Since Liu Hong’s health had deteriorated last year, He Jin’s authority had grown.

He was no longer satisfied with those who had joined him only to avoid political purges.

Perhaps he realized he was becoming a tool for others to purge their rivals.

So, he changed his approach by recruiting scholars in a different manner.

After having He Yong, Xu You, and others draw up a list, he broadly invited famous scholars from all over, and more than ten were invited to Luoyang.

Xun You arrived at this time, officially serving as a Yellow Gate Attendant outside the palace.

Xun You was six years older than his clan uncle, Xun Yu, yet he was still in his early thirties.

Known for their family’s attractiveness, they seemed to have a bearing and demeanor that set them apart from others.

Hearing Zheng Tai’s question, Xun You smiled and replied, “We already know that what I say won’t be accepted by the top decision-makers, so why bother with such futile actions?”

Zheng Tai sighed, “You do have a good temperament.”

While he said this, he also understood that Xun You appeared gentle and perhaps even timid at first glance, but he was actually a passionate and ambitious individual with his own plans and calculations.

As the two walked a bit further away from He Jin’s Grand General’s office, where no one could overhear them, Zheng Tai suddenly spoke up, “He Jin isn’t someone who can assist others. Gongda saw the situation in the hall today. Making Dong Zhuo wary and using him as an external support seems like the best move now, but in reality, it’s a short-sighted move. You and I both know that.”

Seeing Xun You nod without speaking, Zheng Tai continued, “I intend to resign from my post and step away from this planning. If Luoyang truly descends into chaos, I’ll find another opportunity to act.”

“As for public business, I indeed cannot stay here at this time,” Xun You replied as they walked. “But I believe that for those of us who watch the chessboard, only by being in the midst of the game can we have a chance to make a decisive move. Therefore, I wish to stay here a while longer and observe.”

“That works,” Zheng Tai said, not overly concerned about Xun You’s safety staying here.

Although the Xun family of Yingchuan was not as prominent as the Yuan family with their four generations of Three Excellencies, the Xun family’s reputation as the Eight Dragons was well-known between the rivers of Ru and Ying.

Xun You, being of the younger generation, had a certain level of prestige and protection.

Being a strategist himself, he expected to keep himself safe.

Upon hearing Xun You ask where he intended to go, Zheng Tai countered, “How do you know I’m not headed back to Kaifeng?”

Xun You simply smiled in response without answering directly, but his implication was clear.

If Zheng Tai wanted to temporarily leave Luoyang to observe from a distance, going home wasn’t an option.

He had responded to He Jin’s call, but now found himself at odds with the Grand General.

He needed to distance himself.

Understanding the playful tone in his friend’s smile, Zheng Tai continued, “Indeed, I’m not planning to return to Kaifeng. It’s less than 400 li from Luoyang to Kaifeng, and if the Grand General decides to look for me during his leisure time, it could be troublesome. So, I won’t stay in Henan anymore. I’m going north.”

He wasn’t teasing Xun You with suspense.

He continued, “I intend to go to Bingzhou. While He Boqiu and the Grand General are both pleased with Marquis Qiao’s troops heading beyond the frontier, I feel that if anything goes awry with drawing Dong Zhuo into Hedong, only Marquis Qiao can settle this matter.”

“I’ve only heard her name before and don’t know much about him in reality. Now, I’ll go take a look inside Bingzhou first.”

Leaving his official position behind was indeed liberating.

Zheng Gongyang had some reputation in Henan, but nothing particularly remarkable or noteworthy.

It might be better to explore Bingzhou as a stranger first.

Previously, he thought He Jin had provided a haven for many political figures, which was admirable, prompting his journey to Luoyang.

Now that He Jin’s actions differed from his expectations, he considered placing hope in someone else and decided to personally investigate first.

Considering Qiao Yan was currently beyond the frontier, Bingzhou’s situation seemed even more real.

It was an excellent opportunity for observation.

Xun You didn’t discourage his friend’s idea.

He listened quietly as Zheng Tai cautioned him about Dong Zhuo’s “ruthlessness and boundless ambitions.”

If he stayed in the capital, he needed to tread carefully.

He nodded in response, “Go ahead. If things turn difficult, I’ll find someone for protection.”

“But if we speak honestly, in the midst of a succession where the imperial throne is destined to change through bloodshed and conflict, where can one truly find refuge?”

Reflecting on these thoughts after parting ways with Zheng Tai, Xun You completed the final stretch to his current lodging in Luoyang.

He pondered deeply, realizing that even the emperor seated on the throne couldn’t peacefully live out his final days, now targeted by the knives and soldiers of powerful factions.

The world today…

He looked up towards the sky.

Though it was spring, the sky appeared ominously dark, as if signaling an impending storm.

It wasn’t just the darkening skies.

In early April, there had been a solar eclipse.

Even though it hadn’t occurred directly over Luoyang, it had stirred widespread fear among the people once again.

In the court, Liu Hong had decreed the dismissal of Marshal Ma Midi from his position, intending to appoint Yang Xu, the Governor of Nanyang, as the new Marshal.

