Han Dynasty Achievements

Chapter 23 Collusion

Liu Bian looked at Huangfu Song, smiled, and said, "No need to be polite. In addition, the troops in Luoyang City must also be reorganized and strengthened. You should first transfer some of them to form the Yulin Army. I will gradually withdraw the Southern Army, Northern Army, Qimen and other troops that are only in name, and only leave the Yulin Army to guard Luoyang."

Originally, the defense of Luoyang City consisted of three layers inside and three layers outside, including the Southern Army, the Northern Army, Qimen, Yulin, etc.

But now, they have all fallen into decline and are only a facade.

The only capable people in Luoyang City were the Eight Captains of Xiyuan, but most of them were killed in the palace coup a few days ago after they fought among themselves.

The entire Luoyang city is actually empty.

Huangfu Song had no objection to this, and said thoughtfully: "Your Majesty, if I reorganize the Yulin and the Five Camps in Luoyang City, I am afraid that it will cause dissatisfaction to the general."

All of what Huangfu Song said was in the hands of He Jin, which was filled with children of aristocratic families. They were ruthless and strong and could bully the common people, but in fact they had no fighting power and were in a very miserable condition.

Is it a palace coup, or is it mainly led by the Eight Commanders of Xiyuan?

Liu Bian had already made plans, and said, "I know this. You should first organize the troops in the eight passes. I will take care of the things you are worried about."

Huangfu Song's cold and serious face showed an excited look, he raised his hand and said in a deep voice: "I obey your order!"

Liu Bian nodded, glanced at the grimacing Huangfu Jianchang on the ground, and said, "I had a great time chatting with you today. The decree will be issued soon. You can do whatever you want. I will take care of your family. Huangfu Jianchang will stay here for the time being. I will order the imperial physician to treat him."

Huangfu Jianchang's expression changed immediately, his brows furrowed, and it was unclear whether he was afraid or in pain.

Huangfu Song was startled when he heard this. He turned to look at Huangfu Jianchang and saw that half of his face was moving. His brows were knitted, and his face was full of anger and hatred. He wanted to say something but stopped. Finally, he turned to Liu Bian and raised his hand to bow and said, "Your Majesty, please punish me severely. Don't worry about me. Even if you beat me to death, I will never complain!"

Half of Huangfu Jian's face was deformed and his body was shaking.

Liu Bian smiled and made a few polite remarks, then watched Huangfu Song leave.

After a while, he moved his legs out from his kneeling position and crossed them to sit. He felt much more comfortable then. He took a sip from the teacup and said, "Your father has seen through it, so there's no need to pretend."

Huangfu Jian struggled for a while, but he finally knelt up and said, "Your Majesty, I really didn't rob this girl. Her master sold her to me. I paid two strings of cash and planned to take her as a concubine, which is in accordance with the laws of the Han Dynasty."

Liu Bian said, "You're telling lies like this to deceive your father. You've kidnapped a woman and violated the emperor's throne, so I'm banishing you to Youzhou to guard the border. Isn't that too much?"

Being exiled to the border is equivalent to death!

Huangfu Jian's face turned pale, he raised his head in panic, then fell to the ground and said urgently: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this, this villain, Your Majesty, considering my father's loyalty and his great contributions to our Han Dynasty, please forgive me this time..."

Liu Bian looked down at him and said, "Your father just said that he would not tolerate your death. Besides, with your personality, even if I spare you this time, your father probably won't indulge you again. You might as well just die."

Huangfu Jian kowtowed to the ground, his body shaking, and said, "Your Majesty, I will change, I will change, I will be honest and never do such stupid things again, please show mercy, please give me a chance to reform..."

"OK,"

When Liu Bian found out that Huangfu Jian was pretending to be unconscious, he had an idea in mind and said casually: "I will give you two things. First, give money to all the women who were forcibly abducted from the mansion and left voluntarily. For those who were bullied by you before, bring generous gifts and apologize in person. If there is anyone who doesn't forgive you, you will have to go to the border. Second, I want you to raise 100,000 strings of cash within a month in the name of "raising funds". Remember, you have to use fair means. If you use despicable means, I will just beat you to death."

Huangfu Jian was naturally overjoyed to see that Liu Bian was willing to give him a chance. The first request was not difficult.

But the second time, he raised his head carefully, looked at Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, it's been a month and my injury is still not healed..."

"Half a month." Liu Bian said.

"Your Majesty, just one month, one month, I will definitely raise 100,000 strings of cash!" Huangfu Jianchang shouted hurriedly.

One hundred thousand strings of cash is one hundred thousand taels of silver, which is not a small amount!

In order to suppress the Yellow Turban Army, his father went around collecting military funds, but after more than a month, he only collected less than 50,000 strings of cash!

"The emperor's words are as good as gold."

Liu Bian stood up with a smile and said condescendingly: "If you can't raise the money in half a month, your father will lose his official position and will have to guard the border with you."

Huangfu Jianchang's expression changed drastically, and he kowtowed fiercely, saying, "I will definitely raise the money! I will definitely raise the money!"

He would rather be beaten to death by Liu Bian here than to implicate his father.

"Go ahead." Liu Bian said.

"Yes, yes, I'll take my leave." Huangfu Jian's heart was beating like a drum, his face turned pale, and he kowtowed repeatedly. He suddenly realized his regret and tried to stand up with difficulty. However, his injuries were a bit serious. He backed away to the threshold, then stood up with difficulty and limped out.

Empress Dowager He came in at this time, and watched Huangfu Jianchang bow with difficulty. She watched him for a while, then walked in and frowned at Liu Bian and said, "There are many bastards among the children of noble families, but they can't be beaten like this. Huangfu Song is really willing to do it."

Liu Bian smiled and said, "It's good that he didn't get beaten to death. Mother, what did you say to uncle?"

Empress Dowager He still looked worried and said, "Bian'er, tell me, your uncle won't do anything reckless, right?"

As a younger sister, Empress Dowager He still understood He Jin. With this opportunity given by Liu Bian, it is unknown what great things he will do.

After all, he even managed to lead his troops into the imperial palace in a coup, so what else could He Jin not do?

Liu Bian came over, pushed her to sit down, and said with a smile: "Don't worry too much, this time we are heading outside, the key is to pick out the He family."

Empress Dowager He listened and nodded, but her face was still worried.

After this period of time, she has learned from her mother, Wuyang Jun, that not only did He Miao give gifts to Zhang Rang and others, but Zhang Rang and others also gave gifts to her mother in return.

Plus, her sister was the wife of Zhang Rang's adopted son.

The He family is too deeply involved with the Twelve Eunuchs!

In other words, except He Jin and Empress Dowager He, everyone else had close ties with the Twelve Eunuchs.

Liu Bian also wanted to laugh in his heart. The Twelve Eunuchs and He Jin were incompatible, but the two sides needed each other and were secretly exchanging various interests.

At this time, Pan Yin came back, stood at the door, and gave Liu Bian a secret look.

Liu Bian turned to Empress Dowager He and said, "Mother, I will go see Zhang Rang again and give the list to my uncle so that we can settle these matters as soon as possible."

Empress Dowager He said quickly, "Okay, okay, go quickly. Wait, Bian'er, do you want to invite your uncle to the palace tonight to explain everything?"

Liu Bian asked: "Mother, do you think that uncle will listen to us?"

Empress Dowager He thought for a moment and said, "Then you should go."

Liu Bian nodded and turned to walk out.

Under the escort of the guards, Liu Bian and his party came to the dungeon not far from Fanglin Garden.