You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 252 The Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness Returns to Luoyang

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

After the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian left, Zhou Chen remained silent for a while.

Zhou Chen knew that even though the Great Zhou Dynasty was in decline, it could still remain as stable as Mount Tai, thanks to Zhou Rushan, the ancestor of the royal family, as well as Grand Tutor Wen Zhong and Prince Zhou Zhan, the two pillars of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

It was because of these three people that Zhou Chen had the opportunity to reclaim his lost territories.

But now, Grand Tutor Wen Zhong has died in battle in the four northwestern prefectures.

Zhou Rushan, the ancestor of the royal family, also passed away when his time was up.

Of the three pillars of the Great Zhou Dynasty, two have now disappeared, leaving only Prince Zhou Zhan.

If it were before, the Great Zhou might have really collapsed.

But now, with Zhou Chen around, the sky of the Great Zhou will not fall, and the royal family will not collapse.

After a moment of silence, Zhou Chen continued to handle government affairs.

As an emperor, nothing could easily affect Zhou Chen or sway his emotions.

It's not because emperors are harsh and cold-blooded, but because they have already devoted everything to the country and its people, leaving no room for personal feelings.

……

The death of Zhou Rushan, the patriarch of the royal family, did not cause a great stir, but only caused some reactions within the royal family.

Currently, the imperial court's tax reforms, the repossession of private soldiers from powerful families, and the investigation into cases of land being seized from ordinary people through trickery and coercion are all proceeding vigorously.

Whether they are ordinary people or wealthy and powerful families, their focus is on these matters that concern their interests.

As for the death of Zhou Rushan, the patriarch of the royal family, basically no one paid much attention to it.

Only a handful of people from prominent and wealthy families would occasionally mention it as a topic of conversation after dinner.

As the imperial court reformed its tax system, the investigation into the land that had been seized by powerful and wealthy families was in full swing, which caused a great deal of discussion among the people.

In the past, the sky over the Great Zhou Dynasty was a murky expanse.

How much land has been seized by the common people through trickery and coercion, and how many people have had their land forcibly annexed, yet they have no recourse to seek redress?

In the end, they could only watch helplessly as their land was forcibly seized, swallowing their anger.

How many ordinary people, unwilling to have their land seized, were killed and their bodies left to rot in the wilderness by powerful landlords?

Now, the imperial court is going to investigate and stand up for the people.

Not only should those powerful landlords who seized and forcibly occupied the land of the common people be punished, but the land they seized should also be returned to the common people.

This made the people of the world weep with joy, singing praises of the court and the emperor's benevolence.

The abolition of tariffs brought immense joy to all the merchants of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

For a long time, commerce in the Great Zhou Dynasty has been suppressed by tariffs.

Merchants had to pay customs duties before they could even sell their goods.

Who can bear this?

Now things are much better. With the customs duties abolished, merchants can freely sell their goods to all corners of the world without worrying about customs duties or whether they can break even.

Although there is a business tax, it only comes into effect after the goods are sold.

Most importantly, the Great Zhou court began to encourage commerce, which made merchants sense the rising trend of commerce in the Great Zhou.

Countless businessmen were thrilled.

The only ones who felt no joy or excitement were the aristocratic landlords.

Because these actions and measures taken by the imperial court, whether it be tax reform or the recall of private soldiers, are all aimed at these aristocratic landlord families.

How could they possibly be happy?

……

Lingnan.

The main hall of the government office.

King Zhou Zhan looked at the news from Luoyang in his hand, his face showing some sadness.

The message stated that Zhou Rushan had passed away.

King Zhou Zhan never expected that Zhou Rushan, the pillar of the royal family, would pass away like this.

He didn't even get to see her one last time.

Although, back in the southern border, King Zhou Zhan already knew that Zhou Rushan didn't have much time left.

However, the news of Zhou Rushan's sudden departure still caught King Zhou Zhan off guard.

Zhou Zhan put down the message in his hand and sighed softly, "Ancestor Rushan has passed away just like that."

Even Zhou Zhan, a man who had seen countless life and death, was somewhat downcast at this moment.

The royal family has been experiencing a decline in talent over the years.

There are only a handful of truly capable individuals in the entire royal family.

Undoubtedly, Zhou Rushan, the ancestor, and his powerful patron, the King of the Mountain, are the two most important figures among them.

Now that Zhou Rushan, the pillar of the royal family, is gone, only Zhou Zhan remains.

And Zhou Zhan, his powerful patron, is already very old.

Prince Zhou Zhan, having composed himself, called out to the outside, "Someone, prepare mourning clothes for me."

Emperor Zhou Chen has issued an edict that all members of the royal family should wear mourning clothes for three days for their ancestor, Zhou Rushan.

So, Zhou Zhan, the powerful patron, was no exception.

……

Song family.

In a separate courtyard.

The Song family patriarch bowed to the Song family patriarch and said, "Patriarch, news has come from Luoyang that the royal patriarch, Zhou Rushan, has died."

"Oh!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across the face of the Song family patriarch.

