Chương 96: Visiting the New Palace, the Empress's Visit

He Jin, oblivious to his sister's unusual behavior, continued:

"Liu Ce is capable, has military power, and is a member of the imperial clan. Most importantly, Bian'er likes him quite a bit. If we can win him over, he'll be very useful in the future..."

"Brother," He Lian interrupted him softly, "I understand."

She gazed into the distance, where Liu Ce was patiently correcting Liu Bian's posture, his hand supporting Liu Bian's back, looking... just like a father teaching his son.

He Lian suddenly remembered Liu Hong. Ever since the incident with Consort Wang, Liu Hong had not come to Changqiu Palace. Even when he did come, he had little patience for Bian'er and would get annoyed after only a few words.

She looked at Liu Ce, and something inside her softened.

"Pah, pah, pah, what are you thinking!" He Lian quickly shook her head, trying to banish the thought.

After another incense stick's time, Liu Bian was able to easily ride his horse at a slow pace.

Liu Ce looked at the sky and said to Liu Bian:

"Your Highness, shall we stop here for today? Learning to ride a horse shouldn't be rushed; it's best to proceed gradually."

Although Liu Bian was still not satisfied, he obediently nodded:

"I'll listen to my uncle."

Liu Ce helped him down from his horse, and the young eunuch quickly offered him honey water.

Liu Bian gulped down more than half a cup, wiped his mouth, and said:

"Uncle, will you come again?"

"Your Highness, I am at your service whenever you have time," Liu Ce said with a smile.

Liu Bian tugged at Liu Ce's sleeve and whispered:

"Uncle... Mother said you are a great hero and that I should learn more from you."

Liu Ce was taken aback, then smiled:

"Your mother flatters me. But... you must remember, a true hero is not just someone who fights battles, but also someone who knows how to speak up for the people and share the burdens of the country."

"I've got it." Liu Bian said earnestly.

Liu Ce bowed and turned to leave.

When he reached the park gate, he subconsciously looked back and saw Liu Bian still standing there waving at him.

"This child is quite adorable," Liu Ce thought to himself as he left Zhuolong Garden.

The two watched for a while longer until Liu Ce took his leave.

He Lian watched Liu Ce's departing figure with a complex expression.

"My sister?" He Jin asked tentatively, "What's next..."

"I have my own plans." He Lian turned and left.

"Go down and check on Bian'er."

She came down and had already regained her usual dignified and graceful demeanor.

The palace maids immediately stepped forward to help them, and the group slowly walked towards the horse farm.

"Mother! Uncle!" Liu Bian ran over happily when he saw them.

"Did you see? I can ride a horse now!"

He Lian took out a handkerchief to wipe her son's sweat:

"I saw it, Bian'er is really great. What do you think of your teaching, Uncle?"

"My imperial uncle is exceptionally kind!" Liu Bian said without hesitation.

"Patient, funny, and can even tell jokes! Much more interesting than the Grand Tutor's lectures!"

He Jin laughed and said, "Then you should associate with your Imperial Uncle more often in the future and learn more skills from him."

"Yes!" Liu Bian nodded emphatically.

"My uncle promised me that once I'm properly mounted, he'll take me hunting in the Shanglin Garden!"

He Lian patted her son's head, just smiled and didn't say anything. She looked at her son's excited expression, but her mind was on other things.

Liu Bian then remembered and said, "Just now, my imperial uncle was instructing me..."

Upon hearing this, He Lian and He Jin exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting each other's emotions...

After a while, she quickly composed herself and said to Liu Bian:

"You've worked up a sweat, go back and take a bath and change. You have to listen to the Grand Tutor's lecture tomorrow."

"Yes," Liu Bian replied obediently, and followed the eunuch.

He Jin murmured to himself with satisfaction, "We must win Liu Ce over, even if it means using some special methods."

"Special methods?" He Lian looked at He Jin's expression.

The two continued chatting for a short while before He Jin took his leave.

