The Han Dynasty's Female Vassal King

In the third year of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, the court established border markets where Han and Xiongnu could trade and interact.

The Xiongnu were fierce, and every so often they would raid the border.

Although the "border market" had been established, business was slow at first, and all the merchants were waiting to see how things would go.

At some point, a woman named Yao arrived at the border, saying disaster had struck her hometown and she had no choice but to make a living there.

Yao had a pair of clever hands. Her rice balls, steamed buns, and baked flatbreads were delicious and easy to carry, while the tea she roasted brewed into a fragrant drink that cut through rich food.

The Han people at the border came to buy food from her, and even the Xiongnu dropped by to patronize her business from time to time.

Gradually, Yao's business grew and grew, and the Xiongnu royal court began purchasing large quantities of tea from her every year.

This prominent merchant had finally caught the attention of the imperial court.

An official sent to investigate took a close look at Yao, then at the missing-person notice in his hand.

Isn't this the missing Lady Liu Yao?

Liu Yao's father was Liu Wu, the Prince of Chu, who became a criminal after taking part in the Rebellion of the Seven States. Liu Yao alone had strongly opposed her father's rebellion, and with Emperor Jing's special permission, she was allowed to retain her title as a princess.

Emperor Jing wanted to bring his distant niece to Chang'an, keep her well cared for as a figurehead, and, if necessary, send her to the Xiongnu in a political marriage.

But by the time the court's people arrived, Liu Yao had already vanished without a trace.

Several years later, this princess had built a thriving business and even become an honored guest of the Xiongnu royal court.

Later, Emperor Jing placed the bewildered little Liu Che in Liu Yao's arms and told him, "From now on, A Yao is your own elder sister."

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