My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

After Ji Xuanyuan left Qingliang Palace, Liu Hong did not immediately call for anyone; he simply lay quietly on the couch.

His murky gaze drifted aimlessly to the intricate yet somber painted ceiling above the palace.

The familiar tightness and dull pain in his chest returned, and he coughed a few times, his voice echoing weakly in the empty hall.

The eunuch cautiously stepped forward to serve him, but was swayed away by his powerless hand.

The scenes of receiving rewards in the palace today kept replaying in his mind.

General of the Cavalry...

Second only to General He Jin, he held the rank of one of the Three Dukes, was granted the privilege of having his own office and the same rank as the Three Excellencies, was allowed to wear a sword and shoes in the palace, was not required to bow when entering the court, and was not required to be named when receiving homage...

How illustrious!

But he was only twenty-one years old, almost the same age as Huo Qubing, the champion general who swept through the Xiongnu, when he was awarded the title of General of the Cavalry.

However, Huo Qubing was a relative of the emperor's wife and a sharp sword cultivated by Emperor Wu. His loyalty to the Liu family was beyond doubt.

And what about Ji Xuanyuan?

He had no wife or children, and no ties in Luoyang, but he had a strong army, popular support, territory, and a group of fierce and ruthless brothers who followed his lead without question.

Such a person, placed under the jurisdiction of any emperor, would require extreme vigilance and even the constant readiness to nip him in the bud.

His achievements are so great that they threaten the emperor's authority, and his power is excessive. Moreover, he is so young, and his future is limitless.

And then there's Xiang Yu... Liu Hong closed his eyes, and that inexplicable sense of panic seemed to creep back in.

It wasn't just fear of a brave general; it was a deeper, almost instinctive tremor.

Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty raised a rebellion by slaying a white snake with a three-foot sword, but in the end, he was defeated and nearly wiped out by the Hegemon of Western Chu in Pengcheng. In his panicked escape, he even pushed his own children off the carriage...

Has that fear and shame already been imprinted in the blood of Liu's descendants, passed down from generation to generation?

Seeing those double pupils and that majestic figure today is like awakening an ancient nightmare that has been dormant in my genes.

"Heh..." Liu Hong let out a soft laugh that sounded like a sigh and a self-mockery.

Scared?

fear?

Of course there are.

But can he not use it?

Would he dare not use it?

How long can his broken body hold on?

The imperial physician's evasive words and his own increasingly heavy feelings were both telling him the answer.

What can he leave for the Crown Prince to debate?

A mess that has been hollowed out by the Ten Attendants, controlled by the Empress Dowager's relatives, and coveted by powerful families.

A few old ministers who might still be considered loyal, but were outnumbered and powerless.

The eight colonels of Xiyuan, painstakingly established to divide He Jin's military power, and the mountain of money and treasures in Xiyuan, whose ultimate fate remains unknown.

Now, there is another Ji Xuanyuan, a newly promoted General of the Cavalry who has just intimidated the northern frontier with his illustrious martial prowess and whose reputation among the people and the army is soaring.

"Checks and balances... only checks and balances..." Liu Hong murmured to himself, his withered fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the brocade quilt.

The Eight Colonels of the Western Garden were there to keep General He Jin in check.

As for General He Jin, that butcher by origin, a man whose ambitions were beginning to surface but who lacked sufficient wisdom and courage, he was a perfect match to check and balance the power of General Ji Xuanyuan, whose base was in the northern frontier.

One was in the imperial court, the other on the frontier; one commanded a portion of the imperial guards and nominally held national military power, while the other commanded a formidable frontier army.

Let them keep an eye on each other, be wary of each other, and neither of them should be able to make a move easily.

At the same time, the Xiyuan Army and the General's Mansion, which are located in the central government, can join forces to deter and restrain Ji Xuanyuan, who is far away in Youzhou, and prevent him from becoming too powerful and uncontrollable, and from becoming an independent kingdom.

This is the imperial court's check and balance over local areas.

And what about at the local level?

His earlier move to "depose Shi and establish Mu" now seems to have unexpectedly worked out.

Liu Yan went to Yizhou, Liu Yu to Youzhou, and Huang Wan to Yuzhou...

These governors, especially those from the Liu clan, might become a force to counterbalance or even resist powerful local warlords like Ji Xuanyuan in the future, at crucial moments.

Even if the imperial court loses all its prestige, if one or two of these governors are outstanding, perhaps... perhaps they can still preserve a portion of the Han dynasty's territory?

Thinking of this, Liu Hong couldn't help but cough again, a metallic taste rising in his throat, which he forcibly suppressed.

He thought of Liu Yan of Yizhou. At first, there were a few reports from him, mentioning the rectification of officialdom and the pacification of the Yi people, but recently, news of him has become increasingly scarce, almost to the point of isolation.

There are rumors of "the aura of an emperor" there... Liu Junlang, when you get there, will you really still remember the emperor of Luoyang and remember that your surname is Liu?

