Han Dynasty Achievements

Chapter 104: Expedition

Zuo Li was extremely humble and smiled along the way as he sent Dong Zhuo back to the Taiwei Mansion.

No matter how dark it was, he still came to the temporary residence of 'Palace City'.

Chen Gong used this time to inquire about Zuo Li, but he found out almost nothing useful, but he did notice the imperial guards who were following and guarding him.

Faced with Zuo Li's late-night visit, he had no choice but to accompany him.

Zuo Li didn't say anything else, but just told him about the dilemma of falling out of favor that he was facing, and then asked inquiringly: "Sir, what do you think His Majesty's attitude is towards me?"

Chen Gong sat there, secretly shaking his head. This Zuo Li must have risen suddenly from the bottom and had never experienced anything, so he became nervous at the slightest warning from His Majesty.

"If Your Majesty wanted to punish me, you would not have sent me to escort the Grand Commandant to Yanzhou," said Chen Gong.

Zuo Li thought the same, but said, "Sir, you don't understand. The more His Majesty laughs, the more dangerous it is."

Chen Gong glanced at him, thinking about the court affairs he had inquired about today, and asked, "What does your Excellency mean?"

Zuo Li seemed to be a little hesitant, but he still said, "Your Majesty never acts without a purpose. He specifically pointed to my private residence. I am worried that Your Majesty may have some plans for me."

Chen Gong remained calm and said nonchalantly, "This is not surprising. Your Majesty should still be worried that the incident with the Twelve Eunuchs will happen again."

Zuo Li sat up straight, his expression of inquiry gone, and as he looked at Chen Gong with a hint of gloom in his eyes, he asked, "Sir, what do you think of His Majesty's personal expedition this time?"

Chen Gong felt that Zuo Li was dissatisfied with his perfunctory attitude. He had witnessed with his own eyes how Zuo Li massacred three families with just one sentence in order to keep the itinerary secret.

He remained calm and thought, "I'm afraid all the officials in the court will oppose it?"

"No one agrees." Zuo Li's snow-white face was cold, and murderous intent was floating in his heart. If this person is of no use to him, there is no need to waste his time.

Chen Gong's heart sank slightly, his eyes were alert, and after a pause, he said, "This is because the officials are confused. Since your majesty ascended the throne, so many things have happened, which have continuously hit the prestige of the court and your majesty. Your majesty needs to rebuild the prestige of the court and his majesty. The Xiongnu invasion is the best opportunity. Your majesty's decision to lead the army in person is not a whim, but a choice made out of necessity."

Zuo Li listened and said, "Sir, should I support His Majesty to lead the army in person?"

Seeing that Zuo Li didn't think about it at all, Chen Gong glanced at the two guards behind him and said, "Of course."

"Then what should I say?" Zuo Li asked eagerly.

Chen Gong naturally saw Zuo Li's intention to seek credit, and said: "Your Excellency has a special status, so you should do more and not talk too much. You should also speak at the most critical moments. One sentence is enough, and more than that will arouse suspicion."

Zuo Li suddenly realized something, and with a look of respect on his face, he said, "Then, sir, what should I do now?"

Chen Gong saw clearly that Zuo Li was eager to make amends and looked at Zuo Li seriously and said, "Your Excellency should now send people to Hedong, Shangdang, Taiyuan, and even the entire Bingzhou to gather information. Your Majesty can only win this time when you personally lead the army! Your Excellency is in there, as long as you work hard, His Majesty will definitely see clearly. If you can make more contributions, it will be a hundred times better than usual."

Zuo Li's whole body seemed to be cleared up instantly, and his previous uneasiness completely disappeared. A blush appeared on his snow-white face, and his eyes flickered coldly.

Chen Gong suddenly felt uneasy. This young eunuch seemed to have extremely strong ambitions.

Very dangerous!

His expression remained unchanged as he looked around, thinking about how to escape.

Zuo Li looked at Chen Gong with red eyes, like a clownish man meeting a peerless prostitute. He suddenly stood up, raised his hands and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you for your teachings, sir!"

Chen Gong didn't like his false courtesy, so he pretended to stand up and bowed, saying, "I dare not."

Zuo Li already had a way to make a contribution, and immediately said with a red face: "Bring him in!"

As soon as he spoke, more than a dozen beautiful women walked in from outside the door, carrying with them many gorgeous clothes, utensils, and money.

Chen Gong secretly thought that this was a bad idea. He glanced at him calmly and said hesitantly, "My lord, um, my future..."

Zuo Li said immediately, "Don't worry, sir. When I come back from the expedition with His Majesty, I will be able to choose a position in the imperial court or a local county!"

Zuo Li has the confidence, not because he can take advantage of his special status, but because officials can still be bought and sold, it’s just a matter of price.

What Chen Gong was thinking was that the emperor's personal expedition would take at least one or two months, which was enough time for him to escape.

After some false politeness, Zuo Li left in a hurry.

Chen Gong looked at the beautiful girl in the yard. He did not have that kind of thought. Instead, he became curious about the political situation.

