Chapter 118

Chapter 118

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Volume 4: The End of Zhongping, Luoyang’s Storm, Chapter 118: Liu Hong’s Passing

“…” Budugen silently observed Dian Wei and Zhao Yun.

Qiao Yan’s sudden visit had caught him off guard. Even though she appeared polite and graceful, it didn’t make him feel any safer.

Compared to Lü Bu, Zhao Yun seemed like a young general, more refined and steady, but Dian Wei was a truly imposing and fierce figure.

Just by looking at the weight of the weapon in his hand, it was clear he was no ordinary warrior.

But Budugen didn’t dare underestimate Zhao Yun either.

The fact that Qiao Yan compared him to the person who had raided the camp last time showed that he was no ordinary talent under her command.

He quickly replied, “There’s no need for a contest. If Prefect Qiao wishes to defeat us, it would be an easy task. Let’s talk about the trade instead.”

As a pragmatic Xianbei leader, Budugen quickly stepped forward to inspect the boxes.

From a distance, it wasn’t obvious, but now he noticed something unusual.

He picked up a piece of coal from one of the boxes and turned to ask suspiciously, “If I heard correctly, Lord Qiao said this is substandard coal?”

If this was substandard, what were the Xianbei people using?

They used cow dung as fuel when resources were scarce!

Qiao Yan, seemingly oblivious to Budugen’s bewildered expression, calmly replied, “A new coal mine has been discovered in Yanmen, Bingzhou, and it’s currently being mined.”

She wasn’t worried that Budugen would attack Yanmen upon learning this.

After having his base raided twice, he wouldn’t make such an unwise move.

Yanmen’s defenses were strong enough to keep him out.

She casually added, “If we had more manpower, we could expand the coal mine further. Perhaps by next year, the quality of the substandard coal for trade will improve.”

“Do you think this trade is possible?”

Qiao Yan’s question interrupted Budugen’s thoughts about her mentioning “manpower shortage.” He quickly composed himself and replied, “Yes! Why not?”

As long as they could survive the winter on the grasslands, preserve their strength, and maintain their leadership over other tribes, Lord Qiao could even appear in his camp one day without any issues!

Of course, Qiao Yan wasn’t that bored.

She just wanted to plant a seed in Budugen’s mind and let it grow at the right time.

This trip north also allowed her to secure more war horses for Bingzhou.

After all, her next opponent was Dong Zhuo from Liangzhou!

He had no shortage of cavalry!

While Qiao Yan and Budugen were negotiating the trade and the early tribute, Dong Zhuo, the former general of Xiliang, had advanced another day’s march towards Luoyang on Li Ru’s advice.

This wasn’t under He Jin’s orders. In fact, He Jin had sent Zhong Shao to stop them due to their proximity.

But Li Ru believed this was a good position for Dong Zhuo to advance at any moment.

As the stalemate over Dong Zhuo’s troop positions continued, time quickly approached—

April 11th, Zhongping 6th Year.

It seemed like just another ordinary day in the tense atmosphere of Luoyang.

But when the emperor, who had been bedridden for a long time, suddenly calmed down, those around him knew the day had come.

He had reached the end of his life.

Liu Hong had someone help him to the window of the Jiade Hall, where he sat and looked out, his gaze resting on a spring flower in the courtyard.

After a long while, he finally asked, “Has Prefect Liu Yu of Youzhou set out on his journey?”

Seven days ago, a messenger on a fast horse arrived at the residence of Prefect Yang Xu in Nanyang. After reading the edict appointing him as Grand Commandant, Yang Xu led the messenger inside to show his impoverished home.

In the wealthy commandery of Nanyang, he had never accepted bribes or accumulated any wealth.

The message was clear: he had no extra funds to take up the position of Grand Commandant or to reward the messenger.

The news of Liu Hong’s critical condition hadn’t spread widely, so the messenger returned to the capital with the edict as usual.

In the past, Liu Hong would have been furious, but he simply said, “Such is fate,” and issued a new edict—

Appointing Liu Yu, the Governor of Youzhou, as the new Grand Commandant, while retaining his position as Governor of Youzhou. He was to return to the capital for a few days to report before returning to stabilize Youzhou.

With the Yuyang rebellion quelled, Liu Yu’s temporary departure wouldn’t affect the overall situation, but it would undoubtedly provide support from the imperial clan.