A deep sense of weariness and sorrow welled up in my heart.

He felt like a captain on a sinking giant ship, desperately throwing out whatever planks and buoys he could grab, hoping they could carry his heir to an unknown shore, with no idea which plank would be overturned by the waves, which buoy would be swept away by the undercurrent, or even... whether there would be sharks waiting below.

"Stir it up... stir it up..."

"Go ahead and stir things up as much as you want, turn Luoyang upside down, and destroy the last bit of vitality of the Han Dynasty... I'm just using this life, which no longer belongs to me, to play this game with you until the very last move..."

Countless faces flashed through his mind.

The arrogant and domineering He Jin, the sycophantic and treacherous Ten Attendants, the ministers with their own ulterior motives, the governors and prefects far away in the prefectures and counties, and the young and handsome General of the Cavalry who just left...

In the end, all his thoughts turned into a more violent cough and a helpless and desolate smile on his lips.

Located east of Luoyang, near Bu Guangli, the temporary residence of the General of the Cavalry, though not as comfortable as the Marquis of Zhuojun's residence, was still spacious and solemn.

Xiang Yu, Ran Min, and others had already returned to their residences.

Upon seeing Ji Xuanyuan's return, Xiang Yu stepped forward and presented a visiting card: "Brother, not long after you entered the palace, a servant from Cao Cao's household came to deliver a card. Cao Cao, the Commandant of the Army, invites you to his residence for a chat tonight."

He paused, then added, "The visitor was very respectful. He said that Lieutenant Cao had heard of the general's triumphant return and was eager to see him. He had prepared some wine and hoped that the general would do him the honor."

"Cao Cao?" Ji Xuanyuan took the invitation, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

The Commandant of the Army, one of the Eight Commandants of the Western Garden, was one of the new nobles whom the emperor used to divide He Jin's military power.

The scene of fighting the Yellow Turbans side by side on the banks of the Yingchuan River four years ago, and drinking together under the moon, is still vivid in my mind. At that time, Cao Cao was just a Cavalry Commandant, and I was just a newly emerging General Who Subdues Barbarians.

In just four short years, one became a general in the Emperor's new imperial guard, and the other became a high-ranking general. Truly, life is ever-changing, and worldly affairs are like a game of chess.

He still remembered Cao Cao's words of pride and sincerity when they parted years ago: "If Wenlie (Cao Cao) ever comes to Luoyang, I will certainly prepare a warm welcome for him and we will get drunk together."

"Report back to the Cao family that I, Ji, will make some preparations and will be there on time," Ji Xuanyuan instructed.

He never underestimated people like Cao Cao and Liu Bei.

Whether it's the historical figure known as "a capable minister in times of peace and a cunning hero in times of chaos," or the astute, decisive, and ambitious Cao Mengde we met in Yingchuan, both are worth meeting.

Especially at this time and place, in the deep waters of Luoyang, Cao Cao's invitation was probably more than just a reunion.

Later that evening, Ji Xuanyuan, accompanied only by Dian Wei as his personal bodyguard and Xiang Yu, traveled by carriage to Cao Cao's residence in Luoyang.

The horse-drawn carriage rumbled along the streets where the snow was just beginning to melt.

The Cao residence wasn't particularly grand, but its entrance was clean and tidy, exuding an air of competence.

Servants were already waiting at the gate, and when they saw the General of the Cavalry's carriage, they quickly stepped forward to lead the way.

The banquet was held in a warm pavilion in the central courtyard, with plenty of charcoal fire and a slightly intoxicating aroma of wine.

Cao Cao was already waiting at the gate. Upon seeing Ji Xuanyuan arrive, he immediately greeted him with a hearty laugh, his manner both respectful and natural: "Wenlie! Four years have passed since we last met, and your brilliance is even greater than before! Today, you are truly awe-inspiring in the court, making me quite envious!"

"Brother Mengde!" Ji Xuanyuan returned the greeting with a smile.

"Since our parting in Yingchuan, I have often thought of you. My brother, you now hold a high position in the Western Garden, commanding the imperial guards, and are trusted by the Emperor. Congratulations! The promise we made years ago to 'sweep my bed to welcome you' has finally come to disturb you!"

"Hahaha, I couldn't be happier! Please come in!" Cao Cao warmly led Ji Xuanyuan and Xiang Yu into the warm pavilion.

Several people were already waiting inside the pavilion. When they saw Ji Xuanyuan enter, they all stood up to greet him.

Apart from Xiahou Dun and Ji Xuanyuan, who recognized him, the other advisors and generals were all unfamiliar faces.

It is likely that this is the group that Cao Cao has gathered in Luoyang, and at this time their reputation is not yet well-known.

The guests and hosts took their seats, and the banquet began.

The dishes were not extravagant, but very refined, and the wine was a famous fine brew from Luoyang.

