I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 12 The Ultimate Filial Son: Whoever Wants to Be It Can Be It

After seeing Chen Hu and Zheng Chuo off, Liu Shan continued to work at his desk.

A short while later, a palace maid came to report.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has arrived."

Liu Shan didn't look up, but simply waved his hand and said calmly, "Please go to the side hall quickly."

This Empress Dowager of Shu Han was not Liu Shan's biological mother, but rather Wu Xian, the younger sister of Wu Yi, whom Liu Bei took as his wife after pacifying Yizhou.

Because Liu Bei had lost several wives and concubines before, and Lady Sun was brought back to Eastern Wu by Sun Quan after Liu Bei entered Shu, Lady Wu held a noble status and was made empress after Liu Bei became emperor of the Han Dynasty.

After Liu Shan ascended the throne, her rank was also elevated, and she became Empress Dowager.

The relationship between Liu Shan and his "stepmother" was truly quite ordinary.

Liu Shan didn't know why she came here. Wouldn't it be better to stay quietly in the harem and enjoy her old age?

After putting down his pen, Liu Shan tidied his clothes and hurried to the side hall.

Inside the side hall, a noblewoman with an upright posture sat in the center.

Although the years have left their mark around her eyes, they still cannot conceal her extraordinary elegance and her clear and determined gaze.

That's what nobility is.

"Greetings to Mother."

Liu Shan bowed to the Empress Dowager, unlike the usual intimate gestures between a biological mother and son.

Empress Dowager Wu Xianyu gently flipped her hand, palm facing upward, and said, "Your Majesty, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise!"

After Liu Shan rose, he sat down beside Wu Xian and said, "Mother, why aren't you resting in Chang Le Palace? Is there something important you wish to tell me?"

"Your Majesty is the ruler of a country, and is burdened with state affairs, while I am merely a woman in the palace. How could I possibly trouble you with mundane matters?"

"Mother, you flatter me. I am not only the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, but also your son. I must be concerned with all matters of state, family, and the world."

A hint of surprise flashed in Empress Wu's eyes.

Although Liu Shan had studied the Zuo Zhuan (a commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals) with Yin Mo, the Crown Prince's servant, no one without a broad mind would have said such a thing.

The "son" in front of me has changed so much.

Since that's what she's said, Empress Wu didn't mince words and ordered a palace maid to bring her a bowl of hot, thick soup.

"I heard that His Majesty didn't eat much for dinner, so I personally made a bowl of chicken soup and brought it to His Majesty to help him recover."

"Your Majesty cares deeply for the people; you must not overwork yourself."

Liu Shan smelled a medicinal fragrance inside and thought that it must contain a mild tonic.

"This is a small matter; we can simply send someone to deliver it. There's no need for you to make the trip yourself."

Clearly, Empress Wu's trip was not simply to deliver a bowl of chicken soup.

Liu Shan took a sip; the chicken soup was delicious, and the medicinal herbs were flavorful, complementing each other perfectly.

After eating, Liu Shan felt warm and slightly sweaty, and his previous fatigue was completely gone.

"Thank you, Mother."

Empress Dowager Wu nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and there are many important matters awaiting your attention. But no matter how important these matters are, your health is of utmost importance. Before his death, the late Emperor entrusted Your Majesty to my care. If anything were to happen to you, how could I face him in the afterlife?"

Three-tenths of these words were out of concern for the country, three-tenths were out of responsibility for Liu Bei's dying wish, and the remaining four-tenths were out of concern for Liu Shan.

Although Empress Wu concealed her concern behind matters of state and responsibility, Liu Shan could hear it.

"I will take good care of myself, Mother, don't worry."

Empress Wu was not pleased upon hearing this; instead, she sighed softly.

"Is Your Majesty truly trying to reassure me, or are you deliberately trying to deceive me?"

Faced with Empress Wu's sudden complaint, Liu Shan felt somewhat guilty.

In his previous life, he was a robot who was so busy that he didn't know day or night.

In the office drawer, there are always stomach medicines and ointments for treating muscle aches.

How could someone like that possibly take good care of themselves?

"Why does Mother ask such a question?" Liu Shan chose to continue pretending.

