The Battle of Xiqueyang had once again contributed 10 strategist points to her, which could be said to be reasonable.

Qiao Yan felt a bit guilty for taking all the strategist points from the Yellow Turbans, but she quickly suppressed it.

Instead of thinking about these things, it was better to think about whether she could gain some benefits in the upcoming Battle of Guangzong.

Huangfu Song showed no intention of halting the march.

On the second day after the victory at Xiqueyang, the soldiers changed into Yellow Turban clothes and brought the tightly bound Zhang Bao, heading south straight to Guangzong in the south of Julu.

However, he ordered the army to disguise themselves as Zhang Bao’s troops from Xiqueyang and head straight to Guangzong, it could hardly be called a swift action, and it had been more than ten days since they left Dong’e.

The messenger carrying the report from Huangfu Song first went to the city of Dingtao to collect the head of a woman, and now he had rushed into Chenggao Hulao Pass, changing horses along the way and entering Luoyang via the express road.

The eight gates were tightly closed, and the capital was in a state of alertness due to the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Now that Huangfu Song’s report had arrived, it was immediately sent to the desk of the emperor, Liu Hong.

Liu Hong, the Han emperor at the age of twenty-seven, was considered to have reached the average age of death among the emperors of the Eastern Han Dynasty, which seemed to be a short-lived pattern starting from Emperor Zhang of Han.

It should be noted that Emperor Shang of Han only lived for eight months, Emperor Chong of Han only lived to be three years old, and Emperor Zhi of Han died at the age of nine. As for his predecessor, Emperor Huan of Han, he could be considered “long-lived,” living to the age of thirty-six.

When the report was handed over to him by the little eunuch by his side after being retrieved from the scout, the palace was already entering the night, and the lights around him illuminated his somewhat sickly face.

Startled by the footsteps of the little eunuch, he raised his eyelids, and a trace of weariness flashed across his face that was indulged in wine and women. “What is it?”

“Your Majesty, the Left Zhonglang General has sent a secret report!”

Liu Hong became alert.

Under normal circumstances, military information did not need to be described in secret reports.

In his understanding, the Left Zhonglang General, Huangfu Song, was still in Changshe, quelling the rebellion of the Yellow Turbans.

The news of Zhu Jun’s retreat earlier had changed his perception of the Yellow Turbans.

He was both angry and shocked.

It was because of this defeat that he immediately ordered Huangfu Song to march out and meet Zhu Jun as soon as possible, with Cao Cao as the Cavalry Commandant leading the troops.

Now, hearing that the news from Huangfu Song was a secret report rather than a glorious victory, he immediately stood up from his couch.

Afraid that the military situation described in the report was a disastrous defeat, he walked three or two steps to the front of the little eunuch and snatched the military report from his hand.

Seeing Emperor Ling’s reaction, Zhang Rang, who had been waiting in the hall, immediately knelt down.

In the past, he didn’t need to be so nervous.

Liu Hong even once said some absurd words like “Zhang Changshi is my father,” which could make his father jump out of his grave.

But now was different.

In this month, due to the unprecedented rebellion of the Yellow Turbans, Zhang Jun, an attendant physician, had submitted a memorial asking for the Ten Attendants to be executed.

He claimed that it was because of their turmoil and corruption that the people’s grievances boiled over, and if they were executed and displayed, and apologized to the people, it would certainly quell the rebellion of the Yellow Turbans without fighting.

Naturally, Liu Hong did not adopt this idea.

Instead, he threw Zhang Jun’s memorial in Zhang Rang’s face.

Zhang Rang knew that Liu Hong still needed them to resist the nobles and the imperial clan, so it was impossible to execute them for this reason of civilian anger.

But they also had to show satisfactory performance to Liu Hong.

At that time, he and Zhao Zhong, along with several other attendants, took off their hats and boots and knelt in front of Liu Hong to apologize, and offered a large sum of their family’s wealth to support the military expenses.

This smoothed things over for the time being, and they remained in their original positions.

That incident was temporarily glossed over, but if Huangfu Song’s military report still contained news of defeat–

Regardless of the multiple punishments Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun would face, Zhang Rang would definitely lose his head and his family would be stripped of their titles and properties.

He was pondering whether reporting to Liu Hong about the collusion between the two fellow middle eunuchs, Feng Zan and Xu Feng, and the Yellow Turbans could give him a chance to win a way out for himself, when he suddenly felt a shadow fall in front of him.

Liu Hong was standing in front of him.

