Chapter 017 Three Wishes
Before Liu Chang had the chance to ask Fan Kuai more questions, he was driven out by Han Xin. It seemed that the two of them had something very important to discuss.
After leaving Han Xin's mansion, Liu Chang felt that this matter was a little outrageous.
Although his father did treat Han Xin very well, and even allowed this former rebel to visit his friends freely in the capital, this did not mean that other princes could visit Han Xin. It was one thing for Han Xin to take the initiative to visit, but it was another thing for other princes to take the initiative to visit Han Xin.
Is Fan Kuai really not afraid of causing his father's fear? Or maybe he was sent by his father?
Liu Chang thought about this matter, and after returning to the Pepper Palace, he, who was always a big mouth, naturally told his mother about Fan Kuai's matter.
But what Liu Chang didn't expect was that Empress Lu was not surprised. She interrupted Liu Chang's long speech and coldly warned him: "You must not tell anyone about this matter."
Although Empress Lu did not say anything threatening this time, Liu Chang was still frightened. After all, Empress Lu spoke very seriously this time, and he had known long ago what the consequences would be if he angered his mother.
Liu Bang had two hobbies on weekdays. One was to hold banquets with his family, and the other was to hold banquets with friends.
Therefore, today is definitely the happiest day for Liu Bang, because today's banquet includes his family and his friends.
When Empress Lu arrived late with Liu Chang, Liu Chang was surprised to find that this banquet was completely different from the previous ones. It was no longer a family gathering together like in the past. Liu Bang sat in the main seat and two groups of people knelt on both sides of him with serious expressions, which seemed rather grand.
On the left side of Liu Bang, there were many people sitting whom Liu Bang did not know. Among them, he only knew three people. One was the man he had bumped into in Changxin Hall before, whose name seemed to be Zhou Chang or something. Another was his master Han Xin, and the last one was Fan Kuai.
Han Xin was originally smiling and talking to the person next to him, but the moment he saw Liu Chang coming in, the smile on his face disappeared. He turned his head with a dark face and pretended that he did not see the silly boy.
On the right side of Liu Bang were all familiar faces. Concubine Qi did not come today, and neither did his grandfather and grandmother. There were only the princes, the second brother, Ruyi, the fourth brother, and the fifth brother. They sat on the right side of Liu Bang in order of age. They all looked serious, with their heads slightly lowered, to show their respect for a group of founding ministers.
But this atmosphere was destroyed after Liu Chang arrived.
"Master! You are here!"
"Master! I'm here!"
Liu Chang waved his hands vigorously, Han Xin gritted his teeth in pain, and the man who looked very kind and amiable couldn't help but laugh, and even patted Han Xin's shoulder gently. Liu Chang felt that this man must be of a very high status, because he had never seen any minister dare to treat Han Xin like this.
Empress Lü sat next to Liu Bang, while Liu Chang could only sit at the last seat.
Because the youngest son Liu Jian was still a baby, Liu Chang could only sit in the last seat... after all, he was the youngest.
Liu Chang sat in his seat and looked at Liu You beside him, "You are here too."
"Um."
"Why did Father suddenly hold a banquet? Why is there no food?"
Liu You was trembling and didn't know how to respond. Liu Hui, who was sitting on the other side of him, blinked at Liu Chang and shook his head, telling him to stop talking.
After everyone arrived, the ministers stood up and the amiable uncle in the lead began to say some "toast" that was vaguely understandable. Liu Chang thought that it was probably a toast. Anyway, it was a long and long-winded paragraph. Liu Bang drank with the ministers, and among the princes, only Liu Ying was qualified to stand up and drink.
This was the first time that Liu Chang hated the banquet. There was no delicious food, and he couldn't fool around with his brothers. It was like listening to a song. Just when Liu Chang was about to fall asleep, a few soldiers came in from outside the hall. They were holding something. Liu Chang looked at it and was immediately happy. Isn't this the textile machine I made? ?
Is today's banquet just to reward me?
Liu Chang guessed correctly for once.
In fact, Liu Bang had already demonstrated the textile loom in the court. In the court, Liu Bang boasted about it, saying that it was made by his youngest son specifically for the people of the world. He said that although his youngest son was the least capable among his sons, he also had such thoughts.
Liu Bang praised his naughty son to the sky with his words. Although he did not say it in front of Liu Chang, he was indeed very proud as a father and was proud of his son's astonishing achievement. Of course, he did not forget to flatter himself. According to him, Liu Chang could have such a kind heart and such hands-on ability thanks to him as a father.
As for why he is so naughty...that's his mother's problem.
Because Liu Chang was too young, Liu Bang decided to hold a big banquet to reward Liu Chang for his contribution and to brag about himself in front of his friends. After all, he didn't have to be so restrained at the banquet. Although Liu Bang was never polite in the court, he used a lot of swear words and told dirty jokes from time to time, which made several Confucian doctors scalp numb, and the historians' hands trembled and gnashed their teeth. I am writing history, not pornographic stories.
