Chapter Six: Do I Have Any Heirs?

The Empress pondered for a moment and said, “Since the end of the Later Han, there have been continual wars, and the common people are already suffering unbearably, unable to make a living. If I may speak honestly, I hope for a truce and time for the people to recuperate. Their hardship is simply too great.”

Liu Tan nodded in agreement, “Indeed!”

After this brief affirmation, Liu Tan swiftly shifted the topic. “Are there any in court who support me?”

“Of course, and the majority do! Not to mention others, even our Zhang family staunchly stands behind you!”

Liu Tan rolled his eyes. If the Empress’s family didn’t support him, that would truly be a surprise.

No matter what, he was the legitimate ruler of Shu-Han.

His eyes narrowed slightly. Even Sima Yi in his previous life did not usurp the throne while alive; it was only in his son’s generation, after unifying the realm and reaching the pinnacle of prestige and power, that he seized the throne from the Cao clan.

Zhuge Liang in the present was much the same. If his Northern Expeditions succeeded, could Liu Chan keep his throne for another twenty years?

That was simply impossible.

Once Zhuge Liang succeeded in his campaigns and became the guardian with unrivaled merit, it would be strange if he didn’t seize the throne for himself.

Liu Tan was well aware of this, but such thoughts could never be voiced.

He followed up with many other questions, which the Empress answered one by one. As their conversation continued, the Empress could not help but feel that His Majesty was different from before. Now, all his inquiries concerned state affairs and the lives of the people—a stark contrast to the emperor she once knew. Had a blow to the head finally awakened his mind?

So she mused.

Soon it was midday. The Empress glanced outside the hall and said, “Your Majesty, it is time for your lunch.”

Liu Tan rose and stretched, when suddenly something occurred to him. Scratching his nose, he asked, “Empress, two final questions—how many consorts do I have?”

A hint of sorrow colored the Empress’s face. “Your Majesty, aside from me, you have only two other consorts: Lady Li Zhaoyi, daughter of Li Yan the Minister of the Secretariat, and Lady Wang Daiqiao, daughter of the wealthy Wang family of Shu.”

Only three? Liu Tan could not help but feel a pang of pity for Liu Chan. As the Emperor of Shu-Han, his harem numbered just three, and all were likely political alliances. No wonder that after Zhuge Liang’s death, history tells of Liu Chan indulging in pleasure night after night, further weakening an already impoverished state.

It was the inevitable backlash after years of repression.

Seeing the Empress’s downcast look, Liu Tan said, “I was injured today—why didn’t they come to visit me? Truly outrageous!” With that, he took the Empress’s hand and laughed, “Only you truly care for me!”

The Empress flushed, lowered her head, and whispered, “Actually, I pressured them not to come, Your Majesty. Please, do not blame them any further.”

Her voice grew softer and softer, stealing glances at Liu Tan.

“Ah!” Liu Tan rubbed his nose. “Very well.” No matter the time or place, jealousy and intrigue in the harem are unavoidable.

“Your Majesty, wasn’t there another question?” Seeing the emperor had not blamed her, the Empress hastily changed the subject.

Liu Tan asked, “Do I have any children?”

This question had come to him the moment he awoke—it was crucial. Now that he inhabited Liu Chan’s body, he could take over the empire and the harem without a care, but children...

If any sons or daughters appeared now, calling him ‘Father Emperor’, it would be a disaster. He had only been twenty-six in his previous life, unmarried and childless. If there were children, they would clearly be Liu Chan’s, not his.

The thought of facing children unrelated to him every day was unbearable.

Wang Mang of the former dynasty killed his wife and sons for a reputation of moral righteousness, winning widespread praise. But who knew he was a transmigrator? The wife was not one he loved, the children not his own—killing them was no burden. Better to make use of them as stepping stones to the throne than to be troubled by their presence.

Perhaps Wang Mang’s state of mind then was just as Liu Tan’s now.

The Empress’s face sank further and she bowed her head. “Your Majesty, we have all failed you. None of us have borne you a single child.”

“None?” Liu Tan’s voice rose in surprise, causing the Empress to kneel and repeat, “I am guilty, I am guilty!”

Suddenly, Liu Tan burst into hearty laughter and bent down to help her up. “None? Splendid! That is wonderful!”

“Your Majesty, this is...” The Empress was thoroughly baffled.

Liu Tan flashed a mysterious grin. “There will be, in time. Come, Empress, join me for lunch!”

Upon learning he had no children, Liu Tan felt elated. Compared to Wang Mang, his fortune was far better. As for any future heirs, they would be his own doing, bringing no discomfort.

Besides, from today onward, he was Liu Chan and Liu Chan was him—this was a fact that could not be changed.

The Empress, nervous, glanced at Liu Tan and, seeing he was not angry, carefully gathered up the silk scrolls covered in writing and tucked them into her sleeve. “Your Majesty, may I keep these?”

“Of course—they are my gift to you,” Liu Tan replied with a smile, nodding. “But now is not the time for this poem to see the light of day. Remember, I am still the idle and unrefined A’Dou in everyone’s eyes. Do you understand, Empress?”

The Empress nodded fervently. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep them safe and savor your talent in the quiet of night. Rest assured, if I fail in what you desire, this poem shall never be revealed!”

Lunch was even more sumptuous than breakfast. Liu Chan took the Empress’s hand and they sat together.

“Your Majesty, which dish would you like? I will serve you. Chuntao, attend to the Empress,” the eunuch Wang Li instructed.

“Empress, don’t you think my meals are rather extravagant?” Liu Tan remarked as he picked out a fish bone.

The Empress snorted softly. “Your Majesty, these standards were set by you yourself...”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Tan turned to Wang Li. “Wang Li, summon the Prime Minister to the palace. I have matters to discuss with him.”

“Shall I go at once, Your Majesty?”

Liu Tan said nothing, only nodded.

Wang Li assented and withdrew from the hall.

The Empress quietly glanced at Liu Tan and whispered, “Your Majesty, you must consider your words carefully.”

“I understand, Empress, do not worry.” Liu Tan gestured at the lavish spread. “Eat up, let’s not waste it.”

About an hour later, Liu Tan heard the guards saluting Zhuge Liang.

He thought to himself, He’s here. Instantly alert, Liu Tan dashed out of the hall, not even sparing the Empress a glance.

The Empress hurried after him, but the Emperor’s actions and words in the autumn wind outside left her thoroughly bewildered...