Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The Emperor's edict to seek talented individuals stirred up waves like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake. As the legitimate heir of the Han dynasty, the Emperor's call for talent proved remarkably effective, attracting a flood of talented individuals, particularly those from the common people, who, driven by a desire to serve their country and showcase their talents, embarked on a journey to the capital.

In an era dominated by aristocratic families, talented individuals lack opportunities to showcase their talents. The "Wanted Talents" order illuminates their path forward like a dawn. While lacking prominent family backgrounds or extensive clan influence, these individuals possess exceptional wisdom, exceptional talent, and a passion for serving their country and the people amidst these turbulent times.

Zhang Ji and Lü Qian were both highly respected figures in their region. They remained true to their original aspirations, refusing to yield to the invitations of the aristocratic families, and remained committed to serving their country and its people. When the emperor issued his edict seeking talented individuals, they felt as if they had seen the dawn of a new era, and responded without hesitation. They journeyed tirelessly to the capital, filled with hope for the future and a passion for the future.

Ruan Yu, courtesy name Yuanyu, was a native of Weishi County, Chenliu. From a young age, he displayed remarkable intelligence and a relentless thirst for learning. He was fortunate to study under the great scholar Cai Yong, whose guidance he devoured with avidity and benefited immensely. However, fate struck him as Cai Yong died after colliding with a pillar in the imperial palace. Deeply grief-stricken, Ruan Yu resolutely returned home to study in memory of his mentor. During this time, Cao Cao, having heard of his talent, offered him several offers of service, but he resolutely declined. Now, however, the emperor's call for talented individuals deeply moved him, and he decided to set aside his past and serve the court. He entered the capital with a determined stride, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

Liu Zhen, courtesy name Gonggan, came from a prominent official family in Ningyang, Dongping. His grandfather, Liu Liang, a descendant of the Han imperial family, had once enjoyed great renown. However, by Liu Zhen's generation, the family had fallen on hard times. However, Liu Zhen remained undeterred. From a young age, he possessed exceptional intelligence and a keen interest in learning, earning him a reputation for his exceptional talent. By the age of eight or nine, he could fluently recite the Analects, poems, essays, and prose, totaling tens of thousands of words, a legend in his village. Upon hearing that the emperor was seeking talented individuals, he resolutely embarked on this journey, eager to use his talents to restore his family's glory and contribute to the country and its people.

Pan Jun, a friend recommended by Wang Jie, had studied under the great Confucian scholar Song Zhong in his youth. Under Song Zhong's guidance, he read extensively and amassed a wealth of knowledge. He harbored the talent for governing the country, but longed for an opportunity to showcase his talents. The emperor's edict seeking talented individuals offered him a glimmer of hope. Full of confidence, he arrived in the capital, eager to contribute his wisdom to the prosperity of the nation.

When these talented individuals gathered in the capital, the emperor, overjoyed at their arrival, extended a warm welcome. He personally met with them, his face beaming with joy, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and warm welcome. Within the palace, the emperor engaged in lively conversation with the talented individuals, questioning them about their aspirations and their perspectives on state governance. The emperor's warm hospitality reassured these individuals that they were valued and respected, further strengthening their resolve to serve the state.

To the emperor's delight, Wang Yue arrived at court with his disciple Qu'a. Wang Yue was a truly remarkable figure, his martial arts skills unrivaled, his swordsmanship mastered to perfection, his reputation far and wide. From childhood, Wang Yue had been obsessed with martial arts, tirelessly traveling across vast distances to seek out renowned teachers. Over the long years, he endured countless hardships, yet never once flinched. Through unwavering perseverance and tireless effort, he ultimately became a master.

Wang Yue's apprentice, Qu'a, was exceptionally intelligent and studious. Having joined Wang Yue's tutelage at a young age, he dedicated himself entirely to the study of martial arts. Through unwavering faith and dedicated dedication, he mastered his master's true teachings. The two enjoyed considerable renown among the people. While lacking the talent to command a great army, their martial arts skills were exceptional. Their arrival served as a powerful wall to the emperor's safety, significantly enhancing his security.

The Emperor's guard duties can now be entrusted to Wang Yue with confidence. This way, the brave general Zhao Yun will no longer need to serve as a palace guard. Add to that the numerous talented men, both civil and military, who have come to serve the Emperor, and the Emperor's prestige has been strengthened. After all, these men have come in the Emperor's name, sincerely serving the country, and uninfluenced by aristocratic families or powerful clans. Therefore, they can be trusted with great authority.

The emperor gradually employed tactics within the court, removing several of the dukes and ministers who had been idle and idle, and promoting their capable subordinates. Thus, the vacant positions were filled by these newly acquired talents, both civil and military. These measures steadily increased the emperor's influence within the court, a move that drew considerable attention.