Despite his efforts to maintain composure in the court, upon returning to the Jiade Hall, he collapsed.

When he woke up, he looked outside the hall and saw that it was already deep into the night, with candles lit inside.

He tried to speak, but found his voice hoarse, almost unable to speak.

A solar eclipse, a solar eclipse!

“Even though he repeatedly told himself, as Qiao Yan had argued with Zhang Jue years ago, that a solar eclipse was merely a natural phenomenon, not necessarily a sign linked to him personally, as his life entered its final countdown, the theories he had learned since childhood seemed to suggest otherwise. It felt like an omen of impending doom.

“Zhang…”

He managed to utter a syllable before Zhang Rang hurried to his side. “Your Majesty, please don’t speak too much. I’ve kept your recent unconsciousness guarded, and no one knows about it. Even when the Empress sent someone to inquire, I only said Your Majesty is not receiving visitors.”

“No… let them know.” Liu Hong’s face was indescribably grim at this moment, except for his eyes, which shone remarkably bright, like a flame about to burn its last reserves of energy.

“Let He Jin know. Only when I’m at this critical stage of illness and near death, should He Jin enter the palace. It won’t arouse his suspicion.”

With hands showing signs of aging, Liu Hong firmly grasped Zhang Rang’s wrist, as if exerting great effort to squeeze out a few words. “Send a secret order to Jian Shuo. Mobilize those from the Western Armies’s Eight Division he’s arranged, along with those available in the Imperial City. Once He Jin enters the palace, execute him.”

A hint of hesitation flickered across Zhang Rang’s face when Liu Hong’s expression turned serious. “Are you afraid?”

Liu Hong asked sharply.

“No! It is my duty to alleviate the Emperor’s worries,” Zhang Rang replied with a bitter smile. “But Your Majesty, I don’t know how the news leaked. How could the butcher He Jin know of our plans?”

Liu Hong’s face darkened as Zhang Rang continued, “While Your Majesty was unconscious earlier today, news arrived that He Jin has ordered Dong Zhuo to march from Longxi to Hedong. It seems he aims to intimidate the capital. He must already be suspicious of Your Majesty and wouldn’t have been lured so easily by your illness.”

Liu Hong was almost breathless with shock.

After a moment of stunned silence from Zhang Rang, he resumed with a troubled look, coughing up blood.

He regretted telling Liu Hong about this, but at this point, he had no choice but to inform him.

If their attempt to eliminate He Jin failed, it would irreversibly worsen the situation.

Zhang Rang administered some medicine and helped Liu Hong lie back down, removing a blood-stained handkerchief.

After a while, Liu Hong cursed, “Sending troops to Hedong? Utter nonsense! I’ve been wary of Dong Zhuo, but who is He Jin to grant him such authority? It’s foolish!”

“Write an order for Qiao Ye Shu to lead forces from Bingzhou to take down Dong Zhuo.”

Seeing Zhang Rang hesitate, Liu Hong snapped, “Go now!”

Zhang Rang shook his head sadly. “Your Majesty… you’ve forgotten. Last month, you approved Qiao Ye’s plan to attack the Xianbei from the north to prevent their invasion of Bingzhou this winter. She hasn’t returned yet.”

Qiao Yan’s report had mentioned that Youzhou and Jizhou were recovering from the chaos caused by Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun.

If they suffered another attack from the Xianbei during the winter harvest, it would provoke unrest among the people.

With Bingzhou still capable, she suggested demonstrating Han’s strength by hunting on the frontier.

What was Liu Hong thinking at the time?

He thought that before he died, he could take He Jin with him, and Dong Zhuo would resume military affairs.

Qiao Yan would maintain peace outside, which seemed like a good idea and was quickly approved.

But how could he have known that He Jin would somehow get hold of the information and make such a ridiculous decision at this crucial moment?

“She’s not even in Bingzhou!” Liu Hong exclaimed.

The vastness of the frontier made it nearly impossible to track Qiao Yan and her army, especially since she had already left several days ago.

It was unlikely she could find Dong Zhuo’s troops in time to attack them.

“She couldn’t have left at a worse time!”

Now, who else could possibly attack Dong Zhuo’s forces?

General Duliang was unlikely to help. Liu Hong saw He Jin’s alliance with Yuan from Runan as a potential disaster.

Unfortunately, General Han Fu from Duliang was a former subordinate of the Yuan family.

If Han Fu decided to betray them, it would ruin their plan.

General Huangfu Song was also not an option.

Liu Hong agreed with He Jin’s assessment that Huangfu Song couldn’t defeat Dong Zhuo quickly unless given more military authority.

But Liu Hong couldn’t forget Huangfu Song’s few defeats in battle, or the advice he once received to seize the throne.

Years ago, Huangfu Song had no such ambitions, but now Liu Hong had to prepare for the worst.

Liu Hong felt a deep, inexplicable sorrow as he realized he was trapped without anyone reliable to turn to.

What difference would it make if the great Han Dynasty fell into Liu Bian’s or He Jin’s hands under such pressure?

