“Can’t strategists ascend the throne?”
At the end of the Zhongping era, tension thickened the air in Luoyang as we reach Chapter 118: The Death of Liu Hong.
…Budugen silently sized up Dian Wei and Zhao Yun.
Qiao Yan’s unexpected arrival threw him completely off guard, and even her polite demeanor couldn’t offer him any sense of security.
Compared to Lü Bu, Zhao Yun seemed like a mere junior officer, appearing much more refined and composed, while Dian Wei looked like a tough, brutish warrior.
Just the weight of the weapon he held suggested he was no ordinary general.
But Budugen wasn’t about to underestimate Zhao Yun either.
That Qiao Yan compared him to the last raider of their camp showed he was more than just an average soldier under the prefect of Bingzhou.
He quickly responded, “There’s no need for a contest. If Qiao Bingzhou wanted to defeat us, it would be as easy as pie; let’s discuss the trade instead.”
Being a sharp-witted Xianbei leader, Budugen hurried over to the boxes.
What appeared mediocre from a distance turned out to be suspicious up close.
He picked up a piece of coal from one box and turned to question, “If I’m not mistaken, did you just say ‘defective coal’?”
If that was defective, then what were they using?
As a reminder, during fuel shortages, these Xianbei folks relied on cow dung as their heating source!
Qiao Yan seemed oblivious to Budugen’s skeptical expression and replied calmly, “Bingzhou’s Yanmen region has just discovered a coal mine, and we’re currently mining it.”
She wasn’t worried that Budugen would attack Yanmen if he knew about it.
Having been attacked twice at his own stronghold, he wouldn’t be that foolish.
The defenses of Yanmen would keep him at bay.
Seemingly casually, she added, “If we had more manpower, we could exploit this coal resource further, but perhaps by next year, the quality of the ‘defective’ coal will improve as well.”
“So, think we can make this trade?”
Qiao Yan’s question snapped Budugen out of a daydream sparked by her mentioning “manpower shortage.” He composed himself and quickly replied, “Absolutely! How could we not?”
As long as they could get through winter safely on the prairie, maintain their numbers, and ensure his dominance over rival tribes, Qiao Yan could drop by his tent whenever she wished!
Of course, Qiao Yan wasn’t that bored.
She simply wanted to plant a seed of possibility in Budugen’s mind and later nurture it at the right moment.
Moreover, she took this northern trip to gather more war horses for Bingzhou.
After all, her upcoming opponent was Dong Zhuo from Liangzhou!
He certainly wasn’t short of cavalry!
While Qiao Yan and Budugen negotiated trade and advance tribute, the former general from Xiliang, at Li Ru’s suggestion, made another day’s march towards Luoyang.
This wasn’t initiated by He Jin; in fact, he had sent Jian Shuo to warn them about their troops getting too close.
However, Li Ru believed this was a prime positioning for Dong Zhuo to advance at any moment.
As discussions were frozen around Dong Zhuo’s troops, the date quickly rolled to—
April 11 of the sixth year of Zhongping.
It seemed like just another ordinary day amidst the growing tension in Luoyang.
But when the ailing emperor suddenly seemed a bit calmer, everyone around him knew that this day had arrived.
He had reached the end of his days.
Liu Hong was assisted to the window of the Jiade Hall by servants, finding a place to rest against, gazing out at some spring flowers blooming in the courtyard.
It took him a while to finally ask, “Has Liu Youzhou set off yet?”
Seven days prior, a swift-horse messenger reached the residence of Governor Yang Xu in Nanyang, announcing Liu Hong’s appointment to Grand Commandant. He was ushered inside while taking a good look at the poor state of the place.
This showcased his lack of funds; he hadn’t collected bribes from anyone in his district nor managed to save a penny.
The implication was clear: he had no extra money for the Grand Commandant position, nor for bribes to grease the messenger’s palms.
The news of Liu Hong’s terminal illness hadn’t caused much commotion; the messenger returned to the capital with the imperial decree as if it were business as usual.
In other times, Liu Hong might have been angry, but he just murmured, “It’s fate,” and issued a new decree—
To appoint Liu Yu as the new Grand Commandant, keeping his Governor role intact, ordering him to return to court for a few days before heading back to stabilize Youzhou.
The Yuyang Rebellion was calmed, and Liu Yu’s temporary absence wouldn’t disrupt the bigger picture; he would undoubtedly act as a support force for the imperial family.
Meanwhile, Yang Xu, who declined the Grand Commandant position, was reassigned to Taichangqing, exempt from the initiation costs.
Yet a surprising message reached the capital yesterday: before he could even set off for his new role, Yang Xu had passed away in Nanyang.
