The sixth year of Emperor Gaozu's reign.
Chang'an City.
Chang'an was built magnificently. According to Prime Minister Xiao He, who oversaw its construction, this was to reflect the grandeur and might of the Han Dynasty.
No one raised any objections to this.
Not even the Qian Shou.
Because, compared to their previous lives, their current lives were far too smooth. Those who had been enslaved due to the wars were released and returned home, regaining their freedom.
Of course, many bondservants voluntarily remained with their masters, as they might not have had a way to survive if they returned. Since they now had a path to survival, why wouldn't they take it?
People who had been wearily traveling amidst the chaos of war finally began to live a somewhat stable life.
The powerful and influential in Chang'an City were also living in the same way.
Guandu Marquis Residence.
Guandu Marquis Chen Cheng sat in his residence, his expression joyful. In the center of the hall, several beautiful women were performing a dance that was delightful to behold.
He himself was leaning his head back, reclining in the arms of one woman.
Several other women were massaging his legs, while another was feeding him fruit pastries.
Such enjoyment.
Chen Cheng was almost casually half-closing his eyes, completely immersed in this comfortable environment.
It had been six years since the founding of the Han Dynasty, and his life during these six years had been quite comfortable. Apart from returning to the future once or twice to check on its situation, he had spent most of his time here enjoying himself.
"Thump, thump, thump—"
A hurried sound of footsteps echoed, and a young man entered, his face filled with a nervous expression.
He lowered his head and waved his hand, dismissing all the women. Only then did he raise his head and look at Chen Cheng: "Father, news has come from the palace, saying there's an urgent matter and you need to go there immediately."
An urgent matter?
Chen Cheng was stunned. At this time, what urgent matter could possibly require him?
"News from the palace? Who sent it? The Empress? Or someone else?"
After the founding of the nation, Liu Bang still appointed Lü Zhi as Empress, but this time, Lü Zhi did not possess many powers she originally should not have had.
In the original historical trajectory, because Lü Zhi was the first Empress—the First Emperor had never established an Empress—everyone was actually unclear about the powers and functions an Empress should have. Therefore, the Empress was almost barbarically given many powers that only an Emperor possessed.
This was also one of the reasons why Lü Zhi's power was so great, even to the extent that she could decide the succession of the Crown Prince.
However, because Chen Cheng was present, during the discussions, Chen Cheng proposed a series of rules that sounded very correct. Therefore, although the Empress's power was still very great, it was restricted within a certain scope.
At this moment… for the Empress to suddenly seek him out made Chen Cheng somewhat apprehensive.
After all, in history, the Military Immortal Han Xin was also summoned to Weiyang Palace by the Empress in this manner, and then killed by Lü Zhi, who had become the Empress Dowager at the time, and Xiao He, who had become the Prime Minister.
Could it be…
Before Chen Cheng could think further, he heard Chen Lang's voice: "Father, it's news from the Empress Dowager and the Prime Minister, saying that… His Majesty led his soldiers to Baiden a few days ago to resist the Xiongnu, but was ultimately trapped in Baiden by the Xiongnu. Now…"
Chen Lang sighed deeply, inwardly complaining about the Emperor's unreliability, yet his expression remained calm: "Now, the Empress, the Prime Minister, and all the Feudal Princes have all gone to Weiyang Palace."
Although he did not know what Chen Cheng was thinking, his words dispelled Chen Cheng's concerns.
However… although his concerns were dispelled, Chen Cheng felt more speechless.
Liu Bang being besieged in Baiden, this event indeed occurred in history, and it was indeed in this year, and he was indeed besieged by the Xiongnu.
However, Chen Cheng truly did not expect that even though the current Han Dynasty was different from the Han Dynasty in the original historical trajectory, this event could still happen.
How many times had Liu Bang been besieged now?
Although Chen Cheng was sighing with his hand on his forehead, his movements were not slow. He tidied his clothes and adjusted his attire, then quickly walked forward, saying as he went: "Are the carriages and horses ready?"
Chen Lang followed behind Chen Cheng, saying as he walked: "They are already ready."
Chen Cheng nodded slightly, looked deeply at Chen Lang, and said: "After I go to the imperial palace this time, I will likely have to immediately lead troops to rescue His Majesty from danger."
"Only you will be left at home. You must keep the household's affairs, big and small, in mind."
"Remember, firmly remember what I have told you."
Chen Lang's face was handsome and clear, with a solemn expression in his brows: "Father, please rest assured. Your son will keep your teachings firmly in mind."
"Act cautiously and think thrice."
"Do not get involved in the struggles of the various Imperial Princes in the capital, do not get involved in the factional disputes between the Empress and the Prime Minister. On the imperial court, maintain a low profile and humility. Restrain the children of the household and clan, and do not let them oppress the common people or bully others by relying on their power."
Only then did Chen Cheng relax, and then he said with a smile: "Then I shall go!"
Saying this, he got into the carriage, and the carriage slowly sped towards the imperial palace.
Chen Cheng sat in the carriage, pondering this matter, and he had many thoughts.
Although the Han Dynasty had been established for six years, Liu Bang, under the pretext of the Xiongnu and various other matters, had not yet extensively enfeoffed the Feudal Princes. And these "Marquises" of theirs were still staying in the capital of the Han Dynasty.
Most of the Marquises even had their families and clansmen still in the capital.
They would have to wait until Liu Bang had thoroughly carried out the enfeoffment before they would return to their respective fiefdoms, and at that time, these meritorious officials and ministers would also have to remain in the capital.
By then, he would not be able to keep all these people under his direct supervision.
At that time, the person responsible for the entire Chen family would definitely be Chen Lang, the eldest legitimate son—if this eldest legitimate son could not bear the responsibility, then it would be more difficult to develop the "Chen Clan" into a thousand-year aristocratic family.
This time was indeed a relatively good opportunity.
His going to rescue Liu Bang, who was besieged in Baiden, could also serve to test Chen Lang's ability. If Chen Lang's ability was insufficient… he would have to quickly think of other solutions.
Either make it impossible for Chen Lang to inherit the position of family head and the peerage, or make Chen Lang voluntarily give it up.
These were all troubles.
"Alas—"
Chen Cheng sighed deeply. It was not easy to develop a thousand-year aristocratic family!
.... ....
In Weiyang Palace.
At this time, many of the Han Dynasty's powerful and influential figures were gathered here, and their purpose was only one.
Send troops to Baiden to rescue Liu Bang!
Lü Zhi looked around, then spoke first to the people sitting there: "Everyone, given the current situation, what should we do?"