"I never expected that old fellow Zhou Rushan would pass away like this."

Even a celestial being who cannot break through the heavens cannot escape the mundane cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death!

The Song family patriarch sighed and said.

It's said that the older you get, the more afraid you are of dying.

That's absolutely true.

Upon hearing of Zhou Rushan's death, the Song family patriarch felt inexplicably saddened.

It wasn't that the Song family patriarch had any life-or-death friendship with Zhou Rushan, but rather that he was saddened by Zhou Rushan's death.

Rather, it was the Song family patriarch who was grieving over his own fate upon hearing of Zhou Rushan's death.

In a way, the Song family patriarch was the same as Zhou Rushan.

Don't be fooled by their seemingly lofty status as half-step celestial beings; they are all approaching the age of fifty.

Now that Zhou Rushan has passed away, it won't be long before it's their turn.

"Ancestor, Zhou Rushan is dead, what about the royal family..."

Before the Song family patriarch could finish speaking, the Song family patriarch shook his head directly; "Whether Zhou Rushan lives or dies, it no longer has any impact on the royal family."

"Leaving aside others, Cao Zhengchun alone is enough to establish the foundation of the Great Zhou royal family for a hundred years."

The Song family patriarch understood the meaning behind the Song family patriarch's words.

But things are not like they used to be.

Previously, the royal family only had one Zhou Rushan.

With Zhou Rushan dead, the imperial family is doomed.

But now, besides Zhou Rushan, the royal family also includes Cao Zhengchun and others.

Cao Zhengchun alone was enough to intimidate all sides.

The Song family patriarch couldn't help but recall the previous clash between the other three major clan patriarchs and Cao Zhengchun.

A bitter feeling welled up in the heart of the Song family patriarch.

Both being at the half-step Celestial Realm, the Song family patriarch couldn't understand why Cao Zhengchun was so terrifying, so terrifying that it gave people a sense of despair.

"I understand."

The Song family patriarch nodded and said no more.

Some things don't need to be said directly; they can be understood implicitly.

……

At the gate of Luoyang city.

Marquis Donghuang looked at the gates of Luoyang with a somewhat melancholy expression.

After annihilating the Eastern Barbarians, the Marquis of Donghuang received an imperial decree ordering him to return to court and report on matters.

However, since the great war had just ended, there were many post-war matters to be dealt with in the Eastern Wilderness.

Therefore, the Marquis of Donghuang delayed his arrival in Luoyang until today.

Looking at the two large characters 'Luoyang' on the city gate, Marquis Donghuang sighed inexplicably.

"I wonder if this return to the capital will be a blessing or a curse?"

Marquis Donghuang thought to himself.

It wasn't that Marquis Donghuang was being overly pessimistic. Rather, he knew perfectly well that as a border marquis holding considerable military power, his situation was extremely precarious.

A slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Just like the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang, the imperial court issued two decrees summoning them back to court to report on matters.

Why did the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang dare not return to the capital?

Isn't the fear that once they return to court, they'll never be able to leave again?
Similarly, the Marquis of Donghuang was also afraid and had the same concerns.

Previously, the Marquis of Donghuang and the imperial court were only superficially united, and harbored some resentment towards each other.

Marquis Donghuang did not know whether his return to the capital would bring him misfortune or fortune.

But the Marquis of Donghuang knew he had no choice.

The current imperial court is no longer what it used to be; it is incomparable to what it was before.

If the Marquis of Donghuang dares to defy the imperial decree and refuse to return to court.

The Marquis of Donghuang was certain that he wouldn't even see the sun rise the next day.

It should be noted that General Zhao Yun, who was stationed in Luoyang, was not just a figurehead.

After glancing at the two large characters on the gate of Luoyang, Marquis Donghuang took a deep breath and said, "Let's go into the city."

Marquis Donghuang knew that this city gate was like a life-or-death test.

Once you step in, life or death is unpredictable.

But the Marquis of Donghuang still waved his hand, led his personal guards, rode through the city gate, and entered Luoyang.

He knew that only by stepping through the city gates could he have a chance of survival.

otherwise.

He must die.

……

The Ministry of War's Office.

Just as Minister of War Li Yuan returned to his residence, his steward came in to report, "Master, someone has come to pay their respects."

"This is a visiting card."

The steward handed a visiting card to Li Yuan.

"Oh!"

"Do you know who he is?"

Li Yuan took the visiting card and casually asked...

As the Minister of War, Li Yuan was frequently visited by many people.

Therefore, Li Yuan was used to people visiting his residence.

The butler shook his head; "I don't know, there's no name on the visiting card."

"However, the people at the Bai residence and the gatekeepers said that he came from the east, and the master will know who he is when he opens the visiting card."

The butler explained.

Under normal circumstances, a visiting card without a name like this would simply not be accepted.

After all, not just anyone could send a visiting card into the Ministry of War's residence.

Moreover, it is a visiting card without a name.

