Chapter 5: Yuan Shao

  "Wang Yue?" Liu breathed a sigh of relief, and suddenly a person popped into his mind. "Are you the swordsman Wang Yue?"

  Wang Yue was astonished, his eyes gleaming with delight: "Your Majesty... knows my name?"

  Liu Bian was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. In this life, Liu Bian didn't know an ordinary Hu Ben Lang, but in another life, he knew Wang Yue's great name like thunder, the number one sword in the capital.

  "I... of course know you." Liu Bian sat up and adjusted his clothes: "How did you barge in?"

  Wang Yue hastily kowtowed to the ground: "There was a sudden change in Luoyang, and I didn't know until midnight that Your Majesty had left the palace. After searching for half the night, I finally found out that Your Majesty was at Pingle Temple. I rushed here immediately and saw Western Liang soldiers beside you. Afraid that Your Majesty might be in danger, I sneaked in. I didn't mean to startle you, and I deserve to die a million deaths."

  Liu's expression changed, and he smiled: "Then what did you see just now?"

  "Your Majesty, I saw a dragon."

  "Dragon?" Liu Bian was taken aback and said casually, "You saw it too?"

  When Liu Bian said this, Wang Yue let out a breath of relief and hastily followed his words. "Yes, I indeed saw a dragon and heard the sound of its roar. Until now, I am still shaken by the dragon's power, my heart is racing with fear, and I apologize for any disrespect, please forgive me, Your Majesty."

  Seeing Wang Yue so tense, Liu Bian couldn't help but laugh. He had a set of exquisite fighting skills in his mind, but it would take time to master them. With a master like Wang Yue protecting him, he felt somewhat safer. "Get up, you were able to sneak in undetected, your martial arts skills are quite good. From now on, stay by my side and attend to me."

  Wang Yue was overjoyed. He had been a tiger guard for many years, but had never gotten so close to the emperor before. It seemed that tonight's efforts had not been in vain. He hastily knocked his head to thank the emperor, and after knocking his head, he suddenly remembered something: "Your Majesty, my disciple Shi Ah is still outside keeping watch."

  Liu Bian was overjoyed. Shi Ah, that's Cao Pi's teacher! He didn't expect two great swordsmen to come suddenly, making it even safer. He hastily asked Wang Yue to call Shi Ah in. Wang Yue went out and ran into Min Gong, who was shocked and just about to shout for someone when Liu Bian stood at the door, looking at him: "Min Gong, you come here."

  Min Gong did not dare to slack off and hurriedly walked over.

  "I am very satisfied with your loyalty, and I also appreciate your hard work. However, you are not skilled in martial arts, which makes it difficult for me to entrust you with my safety. Hu Biao and Shi A are both loyal and skilled in martial arts, let them assist you."

  Min Gong listened and didn't dare to say more. He was in charge of guarding, but let Wang Yue rush in without knowing, which was a serious dereliction of duty. Liu Bian did not punish him, this was already a special kindness, where else would he dare to refute? Moreover, during the extraordinary period, there were two powerful tiger guards who could also help a lot.

  Not long after, Wang Yue led Shi Ah in. Shi Ah was much younger than Wang Yue and looked more spirited, with bright eyes and quick steps, exuding the air of a master at first glance. Wang Yue had probably given him prior instructions, for as soon as he entered, Shi Ah fell to the ground in a bow.

  Liu Bian had them rise and formally announced that they would assist Min Gong. The two men took turns standing guard beside him, protecting his safety.

  Wang Yue and Shi Axi were overjoyed, and they kowtowed again.

  ……

  The Northern Palace of Luoyang City, Jia De Hall.

  Yuan Shao sat on the throne, gently stroking a stone egg placed in front of him on the table, feeling the faint warmth on the stone egg, and slightly raised the corner of his mouth.

  In the distance, the fire of Zhuque Que has gone out, with a wisp of blue smoke lingering, as if it were an ethereal aura.

  The surroundings were quiet, without a single sound. Dozens of fully armed guards held long knives, vigilantly paying attention to everything around them, but no one dared to look at him. These were the dead soldiers he had cultivated for many years, lurking in the Western Garden Army. Last night, he led these people into the imperial palace, killing all the eunuchs and clearing out the poison that had plagued the Great Han for many years.

  He Jin accomplished in one night what he had been unable to do for many years. He Jin, that fool, actually dared to contend with him - it was simply a case of overestimating his own abilities.

  Everything went smoothly, the only regret is that the Emperor disappeared. It is said that the Emperor was taken away by Zhang Rang and others, escaped from the palace, and now it is unknown whether he is dead or alive. But all this doesn't matter anymore. If he's alive, he's just a puppet, if he's dead, so much the better.

  What should be done next? Is it to support another puppet for a transition period or take that step directly?

  Yuan Shao looked at the stone egg in front of him and let out a sigh, with a hint of regret flashing across his eyes.

  There has been progress, but it's still far from perfect. For now, he can only feel a hint of warmth, and his goal is still a long way off. It seems that slowing down for the time being might be for the best.

  "Get out of the way! Whoever dares to block me will be killed!"

  Yuan Shao furrowed his brow, stood up, and quietly hid the stone egg in his sleeve before walking out calmly.

  Yang Biao strode in, saw Yuan Shao, and his eyes turned cold: "Yuan Benchu, the emperor's court is also a place where you can sit?"

  Yuan Shao spread his arms wide, with sleeves like wings: "The Emperor is nowhere to be found, I am looking for him."

  "Don't bother anymore, Your Majesty is staying at Pingle Pavilion, you can prepare to go and receive him now."

  Yuan Shao secretly let out a sigh, but his face was all smiles. "Good." He swaggered away from Yang Biao's side, the guards keeping close watch on either side of him. Yang Biao looked at Yuan Shao's back, then at the two rows of guards, and let out a long sigh.

  ……

  Lu Zhi rushed back to Pingle Pavilion and reported the situation to Liu Bian. After listening, Liu Bian nodded gratefully: "Lu Qiong has worked hard."

  Lu Zhi was indeed toiling, he didn't sleep for a whole night, and his two eyes were red. However, being able to get the Emperor's words, even if he was tired or toiling, it was worth it. He bowed down and said with tears: "Your Majesty, encountering this great difficulty is a warning from Heaven. I hope Your Majesty can take it as a lesson, personally reflect on yourself, respect Heaven and love the people, be close to virtuous ministers, keep away from petty men, and revive the Great Han."

  Liu Bian nodded solemnly: "Lu Qie, I heard that your two disciples, Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, are both promising talents. Where are they now? I want to use them."

  Contrary to Liu Bian's expectations, Lu Zhi frowned and said loudly: "Your Majesty, Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei are only brave men, how can they be called virtuous? There are countless wise men in Luoyang. As long as Your Majesty is willing to use them, the revival of the dynasty is imminent. Why bother with people like Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei?"

  Liu Bian was speechless and knew he had made another mistake. He was good at correcting his mistakes. "What does Lu Qing think are the usable talents?"