Three Kingdoms: Ten Times Speed, Diao Chan Says I'm Too Fast

Before long, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong arrived at Jiade Hall.

Upon learning that Duan Yu had killed Wei Ban, Liu Hong was disheartened. After dismissing the two concubines, he sat behind the dragon table waiting for Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.

"His Majesty!"

"His Majesty!"

Upon arriving at the Jiade Hall, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong successively paid their respects to Liu Hong.

Jian Shuo, dressed in armor, stood opposite Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, rolling his eyes at them.

Liu Hong looked at the two men with a frown and asked, "Have you two heard about Duan Yu's matter?"

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong exchanged a glance, then nodded and said, "Your Majesty, this old servant has heard a little about it, but..."

"But there is a reason for this. In my opinion, we cannot blame General Wei entirely."

Ok?

"What do you mean by that?" Liu Hong asked, frowning. "What reason do you have? Why did Duan Yu kill Wei Ban?"

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, along with Jian Shuo opposite them, listened attentively.

"Your Majesty, it is said that the Lieutenant-in-Chief Wei Ban secretly instructed people to torture Dong Zhuo when he was imprisoned."

"Later, General Wei made great contributions in Ji Province. After His Majesty rewarded General Wei, he also pardoned Dong Zhuo. However, after Dong Zhuo returned to his residence, he was imprisoned in the residence by the Commandant Wei Ban. As a result, he had no food or water and almost died in the residence."

"After General Wei returned and discovered this matter, he went to find him."

"Wei Ban fled to the residence of Fu Wan, the Commander of the Imperial Guards, seeking refuge. General Wei pursued him to the residence and killed Wei Ban."

"That's roughly how things went."

"In my opinion, this matter cannot be entirely blamed on General Wei. General Wei is extremely filial and devoted. His father-in-law was humiliated, so he did not hesitate to kill Wei Ban. This is what I mean by laughing."

“The Han Dynasty governed the world based on filial piety, which is undeniable,” Zhang Rang said.

"Humph."

As soon as Zhang Rang finished speaking, a cold snort came from Jian Shuo opposite him: "It is true that the Han Dynasty governs the world with filial piety."

"But if everyone were like Duan Yu, able to kill court officials without authorization because of these things, where would the laws of the Han Dynasty be?"

Where is the imperial court's authority?

“That Wei Ban is the Vice Commandant of the Imperial Guard, in charge of the security of the capital Luoyang. Although Dong Zhuo has been pardoned by His Majesty, he is still guilty. Detaining him in his own residence is already an act of great mercy.”

"That Duan Yu is just arrogant because he has made contributions. If we let him get away with it, won't he become even more audacious in the future?"

"Bullying the world?"

While Jian Shuo was speaking, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong were observing Liu Hong's expression.

Looking at Liu Hong's face, there wasn't an overly angry expression.

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong then deduced Liu Hong's intentions.

At present, a million Yellow Turban rebels are still in Taiyuan County.

Duan Yu held military power and was a general at the front.

At this point, as long as Duan Yu did not harbor any rebellious intentions, the emperor would not do anything to him under any circumstances.

Even if Jian Shuo were to kick someone when they're down, it wouldn't make a difference.

Of course, there is one exception.

That means Duan Yu really had rebellious intentions.

After all, the emperor summoned Duan Yu back this time to test him.

Having followed Liu Hong for so many years, the two were well aware of these matters.

However, upon learning that Duan Yu had come alone from Taiyuan County and entered Luoyang, the emperor's doubts were half dispelled.

Otherwise, they wouldn't be in such a good mood here enjoying the song and dance.

Zhang Rang's eyes lit up, and a plan immediately came to mind.

“Your Majesty, this old servant believes that what Attendant Jian said is not without reason; Duan Yu is indeed reckless.”

Zhang Rang cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "But it is precisely because of this that we can see that Duan Yu is open and honest."

Ok?

