Chapter 14: Do You Think I Resemble a Dog?
Outside, the rain pattered softly, while inside the room, an elderly man and a young boy knelt in quiet contemplation. From time to time, Emperor Wu of Han cast a glance toward Liu Jin, though no one could discern what thoughts occupied his mind.
More than a decade had passed, enough to change many things. The young boy’s accumulated knowledge and learning over these years were more than sufficient...
Yet Liu Jin found himself pondering the days gone by, his heart heavy with unease. His father advised him, Wei Zifu counseled him, and everyone believed there was no need for him to grovel so low to curry favor with his grandfather. After all, he was of noble blood, a grandson of the great Han dynasty—there was no reason to humiliate himself.
All that he did was witnessed by others, and many likely saw him as a dog wagging its tail in desperate entreaty. Liu Jin thought so too, but what could he really change?
Could he eliminate Jiang Chong, Su Wen, the instigators of the witchcraft calamity? Even if Jiang Chong were gone, others like Wang Chong or Li Chong would surely arise. Liu Jin believed the root cause was not these individuals but lay with his grandfather, Emperor Wu himself.
As long as Emperor Wu harbored thoughts of passing the baton of Han’s vast power to others, such disasters would continue to erupt.
In terms of military skill? Together, he and his father would be crushed in an instant by Emperor Wu.
Though he admired his father’s decisiveness, it was of little use; only if Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were resurrected might there be a chance.
“What are you thinking about, staring off like that?” Emperor Wu asked curiously.
Liu Jin gave a self-mocking smile and asked, “Old sir, do you think I’m like a dog wagging its tail, begging for scraps?”
Emperor Wu was momentarily taken aback, then thundered, “Nonsense!”
“Why belittle yourself?” he pressed.
Liu Jin sighed. “Every day I try my best to show filial respect and greet my grandfather, yet I am always turned away. Those around him see all I do, yet I shamelessly persist, even enjoying it, and still I cannot gain his audience.”
“Doesn’t that resemble a dog begging for scraps?”
“Who dares say such a thing?” Emperor Wu retorted sternly.
Seeing Liu Jin’s crestfallen and disappointed expression, Emperor Wu felt an unexpected pang in his heart; his nose tingled as if stung by an unfamiliar emotion. He had been hard all his life—ascending the throne as a youth, power long held by Empress Dowager Dou, enduring years of patience before seizing control. Boldly, he had launched campaigns to the southwest, along the coast, and against the Xiongnu.
He had never been tender or sentimental. His entire life had been resolute and unyielding, ignorant of affection. Women like Chen Jiao, Wei Zifu, and now Lady Zhao had been mere playthings to him; he never revealed his true feelings to any of them.
As emperor, he was competent—his sovereign authority inscrutable.
In his twilight years, he remained the ruthless and merciless Wu of Han, yet gazing upon his grandson’s genuine display of emotion, an unbidden empathy welled within him.
“It is only right that a grandson honors his grandfather. Who would dare speak ill? Watch me tear them limb from limb!” Emperor Wu declared loudly.
Liu Jin pouted. “Though you have some connections, to me they’re just a little. Forget it, I just wanted to vent my feelings to you. I know you mean well, but honestly, there’s little you can do for me now.”
“I’m already glad you don’t tire of listening to my family troubles.”
“Is there an iron wok in the house?”
Emperor Wu frowned in confusion.
“You’re in luck—I’ll show you a trick. Come with me to the kitchen.”
Nodding, Emperor Wu rose and followed Liu Jin out of the main hall.
“I’m starting to wonder if this is really your home—I can’t even find the kitchen,” Emperor Wu said awkwardly.
Fortunately, under the lead of an attendant in embroidered robes, they finally reached the kitchen.
Iron woks were uncommon then; most dishes were steamed or boiled. Still, fetching an iron wok wasn’t too difficult.
“Watch carefully and learn well. Later, have your household cook prepare this for you. I’ll just show you once—pay attention.”
The oil hissed and popped in the wok. A few crucian carp were laid in to fry, with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce added. The aroma of braised crucian carp soon filled the air.
Chicken pieces turned golden in the wok, with generous amounts of ginger and garlic added. Though there were no chili peppers, the fragrance was irresistible.
The old emperor’s mouth watered as he watched the fragrant chicken and fish come off the stove. His taste buds awakened instantly.
The dishes were placed on the table, and two pots of wine were poured. Without concern for etiquette or sharing, Liu Jin sat boldly opposite Emperor Wu.
“Dig in.”
The emperor was accustomed to the boy’s spirited nature. He chuckled, took a mouthful of the strong wine, and immediately grimaced.
He cautiously sampled a piece of chicken. It was tender and soft, melting on the tongue. His eyes widened, and he gave a thumbs-up. “Excellent skill!”
“What kind of cooking is this? I’ve never tasted such delicious food.”
Liu Jin smiled, picking up another piece of chicken and eating it with one hand resting on his thigh, while he gulped down the wine with the other, looking quite bold.
“It’s just that no one in my house lets me cook. Otherwise, I’d have had my parents taste this long ago.”
“How is it? To your liking?”
Emperor Wu smiled. “Delicious! I’ve never had such tasty dishes in my life.”
“Next time, have your chef cook it this way.”
Liu Jin continued eating while serving the emperor.
“Why are you just looking at me? Eat!”
The emperor, already full, could not eat much as his body weakened with age. He smiled kindly, watching his grandson eat heartily without restraint.
Outside the door, the attendant glanced inside, eyes wide with astonishment.
The emperor no longer bore his former majesty; he resembled a kindly old man from the countryside near Chang’an, doting warmly on his grandson as he ate.
“By the way, old sir, do you have any children?”
Emperor Wu shook his head slightly. “No.”
Liu Jin hurriedly apologized, “I’m sorry, that’s a bit awkward... But you do have some property, why no family?”
The emperor reflected briefly. “In my youth, I was hot-tempered. My family couldn’t bear my temper and left one by one. Now, I am alone.”
Liu Jin sighed. “Why not adopt me as a godson, then pass this vast estate to me? Heh heh.”
Emperor Wu smiled. “What? Planning to plot my estate after just a few meetings?”
“That depends on how you behave. Show more filial piety, and I might consider it.”
Liu Jin laughed. “It’s a deal.”
Of course, Liu Jin cared little for the old man’s modest estate; no inheritance could compare to that of the Weiyang Palace. He just didn’t want to dwell on heavy topics or probe the old emperor’s painful past.
Emperor Wu was shrewd and well aware that Liu Jin was steering the conversation away. This boy spoke and acted with wisdom and tact, always considerate of others’ feelings. Being with him was like a breath of spring air—refreshing and pleasant.