Chapter 72

"Impossible, Your Majesty." At this moment, Yuan Feng stepped forward again and said with a cold laugh, "Your Majesty, everything Zuo Feng said just now is merely his one-sided account. I heard that this time, Lord Zuo brought back quite a few things. Perhaps it's because Lord Lu's family is poor and did not give any gifts, which is why Lord Zuo is slandering Lord Lu."

Although Yuan Feng had no particular relationship with Lu Zhi, as long as it was something the Ten Attendants wanted to do, he would be the first to oppose it.

"Uh." Zuo Feng was immediately speechless, as the facts were indeed as such.

As for Liu Hong, he was also aware that half of the bribes Zuo Feng solicited would be handed over to him. However, Liu Hong could not say this outright. Then, Liu Hong narrowed his eyes and looked at Yuan Feng, saying with a cold laugh, "Minister Yuan, are you implying that my son is also lying?"

"That is not what I mean, Your Highness. Of course, what Your Highness says is true, but that does not mean that what was said earlier was what Your Highness said. It could also be that Zuo Feng fabricated it. Please, Your Majesty, investigate clearly," Yuan Feng said.

With these words from Yuan Feng, Zuo Feng immediately broke out in a cold sweat, as everything had been hit right on the mark by this old man.

Liu Hong ignored Zuo Feng and issued an order, "Since that is the case, then do not execute him. By my command, escort Lu Zhi back to Luoyang for a face-to-face confrontation."

"Your Majesty, no!!" A voice rang out.

"Impossible, always impossible. Can't you say something else?" Liu Hong said angrily, glaring at the Grand General He Jin, who had just spoken.

He Jin quickly said, "Your Majesty, what I mean by 'no' is not about escorting Lu Zhi back to the capital. If Lu Zhi is brought back, what will happen to the tens of thousands of troops in Guangzong?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong realized he had wronged He Jin. Then, Liu Hong casually said, "Isn't that simple? My son Liu Yao is brave and valiant. He just pacified the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan. The Yellow Turbans in Guangzong can be left to him."

"Uh." He Jin was immediately taken aback. His intention was to recommend someone under his command to be the commander, to gain more military achievements, but he did not expect that Liu Yao, whom he considered a thorn in his side, would benefit from this. However, he could not argue, as Liu Yao's abilities were indeed great. He Jin was puzzled as to why the Yellow Turbans, which seemed like fierce tigers to him, would become docile lambs in front of Liu Yao.

Upon hearing Liu Hong's words, Yuan Feng glared at He Jin, cursing him in his heart for being a stupid pig. He now dared not oppose Liu Hong, as he was very clear about Liu Hong's trust in Liu Yao. Going against Liu Hong now would only invite a scolding.

He Jin hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is indeed brave and valiant, but I have heard that there are only five to six thousand troops in Guangzong, while the Yellow Turbans have over fifteen to sixteen thousand. Even if the Crown Prince is very capable, he cannot fight a losing battle."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong also became worried. Liu Yao was his only hope. Although Liu Hong had great trust in Liu Yao's abilities, there was always the possibility of an accident. "Minister He, do you have any good suggestions?" Liu Hong asked.

He Jin smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I recommend someone. With his help, the Yellow Turbans will not be a problem."

"Quickly, who is it?" Liu Hong asked with interest.

"This person is named Dong Zhuo, styled Zhongying, from Lintao in Longxi. He currently holds the position of Middle General. He has long been stationed on the frontier, making the Qiang people tremble at the mention of his name. I believe he will be more than capable of dealing with the Yellow Turbans," He Jin said confidently. Dong Zhuo was his confidant, and his forces were powerful, so he naturally wanted to recommend him.

"Oh, Dong Zhongying, I have heard of this person. Very well, order the Middle General Dong Zhuo to go to Guangzong to assist my son," Liu Hong ordered.

"Understood." The people below had no further objections and responded in unison.

After the court session, the news of sending Dong Zhuo to Guangzong quickly reached Dong Zhuo.

When Dong Zhuo learned of this, he immediately burst into laughter. Although he was not the commander, being able to go to Guangzong and gain two shares of merit was still very good. In his eyes, the Yellow Turbans were just opportunities for merit, easily within reach. He was not afraid of even the Qiang people, let alone the undisciplined army of civilians.

Dong Zhuo immediately led three thousand troops towards Guangzong.

Dong Zhuo, who had been in the bureaucracy for many years, naturally knew the ins and outs. He was very clear about the power of the Ten Attendants in the court. Therefore, while he was sending troops, he also secretly sent a large amount of wealth to the Ten Attendants. With the support of these two groups, regardless of the outcome, he would have an advantage.

Before this, Zuo Feng had already set out for Guangzong again. When Zuo Feng arrived at Guangzong again, he looked very pleased. He simply raised the imperial edict, and no one dared to stop him.

At this time, Liu Yao and others were in the camp, preparing to discuss the Yellow Turbans.

"Your Lord, Zuo Feng has come again, this time with an imperial edict. You should quickly go to receive it," Shi A reported to Liu Yao again as he entered the camp.

"Finally, he has come! It looks like Lu Zhi is in trouble. But I wonder if the person who will replace Lu Zhi as the commander will be me or Dong Zhuo," Liu Yao thought.

"Your Lord, the imperial edict is a major matter. You should quickly go to receive it. The matter of the Yellow Turbans can be discussed later," Xi Zhicai said.

Liu Yao nodded and ordered, "Everyone, follow me to receive the imperial edict." Then, they all left the camp in a grand procession towards Zuo Feng.

Liu Cao and Lu Zhi, who had also received the news, came out to welcome them.

Zuo Feng, with his duck-like voice, shouted, "Lu Zhi, Liu Yao, receive the imperial edict."

Liu Yao and Lu Zhi both knelt down to receive the edict, and the people around them followed suit. At this moment, Liu Yao was extremely displeased. He could kneel to heaven, earth, the emperor, and his parents, but now, although nominally he was kneeling to his father and emperor Liu Hong, he was actually kneeling to this eunuch.

"The Emperor of Han decrees: Now that Lu Zhi has failed in his campaign against the Yellow Turbans and is suspected of nurturing the enemy to strengthen himself, he is hereby ordered to be escorted back to Luoyang for a confrontation. As for the position of commander that Lu Zhi will leave, it will be taken over by the Northern General of Han, Liu Yao. So decreed!!"

"Your subject receives the edict." Lu Zhi and Liu Yao said simultaneously. At this moment, Lu Zhi, with a face full of disbelief, received the edict. Zuo Feng looked extremely pleased, feeling a great sense of relief. The guards and soldiers around Lu Zhi looked at Zuo Feng with anger but did not dare to act.

As for Liu Bei, although he appeared calm, his heart was in turmoil. Although he knew that Lu Zhi had offended Zuo Feng and would not have a good outcome, he did not expect that Lu Zhi would be directly taken back to Luoyang. Moreover, the person who would take over the position of commander was Liu Yao, who had a bias against him. Now, Liu Bei, the little chick, was no longer under the protection of the mother hen Lu Zhi and was in front of the eagle Liu Yao, which was very dangerous.

He was now considering whether to stay or leave. If he stayed, he might not even get any military achievements before Liu Yao got rid of him. But if he left, he was unwilling to leave with nothing. Liu Bei's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had made a decision.

"Sure enough, it's me who will take over. It seems that the fat man Dong Zhuo won't come. What a pity, I was actually looking forward to seeing what Dong Zhuo looked like," Liu Yao thought.

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