About Cao Cao's reincarnation as the emperor's uncle

Chapter 35 My Heart and My Imperial Uncle's

After being embellished by these five people, his portrayal of the imperial uncle became quite realistic.

While still an infant, her biological father died suddenly and tragically.

When the Liang family welcomed their eldest brother to the throne, their mother, fearing he would be envied, hastily hid him from his infancy.

Afterwards, he was entrusted to his second brother, the Prince of Bohai, and was told to the outside world that he was the adopted younger brother of Liu Chong, in order to temporarily avoid the turmoil.

Unexpectedly, rumors began to circulate that the King of Bohai was secretly forming a faction and plotting a rebellion, plunging the second brother into dire straits.

At that time, his wife was pregnant, and fearing that it would harm the women and children, he entrusted his wife to his third brother, the King of Pingyuan.

He insisted on staying by his second brother's side, but unexpectedly, the traitor Wang Fu framed him, and in less than a year, the entire Bohai Prince's family was brutally murdered.

To uncover the injustice done to his second brother, he went to great lengths to infiltrate the Forbidden City through the connections of the eunuch Zhang Rang, and used the alias "Ma Yuanyi" to mingle among the eunuchs.

While investigating the truth behind his second brother's treason and Wang Fu's crimes, he coincidentally had the opportunity to meet Emperor Liu Hong, and the two recognized each other.

Only then did he realize that even the emperor was not free to act, trapped in the power struggle between powerful ministers and eunuchs, feeling like he was sitting on pins and needles.

Thus, he left the palace with an imperial edict in his robes, contacting like-minded people across the land to purge the court of corrupt officials.

Liu Meng's role is to prove that his successful protection of party members over the years was inseparable from "Lord Ma's" help in maneuvering within the palace.

The Imperial Clan Secretary Liu Kuan had compiled all the necessary information and prepared the Imperial Genealogy.

Now, there is both Liu Shuo, the only surviving blood relative of Emperor Huan, and Liu He, a cousin from the Hejian lineage, as a guarantee.

Furthermore, the sudden appearance of Liu Dai and Liu Yao, his two sons, can also be considered witnesses.

Most importantly, these fabricated stories are basically consistent with his real experiences as the emperor's younger brother.

but……

Was this grand banquet truly intended to solidify the title of Imperial Uncle?

Was it because of Xia Yu's death, or perhaps because of the commotion surrounding Duan Jiong, that these actions aroused his suspicion?
However, according to the previous life, Hou Lan, Wang Fu, Cao Jie and other old eunuchs died one after another.

Duan Jiong, as a henchman of Wang Fu, ultimately could not escape Liu Hong's purge...

But now that he has only moved a few pieces, Liu Hong is already rushing to stage this show of force?

Could it be that you think I acted too soon and are trying to teach me a lesson?
After tomorrow's court assembly, I estimate that my royal uncle will make a grand appearance in front of the world.

People value reputation and etiquette, but even more so righteousness. Liu Hong intends to use the clan system to confine the orphan within the confines of the palace, thus extinguishing his ambition for the throne.

My brother, are you afraid that I will follow the example of Liang and Dou, or do you want to push out the imperial relatives to counterbalance the powerful families?
What exactly is the intention?

……

Before Liu Hong could speak, a delicate fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafted over, causing Liu Fang's heart to tremble slightly.

This aroma is the scent of Liu Fang's childhood, deeply etched in his memory.

From his high position, Liu Hong lightly tapped the imperial desk:
"The Empress Dowager came by today and left a few pots of osmanthus. Does the Imperial Uncle still find the fragrance pleasant?"
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【Osmanthus】: According to the Yue Jue Shu, the wood of the osmanthus tree is dense and has a texture like rhinoceros hide, hence the name osmanthus ("xi" is interchangeable with "xi").
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Liu Hong continued in a nonchalant tone:
"The Empress Dowager has heard of the life of the Imperial Uncle and admires him greatly. If you have some free time these days, Imperial Uncle might as well visit Yongle Palace for a chat."

As they say, when it comes to the art of imperial strategy, Liu Fang was completely stunned by the very first move. He abandoned military tactics and turned to kinship instead.

Liu Fang thought to himself, but on the surface he remained solemn and bowed deeply:

"Fang, accept the imperial edict."

Upon seeing this, Liu Hong clapped his hands and laughed:

"Why is my royal uncle being so distant? Tonight is supposed to be a family banquet, there is no need for such formalities."