Liu Hong looked up at Zhang Rang, his brows relaxing slightly.

Wei Ban.

He was just a lowly pawn; whether he lived or died had nothing to do with the Han Dynasty.

But the actions of a general like Duan Yu, who leads troops, are now related to the survival of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Hong was well aware of this.

"Go on," Liu Hong said, his brows unfurrowing.

Seeing Liu Hong's expression, Zhang Rang, who was extremely good at reading people, knew that he was right.

“Your Majesty, Duan Yu is not the kind of person who is scheming. The fact that Duan Yu was able to return so quickly after Your Majesty summoned him to Luoyang shows that he is absolutely loyal to Your Majesty and the Han Dynasty.”

"Let alone Duan Yu, even if it were this old servant, after leading troops in battle for months, upon learning that my father-in-law had been insulted in Luoyang, I would certainly be filled with rage."

"Dong Zhuo was Duan Yu's father-in-law and had been kind to Duan Yu."

"If Duan Yu treats his father-in-law this way, how can it not show that he is a person who always repays kindness?"

"Your Majesty has promoted Duan Yu and placed your trust in him. Duan Yu will surely remember Your Majesty's kindness."

“A general like this, who repays kindness and avenges wrongs, is a true man of character and a real hero.”

"Only those who are more loyal to His Majesty than the Han Dynasty can achieve such devotion."

"As for Wei Ban... he's nothing more than a despicable person who kicks someone when they're down."

"Of course, this old servant is not saying these things to exonerate Duan Yu, but for His Majesty's sake."

"Oh?" Liu Hong raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Rang knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, what Attendant Jian said is correct. Duan Yu's actions this time naturally cannot go unpunished."

"Such things should not be encouraged."

"But now the battle on the front lines is critical, and we can't do without Duan Yu."

"This is a perfect opportunity to punish one and reward the other, thus diminishing one's own strength."

A thoughtful expression appeared on Liu Hong's face.

You know what, this is a good idea.

Duan Yu is now General of the Guards, Marquis of Duxiang, and Governor of Liangzhou.

Taking another step forward would easily lead to a lack of enjoyment.

Between a ruler and his subject, the worst thing is when there is nothing left to reward; one can't simply grant them land and make them kings.

As long as Duan Yu's loyalty is not in question, killing a mere guard is enough to be punished.

Demoting Duan Yu and then rewarding him would be a good solution.

Jian Shuo, who was standing opposite Zhang Rang, became anxious upon hearing this.

“Attendant Zhang, Duan Yu not only killed Wei Ban, but also broke into the Marquis of Buqi’s residence at night, frightening Princess Yang’an. This matter concerns the dignity of the royal family. Can we just let it go?” Jian Shuo said with a frown.

Then he turned to Liu Hong and said, "Your Majesty, Princess Yang'an is the eldest daughter of the late Emperor, a member of the imperial family."

"Duan Yu is so audacious. If he is not severely punished, won't he become even bolder in the future?"

"If he dares to break into Princess Yang'an's residence today, he might break into the palace tomorrow!"

“Isn’t that a bit too much, Attendant Jian?” Zhang Rang looked up at Jian Shuo and said, “How could Attendant Jian know that Duan Yu knew that it was Princess Yang’an’s residence?”

"Duan Yu has lived on the frontier for a long time; how could he possibly know so much about the affairs of the court?"

"What if Duan Yu doesn't know?"

"Wouldn't such severe punishment discourage the generals on the frontier?"

Zhang Rang cupped his hands towards Liu Hong and said, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty, how could you act so indiscriminately without asking questions?"

“Jian Changshi’s words… seem a bit too eager for quick success,” Zhang Rang said, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Jian Shuo.

"I... I'm not in a hurry for anything. Zhang told you not to talk nonsense. I just..."

"hehe."

Zhang Rang sneered and said, "Why is Consort Jian in such a hurry for merit? Doesn't Consort Jian himself know the answer?"

