As Liu Jin's personally designated successor, Liu Dan encountered no disturbances. He received the congratulations of the assembled ministers at Changle Palace and ascended the imperial throne.
Inside Changle Palace.
Liu Dan excitedly touched this and that, an immense, delightful surprise filling his entire being. "Grand Preceptor, I, the Lonely One-no, We-what should We do now?"
The Grand Preceptor gently stroked his beard. "Your Majesty, the Late Emperor bestowed the position of Son of Heaven upon you. Now you must establish the authority of the Son of Heaven. To establish your prestige, you must win over some of the court ministers and the hearts of the people throughout the realm, then achieve something of merit."
Hearing this, Liu Dan paced in circles, then clapped his hands. "The greatest event of Imperial Elder Brother's lifetime was the defeat in the Southern Kingdom. He even died of melancholy because of it.
"As his brother, failing to avenge Imperial Elder Brother would violate the principles of filial piety and brotherly duty.
"The court is said to be arguing fiercely, and many wish to renew the war. Surely, going against people's wishes cannot last.
"If We can defeat the Southwestern Yi, We will avenge Imperial Elder Brother, gain ample prestige, and follow the wishes currently prevailing at court.
"Grand Preceptor, We believe this is what We should do."
The Grand Preceptor smiled faintly. "Your Majesty is right. That is precisely what you should do. Summon the ministers to the palace and announce this news to them."
War was a continuation of politics, a means of achieving political ends. Given the Great Han's present circumstances, this war was sorely needed. Whether it ended in victory or defeat, so long as that pent-up frustration was released, the dispute embroiling the entire court would at least come