After saying this, he instructed Zhang Rang to lead Liu Fang to the seat of honor, and then ordered Liu Dai and Liu Yao to sit on either side.

Looking at the two boys who were just beginning to take shape, Liu Fang was quite carefree.

So what if I have two more sons?

In his past life, when he roamed the world, how could he not have many sons?
So, as they sipped their drinks, they began to probe the two boys with casual remarks.

After several rounds of questioning...

Surprisingly, the two boys were well-versed in military knowledge. When they talked about troop deployment, their eyes shone, and their every move showed the agility of martial artists.

King Pingyuan seems unreliable, yet he has raised his children so well. I wonder if my third brother is truly unrestrained, or is he deliberately hiding his talents?

In his previous life, Liu Dai was known for his filial piety, brotherly love, benevolence, and humility.

Liu Yao, before he even came of age, single-handedly stormed a bandit camp and rescued his kidnapped father, thus gaining considerable fame.

Later, they all became regional warlords...

Although Liu Dai wavered between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, he ultimately perished at the hands of the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Liu Yao fought Yuan Shu for a long time, but was ultimately defeated by Sun Ce's bravery.

But if these two were not feudal lords, but were employed by him, they would still be two outstanding talents.

And even if they have ulterior motives, what do I have to fear? Can't I win the hearts of two young men?

We are truly grateful to the King of Pingyuan for sending such a generous gift.

Thinking of this, Liu Fang smiled slightly and raised his wine cup to Liu Shuo beside him.

Beneath Liu Shuo's flippant smile lay a completely unwavering gaze, and he even returned Liu Fang a meaningful look.

Liu Shuo's ability to survive the chaos of the times until the Jian'an era truly shows he was no ordinary person.

The two boys beside him, however, were completely oblivious, still immersed in the warmth of their "father-son reunion".

Liu Dai even leaned over the edge of the table and whispered to him about classical studies.

Liu Yao saw Liu Fang and Liu Shuo enjoying each other's company.

Suddenly, he picked up his cup and stood up, his back ramrod straight:
"Father, I have thoroughly studied the Six Secret Teachings, and my elder brother is skilled in mathematics and the management of provisions..."

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Dai tugged at his sleeve, and Liu Yao tilted his head, looking at Liu Dai in confusion.

Seeing this, Liu Dai quickly picked up his cup and stood up:

"Over the years, my brother and I have been unable to be by our side to enjoy our happiness, which is truly unfilial..."

His expression turned serious, and he suddenly raised his voice:
“Although my brother and I are young, we know the great righteousness of Father’s actions. We are willing to be Father’s arms and shields to protect our land.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Fang couldn't help but take a closer look at the two teenagers.

Liu Yao's eyes were like bright stars, with a hint of a martial prowess.

Liu Dai's brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes held a shrewdness rarely seen in people his age.

Whether he will become a powerful figure who controls a region in the future, his success or failure remains to be seen...

Even if they are young, aren't they all outstanding individuals?

Seeing this, everyone in the room turned their attention to it.

The Han dynasty has always valued filial piety and righteousness as its guiding principles; today, the two brothers hold a banquet tonight to express their aspirations…

When history is recorded, it will surely include this beautiful story of a loving father and filial son.

Looking at the smiles, some genuine and some feigned, Liu Fang raised his glass in response to each person's.

Sitting in the main seat, Liu Hong suddenly chuckled, his eyes slightly narrowed with drunkenness as he stroked the jade table.

"We drank to our hearts' content today! Tomorrow morning at court, I will proclaim to the world that the Han Dynasty still has a figure like my Imperial Uncle!"

Before the words were even finished, the warmth in the hall seemed to freeze.

These words, though seemingly drunken ramblings, have actually placed "Imperial Uncle" in the eye of the storm.

What's meant to happen will happen. Hearing Liu Hong's words, Liu Fang felt a sense of relief.

He lowered his eyes to hide the turmoil within them, and when he looked up again, his expression was one of calm acceptance.

"Your Majesty, please make your decision according to your own heart. I will do my utmost to serve the Han Dynasty."

All the relatives present bowed deeply and praised him.

Liu Hong suddenly left his seat and personally poured wine for Liu Fang, the wine making a soft sound as it entered the cup.
"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities. The world should already know that I and you are of one heart and mind..."

(End of this chapter)