Zhang Rang hesitated a long time before informing Liu Hong.
This was the death of a high-ranking official, one that couldn’t be kept from the emperor.
So as Liu Hong faced yet another rough turn on the throne, receiving such news soon after further collapsed his spirit.
After regaining some composure, he issued orders praising Yang Xu’s virtues and allocating funds from Taishan County for the Yang clan of Taishan.
Then came today’s inquiry.
Zhao Zhong, who stood nearby, wanted to say that perhaps the emperor was mistaken; the appointment letter wouldn’t arrive in Youzhou for a while, and it would take time for Liu Yu to transition into the role. If he were to leave now, it would be at least ten days later—how could he be on the road already?
But he could see in Liu Hong’s eyes a startling clarity; this was not the state of someone confused.
When he gazed at the blooming flower, there was a distinct glimmer of hope.
He wasn’t asking whether Liu Yu was on the journey, but rather if his chosen minister could handle this responsibility successfully.
Zhao Zhong choked out, “Your Majesty, rest assured, he has already set off.”
Liu Hong’s fingers twitched, and he fell silent for a long while.
When Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang could hardly dare to test his breathing, he finally spoke again softly, “I have risen from the Duke of Gudu Pavilion to this position overseeing the state, now for twenty-one years. In these years, the Han has faced countless uprisings, locust plagues, and severe famines. After I’m gone, how will the people judge me?”
Fighting against the Grand General Liang Ji, he seized control from Grand General Dou Wu, and due to the cooperation and tension between the royal family and the nobility, he chose He Jin, whom he thought safest. But now He Jin surrounded himself with a crowd aiming to eliminate the eunuchs, putting him at odds.
He thought the Hongdu Gate Academy could be a silent counterbalance against the noble clans, but it turned out to be merely a fanciful place.
Though the world remained in chaos, it didn’t overlook the grievances of the people.
“Your Majesty—”
“Time is not on my side…” Liu Hong waved his hand, signaling them not to speak further, “There’s no need to discuss what happens after my death. After I pass, you both know exactly what to do—immediately appoint Lu Zhi to command the troops in the capital.”
Lu Zhi was revered and had the ability to command; for the Han, he was a true patriot. After General He Jin’s demise, only Lu Zhi could make Liu Hong comfortable entrusting military authority temporarily.
This also positioned him as Liu Xie’s second choice for a regent minister.
He just hoped by the time Lu Zhi received the commissioning news, the situation in the capital wouldn’t have spiraled out of control, needing to mobilize Qiao Yan’s Bingzhou forces.
With promises from Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang, along with news that Jian Shuo had entered the palace, Liu Hong finally calmed down inside.
Even though doubts still lingered in his mind regarding the capability of those entrusted with critical roles, at that moment, everything needed to wait until after his death to begin, so why should he add to his own burdens?
His gaze remained on the flower until a petal was blown off by the spring breeze, and his eyes slowly closed.
Afterward, they never opened again.
The tenth emperor of the Eastern Han finally fell into eternal slumber.
He maintained that posture as if he had merely fallen asleep, yet he would never utter anything else.
It was only after a long time that Zhang Rang dared to approach and confirm that Liu Hong was indeed dead.
“Time is not on my side” were his last words.
According to the usual imperial customs when an emperor passes, the bells should now toll in the capital to inform the people of Luoyang about the emperor’s demise. However, Zhang Rang knew this was not the time to act on that.
He didn’t even have the time to weep for this emperor or contemplate his own uncertain fate.
Because he had something far more important to do!
He exchanged a glance with Zhao Zhong, who moved to lift Liu Hong’s body back to the bed while he quickly contacted Jian Shuo to secure the Southern Palace gates and position guards throughout the palace wall.
The walls of the imperial city itself were an important line of defense for Luoyang.
At this uniquely tense moment, only the emperor lived in the Southern Palace after the Yellow Turban Rebellion; the Empress, the Queen Dowager, and the two princes resided in the North Palace.
To prevent Liu Bian from being usurped by his younger brother, He Jin had managed the guards’ forces in the North Palace alongside the imperial army almost evenly, protecting Liu Bian’s life.
Yet perhaps he didn’t even need to go to such lengths.
Evidently, Liu Hong thought Liu Bian was weak and unworthy of the emperor’s burdens, merely desiring to elevate his younger son, Liu Xie. He never intended to have either of his two sons accompany him in death.
In the encrypted orders received by Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and Jian Shuo, there was no such instruction.
As soon as He Jin’s forces galloped to the foot of the Southern Palace’s walls, they encountered just a tense standoff…
“Look at that half a head poking out from the city wall—that’s Zhang Rang!”
