Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Lu Zhi spent two days in worry, and in the blink of an eye it was the second day of the Lunar New Year in 189. During these two days, Emperor Ling of Han became increasingly uneasy, sometimes in and out of consciousness.

When Emperor Ling was conscious, Lu Zhi asked the emperor to appoint Dian Wei, Ma Chao, Sun Ce and Pang De as palace attendants and recall them to the palace immediately.

Emperor Lingdi understood that this was an arrangement made by Lu Zhi in preparation for possible major changes in the future, and these four people were undoubtedly capable assistants whom he could trust and rely on.

When Emperor Ling felt a little better, he summoned these men to his chambers. Ma Chao stood tall and straight, his brows sharp and his eyes sparkling, his features revealing a heroic spirit and determination. His long, black hair danced in the wind, and his white robe accentuated his imposing presence, like a graceful figure standing tall in the wind. Sun Ce, on the other hand, was remarkably handsome, with a sharp, angular face and piercing eyes, radiating wisdom and courage. His posture was agile, and his every gesture exuded a heroic air.

Dian Wei, tall and imposing, with a broad back and broad shoulders, stood tall like a towering iron tower. His rugged features, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, along with a full beard, only enhanced his ferocity. His powerful aura and unparalleled strength were immediately apparent. Pang De, on the other hand, was muscular, with a resolute face and a cold, piercing gaze. He exuded a steely determination and composure, a veteran military commander evident at first glance.

Seeing Ma Chao and Sun Ce's imposing bearing and capable spirit, Emperor Lingdi was invigorated. Recalling his own youth, he felt that both of them were promising talents. The fierce and sturdy demeanor of Dian Wei and Pang De also made Emperor Lingdi realize that they must be highly skilled generals who could play an important role in the army.

Emperor Ling of Han was delighted by the men's heroic demeanor and said, "Ma Chao, Dian Wei, Sun Ce, and Pang De, you four are all exceptionally brave men, and I am very pleased. I will now appoint you as Imperial Guards. From now on, you will be the personal guardians of the Imperial Guards. You must do your utmost to protect the safety of the Crown Prince Liu Bian. You must not slack off in the slightest!"

Upon hearing this, the four of them responded in unison: "We will obey your Majesty's orders!"

The four men obeyed the order and went to the guards to get their weapons and armor, then stood at the side of the palace, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

Emperor Lingdi tried to pull himself together, his face slightly weary, but his eyes still shone with determination. He then summoned Liu Bian, who stepped forward obediently, his steps light but firm.

Emperor Lingdi looked at Liu Bian and said slowly, "Bian'er, today you should pay your respects to Master Lu Zhi as his disciple." Liu Bian heard it, responded respectfully, and then turned to face Lu Zhi.

Lu Zhi stood aside with a solemn and serious expression. Liu Bian slowly walked forward, came to Lu Zhi, knelt on his knees, and kowtowed solemnly to Lu Zhi to become his disciple.

Seeing this, Lu Zhi raised his hands slightly, as if to help Liu Bian up, and then solemnly accepted Liu Bian's salute. At this moment, the relationship between master and disciple was officially established.

Liu Bian stood up and stood beside Lu Zhi. Seeing this, Emperor Ling nodded slightly, feeling a little relieved.

Emperor Ling summoned Lu Zhi to his side and spoke with him. With a worried look on his face, he slowly said, "Originally, I intended to use the eunuchs' power to fight against the aristocratic families. I only hoped to balance the forces of all parties and maintain the stability of the court."

Lu Zhi nodded slightly. This was the strategy that had been decided before.

Emperor Ling spoke hastily, "I'm helpless... The infighting between the eunuch factions of the aristocratic families has intensified, leading to the Yellow Turban Rebellion... Most of the generals in the army are disciples and old friends of the aristocratic families, and all of them are incompetent. I can only leave you, Senior Brother, to quell the rebellion, while my health is deteriorating... cough cough..."

Lu Zhi looked at Emperor Ling with concern and soothed him, "Your Majesty, please speak slowly, speak slowly, and don't get angry."

Emperor Ling's breathing became slightly disordered as he continued, "I have also organized the Eight Schools of Xiyuan, especially the Guards stationed throughout the capital, hoping to intimidate the aristocratic families and the eunuch clique. However, these aristocratic families and the eunuch clique are truly pervasive, and have even gradually infiltrated this place. While my senior brother is away fighting, I am increasingly weakened and my condition deteriorates. Gradually, I am no longer able to effectively control the situation. Unfortunately, I am surrounded by treacherous villains, and the Eight Schools of Xiyuan are like a mere formality, failing to play their due role."

Worried about Emperor Ling's health, Lu Zhi comforted him, saying, "Your Majesty, this is not your fault. This major event is truly the work of the aristocratic families. They are so powerful that they are a threat to the entire country."

Emperor Ling felt a slight sense of comfort and continued weakly and intermittently, "I already knew that my health was failing. To prevent unrest at court, I promoted He Jin to the rank of Grand General. He is the Empress's brother and Bian'er's uncle. With him in charge of the military, even if I'm gone, Bian'er can succeed to the throne smoothly. Although He Jin lacks talent, he is loyal. He will definitely prevent the phenomenon of foreign relatives monopolizing power..."

Lu Zhi bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This is precisely the situation where the three parties are restraining each other. The government should be safe. Your Majesty can rest assured and recuperate."

Emperor Lingdi said helplessly, "Brother, please don't comfort me. The strategy is right, but the man is a fool! He Jin has been wooed by a powerful family. You said he is a relative of the emperor. If he is loyal to the royal family and supports the emperor to ascend the throne, he will become the most prominent family in the world! But now the three forces are not balanced. If I die, the world will definitely change dramatically. This is what I am worried about. I hope you can solve this problem first, cough... cough..."

As Emperor Lingdi discussed He Jin, his emotions grew increasingly agitated and angrier. Suddenly, a bout of rapid coughing interrupted their conversation. Seeing this, Lu Zhi hurried forward and gently stroked Emperor Lingdi's back, helping him breathe more easily.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the palace, a chaotic clamor echoing. Empress Dowager Dong arrived, carrying the Crown Prince Liu Xie, weeping. The Empress and numerous concubines followed, sobbing and wailing. The scene was a scene of profound sorrow. Witnessing this, Lu Zhi, helpless, had no choice but to excuse himself and leave.

Emperor Lingdi held Lu Zhi's hand tightly, refusing to let go, his face full of pleading. Seeing this, Lu Zhi pondered in his heart and could only stand aside silently without saying anything.

Empress Dowager Dong held Liu Xie in her arms and stood before Emperor Ling. A glint of scheming flashed in her eyes as she addressed him in a calculating tone, "Xie'er, come quickly and pay your respects to your father so he can take a closer look at you."

Emperor Lingdi's eyes were dim, filled with deep helplessness and sorrow as he looked at Empress Dowager Dong and Liu Xie. A bitter smile appeared on his face, and his lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to say something but was unable to speak. His gaze wandered between Liu Xie and Empress Dowager Dong, filled with a complex mix of reluctance, regret, worry, and a subtle hint of resentment.

Queen Mother Dong continued, "My son, look at Xie'er! He looks so much like you when you were young! He's so intelligent at such a young age. He looks like someone who will become a wise ruler in the future."

Liu Xie raised his head slightly and looked at Emperor Ling, his eyes showing a hint of admiration, but also a bit of confusion and helplessness.

Empress He stood aside, pursing her lips, as if she wanted to say something, but hesitated and dared not speak. She kept wiping her tears with the handkerchief in her hand, which she held so tightly that the veins on the back of her hand were exposed.