Chapter 59: Ulterior Motives

"...The front and rear arches secure the rider's posture. We may call this the high-arched saddle. Compared to the soft saddles of the Qin Dynasty, it provides much more stable support, allowing the rider to hover above the horse and maintain stability while also freeing both hands."

"...The stirrups, when used in conjunction with the saddle, greatly reduce jolting and lateral slipping during a cavalry charge."

"...Horseshoes reduce hoof wear and extend the battlefield lifespan of warhorses."

When Liu Jin finished speaking, the Xuanshi Hall fell into absolute silence.

Although Emperor Wu of Han was already aware of the existence of stirrups, hearing about the remaining two equestrian inventions left him overwhelmed with excitement.

Shangguan Jie sat stunned for a long time before clapping his hands in admiration: "Your Majesty, these three items can be equipped for the cavalry! Truly magnificent military innovations!"

Naturally, Shangguan Jie knew of Emperor Wu's obsession with warfare. If these three pieces of horse equipment could be issued to the cavalry, they would vastly amplify the charging power of the Han cavalry!

No wonder Sang Hongyang had mentioned that His Majesty held the Imperial Grandson in such high esteem. With talent like this, how could His Majesty not value him?

Liu Jin cupped his hands and said, "Imperial Grandfather, these are merely my preliminary concepts. There is a batch of warhorses at the Crown Prince's Palace, and I wish to request funds from you so I can first forge a few sets to test their efficacy. If they prove viable, may I then ask the少府 (Minor Treasurer's Office) to manufacture and distribute them throughout the entire army?"

Shangguan Jie hurriedly interjected, "Why should Your Highness the Imperial Grandson go outside to have the equipment forged? The Minor Treasurer's Office can offer its full cooperation."

Emperor Wu glanced up at Shangguan Jie, who instantly bowed in apology: "Your subject was presumptuous."

Liu Jin replied, "Once I have confirmed they are entirely flawless, I shall enlist the aid of the Minor Treasurer's Office. Since the Minor Treasurer already has numerous engineering duties to attend to, I must avoid creating unnecessary trouble."

Emperor Wu looked thoughtful and said, "I shall grant you ten thousand coins."

"Thank you, Imperial Grandfather. Your grandson takes his leave."

Liu Jin bowed and backed out of the Xuanshi Hall.

His heart beat faster and faster, yet he maintained a calm expression on his face.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince's Palace, he caught sight of Zhang Feng, the captain of the guards on patrol duty. After a moment of thought, Liu Jin deliberately walked up and bumped into him.

Immediately, he feigned displeasure and rebuked, "Are you blind?"

"Report for guard duty at the palace gates tonight!"

Captain of the guards Zhang Feng was terrified, offering repeated apologies.

...

In the afternoon, Liu Jin left the Crown Prince's Palace and headed to Hengmen Street, where he had several saddles and stirrups forged. He then arranged to bring two blacksmiths back into the palace to manufacture horseshoes.

Of course, he could easily have entrusted these tasks to his servants.

Yet he chose to handle everything personally.

The stirrups and high-arched saddles were completed swiftly, but Liu Jin did not return to the palace immediately. He waited for a long time, even stepping out for a while, and by the time he returned, the lanterns had already been lit.

Only then did Liu Jin lead the two blacksmiths toward the Changle Palace.

As the sky grew dark, the lanterns of the Changle Palace were fully illuminated.

...

The chief guard on duty recognized Imperial Grandson Liu Jin and allowed him to enter the palace without inspection.

The paths of the Changle Palace were brightly lit by lanterns, creating a serene and quiet atmosphere.

Just as they were nearing the Crown Prince's Palace, disaster struck abruptly!

Clang!

From behind, the two blacksmiths drew daggers from their bundles and rapidly closed in on Liu Jin from the rear.

Fortunately, Liu Jin reacted with lightning speed and shouted sharply, "What are you doing?"

Realizing their plot was exposed, the two blacksmiths abandoned their original plan and lunged swiftly toward Liu Jin, intending to take him hostage.

Zhang Feng, who was on guard duty at the gates of the Crown Prince's Palace, heard the commotion outside and turned pale with shock, raising his voice to command, "Follow me!"

The servants trailing behind Liu Jin had already sensed that something was amiss and hurriedly stepped in front of him to block the attackers.

"Someone help! An assassination!" the servants cried out, escorting Liu Jin away at a run.

By this time, Zhang Feng, the captain of the guards, had already arrived with his men at the earliest possible moment.

