This winter was not as cold as the previous one, but it felt much more unbearable for Liu Hong.

He could no longer convince himself that he had more time to live.

In the eyes of his sons, Liu Xie and Liu Bian, who served by his bedside, he saw his increasingly emaciated and haggard appearance.

This transformation terrified him.

When his illness did not subside despite his prayers and his act of granting a general amnesty, he became even more desperate.

Realizing this, Ma Lun knew she had to act swiftly and decisively.

She could see that Liu Hong’s condition was deteriorating rapidly, and his desperation was growing.

This understanding made her aware that waiting any longer would only lead to more uncertainty and danger.

Her position as the Grand Historian gave her a unique vantage point, allowing her to observe the emperor’s behavior closely.

Liu Hong’s frequent visits to perform rituals at Lingtai and Biyong indicated his desperation and acknowledgment of his impending demise.

This, combined with his futile attempts to consolidate power, highlighted the gravity of the situation.

Thus, Ma Lun resolved to align herself with Qiao Yan’s strategy without delay.

She recognized the need to navigate this perilous period with precision and foresight, ensuring the safety and stability of her position and the people she was responsible for.

Seeing the two young princes before him, Liu Hong increasingly realized that it was time to transfer power to the next generation.

After Liu Xie and Liu Bian had left, Liu Hong coughed violently for a while before saying to Zhang Rang, “I am more fortunate than Emperor Huan. At least I have two sons to inherit my legacy before I die, unlike Emperor Huan, who had no sons and had to adopt me as his successor.”

He lifted his heavy eyelids and addressed Zhang Rang, who had already knelt down upon hearing his words, “Rise and speak. Now, the General-in-Chief is preoccupied with the power of the imperial in-laws, and the scholars do not wish to see a recurrence of the factional disasters. Although the bandits across the land have been quelled, if one person dares to call himself the emperor, there is no guarantee there won’t be a second. Who can I trust?”

“Even if you’re afraid, you must listen to me.”

In the middle of this sentence, he shivered from the cold and ordered the fire to be stoked higher before continuing.

“I’ll ask you again. If I still favor Xie to succeed the throne, can you fully support him to ascend after my death?”

Just now, with Liu Xie and Liu Bian standing together at his bedside, Liu Hong could clearly see the differences between his two sons.

Liu Xie was intelligent and composed, while Liu Bian, though older, appeared less assured.

The thought of his sons’ futures, especially in the turbulent political environment, weighed heavily on him.

Zhang Rang, sensing the gravity of the situation, replied with a trembling voice, “Your Majesty, I will do everything in my power to support Liu Xie if that is your wish. But the court is fraught with danger, and the power struggles are fierce. It will not be easy.”

Liu Hong nodded weakly, acknowledging the truth in Zhang Rang’s words. “I know it will not be easy. But you must try. For the sake of the empire and the future of my sons, you must ensure a smooth transition.”

Zhang Rang, with tears in his eyes, promised to do his best. “I will protect the young prince with my life, Your Majesty. I will ensure he ascends to the throne.”

Satisfied with this promise, Liu Hong closed his eyes, feeling a slight sense of relief.

He knew his time was limited, but he hoped that his plans and the loyalty of his trusted servants would secure the future of his dynasty.

Liu Hong saw clearly the differences between his two sons.

Liu Xie was six years younger than his elder brother, but in the same state of distress and panic over their father’s illness, he displayed the qualities that Liu Hong hoped for in a prince and a future emperor.

In the current turmoil, the next emperor must possess enough resolve; otherwise, he would merely become a puppet in the power struggles of the court.

Although Liu Xie was young, he indeed seemed more capable of stabilizing the government compared to Liu Bian.

This was true a year ago, and it remained true now.

Zhang Rang knew that he could no longer offer comforting platitudes about the emperor’s potential recovery.

Liu Hong’s intense gaze bore into him like a blade at his throat, demanding a definitive answer.

But Zhang Rang had no other choice.

With a resolute tone, he replied, “If Your Majesty has made up your mind, I will ensure Prince Xie ascends to the throne, even at the cost of my own life. However, Your Majesty, if you intend to depose the elder and elevate the younger, the court’s debates aside, the Grand General—”

Liu Hong closed his eyes and rested for a long while.

Just when Zhang Rang thought he had fallen asleep, he heard the emperor say, “Rest assured, I will make the necessary arrangements.”

Liu Hong’s suspicion of He Jin had peaked when He Jin tried to interfere with the Eight Division of the Western Army.

This mindset made it difficult for Liu Hong not to scrutinize He Jin’s every move.

The Grand General’s recruitment of aides and followers, the Western Liang generals like Dong Min whom He Jin had drawn into his orbit, and He Jin’s minor attempts to cause disruptions within the Eight Schools of the Western Garden…

Liu Hong had been vigilant about He Jin’s growing influence.

