Chapter 8, Night Conspiracy

Wang Fu's fierce words left everyone trembling with fear. Now that Cao Jie is no longer present, apart from the veteran Hou Lan, no one can stand up to Wang Fu. In an instant, everyone nodded cautiously in agreement.

Since we are forming an alliance, we must appoint a leader. Among those present, I believe only Wang Changshi is fit to be the leader." Guo Xi, who had not spoken until now, immediately voiced his agreement after Wang Fu proposed the alliance, leaving everyone taken aback and exchanging glances. Even Hou Lan and Xiang Rang, who had always been on good terms with Wang Fu, felt greatly dissatisfied. It was one thing for Wang Fu not to consult them beforehand about the alliance, but now Guo Xi's actions clearly indicated that the two had already made arrangements.

Zhang Rang quickly stood up and stepped out of the main hall. Lü Qiang had always been an anomaly among the eunuchs, upholding integrity and fairness, yet he had always maintained a low profile, remaining obscure. It is unclear how the Emperor came to know of him

It is said that the Son of Heaven observed mourning in Anguo County for three years. After that, more than a hundred disciples emerged, whose scholarship was not inferior to that of the great Confucians of the time, and moreover, he possessed a naturally upright character. This will certainly create quite a stir in the court. Among the officials, those ranked lower began to whisper among themselves.

After exchanging a few more words, Wang Fu introduced Guo Xi to the assembled guests. Guo Xi said little, merely identifying himself as a junior of Cao Jie, and then silently stood to the side, with all eyes on Wang Fu. However, several individuals present who were not in favor of Wang Fu quietly took note of Guo Xi. Although Wang Fu held significant power, the emperor was the foundation of their wealth and influence. Guo Xi's close relationship with the emperor meant that his rise to prominence was only a matter of time. It would be better to secretly cultivate a good relationship with him for future benefits. However, several individuals present who were not in favor of Wang Fu quietly took note of Guo Xi. Although Wang Fu held significant power, the emperor was the foundation of their wealth and influence. Guo Xi's close relationship with the emperor meant that his rise to prominence was only a matter of time. It would be better to secretly cultivate a good relationship with him for future benefits

Ahead, a tremendous cheer suddenly erupted, growing louder and louder, ultimately surging towards the Xiamen Pavilion like waves, leaving the civil and military officials exchanging glances in astonishment. No one could have anticipated that the young emperor ascending the throne could generate such momentum

Outside of Nangong, in the residence of Wang Fu, prominent eunuchs such as Hou Lan and Xiang Rang gathered together, among them was also the notable Guo Xi. Earlier, he had already delivered a handwritten letter from Cao Jie to Wang Fu, who was the eunuch second only to Cao Jie.

The cavalry of the Fifth Battalion of the Northern Army stationed by the official road is undoubtedly the closest to the Emperor. These valiant horsemen unconsciously gaze at the face of the Emperor they are to protect, then lower their heads. The Emperor's gaze is sharp, as if an invincible commander is looking down upon them, "The majesty of heaven is like a prison; those who offend shall have no mercy!" Almost everyone harbors such thoughts in their hearts. They cannot explain the intense, almost tangible chill emanating from the young Emperor, attributing it only to the fact that he is ordained by heaven, born with an aura of authority that cannot be offended.

"Lord Wang has always been a leader among us; if he were to be the alliance leader, I, Hou Lan, have no objections." Among the crowd, Hou Lan was the first to speak, still wearing a smile that made it difficult to discern his true thoughts; soon after, Xiang Rang and others also expressed their agreement, acknowledging Wang Fu's position as the alliance leader.

"What you said is quite right. Dou Wu is indeed a false benevolence, akin to Wang Mang of our time. We must protect the Son of Heaven and eliminate this traitor to the nation," Xiang Rang said, squinting his eyes. The others nodded in silence. For these eunuchs, since it was difficult to deceive the Son of Heaven, they could only find ways to please him. As long as they served him carefully, they could at least maintain their wealth and status. However, if Dou Wu gained power, they feared that they would all meet their demise.

