I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 93 Child Bride?

Throughout history, emperors have only done three things.

Sacrifices, childbirth, war.

The purpose of the sacrifice was to tell the world that the emperor was a legitimate successor, not someone who had been usurped.

Having children means having more children, selecting the best among them, and ensuring the continuation of one's dynasty.

Finally, the decision is whether or not to go to war.

Liu Shan didn't understand before, but now, after being emperor for more than half a year, he does.

The Beginning of Spring is a time for sacrificial rites and agricultural exhortations. Liu Shan had no idea how many similar events he had held since becoming emperor.

Before each grand sacrificial ceremony, the Taichang people would say that it was the most important event of the year, a rhetoric that is still common today.

According to tradition, on the day of Lichun (the beginning of spring), the emperor and his officials would change into blue robes symbolizing spring.

The emperor's carriages, horses, and flags would also be changed to blue to align with the seasons and signify welcoming the new year with all things.

On the day of Lichun (the beginning of spring), the emperor would issue a "magnanimous decree" to grant amnesty to all prisoners except those sentenced to death, and order officials to recommend virtuous and capable individuals and to provide relief to orphans and widows, reflecting the governing philosophy of "growth of benevolence" in spring.

The emperor would personally lead his officials to the eastern suburbs to offer sacrifices to the Green Emperor and the god Jumang, praying for a bountiful harvest.

After returning to the palace, "earthen oxen" and "farmers" would be placed at the entrance to remind the people to prepare for spring plowing.

After the Beginning of Spring, the Grand Master of Ceremonies would choose an auspicious day, at which time the emperor would personally plow the fields, symbolically setting an example for farmers across the land and kicking off the spring plowing season nationwide.

This reminded Liu Shan of a modern society where a leader uses a brand-new shovel to fill a pit with soil, symbolizing "laying the foundation and cultivating the soil".

"Your Majesty, you must be tired today. Let me give you a shoulder massage!"

After the Spring Equinox sacrifices and agricultural exhortations concluded, Liu Shan returned to the palace, removed his ceremonial robes, and stretched his shoulders and neck.

Empress Zhang immediately came forward and massaged Liu Shan's shoulders and back.

"It's good that you're with me. These formalities are much harder to deal with than those official documents."

Liu Shan gently patted Zhang's hand.

Madam Zhang chuckled lightly and said, "Even the sages said that 'men are superior to women,' and each should have their own duties. Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, so naturally you should have the world in your heart. As the mother of the world, I should naturally be by Your Majesty's side to assist you at all times."

Since Zhang returned from her parents' home, Liu Shan felt that she was different and more mature.

This made him somewhat restless, so he put his arm around Zhang's slender waist and said, "I've already said there are no outsiders here. Yun'er, what should you call me?"

"Husband..." Zhang said shyly in a low voice, her hands slipping under Liu Chan's armpits and pressing her body against his back.

The soft touch made Liu Chan feel a little dazed, but he was interrupted by a child's innocent voice.

"sister!"

A girl of about five or six years old burst in, followed by a pretty maid who looked flustered.

"Second Miss..."

When the maid saw the little girl rush in, she immediately knelt outside the threshold.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, this servant deserves to die..."

Second Miss?

Liu Shan looked at the two people and felt that they were unfamiliar, but the girl's expression was quite familiar. He rushed into Zhang's arms.

"Little sister, don't be rude," Zhang said sternly.

The girl's eyes immediately showed grievance, her lips curved downwards, and she seemed about to cry but had no tears.

"My lord, this is Yun'er's younger sister. She has inherited her father's temperament and is disobedient. This time when we returned home, Mother specifically asked Yun'er to bring her to the palace to be disciplined."

Liu Shan suddenly exclaimed "Oh!"

He was not surprised to learn the girl's identity, but because this little girl would succeed her deceased sister as his imperial concubine fifteen years later, and eventually become Empress Zhang.

"How did you treat the Second Miss? She has offended His Majesty. Can you afford to offend him?"

Suddenly, Zhang shouted at the maid kneeling outside the door.