He Jin sneered, “What is the meaning of this, Lord Zhang?”
He couldn’t help but laugh at the other’s stupidity.
According to the news he’d received, the Emperor had likely passed away within the last day or two. Even if this place was heavily guarded to prevent any disrespectful actions, it shouldn’t stop Liu Hong from successfully proclaiming the will of the deceased Emperor!
But when you hold military power, some things just aren’t that crucial!
Liu Bian still held the title of the eldest son.
Even if he might catch flak for surrounding the imperial city with troops, as long as he could later claim that Zhang Rang and the others’ intention to support Liu Xie was forged, declaring that the Emperor had been incapable of issuing a succession edict during his illness, he could still manage to get Liu Bian on the throne.
Let’s not even discuss that if Liu Hong were to die, then Empress He would naturally become the Empress Dowager. In this current situation where the Dowager also has the power to appoint heirs, Liu Bian’s ascent would become even more legitimate.
At worst, He Jin wouldn’t care for his reputation. He’d just surround the Southern Palace until all the food ran out, forcing Zhang Rang to surrender!
He was merely dragging out the ending for a few days!
It was just a cornered beast fighting for its life!
He heard Zhang Rang on the city wall ask, “Does the Son of Heaven still live? Is the Grand General planning to rebel?”
He Jin was feeling quite eloquent, replying, “I wouldn’t dare to bear such a crime. I only wish to rescue the Son of Heaven from your hands, you eunuchs!”
There was a long silence from the city wall, until finally, Zhang Rang called out again, “His Majesty requests General Dong Zhong to come forward!”
Before He Jin could respond, Zhang Rang quickly questioned, “Since the Grand General only wishes to guard against us eunuchs, he surely won’t be cautious of General Dong as well. Is His Majesty’s decree to be obstructed?”
This was indeed a bold statement.
But Dong Zhong was not under the city wall at this moment.
He Jin sensed that Liu Hong was likely seeking Dong Zhong, probably still intent on placing Liu Xie on the throne, thinking Dong Zhong could be his support.
Yet, He Jin thought that even if the Emperor had given Dong Zhong some orders, the means he employed against Zhang Rang and the eunuchs could also be used against Dong Zhong.
So he could come, but could he really change the tide of fate!
He Jin glanced back at his people. Aside from Zheng Tai, who had declined the position, the others—including those who had previously opposed his move to bring Dong Zhuo to the capital—were now clustered behind him, forming his greatest confidence against the Emperor’s will.
This was genuinely a favorable situation for him.
With that thought, he waved his hand to signal someone to inform Dong Zhong to come here.
Compared to He Jin’s fully prepared siege, Dong Zhong seemed like he had just been hastily dressed in official robes.
Though he had some courage, he certainly harbored resentment about the Emperor placing him in the position of General.
He wasn’t a fool; how could he not see that this position was merely meant for Liu Hong’s inner circle to divide the Grand General’s power?
But now that He Jin’s influence was solidifying, this general would receive hardly any power and become a living target in He Jin’s eyes.
When he heard he was summoned by the Son of Heaven, Dong Zhong gazed at the city wall and felt a sense of “the Emperor is putting me at risk.”
But he couldn’t shake the thought that if He Jin successfully elevated Liu Bian to the throne and then launched a purge against the rival factions, he, Dong Zhong, would surely not survive either.
Since that was the case, he might as well see if the Emperor had any other plan to help him and Liu Xie through the current crisis.
If Liu Xie were to ascend the throne, Dong Zhong would surely become the next Grand General, and all his hardships would be behind him!
With this slim hope, Dong Zhong entered the Southern Palace under He Jin’s watchful eye, led by Zhang Rang into the Hall of Jiade.
Inside the palace where the ailing Liu Hong stayed, there was an inexplicable oppressive atmosphere mixed with a variety of medicinal scents, making Dong Zhong feel like a huge stone weighed down on his heart.
He peered through the thick curtains towards the bed and saw a shadowy figure lying down, lit by candles in the inner chamber.
But strangely, unlike the frequent coughing he had seen before, the stillness made him question if there was really someone lying there.
A sense of foreboding crept into his heart.
Normally, Liu Hong should have called out by now, but instead, he hadn’t made a sound. It was as if even his breathing had vanished in the Hall of Jiade.
Could it be…
“General Dong, this is the Emperor’s decree for you.” Zhao Zhong stepped forward bearing a royal edict, interrupting Dong Zhong’s thoughts.
He hesitantly accepted it, and just as a flicker of fear took root in him, upon reading the first two lines indicating Liu Xie was to be declared Emperor, joy flooded through him.
