Shuhan

In the main hall, the flames flickered, illuminating the walls with golden splendor.

In the brazier, the charcoal fire was burning, emitting a warm and dim light, which seemed to bring a rare warmth in this cold winter day.

However, this warmth did not seem to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the hall.

All the ministers knelt in the hall, the firelight reflected on their faces, making them look particularly solemn.

In front of them was a dining couch with exquisite food on it, steaming and fragrant. The bowls and plates were filled with all kinds of delicacies, including fresh and tender fish fillets, paired with emerald green onions and bright red peppers, the colors were tempting; there was golden roast duck, with crispy skin and tender meat, and fragrant; there were also crystal clear glutinous rice balls, each of which was filled with fillings, making people salivate.

In addition, there were several pots of fine wine on the couch. The aroma of the wine and the food were intertwined, making people intoxicated.

However, at this moment when people should be enjoying delicious food and wine, the atmosphere in the hall was unusually heavy.

Liu Chan sat upright in a high position with a deep gaze, as if he was thinking about some important issue.

He looked at Fei Yi, his trusted minister, and a hint of hesitation and questioning flashed in his eyes.

Liu Chan asked softly: "The situation in Wu is so turbulent, and the Sun family has suffered misfortunes one after another. Do we still need to enthrone a new King of Wu?"

There was a subtle hint of worry in the words of the Emperor of Han, as if he was seeking an answer that could calm people's hearts.

When Fei Yi heard this, his face remained as calm as water, as if no storm or wave could stir up any ripples in his heart.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes determined, as if he had made up his mind.

Fei Yi said calmly: "The Sun family is plotting rebellion, and the fate of Wu is over. Now that Sun Quan is gone, and his sons Sun Deng and Sun Lu have also passed away, Wu has fallen into unprecedented chaos. Perhaps we can take this opportunity to abolish Wu and return its old territory to the Han Dynasty to strengthen the prestige of our Han Dynasty."

There was an unquestionable firmness in Fei Yi's words. To conquer the State of Wu, of course, one had to destroy it. Otherwise, what was the point of conquering the State of Wu?
However, a trace of astonishment flashed across the faces of the two old ministers, Gu Yong and Zhang Zhao.

There was confusion and worry in their eyes, as if they had a premonition of the answer Fei Yi was about to give.

Gu Yong's face looked a little anxious, his brows were furrowed, the corners of his mouth drooped slightly, and there was a glimmer of anxiety in his eyes.

He almost blurted out: "Absolutely not! Your Majesty, this is a risky move. Although Wu has experienced three generations of incompetent rulers, and because of Sun Lu, the Sun family has lost the hearts of the people in Jiangdong, but if Your Majesty does not confer the title on Wu, how will the people of the world see it? They will think that our Han Dynasty is taking advantage of others' misfortune and adding insult to injury. And what will the Wei Kingdom think? They may very likely take this opportunity to stir up trouble and do harm to our Han Dynasty. Please think twice, Your Majesty!"

Gu Yong's words are full of worries about the future and his deep insight into the current situation.

Zhang Zhao nodded and agreed, "Mr. Gu is right. It is not easy to abolish the Wu Kingdom. The politics, military and even the people's support are all very complicated. We cannot make a decision with far-reaching consequences because of a momentary impulse. Your Majesty should consider it carefully!"

There was a hint of pleading and worry in Zhang Zhao's words, and it was obvious that he also opposed Fei Yi's proposal.

Liu Chan listened to the advice of the two old ministers with a frown on his face.

After a moment of silence, Liu Chan slowly spoke: "I understand what you two said. However, the rebellion of the Sun family is indeed the outrage of the world. If we do not punish them, how can we show the majesty of our Han Dynasty? However, abolishing the Wu Kingdom is indeed not an easy task and requires long-term planning."

Liu Chan did not agree with Fei Yi's words, nor did he agree with Gu Yong and Zhang Zhao's words.

Although Fei Yi felt somewhat unwilling when he heard this, he had no choice but to obey the order and retreat.

For a moment, the hall fell into silence.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, illuminating the faces of the people, some solemn and some thoughtful.

Huo Yi's voice echoed in the empty hall, with a hint of barely perceptible worry: "When we confiscated the property of Sun Deng and Sun Lu, we found evidence of treason in their mansions. Not only did they collude with the State of Wei, they also secretly hid armor and weapons and plotted against the law. If you want to appoint a new King of Wu, how will Your Majesty ensure his loyalty and that he will not be as double-minded as Sun Deng and Sun Lu and have evil intentions?"

