The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

Chapter 161 Royal Marriage, Liu Hong Refuses

Seeing how eloquently Liu Hong spoke, Zhang Rang was filled with admiration.

Given Liu Hong's current status and position, there was really no need to be so polite to him. Yet, he still treated him as an equal as always, which made Liu Hong feel unworthy of such treatment. He silently vowed to continue to do his best for him.

"General, rest assured, although I, Zhang Rang, am just a eunuch, I will always remember your kindness these days."

When the world truly changes in the future, all that's needed is for someone to guard the imperial tombs. This life's wealth can be given up in large part; just enough for a retirement fund will suffice, and the rest will be enough. I dare not ask for anything more.

Zhang Rang's words revealed his true thoughts.

Hearing this, a warm feeling welled up in Liu Hong's heart. Although he didn't take it seriously or agree with it deeply, he couldn't help but trust Zhang Rang a little more.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Rang smiled.

After a conversation, the two seemed to have reiterated their innermost thoughts.

After Zhang Rang left, Liu Hong summoned all his wives and concubines. There were not only Wu, Xu, and Han in the mansion, but also Cai Yan, and now naturally there was another one, Mi.

He told them everything and said he wanted to discuss it thoroughly with the ladies.

"Absolutely impossible. Besides, where would my Liu family get any other girls? You're just daydreaming."

Cai Yan gave a cold laugh.

She really looked down on Empress Dowager He.

Madam Xu, standing beside her, also shook her head: "For a princess to marry into the current emperor, the mere thought of the mother-in-law is enough to cause immense worry."

Ultimately, however, it depends on your consideration, my lord. After all, a marriage alliance with the current emperor would still bring benefits to the Liu family.

Ok.

Among these women, some considered the well-being of their daughters, while others considered the well-being of their families.

Regardless of the reason, Liu Hong could understand their feelings.

"I will discuss this matter further with the Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager Dong when I enter the palace. We will then discuss it in detail."

Liu Hong slowly spoke, and the women remained silent. Even the matriarch, Madam Wu, obeyed Liu Hong's arrangements at this moment.

He is the true head of this household.

The next day, after the court assembly ended, a eunuch from Empress Dowager He's side came to invite Liu Hong to the Kunning Palace.

In the past, such an invitation would have been extremely inappropriate, but since Empress Dowager He was now ruling from behind the curtain, it was acceptable to go under the guise of discussing political affairs.

Most importantly, of course, is that the First Prince Liu Hong has already passed away. Under such circumstances, no one would really care too much about this.

When a person is alive, everyone will treat them with utmost respect. But once they pass away, things change completely. There's nothing to be afraid of when someone is dead.

Inside the Kunning Hall, Liu Hong arrived as promised.

"What is the General's opinion?"

I mentioned it to the General yesterday. Although His Majesty is still young, he will soon be of marriageable age and it is time to think about his future marriage.

Moreover, the emperor's establishment of an empress is a major national event, and I believe the Grand General should be able to understand it. This can give me and the entire Liu clan a further sense of reassurance.

I wonder what the general is thinking?

As her words fell, Empress Dowager He's words were quite eloquent, but unfortunately, they were not very appealing to Liu Hong.

"Perhaps I will disappoint the Empress Dowager, but my Liu family has no legitimate daughters, only one son who is legitimate. Although we have some collateral relatives, we truly have no legitimate daughters."

It would be extremely inappropriate to marry a daughter from a collateral branch to Your Majesty.

What does Your Majesty the Empress Dowager think?

Liu Hong spoke slowly, and what he said was also the truth.

"What if the general directly adopts a goddaughter?"

Is this not acceptable either?

Empress Dowager He asked again, clearly unwilling to give up.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong said calmly, "I'm afraid that would be improper, Your Majesty."

Liu Hong refused again, and Empress Dowager He's expression undoubtedly turned extremely ugly, but at this moment...

There is absolutely no way she would fall out with Liu Hong.

"General, is this a sign of disrespect towards the royal family and His Majesty?"

In an instant, Empress Dowager He slapped a high hat on him, and Liu Hong quickly shook his head, indicating that he absolutely had no such thoughts.

Next, no matter what Empress Dowager He said, Liu Hong maintained that he knew nothing and understood nothing.

Therefore, Empress Dowager He could only wave her hand and dismiss Liu Hong.

Liu Hong had just left when he entered the Kunning Palace.

Empress Dowager He's loud cursing voice rang out.

The young Emperor Liu Bian seemed numb to the situation at this moment, and simply stood quietly to the side without saying a word.

"You worthless scoundrels, how dare you deceive me like this! You truly have no regard for life. Where is even a shred of His Majesty in your hearts? If the late Emperor were still alive, he would certainly not let you traitors and rebels off the hook; each and every one of you is a first-rate scourge."

Empress Dowager He frowned and continued to berate him angrily, each word like a sharp blade, instilling a deep sense of fear in everyone.

At this moment, the palace maids and eunuchs in Kunning Palace dared not speak casually. They were all very careful, for fear of doing something wrong and suffering an irreversible fate.

Suddenly, an idea came to Empress Dowager He's mind, and she immediately rushed towards the inner palace. In the blink of an eye, she arrived in front of Empress Dowager Dong.

Empress Dowager Dong resides in the Yongshou Palace. She is no longer interested in power, so no one can control her.

However, upon suddenly seeing Empress Dowager He arrive, a faint smile appeared in the corner of her eye: "What is it?"

What is the Empress Dowager doing here?

This old woman of mine is almost all alone now. Once my son Xie'er leaves the palace and becomes a sinecure elsewhere, this old woman of mine will truly be free from all threats.

Why should the Empress Dowager bother arguing with an old woman like me?

You are of utmost importance in this palace; anyone who dares to mistreat you is truly courting death.

No sooner had Empress Dowager Dong finished speaking than Empress Dowager He showered her with compliments and sweet words.

It's not hard to see.

She must have had other ideas; otherwise, it would be like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken—she certainly didn't have good intentions.

"Your Majesty, please speak frankly. I am now married into the Liu family and have become a member of the Liu family. Naturally, I will consider everything for the overall interests of the Liu family."

As long as it's for the good of the entire Liu family, and it allows this old woman to live a few more peaceful years, I will absolutely not refuse to do it.

"

Upon hearing Empress Dowager Dong's words, a smug glint flashed in Empress Dowager He's eyes, and she thought to herself: You old codger, you've finally learned to be afraid.

But you're smart enough to know your place, otherwise, I could crush you right now as easily as crushing an ant.