He Lian stood alone by the horse farm, looking at the empty field, and suddenly felt that this huge palace was really desolate.

"Your Majesty, it's getting windy. Let's return to the palace," your personal maid whispered a reminder.

He Lian looked up at the sky. The midday sun was just right, warm and comforting, making her feel drowsy.

But that little thought in her mind, like spring grass, quietly sprouted.

He Lian nodded, and as she turned around, she suddenly gave a few instructions to her personal maid...

When Liu Ce and his group returned to the Zhen residence, the steward was already waiting at the door.

"My lord, you're back," the steward said with a smile.

"I have good news. The mansion that His Majesty bestowed upon us has been prepared by this old servant and his men."

Liu Ce was taken aback: "You're all packed? So fast?"

He remembered that when the mansion was bestowed upon him, he guessed that the weeds would grow taller than a person and the spider webs on the roof beams could be used as fishing nets.

He had originally planned to wait until he had time to discuss it, but unexpectedly, the Zhen family's steward took care of it quietly.

"This old servant thought that since the Marquis would have to move there sooner or later, we might as well get it ready now," the steward said.

"We hired dozens of craftsmen, and after many days of work, it's finally presentable. Go and take a look; I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Liu Ce thought to himself: Look, that's what you call professional! No wonder they can be housekeepers!

He maintained his calm and collected demeanor, patting the butler on the shoulder:

"Thank you for your trouble. I'll go over and check on things this afternoon."

"Of course, of course," the old butler bowed repeatedly.

Zhao Yun and Dian Wei followed, and Dian Wei became even more excited when he heard that they were going to see the new house:

"Brother, is the new mansion big?"

"There should be," Liu Ce said with a smile.

"If it's a gift from His Majesty, it can't be too small, even though it was a bit torn before."

After the meal, Liu Ce summoned Zhao Yun and Dian Wei, and led by the old steward, they headed to the Marquis of Champion's residence.

The mansion was located in the south of the city, not far from the palace, but in a quiet and secluded environment.

As soon as he reached the door, Liu Ce exclaimed "Whoa!"

This mansion is truly magnificent! The vermilion gate has gleaming copper rings, and above the gate hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Mansion of the Marquis of Champion" by the Emperor himself.

The courtyard walls are high, and you can vaguely see the upturned eaves inside.

"Brother, this house is even bigger than the Zhen family mansion!" Dian Wei's eyes widened in amazement.

Zhao Yun nodded in agreement: "Indeed impressive."

Liu Ce dismounted, feeling quite pleased with himself: "My Emperor brother is really generous! This house would have been a five-star historical site in my previous life, with a ticket price of 250 yuan and no discounts!"

The butler opened the door and led everyone inside.

The front yard is paved with bluestone slabs, and there are covered walkways on both sides.

The main hall has five rooms, with carved beams and painted rafters. The backyard is even larger, with a garden, a pond, and a small pavilion.

There were so many rooms that Liu Ce wandered around for ages but still couldn't remember the way.

"How long was this place abandoned before?" Liu Ce asked.

The housekeeper replied, "At least ten years. The weeds have grown taller than the walls, and the roof is leaking."

The old servant had the tiles replaced, the beams repaired, the paint repainted, and flowers and plants planted. Now it's finally habitable.

"It must have cost a lot of money, right?" Liu Ce asked.

"Rest assured, my lord, Master Zhen has instructed that all expenses will be covered by the manor."

The steward smiled and said, "Your Excellency has rendered meritorious service to the country, so it is only right that you stay in a better place."

Liu Ce felt a warmth in his heart; his father-in-law, Zhen Yi, was truly a good friend!

While we were strolling around, a servant from the Zhen family suddenly came running in, panting:

"My lord! Her Majesty the Empress has arrived! She's waiting in the front courtyard!"

Liu Ce was taken aback: "The Empress? What's she doing here?"

He hurried towards the front yard, and Zhao Yun and Dian Wei exchanged a glance and followed him.