Chapter 53: The Most Prestigious Family Under Heaven

The woman did not rise. She lifted her tear-stained face and said, “I dare not, Your Majesty. I know I have offended you gravely.” With that, she glanced at her husband, then lowered her head until it nearly touched her chest.

Hearing this, Liu Tan did not pursue the matter. “Li Shan,” he said, “however busy you are with state affairs, you must still care well for your household. Only when you govern your own family can you help ease the burdens of my great family, the empire. Today I have witnessed your wife’s sincerity, and you yourself are diligent in your service to the state. I will not punish either of you. However, from now on, I command you to favor your wife at least twice every seven days. Before the end of the year, strive to grant her a son or daughter. If you disobey, I will hold you guilty of defying an imperial decree!” As he finished, his gaze settled on the kneeling woman. “Lady Li,” he asked, “it is normal for men of stature to have multiple wives and concubines. Li Shan serves me faithfully, and one day he will surely be ennobled. I promise you this: no matter how many concubines he takes, as long as you uphold your virtue, I will guarantee your position. If Li Shan fails you, you may bring your grievance directly to me, and I shall see justice done. Does this satisfy you?”

“Truly?” the woman asked, her face lighting up with joy.

Liu Tan replied sternly, “I am the emperor—how could I ever speak in jest?”

“Your Majesty, allow me to pour you some tea!” In a blink, the woman was at his side, pouring him a cup before quickly returning to the center of the room. Kneeling once more, she said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for standing up for me. I shall henceforth uphold my virtue, ever mindful of your teachings, and I will urge my husband to serve you well.”

Turning to Li Shan, she added, “Husband, come quickly and give thanks!”

“Oh!” Li Shan seemed to awaken from a dream. He hurried to kneel beside his wife and bowed his head. “Your Majesty, for you to concern yourself with my household affairs as the Son of Heaven—truly you are as wise as Yao, Shun, Yu, or Tang! My gratitude knows no bounds. I pledge my life to your service!”

Liu Tan laughed and bade them rise. A helping hand indeed—such flattery, invoking the sages of old! Yet, despite how excessive the words sounded, their sincerity was clear.

After sharing lunch, Liu Tan took his leave of Li Shan and made his way to the day’s second visit: the Wang family, wealthy merchants of Chengdu and his own in-laws.

Compared to Li Shan’s humble residence, the Wang estate was vast and opulent. The grand entrance towered above, adorned with a large gilded plaque inscribed with “Wang Residence.”

Arriving at the gates, Liu Tan couldn’t help but touch his nose as he gazed at the golden characters. It was said that this plaque was a gift from Liu Bei himself. Back when Liu Bei entered Shu, the Wang family had presented him with a gold mine and two copper mines, which, rumor had it, still produced wealth to this day. The family had contributed greatly to Liu Bei’s cause, and otherwise, how would a Wang daughter have entered the palace? Truly, the Wang family was blessed with riches beyond compare.

Wealth brings its own distinctions: the Wang residence was guarded by household retainers, unlike the modest Li Shan, whose staff numbered fewer than ten and whose meals were simple yet delicious. Liu Tan felt his trust in Li Shan’s integrity had been well placed.

Dismounting, Liu Tan beckoned to the two young men guarding the gate.

“Hm?” They merely glared at him and ignored his presence entirely.

He’d been blatantly disregarded!

With a cold voice, he produced a token and tossed it to one of the guards. “You blind fools! Go immediately and announce that an honored guest has arrived!”

The young man caught the token and was about to retort when he recognized it. This was the very token the master had warned everyone about: whoever bore it must be treated with the utmost deference, even more so than the master himself.

In that instant, his companion began to bluster, “Who are you? How dare you cause trouble at the Wang residence? Do you know who lives here? Let me tell you—this is the home of... the present... mmph—!”

“My goodness!” The other guard, frightened out of his wits, leapt up and clamped his hand over his companion’s mouth. Turning to Liu Tan, he forced a smile. “Right this way, honored guest! Please, come in!”

Liu Tan nodded and strode inside, leaving his horse behind.

“Don’t say another word—we cannot afford to offend this man!” The guard whispered as Liu Tan entered. “Go and tend to the guest’s horse. Make sure not to show your face again today, and pray that he forgets you!”

“What’s the matter?” his companion asked.

The first guard shook his head, waving the token. “The master ordered us to show more respect to the bearer of this token than to himself. When will you learn to hold your tongue? Go look after the horse. Good luck—no, good luck to both of us! I’d best hurry and announce the guest, before something else goes wrong!”

Without another glance at his open-mouthed colleague, he chased after Liu Tan, holding the token high and calling out, “An honored guest has arrived! Inform the master and young master at once!”

He repeated this all the way through the residence, fearful that someone else might unwittingly offend the guest.

His shouts had the desired effect. Everyone they passed bowed a little deeper, their hearts filled with awe. All wondered: who could this man be?

Before the master himself appeared, Liu Tan advanced through the front courtyards and halls, waving his hand grandly.

Suddenly, a voice rang out in the crowd, “Heavens, it’s the Emperor! Everyone, kneel!” Instantly, all within sight of the Wang residence dropped to their knees in silent fear.

At the end of the corridor, Liu Tan spotted a portly figure clad in brocade, accompanied by four or five attendants. The man called out from afar, “Your Majesty has graced us with your presence! Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!” Hurrying forward, he knelt before Liu Tan. “Long live Your Majesty!”

Liu Tan smiled and bent to help the elder up. “Father-in-law, please rise!”

The portly gentleman was none other than Wang Wanzi, Liu Tan’s other father-in-law. Upon first learning his name, Liu Tan had marveled at how aptly it suited such a wealthy man—born to be rich, indeed!

Once Wang Wanzi was on his feet, he turned and barked orders, “Slaughter an ox! Prepare the feast! Tonight we must entertain His Majesty in style!”

As they made their way to the inner courtyard, Liu Tan whispered, “Father-in-law, I have come today to ask you a question.”

“Please, Your Majesty, ask anything you wish!” Wang Wanzi replied, his tone hearty despite his curiosity.

Liu Tan lowered his voice. “Would you like the Wang family to endure for generations, to become the wealthiest in all the realm—truly the unrivaled lords of fortune?”