In Changle Palace, Luo Jing and Luo Wuji took their seats on the mats after paying their respects. Empress Wei Zifu, Great General Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing, Marquis Champion, were all there.
Liu Che had the palace maids serve the two men wine, then asked with a smile, "Marquis of Dong'e, you haven't entered the palace for some time. Are you still in good health?
"You were a valued minister of the Late Emperor and are the pillar that steadies Great Han. I am deeply concerned for you."
Luo Jing clasped his hands and smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My health has been fairly good lately. I should still be able to serve Your Majesty's altars of state."
Liu Che turned to Luo Wuji. "The Marquis of Unshuang is a young hero. I am very fond of you."
After they exchanged pleasantries, Liu Che asked why the two had come. Luo Wuji drew a map from his robes, slowly unfurled it, and declared, "Your Majesty, I have come to present you with the Geomancy Map of the myriad kingdoms of the Western Regions."
"The Geomancy Map of the myriad kingdoms of the Western Regions?"
Confusion filled Liu Che's face. After all, the Western Regions were still shrouded in mist to the Han Dynasty. The Han Court knew only that other countries lay several thousand li west of Great Han, and that some countries defeated by the Xiongnu in years past had migrated west.
"Your Majesty!
"My father once led our family's Dare-to-Fight Warriors through Chang'an, out of Longxi, across the Hexi Corridor, and into the Western Regions. Five thousand li west of Chang'an lies a land of lush pastures and plentiful water, capable of sustaining several hundred thousand people."
Liu Che jolted at those words and