Tapping the closed secret report in his hand, Liu Hong looked at Zhang Rang with a difficult-to-discern expression of joy and anger. “Why don’t you guess what the report is about?”

Cold sweat was about to seep out from Zhang Rang’s back.

Trembling, he asked, “Could it be General Huangfu has been defeated by the rebels?”

Liu Hong remained silent for a long time.

Just as Zhang Rang’s fear reached its peak, he suddenly burst into laughter, “How can you have so little confidence in General Huangfu?”

“May the heavens bless Great Han! General Huangfu Yizhen’s reputation as a talented general is well-deserved. He has already conquered two provinces of the Yellow Turbans in succession.”

After finishing his words, he kicked Zhang Rang’s shoulder, indicating that he should not look so helpless.

When Zhang Rang stood up, he saw that Liu Hong had reopened the memorial and seemed to be appreciating it word by word, with a clearer look of joy on his face.

“What a truly honorable Huangfu Yizhen! And what a descendant of Duke Qiao Gong! The Yellow Turbans in the provinces of Yanzhou and Yuzhou have been eradicated, safeguarding the gateway to our province.

While Zhu Gong attacked Jingzhou unexpectedly, Yizhen led his troops north to Jizhou. This is the first good news I’ve heard in months!”

This series of news directly stunned Zhang Rang.

Even though he had not yet figured out why the lifting of the siege at Changshe had turned into the pacification of the two provinces of Yanzhou and Yuzhou, or what it had to do with the descendant of Duke Qiao Gong, he could at least draw one conclusion—

His life was safe for the time being.

Zhang Rang let out a sigh of relief, and when Liu Hong was about to turn his gaze back to him, he jumped slightly and resumed his respectful posture.

“General Huangfu is just a little too cautious. It was only after entering the territory of Jizhou that the news was sent out, causing me to receive this good news more than half a month late.

Could it be that there are still people in the palace leaking this news to the Yellow Turbans?”

Whether Liu Hong’s words were intentional or not, Zhang Rang couldn’t judge for a while.

He heard Liu Hong continue to ask, “What do you think I should do to reward this Left Central Cavalry Commander?”

Zhang Rang felt like kneeling again.

This was not an easy question to answer.

Huangfu Song was not a member of the literati, nor was he a member of the party who had previously had conflicts with them due to the party’s confinement.

However, he had always had conflicts with the officials, and even the memorial requesting the removal of the party’s confinement was submitted by him.

Now, how much credit the other party had earned, even though Zhang Rang only heard a few words from Liu Hong, he couldn’t help but feel shocked.

But at a time when the eunuchs in the palace had just been scraped off some money to save their lives, he obviously didn’t have the opportunity to blacken the other party’s eyes.

But to say that Huangfu Yizhen must be heavily rewarded, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“I think… it all depends on Your Majesty’s intention,” Zhang Rang said.

Liu Hong waved his hand. “Forget it. If the Left Central Cavalry Commander can capture Zhang Jue and display his head, both achievements will be rewarded equally. As for another person…”

“Have you ever heard of Qiao Yan, the descendant of Duke Qiao?”

Once again, Liu Hong’s question left Zhang Rang speechless.

Let alone Qiao Yan, even Qiao Xuan, the son of Duke Qiao, had long been unheard of to him.

Five years ago, Qiao Xuan was dismissed from his post as Grand Commandant due to illness and was appointed as Senior Imperial Physician.

Although the title was still Senior Imperial Physician, in fact, it was just an idle position in the court, purely to provide more reasons for the old Grand Commandant to receive a pension for his illness.

No matter how hard Zhang Rang searched his mind, he couldn’t recall the name Qiao Yan, and could only reply, “I remember that the son of Duke Qiao was appointed as the magistrate of Rencheng. As for the grandson of Duke Qiao, I really don’t know.”

“This son is really something, take a look.” The secret report that Zhang had almost mistaken for a life-threatening letter was slapped in front of him.

Zhang Rang quickly opened it and couldn’t help but feel like he was dreaming.

Otherwise, why would he see the absurd words “pacify the Yellow Turbans in two provinces at the age of ten” written, and the handwriting was somewhat familiar, it was indeed from Cao Cao.

With Cao Cao holding the pen and Huangfu Song giving the orders, and with the head of a Wavey Woman as evidence, it was unlikely that they would write anything untrue about such a matter.

He had barely recovered from the shock of the secret report when he noticed Liu Hong staring at him sharply, as if he expected an answer from him.