When Liu Chan heard this, his brows slightly frowned, his eyes were deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

He slowly turned his gaze to Gu Yong and Zhang Zhao, two old ministers. One had white hair and beard, and his eyes showed the accumulation of time; the other had a gaunt face, and there was a bit of wisdom between his brows.

Liu Chan's voice was gentle but carried an unquestionable majesty: "My two beloved ministers, what do you think of this?"

Gu Yong and Zhang Zhao were both stunned when they heard this, and then their eyes flickered, as if they were weighing the pros and cons, or as if they were recalling the past.

The hall fell silent for a moment. Only the crackling sound of the burning candles and the occasional whistling of the night wind outside could be heard, creating a depressing atmosphere.

After a long time, Gu Yong stroked his long beard and spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of vicissitudes: "Your Majesty, I think that perhaps you can select a young man from the Sun family and enthronize him as the King of Wu. In this way, his character has not yet been finalized and he is easier to teach. At the same time, Your Majesty can send great Confucian scholars and Han officials to teach him not only knowledge, but also guide his conduct, so that he can understand reason and righteousness and walk on the right path. In the long run, perhaps a truly loyal minister can be cultivated."

Zhang Zhao nodded upon hearing this and added, "Master Gu is right. Moreover, choosing a young person can also reduce his ambition and selfishness caused by being in power for a long time. The teachings of the great Confucian Han ministers can plant the seeds of loyalty and benevolence in his heart, and let him understand what is the way of monarch and minister, and what is family, country and the world. Only in this way can we ensure the peace and stability of Wu."

Liu Chan listened to the advice of the two old ministers and thought about it in his heart.

"Well, my two dear ministers, what you said makes sense." Liu Chan finally spoke, with a resolute tone in his voice.

"Then do as you say. I will select a young man from the Sun family and enthrone him as the King of Wu. At the same time, I will personally select several respected scholars to not only teach him, but also supervise his words and deeds to ensure that he walks on the right path. I hope that in this way, I can truly cultivate a loyal king for the Wu Kingdom."

The candlelight flickered in the hall, and the atmosphere was solemn and subtle.

Liu Chan's decision was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

Choosing the youngest member of the Sun family as the King of Wu, this seemingly simple statement actually conceals a turbulent situation.

Ah Huinan, this general who appears rough on the outside but is actually delicate on the inside, smelled a different scent last night.

He knew that the former Queen of Wu, Bu Lianshi, and her son Sun Ba had quietly arrived in Jianye.

Considering your Majesty's summons today, everything seems clear.

He secretly wondered: Is there really an unclear relationship between His Majesty and Bu Lianshi? Could the current candidate for King Wu be Sun Ba?

Once this thought arose, it grew wildly in his mind like weeds.

He immediately stepped out and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, Sun Ba may be the King of Wu!"

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was stunned, as if they were caught off guard by this sudden proposal.

However, everyone soon figured it out.

In the market, the rumor that Sun Ba is the bloodline of His Majesty has long been widely circulated.

If Sun Ba really became the King of Wu, it would undoubtedly be the best way to control the State of Wu and ensure its stability.

In this way, we can not only silence the gossips of the people, but also ensure the stability and prosperity of the Wu State.

Liu Chan heard this and looked at Ah Huinan with deep eyes. This guy looks big and strong, but in fact, he is very smart. Fei Yi has been with me for so long, but I didn't see this. I didn't expect you to see it.

Liu Chan spoke slowly, his voice filled with unquestionable majesty: "What Ah Huinan said, I have already made up my mind. Sun Ba is young, but he is extremely intelligent, and with the assistance of his mother, Master Bu Lian, he may really be able to take on the important task of the King of Wu."

Liu Chan's words were like the first rays of morning light, bringing a touch of brightness to the hall.

He decided that Sun Ba would become the new King of Wu.

This decision was like a huge rock thrown into a lake, causing ripples in the hearts of the ministers.

The ministers came forward one after another, their voices intertwined together like a hymn, resounding throughout the hall.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Gu Yong spoke first, his voice filled with admiration and praise.

"Sun Ba is young but extremely intelligent. He is definitely capable of taking on the position of King of Wu. Your Majesty's decision is truly a great blessing for the Kingdom of Wu!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Zhang Zhao was unwilling to be left behind and echoed, "Sun Ba is not only smart, but also diligent and studious. He will surely become a wise king under Your Majesty's guidance. We all agree with Your Majesty's decision!"

"Your Majesty is wise. Sun Ba will definitely become a pillar of our Wu State!" Fei Yi said. Now, he finally thought it through.

At this point, Wu’s internal affairs can finally be settled.

The next step is to reorganize the State of Wu, utilize the resources of Wu, and prepare for the Northern Expedition!