'Dismissing the officials and the three dukes' offices, and re-establishing the position of prime minister, these steps are clearly planned. Although a little hasty, it is indeed the best arrangement for the current court situation...'

Chen Gong looked in the direction of the palace and muttered to himself. He was very curious about the young emperor who had just ascended the throne.

"I hope the emperor can return victoriously." Chen Gong finally said to himself.

Only by returning with a great victory can we dispel the gloom in Luoyang City and boost the morale of the court and the entire Han Dynasty!

Compared to Zuo Li who found Chen Gong as his think tank, Dong Zhuo lost Li Su.

Li Su disappeared in the ruined temple that night and there has been no news of him since.

Dong Zhuo in the Taiwei Mansion was anxious and racking his brains for a countermeasure.

Inside the imperial palace, separated by a wall, the lights in the Shangshu Terrace were brightly lit all night long.

Yang Biao, Wang Yun and others were so busy that they had no time to rest.

Leading the army in person is no small matter, as there are too many things to do before and after.

Inside the palace, Liu Bian appeased Empress Dowager He, spent some time intimately with Concubine Tang, and then went to review official documents and memorials in the study.

Pan Yin, Zuo Li and others went in and out of the study, exchanging information and orders with the Secretariat.

Liu Bian buried his head in his writing desk, not even raising his head, and said, "Huangfu Song will arrive in Beijing in three days, so prepare his edict."

Without waiting for Pan Yin to respond, Liu Bian hurriedly reviewed a book and said, "When Huangfu Jian arrives in Beijing one day later, half of the confiscated money and grain will be given to the Ministry of Revenue and the other half will be kept in the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

Liu Bian wrote for only a few breaths before continuing, "The relief and relief for Yanzhou will be jointly discussed by the Grand Marshal's Office and the Shangshutai."

"After I leave the capital, nothing will change. All memorials to the Shangshutai must be signed by the King of Bohai."

"Re-appoint the Prime Minister, and issue a decree of amnesty tomorrow. No delay is allowed."

"Regarding the military pay and money, the Shangshutai must ship them as soon as possible and send them directly to Shangdang County."

"All urgent reports from the palace were sent to Shangdang."

……

Pan Yin and Zuo Li could no longer remember everything and kept giving orders to the eunuchs behind them.

It was not until dawn that Liu Bian came to an end.

The weather in July was already very hot, so Liu Bian took a shower and went straight to Chongde Hall.

Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun, dressed in armor, followed closely behind Liu Bian.

When they arrived at Zhangtai Gate, the imperial guards were already standing in formation, ready for battle.

Yang Biao, Wang Yun, Dong Zhuo and others had been waiting for a long time, each with a different expression.

Wang Yun glanced at the people around him. Seeing that they were indifferent, he felt annoyed. He stepped forward and raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the matter of the emperor personally leading the army, I think..."

Liu Bian waved his hand to interrupt him, and then with a dignified look, he said loudly to the imperial guards in front of him: "If we go out to fight today, we will definitely defeat the Xiongnu and not bring down the prestige of the Han Dynasty!"

"Long live His Majesty! The Han army is mighty!"

Three thousand people shouted in unison, shaking the sky above the palace and echoing like thunder.

Liu Bian's face remained unchanged, but his eyes were shining and his heart was surging.

These imperial guards are all elite soldiers selected from various places. He needs not just three thousand of these elite soldiers, he needs one hundred thousand!

Wang Yun hesitated to speak, and became more and more angry at his colleagues who did nothing.

Yang Biao and others were helpless. This emperor was determined to have his own way, so who could persuade him?

Dong Zhuo stood next to Wang Yun, looking at the imperial guards shouting not far away, and sneered in his heart.

At this time, Pan Yin walked over quietly and handed Liu Bian a note.

Liu Bian opened it and took a look: The Huns arrived in Taiyuan County.

He put it in his arms, expressionless, and said, "Let's go."

"The army is marching out!"

Zhang Liao stepped forward and shouted loudly.

A group of guards shouted and escorted Liu Bian onto the carriage. The army slowly turned and marched out of the palace.

Yang Biao, Wang Yun and others stood still and watched Liu Bian's carriage leave.

Yang Biao couldn't help but sigh. He had a feeling that this Majesty was a bit like his father. He did whatever he wanted and no one could persuade him otherwise.

After Liu Bian's carriage drove away, Wang Yun suddenly snorted, turned around and returned to the Secretariat.

Xun You, Zhong Yao and others frowned secretly when they saw this. They all felt that the prince had been in a bad mood recently.

Liu Bian's convoy was very long. Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun rode horses, followed by Dong Zhuo and others as well as many bodyguards. There were dozens of carriages in total.

In the carriage, Liu Bian took out the note and carefully examined the short seven words.

This is the information from the Grand Marshal's Office, not Lu Zhi's official memorial.

"Taiyuan..."

Liu Bian frowned, his face solemn.

If Taiyuan falls, the road to Luoyang will be smooth.

Stop scolding, stop scolding o(╥﹏╥)o