Chapter 21: Emperor Wu's Speculation

Liu Jin began to feel a bit insecure, and could not help but ask the old man, "Aren't you going to ask me why I'm borrowing money?"

"What if I don't pay it back?"

"What if I run away? What if I'm deceiving you?"

"You're willing to lend me such a large sum of money without asking anything at all? You really shouldn't be like this."

Emperor Wu of Han rolled his eyes at him and said with disdain, "You little brat, is it you who is borrowing money, or I? Even I, the creditor, haven't thought about these issues, so why are you mulling over so much?"

"It's only three hundred thousand coins. If you really are deceiving me, I'll just consider it a case of poor judgment and bad luck."

"However, I trust my intuition, and I have always been very accurate in judging people. I am certain you are not that kind of person."

To be honest, Liu Jin was somewhat touched. The time he had spent with the old man was not truly long; from their first meeting until now, it hadn't even been a full month.

The two had hit it off, but to throw away three hundred thousand coins after only a month was, in Liu Jin's view, impossible if he were in the other person's shoes.

He felt that the old man had great vision and courage; achieving such vast family wealth and assets was certainly no accident.

"Actually, it's not for me. A relative of mine has run into some trouble and needs a sum of money to fill a hole. I've already raised a portion, but there is still a gap of three hundred thousand. I really couldn't find anyone else to borrow from, which is why I thought of you, sir."

Emperor Wu of Han grinned and said, "I'm happy you thought of me, but why didn't you go to your grandfather?"

"Well, it's not something he can know about for the time being."

Emperor Wu narrowed his eyes. "Your relative caused trouble? Trouble that your grandfather cannot know about?"

Liu Jin looked at him in surprise, filled with admiration. "You are truly perceptive, sir. That is exactly it."

"Oh, very well, I won't ask you any more about it."

Liu Jin said, "In one year, I will definitely return double the amount. I will keep this favor in my heart. If you ever face any difficulties in the future, don't hesitate to come to me; I will do everything in my power to help you."

Emperor Wu of Han was silent for a moment.

"That is what I should be saying to you. Oh, I remember, haven't I said such things to you before? How about that? Do I keep my word or what?"

Liu Jin gave a thumbs up. "You are mighty and imposing, sir! Truly impressive beyond measure!"

The corners of Emperor Wu's mouth turned up, his face showing a hint of pride and satisfaction.

After lunch, Liu Jin still had matters to attend to. He waved goodbye to the old man, promising to return at noon the next day to collect the money, and then departed.

***

Watching Liu Jin's retreating figure, Emperor Wu of Han picked up his wine cup again, but the sip never reached his lips.

Did he know about Gongsun Jingsheng embezzling the Northern Army's military funds?

Did Gongsun Jingsheng tell him?

Emperor Wu shook his head slightly, dismissing the conjecture. He did not believe Gongsun Jingsheng would dare tell Liu Jin that he had embezzled millions in military funds.

Then, it could only be that Liu Jin had found out himself.

The hand holding the wine cup trembled slightly, spilling wine onto the ground. His expression was one of profound shock.

How could he have found out? He had only visited the office of the Grand Coachman once, and hadn't stayed for long. How could he have uncovered Gongsun Jingsheng's embezzlement of military funds?

Emperor Wu could not fathom it.

He had known about Gongsun Jingsheng's embezzlement for a long time, but he had never exposed it. He had been waiting—waiting for the right moment to strike at the Gongsun family, yet he had never been able to bring himself to take action against the Crown Prince's side.

"Strange, how did the little one find out?"

Aside from cleaning up Gongsun Jingsheng's mess, Emperor Wu could not imagine why Liu Jin would need so much money.

...

Changle Palace, Crown Prince's Residence.

When Liu Jin returned, he saw his father, the Crown Prince, in low spirits, drinking wine alone.

Liu Jin asked in confusion, "Father, what is wrong? You look unhappy. Did something go wrong at the morning court session?"

Liu Ju gulped down his wine before shaking his head. "Nothing in particular, but I requested that the Emperor waive half the taxes in Guanzhong for the next six months. After he gave me a speech full of empty, high-sounding words, he abruptly ended the session."

"At the end of the day, he still cannot bear to part with his money. The survival of the people does not matter; he must have those tax revenues collected into the national treasury!"

Listening to his father's complaints, Liu Jin's blurred perception of Emperor Wu became a little clearer. He couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. Future generations praised Emperor Wu as such a great figure, but in Liu Jin's eyes, he was nothing more than a ruthless, cold, and extremely selfish monarch!

Compared to Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, he was far inferior!

Building a martial nation was impressive, but when such serious problems arose within the country, he refused to listen to anyone's advice. To be so stubborn and self-willed—how could anyone truly feel affection for him?!

"Father, do not dwell on it too much. You have fulfilled all your responsibilities and duties."

Liu Ju waved his hand, clearly feeling unsettled and needing some space. Liu Jin understood and was about to leave quietly when he suddenly remembered something. He said to Liu Ju, "By the way, Father, I have borrowed three hundred thousand coins from an old man named Qiu."

***

Liu Ju was stunned. "This... you have only known that old gentleman for a month, and he is willing to lend you three hundred thousand coins?"

"Could it be that he already knows your identity and intends to use this favor to make you do something improper or overstepping?"

Liu Jin was silent.

"Father, do not overthink it. He does not know I am the Imperial Grandson."

Liu Ju said, "I will accompany you to visit him tomorrow."

Liu Jin replied, "That sounds good!"

...

As the night deepened, Weiyang Palace, Xuan-shi Hall.

Emperor Wu had yet to finish processing the memorials; a mountain of bamboo scrolls was piled high on his desk.

He sat quietly under the lamplight, unrolling the bamboo scrolls and reading them one by one.

When he reached a document from the General of the Imperial Guards, he paused. "Summon the General of the Imperial Guards."

"At once!"

After the General arrived at the hall, Emperor Wu stared at him curiously. "The weapons for the troops in the three commanderies—have the local armories finished them? Why is it so fast? According to the projections, it should have taken at least another ten days. Why the early delivery?"

He was worried about the quality of the weapons; these were for his men to use on the battlefield, and even a slight flaw could be fatal. That was why Emperor Wu was so cautious.

The General bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have personally inspected the weapons. There are no issues with those sent from the various ironworks. As for why it was early, it is likely the craftsmen worked overtime."

Emperor Wu shook his head and waved his hand. "Investigate it thoroughly and report back to me tomorrow morning."

Ironworks... a look of suspicion crossed Emperor Wu's face. According to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, that little one had been frequenting the Chang'an ironworks recently. Could it have something to do with him?

He gave a self-deprecating laugh, thinking to himself that he had been spending too much time with the boy lately, and now he felt the lad was capable of the most unpredictable things, leading him to associate everything with Liu Jin. That was perhaps a bit of an exaggeration.