Chương 70: A Clan's Secret Plot, Liu Hong's Displeasure

Liu Ce drifted off to sleep, filled with hopeful anticipation for the future. In his dream, he sat in the Youzhou government office, with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui beside him, busily handling government affairs with abacuses.

Yuwen Chengdu was training his troops outside the city, carrying his Phoenix Wing Gold Axe, while the Eighteen Riders of Yanyun moved across the grasslands like ghosts... and he was leisurely drinking tea.

At the same time, in another corner of Luoyang, at the Yuan residence.

The hall was brightly lit tonight, and filled with prominent figures from the city of Luoyang.

Led by Yuan Wei, the current head of the Runan Yuan clan, who had produced three dukes in four generations, representatives from top families such as the Hongnong Yang and Chen clans, as well as some high-ranking officials in the court who were affiliated with them, a total of twenty or thirty people gathered together.

These people were all dressed in casual home clothes, but their brows were furrowed and their faces looked increasingly grim.

"Everyone, please speak up."

Yuan Wei tapped the table, his voice filled with suppressed dissatisfaction.

Yuan Feng was so angry that his beard stood on end. He said, "Liu Ce, that brat, is just a member of the imperial clan from a remote area. He managed to achieve some military merits by chance, and His Majesty is rewarding him so generously!"

Marquis of Champion! A fief of ten thousand households! General of the Cavalry! That's not all; he was even granted the immense power of Governor of Youzhou! He was allowed to establish his own government, appoint his own officials, and take control of both military and political affairs!

"Where does this... where do I stand? Will we even have a voice in this court in the future?"

Yang Ci stroked his beard, looking worried: "What you say is absolutely right. The governor of Youzhou is no ordinary person."

Now that Liu Ce, as a member of the imperial clan, has taken control of this powerful province, with its well-trained troops and ample supplies, he may become too powerful to control.

Moreover, His Majesty has also temporarily granted him military power in Ji Province, meaning that almost the entire Hebei region is now under his control!

Chen Dan was even more direct, blowing his beard and glaring: "Rewarding merits too generously is already inappropriate! For members of the imperial family to command troops is an even greater taboo!"

The Rebellion of the Seven States serves as a stark warning! Your Majesty has been blinded by Liu Ce's military achievements and misled by those sycophantic eunuchs! We, as pillars of the state, cannot stand idly by!

Representatives from other prominent families echoed this sentiment:

"Exactly! If this precedent is set, people from humble backgrounds and even members of the imperial family can quickly rise to high positions based on military merit. How will we, the scions of noble families, conduct ourselves?"

"The position of General of the Cavalry has always been used to reward veteran generals from powerful families or to balance the political situation at court. How could it be so easily given to a mere child?"

"We must advise His Majesty to rescind his decree, or at the very least... strip him of his power and divide his military forces!"

The group became more and more excited as they talked, as if Liu Ce were about to lead his troops into Luoyang and seize the throne the next day.

Yuan Wei sat in the main seat, holding a teacup in his hand, his knuckles turning white. He was more composed than the others, but the gloom in his eyes revealed that he was extremely unsettled.

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet it silenced the murmuring crowd:

"Your Majesty's actions, seemingly to reward merit, are in reality to support the imperial clan, suppress our gentry, and cultivate a force to check and balance He Jin. Liu Ce has now become a major threat."

"Lord Yuan, what should we do? Are we just going to stand by and watch this brat ride roughshod over us?" someone asked anxiously.

A glint of light flashed in Yuan Wei's eyes:

"Tomorrow morning, we will go to the palace together to meet His Majesty! We will explain the advantages and disadvantages and make sure that His Majesty rescinds his order, or at least... strips him of his power and reduces his military authority!"

"The titles of Marquis of Champion and General of Chariots and Cavalry are already exceptional; the positions of Governor of Youzhou and military power in Jizhou must not be held by him alone! This is perfect opportunity to secure some positions for our families' sons."

Everyone nodded in agreement, thinking the plan was excellent.