Yang Xu, who had declined the position of Grand Commandant, was instead appointed as Grand Master of Ceremonies, with the customary fees waived.

But an unexpected message arrived in the capital yesterday: Yang Xu had died of illness in Nanyang before he could take up his new position.

Zhang Rang hesitated for a long time before informing Liu Hong.

After all, it was the death of a high-ranking official, and he couldn’t hide it from the emperor.

In the midst of the tumultuous succession and his own impending death, Liu Hong fell into a daze for half a day upon hearing the news.

When he regained consciousness, he issued orders to praise Yang Xu’s virtues and allocate funds from Taishan Commandery to the Yang family.

Hence, today’s question.

Zhao Zhong, standing by his side, wanted to say that the emperor might be confused. The edict would take time to reach Youzhou, and Liu Yu would need time to hand over his duties to the local officials. It would take at least ten days before he could set out.

But he saw that Liu Hong’s gaze was clear and focused, not at all confused.

As he looked at the blooming flower on the branch, there was hope in his eyes.

He wasn’t asking if Liu Yu was on the road, but whether the regent he had chosen for Liu Xie could fulfill his responsibilities.

Zhao Zhong choked back a sob and replied, “Your Majesty, rest assured, he is on his way.”

Liu Hong’s fingers twitched, and he remained silent for a long time.

Just as Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang were about to check his breathing, he softly spoke again, “From the time I rose from the position of Marquis of Jiedu to holding the divine instruments of the state, it has been twenty-one years. In these twenty-one years, the Han Dynasty has faced constant turmoil—locust plagues, cold, and epidemics. How will the people judge me after my death?”

Emperor Huan fought against General Liang Ji, and I seized power from General Dou Wu. Given the complex relationship between the imperial family and the relatives, I chose He Jin, who seemed the safest. But now He Jin is surrounded by anti-eunuch factions and has opposed me over the succession.

I thought the Hongdu Gate Academy could be a subtle force against the powerful families, but it turned out to be just a place for art and literature.

Though the empire remains intact, the people’s grievances are boiling.

“Your Majesty—”

“My time is running out…” Liu Hong waved his hand, signaling them to stop. “No need to speak of what comes after my death. You know what to do once I’m gone. As soon as it’s done, immediately order Grand Commandant Lu Zhi to take control of the capital’s military affairs.”

Lu Zhi, respected and capable, was loyal to the Han Dynasty. After He Jin’s death, only Lu Zhi could be trusted to temporarily hold military power.

He was the second regent Liu Hong had chosen for Liu Xie.

He only hoped that by the time Lu Zhi received the appointment, the situation in the capital wouldn’t have spiraled out of control, necessitating the use of Qiao Yan’s Bingzhou troops.

After hearing Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang’s promises and learning that Jian Shuo had entered the palace, Liu Hong finally felt at peace.

Even though he still had doubts about whether those he entrusted could achieve what he envisioned, at this moment, everything would only unfold after his death. Why burden himself with unnecessary worries?

His gaze remained fixed on the flower on the branch until a petal was blown off by the spring breeze. Slowly, his eyes closed.

And they never opened again.

The tenth emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty had finally entered eternal slumber.

He remained in that position as if asleep, but he would never speak again.

It was only after a long time that Zhang Rang dared to approach and confirm that Liu Hong had indeed passed away.

The words “my time is running out” were his last.

According to tradition, the palace bells should have rung to announce the emperor’s death to Luoyang, but Zhang Rang knew it wasn’t the time yet.

He didn’t even have time to mourn for the emperor or his own uncertain fate.

Because he had something more important to do!

He exchanged a glance with Zhao Zhong, who moved Liu Hong’s body back to the bed, while Zhang Rang quickly contacted Jian Shuo to seal the Southern Palace gates and distribute the guards along the palace walls.

The palace walls were an important defensive line for Luoyang.

At this time, it was especially significant because only the emperor had moved to the Southern Palace after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, while the empress dowager, empress, and two princes resided in the Northern Palace.

To prevent Liu Hong from firmly deciding to depose the elder and install the younger, even to the point of breaking the rule that a tiger doesn’t eat its own cubs, He Jin, as Grand General, had stationed half of his troops in the Northern Palace to guard against threats to Liu Bian’s life.

But perhaps he didn’t need to go to such lengths.

Even though Liu Hong thought Liu Bian was weak and unfit to be emperor, he only wanted his younger son Liu Xie to succeed him, never considering having his other son accompany him in death.

