Luoyang City, Yong’an Palace (the residence of the Empress Dowager).
Bright lights illuminated the interior of the sleeping palace with a radiant yellow glow.
A graceful figure paced back and forth, her steps carrying a hint of restlessness.
"Little Guizi, are you sure that Governor Dong wants to depose the Crown Prince!?"
The voice was as cold as arctic ice, but tinged with a sense of urgency at this mont.
"Your Majesty, this matter is absolutely true! Little Guizi wouldn’t dare deceive you!"
A piercing shrillness echoed, disturbing the Empress Dowager’s peace of mind.
She was the current Emperor Liu Bian’s birth mother, the Empress Dowager He!
Learning that her son Liu Bian was to be deposed by Dong Zhuo, she knew that if she didn’t take action soon, neither she nor Bian would survive for long!!!
Seemingly realizing sothing, Empress Dowager He hurriedly asked, "At that ti, only Ding Jianyang, the Governor of Bing Province, opposed Dong Zhuo?"
"...Yes!" Eunuch Guizi tried to recall and imdiately confird.
"Were there no other officials who opposed?"
"Originally, there was Lord Chen, but he was killed..."
"Oh, right, Lord Wang also seed to have intentions of resistance!"
"Lord Wang? The Minister of Education, Wang Sutu?" After a mont of thought, Empress He’s eyes suddenly lit up.
She hurriedly asked, "I heard that the Minister of Education’s son-in-law is already the Han’s General Who Guards the South and the Prefect of Jiujiang County at such a young age! Is this true or false?"
"According to Your Majesty, this is true! That person is nad Long Jueming, the young hero who defeated Zhang Jiao in the past!"
Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager He’s eyes glead even more brightly.
Under the light of the cloud phoenix lanterns, Empress Dowager He’s face was fairer than snow, her lips adorned with a blush of red, radiantly beautiful.
Originally just a butcher’s daughter, she had risen to her present position with this stunning appearance that captivated Emperor Han Ling, Liu Hong.
Upon hearing of Long Jueming’s heroic deeds, after a mont of contemplation, she no longer hesitated.
Imdiately, she took out a personally embroidered handkerchief and wrote a few delicate characters with a brush.
She then placed it in a box and instructed the prostrating eunuch Guizi:
"I command you to secretly leave the palace and go to the Wang residence to find General Long Jueming and deliver this item to him!"
"I shall obey!"
With that, Little Guizi left with the item given by the Empress Dowager.
As for Empress Dowager He, who remained in the deep palace, she simply could not fall asleep on her phoenix bed...
In the depths of her heart, thinking about Dong Zhuo’s attitude towards them, she couldn’t help but feel sorrowful.
"Ah, Bian’er... why are our lives so bitter..."
Empress Dowager He was left alone in the deep palace, secretly lanting...
The night had grown late, and Long Chen and Diaochan were already asleep...
At this mont, a special energy flowed into Long Chen’s body, and he sensed soone sneaking around outside the mansion, their intentions unclear.
His eyebrows raised, and he changed into his robe, preparing to go out and investigate!
Due to his long practice of the "The Book of Mystical Escapes," Long Chen had a precise grasp of earth energy, allowing him to accurately sense the aura of an enemy within a few kiloters.
As he was about to step out, a servant hurriedly approached.
Seeing Long Chen, the servant’s face brightened, and he handed a seemingly ordinary wooden box to Long Chen.
"Sir, Master told to deliver this to you urgently."
Long Chen frowned, took the wooden box, and waved his hand, signaling the servant to leave.
Who could be sending sothing to him at this hour?
He was not familiar with the people in Luoyang City, and the only ones he knew were the royal officials!
So, who could secretly pass on sothing so important to him?
Moreover, it seed urgent, as if the person giving him this item was not an ordinary person!
Well, he would know the answers once he opened the box!
After opening the box, he found a delicate handkerchief inside, emanating a faint and captivating fragrance.
This... was a lady’s handkerchief.
After reading the contents of the handkerchief, Long Chen fell into contemplation.
What the heck!
When did I establish a connection with Empress Dowager He!?
Most importantly, Empress Dowager He actually asked him to et her at Yong’an Palace in the imperial palace before the third watch tomorrow night!?
Long Chen sighed and massaged his forehead.
How did he manage to attract the attention of Empress Dowager He? Originally, he just wanted to gain so reputation in Luoyang City to stand out among the nurous feudal lords.
Bravery and loyalty, standing up in tis of crisis for the emperor... that was an excellent label!
But now, how did he catch the attention of Empress Dowager He?
Most importantly, after reading the contents, Empress Dowager He asked him to et her before the third watch tomorrow night!
Long Chen sighed, feeling that he had unintentionally stirred up trouble. However, since things had reached this point, he couldn’t easily refuse, especially considering Empress Dowager He’s status as the current empress dowager.
The crucial point was that Empress Dowager He was Liu Bian’s birth mother. If he could establish a connection with her and influence Liu Bian, it would make completing the system’s missions much easier!
...
The next day.
Dong Zhuo was furious within the mansion, feeling extrely angry about the events of the previous day.
"Damn it! Damn it! That old Ding only dares to defy because of Lu Bu!"
"Wen You, think of a solution for us, quickly!"
Beside Dong Zhuo, Li Ru’s eyes flickered as he bowed respectfully.
"My Lord, I have a plan!"
"What!? Wen You, you truly are my wise advisor! Speak quickly..."
Li Ru fanned himself with a feather fan, composed as he spoke:
"My Lord, I’ve gathered information. The chief general under Ding Yuan is nad Lu Bu, known as Fengxian. He is a formidable warrior, hailed as the Flying General in Bingzhou, and possesses exceptional martial prowess."
"However, under Ding Yuan, he only holds a minor position and is fond of wealth and treasures."
"If we promise him high rank, riches, and beautiful entertainers, we might gain his loyalty."
"This is one aspect. Secondly, we could have him kill Ding Yuan, reducing one adversary in Luoyang."
"Thirdly, after Ding Yuan’s demise, chaos will ensue in Bingzhou. Lu Bu, respected and seasoned there, could lead the Wolf Cavalry and join our forces in the Xiliang army!"
"This would bolster our military strength and eliminate the threat of the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry!"
Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo’s mouth quivered in excitent. He then clapped his heavy bear-like palms together and laughed heartily:
"Hahaha! Wen You, Wen You! This plan hits three birds with one stone! How many in this world can achieve such a feat?"
"Wen You, if this plan succeeds, you’ll be the hero!"
Li Ru modestly bowed.
Dong Zhuo continued, saying:
"Don’t spare the child to win the wolf. In my stables, there is a prized horse from the Xiliang — the Red Hare! I’ll gift it to Lu Bu if he agrees to join us!"
"Oh yes, isn’t Li Su in the army from the sa region as Lu Bu? Let him handle this matter!"
"If this works out, it will relieve a great burden from ! Then, dealing with the deposed Emperor will be a piece of cake. Entire Luoyang will truly fall into the hands of our Xiliang army!"
"Hahaha!!!"
Dong Zhuo burst into another fit of laughter, then pointed at a charming woman and said to Li Ru:
"Wen You, this woman is the pri gem among the palace concubines... I gift her to you today... Don’t refuse!"
"This... I thank you, My Lord..."
Li Ru had no choice but to reluctantly accept Dong Zhuo’s reward...
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