Chapter 22: Everyone Has Their Own Agenda
The lights in the Yao Mother’s Palace still burned brightly. Lady Gou Yi, having just finished breastfeeding Liu Fuling, handed him over to a maid to be put to sleep.
Outside, a young eunuch stood respectfully, and only then did Lady Gou Yi have the time to receive him.
“Madam, His Majesty has lately been leaving the palace frequently. A few days ago, the imperial grandson Liu Jin entered the Xuanshi Hall and presented His Majesty with a copper peach. Upon returning to the Changle Palace, he received a reward of 100,000 coins from His Majesty.”
“A few days prior to that, His Majesty sent the Crown Prince out of the palace to inspect the drought-stricken people.”
Lady Gou Yi, residing within the inner court and ignorant of external affairs, could only try to bribe those close to Emperor Wu of Han. Such intelligence was not easy to come by daily; it required the opportunity of certain visitors coming to Yao Mother’s Palace.
Upon hearing this, Lady Gou Yi’s expression darkened slightly, yet she did not neglect the young eunuch who came to report. She rewarded him with five thousand coins and sent him away.
What did His Majesty’s actions mean? Why had his attitude toward the Crown Prince’s palace suddenly changed?
Was it because the imperial grandson’s persistent visits stirred some change in His Majesty’s heart?
Regardless, Lady Gou Yi felt a profound sense of crisis. Liu Fuling was still young, and His Majesty was already old. Although building Yao Mother’s Palace had sent a strong political signal to the outer court, the matter was far from settled. Who could say if His Majesty might suddenly change his mind?
She could not simply wait idly; she had to take action.
...
Changxin Palace, also within the Changle Palace complex, was where Prince Changyi, Liu Bo, resided.
Liu Bo had reached the age of twenty. Normally, he should have gone to govern his fief, but due to a previous illness that made travel inadvisable, he petitioned Emperor Wu of Han for permission to recuperate in Chang’an, which was granted.
Late at night, the Right Attendant Official Liu Qumao arrived at Changxin Palace.
“Uncle Liu, what business brings you here so late?”
Liu Bo first bowed in greeting, then, after seating him and dismissing his attendants, asked.
Liu Qumao was a grandson of Emperor Jing and a nephew of Emperor Wu. In terms of seniority, he was on equal footing with Liu Bo but was also the father-in-law of General Li Guangli, Liu Bo’s maternal uncle. Out of respect, Liu Bo addressed him as “Uncle.”
The political faction led by Li Guangli and Liu Qumao aimed to promote Prince Changyi, Liu Bo, as their candidate.
His Majesty had six sons; Prince Changyi ranked fifth and was now of age. As long as the emperor did not designate a crown prince, the prince still had a chance. With the support of Liu Qumao and Li Guangli, those prospects could become limitless.
Dressed in a white silk robe, Liu Bo knelt before his desk, pouring wine for Liu Qumao. His unusually pale complexion made him appear weak and fatigued.
If he did not feign illness to remain in Chang’an, he would inevitably be sent to his fief, diminishing his chances. Hence, he always maintained the appearance of frailty.
...
Liu Qumao’s expression was grave. “The old man recently sent the Crown Prince to inspect the disaster-stricken in Chang’an, showing a change in attitude toward the Crown Prince’s palace.”
“During this time, the imperial grandson Liu Jin frequently sought an audience with the old man in Weiyang Palace. Although the old man rarely received him, over ten days ago, he unexpectedly granted him an audience.”
“Yesterday, the Crown Prince petitioned the old man to exempt the Guanzhong people from taxes for six months. I intercepted the memorial. Today, he again pleaded at court, but the old man was displeased.”
Liu Qumao briefly relayed recent events to Liu Bo.
Liu Bo pondered, murmuring, “The imperial grandson?”
Such a strange name. It had been a long time since he heard anyone mention the eldest imperial grandson of the Han.
“Uncle Liu, you didn’t come here just to tell me this. What should I do?”
Liu Bo was astute and immediately questioned after hearing what Liu Qumao had to say.
Liu Qumao replied, “Sincerity can move even metal and stone. The imperial grandson’s efforts have evidently touched His Majesty’s emotions. The old man is advanced in years and surely values family ties more.”
Emperor Wu had been cold and unfeeling all his life. Now, past sixty, and after being deceived repeatedly by Li Shaoweng and a group of sorcerers, he likely yearned for genuine affection, which is why he was moved by the imperial grandson Liu Jin.
“Bo’er, you must find an opportunity to see your father and show him filial piety. Test his attitude.”
“You cannot stay here doing nothing. We cannot passively wait for His Majesty’s mercy.”
Liu Bo immediately said, “I understand what to do now. Thank you for your concern, Uncle Liu.”
“Good!”
Liu Qumao rose to leave, but Liu Bo called after him, “Uncle Liu, I have nothing to offer you now but my word: if the day comes… I will not treat you unfairly.”
Liu Qumao was momentarily taken aback, shaking his head. “We are family; no need for formalities.”
“I shouldn’t stay long here. I’ll be off.”
“We bid you farewell, Uncle Liu.”
...
The next morning, the heat remained intense.
Gongsun He arrived at the Crown Prince’s palace, his face full of worry. Gongsun Jingsheng had sold land and was now trying to collect the dispersed money, but a huge deficit still remained.
If this problem was not solved, it would be a fatal risk. He could think of no other solution.
“Uncle, do not worry. The money issue is settled. Three million coins will arrive at the Crown Prince’s palace this afternoon. At night, I will have someone deliver it to you. Tell Jingsheng to close those holes quickly and warn him not to cause any more trouble.”
Gongsun He was astonished. “All three million coins are settled?!”
Liu Ju nodded slightly. “Jin’er handled it.”
Gongsun He’s eyes widened in shock. “How was it solved… I mean, Jin’er must not exploit his status to take advantage of the people.”
Liu Ju shook his head. “No, Uncle, rest assured, the money is clean.”
Gongsun He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Crown Prince, and thank you, Jin’er. I cannot stay long. I must leave, and I will discipline Gongsun Jingsheng well!”
“Good!”
Near noon, Liu Ju changed his clothes. Today he would accompany Liu Jin out of the palace to visit the elder Mr. Qiu and personally thank him for his support.
More importantly, he would keep an eye on Liu Jin, fearing that his young son might be used by those with ulterior motives.
Just as Liu Ju was about to look for Liu Jin, the Crown Prince’s tutor Shi De arrived at the palace, bowing respectfully. “Your Highness, I pay my respects.”
Liu Ju smiled. “Master, is there something you need?”
Shi De said, “Today is a day for study.”
Liu Ju wanted to refuse, but the old tutor persisted, coming all the way to the palace, sweating profusely in the heat. How could he bear to send him away? So Liu Ju said, “I understand.”
“Send someone to tell the imperial grandson that I am busy today and cannot see him. I will visit another day.”
“Tell the imperial grandson to be careful and avoid trouble. The sooner he leaves, the better.”
“As you command!”
“Wait.” Liu Ju called to his servant, signaling Shi De to wait. He then instructed the servant privately, “Investigate the background of that elder Mr. Qiu who is close to the imperial grandson. Find out if he has any connections within the palace. Report back to me once you learn anything.”
“Yes!”