When he suddenly saw Qiao Yan being brought in such a manner, even Lu Zhi, who considered himself well-experienced, couldn’t help but be a little stunned.

Previously, he hadn’t lost contact with Qiao Yan.

For instance, before the great epidemic in the first month of the second year of Zhongping, Qiao Yan had written to him, warning him to be cautious about preventing infectious diseases.

Additionally, when Qiao Yan was put under house arrest for restricting the Inspector, Lu Zhi also wrote to her, advising her to be careful even though youthful recklessness was understandable.

Of course, from Qiao Yan’s perspective, Lu Zhi’s letter at that time was more of encouragement than a warning.

Lu Zhi himself was known for his ability to stabilize the nation both through his literary and martial prowess and was always firm and upright.

So, when she heard Liu Hong’s order for her to come and receive guidance from Shangshu Ling, she momentarily doubted whether Liu Hong intended for her to cultivate herself or to receive an exemplary demonstration of the Han literary and martial virtues.

Just as she had guessed on her way here, after Qiao Yan reported her recent “achievements” in Bingzhou to Lu Zhi, this great scholar of the time not only didn’t think Qiao Yan needed any reformation but even clasped his hands together and laughed, “Yeshou (Qiao Yan’s courtesy name), this is truly, truly satisfying!”

Qiao Yan lightly coughed and quietly reminded, “Mr. Zigan, please be cautious with your words.”

The imperial guards who escorted her were still present.

Lu Zhi immediately adjusted his expression and said, “Since His Majesty has entrusted you to me, during your time in the capital, you will study the ‘Book’ with me.”

He then addressed the imperial guards, “Please inform His Majesty that I am aware of the mistakes Qiao Hou (Marquis Qiao) has made. Since it was I and General Huangfu who recommended Qiao Hou to His Majesty back then, it is naturally our responsibility to guide her properly and ensure she does not act recklessly.”

Lu Zhi’s title of Shangshu Ling was an official position, and the ‘Book’ he referred to was the “Shangshu” (also known as the “Book of Documents”), which records ancient statesmen’s handling of state affairs and their interactions with ministers.

In fact, while serving as Shangshu Ling and studying the “Shangshu,” Lu Zhi wrote a book called “Shangshu Zhangju” (Commentary on the Book of Documents).

Looking at it this way, Liu Hong’s punishment, in name, wasn’t incorrect.

Learning this path would indeed help in handling state affairs and making official reports.

Wisdom, at the very least, could serve as an explanation to others.

But how to put it?

When Lu Zhi taught disciples in his hometown, one of his students, Liu Bei, could be considered a capable and responsible person.

Another student, Gongsun Zan, was currently leading troops against Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun due to the chaos in Yuyang.

Neither of them seemed to be particularly cautious individuals.

In Luoyang, most people had some inside information and were generally aware of this situation.

This made the “punishment” rather subtle in its significance.

Even when Lu Zhi took Qiao Yan into the inner courtyard, with the imperial guards no longer present, he praised Qiao Yan’s actions again.

After asking about her experiences in Le Ping over the past two years, he couldn’t help but stroke his beard and sigh, “Nowadays, chaos is everywhere. Having knowledge of the classics is useless unless you are someone like Zheng Kangcheng with extraordinary talent to save the world.

Many local officials have died at the hands of bandits. Yeshu’s ability to fight tigers and defeat barbarians truly lives up to my past evaluation of you.”

Lu Zhi had never actually seen Qiao Yan train her subordinates, nor did he know what kind of system she used to reward her soldiers.

What he heard was the simplified version: Qiao Yan had wiped out two groups of bandits in Bingzhou, recruited them into her forces, and then used them for a surprise attack on the Xiu Tu tribes.

Thinking of his own past experiences quelling rebellions in Jiujiang, he felt that his evaluation of her as a person of great talent was well-deserved.

Although she was a woman, she was indeed a capable individual who could save the Han dynasty.

It’s just a pity that it’s uncertain when she might have the opportunity to hold a position of real power.

Perhaps Liu Hong had similar intentions in making her study the Shangshu?

Lu Zhi found it difficult to understand Liu Hong’s intentions.

The power of the Shangshu Ling position had been greatly reduced in recent years, granting little more than the right to offer advice.

Whether the advice was heeded or not was a matter of luck.

When Qiao Yan mentioned that she came to request His Majesty to appoint a new General of the North for Bingzhou to ensure someone could lead the fight against the Xianbei and Xiongnu, he felt a pang of envy.

However, he did not show it on his face or in his words.