Lu Zhi's satisfaction with the emperor's actions grew, and his anticipation for the future of the Han Dynasty grew ever more intense. He saw the emperor's courage and wisdom, as if he saw the light of hope for national rejuvenation. Lu Zhi knew that the emperor's efforts and determination would bring new vitality and vigor to this precarious dynasty. He was willing to devote all his wisdom and strength to assisting the emperor in achieving great things and restoring the Han Dynasty to its former glory.

However, Lu Zhi was acutely aware of his own health. His declining condition made him realize that he might not survive the seemingly distant future. Yet, despite this, Lu Zhi paid no heed to his own illness or weakness. His heart was completely focused on the court, his only thought being to do his utmost to assist the emperor and contribute his remaining strength to the stability and prosperity of the nation.

Ma Chao, Lu Zhi's apprentice, watched his master's health deteriorate day by day, his heart aching with anxiety, like an ant on a hot pan. Every day, he would drop his many tasks and rush around searching for a renowned physician. He tirelessly traversed the streets and alleys, visiting renowned doctors everywhere, hoping to find a good healer to restore his master's health. His eyes were filled with longing, a yearning for his master to stand up straight again and fight alongside him for the future of his country.

However, Lu Zhi now harbored a deep prejudice against Ma Chao, treating him with coldness and indifference. Even now, when Ma Chao visited Lu Zhi's residence, he was rarely offered a meal, let alone a chance to meet Lu Wan in the rear quarters. Whenever Ma Chao entered the Lu residence with great anticipation, he was met with Lu Zhi's cold gaze and curt words. Lu Zhi's response was that Ma Chao was now a high-ranking official, a man of considerable importance. He should not indulge in sentimental affairs but rather focus on serving the country. In Lu Zhi's view, the interests of the country came above all else, and Ma Chao should set aside personal feelings and concerns and devote his entire energy to serving the country. He hoped that Ma Chao would become a pillar of the nation, striving for the revival of the Han Dynasty, rather than dwelling on personal affairs and entanglements. Lu Zhi's harshness and decisiveness filled Ma Chao with frustration and pain, but he also understood his master's good intentions and could only bury his feelings deep within his heart, devoting himself to the affairs of the country with even greater resolve.

Upon learning of her father Lu Zhi's harsh treatment of Ma Chao, Lu Wan was overwhelmed with anger and resentment. She resolutely sought out Lu Zhi, hoping to secure a chance for her relationship with Ma Chao. However, Lu Zhi remained steadfast, unmoved.

Lu Wan's emotions grew increasingly agitated. She loudly demanded of Lu Zhi, "Father, why do you treat Ma Chao this way? What has he done wrong? We truly love each other, so why can't you help us?" Lu Zhi's face was stern, and he spoke in a deep voice, "Wan'er, you don't understand. Ma Chao is now an important official in the court, with heavy responsibilities. He shouldn't indulge in romantic relationships. I'm doing this for his own good, and for the future of the country." Tears streamed down Lu Wan's face, and she sobbed, "Father, you only care about national affairs. Have you ever considered my feelings? I love Ma Chao, and he loves me too. We just want to be together. Is that even wrong?" Lu Zhi frowned slightly and said sternly, "Wan'er, you are too willful. The situation is complicated now. Ma Chao must remain clear-headed and not be swayed by emotions. As my daughter, you should also prioritize the overall situation." Lu Wan's despair deepened after hearing her father's words. She cried hysterically, "Father, you don't understand me at all! You only care about the interests of your country, but not my happiness."

From then on, Lu Wan and Lu Zhi quarreled bitterly, and their relationship became extremely strained. Lu Wan was depressed all day long, and although Lu Zhi felt reluctant, he had no choice but to harden his heart and stick to his decision for the future of the country.

Mrs. Lu looked at Lu Zhi's serious face, and her dissatisfaction grew stronger. She couldn't help but complain again, "Master, why are you doing this? Ma Chao is such a good boy. He is sincere to our Wan'er and has devoted himself to our Lu family. In the past two or three years, he has been very respectful to me and has been thoughtful in everything. It really hurts me to treat him like this."

Lu Zhi frowned slightly and said solemnly, "Madam, you don't understand. I know my own health well, and I'm afraid I won't be able to hold on for much longer. If I don't punish Ma Chao now, so that he always maintains his original aspirations and respects the court, if I die in the future and he becomes lost in power, with his power, bravery, and wisdom, the consequences will be unimaginable. The world has finally shown signs of stability, and I cannot let him become the source of chaos."

Madam Lu's eyes were slightly red, and her voice trembled slightly. "Master, although I don't understand state affairs, I feel sorry for our daughter. Wan'er and Ma Chao are in love with each other. How can they bear it if you separate them like this? Their love is so deep, can't you help them be together?"

Lu Zhi sighed softly and said firmly, "Madam, I'm doing this for their own good. Ma Chao is now an important official in the court, and he has a heavy responsibility. He can't just indulge in romantic affairs, but should focus on serving the country. I'm being strict with him now because I hope he can become a true pillar of the country and contribute to the Han Dynasty."