The eunuchs have long held sway over the palace, and Zhang Rang is a rising star who has been strongly supported by Wang Fu in recent years, thus he has faced no obstacles along the way. After exiting the Southern Palace, Zhang Rang glanced back at the city walls, which loomed like a monstrous beast in the darkness, and felt a twinge of hesitation. Wang Fu had shown him kindness, but when he thought of the emperor's pitch-black eyes, he couldn't help but shiver. If the emperor wanted to kill a mere minor official, it would be no more than crushing an ant. No matter how powerful Wang Fu was, how could he possibly contend with the emperor?

Although the emperor wore a smile on his face, Zhang Rang felt a chill run down his spine. Having entered the palace at a young age and risen from a lowly eunuch to his current position, he was adept at reading people's expressions and intentions. Yet, the emperor before him was utterly inscrutable. In the end, he could only respond cautiously, "Your Majesty, your insight is as sharp as a torch; your words are without a hint of error."

The new emperor entered the palace, and there were numerous trivial matters to attend to. By the time all affairs were concluded, it was already night with the lanterns lit.

The chill on his skin made Zhang Rang's throat dry, and his back was soaked with cold sweat. Zhao Zhong beside him was already kneeling on the ground, looking no better than him. Zhang Rang desperately wanted to speak, but he couldn't utter a single word. The emperor's cold and harsh gaze made it hard for him to breathe, as if at any moment a sword would pierce his throat. Just when he was about to break down, the chill in his throat suddenly vanished.

The ministers, led by the Grand General Dou Wu, respectfully welcomed the Son of Heaven, holding the imperial edict personally bestowed by the Empress Dowager. As he knelt before the young emperor, no one dared to underestimate him any longer. In an instant, the area outside the Summer Pavilion fell into complete silence; the commoners and gentry who had come to witness the ceremony all knelt down on the ground, while the early spring breeze rustled the various flags, creating a sound that echoed in the stillness.

Moments later, as the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, the imperial procession appeared in the sight of the civil and military officials at the Summer Pavilion. The long-awaited emperor, dressed in ceremonial robes and holding the imperial sword, personally drove the carriage. Behind the procession followed the common people and young scholars, creating a scene that resembled a multitude of troops in attendance. This spectacle left the welcoming Northern Army's Fifth Camp utterly astonished.

At that time, I fear that even if I just relieve myself, I won't be able to hide it from him! Liu Hong suddenly pointed his sword at Zhang Rang, the cold gleam on the blade flickering at Zhang Rang's throat. "You tell me, should I kill you to give Wang Fu a warning?"

Outside the Summer Pavilion, the three dukes, nine ministers, and officials of all ranks were waiting for the emperor's carriage under the leadership of the Grand General. The Northern Army's Fifth Battalion, tasked with the reception, had nearly all its elite troops deployed, occupying both sides of the official road and forming a wall as solid as steel. Under their imposing presence, the common people who had come to witness the ceremony did not dare to breathe a word.

Today, I have summoned you all here because it concerns our lives and fortunes. I believe everyone is aware of the situation regarding Minister Cao. Now that Dou Wu has become the Grand General and has appointed Chen Fan as the Grand Tutor, they are tightening their grip step by step. It is likely that before long, they will take action against us, the old ministers of the late emperor. Wang Fu surveyed the assembly, his narrow eyes revealing a hint of ruthlessness. In the face of a great enemy, if we continue to fight among ourselves, it is likely that none of us will escape death. I will speak plainly today: whoever endangers us all, I will ensure that he dies first. His narrow eyes revealed a hint of ruthlessness. In the face of a great enemy, if we continue to fight among ourselves, it is likely that none of us will escape death. I will speak plainly today: whoever endangers us all, I will ensure that he dies first

Zhang Rang, you go find Supervisor Lu and tell him that I wish to see him. However, I do not want anyone else to know. If the news leaks out, you shall take care of it yourself

Although Dou Wu felt joy in his heart, he still calmly invited the Emperor to ascend the jade-covered treasure carriage, accompanying the Emperor along with the officials towards the Southern Palace. At this time, the late Emperor Liu Zhi had not yet been buried, and the new ruler could only take control of the Jiade Hall after the coronation ceremony.

In the inner chamber, Liu Hong sat on the dragon bed, looking at Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, who were kneeling respectfully before him. "Do you two know the residence of the Central Attendant Lu Qiang?"

In an instant, the room fell silent, and Wang Fu looked at the calm-faced Guo Xi, feeling a sense of apprehension towards this young eunuch. His words clearly placed him in the line of fire, yet given the current situation, if he were to speak up in explanation, it would only serve to draw more attention to the matter.

