Chapter Seven, Majesty

"There is no need for excessive courtesy, my lord (a respectful term for the elderly during the Han Dynasty)." Liu Hong had Guo Xi support Sima Liang beside him, but he could do nothing about Sima Liang's stubbornness, and could only accept the grand courtesy of a ruler and subject from this eighty-year-old man.

After a short while, Gao Hu was brought to the main hall of the Grand Commandant's residence. Although he could not accompany the Emperor to Luoyang, he felt no resentment. To him, the Emperor was both his sovereign and his teacher. Moreover, given the varying degrees of urgency in matters, his journey was related to the welfare of millions of Han subjects, and thus he could not afford to be negligent

The emperor humbly sought advice, which greatly moved Sima Liang. For every inquiry made by Liu Hong, he answered with utmost sincerity. Gradually, he also recognized that although the emperor was young, he was undoubtedly deserving of the titles of wisdom and brilliance. What appeared to be ordinary issues of the people's livelihood actually pointed directly to the current shortcomings of the Han dynasty: the powerful and wealthy were monopolizing land, leading to the displacement of the common people, resulting in empty granaries and depleted state resources, and ultimately weakening the nation

"Here." Liu Buming replied expressionlessly, a glint of ferocity flashing in his eyes. He then strode away, for killing for the emperor was his duty, and moreover, he did not like that woman.

Whether what the student said is true, the Grand Commandant will understand it as soon as he sees this object. Gao Hu was not in a hurry; he simply handed the seal of the Duke of Jiedu, which had been given to him by the Emperor, to the skeptical Chen Fan.

Zijian (that is, Li Gu), did you see it? Did you see it!" After Gao Hu left, Chen Fan murmured to himself, recalling those who had died before him, unable to hold back his tears.

As Liu Hong's imperial carriage journeyed northward, the influence of the Qingliu Group in Luoyang gradually grew stronger. Especially after they learned that the Emperor had severely punished the court eunuch Cao Jie in Wen County, these bureaucrats, scholars, and students who detested the eunuchs applauded in delight, widely praising the Emperor's wisdom, which further intensified the fears of the already panicked eunuch faction

Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly not allow anyone to perceive any clues. Guo Xi replied with great enthusiasm, as the Emperor's trust placed upon him made him willing to pledge his life in service to repay the Emperor's grace

The grandson remembered. Sima Fang nodded slightly, his expression solemn. During the earlier conversation in the tent, he had been quietly listening and had not truly realized that the Han Dynasty was already in a precarious state, unable to withstand further turmoil. He had foolishly thought he understood the sufferings of the common people, yet it was far from the concerns of the emperor.

Who exactly is your teacher?" After Gao Hu's remarks, Chen Fan became even more curious about the identity of his teacher, who seemed to require such caution.

"These individuals, you may use boldly, without any doubt." Before the team set off, Cao Jie gathered his trusted aides to convey these instructions. Liu Hong, who had been assigned to his side as the Chief of the Imperial Guards, had already reported this, which is why he was not at all surprised that Guo Xi was able to quickly grasp the eunuch Liu Hong's position within the team.

Having met with the Grand Commandant, the student has come at the behest of the master. This matter is of great importance, so I kindly request the Grand Commandant to dismiss those present.

Upon seeing the weary face of Gao Hu, Chen Fan was taken aback. He was unaware that Gao Hu had been rushing day and night, having not had a proper sleep for over ten days.

Abo, that woman no longer needs to be kept.

"You may leave," Chen Fan said without hesitation. He could tell that the man before him, Gao Hu, was not one to engage in empty rhetoric, and it was likely that what he had to say was anything but simple

"Well played." Although Sima Liang had returned to his hometown for many years, he still possessed the temperament of a scholar. Not to mention the calamity of party strife, the mere fact that eunuchs held power in the court filled him with indignation. How could these castrated men interfere in the affairs of the state