"Doesn't Consort Jian understand why he's targeting Duan Yu so much?"

Upon hearing Zhang Rang's words, Jian Shuo immediately became anxious.

Because it hit a nerve.

"All right."

Liu Hong frowned and interrupted Jian Shuo and Zhang Rang's argument, saying, "Zhang Rang, please continue. How should we reward and punish them?"

"Your Majesty may first remove Duan Yu from his position as a guard general."

Zhang Rang said, "Now that the enemy troops have reached Taiyuan, Bingzhou is Duan Yu's former residence and is not part of the Central Plains. Duan Yu has the authority of the Governor of Liangzhou and does not need the title of General Wei in Bingzhou."

"As for the reward, this old servant dares to ask."

"Say what you want," Liu Hong waved his hand and said, "Speak boldly."

Zhang Rang's eyes darted around as he said, "This old servant believes that since it is a reward, we should consider all aspects."

"After this incident, I believe that Duan Yu is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. His willingness to do this for his father-in-law speaks volumes."

"Therefore, this old servant believes that since it is a reward, it should satisfy Duan Yu and also benefit His Majesty."

"How about we form a marriage alliance with Duan Yu..."

Ok?

Liu Hong's eyes widened immediately.

A marriage alliance with Duan Yu?

Jian Shuo also looked at Zhang Rang with a completely bewildered expression.

Marriage?

How do I connect?

"Your Majesty, the late Emperor had three princesses. Now, Princess Yang'an and Princess Yingyin have both married."

"But Princess Yangdi is still unmarried and is already quite old."

Princess Liu Xiu of Yangdi.

She was granted the title of Princess Yangdi in the seventh year of the Yanxi era.

I'm nineteen now, and I'll be twenty soon.

It's already extremely rare for someone of that age to be unmarried.

The main reason is that Liu Xiu was not yet an adult before Emperor Huan (Liu Zhi) died.

Furthermore, Liu Hong and Princess Liu Xiu of Yangdi were of the same generation, and although Liu Hong was older, it was not appropriate to arrange a marriage for him.

It took a few years to get through.

If it weren't for Duan Yu's incident today, coupled with Zhang Rang's reminder, Liu Hong would have long forgotten about this person.

After all, this is Luoyang, where there are many imperial relatives and nobles.

"Zhang Rang, are you crazy?" Jian Shuo suddenly raised his voice and said, "Duan Yu is already married. Do you mean you want the Princess of Yangdi to marry Duan Yu as a concubine?"

Zhang Rang glared at Jian Shuo but ignored him, and instead said directly to Liu Hong, "Your Majesty, this old servant has heard that although Duan Yu has a wife and daughter, he does not have a principal wife, and Dong Zhuo's daughter is also a secondary wife."

"And where does the concept of a concubine come from?"

"If Your Majesty were to bestow a marriage upon Duan Yu, the advantage would be that you would become related to him. Given Duan Yu's grateful nature, if Your Majesty were to marry him, Duan Yu would naturally be devoted to Your Majesty in everything."

"Isn't this killing two birds with one stone?"

Liu Hong rubbed his chin with one hand.

His expression was somewhat moved.

...........

Bu Guangli.

Dong Zhuo's residence.

Duan Yu placed Wei Ban's head at Dong Zhuo's feet.

"Yu'er, you...you really killed Wei Ban?" Dong Zhuo looked at Duan Yu in shock and said, "How could you be so impulsive? Isn't this ruining your future?"

Duan Yu knelt before Dong Zhuo and chuckled.

"Father-in-law, you are overthinking it. The more I act this way, the more at ease His Majesty will be."

A leader is more at ease with a general who is flawed, impulsive, reckless, and prone to making mistakes than with a steady and meticulous one.

Liu Hong suspected him, well then.

He then deliberately gave Liu Hong an opportunity to punish him.

Only then could Liu Hong feel at ease.

and......

He still has two powerful weapons he hasn't used yet.

Why not let the bullets fly for a while?