Looking at Zhang, who had collapsed on the ground, Liu Hong's cold voice rang out, "Remember this, only by being loyal to me can one enjoy wealth and honor; as for Wang Fu, he is nothing more than a dying man."

Inside the Jianzhang Palace, Liu Hong looked at the two eunuchs sent by Wang Fu in front of him, and finally asked one of them, "You are Zhang Rang, and he is Zhao Zhong."

Waving his hand to stop the carriage, Guo Xi wanted to receive the courtesy. Liu Hong personally spoke, "Gentlemen, please rise and do not stand on ceremony." He had cultivated his energy for six years, and at this moment, his voice resonated powerfully, echoing for several miles before finally subsiding. This made the kneeling crowd feel that although the emperor was young, his authority was naturally imposing, embodying the dignity of a sovereign.

Within the Chang Le Palace, Dou Miao was still reminiscing about her meeting with the Emperor during the day. The gaze of that handsome young man upon her held not a trace of reverence; although he observed all the formalities, it always left her with an inexplicable sense of coldness. Looking at her beautiful reflection in the bronze mirror, Dou Miao suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. Although she held the esteemed title of Empress Dowager, envied by women across the realm, what happiness could she truly claim? It was merely a life of solitude, destined to grow old alone within this magnificent palace. How many could truly understand her desolation?

Since everyone is in agreement, we shall today become allies and advance and retreat together said Wang Fu, glancing at Hou Lan and Xiang Rang before addressing the crowd

Although the new emperor is young, he is quite opinionated and may not necessarily have a favorable view of the powerful relatives. Listening to Wang Fu's analysis of the situation, Hou Lan pondered and said, "We must act with caution and must not give Dou Wu any excuse to eliminate us."

Beside the Mengjin ferry, the official road was packed with a throng of people, making it impossible for anyone to pass. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the young emperor, renowned for his wisdom and filial piety. They had long heard that the emperor was traveling to Luoyang not by carriage, but personally commanding a military chariot as he journeyed north.

"You are quite eloquent," Liu Hong said with a teasing laugh. He then stood up, picked up the Emperor's Sword resting on the zitan wood table behind him, drew it out, and began to wipe the blade, saying, "Wang Fu sent you to my side, didn't he? You are here to act as spies, aren't you?"

"Rise, as long as you heed my words, I shall ensure your safety and prosperity for a lifetime." Liu Hong sheathed his sword and addressed the two kneeling before him. After speaking, he stepped out the door, while Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong hurriedly stood up, neglecting to wipe the blood from their foreheads, and followed him closely, more obedient than a docile kitten.

Standing beside Dou Wu, Chen Fan looked towards the approaching imperial carriage, only to realize that the Emperor's gaze was also directed at him. In that instant, their eyes met, as if a thousand words were exchanged between them.

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong were both taken aback, yet they did not dare to hesitate and quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the eunuch Lü is residing outside the Southern Palace."

In the group, Wang Fu, Hou Lan, and others looked at the delighted faction of Dou Wu with hidden resentment in their hearts, yet they could not express their anger. The Emperor's punishment of Cao Jie truly instilled immense fear in them, as the Emperor's will was directly linked to their own success or failure and the life and death of both themselves and Dou Wu's faction

"We shall certainly be loyal to Your Majesty and dare not have any doubts." Hearing the words of the Emperor, Zhang Rang, who had come to his senses, quickly bowed down and knocked his head on the ground, causing blood to flow from his forehead, alongside Zhao Zhong.

From today onwards, remember this: conduct yourselves with humility. Go back and properly discipline your household. If anyone makes a mistake and causes trouble that reaches the Emperor's ears, do not blame me for being ruthless at that time. " At this point, Wang Fu's voice turned cold, and a sinister expression appeared on his fair face.

"Your Highness, I apologize for the inconvenience." With a clenched jaw and a long sigh, Zhang Rang resolutely walked towards the residence of Lü Qiang, not far away

Among the crowd, the young students were particularly excited. The emperor had reprimanded the eunuchs, which allowed them to vent their frustrations. At this moment, each of them was brimming with energy, eagerly awaiting the appearance of the emperor's entourage to express their loyalty to him