Shuhan

In the spring of the tenth year of Tianming, the vast land of the Han Dynasty was full of spring and all things revived.

The sun shines gently on the fields, and the tender green seedlings sway gently in the breeze, as if they are the most delicate brushstrokes of nature, outlining a vibrant picture on the vast land.

The Han and Wei countries, the two long-time enemies, unexpectedly reached a rare temporary peace this spring.

There are no raging war flames, no neighing of war horses, only the busy figures of farmers and the long, low hums of cows plowing the fields, interweaving into a melodious pastoral poem.

However, peace is always relative, it is the calm before the storm.

The situation in the Han Dynasty, especially in the newly incorporated Youzhou and Jizhou, was not as calm as it seemed.

In the mountains and forests, gangs of bandits took advantage of the chaos after the war and rose up. They either hid in the deep mountains and forests, or roamed in areas with dense river networks. They robbed people in the name of water bandits, making the people suffer.

Although the government has stepped up its crackdown, there are always some who slip through the net, making this spring tranquility shrouded in unrest.

In a small village in Youzhou, under an old willow tree at the entrance of the village, an elderly village chief was frowning and saying something to a group of young and middle-aged men sitting around.

His name was Old Man Li. His face was full of wrinkles and his skin was tanned by time and the sun, but his cloudy eyes sparkled with an unyielding light.

"We can't just rely on the government, we have to find ways to protect our homes ourselves." His words were a little helpless, but also revealed determination.

"We have to organize ourselves, patrol and keep watch, and not let those criminals take advantage of us."

When the young people heard this, their expressions varied, some were excited, some were worried.

Among them, a burly young man with a resolute face stood up. He was a hunter in the village named Zhao Hu.

"The village chief is right. We are men and cannot watch our homes being destroyed. I, Zhao Hu, will be the first to sign up. Let's form a village protection team to let those bandits know that we are not to be trifled with!"

As Zhao Hu finished speaking, others responded one after another. For a moment, the small village was filled with a high-spirited atmosphere.

They began to divide the work and cooperate with each other. Some made weapons, some trained their physical fitness. The whole village seemed to have turned into a small military camp overnight.

But on the land of Wei, the situation was even more serious.

Years of defeats had greatly reduced Wei's national strength. In order to keep the war machine running, the Wei government had to intensify its exploitation of the people.

Exorbitant taxes and levies came in like a tide, and many families were torn apart and destroyed.

Finally, under this heavy pressure, the anger of the people was completely ignited, and uprisings spread rapidly like wildfire.

Outside the Wei State's Yanzhou city, an uprising army composed of peasants was secretly gathering.

They were dressed in rags and looked haggard, but their eyes were burning with flames of anger.

The leader was a man in his forties, thin but with an extremely determined look, known as "Wu Chuang".

He used to be an honest farmer until a sudden tax caused him to lose his only ox and completely shattered his hope in life.

"We can't go on like this. Either we die or we rebel!" Although Wu Chuang's voice was hoarse, it was full of power and resonated with the people around him.

The ranks of the rebel army continued to grow. They began to attack government granaries and rescue imprisoned civilians. For a time, the ruling class of Wei State fell into panic.

Cao Rui had to send troops to suppress it.

However, as one rose while the other fell, Wei's national strength fell behind Han again.

Jizhou.

Yecheng.

At this moment, the setting sun was as red as blood, sprinkling on the towering Bronze Sparrow Tower outside Yecheng, giving this former place of enjoyment of Cao Cao a layer of historical vicissitudes.

Bronze Sparrow Tower, this luxurious and magnificent palace, every brick and tile reveals the power and luxury of Cao Wei in those days.

Among the carved beams and painted buildings, one can still seem to hear the echoes of the past prosperity and peace, and the towers that soar into the clouds have witnessed the joys and sorrows of countless heroes.

At this moment, Liu Chan was sitting in the deepest part of the Bronze Sparrow Tower, dealing with state affairs coming from all directions.

Liu Chan was wearing a golden dragon robe embroidered with intricate cloud and dragon patterns, shining with golden light, highlighting his noble status.

Although his face was not handsome, he showed calmness and determination, and his brows revealed his desire to unify the world.

He sat on a carved wooden chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest, his eyes sometimes solemn, sometimes flashing with wisdom.

Inside the Bronze Sparrow Tower, the flickering candlelight stretched out Liu Chan's shadow, casting it on the mottled walls, making him appear particularly lonely and solemn.

"Your Majesty, all the news from across the world in recent days has been gathered here."

The eunuch Huang Hao reported softly, holding a thick stack of memorials in his hand and carefully placing them on the desk in front of Liu Chan.

Liu Chan nodded slightly, signaled the waiter to leave, and then began to read the memorials.

His eyes moved between the lines, sometimes his brows were furrowed, sometimes the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, as if all the changes in the world were under his control.

