Chapter 16: Lady Qi’s Resentment!

“Liuhou, what do you think posterity will say of me if I kill Han Xin?” At that moment, Liu Bang suddenly glanced at Zhang Liang. His gaze was unusually powerful; the wild and unrestrained spirit had been tempered by years of hardship, yet he still retained the air of a wandering hero, combined now with the majestic dignity of an emperor.

Zhang Liang’s heart trembled slightly, and without hesitation, he replied, “If Han Xin truly shows signs of treason, then posterity will naturally have little to say; but if Your Majesty’s fear of Han Xin is merely jealousy...”

“That’s enough.” Liu Bang cut him off, gazing into the distance toward the misty mountains beyond Chang’an. At the horizon, he could just make out the grand procession of carriages and horses approaching, their numbers formidable. He murmured softly, “Han Xin is coming.”

“Alas, if not for Lu Xuan, I would have surely killed Han Xin!”

“I can say I understand Han Xin very well. His character is complex—he endures humiliation with patience, repays kindness, is generous and magnanimous, yet also indecisive and wavering. Han Xin is a complicated man.”

“But the most prominent traits in Han Xin’s character are his unwavering confidence and pride in his talent. These two traits are exactly what worry me most.”

Liu Bang seemed to be speaking to himself, yet also to Zhang Liang.

“For many years, Han Xin has been invincible in battle, unmatched in his command of troops. Even Xiang Yu was defeated by him. This only made him more confident in his military talents and leadership. Indeed, Han Xin is a rare genius of the ages, but this also led him to believe that whatever he sets his mind to, he can achieve.”

“He thinks he could replace this Son of Heaven, believing he can do just as well.”

“Moreover, his pride in his talents and his arrogance have grown with his success. He thinks his achievements surpass all others and holds no one in regard. He shamelessly displays his arrogance even before me. My brothers say I have a broad heart, but now that I am the Son of Heaven, some things I cannot tolerate. Han Xin’s behavior over these years has indeed made me feel discontent, suspicion, and even entertained thoughts of killing him.”

Zhang Liang fell silent, listening quietly to Liu Bang’s words.

He understood what His Majesty meant.

It was Lu Xuan’s idea and suggestion that had saved Han Xin’s life. If Han Xin followed their plan, he could be allowed a peaceful end.

Time passed slowly. Dust swirled in the distance as the King of Chu’s carriage drew near. Liu Bang and Zhang Liang could no longer linger atop the city walls of Chang’an.

When the feudal lords entered the capital, according to the established ceremonies, a prince was to receive them on behalf of the emperor.

But Han Xin was no ordinary feudal lord now; he was a king standing shoulder to shoulder with the emperor. After discussion with Zhang Liang, Xiao He, and others, Liu Bang decided to grant Han Xin the highest honors—the emperor himself would receive him.

This was Liu Bang’s respect for Han Xin and recognition of his contributions. More importantly, it was an acknowledgment that, following Lu Xuan’s advice, the threat Han Xin posed had been neutralized, hence the grand reception.

The King of Chu entered the capital that day. The emperor greeted him personally, and all gathered at the Chang Le Palace.

With Xiao He managing the arrangements, Han Xin was soon comfortably settled in Chang’an. That night, the monarch and his ministers drank together in high spirits.

Liu Bang laughed heartily, feeling an inexplicable ease.

Why?

Because the oppressive weight in his heart—the urge to kill Han Xin—was gone.

An emperor must be ruthless, but men have feelings. Han Xin had achieved so much; even if he harbored thoughts of rebellion, Liu Bang found it hard to act decisively.

Now, thanks to Lu Xuan’s method, there was no need to kill Han Xin. Instead, Han Xin would have a greater role in court affairs. Liu Bang felt comfortable with this outcome.

Drunk and supported by his guards, he shouted, “Take me to Consort Qi! To Consort Qi!”

It had been a long time since he visited her, and he longed for it.

At Zhao Lin Palace.

Sunlight filtered through intricately carved window lattices, scattering fragments of light onto the golden bricks of Consort Qi’s chambers, creating shimmering patterns.