Instead, he asked about the accommodation arrangements for the followers she brought with her to the capital.

Since Liu Hong had sent Qiao Yan to study the Shangshu, it might be best for her followers to stay close by to avoid any inconveniences.

“I only brought a personal attendant and a driver. If they could be accommodated within the Shangshu residence, that would be ideal.”

Having just two people would indeed not cause any trouble.

But even Lu Zhi did not expect…

Actually, although she said there were two people, there were really three.

Before setting out, Qiao Yan had been particularly attentive when choosing the driver.

She selected someone whose build was remarkably similar to Guo Jia.

When this person drove the carriage into the Shangshu residence’s stables and then came with Dian Wei to see her, the person who looked up revealed none other than Guo Jia’s face.

Seeing Qiao Yan’s so-called punishment, Guo Jia examined the character (peace) that had already been written on the table and smiled, “It seems Marquis Qiao has overcome a significant hurdle today. You have an excellent understanding of our current emperor’s temperament.”

“No, you’re mistaken,” Qiao Yan looked at him, “There was actually an unexpected development after meeting him today.”

Fortunately, it was a manageable development.

From a modern perspective, especially with Liu Hong’s behavior as witnessed today, analyzing his actions and words, the apparent punishment and hidden reward for Qiao Yan’s actions could only mean one thing.

He inadvertently said a few extra words, mentioning “select from the military,” which further confirmed Qiao Yan’s judgment.

When she left the Lantai Palace, what she had been considering was something beneficial to Liu Hong: using the opportunity to select a General of the North to continue his path towards centralization.

This would be the perfect timing to establish the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden, which appeared at the end of Zhongping.

This was indeed an excellent time for selection!

Bingzhou was a harsh, bitter place.

The position of General of Northern Territories was not a lucrative one, and with her, a troublemaker, nearby, there was no guarantee that there wouldn’t be an incident where the General would be pressured by her.

If a selection was truly made, it would certainly attract those of rare backgrounds.

This would undoubtedly align better with Liu Hong’s interests than the original selection for the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden.

However, this deviated somewhat from Qiao Yan’s original plan.

Her initial intention was to push herself into a dangerous situation, forcing the powers in Luoyang to take a stance, thereby taking another step towards becoming Liu Hong’s trusted and isolated minister.

Only by being “isolated” could she maneuver to gain greater benefits.

Now, her situation had become too smooth, which posed its own complications.

But… there was still a way to salvage this.

“Fengxiao,” as Guo Jia was pondering the unexpected development Qiao Yan mentioned, she suddenly called his name, “I need you to do something for me.”

“Since you brought me to Luoyang, I must be of some use,” Guo Jia bowed to her, “Just tell me what you need, Marquis Qiao, and I will get it done.”

“I need you to visit He Boqiu tomorrow and convey a message for me.”

Guo Jia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Guo Jia, seeing beneath his smile a calculating demeanor.

But in today’s world, if people didn’t plan and calculate, they were headed for disaster.

His composed expression actually reassured her somewhat.

Clearly, today’s unexpected audience hadn’t affected her mindset.

“He Boqiu serves in the Three Excellence’ Office and is closely associated with the Yuan brothers. His relationship with the Grand General’s residence is also favorable. I would like you to inform him—”

He Yigeng was sworn allies with Yuan Shao during the Party Purge, which made him the ideal messenger for this message.

“Just tell him, ‘There are no permanent friends or enemies in this world. I have a matter I wish to convey to Yuan Benchu. In the past, I offended the Yuan family of Runan when I coerced Inspector Zhang Yi. Now, I wish to reconcile by returning this favor.'”

This message could indeed serve that purpose.

She emphasized each word, “The emperor intends to use the pretext of selecting the General of Northern Territories to screen candidates for the Imperial Guard. If they intend to place their people, now is the time.”

“However, I am not informing them unconditionally. If the future General of the North selected has ties to them, they must not interfere with my military training in Bingzhou! If this condition is violated, what I reveal today, I can also adjust tomorrow.”

Guo Jia was taken aback by this message.

But he quickly realized that for Qiao Yan, leaking this information to Yuan Shao and others was the best choice.

It was precisely because of the conditions she laid out that it would be easier to gain trust.

He also noticed Qiao Yan picking up a fresh sheet of paper and writing the character “变” (change) on it before calmly saying, “Remind them of one more thing—”

“Even a cornered dog will leap over a wall. Don’t push the current emperor too hard.”

He felt like he was in the middle of a simmering pot.

But who’s to say there wouldn’t be some astonishing moves… right?