Perhaps he should just summon Liu Bian to this Jia De Hall and end it all.

No…

No… it wasn’t time for that yet.

His gaze shifted to the candle burning at the foot of the bed.

He stared at the flame for a long time without moving his eyes.

Just when Zhang Rang thought he was about to give up, Liu Hong suddenly said, “Now is not the time to make any rash moves.”

Even after dismissing Qiao Yan and Huangfu Song, Liu Hong thought of Lu Zhi as a potential ally but hesitated to use him against He Jin.

“Come closer,” he whispered.

Zhang Rang saw a glint of determination in Liu Hong’s eyes, almost as if he was gambling everything.

When Zhang Rang heard what Liu Hong whispered, he couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

The plan was audacious, but…

it might just work.

“If you and Jiao Shuo can accomplish this for me, your lives will be secure,” Liu Hong sighed softly. “Help me up. I will write two decrees for you. One is to support my son Liu Xie’s ascension after you’ve completed these tasks. The other—”

“Just as soon as Qiao Ye returns to Bingzhou, if it’s still possible at that time.”

“Immediately have her bring this decree to me once the situation is settled!” Liu Hong commanded firmly.

“Do you understand?” he asked sharply.

Zhang Rang dared not hesitate.

The candles in the Jia De Hall cast a stark, almost lifeless glow on Liu Hong’s face.

Yet, the fierceness in his eyes made him appear less like an emperor and more like a gambler.

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will make sure to fulfill your wishes!” Zhang Rang replied promptly.

But thinking back to Liu Hong’s instructions, a chill ran down Zhang Rang’s spine.

The emperor seemed willing to sacrifice anything…

However, Liu Hong’s decisions at this moment had nothing to do with Qiao Yan.

She was far away in Bingzhou, separated from the turmoil of Luoyang by the Yellow River and the Taihang Mountains.

Now, she was on the grasslands, with the Yin Mountains adding another barrier.

With Jia Xu and Cheng Yu, experienced strategists, holding down the fort in Bingzhou, she had no worries about chaos erupting there.

What reassured her most was that neither of them were staunch supporters of the Han Dynasty.

They wouldn’t rush to respond to any urgent call to rescue the emperor, especially if they couldn’t contact her immediately.

To safeguard against possible schemes by Bu Dugen, she had also brought Guo Jia along as a military adviser on this expedition.

Originally, Guo Jia had thought this trip would be a leisurely excursion, but after two days of rough riding, he felt like his body was falling apart.

“For a moment, I don’t know whether I should envy Zhi Zai being sent to Yueping, brought back by Qiao Hou and treated by Hua Tuo’s acupuncture, or envy Wen He and Zhong De busy in Jinyang during work hours, and playing chess during leisure time.”

Qiao Yan looked at Guo Jia and couldn’t help but feel speechless at his current state.

On their journey north to the desert, they had brought along some “second-rate goods” that were of little use to Bingzhou, meant as gifts to appease Bu Dugen.

These items were packed in large carts and crates.

Guo Jia, unused to long horse rides, had decided to lie down inside one of the crates.

It was quite a sight…

“If Fengxiao is also to be used as trade goods, I think the Xianbei tribes will need to add another twenty thousand head of cattle and sheep,” Qiao Yan teased, seeing him in his current situation.

Guo Jia, too lazy to move, simply rolled over inside the crate and replied, “Then Lord Qiao, remember to snatch me back in autumn. We can make this a no-loss deal every year.”

Qiao Yan raised an eyebrow. “Should we also ask them to add an additional compensation for mistreating you?”

Guo Jia replied, “If they do, that would naturally be even better.”

Facing such shameless people, Bu Dugen felt that he was about to lose his composure entirely.

This time, Qiao Yan took a direct route towards Yanmen, but circled around when Bu Dugen had not noticed their trace, and they had already bypassed to the north side of the Xianbei royal court.

When she sent an envoy to meet him and asked him to come forward, Bu Dugen almost dropped the cup in his hand.

Leading a few riders, he met Qiao Yan’s grandly stationed group here, struggling to compose himself, and asked, “I wonder what brings Lord Qiao here?”

Wasn’t it agreed upon… that he would pay tribute to keep her peaceful?

Qiao Yan replied, “Firstly, to bring you some coal rated as second-rate within the province, some paper clothes similar to those of last year, and some surplus grains, hoping to exchange them for more horses.”

Bu Dugeng looked towards the unloaded boxes behind Qiao Yan.

If they truly contained coal, clothing, and food as she said, then she was here to play the role of a money god!

Exchanging them would be no problem!

He did not realize that when Qiao Yan mentioned “second-rate,” there was clearly a momentary pause.

She continued, “In addition, last time I brought three generals under my command. This time, besides Wen Yuan, who is already familiar to you, I have replaced the other two. It’s good for everyone to get acquainted. Even if you’re not familiar, a few fights will make you familiar.”

Qiao Yan pointed to Dian Wei and Zhao Yun who were with the team, smiling kindly at Bu Dugen.

“That’s this one.”