However, after hearing the gatekeeper's words, the steward thought that the person who came to pay his respects might know Li Yuan. Therefore, he did not handle the anonymous visiting card on his own, but instead took the card to report to Li Yuan.

No name?

From the east?

Li Yuan frowned slightly and opened the visiting card directly.

The visiting card did not contain a name, but when Li Yuan saw the large character 'Dong' on it, a glint of light immediately flashed in his eyes.

Marquis of the Eastern Wilderness?
Li Yuan stood up abruptly and, without saying a word, walked straight out of the hall.

Li Yuan already knows who sent the visiting card?
Why is there a special character '东' on the visiting card? It comes from the east.

Who else could it be but the Marquis of Donghuang?

Upon seeing his master, the butler glanced at the visiting card and then immediately got up and walked outside.

How could I not know that the person who sent the invitation was probably not just someone my master knew, but someone of extraordinary status?

The butler quickly followed.

……

More than ten minutes later.

Minister of War Li Yuan and Marquis of Donghuang sat facing each other.

After serving the hot tea, the butler withdrew.

Li Yuan looked at the Marquis of Donghuang and asked, "My lord, when did you return to Luoyang?"

"I truly didn't expect you to come and pay your respects so suddenly. It truly brings honor to my humble Li residence!"

Li Yuan said with a smile.

Marquis Donghuang smiled and said, "Lord Li is too kind. As long as Lord Li doesn't think of me as a plague god, that's fine."

"I have just returned to Luoyang. Having been away from the court for a long time, I am completely clueless about the current court."

"So, I've come to visit Lord Li."

Some things don't need to be said explicitly.

But the Marquis of Donghuang believed that Li Yuan, the Minister of War, should understand his meaning.

Upon hearing the words of the Marquis of Donghuang, Li Yuan's smile faded, and he raised an eyebrow; "Has the Marquis not yet paid his respects to His Majesty?"

Marquis Donghuang shook his head; "Not yet."

“I have just returned to Luoyang, and I am exhausted from my journey. I feel that it would be somewhat disrespectful to His Majesty to pay my respects to him in this state.”

"Therefore, I have come to pay my respects to Lord Li first."

"I will go to see His Majesty again after I have tidied up tomorrow."

"That's what the Marquis of Donghuang explained."

After several days of continuous travel, Marquis Donghuang was indeed covered in dust and grime.

To attack the Emperor in this manner would indeed be somewhat offensive to His Majesty.

"Your Excellency is foolish!"

"As a high-ranking general on the frontier, with a large army under his command, after returning to Luoyang, instead of going to the palace to pay homage to His Majesty, you came to my residence, the residence of the Minister of War, first."

"What will His Majesty think of this?"

Li Yuan originally thought that the Marquis of Donghuang had already entered the palace, which is why he came to the Ministry of War's residence.

But who would have thought that before the Marquis of Donghuang even entered the palace, he would arrive at the residence of the Minister of War.

This caused Li Yuan's expression to change.

It wasn't that Li Yuan was afraid that Emperor Zhou Chen would misunderstand them.

Li Yuan was worried that the Marquis of Donghuang would incur the displeasure of Emperor Zhou Chen.

Originally, the Marquis of Donghuang had already been at odds with the court, and His Majesty in the palace also harbored doubts about the former generals on the border.

Now, the Marquis of Donghuang has returned to Luoyang. Instead of going to the palace to meet the emperor first, he visits the court officials.

Doesn't this mean they completely disregard His Majesty in the palace?

If it were an ordinary local official, having just returned to Luoyang, weary from his journey, it would indeed be inappropriate for him to enter the palace to meet the emperor, lest he offend the emperor's countenance.

However, the Marquis of Donghuang is different from ordinary local officials.

Marquis of Donghuang is an important general on the border, holding military power and stationed in Donghuang.

Such a person, upon returning to Luoyang, would immediately go to the palace to meet the emperor, which would only symbolize his loyalty and that he would respect the emperor.

As for his travel-worn appearance and his collision with His Majesty, that was secondary.

Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, the Marquis of Donghuang's expression changed drastically.

Clearly, the Marquis of Donghuang had also realized what was happening.

Suddenly, the Eastern Wilderness Marquis's face turned pale.

Originally, his return to the capital was fraught with uncertainty, both for him and for the Marquis of Donghuang.

This only made things worse.

"Lord Li, I'll stop here and go to the palace first."

Marquis Donghuang immediately stood up and left the Ministry of War's residence.

Originally, the Marquis of Donghuang came to visit Li Yuan, the Minister of War, in order to get closer to him.

Then, he learned about the other important officials from Li Yuan, the Minister of War, and visited them one by one.

The purpose was so that if Emperor Zhou Chen wanted to take down Marquis Donghuang, these ministers would plead for him and save his life.

But now, the Marquis of Donghuang can no longer care about these things.

Because the Marquis of Donghuang realized that he had made a potentially fatal mistake.

Therefore, the Marquis of Donghuang now has no choice but to leave the Ministry of War's residence immediately and go to the palace to meet the Emperor.

Hope it's not too late.

(End of this chapter)