In the secret orders Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and Jian Shuo received, there was no such directive.

When He Jin led his men to the Southern Palace walls, all he saw was the Southern Palace of Luoyang heavily guarded.








The iron bucket.

Seeing the half head peeking out from the city wall, unmistakably Zhang Rang, He Jin sneered, “What is the meaning of this, Lord Rang?”

He couldn’t help but mock the other’s stupidity.

From the news he had received, the Emperor’s death was imminent, within a day or two. Even if this place was heavily guarded to prevent any disrespectful actions, ensuring Liu Hong could smoothly announce the imperial edict—

But with military power in hand, some things were not as crucial!

Liu Bian still held the title of the eldest son.

Even if he might be criticized for surrounding the imperial palace with troops, as long as he could firmly claim that the edict held by Zhang Rang and others to establish Liu Xie as Emperor was forged, and that the Emperor was too ill to draft a succession edict, he could still successfully place Liu Bian on the throne.

Moreover, if Liu Hong passed away, Empress He would naturally become the Empress Dowager. With the Empress Dowager also having the authority to appoint an heir, Liu Bian’s ascension would only become more legitimate.

At worst, He Jin could sacrifice his reputation, directly besieging the Southern Palace until supplies ran out, forcing Zhang Rang to surrender!

His current stubborn defense of the palace walls would only delay the inevitable by a few days.

A desperate struggle of a cornered beast!

He heard Zhang Rang ask from the city wall, “The Son of Heaven is still alive. Does the Grand General intend to rebel?”

He Jin, unusually eloquent, replied, “I dare not bear such a charge. I merely wish to rescue the Son of Heaven from the clutches of eunuchs like you.”

There was a long silence from the city wall before Zhang Rang reappeared, saying, “His Majesty summons General Dong Zhong for an audience.”

Before He Jin could respond, Zhang Rang quickly added, “Since the Grand General only seeks to guard against us eunuchs, surely you wouldn’t also guard against General Dong Zhong. His Majesty wishes to issue an edict. Would you dare obstruct it?”

This statement was quite bold.

However, Dong Zhong was not at the city wall at that moment.

He Jin suspected that Liu Hong sought Dong Zhong, likely still intending to place Liu Xie on the throne, relying on Dong Zhong for support.

But He Jin also thought that even if the Emperor had given Dong Zhong some orders, the methods he used against Zhang Rang and the eunuchs could also be used against Dong Zhong.

If Dong Zhong came, could he really turn the tide?

He Jin looked behind him. Apart from Zheng Tai, who had resigned, everyone else, even those who had previously opposed his decision to summon Dong Zhuo to the capital, now stood behind him, forming his greatest confidence against the Emperor’s edict.

This was indeed a situation where the advantage was his.

Thinking this, he waved his hand, signaling someone to summon Dong Zhong.

Compared to He Jin’s well-prepared siege, Dong Zhong seemed to have been hastily dressed in his official robes.

Though he had some courage, he often resented the Emperor for placing him in the position of General of Agile Cavalry.

He wasn’t a fool; he knew this position’s only purpose was to divide He Jin’s power.

But with He Jin’s faction already formed, he, as General of Agile Cavalry, not only gained little power but also became a target for He Jin.

Upon hearing of the Emperor’s summons, Dong Zhong looked at the city wall, feeling that the Emperor had doomed him.

But he also thought that if He Jin successfully placed Liu Bian on the throne and began purging the other faction, he, Dong Zhong, would not survive.

Thus, he might as well see if the Emperor had any other plans to help him and Prince Xie through this crisis.

If Liu Xie could ascend the throne, Dong Zhong would surely become the next Grand General, finally seeing better days!

With this slim hope, Dong Zhong entered the Southern Palace under He Jin’s gaze, led by Zhang Rang into the Jiade Hall.

In the palace of the long-ill Emperor, there was an indescribably oppressive atmosphere and a mix of medicinal smells, making Dong Zhong feel as if a heavy stone pressed on his heart.

Through the layers of curtains, he saw a faint figure lying on the bed in the dimly lit inner chamber.

But strangely, unlike the coughing state he had seen before, it was now eerily silent, making one doubt if anyone was truly there.

A sense of foreboding arose in him.

Normally, Liu Hong should have spoken by now, but there was no sound, not even breathing, as if it had vanished in the Jiade Hall.

