The last time she had been at the Lingtai was for Qiao Xuan’s funeral.

Now, more than three years later, the place remained unchanged, exuding an enduring solemnity due to its distinctive high platform architecture.

The position of Bingzhou Governor was a legitimate official position, and her visit was not to a private residence but to the office of the Court Historian, so Ma Lun received her in an official capacity.

However, to Qiao Yan, this formal meeting held more significance than a typical visit to a private residence.

Ma Lun appeared much like she did three years ago, with meticulously arranged hair and a quiet demeanor that bespoke her scholarly background and learned demeanor.

Yet, there were noticeable differences.

Three years of bureaucratic experience had clearly given her more confidence and made her appear younger than before, thanks to a renewed vigor in her demeanor.

Before visiting, Qiao Yan had heard about Ma Lun’s achievements as the Court Historian.

In the third year of Zhongping, on the day of a solar eclipse in May, Ma Lun handled the situation differently from typical astronomical officials, who often associated such events with ominous signs.

Instead, Ma Lun seized the opportunity to request Liu Hong, who proposed the Ganxiang calendar, to return from Kuaiji County.

He sought to refine assessments of solar and lunar eclipses and prepare for calendar reforms.

“Although she had unexpectedly taken up this position due to a political balance mishap in the court, whether it was proposing to use the Lingtai for Qiao Xuan’s funeral years ago or now starting the calendar reform, she had excelled in both. She truly placed herself in this position to act.”

Seeing Qiao Yan interested in the abacus on her desk, Ma Lun picked it up and said, “This device is an invention of Mr. Yuan Zhuo. It uses the abacus as a tool for calculations, greatly reducing errors compared to manual calculations and speeding up the process.”

“For those of us involved in astronomical observations and calendar calculations, it is truly a remarkable tool.”

Ma Lun appeared pleasantly surprised by the improvement brought about by inviting Liu Hong back to the capital and introducing this abacus.

There was a hint of excitement in her usually calm demeanor. “Deheng has also made significant contributions to this improvement in abacus calculations, as you can see.”

“Over these years, I have invited disciples my father taught in his early years to the capital to perfect this legislative matter.

Unfortunately, many of these talented scholars and gentlemen have passed away due to war and disease.

However, with the introduction of this abacus, the threshold for calculations has been lowered, making it easier for even those with little education to assist.”

She pointed outside to the open window.

Following her gesture, Qiao Yan saw several young women carrying abacuses passing by.

Ma Lun continued, “I have recruited some women skilled in practical calculation to assist.

With the abacus, this meticulous work becomes manageable.

By the time Marquis Qiao returns to the capital for her report, the framework of the calendar reform will likely be completed.”

Refinement in determining the lunar calendar and astronomical observations provided the fundamental conditions for calendar reform.

Now, under the flapping of a butterfly’s wings, a woman who initially couldn’t fully express her talents in this position had pushed forward, causing the wheels of history to turn once more.

Qiao Yan, though seldom interrupting, noticed Marenn’s animated talk, as if he had returned to his prime years.

She couldn’t help but feel joyous.

The “Deheng” Marenn mentioned was none other than the mechanical genius Majun.

Currently, Majun was studying while assisting in the completion of the abacus.

He also diligently studied arithmetic alongside Marenn and Liu Hong, laying the foundation for future mechanical designs.

Perhaps by the next meeting, he wouldn’t just be limited to improving the dragon bone flipper.

As Liu Hong’s rule approached its end, this seed of hope had already begun to sprout in Luoyang.

As she accompanied the governor’s procession northward back to Luoyang, she glanced back at the city.

Unintentionally, she thought, according to historical accounts,

During the Han dynasty, astronomy and calendars symbolized the legitimacy of the dynasty.

The changes happening now seemed like a significant omen.

But what exactly this omen foretold—

Only time would tell.

Before leaving Luoyang, the governorship of Liangzhou was undecided, but the governorship of Jingzhou had begun.

Liu Hong ranked Liu Biao’s strategy as the top choice.

Despite doubts from others about his lone journey to Jingzhou, Liu Biao was appointed as the provincial governor and departed directly to Jingzhou with an imperial horse and the governor’s seal.

Appointing him as provincial governor instead of directly as governor clearly showed Liu Hong’s stance.

If Liu Biao performed well, he would directly ascend from provincial governor to governor.