"Audacious scoundrels! How insolent!"

Drawing his bow and loosing an arrow with crisp, decisive efficiency, Zhang Feng instantly sent the two assassin-blacksmiths tumbling into pools of blood.

"Jin'er! Jin'er!"

Hearing the commotion, Liu Ju and Lady Shi rushed out from the Crown Prince's Palace, calling out anxiously, "Are you alright?"

The chief guard responsible for the security of the entire Changle Palace also arrived with his men immediately. By now, cold sweat covered his forehead, and a chill racked his entire body.

For assassins to infiltrate the Changle Palace and attempt to murder the Imperial Grandson—as the chief guard, he was derelict in his duty and guilty of gross negligence. Given Emperor Wu's temper, his life was undoubtedly forfeit!

Fortunately, the Imperial Grandson remained unharmed; otherwise, the consequences would go far beyond the loss of his own life, likely implicating his entire clan. This was the greatest stroke of misfortune within a fortune.

...

Weiyang Palace.

Deep in the night, Emperor Wu was just preparing to lie down.

The inner eunuch Su Wen approached cautiously and whispered softly, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Imperial Grandson returned late and was targeted by assassins within the Changle Palace."

Emperor Wu bolted upright from the bed, his expression dark and gloomy as he demanded, "Is he injured?"

Su Wen replied, "Responding to Your Majesty, fortunately, the captain of the guards from the Crown Prince's Palace arrived in time. The Imperial Grandson was not harmed, and both assassins were shot and killed on the spot."

"What on earth is the chief guard of the Changle Palace doing?"

"Transmit my decree..."

...

"陛下，皇孙求见。" Emperor Wu had not finished speaking when Liu Jin requested an audience outside the Xuanshi Hall.

"Let him enter." Emperor Wu stood behind the screen in the grand hall and raised his voice.

"Imperial Grandfather, today I flaunted my wealth outside and brought trouble upon myself. When entering the palace, I also dismissed the guards who attempted to inspect me. This is entirely my fault; I beg Imperial Grandfather not to direct your anger toward others."

Emperor Wu felt a surge of displeasure. Why was this foolish boy still so soft-hearted?!

"Do not forge horse equipment outside anymore. Go to the Minor Treasurer's Office in the future," Emperor Wu commanded.

"Return to your quarters."

"Nuo."

This was the absolute most Liu Jin could do. Unsure whether his Imperial Grandfather would spare the chief guard of the Changle Palace, a heavy sense of guilt and unease gnawed at his heart.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Emperor Wu paced back and forth slowly inside the Xuanshi Hall.

"Who was the guard that saved the Imperial Grandson today?"

"Answering Your Majesty, it was Zhang Feng, captain of the guards at the Crown Prince's Palace."

Emperor Wu pondered for a moment before declaring, "Strip the chief guard of the Changle Palace of his rank, and appoint this man in his place as the chief guard of the Changle Palace!"

In the Han Dynasty, military merits and punishments were strictly defined. Those who performed meritorious service were promoted—this was the very reason Han soldiers maintained their fierce fighting spirit.

Since the captain of the guards of the Crown Prince's Palace had achieved a feat, Emperor Wu would naturally reward him with a promotion.

Had Liu Jin not interceded, he undoubtedly would have executed the chief guard of the Changle Palace, along with every single guard on duty in the palace that day!

"As for all the Changle Palace soldiers on guard duty today, flog every one of them with the cane. Tell them that if not for the Imperial Grandson pleading on their behalf, I would have shown no mercy!"

Su Wen was momentarily startled, then hastily replied, "As you command!"

Emperor Wu rubbed his brow, his expression shifting unpredictably. He suddenly felt that Liu Jin, much like his father, still harbored a core of benevolence. To possess such a tender heart even toward household slaves and guards—what emperor had ever acted thus?

Should his assessment of the boy come to an end? Perhaps he was not quite suited for the throne after all?

Emperor Wu paced back and forth across the grand hall for a long time, deep in contemplation, before finally shouting aloud, "Someone, help me change my attire!"

A short while later, he was clad in a dragon robe embroidered with gold thread against a backdrop of black and yellow.

"Do you not wish to see me? Then I shall go see you."

Emperor Wu called out, "To the Crown Prince's Palace!"

The moment he stepped out of the grand hall, Emperor Wu recalled various past events beyond the capital and hesitated for a brief moment, but ultimately stepped resolutely out into the night!