Chapter Seventeen: Prince Liang, Liu Li

Compared to yesterday, today’s pain seemed to have seeped into his very bones. His whole body was devoid of strength, leaving him sprawled half-alive on the couch, groaning. Lady Li, seeing the emperor uninterested in conversation, turned away to light incense, brew tea, and bring some pastries to feed Liu Tan.

Liu Tan nibbled at the pastries, still groaning in discomfort.

About an hour later, a palace maid requested an audience to report.

“What did General Zhao say?” Liu Tan asked weakly, lying on the couch.

The maid bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, General Zhao says that at your age, having passed the years of basic development, only by breaking through and starting anew can one achieve greatness.”

Liu Tan sighed, “So I must face death and be reborn?”

“And also, Your Majesty,” the maid continued, “General Zhao has prescribed a medicinal formula, instructing Your Majesty to begin decocting medicine tomorrow to strengthen your body.”

“Bring it here.”

Liu Tan examined the prescription: a list of herbs, quantities, and instructions. It was simple enough for anyone with some experience in medicine to prepare. He handed it back and instructed, “Tell the court physician to prepare the medicine for tomorrow’s bath.”

The maid obeyed and left the hall.

Lady Li frowned, “Your Majesty, must you torment yourself so? It pains me just to watch!”

“Of course. Did you think I was merely speaking for amusement?”

At that moment, Wang Li entered the hall and bowed, “Your Majesty, Minister Li has sent word that there are no memorials today; all departments are preparing for the northern campaign.”

Liu Tan nodded, “Tell Minister Li that I am unwell these days. When I am better, I will attend court. If there are memorials, deliver them to the Anle Hall at noon each day, and I will review them myself.”

Wang Li acknowledged the order and added, “Your Majesty, Prince Liang requests an audience.”

“Prince Liang?” Liu Tan was puzzled; the details of the Three Kingdoms were unfamiliar to him.

Lady Li, knowing the emperor might have forgotten, leaned close and whispered, “Your Majesty, he is your second brother, Liu Li.”

“Oh!” Liu Tan was suddenly enlightened—he did indeed have brothers. “Let him in.”

Wang Li soon returned, accompanied by a young man. The man had a clean brow, no beard, and a vacant gaze.

“Your subject and brother greets Your Majesty!” Liu Li knelt.

“Rise,” Liu Tan waved his hand. “Wang Li, grant Prince Liang a seat.”

After Liu Li sat, he said, “A few days ago, Your Majesty fell from a cliff and was unconscious. Your subject and brother was greatly anxious. Seeing Your Majesty now recovered, I finally dared visit. Please forgive me!”

“No harm,” Liu Tan replied.

Liu Li continued, “Your Majesty, do you remember the little monkey you caught before you fell? I have been carefully feeding it, waiting for Your Majesty to enjoy its brain once you are well.”

“Monkey brain?” Liu Tan asked, confused.

“Yes. I once witnessed a serving: the monkey is placed under the table, head exposed. A skilled hand opens its skull, scoops out the brain while the monkey is still alive, chirping and squealing. The brain meat is exquisitely fresh—a delicacy beyond compare. Your Majesty will surely praise it after tasting!”

Liu Tan’s brow furrowed. He had heard of eating live monkey brain in his previous life and abhorred those who did so.

“Prince Liang, eating live monkey brain is cruel. I am divinely appointed and moved by Heaven. Heaven values life; thus, you should release it.”

Liu Li was surprised but quickly agreed, “As Your Majesty commands.”

Liu Tan thought for a moment, “Better bring the monkey here. I will release it myself.” In this era where human life was as cheap as grass, no one would care for a monkey. If Prince Liang promised release, he might simply eat it later. It was safer to have it brought to him.

Prince Liang was startled but agreed.

Moments later, Prince Liang feigned secrecy, “Your Majesty, I hear your training has left you sore and unable to rise from bed. Today, I have brought something that will greatly ease your pain—a gift for Your Majesty.”

Liu Tan felt a stir of unease, suspecting something, but asked, “What do you mean?”

Prince Liang took out an item wrapped in silk, slowly unveiling it in his palm to reveal a powder.

Liu Tan recognized it immediately: the legendary Five Minerals Powder.

Also known as Cold Food Powder, it was created by the sage physician Zhang Jingzhong. Originally a remedy for typhoid, it was later modified during the Wei and Jin era, transforming from medicine to narcotic. It induced heat and a feeling of transcendence, but the greatest danger was addiction—no different from the drugs of his previous life.

“Damn it!” Liu Tan almost exploded in anger, but suppressed it and asked, “Is this powder widely used among the people?”

Prince Liang, oblivious to the emperor’s displeasure, smiled, “Your Majesty, how could it be? It is difficult to make and only circulates among the upper class, favored by scholars and gentlemen. Loose sleeves, long robes, a feeling of floating, inspiration for poetry and essays—truly delightful!”

“Delightful, my foot!” Liu Tan cursed inwardly. Wasn’t this an attempt to seduce him into drug use?

Alas, it seemed Prince Liang harbored ill intentions toward him.

Live monkey brains, Five Minerals Powder—either act was deeply sinister.

“Very well, Prince Liang. You are most attentive to me. Leave it here, and I shall try it,” Liu Tan replied, turning over on the couch.

Prince Liang rose and bowed, “Then your subject and brother will take his leave. May Your Majesty rest and recover.”

Liu Tan nodded. As Liu Li left the hall, he called out, “Prince Liang, remember to bring the monkey. I am waiting.”

Prince Liang agreed and departed.

Liu Tan then asked, “Wang Li, isn’t Prince Liang a bit too resourceful? Only a few of you know of my pain—how did he find out? Oh, and the Empress, but I doubt she’d bother telling him.”

“Your Majesty!” Wang Li was terrified and knelt, trembling. “Your servant will investigate immediately and find out who has been secretly communicating with Prince Liang.”

Liu Tan nodded, “Do so. Otherwise, anything I say or do here will be known everywhere, and I will lose face. Bring the culprit to me when you find out.”

“Yes!” Wang Li hurried out.

“Beloved consort, tell me more about my two brothers,” Liu Tan frowned. There were so many things he didn’t know.

Lady Li replied, “The late emperor had four sons: Liu Feng, Your Majesty, Liu Yong, and Liu Li. Liu Feng was executed years ago because of General Guan. Prince Lu, Liu Yong, is now at his fief, not in the capital. Prince Liang, Liu Li, is only sixteen, so he does not yet have a fief.”

“Sixteen? Four years younger than me?” Liu Tan frowned. “I heard his voice and saw his appearance—he hardly seems sixteen.”

Thinking further, he asked, “Is his mother still alive?”

Lady Li said, “His mother is Empress Dowager Mu, living in the Chang Le Palace.”

“Oh heavens!” Liu Tan slapped his forehead. “How could I forget?”

Though Empress Dowager Mu was not Liu Chan’s biological mother, she held the title of empress dowager. No matter his personal feelings, he had to address her as Mother Empress for propriety’s sake.

Fortunately, everyone knew he had suffered a head injury, so it was not too late. Otherwise, given time, he would surely be criticized.