I, a useless prince, started with the Xiang Yu template.

The next day, early morning.

As dawn broke, the chill of night faded from the capital city.

The palace walls were covered with a thin layer of snow, the bluestone pavement was clean and cold, and the morning breeze carried the biting chill of winter.

Li Wanqing got up early to wash and dress.

After changing into a dignified and proper court dress, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the palace.

The carriage passed through without hindrance and stopped outside the palace gate.

We walked into the palace, passing through layers of palace corridors and halls.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, the palace lanterns were still lit, and the entire imperial city exuded an aura of majesty and grandeur.

Before long, they arrived at the Imperial Concubine's palace.

Upon hearing the announcement from outside the palace that Princess Qin had entered to pay her respects, Li Ziwei quickly went out to greet her.

Upon seeing Li Wanqing's figure in the distance, a genuine smile appeared on her face.

Before Li Wanqing could even bow, she stepped forward and grabbed her hand.

"Wanqing, you're back!"

Li Wanqing bowed slightly in greeting.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities, come in and talk!"

Li Ziwei pulled her along and quickly walked into the warm pavilion.

After the maidservant served tea and left, only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remained in the hall.

Li Ziwei could no longer suppress her longing and opened the door to ask.

"Tell your mother the truth quickly."

"What is the current situation in Northern Liang?"

"How is Chu Yun doing over there? Is his situation stable?"

"Mother, there is no need to worry, everything is fine."

"The Northern Liang of today is no longer the dilapidated and desolate border town it once was."

"After arriving in Beiliang, the prince rectified military discipline, punished corruption, pacified refugees, and reclaimed wasteland to start businesses."

"We swept across the six surrounding barbarian tribes, eliminating the threat along the hundred-mile border and deterring the barbarians from advancing south."

"Internally, we opened up coal yards, built workshops, regulated people's livelihoods, and resettled displaced people."

"In just a few months, the city was at peace, all industries began to thrive, and the people's hearts were united."

"Now the Northern Liang is thriving, the people live in peace, and there is no trace of the chaos of the past."

Li Ziwei listened quietly, the worry in her eyes gradually dissipating.

"well!"

"He truly is worthy of being my son, Li Ziwei's son!"

"He managed to revitalize and stabilize the desolate and impoverished Northern Liang."

She let out a long breath and sighed softly.

"Everyone says that the northern frontier is dangerous and the northern Liang region is a quagmire."

"Countless people are waiting to see Chu Yun suffer a crushing defeat."

"Who would have thought that my son would rise against the tide, gain a firm foothold, establish a reputation, and stabilize this territory."

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat in the warm pavilion, chatting softly.

Li Ziwei inquired in detail about Chu Yun's daily life, his diet, and his routine in the army.

Li Wanqing responded patiently to each question, her words filled with nothing but kind words.

Occasionally, when talking about Chu Yun's tireless work on the battlefield, day and night, there was a hint of heartache in her words.

Li Ziwei felt both pity and pride upon hearing this.

The palace was desolate, but the news from his daughter-in-law about the situation in the northern frontier, and the knowledge that his son was safe and well, was the greatest comfort.

We chatted for half an hour, and it was getting late.

After the morning court session ended, Emperor Qian went to the Imperial Study to handle state affairs.

Li Ziwei straightened her clothes and looked at Li Wanqing.

"Come with me to the Imperial Study."

"His Majesty has been frequently inquiring about the movements of Beiliang recently, and he is thinking of Chu Yun."

"You shall personally meet with the Emperor and truthfully report the current situation of Northern Liang."

"Yes."

Li Wanqing responded and followed Li Ziwei out of the hall.

Passing through the long palace road, one arrives directly at the imperial study of the previous dynasty.

Outside the Imperial Study, guards stood in rows, creating a solemn and imposing atmosphere.

The eunuch entered to report, and soon the emperor's decree was delivered, summoning the two men inside.

Upon entering the Imperial Study, one finds Emperor Qian sitting at his desk, reviewing memorials.

"Wanqing is returning to the capital; no need for formalities."

"Beiliang is far away in the northern frontier, and the journey is long and arduous. You must have had a hard time."

Li Wanqing bowed in greeting.

