Chapter 2: It Turns Out to Be My Grandson
Watching the white-clad youth’s retreating figure, Emperor Wu of Han’s eyes narrowed slightly. Truly a young talent—such a man wasted not serving the court would be a pity.
Such a fine young man, yet how did he end up with such a wretched grandfather? This boy is exceptional. If he were my grandson, how dearly I would cherish him.
“Come here.”
The emperor’s expression returned to solemnity. Several embroidered-clad attendants hurried to stand behind him.
“Find out who this boy is and where he lives.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The attendants swiftly departed with the orders. Emperor Wu clicked his tongue, puzzled, murmuring to himself, “Why is it that creating such a divine device would let one see his grandfather?”
He did not understand.
…
Liu Jin was now seated inside a carriage, arriving outside the Changle Palace.
The vast Changle Palace complex stood solemn and majestic, with magnolia wood rafters and apricot beams, golden fittings and jade doors. The Crown Prince’s residence was located within this complex.
When Liu Jin reached the Crown Prince’s residence, a man just over thirty, with hands clasped behind his back, approached with concern in his eyes.
“Where have you been?” he asked.
“How did you get into such a state?”
Seeing Liu Jin’s white robe stained black with mud, Crown Prince Liu Ju looked disdainful, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, and urged impatiently, “Go wash up before you answer.”
“Alright.”
Liu Jin went inside to bathe and change clothes. When he reappeared in the main hall, Liu Ju finally exhaled deeply. Seeing Liu Jin covered in dirt had unsettled him.
“Father, I took the household servants to test the dragon-bone carriage just now.”
Liu Ju nodded slightly. “How did it perform?”
“It’s decent—suitable for irrigating fields.”
Liu Ju smiled, clearly pleased with his son. This was his legitimate eldest son, indulged since birth. Though previously somewhat dull, about half a month ago he seemed to have a sudden awakening. Lately, he had been engrossed in woodworking and had genuinely crafted a tool for field irrigation—a blessing for the Han dynasty!
“You care for the people—that is the way of a ruler. Governance means righteousness. If you lead with righteousness, the people will prosper!”
Liu Ju’s father had been made crown prince at seven. Over twenty-nine years had passed, and with the presence of great generals Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, the Crown Prince’s palace had been at its zenith, with no ministers daring to oppose him.
However, as these two heroes passed away, the Crown Prince’s influence waned, his power diminished, and attacks from outside court officials on his palace grew increasingly frequent.
Especially after the birth of Lady Zhao’s son, Liu Fuling, Emperor Wu ordered the construction of the Yaomu Palace, a place with humble origins but grand outward appearance. Many petty officials in the outer court seized upon this opportunity, sensing a shift in power, and their attacks on the Crown Prince’s palace became ever more brazen.
…
Liu Jin said, “Father, I do not claim to care for all people—I have selfish reasons.”
“My grandfather hasn’t visited the Crown Prince’s palace for over ten years. His summons for you to observe court affairs have also gradually ceased.”
“Grandmother has fallen out of favor, and my grandfather’s attitude towards the Crown Prince’s palace has become increasingly inscrutable. If you don’t mend your relationship with him now, the future may hold trouble.”
Liu Ju’s expression hardened. “Nonsense!”
“How can you say that? A gentleman should act for the benefit of the people.”
The Crown Prince’s father was kind and gentle, in contrast to the aggressive and tyrannical Emperor Wu. The emperor saw Liu Ju as unlike himself, which was another reason for the Crown Prince’s fall from favor. Liu Jin, however, could not fully grasp the intricacies—having never met Emperor Wu personally, all he had were half-baked historical insights from later times.
“What if villains slander you? When they are close to the emperor, rumors are terrifying. Grandfather might well listen to their lies.”
Liu Ju smiled. “Though recently studying Confucianism, I have also delved into the Gongyang school. Anyone who dares sow discord shall be executed without mercy!”
Underneath this mild exterior was a man who would avenge every grievance and act decisively. Otherwise, he would never have swiftly raised troops alongside Wei Zifu to purge treacherous ministers during the witchcraft coup!
Grandfather had never truly understood his son—did he think he was a fragile flower raised in a greenhouse?
“Father’s thoughts are hard to fathom. Though you have merit for the realm, in his eyes, it might look like opportunism.”
“Don’t present this artifact yourself—let your cousin Gongsun Jingsheng do so. Now that the Wei and Huo clans are weakening in the outer court, having such a merit might be a good choice.”
Liu Jin shook his head. “Father, things depend on effort. Doing it myself might still hold a chance; not doing it leaves none. No matter how grandfather thinks, if I can meet him, I can change his attitude toward the Crown Prince’s palace.”
“As you wish.” Liu Ju loved his son dearly. If the boy wished to take risks, how could he hold back?
…
Weiyang Palace.
The sky darkened. Inside the Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace, the lights flickered.
The emperor, who had appeared just that morning as a kindly old farmer, now transformed. His eyes narrowed, face stern, radiating deadly intent.
In the hall, Imperial Censor Du Zhou bowed deeply.
Emperor Wu threw a bamboo scroll before him angrily. “There is a great drought in Guanzhong. All officials should unite to combat this disaster, yet the Left Fufeng region of Chang’an dares to treat the river as their private property, brazenly defying me!”
“Quarter them alive to warn all officials across the realm!”
Du Zhou’s mouth twitched slightly. As the most notorious harsh official of Emperor Wu’s reign, he could not help but shudder. “Your Majesty, the Emperors Wen and Jing reformed cruel punishments. To impose such harsh measures now may invite criticism.”
“I told you to carry out the order!” Emperor Wu’s face darkened.
Du Zhou dared not argue, quickly replying, “As you command.”
The hall fell silent again, the emperor’s heavy breaths echoing.
“Your Majesty.”
A cautious eunuch approached and bowed. “Embroidered Attendant Bao Shengzhi requests an audience.”
“Summon him.”
Soon, an embroidered attendant entered, bowing. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Wu waved him off. “No need for formalities. Speak.”
Bao Shengzhi looked embarrassed, stammering, “This morning we identified the white-clad youth’s identity.”
“Where does he live? What is his name?”
The emperor’s interest piqued, and his mood lifted from anger to anticipation.
“Well, um…”
“Your Majesty, he lives in Changle Palace—his name is Liu Jin.”
Emperor Wu was stunned. Liu Jin... wasn’t that the imperial eldest grandson?
Wait—he really is my grandson?
Am I that wretched grandfather?
The emperor’s face twitched slightly. “You may leave for now. Keep this matter confidential.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
After the attendant departed, the emperor’s face flushed and paled in turns, utterly embarrassed and regretful. He had shouted so fiercely during the day, and now he felt all the more remorseful.
He is truly my grandson? Why did I not know?
The last time I saw him... was when he was six, at Wei Qing’s funeral? Has it really been fourteen years?
In these fourteen years, it seems I... truly have not paid him any heed. Has this boy grown so much already?