If he failed to fulfill his promises in his strategy, he would be removed as provincial governor, and someone else would be appointed to the position.

As Liu Biao headed south and Qiao Yan north, these were the two paths in Luoyang today.

Could the one heading south prove his abilities?

That was still uncertain.

And the one heading north?

Between the flags and the procession representing the governor’s status, visible from the walls of Luoyang, disappeared into the distant North Mangshan Road.

He Jin, under the guise of patrolling, watched this scene from atop the city walls, clearly understanding it.

This time, he was undoubtedly the biggest loser!

The position of General of the Northern Frontier wasn’t his.

Currently, Han Fu, along with Qu Yi and other subordinates, followed alongside the governor’s procession.

The Western Garden Army operated independently from others, with no personnel associated with him serving there.

This unique team was still led by Jianshuo, which filled him with indescribable disgust.

He couldn’t stop the appointment of the Governor of Binzhou, but instead, he was bound to make enemies due to opposition voiced in court.

The position of Inspector of Jingzhou was given to a descendant of the imperial family, clearly showing Liu Hong’s reluctance to further indulge the power of the relatives.

All of this reminded him that he couldn’t continue to be passive like this anymore, otherwise he would end up like Dou Wu.

He must quickly support his nephew Liu Bian to ascend!

……

He Jin stood in the cold wind for a long time before finally returning to the General’s Mansion.

There, he immediately summoned He Miao.

He Miao and the Empress Dowager He in the palace shared the same mother, but they had different fathers from He Jin.

After their mother remarried, He Miao changed his surname to He, which made him more trustworthy than outsiders.

He Jin said, “I have a few things I want to discuss with you.”

Seeing him dismiss the attendants before speaking, He Miao instinctively knew that what he was about to hear wouldn’t be simple.

Sure enough, He Jin, with a serious expression, said, “Dou Youping, known as one of the ‘Three Gentlemen,’ appointed as Grand General, renowned for his scholarly virtues throughout the realm, still ended up as a head hung at the capital’s Du Ting. What do you think that says about our situation?”

Dou Youping was Dou Wu, also known as Grand General Dou, who had died nineteen years ago due to exposure in a purge of eunuchs.

He Miao was taken aback by the question. What did they have?

Certainly, they didn’t have an elder like Dou Wu holding the position of Grand Minister of Works, nor did they have a like-minded companion like Chen Fan.

In the court, even Lu Zhi, whose military authority was revoked by Liu Hong, could point at him and say, “Sending three thousand soldiers to fight a thousand rebels is like using an iron axe to chop firewood—there’s nothing to boast about.”

As He Miao brooded over this, he heard He Jin continue, “Whether we can rise to high positions ultimately depends on His Majesty’s word.”

He Miao was shocked.

He quickly glanced around to ensure the windows were shut tightly and the doors securely closed before whispering to He Jin, “Such words should not be spoken lightly.”

“What good does your vigilance serve now?” He Jin coldly observed He Miao’s actions and said, “Once the prince ascends, promoting Dong Zhong to General of the Cavalry is just the beginning.

Don’t forget, there’s a bitter feud between our He family and Prince Xie.

To the Emperor, whether it’s using Dong or using us He, what difference does it make, both are just relying on relatives.”

He Miao sensed that He Jin’s mood was off and could only advise, “Brother, there’s no need to be so pessimistic. Don’t forget, Prince Bian holds the position of the eldest son.

With the Emperor’s declining health recently, if something happens, the Empress Dowager, who is his sister, has enough authority to ensure our nephew’s succession.”

“Do you think I’m joking?” He Jin couldn’t stand his brother’s hesitation.

He slammed the table and stood up, “Those who strike first control the butcher’s knife, those who hesitate become the fish on the chopping block.

That’s our situation now. If you still don’t understand the Emperor’s intentions, then go back to butchering pigs.”

His words hit home hard.

He Miao replied reluctantly, “Whatever you say, brother.”

“Alright, let me ask you something,” He Jin stepped forward, locking eyes firmly with He Miao. “If I were to start now, trying to eliminate the Emperor’s allies to ensure Prince Bian ascends smoothly, would you help me?”

He Miao wasn’t the brightest, but at the mention of ensuring Liu Bian’s ascension, he nodded firmly and replied, “Brother, your words are my command.”

He Jin was satisfied. ——