Chương 292: Temporary Administration of Jizhou

She looked up and gazed out the window.

In the courtyard, Liu Ce stood there, watching the lively scene with a faint smile on his face.

Their eyes met, and Liu Ce nodded to her.

Liu Yue smiled slightly and nodded gently.

later.....

"Yue'er," he stepped forward and said, "the courtyard in the manor has been prepared, right next to Yan'er and the others. Please settle in first, and just let me know if you need anything."

Liu Yue nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Imperial Uncle. This place... is very nice, I like it very much."

That evening, the Prince of Yan's residence hosted a banquet to welcome the princess.

The banquet wasn't extravagant, but it was warm and lively.

Liu Ce's ten wives, core generals, advisors, and family members were all present.

Sitting next to Cai Yan, Liu Yue watched the laughter and chatter filling the room, and the sadness of parting in her heart gradually dissipated.

Here, there are no strict rules like in the Luoyang Imperial Palace, no backstabbing, only genuine smiles and a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Guo Jia secretly touched the wine pot, but was pinched by Liu Shi beside him, making him grimace.

......

Zhang Fei had a loud voice, and when he talked about things on the battlefield, his spittle flew everywhere.

Luo Cheng and his wife, Su, spoke softly and harmoniously, their voices mingling as they played the zither...

Liu Yue whispered to Cai Yan, "Aunt Yan, it's really lively here with the Imperial Uncle."

Cai Yan smiled and said, "Yes, ever since my husband came to Youzhou, it's become more and more lively here. You'll understand once you've lived here a while, Princess. There aren't so many rules here, it's very comfortable."

Liu Yue nodded, feeling gradually at ease.

After the banquet, Liu Ce escorted Liu Yue back to her courtyard.

"Yue'er," Liu Ce said solemnly at the courtyard gate, "from now on, this is your home. If you need anything, feel free to come to me, or to Yan'er or the others. Don't be shy, make yourself at home."

Liu Yue looked at him and suddenly asked, "Uncle, is Father... not... going to have much time left?"

Liu Ce was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Hmm..."

Liu Yue's eyes reddened, but she forced herself not to shed a tear.

"I understand." She took a deep breath.

"Uncle, don't worry, I won't cause any trouble for the manor. I will... live a good life here."

Liu Ce patted her shoulder and said, "Get some rest."

Back in his courtyard, Liu Ce stood under the eaves, gazing at the starry sky.

The secret edict in his hand felt heavy.

He looked up and gazed in the direction of Luoyang.

"Brother, don't worry."

"As long as I, Liu Ce, am alive, I will never let this great Han dynasty perish in the hands of outsiders."

...

a few days later.

In the fifth year of Zhongping, in late June, at the Prince of Yan's residence in Zhuo County, Youzhou.

The backyard is bustling with activity right now, like it's Chinese New Year.

The cries, laughter, and babbling of eleven babies rose and fell. Cai Yan held Liu Chen and fed him, Zhen Jiang coaxed Liu Heng to sleep, and Zhang Ning was playing with Liu Yao using a rattle drum.

Princess Liu Yue sat to one side, holding a book of poems in her hands, but her eyes couldn't help but glance at the children, a smile always on her lips.

Where was Liu Ce? He was trying to change his three daughters' diapers at the same time. Liu Sui, Liu Yi, and Liu Mei were lying side by side, kicking their little feet.

"Oh my little darlings, don't move, don't move!" Liu Ce was in a flurry of activity. Just as he finished wrapping up Liu Sui, Liu Yi peed, soaking his hand.

"Hahaha!" Zhang Ning laughed until her stomach hurt.

"Husband, you still need to practice your childcare skills!"

Cai Yan smiled and said, "Let the nannies do it."

Liu Ce wiped his hands with a bitter face and said, "No, I have to learn! When we have more children in the future... we can't just leave them all to the nanny."

Just then, a guard trotted in and bowed in the corridor, saying, "Your Majesty, a messenger has arrived from the front courtyard."