The law does not punish the masses. With so many powerful families and officials putting pressure on him, the emperor cannot ignore the stability of the court, can he? It is imperative to make the emperor realize his "mistake" and withdraw or reduce the rewards bestowed upon Liu Ce.

The next day, in the morning.

Two groups of people have already gathered outside the palace.

One group consisted of powerful military commanders led by Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun. They all looked serious, even somewhat indignant.

The other group was a large group of aristocratic civil officials, led by Yuan Wei and Yang Ci, numbering several dozen people. They appeared to be concerned about the country and its people, and were speaking eloquently.

The two groups met unexpectedly.

Huangfu Song, Zhu Jun, and others came to plead for Lu Zhi, who had been unjustly imprisoned, valuing their camaraderie and Lu Zhi's talent.

The powerful clans came to "advise" the emperor to reduce Liu Ce's power.

They had different purposes, but at this moment they all wanted to see the emperor.

After the eunuch announced the arrival, the two groups were brought together and led to the Jiade Hall to wait.

When the news reached the inner palace, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, was in the happiest time of his day.

He was wearing loose pajamas, reclining on a soft couch. In front of him were dancers dressed in light gauze, dancing gracefully. Beside them were musicians playing instruments and singing, and several beautiful palace maids were feeding him peeled grapes.

In this situation, the word "pleasant" is hardly enough to describe it.

Just then, Zhang Rang, bowing low, cautiously stepped forward and whispered his report:

"Your Majesty, Generals Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, along with many ministers led by Yuan Wei and Yang Ci, have jointly requested an audience. They are all waiting in the Jiade Hall, saying they have important matters to report."

The smile on Liu Hong's face froze instantly, and even the grapes in his mouth no longer tasted sweet.

He waved his hand impatiently, signaling the musicians to stop, and the dancers stepped aside, cursing irritably:

"These old bastards! And those generals! Instead of enjoying their rest at home, they have to come here to make me unhappy!"

Are you deliberately trying to annoy me? Let them wait in the Jiade Hall! I don't have time!

After finishing his tirade, he roared at the musicians and dancers who had stopped, "What are you all standing there for? Keep playing the music! Keep dancing! Don't let them spoil my enjoyment!"

Then, the sounds of string and wind instruments began again, and the dancers began to twirl their water sleeves once more.

Liu Hong lay back down, but his expression clearly wasn't as enjoyable anymore.

Half an hour later.

Inside the Jiade Hall, Huangfu Song, Zhu Jun, and the others were alright, as they were all soldiers and their posture remained upright, but a hint of impatience was visible on their faces.

But those pampered patriarchs from wealthy families are in a much worse situation.

Yuan Kui was not young; his legs were weak from standing, and his back ached.

Yang Ci kept wiping non-existent cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.

Chen Dan was leaning on his cane, and felt like he was about to faint.

A group of people eagerly awaited the arrival of the emperor, cursing him a hundred times over in their hearts.

"Why hasn't His Majesty arrived yet...?"

"This... it's been more than half an hour!"

"I have been disrespectful before the emperor! I have been disrespectful before the emperor!"

"Lord Yuan, what should we do?"

The crowd began to whisper among themselves, their voices filled with anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Yuan Wei was also agitated, but he could only force himself to remain calm and said in a low voice:

"Please calm down, His Majesty may be... dealing with urgent state affairs."

On the other side, Zhang Rang, watching the water clock drip, steeled himself again and stepped forward, whispering a reminder during a break in the music:

"Your Majesty, it has been half an hour... and the ministers are still waiting outside the Jiade Hall."

Liu Hong then seemed to just remember something, and said "Oh," drawing out the sound:

"Half an hour has passed already? Alright, let's go see them and see what they can come up with... cough, what brilliant ideas they have."

Then he waved to the group of dancers, who were exhausted and sweating profusely, forcing smiles, and said:

"You all wait here. I'll be right back. If you're lazy when I return, your monthly pay will be deducted!"

He slowly got up, changed into his everyday clothes with the help of palace maids, and walked unsteadily toward Jiade Hall. His manner was more like going to the street to watch the excitement than to handle state affairs.