"After the spring ploughing, is it possible to attack Wei this year?"

Liu Chan put down the memorial in his hand, turned his gaze to the ministers standing by and waiting for orders, and finally fixed his gaze on Fei Yi.

Fei Yi, an important official of the Han Dynasty, was thin, with a gaunt face and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

He was well aware of Liu Chan's urgency, and also understood that the Wei State at this moment was like a broken house in the wind and rain, which could collapse with just a slight push.

"Your Majesty, if we support 100,000 people to march south to attack Wei, I'm afraid we won't be able to sustain the food and grass." Fei Yi pondered for a moment and said slowly.

Although his voice was soft, every word he spoke was powerful, revealing his deep insight into the national strength of the Han Dynasty.

"However, if we have an army of 50,000 and make careful preparations, we may be able to fight."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

War is no joke. Food, soldiers, morale, every link is crucial.

After a moment, he raised his head, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Fifty thousand people is not a small number. Order the Jingzhou side to send troops from Nanyang to attack Yingchuan after the autumn harvest; the Yangzhou side to attack Yuzhou directly from Shouchun after the autumn harvest; the Hongnong side to attack the county city and drive directly to Hangu Pass!"

Liu Chan's words were sonorous and powerful, and every word seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, shaking the hearts of everyone present.

He stood up, walked to the window of Tongque Tower, and looked out at the vast land in the distance, his eyes full of longing and ambition for the future.

"After the autumn harvest, we will destroy Wei in one battle and unify this chaotic world!"

As Liu Chan finished speaking, the entire Tongque Tower fell into silence.

The ministers looked at each other, feeling both excited and nervous.

This battle concerns the future of the Han Dynasty and the fate of every one of them.

In Liu Chan's determined gaze, they seemed to see the dawn of victory and the hope of unifying the world.

In the following days, the entire Han State began to make intensive preparations.

Jingzhou, Yangzhou, Guanzhong, Youzhou, and Jizhou all mobilized to prepare food and fodder, train troops, and formulate strategies.

Liu Chan personally sat in the Tongque Tower, discussing war matters with his ministers every day and constantly adjusting and improving the battle plan.

The Han Dynasty's war machine has been fully mobilized.

time flies.

The setting sun slowly sank into the horizon like a tired traveler, casting the last ray of golden light on the earth. Then, the inky night fell quietly.

After paying their respects respectfully, the ministers slowly left the hall. Their footsteps echoed in the empty palace and gradually disappeared at the end of the long corridor.

At this moment when silence and darkness are intertwined, the Bronze Sparrow Tower is like a dazzling pearl, inlaid in the night, with brilliant lights, and the bright moon in the sky complementing each other, as if even the darkness is in awe of it and dares not approach it easily.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne, having dealt with state affairs for a whole day, and a look of fatigue appeared between his brows.

He rubbed his temples gently with his hands, trying to relieve the tiredness that was coming from inside out.

He stood up and slowly walked to a corner of the hall, where a soft mat was laid, where he usually practiced the Five Animals Exercises. It is better to live longer than to have strong abilities.

Cultivating one's character is Liu Chan's daily routine.

Liu Chan took a deep breath and began a set of smooth and powerful movements.

Sweat gradually soaked his clothes, but his face was filled with satisfaction and joy, as if at this moment, all his worries were thrown behind him.

After the practice, Liu Chan felt refreshed both physically and mentally. He changed into a set of emperor's casual clothes and walked slowly towards the dining hall.

In the dining hall, candlelight flickered and the place was magnificent. A variety of royal delicacies were placed on the long table, the aroma was fragrant and mouth-watering.

Each dish is carefully prepared with great color, aroma and taste, including both mountain and sea delicacies as well as folk snacks.

He picked up the chopsticks, tasted each one, and occasionally nodded in praise.

After the meal, the eunuch Huang Hao slowly walked into the dining room holding a red lacquered carved plate.

There were more than a dozen wooden signs neatly arranged on the plate, each with a name engraved on it. Those were the names of the concubines in the palace, waiting for Liu Chan's favor.

Huang Hao had a barely perceptible worry on his face. He said softly, "Your Majesty, is there anyone you would like to summon today?"

Liu Chan looked up at the row of wooden signs, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes, and he asked, "Are there any new people entering the palace?"

Huang Hao frowned slightly when he heard this, as if he had something to hide.

He whispered, "Your Majesty, I heard recently that the State of Wei has made some moves that are detrimental to Your Majesty. I am very worried, so..."

Liu Chan heard this and laughed, interrupting Huang Hao: "It is good to be cautious, but how can we stop eating because of choking? As long as we carefully identify, we can be safe."

Huang Hao knew Liu Chan's temperament very well. He knew that he was always curious about new things, especially beautiful women, which he could not resist.