"Chief! Come here!"
This seemed to be the first time Liu Bang called him by his name instead of "boy".
Liu Chang suddenly jumped up and walked quickly to Liu Bang's side. Liu Bang also stood up, pointed at Liu Chang and said, "Even my little son has a heart for the people and wants to benefit the world. You should work harder!"
"only!"
The banquet finally officially began. Some people brought delicious food, some musicians played music, the ministers talked, and Liu Bang laughed and drank with them. However, Liu Chang was pulled aside by Liu Ying. It was obvious that Liu Ying was really very happy.
"Brother! You did a great job!"
"Mozi said: In ancient times, people did not know how to make clothes. They wore leather and silk. In winter, they were not light and warm, and in summer, they were not light and cool. The sage kings thought this was not in line with people's feelings, so they taught women to process silk and linen, and to make cloth and silk for people. The method of making clothes is to use medium-sized silk in winter to make them light and warm, and medium-sized gauze in summer to make them light and cool. This is the end. Therefore, the sages make clothes that fit the body and are in harmony with the skin, and that is enough..."
"It seems that the one who can make clothes for the world can be called a sage king. I will definitely be such a sage king in the future!"
Liu Ying started a long speech again. Liu Chang was confused and could not understand what he was saying. He only understood that the other party was praising him, so he gave a polite smile to express his gratitude.
Every time Liu Ying tortured Liu Chang, he would reward him. This time was no exception. Liu Ying took off a piece of jade from his waist. This was the jade that Liu Ying had worn since he was a child and it was also his favorite jade to wear. He gave this jade to Liu Chang.
After enduring a round of torture, Liu Chang took advantage of the opportunity when Liu Ying went to chat with his ministers to escape and return to his brothers.
"Ha, it benefits the country and the people~~"
Liu Chang glanced at Liu Ruyi and spoke loudly.
"It's just a minor path. A descendant of the royal family can rule the world with his own abilities. Compared to upright and benevolent policies, yours is just a minor path. You are obsessed with minor paths, but you don't even know the basics of agriculture, mulberry, industry and commerce. When you become a prince in the future, the damage you cause will be greater than your current small achievements."
Liu Ruyi said with disdain.
Liu Chang's first reaction was whether he should report it to his father. His father was so happy now. If he heard Liu Ruyi's cold words, Liu Ruyi would definitely be beaten, right?
Liu Ruyi noticed the look Liu Chang was giving Liu Bang, and suddenly reached out and pulled him aside.
"You're pretty good... um, pretty impressive..."
After Liu Ruyi gave in, Liu Chang showed off to Liu Heng and Liu Hui in turn. Liu Heng nodded calmly, while Liu Hui gave him a gift. He couldn't afford a gift like Liu Ying's, so he could only give Liu Chang a palm-sized wooden figure. The wooden figure was carved very realistically, and looked like a majestic general. Liu Chang liked it very much , even more than Liu Ying's gift.
Next, he would naturally go to show off to his master.
Han Xin had been pretending not to see him and was chatting with people around him, but when Liu Chang came up to him, staring at him with his big eyes flashing, Han Xin couldn't ignore him anymore. He turned around, and for some reason, he got inexplicably angry when he saw Liu Chang like this. " Can't you be more serious?"
But there are a lot of people here, and his scholar-official upbringing restrains him from getting angry.
"Master, I didn't lie to you, I made that machine!!"
"Very good, good boy." Han Xin had a fake smile on his face and gently performed the role of a kind master and a filial disciple to Liu Chang.
Liu Bang was really happy. Soon, he got drunk. He pulled Liu Chang over and shouted, "I can't give you a title, but I can promise you one thing. It doesn't matter what it is. Just tell me!"
Liu Chang hesitated for a moment and asked, "Three things are okay?"
"Well... OK! Tell me, do you want me to slaughter a cow for you? Or do you want me to tear down my new pavilion? It's okay even if you don't want to study! Anything is fine!"
"Anything?"
…
"Someone come!"
At the construction site of Changle Palace, donkey carts slowly arrived. A man who looked like a high official stood on the cart and shouted, "Your Majesty's grace! We specially sent carts and horses to help you transport the stones! There is also some meat and clothes on the cart. Come and claim them one by one!"
A group of ragged craftsmen looked at the soldiers driving the carriages in fear. When they heard the official's words, they all fell to their knees and cried loudly, "Your Majesty, be gracious! Long live Your Majesty!"
…
Several horse-drawn carriages were slowly driving out of Chang'an. On the carriages, a group of craftsmen affiliated with the Shaofu Shangfang Mansion were excitedly holding letters from their families. They finally got a four-month vacation. After being away from home for several years, they were allowed to go home and meet their families. They wiped their tears, crying and laughing.
…
In the Pepper Room, Liu Bang sat in front of Empress Lu awkwardly.
"The Pepper Room is my residence... Is it necessary for that bastard to let me stay here for three days?"
Empress Lu had a cold face and said nothing.
Liu Bang just smiled awkwardly.
