The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

But Liu Hong remembered it vividly. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, it was this same group of people who had been shirking responsibility, spreading rumors and framing others. Even Lu Zhi, who had been demoted, had been framed by them.

Otherwise, the Yellow Turban Rebellion would have been quelled even sooner, and the foundation of the Han Dynasty would have been shaken even less, perhaps not even touching its vital energy, only causing minor damage.

With a cold snort, Liu Hong's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty, but he ultimately listened to the words of these court officials and said in a deep voice, "Then let it be done. Remember, if anyone dares to criticize the Grand General again, I will not let them off lightly, nor will I spare them."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

One voice after another rang out, revealing that these court officials were still adept at being opportunists.

After the court session, Liu Hong returned to his northern palace.

Meanwhile, on the West Garden side, the Liu family had already sent someone to meet with Zhang Rang.

There are some things that can be kept from the court officials, but absolutely cannot be kept from Emperor Liu Hong. Otherwise, even before Liu Hong dies, the Liu family of Youzhou will be suspected by him.

Liu Hong was unwilling.

He worked diligently for the Liu family of Youzhou until today, and everything he had finally achieved was ruined by such a trivial matter.

"Master Zhang, we meet again."

Although Jian Yong is not one of the Nine Ministers, he is still the Prefect of Yizhou, which can be considered a high-ranking official.

Moreover, Yizhou is very close to Luoyang, so it's understandable that he would appear in Luoyang from time to time, especially since he holds considerable power.

Upon seeing Jian Yong, a slight smile finally appeared on Zhang Rang's face, but it was quickly followed by a troubled expression: "So it's you, Xianhe."

After their first meeting, when they hit it off immediately, Zhang Rang held Jian Yong in extremely high regard and addressed him with much more affection.

Fortunately, with the rise of the Liu family in Youzhou, Jian Yong has now been promoted to a high-ranking official and there is no possibility that he will return to the palace as a eunuch or become Zhang Rang's adopted son. Therefore, Jian Yong was able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Furthermore, since Zhang Rang did not mention the previous matter, their meeting seemed a little more innocent. Otherwise, it might have turned into an absurd affair between godfather and godson, which would have been truly laughable.

"May I ask what brings Xianhe here today?"

Zhang Rang lowered his voice, "Just yesterday, such a major event happened in Luoyang, right under the heavens, which is truly alarming."

Especially now that His Majesty is in a rage, it would be unwise for Xianhe to return to Luoyang.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Jian Yong laughed loudly and waved his hand, saying, "Lord Zhang, please rest assured, my general is fine. The reason he hasn't attended court is to lure out the big fish behind this."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice even further: "To be honest, Lord Zhang, my general captured the assassin last night. However, the assassin was struck by my general and fell unconscious, and has not yet woken up."

This witness is undoubtedly true. We have come today to inform His Majesty through Lord Zhang's words, to demonstrate the unwavering loyalty of the Liu family of Youzhou, and to further enhance Lord Zhang's standing before His Majesty.

Jian Yong smiled as he spoke these words, which was undoubtedly a great joy for Zhang Rang.

Zhang Rang was overjoyed and slapped his thigh, saying, "Well done, Jian Xianhe! Why didn't you tell me this sooner when we met? It made me so worried. Now you've come at the right time."

I will immediately inform His Majesty of this matter.

He paused, then couldn't help but sigh, "The General's move was far too risky, but fortunately it turned out to be a good thing."

Zhang Rang spoke again, and couldn't help but secretly admire Liu Hong. Such courage and planning were enough to show the loyalty of this clan member.

As for how the emperor will balance the power of his clan and relatives, or support another clan, that is beyond the control of a mere eunuch.

Since the rise of the Liu family in Youzhou, who united with the imperial family and overwhelmed all the gentry in the land, Zhang Rang discovered that the emperor, who had originally indulged in pleasure, was becoming more and more thoughtful each day.

Today, it can be said that the country has been working diligently to improve its situation.

Otherwise, the recent court assemblies would never have been held so frequently.

The changes involved are probably something that most people in the world have guessed to some extent, so there's no need to keep them hidden any longer.

Zhang Rang offered Jian Yong a few words of advice, and then the two of them bowed and took their leave.

"Your Majesty. Good news. Good news."

Zhang Rang hurried to the private area of ​​the North Palace, where he slowly informed Liu Hong and Liu Yan, the Imperial Clan Minister, with beaming smiles, "The General is alright."

"It was all just a scheme by the General. The General just sent someone to inform His Majesty, which shows his loyalty."

Upon learning of this, Liu Hong's face immediately lit up with joy, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled. He didn't blame Liu Hong in the slightest, but simply let out a long sigh of relief: "It's best that the General is unharmed. In this way, my clan can remain safe and sound as before."

"I can continue to rest assured."

Liu Hong breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at his uncle beside him, a deep sense of admiration appearing on his face: "Uncle is absolutely right. My general is truly my right-hand man."

"Without a sound or a sound, they have schemed against the entire court. However, Grand Tutor Yuan Kui has probably already guessed it, but I wonder if the person behind it has guessed it as well."

"It all depends on Your Majesty's wishes."

Liu Yan bowed slightly, "This old minister will no longer enter the palace at this time."

When the royal family, especially the Liu family, is in danger, the old minister, the Imperial Clan Minister, will step forward.

At other times, it was not convenient for the Imperial Clan Court to intervene, otherwise the emperor could easily mistake it for an attempt to seize power.

Every generation of the Imperial Clan Head would try their best to avoid such a situation; naturally, it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place.

After Liu Yan finished speaking, he took his leave.

Only Liu Hong remained in the hall.

The smile on his face slowly faded, his gaze gradually darkening. He coldly addressed the attendant beside him, "How is the Empress?"

One second Liu Hong had a big smile on his face, the next his eyes were as dark as ink.

Some things can't be hidden; the only difference is whether Liu Hong is willing to care.

Liu Hong originally intended to support his maternal relatives and use them to counterbalance the imperial clan.

After all, the strength of the clan had already made him somewhat apprehensive.

Although Liu Hong appears to be safe and sound and loyal to him, an emperor's heart never fully trusts any of his ministers.

If it weren't for the fact that the aristocratic families still wield considerable power in the imperial city of Luoyang, Liu Hong, with his imperial cunning, would have already relocated Liu Hong back to Youzhou.