Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

On the eighth day of the second lunar month, a normally tranquil day, a sudden imperial decree ignited a tumultuous scene. The imperial court ordered the arrest of the renowned scholars Ying Shao and Dong Yanxing. This sudden news was like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring up a thousand ripples.

In Luoyang, the people were buzzing with discussion, shocked and bewildered by this sudden turn of events. These two men were renowned figures in Luoyang, so why had they suddenly met with such misfortune? They speculated on various possible causes, their hearts filled with worry and uneasiness.

For a time, Luoyang City was plunged into a tense atmosphere, with everyone feeling insecure, as if a storm was about to break out. This sudden change also caused people to have many doubts and speculations about the court's actions, and the entire Luoyang City was shrouded in a haze.

When Qiao Xuan heard the news, he could hardly suppress his panic. He had never imagined that things would develop so quickly, and that the two people he had been friendly with were arrested by the court.

Recalling the beginning of February, the three of them had expressed dissatisfaction with the imperial family's recommendation method, even mentioning some inappropriate remarks that might be related to General He Jin. At the time, they were just impulsive, venting their anger, but they never imagined that there would be such serious consequences.

Now, seeing his friend imprisoned, Qiao Xuan was filled with remorse. He worried that he would be implicated, and even more worried that there was a deeper conspiracy behind this. He paced back and forth in his room, his thoughts in turmoil, filled with worry and fear about the future.

Qiao Xuan was extremely anxious and asked Guan Ning to visit Dong Yanxing and Ying Shao in prison. After finally arriving in the prison, he saw the two men who were tortured to death.

Dong Yanxing, his body covered in wounds, spoke weakly to Shao, "We have been accused of malicious slander, but in reality, we have committed no crime. Please inform Mr. Qiao to flee immediately. Don't sit back and wait for death like we did, and repeat the same mistake."

After Qiao Xuan learned what Guan Ning had said, he was filled with grief and worry. He knew Dong Yanxing's advice was right, and he couldn't let things continue like this. But facing this predicament, how could he ensure his own safety?

After much deliberation, Qiao Xuan finally decided to go to his hometown, Wanxian County, Lujiang, to avoid the limelight. At this critical moment, Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao also hurriedly bid farewell to their good friend Lu Wan.

In Lu Zhi's mansion, sunlight streamed through the windows onto the focused faces of Ma Chao, Sun Ce, and other young students. However, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps. Lu Wan, looking flustered, hurriedly arrived with Xiao Qiao and Da Qiao.

Sadness and helplessness were written all over Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao's faces. Tears welled up in Da Qiao's beautiful eyes, and her voice trembled as she spoke, "My friends, my father has angered He Jin, and now the He family is powerful. We have no choice but to move our family to Lujiang to escape this disaster. The journey is truly treacherous, with bandits rampant and law and order in shambles. We're truly terrified of something bad happening on our way home... And Luoyang is in constant turmoil right now, so we simply can't stay here any longer." Xiao Qiao also bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with worry as she continued, "Yes, we're truly worried. We don't know how many difficulties and obstacles we'll encounter along the way."

Everyone was filled with reluctance to part. Meanwhile, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu were also experiencing emotional turmoil. During their time together, they had already secretly developed feelings for Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.

Sun Ce looked at Da Qiao, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He recalled every moment they had spent together, her every smile and frown etched deeply in his mind. He wished he could always be by her side, protecting her from any harm. Now, as he was about to part with her, he felt a surge of sadness and reluctance, accompanied by a worry about the future, wondering if he would ever have the chance to see her again.

Zhou Yu gazed at Xiao Qiao lovingly, his heart also filled with turmoil. He was captivated by her liveliness, loveliness, kindness, and gentleness. He knew that this separation might only further distance them, but he could not let go of his love for her.

After a brief discussion, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu's eyes met, each seeing a resolute resolve. They ultimately agreed to escort Mr. Qiao back home. After all, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were Mr. Qiao's daughters; they couldn't sit idly by and let him face the difficulties and dangers of his journey alone.

At the same time, Lu Su also stood up and said solemnly: "Luoyang is indeed in turmoil now, and the situation is becoming more and more complicated and unpredictable. I also want to take this opportunity to return to my hometown." His words revealed his worry about the current situation and his desire to return home.

Hearing Lu Su's words, everyone felt a surge of emotion. They all understood that Luoyang was no longer a safe place, and leaving might be the best option. Despite their reluctance, they also knew this was an unchangeable fact.

With deep respect and gratitude, several people bid farewell to Lu Zhi together.

Facing Lu Zhi, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su slowly knelt on the ground, their heads bowed, their expressions solemn and sincere, their hearts filled with respect and gratitude for Lu Zhi.

Sun Ce raised his head, gazed firmly at Lu Zhi, and said in a voice filled with deep affection, "Master Lu, we will never forget your teachings and care for us. Now that we are about to part, I implore you to take good care of yourself." Zhou Yu added, "The court is in turmoil. Master Lu, you must take good care of yourself and avoid overworking yourself." Lu Su echoed this, expressing his sincere concern for Lu Zhi, "Master Lu, your kindness and wisdom have always been an example for us to learn from. I hope you will take good care of yourself."

After saying these words, several people knelt quietly on the ground, not rising for a long time. Their hearts were filled with reluctance and concern for Lu Zhi. They knew Lu Zhi's difficult situation in the court and understood all he had sacrificed for everyone. At this moment, they could only pray silently.

Lu Zhi looked at the young people before him, his heart filled with both relief and reluctance. He knew they would soon go their separate ways, their futures filled with uncertainty. Tears welled in his eyes, and he spoke in a slightly hoarse voice, "Children, you are all outstanding talents, and I am proud of you. As we part today, although I am deeply saddened, I know this is your destiny. I hope that no matter where you go, you will maintain your original aspirations and stay true to the right path."

Despite his deep reluctance, Lu Zhi understood that he couldn't stop them. He gently patted Sun Ce's shoulder and said, "Go, children, pursue your dreams. I believe you will shine on your respective paths." The children hugged Lu Zhi tightly, feeling his deep affection for them. Even though they were reluctant to leave, they knew there was nothing they could do.

After respectfully bidding farewell to Lu Zhi, the few people slowly went back to pack their luggage. Their steps were a little heavy, and their hearts were full of expectations and worries about the road ahead.

Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and Lu Su carefully packed their belongings and quickly reunited with Qiao Gong's convoy, accompanied by their servants. After respectfully saluting Qiao Gong, they immediately stood guard on both sides of the convoy, hurriedly heading out of Luoyang City.

On the outskirts of Luoyang City, Cai Yong, Guan Ning, and other close friends of Mr. Qiao had already gathered, eagerly awaiting their arrival. As Mr. Qiao's motorcade slowly approached and passed them, it paused. Tears welled in the eyes of these old friends as they embraced each other, shedding tears as they parted. The scene of their reluctant farewell was truly moving.

Unable to witness their friends' farewell, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and the others witnessed the deep friendship between Qiao Gong and the others. Though they remained silent, a tinge of envy welled up within them, mingled with a sense of loss. As they watched the scene before them, they couldn't help but feel a flood of emotion, those unspoken emotions lingering in their hearts, leaving them feeling a sense of loss.