After Sima Fang and his family left, Liu Hong sat alone in the tent, his hand resting on the Emperor's sword. His wet nurse, Zhao Rao, had secretly begun to associate with Cao Jie when the imperial entourage arrived in Anguo County. Thinking of this, Liu Hong's expression turned extremely cold. He was a man who could not tolerate any sand in his eyes. If Zhao Rao had been content and adhered to the traditional Han principle of governing the world through filial piety, he would not have hesitated to bestow wealth and honor upon her. However, this wet nurse, who had colluded with eunuchs and was granted the title of Lord Ping in the historical records, was far too unwilling to remain in obscurity; she had to be eliminated. He was a man who could not tolerate any sand in his eyes. If Zhao Rao had been content and adhered to the traditional Han principle of governing the world through filial piety, he would not have hesitated to bestow wealth and honor upon her. However, this wet nurse, who had colluded with eunuchs and was granted the title of Lord Ping in the historical records, was far too unwilling to remain in obscurity; she had to be eliminated.

"Before the student departed, Your Majesty once remarked that the Grand Commandant, at the venerable age of seventy, contended with the eunuchs in the court. One person bears the weight of the world, and for me, for the millions of subjects, one must take care of their health." At this point, Gao Hu took out a private letter written by Liu Hong to Chen Fan from his bosom and presented it with both hands

Although the General has the ambition of Huo Guang, it is difficult for him to attend to matters behind him. Gao Hu, seeing Chen Fan lost in thought and silent, conveyed the words Liu Hong had asked him to relay. In the past, Huo Guang assisted the young emperor and was hailed as a renowned minister, yet in the end, he could not escape the fate of death and the destruction of his clan

The next day, when the emperor's carriage set out, apart from the eunuch Cao Jie, who had been punished with a cane, the emperor's wet nurse Zhao Rao also suddenly fell ill and was left in Wen County to recuperate. Three days later, she passed away due to her illness

He is a young man, who claims to have met the master when he was tasked with adding verses to the poems of Officer Li.

After receiving the seal, Chen Fan stared at it for a long time before calming his emotions. However, he still found it somewhat hard to believe that the person he had regarded as a lifelong confidant, along with Li Ying, was actually a mere thirteen-year-old young emperor. Although he still harbored some doubts, Chen Fan ultimately chose to believe in what Gao Hu had said.

Listening to Gao Hu's words, Chen Fan felt a deep resonance. For decades, has it not been as the Emperor said, with young rulers succeeding one another, the Empress Dowager presiding over the court, and the powerful relatives often holding multiple titles within a single family, acting arrogantly and unrestrained, leading to the decline of national order and increasing chaos in the world

After the two young men left, Gao Hu finally felt relieved and said, "Please do not take offense, my lord, but it is truly essential that my master's identity remains unknown to others"

In the evening, within the tent area of the imperial envoy, Liu Bu found the maidservant who had been assigned by the emperor to Zhao Rao two years prior, and conveyed the emperor's decree to this orphan, who, like him, came from humble beginnings

The authority of the sovereign is essential for the proper functioning of the relationship between the ruler and the subjects, as well as among family members. If the sovereign loses his authority and the subjects lose their dignity, the hierarchy is disrupted, leading to chaos. When chaos arises, the common people suffer, and the Son of Heaven must exercise caution.

"You are audacious; how can the Son of Heaven allow you and your disciples to act with such disrespect?" Chen Fan nearly shouted, pointing directly at Gao Hu's nose.

Looking at the letter from the Emperor that read, "You possess the talents of Yi and Lü; even if you become a minister at eighty, it is not too late. I shall emulate Zhou Wen..." Chen Fan, despite his lifelong strength, could not help but feel choked with emotion. Over the decades, which emperor has ever valued him or regarded him as a worthy minister? After a long while, he turned to Gao Hu beside him and said, "Please convey to the Emperor that the old minister will not fail in his duties." Despite his lifelong strength, Chen Fan could not help but feel choked with emotion. Over the decades, which emperor has ever valued him or regarded him as a worthy minister? After a long while, he turned to Gao Hu beside him and said, "Please convey to the Emperor that the old minister will not fail in his duties."

Upon entering the emperor's tent, Sima Liang respectfully prepared to kneel and pay his respects. Although he had served as the governor of Yuzhang, he had only seen the emperor a few times in paintings and books, let alone being personally summoned by the emperor.