In the Han Emperor's palace, in the Shenlong Hall, the night was deep. The moonlight was like water, quietly sprinkling in the bedroom, covering the palace with a soft and mysterious silver gauze.

Master Bu Lian was wearing a thin palace dress, looking like the most beautiful flower in a summer night. Her slender arms and legs were faintly visible under the veil. Her long black hair was draped like a waterfall, fluttering gently in the breeze. Her eyes were so charming that they seemed to be able to capture people's souls.

When she saw Liu Chan slowly walking into the bedroom, a smile as beautiful as a flower immediately bloomed on her face, which was filled with both anticipation and a bit of eagerness.

She walked up to him gracefully, and her hands naturally undressed Liu Chan, saying softly, "Your Majesty, are you tired? You should take a good rest."

His words were full of concern and tenderness.

Liu Chan looked at Bu Lianshi in front of him, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He gently held Bu Lianshi's hand and said with a smile, "I am yours tonight, why are you so anxious?"

There was a hint of pampering and helplessness in his words.

Upon hearing this, Bu Lianshi showed a look of resentment on her face. She whispered, "Your Majesty has many beautiful girls around him, and he can favor whomever he wants. But I haven't seen Your Majesty for almost a year, and I have long wanted to be favored by Your Majesty."

After saying this, a barely perceptible glimmer of tears flashed through her eyes. Obviously, this year of waiting and longing was so long and torturous for her.

When Liu Chan saw this, his heart softened.

At thirty he is like a wolf, at forty he is like a tiger, and at fifty he can sit on the ground and absorb dirt.

Bu Lianshi is now at the age of being as hungry and thirsty as a wolf and a tiger.

He hugged Bu Lianshi tightly in his arms and comforted her softly, "Okay, okay, it's my fault for neglecting you, but today I have good news for you."

Upon hearing this, Bu Lianshi was stunned for a moment, and the resentment in her heart immediately disappeared, replaced by a kind of doubt and expectation: "What good news? Is His Majesty going to take me as his concubine?"

Her voice trembled slightly, and it was obvious that this idea was both a desire and a surprise to her.

Her status is awkward now. She is even worse than a concubine. She is simply a mistress, even worse than a mistress.

Liu Chan showed an embarrassed look on his face. He coughed twice, as if he was considering his words, and finally said slowly: "It's not too late to discuss this matter later. Where is Ba'er?"

When Bu Lianshi heard this, she immediately understood something in her heart. A complicated look flashed across her face, and she replied softly, "Behind."

Then, she led Liu Chan into the inner room, which was decorated warmly and elegantly. On the small bed, a baby of more than two years old was sleeping soundly, with rosy little face and even breathing. He looked so cute that people couldn't help but want to get close to him.

When Liu Chan saw this scene, the hardness in his heart seemed to melt instantly. He walked quietly to the bedside, staring at this little life, his eyes full of tenderness and love.

He whispered to Master Bu Lian, "Look, our Ba'er looks so much like me. He will definitely be a brave and extraordinary child in the future."

Bu Lianshi stood aside, listening to Liu Chan's words, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.

She knew that no matter what her status in the palace was, at least at this moment, she was truly loved and valued by Liu Chan.

"Baer, ​​look, father finally came to see us."

There was a hint of sob in Bu Lianshi's voice. The loneliness and waiting of the past year seemed to be compensated at this moment.

Liu Chan turned around, gently held her hand, and said seriously: "Master Lian, I know you have been wronged. In the future, I will try my best to accompany you more."

The two smiled at each other, and all the misunderstandings and estrangements disappeared at this moment.

Liu Chan sat beside the bed, gently stroking his son's cheek, his heart filled with unprecedented satisfaction.

At this time, Bu Lianshi had already hugged Liu Chan from behind. She leaned her cheek against Liu Chan, rubbed her man's ears, and her body was already stuck to Liu Chan.

"Your Majesty, it's late at night, and Ba'er has gone to bed. A good night is hard to come by. Your Majesty, do you still want me to stay alone in the empty room? If you don't feed me well today, I will not forgive you."

Seeing Bu Lianshi in such a state and feeling Bu Lianshi's love, Liu Chan knew in his heart that there would definitely be an extraordinary battle tonight!
He immediately took the initiative, hugged Bu Lianshi and held her in front of him.

Although the beauty is plump, she doesn't feel heavy at all when I hold her in my arms.

Liu Chan is indeed a big pig's hoof.

But there is still a little good in this big pig's hoof.

That means I won't give you a meal for half a year, and I will feed you until you are full and foam at the mouth at each meal. How can I let you go?

"I will beat you with a steel whip~"

Leprechaun!

Come and accept your fate! (End of this chapter)