Sensing the Emperor’s intent to establish his younger son as Emperor, there surely must be a corresponding plan in place. However, as he continued reading, he came across this line—
【General Dong, prioritize the state, offer your life as bait. If this succeeds, your brother will become my son Liu Xie’s Grand General.】
Dong Zhong’s pupils contracted.
Yet before he could react in any way, Jian Shuo, praised for his bravery by Liu Hong, swung an axe from behind and ended his life in one swift blow.
All the words he had yet to utter lodged in his throat, only the blood gushing from the severed neck splattering onto the royal edict.
And then, he completely lost consciousness, crashing down to the ground.
In that fleeting moment, his last thought was—
Oh, Emperor… why!
Why so ruthless!
This was clearly not just Dong Zhong’s thought. Jian Shuo, holding the axe, was raising his blade for the first time against officials of the court, his hands trembling uncontrollably.
But knowing that if they wanted to survive, they had to follow the Emperor’s plan.
Jian Shuo received a piercing glare from Zhang Rang and hurriedly delivered another blow to Dong Zhong’s head, severing it, wrapped it in cloth, then followed Zhang Rang back to the palace.
He felt the bundle in his hands was burning hot and only regained a bit of composure upon seeing the troops below the city wall.
He Jin, confident of victory, also had a bit of a dark thrill in his gaze as he looked at the palace.
Just as he was anticipating a dramatic struggle to the death, he suddenly saw a bloody bundle thrown down from the city wall, landing right at his horse’s hooves.
The bundle wasn’t tightly bound, and as it loosened, it revealed the severed head inside.
It was dusk, yet not too dark, and He Jin clearly saw the head belonged to the recently entered Dong Zhong!
The shock on his face was frozen at the moment before death, and there was obviously no chance of deception.
He Jin jumped back, causing his horse to rear, his own face twisted in shock as he looked up at the city wall.
He shouted, “Zhang Rang! What is the meaning of this?”
Even if this seemed like good news for him, it was still too shocking!
He then heard a weaker, emotionally drained voice come from behind the wall.
Zhang Rang replied, “General He, there are hundreds of lives within this palace wishing to survive. Though I, Zhang Rang, am a eunuch and have no descendants, I still have brothers and family; I also want to live!”
He continued, “General, may I ask you a question? If you heed those around you and eradicate us eunuchs entirely, when the time comes, will they still hold you in such high regard?”
“General, don’t listen to him…” Yuan Shao started to speak but was cut off by He Jin’s raised hand, silencing him immediately.
On the city wall, Zhang Rang went on, “If you continue bearing the reputation of staging a palace coup for Liu Bian to ascend, public opinion can be sharper than blades. Do you really think you won’t face harsh criticism which could lead to your downfall?”
He Jin’s brow furrowed slightly.
What Zhang Rang was saying was indeed the worry simmering in his heart.
But because these people were currently showing him great compliance, and the Northern Army Five Divisions’ command was still in his grip, he had managed to suppress this worry for now, making Liu Bian’s ascension his top priority.
Then he heard Zhang Rang continue, “I won’t hide it from you; the Emperor has indeed passed. If you don’t believe me, send someone with you to the Southern Palace to see the late Emperor’s remains. Our fates all depend on him. Right now, we can only rely on the Grand General for survival.”
“As for how General Dong Zhong died in the Emperor’s Hall of Jiade, you can think for yourself whether it was justified. Though we hold the edict for Liu Xie to inherit the throne, we could hand it over to you, General.”
At this point, Zhang Rang paused, seemingly struggling against the urge to fight for his survival.
“We have already been of service to you once as your assassins. If you turn against us, we may have no choice but to follow the late Emperor in death. But if you must go down that path, I regret nothing!”
“You don’t need to incite discord now,” He Jin masked the change in his heart, glancing at Dong Zhong’s head one more time before looking back at the city wall. “What conditions do you have? I’m not one to shun someone turning from darkness to light.”
The Yuan brothers, Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, silently thought that things were going south.
Though He Jin seemed to speak fairly and without bias, they could easily sense he was contemplating Zhang Rang’s words.
They then heard Zhang Rang from the city wall say, “Please allow the Grand General, after sending someone to ascertain the late Emperor’s condition and the edict with Liu Xie’s ascent, to bring two hundred of his men and the two princes into the Southern Palace. Support Liu Bian in ascending the throne, and see to it that the new Emperor issues an edict to spare our lives. At that time—”
“We will destroy all evidence against you and Prince Bian from here on, pledging our utmost loyalty to the General and the new Emperor!”
Zhang Rang spoke clearly, “May I ask, General, how do you see this?”
