My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Wei Qing was slightly taken aback, but seemed to have expected it, and got up to follow the servant.

Greenhouse Hall

Only the emperor and his minister remained in the hall, the flickering candlelight illuminating Liu Che's calm yet unfathomable face.

"Zhongqing,"

Liu Che spoke casually, yet with a hidden meaning.

"In the Battle of Mobei, the Crown Prince decisively withdrew his troops, preserving the entire army. This strategy is very much to my liking."

After speaking, his gaze seemingly casually fell on Wei Qing, but in reality it was sharp as a knife, not missing any subtle change in the other's face.

"I am just a little curious. At that time, the army was eager for battle, and even Qubing wanted to pursue the enemy while they were ahead... In the end, did the Crown Prince decide to withdraw the troops himself, or... Zhongqing, did you, or someone else, offer any advice?"

Wei Qing had anticipated this question.

His expression was calm as he bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, the decision to withdraw the troops was indeed made solely by His Highness the Crown Prince. At the time, I, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and even the other generals in the army all believed that we should expand our gains and continue our northward advance. We also advised Your Highness on this matter."

He raised his head, his gaze calm.

"However, after careful consideration, Your Highness believes that 'the soldiers are exhausted, transportation is difficult, the spoils must be returned, and the Xiongnu have lost their courage. We should return in triumph to fulfill the great trust entrusted to us by the Emperor.' What Your Highness is concerned about is not the gains or losses of a single battle, but the safety of the nation, the Emperor's trust, and the well-being of the soldiers."

"His words are reasonable and his considerations are profound. Although I feel it is a pity, upon careful consideration, I also feel that Your Highness's plan is prudent and appropriate for the current situation. Therefore, we all ultimately followed Your Highness's order, and it was not my decision or the decisions of others that were influenced by Your Highness."

Liu Che listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade paperweight on his desk.

Wei Qing's answer was basically consistent with what the military newspaper said and what the secret agents reported.

but……

Liu Che raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I am quite impressed by your insight. How is he settling in with the army? What do the soldiers think of him?"

Wei Qing carefully considered the wording.

"Although Your Highness is new to the battlefield, you are calm, decisive, and skillful in command. In particular, your courage and determination in driving the 'Divine Chariot' into battle are extraordinary, earning you the respect of your soldiers. You are also considerate to your subordinates and fair in rewards and punishments. Throughout the army, there are many who respect Your Highness. However, due to Your Highness's retreat, many people harbor resentment towards you."

"admire……"

Liu Che remained silent for a moment.

"You can go now. Also, call Ju'er over here."

"promise!"

Not long after, Liu Ju arrived, bowed respectfully, and stood at his feet with his hands at his sides.

Liu Che then took a jade pendant from somewhere and began to play with it in his hand.

"Ju'er, sit down."

Liu Che pointed to the seat next to him, his tone quite amiable.

"You've returned from the Northern Expedition, exhausted from days of hard work, and then you participated in the grand ceremony. You must be tired. You look more energetic than before the expedition, very good."

"Thank you for your concern, Father. Serving the country is my duty, and I dare not complain of hardship."

Liu sat down as instructed, his back straight, his posture respectful but not humble.

Liu Che's smile deepened, and he began to praise the emperor at length.

From Liu Ju's bravery and decisiveness, his on-the-spot command, to his compassion for his soldiers and his consideration for the overall situation, almost every word in the world used to praise a crown prince was used.

"Capture the Left Wise King alive!"

Liu Che applauded enthusiastically.

"The achievements that so many generals dream of have been accomplished by my son! And his astute judgment in assessing the situation and his resolute decision to withdraw the army, thus saving tens of thousands of soldiers, truly demonstrate his profound understanding of the art of command! I am deeply gratified. With such a crown prince, how can the Han Dynasty not be secure, and how can the nation not be at peace?"

He stood up, walked to Liu Ju, and personally poured him a cup of hot soup, his eyes burning with passion.

"I bestow upon you the authority to 'hold the imperial staff' and 'enter the palace with a sword and shoes' so that the whole world may know that my crown prince possesses the talent to pacify the four directions and the ability to oversee the entire situation!"

"From now on, the vast lands of the Han Dynasty and the peace of the northern frontier will all depend on you!"

Liu Ju accepted the soup bowl with both hands, his face filled with fear, and knelt down.

"Your subject is terrified. This small achievement is entirely due to the Emperor's mighty power, the soldiers' valiant efforts, and the divine protection of our troops."

