Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

During the period of Emperor Ling's illness, an atmosphere of unease permeated the palace. The Ten Eunuchs had already keenly sensed the potential crisis, knowing that their positions would be in jeopardy if Emperor Ling died. Therefore, they began planning early and made a series of meticulous arrangements.

The Ten Eunuchs had spies planted in every corner of the palace. Like a sophisticated network, these spies constantly monitored every move within. They closely monitored every subtle change, never missing a single abnormality. With regard to today's unusual situation, the Ten Eunuchs treated it as a formidable threat, daring not to slack off or neglect even a moment.

During the tense standoff between Lu Zhi and Dong Zhong, the Ten Eunuchs quickly received the news. In a dark corner, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong urgently discussed countermeasures. They understood that the situation was like a taut bowstring; a single misstep could lead to total defeat. They knew that if they failed to act at this critical moment, the outcome of the matter would be revealed, and the Ten Eunuchs would face irreparable destruction, with no escape possible.

Zhao Zhong had secretly assigned the Upper Army Captain Jian Shuo to lead his troops and quietly infiltrate the palace. Jian Shuo and his troops moved like ghosts through the palace's shadows. Although Dong Zhong had dispatched troops to block all entrances and exits, he was, after all, a child of an aristocratic family, his strategic and manipulative abilities far inferior to those of the Ten Eunuchs. He hadn't considered the palace's subtle corners, the often overlooked details.

The Ten Eunuchs, however, were different. As the leaders of the imperial eunuchs, they had long commanded the palace and knew every inch of it intimately. They knew every corner of the palace, every passage and every secret door. Zhao Zhong cleverly exploited this, arranging for Jian Shuo's troops to infiltrate through hidden areas such as the palace's drainage system. These areas, usually overlooked, became secret passages for the Ten Eunuchs.

During Jian Shuo's infiltration, the Ten Eunuchs also deployed young eunuchs to provide cover at key locations. These young eunuchs, following the Ten Eunuchs' orders, shielded Jian Shuo's troops, helping them avoid detection by Dong Zhong's troops. In their haste, Dong Zhong was unaware that a group of soldiers had quietly entered the palace.

Meanwhile, tensions within the palace intensify. Various factions clash in secret, and the struggles, both open and covert, never cease. The Ten Eunuchs, knowing their fate is inextricably linked to the palace's situation, must do whatever it takes to safeguard their own interests. In this game of power, they are unscrupulous players, willing to sacrifice anything to survive.

Emperor Ling of Han's serious illness seemed to mark a turning point in the era, foreshadowing the coming storm. Amidst this turbulent situation, the Ten Eunuchs struggled to maintain their position and power. But they also understood that all this was like a candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment...

The Ten Eunuchs were experts in the art of intrigue and scheme within the imperial palace, practically the forefathers of the past. When Lu Zhi ordered Dian Wei to keep a close watch on everyone, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the emperor's chambers, the Ten Eunuchs keenly sensed something was amiss. Despite their countermeasures, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong remained uncertain.

At this critical moment, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong had secretly instructed the Upper Army Captain Jian Shuo to quietly mobilize troops around the emperor's chambers. If the situation changed, they would either rescue the emperor or support the prince. No matter what, they would fight for the credit of protecting the emperor. Although their hearts were filled with anxiety, they could not care less in the face of the temptation of power.

--split line--

Dong Zhong acted quickly and summoned Empress Dowager Dong. Empress Dowager Dong, accompanied by Prince Liu Xie, and surrounded by a group of soldiers, arrived at the gate of the emperor's bedroom in a grand procession.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhi and Dong Zhong were still locked in a stalemate, with neither side refusing to yield and the atmosphere growing increasingly tense. The arrival of Empress Dowager Dong further complicated the situation, and her presence seemed to embolden Dong Zhong's side.

Amidst this chaotic situation, the Ten Eunuchs closely monitored all developments, secretly calculating how to maximize their potential in this struggle. Their troops had also quietly taken up their positions, awaiting further instructions and ready to respond to any emergencies.

Dong Zhong summoned Empress Dowager Dong. Empress Dowager Dong, accompanied by the Emperor Liu Xie and accompanied by soldiers, arrived at the gate of the Emperor's chambers. Lu Zhi was still confronting Dong Zhong.