Inside, delicate silk curtains hung softly, embroidered with exquisite and complex designs—blooming flowers and lively birds. A gentle breeze stirred the drapes like a springtime dream.

Consort Qi reclined lazily on a couch, her figure graceful as a supple willow in spring. Her raven hair, loosely pinned, cascaded with a few strands falling softly against her fair neck, adding to her allure. Her face was radiant, eyebrows like distant ink, eyes like rippling autumn waters, shimmering with endless charm and sorrow.

“Your Majesty hasn’t visited me in quite some time,” Consort Qi murmured, feeling a quiet ache. Almost every day, the emperor had come to her for companionship, but now several days had passed without a visit.

She had heard rumors that His Majesty had been spending time with the Empress recently.

“Lü Zhi!” The mention of that name caused a chill to creep into her heart.

Within the palace, danger lurked everywhere.

As a woman, she knew too well that women could be more ruthless than men.

The emperor disliked Crown Prince Liu Ying and favored Liu Ruyi, her own son.

There was even talk of replacing the crown prince.

To be the mother of the realm—this thought had long taken root in her heart.

Lü Zhi had probably harbored resentment toward her for a long time. Though they seemed to avoid each other publicly, and bore no open hatred, everyone knew the truth.

If Liu Ying ascended the throne, Consort Qi’s fate would be grim.

If Liu Ying were deposed and Liu Ruyi succeeded, she would ensure Lü Zhi knew her power.

For years, Consort Qi’s spirits had been high. The emperor favored her, palace servants respected her; she wore the finest brocade and adorned herself with priceless jewels. Even the crown prince’s position seemed to be shifting toward Liu Ruyi.

But why had the emperor visited Lü Zhi these past two days?

It was a dangerous signal.

“Madam, His Majesty has arrived.” At that moment, a palace maid hurried in with a respectful bow. Consort Qi’s delicate cheeks flushed with happiness.

“His Majesty is here?”

She had thought that tonight he would once again visit the Empress.

It made sense.

Lü Zhi was aging and no match for her.

Consort Qi’s mood brightened. She ordered her attendants to prepare her. She dressed in a pale pink long robe of soft silk brocade, warm and luxurious, edged with fine white rabbit fur at the collar and cuffs—both elegant and regal. Around her waist was a multicolored silk belt, its ends adorned with a smooth jade pendant that swayed gently with her movements. The wide skirt trailed behind her, embroidered with golden clouds, flowing like a drifting mist as she walked.

Her jade-like hands lifted a piece of mutton-fat jade hairpin, carved delicately with a begonia flower—the emperor’s recent gift.

Then she rose to greet him at the palace entrance.

Liu Bang, reeking of wine from head to toe and feeling somewhat dazed, had indeed drunk a great deal today. Yet he had enjoyed himself thoroughly. Drinking uninhibitedly with Han Xin had lightened his spirit greatly.

Just as he reached the palace entrance, he saw Consort Qi approaching.

Rubbing his eyes, he asked a guard nearby, “Why have I come here?”

The guard’s expression shifted slightly and he replied respectfully, “It was His Majesty’s wish to come here.”

Liu Bang instinctively slapped his forehead. His throat moved as he looked at the enchanting Consort Qi before him. His heart burned, but his strong will quickly made him shake his head.

“No, no.”

“I cannot come here. How could I forget Lu Jun’s words?”

“I have already wronged the Empress enough. She is unwell; I should spend more time with her. Quick, help me return to the Jiao Fang Palace!”

Liu Bang gave the guard a light smack on the head. The guard bowed and promptly supported the emperor as he left.

Consort Qi, who had been smiling with rosy cheeks, suddenly lost all expression. Her face darkened and grew cold.

Why did His Majesty leave?

She had heard clearly—he was going to see the Empress.

“Cannot forget Lu Jun’s words?”

Who was this Lu Jun?

This Lu Jun had changed the emperor’s mind, causing him to stop favoring her and instead seek out Lü Zhi every night?

Consort Qi’s anger simmered. She coldly watched Liu Bang’s departing figure, then turned and lowered her voice.

“Investigate. Find out exactly who this Lu Jun is!”