"Thank you, Father Emperor."

"How is Chu Yun doing in Beiliang these days?"

"Is everything stable regarding the northern border defenses, local livelihoods, and the military situation?"

Although he was an emperor, he managed the affairs of the world and controlled the court.

However, the Northern Liang region was plagued by long-standing problems and chaos, making it difficult to govern and stabilize.

His decision to delegate authority to Chu Yun in guarding the northern frontier was both a test and a gamble.

He also had a hidden worry that Chu Yun had just taken power and might not be able to suppress the chaos in Beiliang or govern the dilapidated people.

Many senior officials in the court also consistently asserted that Chu Yun was young and impetuous and would cause trouble sooner or later.

This is something he has been frequently thinking about lately.

"Return to Your Majesty."

"The entire territory of Northern Liang is now at peace, and the situation is much better than before."

Then, she reported all of Chu Yun's political achievements in a humble yet assertive manner.

The Imperial Study was silent for a moment.

Emperor Qian listened quietly, his expression changing little by little.

From initial calm and composure, to slight surprise, and then to deep shock.

He anticipated that Chu Yun would be able to stabilize the situation.

But no one expected that Chu Yun could achieve this in just a few months!

Such methods, boldness, efficiency, and governing ability.

Not to mention the young prince.

Even seasoned regional officials might not be able to do it so quickly.

Emperor Qian was filled with surprise.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"I didn't expect that."

"The sixth brother actually managed to govern Beiliang to such an extent."

"A well-organized army can defend against foreign enemies, a well-governed government can ensure the well-being of the people, and a disciplined approach to both military and civilian affairs can maintain stability."

"Very good, very good."

He looked at Li Wanqing and gave her instructions in a deep voice.

"After you return to the capital, return to Beiliang as soon as possible."

"Please convey this message to the sixth prince."

"I have witnessed all his achievements in the northern frontier."

"I have high hopes for him to guard the northern frontier and manage the Northern Liang well."

A sentence that expresses high hopes.

It carries immense weight and contains profound hidden meaning.

Li Ziwei, who was standing to the side, heard these words and a glimmer of light appeared in her eyes.

Li Wanqing bowed and accepted the imperial decree.

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

.......

Li Wanqing bid farewell to Emperor Qian and Consort Li and left the Imperial Study.

We walked out of the imperial city along the palace corridors.

A cold wind blew by, carrying the chill of winter.

Outside the palace gates, the waiting carriages were already prepared.

Qinghe helped Li Wanqing into the car and into her seat.

The driver asked for permission in a low voice.

"Your Highness, shall we return to the Li residence?"

Li Wanqing gently shook her head.

"Don't go back to the manor, go to the Liu manor in the west of the city."

The coachman obeyed and spurred the horse on.

The carriage wheels turned, slowly leaving the main street of the palace and passing through the bustling streets and alleys of the capital.

The streets of Beijing remain bustling even in winter.

Shops along the street were open for business, and vehicles and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream.

Before half an incense stick had burned, the carriage arrived at the western border of the capital.

The western part of the city is a gathering place for long-established aristocratic families in Beijing.

This place does not value military power and nobles; it is mostly in scholarly families and prominent civil official clans.

Without the imposing presence of a military residence, it possessed a more refined and tranquil atmosphere.

At the end of the street, a huge mansion stood quietly.

The courtyard wall is tall and thick, with neat rows of blue bricks, and the gate is simple and grand.

The two stone pillars at the entrance are clean and heavy, without any exaggerated guardian beasts or ostentatious displays, yet they exude the heritage of a distinguished family.

A black plaque with gold lettering hangs above the door, bearing the two characters "Liu Mansion".

The Liu family in the capital.

A family of top scholars in the Great Qian Dynasty.

Generations of scholars, generations of officials, generations of teachers.

Half of the civil officials in the court had received instruction from the Liu family elders to varying degrees.

He enjoyed immense prestige and deep connections among scholars, officials, and the government, and no one dared to offend him easily.

The Liu family did not flaunt their military achievements, nor did they vie for the throne or choose sides, yet they were able to firmly establish themselves in the capital for a century, remaining prosperous and enduring.