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

After speaking respectfully, Shi A left the carriage silently to continue gathering information.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong revealed a knowing smile.

He thought to himself, "No wonder Wang Yun suddenly invited me to a banquet. It turns out he was instigated by the Yuan family to deal with me."

However, in Liu Hong's view, this level of "dealing with" was nothing more than a "game" between the aristocratic families.

If we really want to break off relations, give Wang Yun three times the courage.

He would never dare to do something so reckless and suicidal.

Do you really think that the name "General's Mansion" is something that just anyone can mess with?

If they really treat Liu Hong like an easy target, then his position as Grand Tutor will probably change hands tomorrow.

After all, the positions of the Three Palaces and the Three Dukes, though seemingly equal in rank, actually represent vastly different levels of power.

The most obvious example is Cao Cao's father, Cao Song. Although he was one of the Three Dukes, it was just a nominal title with no real power or illustrious family background.

Aside from being able to openly use the laws of the court to restrain others, it has absolutely no deterrent effect on truly capable people.

There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Liu Hong laughed loudly, already having made up his mind.

Back at the General's Mansion, Liu Hong beckoned and summoned Xu Chu and Dian Wei.

He pondered for a moment, then felt it wasn't enough, so he sent someone to summon Gan Ning, who came from a place without a prefecture and was known for his troublemaking.

With this troublemaker around, the banquet on that day will surely be "extraordinarily lively" and especially interesting.

"Is Wang Yun targeting me?"

Liu Hong's lips curled into a cold smile, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. "Then let's see."

Does he have the qualifications?

In a short while, Liu Hong had already devised a plan and was waiting for Wang Yun's "Hongmen Banquet".

King against king, general against general.

Since the Yuan family has adopted a confrontational stance, Liu Hong naturally has to offer corresponding leverage.

This time.

He went straight to the residence of the Yang family of Hongnong.

Both being top-tier aristocratic families with four generations of high-ranking officials, the Yang family, while possessing no less glory across generations compared to the Yuan family, undoubtedly lags behind in terms of the number of retainers and their actual control over the court and the public in recent years.

So although the two sides appear to be equal on the surface, in reality, the East Wind prevails over the West Wind, and this situation is difficult to reverse.

Today, Liu Hong, the General of the Liu Clan of Youzhou who has risen to prominence in recent years, holds a large army, and has the added advantage of being a member of the imperial clan, suddenly arrived at the mansion, which alarmed everyone in the Yang Clan of Hongnong.

Yang Biao, one of the three highest officials of the court and the current head of the Yang family, slowly walked out of the mansion.

He raised his thick eyebrows and looked at Liu Hong, who was standing in front of the door, with a lingering look of doubt on his face: "I wonder what kind of wind has attracted the General here as well."

Unfortunately, we don't know whether this wind is benevolent or malevolent, or whether it's a good thing or a bad thing for the Yang family.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong was somewhat surprised.

He really hadn't expected that this high-ranking official would act so cautiously; it was indeed quite unexpected.

"What if it's good? What if it's bad?"

Liu Hong smiled faintly, his tone carrying an undeniable air of authority, "Does this general think I can just skin your entire Hongnong Yang clan alive?"

He changed the subject abruptly: "I've come here today simply to invite Lord Yang to a banquet at the Wang family's residence, where we can enjoy a leisurely chat and discuss all sorts of topics."

I will also go then, but unfortunately, as a newcomer to Luoyang, I am not familiar with the banquet etiquette of the gentry, so I can only invite Lord Yang to accompany me.

"I wonder if Lord Yang would be willing to grant me this favor?"

Liu Hong had now brought the matter to this point.

If Yang Biao dared to disrespect him, then the entire Hongnong Yang clan might have no reason to continue existing.

Liu Hong is not an easy person to talk to.

Yang Biao knew Liu Hong's temperament well, and after a wry smile, he could only nod helplessly: "How could I dare to refuse the General's invitation?"

"Oh, right."

Liu Hong seemed to suddenly remember something, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips. "I've heard that the Yang family has a prodigy named Yang Xiu. It seems he visited the Recruitment Pavilion recently?"

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of recruitment: "My general's forces are extremely eager for talented individuals. In particular, the outstanding talents from various prefectures are indispensable, even here in Luoyang."

Upon hearing this, Yang Biao felt a throbbing pain in his forehead and could only smile wryly again, replying, "My son is unruly; if he catches the General's eye, that would be his good fortune."

About it.

He, a member of the Yang family of Hongnong, had no room to refuse.

After all, how could his family alone contend with Liu Hong, who held immense power in the court?

That's just wishful thinking.

Only after Liu Hong's figure disappeared at the alley entrance did Yang Biao breathe a long sigh of relief, followed by a bitter laugh: "Go, go and find the young master."

The servants nodded in agreement, and soon a handsome figure walked slowly into the hall.

This is Yang Xiu, who is described in historical records as "tasteless to eat, but a pity to throw away".

Yang Xiu is known for his quick wit, and especially in Luoyang, he is hailed as a prodigy among the aristocratic class, enjoying considerable fame.

Therefore, this time...

When Liu Hong heard of his reputation, Yang Biao, as his father, was not particularly surprised; in fact, he thought it was quite natural.

As the son of the Yang family, he was naturally meant to possess such elegance.

When Yang Xiu approached, Yang Biao recounted in detail Liu Hong's recruitment efforts.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu was not surprised at all. Instead, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes, and he laughed loudly, "The Hall of Recruiting Talents? I was planning to submit my name card in a few days."

Now that the General has extended an invitation, it is truly an honor for the Yang family to have gained the General's favor, and we should certainly go and pay our respects.

He sensed the heavy atmosphere in the hall and looked at Yang Biao, slowly asking, "Father, is it that you don't want me to go?"

Immediately.

As if sensing his father's thoughts, he couldn't help but smile and say, "Father is confused."

"The current general holds immense power in the court and commands a large army, and he is also in his prime."

Furthermore, he rarely personally led troops into battle before, and he had no hidden injuries. Rumors even circulated that he was an expert in health preservation. Such a person is sure to bring long-term peace and stability to the world.

How could my Yang family possibly offend such a person?

Yang Xiu said firmly, "Alright, I will go and make the preparations now. Today, I will go to the Hall of Recruitment to submit my calling card."

Yang Biao waved his hand, his voice tinged with weariness: "Go."

"Yes, Father. Your son obeys."

You could tell from Yang Xiu's tone that he was indeed very cheerful.

The Zhaoxian Pavilion in Luoyang has been incredibly popular lately.

Not only did scholars from humble backgrounds flock to it, but countless sons of aristocratic families also went there one after another.

The opportunities there had long been something he coveted.

Now we have Liu Hong's words.

He was already ahead of others from the start, so he was naturally even happier and more excited.

Watching Yang Xiuxing's hurried departure, Yang Biao stood still for a long time.

I don't know either.

Was this step taken by the Yang family the right one or the wrong one?

His mind was filled with ever-increasing complexity.