Vol 2 Chapter 14 (1/2)

Volume 2 Chapter 14: Don’t tell me this is Xuchang

It took about a week of galloping before we got to Xuchang. Just as we had settled in at the inn, Meng De told me to go to the palace with her.

That’s right, the palace.

“Wa~ This really is impressive huh~”

On the way to see the Emperor Xian of Han, I was mesmerised by the sight of buildings made out of red bricks and grey tiles that were characteristic of ancient Chinese architecture.

(TL: Whatever there was in Xu state city was not concrete, but rather more ‘normal’ / traditional buildings that wouldn’t be too out of place in say a tier 2 or 3 city in China or even some Chinatown somewhere, and its the palace after all.)

I’d thought that I could only see such things in Zhuo state or Hengdian World Studios, but nothing beats the awe you get from seeing the real thing.

(TL: Hengdian World Studios is an actual place, it’s the biggest movie studio in the world.)

“Actually, the palace in Luoyang was 100 times more impressive than this before it burnt down.” Meng De said with a helpless smile. “This was something that was built in a rush after all. Honestly speaking, a comstruct like this isn’t fit for the Emperor.”

“Ah…”

Though it feels like she is bragging, just from the size of the burnt wreckage, I could tell she was telling the truth.

There shouldn’t be a Forbidden City in this era right. Speaking of which, if I let Meng De see what the Forbidden City from the future looks like, would she be as shocked as I am now?

(TL: Make her your empress and build her one!)

“We’re here.” Meng De said while we were still a few hundred meters away from the main hall.

We’re here already? Isn’t it still too early?

I looked at Meng De and saw her hand her sword over and say some words to the guard nearby in a soft voice before the guard ran over to the main hall.

(TL: Meng De’s weapon is like Liu Bei’s, a double edged sword. Compare with Yun Chang single edged Chinese broadsword.)

Oh, this I know. Looks like they are going to announce us in a while… No good, this is the first time I’m taking part in such a big occasion.

I tidied up my clothing and did the best I could to calm myself down.

“Xuan De, you look far too nervous.”

“Is, is that so?”

I lost all confidence in my mental fort.i.tude on hearing Meng De say so.

— Imperial Chancellor Cao and Governor of Yu state Liu Bei, enter the hall~~~~

(TL: Liu Bei’s full name has to be said because the royal family name is also Liu. The first Emperor of the Han dynasty is Liu Bang.)

(TL: I’m not good at translating these cultural things very well. I do my best, but try to have the image in your head of how the eunuchs or guards would announce the name and t.i.tle of the person seeking an audience and would call them to enter.)

A clear voice rang out from within the main hall. After Meng De heard it, she went ahead in the direction of the main hall and I followed.

Speaking of which–

“Meng De, though I am grateful for the appointment of Governor of Yu state~” I said, pausing as I was hesitant to continue, “But now that I’m the Governor of Yu state, what should I do? Should I go to Yu state?”

“No, you don’t need to do anything.”

“Eh?”

“Un, I gave you this position for the sole purpose of letting you settle in Xuchang.” Meng De patted my back as she slowed down her pace, “So no pressure at all. It’s just a t.i.tle. I have someone taking care of Yu state already.”

(TL: This is a true gigolo life right there. It’s like having a CEO / Chairwoman wife who appoints you as director of the board.)

Ah, since it’s just a t.i.tle, then I won’t say anything more.

While I do feel weird not having any actual power, it saves me quite a bit of trouble so that’s good.

“Ah, additionally,” Meng De seemed to have just thought of something and whispered in my ear, “Later when we go in and see the Emperor Xian of Han, do what I tell you to.”

Eh?

I didn’t get what she meant but followed her anyway, and was shocked when I entered the main hall.

There were more than a hundred over officials in a seiza position in the main hall. Though their clothing had differences here and there, it was not much. There were many people around but it unusually quiet, so quiet that I could even hear my own heartbeat.

(TL: I’m using seiza because kneeling isn’t quite right nor is sitting and everyone knows what seiza is.)

I followed behind Meng De who walked ahead toward the Son of Heaven, and used my peripheral vision to see the officials in a seiza on either side. For some reason, they all seemed like they were suppressing their fear and it felt like they were enduring some sort of pressure.

I want to ask why, but at the same time I didn’t dare to.

“…” Meng De who was ahead of me suddenly came to a stop and knelt down. Seeing that, I too hurriedly knelt down the same way. After I had knelt, Meng De said, “Greetings your majesty~”

— First of all, do not raise your head and look at the Son of Heaven. Only when the Son of Heaven has allowed it then you may do so.

This was what the most important thing Meng De told me before we stepped in.

“Ah, you’re already Imperial Chancellor Cao right. In any case, good work on conquering Xu state. Ari, ri– Achoo! Ah~ *s.h.i.+ku*~”

Wu… What a disgusting sound from sucking in mucus.

“Come, give me some straw paper… *Xing*~” He blew his nose, “Ah, much better… Ah yes, right, arise arise.”

What seemed like the voice of a little boy came from the throne… Ah, don’t tell me this little boy that doesn’t care about his surroundings is Emperor Xian of Han.

“Let me introduce you, this is the distinguished man I found during my Xu state campaign–”

(Xuan De, introduce yourself, quick.) Meng De whispered.

(Ah, oh.)

“Your servant before you is Liu Bei Liu Xuan De, Governor of Yu state. I have benefited from the kindness of your majesty and have specially come to pay my respects.”

“Liu! Isn’t that the same family name as me?” The little boy– Ah, no, Emperor Xian of Han excitedly said.

*Dong* *Dong* *Dong* *Dong* The sound of running footsteps could be heard drawing close. Seems like Emperor Xian of Han has come over.

“Raise your head and let me see…” Emperor Xian of Han said words that seemed more like he was choosing a concubine to me, and I slowly raised my head.

However, what greeted me was not the majesty I imagined a monarch should have.

Isn’t he just a snotty little brat?

And he still has a childish lisp so he’s probably only 4 or 5 years old…

And Emperor, you still have snot hanging down– Ah he used his tongue to lick it off.

“Aiya, Emperor please don’t run off your throne just like that!” A eunuch exclaimed as he ran over.

“You’re too noisy you stupid eunuch.” I didn’t think that the Emperor Xian of Han would throw a rebellious fit, “Don’t just stand there you stupid eunuch. Go and check the family tree and see what relation this Liu Bei Liu Xuan De has with me.”

“But… Th, the Imperial Court is still in session, we should–”

“What are you still doing standing there? Go get it!”

For some reason, the eunuch was terribly unwilling but had no choice and went to the back to get the family tree.

“Emperor why aren’t you wearing your shoes, you will catch a cold.” Meng De said in a light tone. “Please return to your divine throne.”

(Xuan De!)

“Ah, ah, I… Your servant is of the same opinion.” I said something along the lines of what Meng De said and quickly bowed.

— We beseech the Emperor to take care of his health!!!

As I said so, I could hear all officials in the hall get down on their knees.

“Though I don’t think it’s a big deal… Hai, fine. I’ll return to my throne.”