The maid was trembling with fear, muttering things like "Have mercy."

Madam Zhang then explained, "Your Majesty, this is Yun'er's maidservant. She has always been shrewd and capable in her maiden home. I don't know why she is so disrespectful today. I hope Your Majesty will forgive her."

Liu Shan smiled and said, "Since she is your personal maid, she must be new to the palace and unfamiliar with the rules. Let Wang Gui teach her for a few days and she will be fine."

"Get up. What's your name?"

The maid rose shakily and replied softly, "Before His Majesty, how dare this servant introduce myself?"

Zhang said, "Her surname is Wang, and her original name was Feng. To avoid using the same character, her mother changed her name to Feng."

The character "凤" (Feng) carries connotations of the phoenix's nobility and also signifies the empress.

Since the Zhang family has produced a true empress, the servants in the household must avoid using the word "empress," hence the omission of a stroke.

"Wang Feng?"

After reading it, Liu Shan felt it was inappropriate.

"This sounds like a man's name, no good, let's change it!"

Zhang became instantly interested.

"Does Your Majesty wish to bestow a name upon Feng'er?"

Liu Shan thought for a moment and said, "Your voice was very pleasant when I heard you speak just now. How about changing it to 'Feng'?"

Feng has the meaning of describing beautiful music. Madam Zhang clapped her hands and said, "My husband is so talented. Feng'er, why don't you thank me?"

Wang Feng was just an ordinary maid, so to receive a name from the emperor was an immense favor to her, and she immediately knelt down to express her gratitude.

"Alright, get up. From now on, be more diligent in your work and take good care of Yun'er and... the Second Miss."

"yes!"

The second young lady of the Zhang family stared at Liu Chan with curiosity in her eyes.

"You're my brother-in-law?"

She had never met her brother-in-law before, but she knew from those around her that he was an extraordinary person.

"yes!"

Liu Shan stroked her head and said softly.

"I've heard from others that my brother-in-law is a very capable person who can grant any wish. Is that true?"

Miss Zhang blinked her innocent big eyes and asked.

"That's not wrong in a way... but..." Liu Shan didn't know how to answer for a moment.

As the emperor, he could easily obtain whatever he wanted.

But not everything can be obtained.

"I want my father back. I heard he went to a very, very far place. Brother-in-law, can you help me find him?"

Liu Shan was taken aback, a pang of sadness flashing through his heart.

Zhang immediately hugged her younger sister and comforted her, saying, "Father has gone to a very, very far place, but he is always watching over you, protecting you, and making sure you are not harmed."

"But if I encounter danger, how can Father protect me from so far away?"

"But if Father can protect me right away, why doesn't he come to see me? I really miss him."

Upon hearing this, Zhang was deeply saddened, tears welling up in her eyes, unsure how to offer comfort.

Liu Shan bent down and said softly, "Your father has many important things to do, but he has passed on his skills to your brother-in-law and your brother. When you are in danger, we will come out to protect you, just like your father protected you."

Miss Zhang's eyes instantly fell silent.

"I always hear my mother say that my father is a capable man who is destined for great things. Brother-in-law, you are also capable, so of course you will also be destined for great things. My brother is the same; I haven't seen him in a long time."

The little girl became more and more aggrieved as she spoke.

"You're all busy doing important things, you won't care about me."

After saying that, he ran off on his toes.

Wang Feng immediately followed.

"My lord, my sister is ignorant of manners, please don't take it to heart," Zhang said sadly.

Liu Shan also felt uneasy.

She lost her father at such a young age, and now her older brother is not by her side either.

"Your Zhang family has devoted themselves to the Han Dynasty. I will not only not mind, but I will also treat her like my own sister."

Ms. Zhang felt a little embarrassed after hearing this.

"My lord, Yun'er has a request that I may make."

"explain."

"If Yun'er is unable to conceive for a long time, may my husband take my younger sister into the harem once she grows up?"

Liu Shan was startled upon hearing this.

What?

To be added to the harem?

So small.

Is this considered a child bride?