So, he said with a brave face: "In fact, many beauties have been sent from all over the country, and there are many stunning beauties among them. There is one person who I believe Your Majesty will be interested in."

Liu Chan raised his eyebrows when he heard this and asked curiously, "Oh? Who is it?"

Huang Hao lowered his voice and said mysteriously: "This person is Sun Luban, the former Crown Princess of Wei, who is now banished to the cold palace."

When Liu Chan heard this, a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes, which was then replaced by strong interest.

He asked, "How did you find her here?"

Huang Hao was secretly glad that he had guessed Liu Chan's thoughts. He quickly explained, "Queen Dowager Guo of Wei State felt sorry for her and released her from the cold palace. She wanted to take her south to Yangzhou for refuge, but she was captured by our army on the way. The soldiers saw that she was very beautiful and presented her to Your Majesty."

After hearing this, Liu Chan couldn't help but shook his head and smiled bitterly.

He thought to himself that his reputation as a lustful person seemed to be known to the world, and even the concubines of the enemy country could become his possession.

However, this unexpected gain also made him feel a little proud.

He imagined Sun Luban's resistance and his heart was full of anticipation.

Liu Chan waved his hand gently and said to the eunuch Huang Hao: "Let Sun Luban come to sleep with you!"

Huang Hao bowed and agreed when he heard it, then turned around and left quickly. His fat figure stretched out in the candlelight and gradually disappeared outside the palace gate.

Liu Chan slowly stood up and walked towards the huge bed, which was covered with a soft brocade quilt embroidered with auspicious patterns of dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing the supreme imperial power and noble status.

Not long after, a series of soft footsteps broke the silence in the room, and Sun Luban walked slowly into the hall.

She was wearing a light gauze dress, the fabric swaying gently in the breeze, and her snow-white skin could be vaguely seen in many places.

She has a plump figure and curvy figure, and every step she takes seems to convey endless temptation.

Liu Chan sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the former Crown Princess of Wei with a sharp gaze, and a ripple appeared in his heart.

He found that Sun Luban had some similarities with his concubine Sun Luyu, but in comparison, Sun Luban had a hotter figure and a more mature charm.

When Sun Luban stepped into the hall, she felt mixed emotions.

Once upon a time, she had the opportunity to become this man's woman, stand at the pinnacle of power, and enjoy endless wealth and glory.

However, as fate would have it, she eventually fell into the hands of the enemy and became a prisoner.

Now, she has to face Liu Chan in such an identity. How can she not feel filled with emotion?
But she knew that this was not the time to dwell on the past, and she had to stay calm to deal with whatever might happen next.

She bowed to Liu Chan with an elegant and dignified posture.

Then, she began to gently take off her clothes. The thin gauze dress was gently pushed aside like morning mist, revealing her perfect figure.

Her skin glowed softly in the candlelight, as smooth as jade.

Although she tried to remain calm, a hint of nervousness still appeared on her face.

Liu Chan looked at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He asked, "Are you here to assassinate me?"

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Sun Luban's heart.

Her heart trembled, but her face did not show any abnormality. She took a deep breath and said calmly, "How dare I do such a rebellious thing? Your Majesty is the true dragon emperor. I am only willing to serve you and fulfill my duty as a concubine."

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan shook his head, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

He originally thought that this former Crown Princess of Wei might be a little different.

However, at this moment, it seems that she is just an ordinary woman who will choose to surrender when faced with power and life and death.

He suddenly felt a little bored. He was tired of the monotonous flattery and fawning.

He waved his hand and said, "Put on your clothes. I don't need you to sleep with me tonight."

His voice was cold and distant, as if he was speaking to a stranger.

When Sun Luban heard this, her heart tightened, but she still obediently put on her clothes to cover up her seductive figure.

She knew that her mission tonight had failed, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not change this fact.

Liu Chan stood up slowly. His figure stretched out in the candlelight, making him look particularly tall and lonely.

He walked to the window, looked at the bright moon outside, and couldn't help feeling a little emotional.

He has seen too many beauties and experienced too many storms.

In his opinion, no matter how beautiful a person is, she is nothing more than a skeleton in disguise.

They might bring him temporary pleasure, but they could not touch the chord deep in his heart.

He turned around and looked at Sun Luban standing there, and suddenly an inexplicable pity surged in his heart.

This woman also has her own helplessness and difficulties.

After all, she is my sister-in-law.

He said softly, "Go back to your place. If there is a chance in the future, I will consider letting you go."

Sun Luban was shocked when he heard this.

She looked up at Liu Chan, her eyes flashing with a complicated look.

Isn’t it said that the Emperor of Han is lustful?
Why doesn't it seem to be the case now?

And
If she went home.

How to complete the assassination mission?

How to repay Empress Dowager Guo's kindness? (End of this chapter)