also the elder brother of Empress Dowager Dong, colluded with Empress Dowager Dong to sell official positions on a large scale. That was one thing, but it didn't matter whose pocket the money ended up in, mother or son.

However, in order to create vacancies, Dong Ping actually used Empress Dowager Dong's decree to dismiss many officials who had just bought their positions.

Isn't this disrupting the market?

You dare to do something as unsustainable as draining a pond to catch all the fish?
Isn't this ruining my reputation and damaging my credibility?
Enraged, Liu Hong imprisoned and executed the man who had ruined his reputation for selling official positions, on charges of falsely conveying the Empress Dowager's decree. Even though Empress Dowager Dong pleaded for mercy repeatedly, he still refused to forgive him.

Dong Zhong was also a hopeless case; otherwise, if Dong Zhong were capable, why would he have relied on He Jin, that stupid pig?
Dong Chong and Dong Zhong are both such fools, how could Dong Ping possibly amount to anything?
He has already failed Wan Nian and failed to fulfill his responsibilities as a father. How could he push her into a pit of fire and marry her into such a family?
Liu Hong replied indifferently, "I don't understand."

Seeing Liu Hong's attitude, Empress Dowager Dong frowned. Looking at her son, who was always close to her, a look of displeasure flashed across her face. She said in a deep voice, "Then I will speak frankly with the Emperor. Wannian is now seven years old. My grand-nephew Dong Ping is dignified and handsome. I intend to have Dong Ping marry the princess. Today, with everyone here, we will make the marriage agreement. The marriage will be fulfilled when Wannian comes of age."

As soon as Empress Dowager Dong finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall froze.

Liu Bian, who had just been chatting and laughing with Liu Man, suddenly changed his expression and looked at Dong Ping with a gloomy face.

He's not a sister-obsessed brother, nor would he demand that Liu Man marry some outstanding man with both virtue and talent.

As long as Liu Man's husband is of decent character, he can bestow wealth and a promising future upon her; it doesn't matter whether he is a talented person or not.

It doesn't matter which noble family or ordinary wealthy family one comes from. What family or noble clan in the world can be as noble as the royal family?
What kind of person is Dong Ping?
He usually runs rampant in Luoyang City, galloping through the market, injuring people and then whipping them indiscriminately with his horsewhip, blaming them for blocking his way. He is a despicable anthropomorphic creature.

Patrolling guards of the Imperial Guard, jailers of the Court of Justice, soldiers of the Commandant of the Capital Region, and clerks of the Magistrate of Luoyang had all captured and imprisoned Dong Ping on several occasions, but because of his status as the grand-nephew of Empress Dowager Dong, he was able to escape easily each time.

It's not that these companies are not following the law; after all, Dong Ping only caused minor injuries, and even if someone's leg was broken, he didn't actually kill anyone.

Dong Zhong sent someone to the injured party's home to deliver some money as compensation. He also threatened the injured party with the backing of Empress Dowager Dong. Ordinary people dared not pursue the matter any further and withdrew their lawsuits under the threat.

Some powerful figures were even more wary of Empress Dowager Dong. Dong Zhong said some nice things and offered more compensation, and in the end, they withdrew their lawsuits.

As long as the people don't report the assault, the officials won't investigate. The victims all forgave Dong Ping, and at most, he would only be detained for a few days. They also had to take good care of Dong Ping to prevent other prisoners from hurting him or him from getting sick in prison.

In other words, after his palace coup, the four offices of the Imperial Guard, the Court of Justice, the Commandant of the Capital Region, and the Magistrate of Luoyang were all under his control, and they were all upright and incorruptible people. Last time, Guo Tu arrested Dong Ping, who broke a commoner's leg, and imprisoned him in the Court of Justice prison, breaking his leg before releasing him.

From then on, Dong Ping finally had some peace and quiet, and was kept at home by Dong Zhong to study diligently for more than half a year.

After noticing Liu Bian's expression, Liu Hong simply stopped talking.

With this rebellious son around, the marriage won't happen, and it will save him from disobeying Empress Dowager Dong.

Liu Bian squinted, gently patted Liu Man's soft little hand to indicate that she didn't need to worry, then suddenly stood up and looked at the Empress Dowager Dong, his voice icy, and said, "In the past, marriages were arranged by parents and matchmakers. How could a grandmother arrange a marriage for her grandchildren on her own?"

Empress Dowager Dong slammed her wine cup heavily on the table, the spilled wine leaving dark stains on the brocade tablecloth, clearly indicating that she was about to get angry.

To be honest, Liu Bian was increasingly unable to understand Empress Dowager Dong's thoughts.

Empress Dowager Dong wanted Dong Ping to marry a princess, naturally because she noticed his affection for Liu Man and wanted to secure a future for the Dong family of Hejian. But what made her think that Dong Ping was qualified to marry a princess?

Perhaps Empress Dowager Dong also wanted to use the matter of marrying the princess to ease the relationship between the Dong family of Hejian and him, but if the relationship was not good, why did she marry her sister to Dong Ping?
Even if he is a person who only cares about interests and not feelings, what benefits does Dong Ping have that would make him marry Liu Man off?

He wanted to ease tensions but couldn't bring himself to do it, and he kept having disagreements with my mother and the two young men. In the end, he simply used my beloved sister's marriage to his wife and married a princess to settle the matter.
You haven't fulfilled your duty as a grandmother to love your grandson, yet you expect me and Wan Nian to be as filial to you as a grandson to a grandmother?

"Your Highness, a military report has arrived from Liangzhou!"

Just as the atmosphere inside the hall was becoming increasingly oppressive, Ju Shou, the Crown Prince's Chief of Staff who was on duty at the Crown Prince's residence that night, hurriedly ran into Zhangde Hall with a military report sealed with sealing wax in his hand, disregarding the eerie atmosphere in the Empress Dowager's palace and shouting.

Liu Bian had no interest in continuing to feign politeness with Empress Dowager Dong, so he used the excuse that military and state affairs could not be delayed to leave. He took Liu Man's hand and bid farewell to Liu Hong and Empress He, then strode out of the hall.

However, just before leaving the palace, Liu Bian revealed a half-smile on his face as he passed Dong Zhong and his son Dong Ping.

(4095 words)
(End of this chapter)