Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Cai Yong personally went out to greet He Jin, ushering him into the main hall with a broad smile, and cordially inviting him to sit down and have tea. Throughout this process, Cai Yong skillfully employed various words and actions to delay He Jin as much as possible, thereby slowing down the pace of He Jin's men and buying more time for the young emperor.

At the same time, the little emperor continued to stroll slowly in the garden. He seemed to be casually admiring the scenery in the garden, while he was alertly observing the situation around him, trying to find an opportunity to escape surveillance.

Lu Zhi waited anxiously in Cai Wenji's small courtyard. Frowning with anxiety, she paced back and forth, unable to think of a better way to escape the vigilant eyes of those around her. These eyes hung like a dark cloud, leaving her feeling extremely depressed and helpless.

Just as he was deep in thought, Lu Wan suddenly had an idea. She took Cai Wenji's hand and whispered, "Wenji, let's go to the garden." Cai Wenji nodded slightly and followed Lu Wan into the garden. Lu Wan then quietly gave the young emperor a look, a look full of hints and reminders. The young emperor instantly understood. He pretended to be lustful, his eyes wandering, a wicked smile on his lips, and he slowly followed Lu Wan and Cai Wenji into the garden.

The young emperor, on the other hand, understood the situation. He feigned attraction to the beauty of Lu Wan and Cai Wenji, following them briskly towards Cai Wenji's courtyard. As he ran, he feigned glances, as if searching for something of interest. A glint of cunning flashed in his eyes, as if he was cooperating with Lu Wan's plan to confuse those watching.

When they arrived at Cai Wenji's courtyard, the young emperor deliberately slowed his pace and quietly observed his surroundings. He saw that the eyes of the spies were attracted by his actions, and he secretly rejoiced. He knew that this was his chance to escape surveillance, and he must seize this opportunity to successfully meet with Lu Zhi and others.

He Jin's men, seeing this, tried to intervene, but Ma Chao and Pang De, guarding the courtyard gate, instantly drew their swords. A flash of cold light shone, and the blades gleamed fiercely in the sunlight. The sharp blades and their fierce aura instantly disheartened the group. They dared not act rashly and hurried to report the situation to He Jin.

When Cai Yong heard that Liu Bian had been ushered into Cai Wenji's courtyard, he knew the plan had succeeded. But he didn't show any surprise. Instead, he feigned a look of smug delight, fawning over someone who had become a powerful figure. He said to He Jin, "Oh, my dear, your majesty has chosen my daughter. This is truly a great honor for our family!" His words were filled with false flattery, and a subtle sly glint flickered in his eyes.

When He Jin saw Cai Yong's fawning look, his face was full of smiles, his eyes narrowed into slits, and his expression seemed to say: "This old man is really dreaming of becoming the father-in-law of the emperor!" He Jin self-righteously believed that he had completely seen through Cai Yong's mind, and was secretly proud of himself.

He Jin could never have imagined that Cai Yong and his companions would be willing to tarnish their daughter's reputation for the sake of His Majesty. You know, in the Han Dynasty, a woman's reputation was so important. Cai Yong's face was filled with a false smile, his forehead slightly wrinkled, and a few fine lines squeezed out of the corners of his eyes, revealing his fawning expression.

So He Jin also dispelled his doubts and accompanied Cai Yong to listen to his flattery, his face full of enjoyment. The corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a row of teeth, his eyes revealed satisfaction and pride, and he was immersed in Cai Yong's flattery and couldn't extricate himself.

Lu Zhi and Emperor Liu Bian finally met successfully in Cai Wenji's room. When the young Emperor Liu Bian walked into the room, Lu Zhi could no longer suppress his excitement. He stood up suddenly, tears in his eyes, clasped his hands, bowed slightly, and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty!"

Before Lu Zhi could finish his greeting, the young emperor, Liu Bian, hurried forward, held out his hands to help Lu Zhi up, and gently helped him sit upright on the chair. Then, Liu Bian respectfully stepped forward, knelt on his knees, and bowed solemnly to Lu Zhi. He said sincerely, "Teacher, it's all my fault that you've been wronged."

Lu Zhi hurried forward and eagerly helped Liu Bian up with both hands. But Liu Bian suddenly hugged Lu Zhi's legs tightly and refused to get up. His body trembled and tears flowed like a broken dam. His face was full of pain and sorrow. He cried loudly, "Teacher, it's all my fault that you have been wronged. It's my incompetence..."