Cao Cao spoke amiably, first reminiscing about the old days in Yingchuan, praising Ji Xuanyuan's strategy and courage in defeating the Yellow Turbans.

He then spoke at length about the great victory in the northern frontier, praising the bravery of Xiang Yu, Ran Min, and others. He especially toasted Xiang Yu repeatedly, praising him as "truly possessing the spirit of an ancient overlord, and even more so in loyalty and righteousness," cleverly avoiding sensitive topics.

Xiang Yu simply nodded slightly and said nothing more.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The topic gradually shifted from nostalgia and boasting to the current situation.

Cao Cao sighed, "Wenlie has repeatedly achieved great feats on the northern frontier, striking fear into the hearts of the barbarians. He is truly a pillar of the nation. However, in the court today... alas, it appears prosperous and splendid, but in reality, undercurrents are surging. The Grand General and the Attendants... are like fire and water. Local officials in various prefectures and counties are wielding increasing power, and the Xiongnu in Bingzhou are in turmoil... these are turbulent times."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded in agreement: "The northern border is somewhat peaceful, but hidden dangers still exist. As for the affairs of the court, I am far away in the border region and do not know much about them. I am just doing my duty to be loyal to the emperor while I am eating his food."

Cao Cao stared intently at Ji Xuanyuan, then suddenly raised his cup and asked casually, "Wenlie, you are now a General of the Cavalry, holding the highest position among officials, overlooking the affairs of the world. In your opinion, how should we view the current situation in the court, and the future of the Han Dynasty? Where will it lead us?"

He asked the question casually, but the look of inquiry and expectation in his eyes was clearly visible.

The warm room fell silent instantly, with only the crackling of the charcoal fire remaining.

Xiahou Dun and the others also stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on Ji Xuanyuan.

Ji Xuanyuan slowly put down his wine cup, met Cao Cao's gaze, and his face still held that gentle and peaceful smile.

He spoke softly: "Brother Mengde, your question concerns the world, how dare I speak presumptuously? However, since you have inquired, I will speak humbly."

"The world, after a long period of division, will unite; after a long period of unity, will divide again. This is an ancient principle. The current court is like a body that has been ill for a long time. It needs strong medicine, but it also needs gentle treatment."

"Strong medicine may damage vital energy if it is too potent, while slow treatment may miss the opportune moment. The key lies in whether the person administering the medicine has the insight to understand the root cause of the problem, the wisdom to harmonize the ingredients, and the courage to undergo painful treatment."

He paused, looking at Cao Cao's slightly forward-leaning body and increasingly bright eyes, and continued:

"As for the future... water has no fixed shape, and military tactics have no fixed form. It may be magnificent, or it may be tortuous and unpredictable, but there is one thing I firmly believe in."

Ji Xuanyuan raised his voice slightly: "No matter how the world changes, those who can ultimately bring peace and stability to the world will never be those who only know how to fight for power and profit and engage in self-serving activities, nor will they be those who talk about benevolence and righteousness but are ignorant of the times."

"Only those who cultivate virtue within, deter powerful enemies without, wield a sharp sword with a benevolent heart, and know when to advance and retreat in accordance with the general trend, can possibly find the path to 'governed world' in this chaotic torrent."

Instead of directly answering Cao Cao's specific questions about the court, he offered a grander and more profound discourse.

He neither revealed his ambition nor feigned blind loyalty, but rather stood from a detached perspective and expounded on the idea that only by combining the strength of the "strong" and the wisdom of the "wise" could one secure the world.

Cao Cao was stunned. His wine cup hovered in mid-air, and his eyes flashed rapidly, as if he were pondering the weight of every word Ji Xuanyuan spoke.

A moment later, he suddenly burst into laughter, downing the wine in his cup in one gulp: "Excellent! Excellent is the saying, 'Holding a sharp sword with a benevolent heart, adapting to the trend and knowing when to advance and retreat'! Wenlie's words resonate deeply with me! A visionary perspective, beyond the reach of ordinary people! Let's raise a toast!"

He personally poured Ji Xuanyuan a full glass of wine, raised his cup, and said, "Come! Wenlie, let's drink another cup to your insight and to this unpredictable future!"

"Respectfully, Brother Mengde." Ji Xuanyuan raised his cup in greeting, his smile still gentle.

The banquet continued, and the atmosphere seemed to become even more lively. However, the lingering effects of the conversation were like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples in the hearts of everyone in the warm pavilion.

As night deepened, the General of the Cavalry's carriage left Cao's residence and rolled through the quiet streets of Luoyang.

Ji Xuanyuan, inside the carriage, closed his eyes to rest.

In the warm pavilion of Cao Cao's residence, Cao Cao stood alone by the window, gazing at the deep night outside. His fingers unconsciously tapped on the windowpane. After a long while, he murmured to himself, "Ji Xuanyuan... Wenlie... the sword in your hand is sharp enough to cut through gold. Where do your 'benevolence' and 'power' point? The sky over Luoyang is truly about to change..."