Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 125 First Arrival in Luoyang
As the capital of the empire, Luoyang's prosperity and majesty were in no way inferior to Chang'an's.

The towering city walls, wide streets, and bustling crowds all demonstrate the city's status.

However, compared to Chang'an, the air in Luoyang seemed to be filled with a more tense and solemn atmosphere. Perhaps it was because the Empress Dowager was in charge here, and the invisible pressure brought about by the shift in the center of power, or perhaps it was the tension brought about by the Yangzhou rebellion.

The carriage did not enter the palace directly, but under Shangguan Wan'er's guidance, it first arrived at Shangshanfang in Luoyang. This area is adjacent to the imperial city and the palace, and is filled with the residences of many members of the imperial family, nobles and high-ranking officials.

The motorcade stopped in front of a rather grand mansion, but the plaque hanging above the gate did not bear the name of a prince; rather, it resembled an official residence or a royal villa.

“Your Highness, Chief Secretary Liu,” Shangguan Wan’er lifted the carriage curtain and explained, “Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is considerate and knows that Your Highness has come a long way and is tired. She has specially ordered that Your Highness be settled in this ‘Guobin Courtyard’ for a short rest. This courtyard is dedicated to receiving envoys from vassal states and members of the royal family who come to pay homage. It has everything you need and is very close to the palace, so it is convenient for the Empress Dowager to summon you at any time.”

Upon entering Luoyang, Shangguan Wan'er maintained a strictly businesslike demeanor almost throughout. Li Xian, knowing that Luoyang was Empress Wu's territory, dared not show the slightest carelessness.

As for Liu Jianjun, he seemed to have finally calmed down. Most of his excitement had passed, leaving him with only a listless appearance due to excessive indulgence.

He leaned closer and whispered in Li Xian's ear, "This so-called 'Guobinyuan' is, to put it nicely, a guesthouse for receiving distinguished guests. In reality, it's just a controlled temporary residence. It not only reflects your mother's favor but also facilitates surveillance and control, preventing you from having too much contact with officials from the outer court or local forces in Luoyang. This is your mother's consistent cautious style."

Liu Jianjun dismounted, looked around the courtyard, and clicked his tongue twice: "Heh, not bad treatment, food and lodging included, plus sentry duty."

Shangguan Wan'er glanced at him, signaling him to be careful with his words and actions. Then she said to Li Xian, "Your Highness, please go inside and settle in first. This servant needs to go to the palace immediately to report to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. When the Empress Dowager will summon me will be conveyed by another decree."

Li Xian nodded: "Thank you for your help, talented man."

Shangguan Wan'er then looked at Liu Jianjun, her eyes carrying a subtle hint of reminder, but her tone was businesslike: "Liu Changshi, please do not travel far after you have settled in, lest you miss the Empress Dowager's summons."

Liu Jianjun replied with a grin, "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm the most honest person. I'll definitely stay at home and wait for Her Majesty the Empress Dowager to summon me."

Shangguan Wan'er nodded slightly, turned around and got into the small blue-draped carriage, which, under the protection of several knights, headed towards the palace.

Li Xian and Liu Jianjun entered the courtyard under the guidance of a steward eunuch who had been waiting there.

The courtyard was complete with pavilions, towers, halls, and side rooms, all ornately decorated and exquisitely furnished, truly befitting the title of "state guest." The palace maids and eunuchs serving the guests were all obedient and courteous.

However, the ubiquitous, well-trained servants and the barely visible defense system served as a constant reminder that this was essentially a beautifully decorated place of confinement.

The eunuch in charge led Li Xian to the main house of the main courtyard and arranged for Liu Jianjun to stay in an exquisite side courtyard next door.

After the eunuchs left, Liu Jianjun strolled into Li Xian's room, sprawled out on the couch, and sighed, "Oh my, we've finally arrived. This journey has nearly shaken my bones apart."

He complained of being tired, and his eyes revealed a deep weariness, quite different from his usual lively self.

Li Xian felt a little guilty.

Then he wondered to himself.

What is Liu Jianjun thinking? Ordinary people can just take supplements, but he simply takes as much as he can, and won't stop until he's exhausted to death?
Li Xiangang was about to say something, but in the blink of an eye, he found that Liu Jianjun was already fast asleep, and he could even faintly hear him snoring.

Li Xian chuckled. The eunuch who had led the way had arranged accommodations for Liu Jianjun, so what kind of behavior was it for him to come and sleep here?
But after thinking about it, Li Xian still pulled over the blanket next to him and covered Liu Jianjun with it.

The autumn air was already getting cold, and Liu Jianjun had already been drained of his vitality by that tiger penis; he couldn't afford to catch a cold and get sick.

Just then, a young eunuch bowed and entered respectfully, saying, "Your Highness Prince Pei, the Imperial Kitchen has delivered dinner. Shall we serve it now?" Then, his gaze fell on Li Xian covering Liu Jianjun with a blanket, and he added, "Liu Changshi!"

Li Xian frowned.

This eunuch has no manners at all; he just walked right in.

His original intention was to endure it a little while under the eaves, but when he thought of Liu Jianjun's description of him as a "spoiled brat," he immediately frowned and scolded, "Which government office are you from? Don't you know the rules!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried the unique authority of a king and a deliberately amplified anger.

The eunuch was clearly not expected by Li Xian's sudden outburst. He trembled with fright and immediately knelt down, kowtowing and saying, "Your Highness, please calm down! This servant... this servant is one of the stewards of the State Guest House, my humble name is Wang Dezhu."

"This servant was only anxious about dinner and was afraid of delaying Your Highness's meal. I had no intention of offending Your Highness or Chief Secretary Liu! Please forgive me, Your Highness!"

"I've taken note of you," Li Xian sneered. "Serve the meal!"

In reality, Li Xian didn't know what to do with this person at this time. He had no power in Luoyang City, and all he had was the prestige of being the Prince of Pei.

The eunuch's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he hurriedly retreated.

At this moment, Liu Jianjun seemed to have been woken up as well. He rubbed his eyes and sat up: "What's wrong? Are you arguing with a eunuch?"

Li Xian then recounted what had just happened, albeit with a hint of annoyance.

Liu Jianjun immediately perked up, but didn't say anything, only gave Li Xian a wink.

Li Xian understood instantly, but remained calm and composed.

Soon, one exquisite dish after another was served, a dazzling array of luxurious dishes that far exceeded the budget of the royal palace.

Liu Jianjun's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together, saying, "Hey! This treatment! It's no worse than the Prince of Pei's mansion!"

During the meal, another eunuch brought some brand-new clothes and daily necessities, saying they were a gift from the Empress Dowager. Another eunuch reported to Liu Jianjun that his share had been delivered to his courtyard.

Throughout the meal, the eunuchs and maids served him with utmost attentiveness, accompanying him the whole time, but Li Xian only felt as if he were being watched by an invisible eye.

Liu Jianjun, on the other hand, didn't seem to care at all. He ate his meal, picked up food for Li Xian, and even added more to Li Xian's bowl, urging Li Xian to eat more. He was being overly affectionate.

It took almost half an hour to finish the meal.

At this moment, Liu Jianjun casually instructed the eunuchs, "Alright, go and fetch some hot water. His Highness Prince Pei and I are going to take a bath."

Li Xian knew that Liu Jianjun was trying to get rid of these people.

……

(End of this chapter)