It is him. Chen Fan raised his eyebrows, recalling the simple farmer boy Gao Hu from half a year ago and that grand and powerful song of righteousness. "Please invite him in," Chen Fan said as he stood up from his chair, instructing the steward. For the past six months, he had recited that song of righteousness, which had been sung throughout the world, and in his correspondence with Li Ying, he often mentioned Gao Hu's teacher, waiting for him to come to the capital for a discussion.

When Sima Liang left the emperor's camp, he let out a long sigh and said to Sima Fang beside him, "The emperor has a far-reaching vision; you must serve him well and adhere closely to the family teachings of the Sima clan"

Your matters should not be known to others Liu Hong instructed as he watched Guo Xi leave Some things must be kept from scholars like Sima Fang as they are not suited for schemes

"I do not wish to conceal from the Grand Commandant that my master is indeed the newly established Son of Heaven," Gao Hu revealed Liu Hong's identity, causing Chen Fan to change countenance.

"Sir, there is a guest outside seeking an audience," the voice of the steward echoed from outside the study, causing Chen Fan to pause. In recent days, he had indeed met many people, but few came to seek an audience so late. "Who is it that has come?" Chen Fan inquired as the steward entered.

"General, take care. The student will come to pay his respects another day." After Gao Hu saw that the message had been delivered, he prepared to take his leave and politely declined Chen Fan's invitation to stay.

In a residence located in the northwest of Luoyang, Chen Fan was reading a letter from Liu Shu, a Grand Master of the Imperial Court, with a look of joy on his face. He was pleased because if Liu Shu's words were true, there was hope for the revival of the Han Dynasty. Since the reign of Emperor Xiaohé, the subsequent emperors have rarely possessed the authority akin to that of a prison warden, all of whom have been manipulated by women and eunuchs. Although the new emperor is young, he is capable and has his own opinions, which is indeed a blessing for the world.

"Come in." At the light command, the guard stationed outside the tent promptly entered, and it was none other than the tall youth who had been ordered during the day to capture Cao Jie.

"The words of an adult, I have learned from them." Liu Hong looked at the serious Sima Liang before him, understanding the concerns of this elder. Since the reign of Emperor Xian and Empress Dowager, the authority of the Son of Heaven has waned, and the power of the monarch has diminished, which has led to the external relatives and eunuchs seizing power, resulting in the gradual disintegration of the realm.

Since ancient times, although rulers faced hardships in their youth, royal families often had internal strife. It was essential to appoint capable ministers, and there has been no precedent for entrusting significant matters to women. Only Empress Dowager Qi of the Qin dynasty began to take charge of state affairs, which is why the Marquis of Rang held more power than King Zhao, and the family was wealthier than the Ying state. Our current dynasty continues this error; I have seen the imperial lineage severed multiple times, with power reverting to female rulers. Externally, there have been three emperors, and internally, four empresses, all of whom have established policies and delegated responsibilities to their fathers and brothers, indulging in the governance of children for an extended period while suppressing the capable to consolidate their own authority

His Majesty summoned the students here to convey to the Grand Commandant that the eunuchs are merely a minor ailment, which can be eradicated with a clear edict. Gao Hu articulated the purpose of this visit, while Liu Hong was concerned that after the eunuchs were eliminated, the Dou family would gain power and ultimately dominate the court, much like the Liang family did in the previous dynasty

The will of the Son of Heaven, the old minister understands. At this moment, Chen Fan comprehended the concerns of the Son of Heaven. Eunuchs are easy to execute, but if the eunuchs are overthrown and the imperial relatives rise again, what difference is there between executing them and not executing them

While accompanying his grandfather, Sima Fang occasionally responded to various topics concerning the emperor. When asked about the cries of anguish heard earlier in the camp, Sima Fang replied with considerable satisfaction, "The Central Attendant Cao Jie offended the emperor and was ordered by the emperor to be punished with a beating."

Along the way, Guo Xi quickly gained the loyalty of the eunuchs accompanying the team, with those who had previously been loyal to Cao Jie gradually shifting their allegiance to him, including some of Cao Jie's most trusted confidants.