"Your subject is young and inexperienced, and may have made mistakes in his actions. I fear I may fail to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations. Your Majesty's kindness is too much for me to bear."

Liu Che looked at his son with his head bowed, a fleeting, almost imperceptible scrutiny flashing across his eyes.

He walked back to the soft couch, sat down, picked up the jade cup in front of him, and took a small sip.

The hall suddenly fell silent, with only wisps of smoke rising from the incense burner.

A moment later, Liu Che put down his cup.

The smile on his face faded like the tide, replaced by an indescribable calm.

"According to my son,"

Liu Che spoke, but his voice was not loud.

"Your decision to withdraw your troops and preserve the army is indeed a wise and prudent move. I am very pleased."

He paused, then leaned forward slightly.

That invisible, oppressive aura, belonging to the supreme ruler, crashed down on Liu Ju like a tangible mountain.

"However, I have always had a question in my mind."

His gaze was sharp as a knife, as if trying to cut through all of Liu Ju's pretense.

"At that time, you... defied all opposition and insisted on withdrawing the troops."

"Was it truly a matter of considering the soldiers' exhaustion, the difficulty of transportation, and the Xiongnu's loss of courage, that a show of force was necessary to secure the border...?"

Liu Che's voice suddenly turned cold, each word sharp and deliberate, like an ice pick striking:

"...Or is there something you're worried about?"

His gaze was fixed on Liu Ju's eyes, not allowing him the slightest chance to look away.

"Are you worried that I... suspect you?"

In an instant, the atmosphere inside the hall froze.

Liu Ju felt a chill creep up his spine.

really!

coming!

"Father,"

Liu Ju's voice was tense, and his face was filled with fear.

"Your Majesty's primary concern in withdrawing the troops is, as I have reported and stated earlier, the considerations for the soldiers, the transportation of supplies, and the long-term stability of the border."

He paused briefly, then continued, his tone even more earnest.

"Your Majesty, I have just taken command of the army and, with the help of Your Majesty's divine might and the might of the army, we have won by sheer luck. However, the northern deserts are vast and the enemy's situation is unpredictable. Although the Left Wise King has been captured, the foundation of the Xiongnu has not been destroyed. If we are greedy for merit and advance rashly, and suffer a loss, not only will all our previous achievements be wasted, but we also fear that the foundation of the nation will be damaged and the border will be shaken. Your Majesty... dares not gamble with the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and the safety of the nation by taking such a risky and opportunistic risk."

"As for what Father Emperor said..."

Liu Ju's voice lowered, carrying a perfectly appropriate hint of a son's affection and grievance.

"Your subject... has never dared to think such a thing."

He rose from his seat again, knelt down on the ground, and gently touched the ground with his forehead.

"Your son is the Emperor's son, and the Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty."

"Everything I have is a gift from my father."

"Your Majesty's only wish is to uphold your will, protect your empire, and share your burdens."

"Father, your wisdom is extraordinary and your insight shines far and wide. How could my humble thoughts and actions possibly escape your discerning eyes? Why should I... presume to guess at Your Majesty's mind and only cause unnecessary anxiety?"

"This northern expedition was entirely of the public good, for the sake of the nation and for the sake of the Emperor's trust. If this campaign causes the Emperor to have doubts, then I... I will be condemned to death!"

He lay prostrate on the ground, his posture extremely submissive, his voice trembling slightly.

Silence fell once again in the hall.

Only Liu Ju's prostrate figure and Liu Che's deep and unfathomable gaze remained.

After a long while, Liu Che suddenly chuckled.

"Get up, the ground is cold."

"Thank you, Father Emperor."

Liu Ju slowly rose to his feet, standing with his hands at his sides, his face appropriately retaining a hint of sadness and respect after being misunderstood.

Liu Che looked at him, his gaze complex and unreadable.

The son's answer was impeccable.

But... in the end, she was still too inexperienced.

"I am very pleased that you think this way."

Liu Che finally spoke, waving his hand.

"I was just asking casually, you don't need to take it to heart. Go back and rest well."

"Your subject obeys the decree and will do his utmost."

Liu Ju bowed again.

"Go."

"Your subject takes his leave."

Liu Ju maintained a respectful demeanor and slowly withdrew from the side chamber of the Greenhouse Hall.

Liu Che looked at him, muttering to himself.

"...A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind; a mound that rises above the bank will be eroded by the current; a person who excels above others will be criticized by the masses. The lessons of the past are not far off, and we see many more overturned carts following in their footsteps."

"My dear son... what are you so afraid of?"

"Is it because you're worried about me... or... that you really haven't thought that much about it?"