Lu Zhi was a little overwhelmed by Liu Bian's sudden action. He quickly reached out and gently patted Liu Bian's back, his eyes full of pity and love, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, don't be like this, your old minister... your old minister..." His words were a little choked with excitement.

Perhaps it was Liu Bian's kneeling that completely moved Lu Zhi. From then on, he was closely connected to his chariot, working like a slave for him, forging ahead without regrets even at the cost of his life.

After Liu Bian and Lu Zhi calmed down a bit, Liu Bian slowly spoke. "Master, I feel like a bird in a cage, trapped here, unable to escape. My uncle and mother are obsessed with power, paying no attention to state affairs. And now, even my desire to see you is so difficult, let alone governing the Han Dynasty." Liu Bian's face was filled with helplessness and sorrow, his brow furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep pain and confusion.

Lu Zhi stepped forward, patted Liu Bian's shoulder gently, and comforted him: "Your Majesty, please be patient for now. Once the Ten Attendants and the aristocratic families have a winner in the battle, we, the ministers loyal to Your Majesty, will have the opportunity to regain the right to speak. And after gaining power, we will fight for Your Majesty's freedom. What Your Majesty has to do now is to be patient and wait and see which side reveals a flaw first. When the time comes for its demise, you will drive it crazy." Lu Zhi's eyes were firm and persistent, full of encouragement for Liu Bian and his stubborn loyalty to the Han Dynasty.

Liu Bian continued with some emotion: "Now the court is full of those who form cliques and fight against each other, each of them is only for his own interests. The court is dead, and all the ministers are silent and dare not say a word. I am watched like a bird in a cage every day. It would be better... I would rather not be the emperor of the Han Dynasty and concentrate on studying with my master. That would be much more enjoyable than being bound and without freedom like this!" Liu Bian became more and more sad, and his voice was a little tearful.

The more Liu Bian spoke, the more distressed Lu Zhi felt, and at the same time, his resolve to support the Han Dynasty grew stronger. Lu Zhi said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. First and foremost, we must ensure your safety. Your current lack of military authority at court is truly a helpless situation. However, I have a plan. I have a disciple, Gongsun Zan, who has been operating in Youzhou for several years. Why not have him bring his troops and assist Your Majesty? This way, Your Majesty will not be left without military power and be bullied by both factions." Lu Zhi's expression was serious and resolute, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Lu Zhi's thoughts became clearer as he spoke. He continued patiently guiding the emperor, "Your Majesty, simply remain patient and dormant. We, the loyal and loyal ministers, will be guarding your majesty and ensuring that government affairs remain stable. Furthermore, I can have Gongsun Zan dispatch a detachment of elite troops. This way, Your Majesty will be able to protect himself in the court. When both sides have fought to the point of mutual destruction, Your Majesty will be able to take charge of government affairs in no time."

Lu Zhi spoke with a serious and resolute expression. His gaze fixed on Liu Bian, filled with concern and expectation. He continued, "The current situation may seem complex, but as long as we remain calm and bide our time, we will surely see a turnaround. Your Majesty, please do not be impatient or panic. We, your veteran ministers, will stand firm alongside you and fight for the future of the Han Dynasty with all our might."

At this point, Lu Zhi paused briefly, then took a deep breath and continued, "As for the Ten Eunuchs and the aristocratic families who are colluding to attack dissidents, their injustice will ultimately lead to their own destruction. When they are exhausted from fighting, it will be time for us to strike back. Then, Your Majesty can realize his grand plan, restore the Han Dynasty's glory, and ensure that the people of the world can live and work in peace and contentment."

As Liu Bian listened to Lu Zhi's words, his initially confused expression gradually became resolute. He nodded slightly and said, "Master, you are absolutely right. I will follow your instructions and work with you and the other ministers to overcome this difficult time."

While the strategy and intentions were certainly sound, they seemed to overlook another force. Empress Dowager Dong and Dong Cheng, though temporarily dormant after the failed coup, had not completely settled down. They were still secretly biding their time. Like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, they could strike again at any moment, posing a threat to Liu Bian and the Han Dynasty.

Immersed in their planning for the future, Lu Zhi and Liu Bian were unaware of this potential crisis. Perhaps it wasn't until the other side took action, catching them off guard, that they truly realized that the road to the Han Dynasty's revival was still full of difficulties and obstacles, requiring them to be more cautious and work harder.