Empress Dowager Dong stepped forward and angrily rebuked Lu Zhi, "How dare you, Lu Zhi! You are just a foreign minister, yet you are so presumptuous as to block the palace gates and prevent the Emperor from communicating with the outside world! Are you trying to be like the traitor Wang Mang who plotted to usurp the throne?"

The moment Lu Zhi saw Empress Dowager Dong, he knew the situation was doomed. He knew the news of Emperor Ling's death couldn't be stopped, so he had no choice but to step forward and explain to Empress Dowager Dong, "Your Majesty, please calm down. It's not that I'm trying to stop the palace order, but I'm worried about disturbing Your Majesty's rest."

Empress Dowager Dong didn't want to waste any more time talking to him, and said impatiently, "Then please get out of the way! The emperor is seriously ill, and as his mother, it's only natural for me to bring his son to accompany him!"

After hearing this, Lu Zhi showed a helpless look on his face and could only step aside. However, he still had concerns in his heart, and secretly signaled to the prince Liu Bian to move closer to him.

Liu Bian understood, and although he was a little nervous, he slowly moved towards Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi closely watched the every move of Queen Mother Dong and others, secretly thinking about his response. He knew that the situation was becoming increasingly critical, and he had to find a way to protect Prince Liu Bian.

Empress Dowager Dong, flanked by Dong Zhong and a group of soldiers, hurried into the bedroom. She immediately noticed the unusual gathering of Emperor Ling's concubines around his bed, and a sense of foreboding welled up in her. She suddenly leaned over to the bedside and examined it carefully, only to find that the emperor didn't look like he was asleep.

Empress Dowager Dong was terrified. She rushed forward to check the emperor's breathing. When she confirmed the emperor was silent, she was instantly enraged. She turned abruptly, her eyes wide open, and pointed at Empress He, Lu Zhi, and the others, shouting, "How dare you! The emperor has passed away, and you're still trying to suppress the news! What are you trying to do?" Her voice was filled with anger and accusation, and her eyes seemed to be spitting fire.

Empress He saw this and tried to step forward to argue, but Empress Dowager Dong roughly pushed her away, nearly causing her to fall to the ground. Empress Dowager Dong pointed at Empress He and cursed, gritting her teeth, "And you, a mere butcher's daughter, relying on the Emperor's favor to stir up trouble in the harem all these years! I wish I could kill you right now!"

Empress Dowager Dong became more and more angry as she spoke. She turned around and shouted at Dong Zhong, "Dong Zhong, capture this evil queen, this rebellious son, and Lu Zhi who intends to usurp the throne!" Dong Zhong received the order and immediately directed the soldiers to approach Empress He, Liu Bian, Lu Zhi and others.

Seeing that the plan had been exposed and the soldiers were about to arrest them, Lu Zhi made a quick decision, drew his sword, and turned to Dian Wei and said, "Dian Wei, protect the prince and the queen!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Zhi rushed forward with his sword, engaging in a fierce battle with the soldiers who rushed over. His sword skills were sharp and his body was agile, as he engaged the soldiers fiercely.

Dian Wei, holding two iron halberds, was like a ferocious beast, swinging his sword with great force. He swung his two iron halberds with such force that every blow was so powerful that the soldiers could not restrain him for a moment and were forced to retreat again and again.

The entire bedroom instantly fell into chaos and fierce fighting.

The ten eunuchs lying in ambush outside heard the roars and the sounds of weapons clashing coming from inside. They looked at each other, knowing that something bad was going to happen.

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong exchanged a fierce glance, their faces etched with sternness. They fiercely ordered their soldiers, "This is urgent. We can't wait any longer. Move!"

As their orders were issued, many soldiers shouted "Save the emperor" in unison and rushed to the bedroom like a tide, engaging in a melee with Dong Zhong's soldiers. For a while, the shouts and sounds of killing shook the earth.

The troops led by Dong Zhong were charging towards the palace with great momentum, but were suddenly attacked by the troops of the imperial attendants who were lying in ambush behind them. They were caught off guard and became a little panicked.

The two teams instantly intertwined and launched a fierce battle. The two sides fought anxiously and it was difficult to determine the winner for a while. This also greatly reduced the pressure on Lu Zhi and Dian Wei.

Dian Wei was truly a peerless warrior. He wielded his two iron halberds with impenetrable precision, like an impenetrable fortress. However, due to the limited space within the hall, the soldiers were unable to maneuver and were, for a moment, helpless against the two of them.

The war was at a stalemate, and the sounds of shouting and weapons clashing filled the entire palace.