Zhang Rang stammered, “Since he is a gifted child, he should naturally be promoted to an official position to relieve Your Majesty’s worries and difficulties as soon as possible.”

“Fool!” He was judged by Liu Hong before he could finish his sentence.

However, he clearly saw that Liu Hong was quite satisfied with his performance in giving this answer.

“Have you not seen in the memorial that both of Qiao Yan’s parents died in the disaster caused by the Yellow Turbans?

According to the old rules of the Great Han, officials in office must observe a three-year mourning period when their parents pass away.

How can you suggest that this child be brought into the court as an official?”

Liu Hong’s words were correct, but in his heart, there was no lack of an early intention to cultivate the young talent.

Qiao Yan came from a noble family, but she had lost both her parents, and Duke Qian was seriously ill.

It was the perfect opportunity for him to cultivate her as an excellent candidate to be his right-hand man.

The more he needed such talents to be delivered to him in times like these.

If it weren’t for Huangfu Song mentioning in his letter that Qiao Yan had rushed to Jizhou with him to witness the end of the Yellow Turbans, he might have wanted to summon the child to the capital to meet him.

Zhang Rang’s momentary lack of consideration restored some of his confidence as a clever man.

Liu Hong paced back and forth in the Hall of Jade, then said, “But while he cannot be appointed as an official, he may not necessarily be unable to be appointed as a marquis.”

His tone was firm, indicating that this was a conclusion he had reached after careful consideration.

Given Liu Hong’s usual style, he would not allow anyone to oppose this idea.

Zhang Rang quickly put on a flattering expression. “Your Majesty’s words are very true. Moreover, this child has shown loyalty and filial piety by pacifying the Yellow Turbans for the sake of his parents and his country.

In the future, he will surely be a loyal and filial subject. He should be granted a marquisate to demonstrate Your Majesty’s grace.”

“But I wonder… where does Your Majesty intend to grant him the title?”

Liu Hong’s gaze fell on the candles in the hall, and there seemed to be a moment of hesitation. “Let’s not be hasty. I want to see Duke Qiao tomorrow.”

Zhang Rang almost blurted out the fact that the letter clearly stated that Your Majesty should not inform Duke Qiao of his son’s death, but judging by Liu Hong’s behavior, it didn’t seem like he had forgotten.

As a “stupid person” who was currently in the most suitable position to do bad things with good intentions, Zhang Rang felt that he should pretend not to have seen it.

When Liu Hong said he wanted to see Duke Qiao, he should have summoned him.

However, since the change in weather after the beginning of spring, this old minister had already become so ill that he couldn’t even get up.

He pondered that he couldn’t let people die on the road, so he personally led the guards and left the palace with a light carriage.

Liu Hong was a very stingy emperor, particularly in using eunuchs to amass wealth and then ruthlessly eliminating any thorns, and in squeezing money from the gentry.

Therefore, there was no need to expect any rewards or gifts for visiting the seriously ill old minister.

However, when he saw the simple and sparsely decorated walls of Qiao Xuan’s residence, he couldn’t help but show some respect for the old minister.

He had come without informing anyone in advance, so Qiao Xuan’s mansion in the capital was just as it was.

This showed that the old minister was indeed a gentleman who did not seek wealth.

Thinking again—during the reign of Emperor Xiaohuan, the Xianbei, Southern Xiongnu, and Goguryeo invaded together, plundering at the border.

If it weren’t for the three public officials and the Grand General jointly recommending Qiao Xuan as the General Who Pacifies the Liaodong, and later, when Qiao Xuan took office,

He disbanded the army and trained soldiers, then launched a thunderous attack against the enemy,

I’m afraid that by the time the throne passed to him, the border might not have been as calm as it is today.

This is a pure minister of the Great Han, the backbone of the country…

It’s no wonder he has such a grandson.

But unfortunately, at the end of his life, life and death were beyond his control.

The former General Qiao, who had been brave and valiant, was now an old man who was confused due to illness.

When Liu Hong stopped by his bedside, the emaciated old man made a great effort to focus for a moment, and was about to get up to bow, but Liu Hong quickly stopped him.

This commotion caused Qiao Xuan to cough for a long time.

After calming down his coughing, he said, “How can an old minister like me have the honor to have Your Majesty visit my humble abode?”

“I heard that Duke Qiao is seriously ill, and I couldn’t bear not to come and see you.”

This was Liu Hong’s answer.

He really didn’t say anything inappropriate, so his appearance of visiting the sick minister still had a touch of the wise monarch about it.