Empress Wu sighed softly and said, "Before the late Emperor passed away, he left Prime Minister Zhuge Liang and Li Yan as regents to assist Your Majesty in governing the Shu region. Your Majesty's most important task at present is to ensure the continuation of the Han imperial family."

again!

Zhuge Liang had already urged them once before.

Why were people in ancient times so keen on having sons?

"Mother, I have just taken over the country and the nation. There are powerful enemies outside and traitors inside. I really can't spare any time."

"Nonsense!" Empress Wu frowned slightly and said angrily, "When the late emperor raised an army to restore the Han Dynasty, he experienced countless battles, large and small, over the course of more than thirty years, and was constantly on the move. I have never heard of him prioritizing national affairs or abandoning human ethics."

"If the late emperor had acquired Yizhou before marrying and having children, there would be no Your Majesty today."

Empress Wu's words left Liu Shan speechless, and he stammered for a long time without being able to utter a single word.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that since the Empress entered the palace as the Crown Princess, she has been living alone in the inner palace. Although she observed mourning for her father during this period, the mourning period has now ended, and she is now the mother of the nation. This matter cannot be delayed any longer."

"Does Your Majesty intend to wait until my death to see the continuation of my royal lineage?"

Liu Shan trembled upon hearing this.

This tone and way of speaking sound just like an old mother eager to have her grandchild during the Lunar New Year.

Perhaps due to the pressure of his status, Liu Shan was speechless in front of Empress Wu, his "mother," and could only bow and nod repeatedly.

"Since you know you've made a mistake, then go back to the inner palace and rest early. Don't stay up late studying in the study, busy with state affairs. There are so many capable ministers in the court; can't they share the burden for you?"

"The mother's reprimand is correct; the child should obey."

Seeing Liu Shan yield, Empress Wu finally softened the sharp edge in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, do you still remember what Prime Minister Zhuge and the officials said when the Crown Princess was chosen?"

"I remember that the Prime Minister said, 'The daughter of General Zhang Fei is very virtuous and is seventeen years old. She can be taken as the Crown Prince's wife.'"

Liu Shan said casually.

"It's good that Your Majesty remembers."

"The Empress's father was the late Emperor's most trusted sworn brother, and her mother was from the Xiahou clan. They came from a distinguished family and were of great help to Your Majesty."

"The Empress has been coming to pay her respects to me frequently lately, and from what I've observed, she is indeed virtuous and dignified. Although she doesn't say it outwardly, I can see the grievances she harbors."

"Both morally and logically, His Majesty cannot neglect her."

She comes to you and tries to manipulate you, saying I'm neglecting her. Is that what you call being virtuous?

"As the ancients said, one should cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world. Since Your Majesty is concerned with everything, including state affairs, family affairs, and world affairs, then you should first concern yourself with your own affairs before thinking about world affairs."

"Your Majesty's ancestor, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, had more than a hundred sons, bringing glory to the family."

"Although the late emperor's early life was full of ups and downs, he also established his family and descendants amidst the chaos of war."

"Your Majesty now holds Yizhou in your hands. If you do not act quickly, how will you face your ancestors of the Han Dynasty in the future?"

"I have said all I have to say. I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."

After saying this, Empress Dowager Wu left the side hall without looking back.

After Empress Dowager Wu left, Liu Shan suddenly stood up and punched and stamped his feet towards the side hall door.

I, the mighty Emperor of the Han Dynasty, was actually being lectured by this woman like she was disciplining her own son.

You really treat me like your own son.

Without offspring, how can I face my ancestors?

My father was already in his forties when I was born. How could he face his ancestors back then?

I'm only seventeen, and now I'm inferior to the late emperor in every way?

Our Liu family is notorious for abandoning wives and children. He went in and out of Changban Slope seven times to save my son, Liu Shan. No matter how my father tries to whitewash it, the historians will forget the fact that he angrily threw me to the ground.

I'm going to stay in my study now. Call me an unfilial son or daughter, say I've neglected the Empress, you can all open your eyes and wait for me to revive the Han Dynasty.

Don't let me have the position of the most filial son.

Let whoever wants to be it be it!