He Jin, by opening his own office and drawing powerful figures like Dong Min from the Western Liang faction into his fold, was consolidating power.

Liu Hong knew that He Jin’s ambition and the support he garnered from the military posed a significant threat to his plans.

As Liu Hong continued to rest, he contemplated the steps he needed to take to ensure a smooth succession for Liu Xie.

He knew he had to weaken He Jin’s influence and secure the loyalty of key figures in the court and the military.

“Zhang Rang,” Liu Hong finally spoke, “we must act swiftly. The transition of power must be seamless. We will need to secure allies and neutralize threats. He Jin’s influence must be curtailed.”

Zhang Rang nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will begin making the necessary arrangements.”

Liu Hong’s mind raced as he considered the delicate balance of power.

The future of the Han dynasty depended on the successful execution of his plans.

He would not let his sons become mere pawns in the hands of ambitious courtiers and generals.

Every detail pushed him closer to the boundary he swore his ministers would never cross.

This compelled him to make a decision —

He must bring He Jin along with him!

But to achieve this goal, he needed to make preparations.

To outsiders, from January to March, it seemed like he was gathering strength as winter passed.

During the weekly court meetings, aside from disguising his complexion with makeup, it didn’t seem much different from the same time last year.

Even He Jin thought Liu Hong might survive another year.

But the attendants who served Liu Hong knew clearly that the emperor couldn’t sleep at night, often coughing blood, with frequent palace personnel changes.

He had reached the point where every day mattered, setting the stage for his young son’s future.

He first secretly summoned Jian Shuo.

To deal with He Jin, he needed sufficient military authority, especially as the Chief Commandant of the Western Armies Eight Division.

Over the past year, Jian Shuo should have already established a faction for him and identified trustworthy individuals within it.

However, within the Western Armies Eight Division, there were old officials from noble families, making Emperor Liu Hong concerned about potential leaks.

Therefore, he tasked Jian Shuo with quietly mobilizing trusted individuals and acting under the emperor’s decree when necessary.

Later, using the pretext of General of Chariots and Cavalry, Dong Chong regularly paying respects to Empress Dowager Dong, he explained matters to Dong Chong at her residence.

It wasn’t until the middle to late March that he began mobilizing reliable guards selected by Zhang Rang and others within the imperial city.

Despite feigning normalcy and carefully preparing to deal with He Jin, Emperor Liu Hong encountered an unexpected flaw in his first move.

Sima Pan Yin, highly trusted by Jian Shuo and considered his confidant, had formed a close bond with him years ago, even before He Jin rose to prominence.

Unable to conceal Jian Shuo’s troop movements from this military commander, Sima Pan Yin informed He Jin of the secret.

By the end of March, the atmosphere in the Grand Marshal’s mansion was as tense as a winter’s day.

Upon learning of the Emperor’s intention to have him killed, He Jin sat at the head of the table with a grim expression.

Previously, Emperor Liu Hong had only sought to control his military power, and in conversations with He Miao, had hinted at the need for change.

Now, with the threat of death glaringly evident, his resolve grew stronger.

If the ruler wants his subject dead, the subject — must resist!

He had wielded great power, commanding authority and influence.

He could not accept being a mere sacrifice.

He looked down at the assembled crowd.

The talented individuals in this Grand Marshal’s mansion did nothing to ease his tense demeanor.

He knew some harbored their own ambitions.

But if he was going to die anyway, they would have to put their schemes aside.

They needed to protect He Jin’s life first.

Otherwise, if Liu Xie ascended the throne with Jian Shuo, Zhang Rang, and others in power, another round of political purges could ensue!

“Yuan Shao, what do you think?” He Jin scanned the room and called out directly.

Yuan Shao, singled out, didn’t falter under the sudden inquiry.

The current situation hadn’t exceeded his expectations.

The potential change in emperor presented risks, but it also offered the chance they had long sought to purge corrupt officials!

This was an opportunity amid the risks!

He replied, “The Emperor favors his young son and wishes to remove the General. But once external threats are resolved, the Emperor would not want to see civil strife in the capital.”

He spoke well.

Liu Hong simply sought to swiftly eliminate He Jin, not leave the capital in ruins for future generations.

Seeing He Jin deep in thought, Yuan Shao continued, “The Grand Marshal could gather regional warlords, commanding brave soldiers loyal to him, to station in Hedong and deter conflict in the capital. His Majesty might reconsider.”

After a moment of hesitation, He Jin gritted his teeth and asked, “Whom do you consider suitable?”

Yuan Shao glanced at Dong Min and replied, “Dong Zhuo of Xiliang could be of assistance.”

A man from Xiliang could be used and discarded as needed.

It was the logical choice at this crucial moment!