Qiao Xuan didn’t know that Liu Hong had come with a purpose.

He only thought that his resignation in protest of the Emperor’s selling of offices and titles over the years might not have been a wise move.

But when those words he had wanted to use to persuade Liu Hong came to his lips, they turned into a violent fit of coughing.

This sense of imminent death was not the first time it had occurred to him.

He had been strong and outspoken in the past, fearless in his remonstrations.

But now that he was not long for this world, if he were to let go of his life, whether his mediocre son would be held accountable by the emperor in front of him was truly an unknown.

Qiao Xuan pondered for a moment and then swallowed back the words that had almost come out of his throat.

It was precisely during this pause that he suddenly heard Liu Hong say, “Life and death are fated, and the world is unpredictable.

Regarding the resignation of the former Grand Commandant due to illness, whether it was true or not is not something to be asked now.

I only think of Duke Qiao’s service, which brought peace and harmony to the upper and lower classes and the eight directions.

If he were to pass away, I would regret it. I wonder if Duke Qiao has any words to entrust to me?”

Liu Hong said this with his eyes lowered.

Perhaps except for Qiao Xuan, who was facing him directly, no one else could see his emotions when he said this.

As Qiao Xuan looked up, all he saw was a glare, making Liu Hong’s face appear somewhat blurry.

However, whether it was his illusion or not, he seemed to perceive a hint of aging and death in this still relatively young emperor.

Nevertheless, this did not prevent him from answering in a hoarse voice, “I know Your Majesty is capable of governing alone, and you have the judgment on domestic affairs.

It is not for me, who has been absent from the government for several years, to dictate. However, there is one thing I would like to request Your Majesty’s permission for, if I may.”

“Duke Qiao, please speak.”

After catching his breath, Qiao Xuan said, “After my death, I should have been buried in a coffin and returned to Suiyang in Liangguo. However, it would be better to rest in peace in the Great Han.”

His voice, though not very loud, seemed to exhaust all his strength, but it sounded like thunder in the humble room at that moment. “During my tenure as General Who Pacifies the Liaodong for three years, the Xiongnu and Xianbei dared not invade the territory of the Great Han.

If I pass away, I request to be buried on the border as a blessing for the Great Han. Please grant this, Your Majesty.”

This was truly a shocking request.

After Qiao Xuan returned to his mansion from the palace, Zhang Rang noticed that Liu Hong sat alone for a long time.

However, when he was summoned to the Jade Hall again and entered, he saw that the emotional expression on Liu Hong’s face had disappeared, leaving only his usual demeanor.

Zhang Rang noticed a map laid out in front of Liu Hong, and he was tossing a seal up and down in his hand.

“I know that Duke Qiao’s last words were definitely not just this sentence.” Hearing Zhang Rang’s footsteps, Liu Hong, knowing he had an audience, chuckled self-deprecatingly before speaking.

Indeed, the phrase “last words” was accurate.

After Qiao Xuan uttered that plea, it was as if he had burned away the remaining strength along with those words.

With the ability of the Imperial Medical Bureau, he could only extend his life for another month at most.

Perhaps he could hold on until his grandson assisted Huangfu Song in defeating the rebels and returned to the capital.

“However, it doesn’t matter. Duke Qiao was not afraid to recommend enemies for important positions during his tenure.

Wanting to secure a good future for his descendants with his own reputation before his death is not something to be criticized.”

Zhang Rang knew he didn’t need to say anything now, because Liu Hong had already weighed and decided in his heart.

“Moreover, Duke Qiao did not choose to offer advice while he was ill, forcing me to accept it, and also spared me from a negative entry in the history books. Why not reward him?”

“To be buried on the border, to be buried on the border…”

Liu Hong’s gaze swept over the large map of Yong, Liang, You, and Bing provinces, finally settling on one location.

The next moment, he threw the seal in his hand.

The seal almost stopped rolling on the ground after just a couple of turns, settling in place.

“Chamberlain Zhang, take a look at where this is.”

With Liu Hong’s question, Zhang Rang hurriedly approached and saw the seal pressed on the map of Le’an.

“Your Majesty, this is Le’an.”

“Well then, how about the Marquis of Le Ping?” Liu Hong asked casually.

Zhang Rang was so shocked he almost couldn’t control himself, almost taking a sharp intake of cold air.

The Marquis of Le’an was clearly not intended for Qiao Xuan.

This was clearly the reward intended for that ten-year-old child!

A Marquis!