Could it be…

“General Dong, this is His Majesty’s edict for you,” Zhao Zhong presented a scroll to Dong Zhong, interrupting his thoughts.

Hesitantly, he took it, feeling a mix of fear and confusion, which turned to joy upon seeing the first lines appointing Liu Xie as Emperor.

Since the Emperor intended to appoint the younger son, there must be a corresponding plan. But as he read on, he saw this line—

“Hope General Dong prioritizes the state, sacrifices himself as bait. If successful, your brother shall become the Grand General under my son Liu Xie.”

Dong Zhong’s pupils contracted.

Before he could react, Jian Shuo, praised by Liu Hong for his bravery, swung an axe from behind, severing his life.

His unspoken words stuck in his throat, blood spraying from the severed neck onto the edict.

Then he completely lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground.

In that fleeting moment, his last thought was—

Your Majesty… why!

Why so ruthless!

This was not just the thought of the deceased Dong Zhong. Jian Shuo, holding the axe, trembled as he raised it against a court official for the first time.

But thinking that to survive, they must follow the Emperor’s plan.

Jian Shuo, glared at by Zhang Rang, quickly delivered another blow to Dong Zhong’s head, severing it, wrapping it in cloth, and following Zhang Rang back to the palace walls.

He felt the bundle in his hands was strangely hot, regaining some composure only upon seeing the troops below the wall.

He Jin, confident of victory, looked at the palace with a cat-and-mouse amusement.

Meeting this gaze, Jian Shuo took a deep breath and threw the bundle down.

He Jin, expecting a desperate struggle, suddenly saw a bloodied bundle thrown from the wall, rolling to his horse’s feet.

The bundle, not tightly bound, loosened, revealing the head inside.

Though it was only dusk, the light was still sufficient for He Jin to clearly see the head belonged to Dong Zhong, who had just entered the Southern Palace!

The expression of shock frozen on the face was unmistakably genuine.

Startled, He Jin’s horse stepped back, and looking up at the wall, his face filled with astonishment.

He angrily shouted, “Zhang Rang! What is the meaning of this?”

Even if this seemed like good news, it was too shocking!

He then heard a voice from behind the wall’s cover.

The voice sounded weaker, filled with exhaustion.

Zhang Rang replied, “Grand General He, hundreds in the palace wish to live. Though I am a eunuch with no descendants, I have brothers and relatives who also wish to live!”

He continued, “Grand General, may I ask you a question? If you fulfill the wishes of those around you, eradicate the eunuch faction, and they no longer need you as their blade, will they still respect you so?”

“Grand General, do not listen to him…” Yuan Shao began but was cut off by He Jin’s raised hand.

From the wall, Zhang Rang added, “If you bear the reputation of forcing the palace to place Prince Bian on the throne, the scholars’ words are sharper than blades. Would they not condemn you until you are stripped of power?”

He Jin’s brow twitched.

Zhang Rang’s words touched on his own worries.

Only because those around him were still obedient, and he still held the command of the Northern Army’s Five Divisions, did he suppress these concerns, making Liu Bian’s ascension his top priority.

Zhang Rang continued, “I won’t hide it from you, the Son of Heaven has passed. If you doubt this, send your followers into the Southern Palace to see the Emperor’s remains. Our honors as attendants hang on the Emperor alone. Now, we can only rely on defecting to you for survival.”

“General Dong Zhong died in the Emperor’s Jiade Hall. You can decide why he was executed. Even if we hold the edict for Prince Xie’s succession, we can hand it over to you.”

Zhang Rang paused, as if struggling to suppress his desperate plea for survival.

“We have already acted as your blade. If you cannot tolerate us, we have no choice but to follow the late Emperor in death. But thinking you may follow us, we have no regrets!”

“You need not sow discord now,” He Jin masked his inner turmoil, glancing at Dong Zhong’s head before looking back at the wall. “State your terms. I am not one to reject those who turn from darkness to light.”

Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao inwardly groaned.

He Jin’s seemingly fair words hid his true feelings, which they could clearly see.

From the wall, Zhang Rang said, “After sending someone to see the Emperor’s remains and the edict for Prince Xie’s ascension, bring only two hundred men and the two princes into the Southern Palace. Once Prince Bian ascends, have the new Emperor issue an edict sparing our lives. Then—”

“We will destroy all evidence against you and Prince Bian, henceforth following only you and the new Emperor!”

Zhang Rang spoke each word clearly, “Grand General, what do you say?”