Chapter 11: The Bronze Peach
Golden sunlight bathed the main thoroughfare of Hengmen Street as it was over two thousand years ago, the compacted earth after sunset still parched and cracked.
Liu Jin first visited a goldsmith’s shop, then a bronzeware store. He slipped a bronze peach into his bosom and, facing the setting sun, returned to Changle Palace.
He wasn’t sure if Old Master Qiu’s advice would work, but he decided to give it a try.
Ever since Emperor Wu of Han had turned his attention toward Prince Changyi Liu Bo and Lady Gou Yi’s son Liu Fuling, the rewards to the Crown Prince’s palace had grown increasingly sparse.
A pure gold longevity peach was far too extravagant, and he was reluctant to expend such vast wealth, not wanting to add more strain to the already tight treasury of the Crown Prince’s palace.
...
“Jin’er, you’re back?”
“Why have you been leaving the palace every day lately… hmm, never mind that for now. You’re covered in sweat and quite dirty. Go wash up before joining me.”
Liu Jin: “…”
Father, you do have a bit of an obsession with cleanliness, don’t you?
He first took a bath in the side hall, then changed into a clean silk robe before entering the central hall of the Crown Prince’s palace.
“Father, not long ago I reconnected with an old friend in the outer court. We got along well, so when I was bored, I went to chat with him.”
Liu Ju made a sound of acknowledgment and warned, “You are the imperial grandson. Don’t let anyone with ill intent use you. Many wish to harm us; there’s no telling if your old friend was deliberately placed there. Be cautious.”
Liu Jin shook his head. “He doesn’t know my identity. Father, rest assured, I know my limits.”
“By the way, today I bought a bronze longevity peach outside the palace, intending to present it to the Emperor tomorrow.”
Liu Ju: “…”
“The old man is of noble birth, with all the wealth and beauties of the realm at his command. Beyond seeking immortality and wisdom, what material desires could he possibly have?”
“Well, it’s worth a try.”
Liu Ju didn’t elaborate further. Perhaps the old man was in a good mood and would accept it. Trying was better than not trying at all.
“Father, how was your inspection outside the palace today?”
Liu Ju sighed. “The sufferings of the people are beyond what the old man in Weiyang Palace can comprehend. I truly hope one day he’ll leave the palace to see for himself the grave harm that years of war have brought upon the common folk.”
“He has won battles all his life, but seven years ago he suffered a defeat, and since then his mindset has changed. Though he has outwardly ceased hostilities, he still maintains a strong military presence in Hexi and the northern frontiers. He continues to levy heavy taxes at home, all in pursuit of erasing the shame of that loss seven years ago.”
“But he does not realize that the people can no longer bear this burden. If this continues, the strength of the Han will only decline!”
“One man’s selfishness, causing suffering for millions— is this the conduct befitting an emperor?”
...
There were no outsiders in the Crown Prince’s palace, and Liu Jin was his eldest son. These grievances he could only share with Liu Jin. Previously, he had tried to advise Emperor Wu, but the old man was stubborn and self-willed, unwilling to listen. After several attempts, the Emperor simply stopped seeing him.
Yet, he truly wished for the prosperity of the Han and the honor of his late father’s name.
After a pause, Liu Ju’s expression grew stern. “Today, the Emperor sent me out to inspect the palace and the outer court. Everyone is watching, but no one understands the old man’s intention. Neither do I.”
His father grew harder to fathom with age; no one could comprehend his actions, and this time was no different.
“I thought of an unlikely possibility.”
Liu Jin quickly asked, “Father, what possibility?”
Liu Ju’s gaze was sharp as he spoke deliberately, “To attract more people, to attack the Crown Prince’s palace and me!”
“The Emperor is impatient to depose me and clear the way for that bastard from the Yao Mother’s palace.”
Liu Jin: “…”
“Could it be that you misunderstood His Majesty’s meaning? Maybe it’s simply a gesture of goodwill toward you?”
Liu Ju shook his head. “Impossible, and there’s no reason for it. The moment the Yao Mother’s palace was built, he lost all patience with me. But I am still the rightful Crown Prince of Han; it won’t be easy for him to remove me!”
“In any case, continue with your affairs. If he changes his attitude, so be it. If not, then we shall see at Julu!”
Liu Jin: “…”
I don’t know if the old man is Liu Bang, but you don’t exactly seem like the Western Chu Overlord either!
“There is still a year. There’s enough time. Wait a little longer.”
“Hm?”
Liu Ju looked at him in puzzlement. Liu Jin hurriedly said, “I mean, give me another year. Maybe the Emperor will change his mind. Don’t be anxious, Father.”
“Oh, understood.”
“Rest assured, Father will never let anything affect you. He will protect your safety. Do not worry.”
Liu Jin was touched deep down, but after the collapse of the snowy mountain, where would he still hope to survive?
...
Early the next morning, Liu Jin entered Weiyang Palace once more.
“Please inform the Emperor that I specially had a longevity peach made outside, hoping he will like it.”
Su Wen stared blankly at him, thinking, If the Emperor doesn’t come, you’re the persistent one. But isn’t your intention a bit too obvious? Also, do you really expect the Emperor to accept a single longevity peach? Your filial piety seems a bit too utilitarian!
“Please wait.”
Su Wen dared not withhold the message, but even if he did, it wouldn’t matter. He was certain the Emperor would ignore it. Does His Majesty need gifts from the Crown Prince’s palace?
“Your Majesty.” Su Wen cautiously approached Emperor Wu, whispering, “Imperial Grandson Liu Jin says he sent a longevity peach for you.”
“Hmm.” Emperor Wu glanced at the memorials while casually replying, “Bring it in.”
Su Wen’s eyes widened slightly. What’s gotten into the old man lately? First sending the Crown Prince to inspect the people, now he doesn’t even resist gifts from the imperial grandson?
He hurried out and respectfully presented the bronze peach to Emperor Wu.
The Emperor looked at the peach and laughed bitterly. “Is the Crown Prince’s palace really that poor? Sending me a bronze peach to fool me?”
I clearly told you to send a golden peach!
Su Wen quickly said, “I will send it back immediately.”
Emperor Wu cast a cold glance at him. “Did I say to send it back? Or do you want to sit here and decide for me?”
“I dare not! I acknowledge my fault!” Su Wen was drenched in sweat.
The Emperor pondered for a moment. “Transfer 100,000 gold from the treasury to the Crown Prince’s palace as a gift for the imperial grandson.”
Su Wen’s eyes popped wide in shock before he said, “I obey your command!”
Liu Jin waited outside Xuanshi Hall for a long time. Actually, he was quite satisfied. Previously, he could only wait outside Weiyang Palace, but now he could enter it, though he still could not meet Emperor Wu face to face.
After a short while, Su Wen came out and said to Liu Jin, “Imperial Grandson, His Majesty has accepted your gift. You may return for now; the Emperor still has state affairs to attend to.”
Liu Jin was momentarily stunned. The Emperor really accepted that unremarkable bronze peach. Old Master Qiu’s advice worked. Could it be that only the elderly truly understand the hearts of the elderly?
He hurriedly replied, “I obey your command.”
“I have one more request for His Majesty. Could you please convey it? I wish to visit the Jiaofang Hall.”
Su Wen thought, You’re getting more and more audacious. Do you really think the Emperor is that easy to persuade?
Not long after, Su Wen returned with a look of astonishment. “His Majesty has approved your visit to Jiaofang Hall.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Liu Jin bowed deeply before taking his leave.