Liu Ce was stunned, forgetting to put down the diaper in his hand: "An angel? It's only been a few days? My brother should be on his way back to Luoyang."

He muttered to himself, "This guy's really something. Could something's gotten into him on the way, and I'm going to have to clean up his mess?"

After quickly washing his hands and changing into a more formal robe, Liu Ce walked towards the front yard.

My mind raced through several thoughts on the way: Liu Hong's health... could it be... he's passed away? But wait, historically he should have lived until next year. So, something's happened again?

In the main hall of the front courtyard, a pale-faced eunuch, who was not carrying any official documents, was sipping tea. Upon seeing Liu Ce emerge, he quickly put down his teacup, stood up, and bowed, saying, "This servant greets Your Highness, the Prince of Yan."

"You may rise, Your Majesty," Liu Ce waved his hand, sizing up the eunuch. He was unfamiliar with the man; he wasn't one of the usual ones.

"What decree does His Majesty have this time? Was the journey smooth?"

The eunuch smiled obsequiously, "Thanks to Your Highness, His Majesty is safe and sound. I have come here on His Majesty's orders to deliver an imperial edict."

He took out a scroll from his robes, held it up with both hands, and solemnly declared, "Prince Liu Ce of Yan, receive the imperial decree..."

Liu Ce quickly bowed and clasped his hands, still wondering: What's going on?

The eunuch unfolded the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and read aloud:

"In the fifth year of Zhongping (6th month)... The Emperor decreed: Wang Fen, the former Governor of Ji Province, harbored treacherous intentions and plotted rebellion, and has already been punished by Heaven. However, Ji Province has just been pacified, and the remnants of the rebellion have not yet been eliminated. The counties are empty, the administration is lax, and the people are impoverished, which is truly a great calamity for the nation.

Liu Ce, the Prince of Yan, is my trusted advisor, loyal and brave, and has distinguished himself in battle. Moreover, he has governed You Province well, with efficient administration and harmonious people, and the people are at peace. He is hereby temporarily appointed to lead the military and political affairs of Ji Province, to rectify the administration, pacify the displaced people, eliminate the remaining bandits, and stabilize the northern border.

I hope you will not fail my trust and will pacify Ji Province as soon as possible to secure the nation. This is my decree!"

In layman's terms: Jizhou is yours; do whatever you want with it.

After reading it aloud, the eunuch closed the imperial edict and handed it to Liu Ce with a beaming smile: "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, please accept the decree."

Liu Ce accepted the decree with both hands, his heart overflowing with joy, but he had to maintain a composed expression: "Your subject accepts the decree and expresses his gratitude!"

The emperor wasn't just asking him to "clean up the mess," he was practically handing him territory in a roundabout way!

After getting up, he gave his guards a wink.

The guards understood and brought over a tray covered with red silk.

Liu Ce lifted a corner, revealing a golden coin underneath: "Angel, you've had a long journey. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

The eunuch's eyes lit up, but he declined, saying, "How could I possibly accept this..."

Her hand, however, readily accepted the gift, weighed it in her hand, and her smile became even more genuine.

"Your Highness, you are too kind! This servant will certainly put in a good word for you before His Majesty!"

After seeing the eunuch off, Liu Ce held the imperial edict, looked at it over and over three times, and smiled so broadly that his mouth almost reached his ears.

My dear Emperor, you're truly a friend! Ji Province, indeed!

This is one of the most prosperous states in the land, with a large population, vast arable land, and a strategic location, bordering Youzhou to the north, the Central Plains to the south, Bingzhou to the west, and the sea to the east.

Once this place is in our hands, and Youji is connected as one, our strength will not just double!

He excitedly carried the imperial edict to the backyard, shouting as he went, "Yan'er! Jiang'er!... We've struck it rich!"

Cai Yan and the others were comforting the child when they saw Liu Ce's expression and smiled, asking, "Husband, what's making you so happy?"