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

"Whatever the General says, this humble general will do."

Lü Bu responded in a deep, resonant voice, his chest held ramrod straight.

"it is good."

Liu Hong smiled with satisfaction, but his next words instantly froze the joy on Lü Bu's face, leaving him full of frustration.

"From this day forward, you will no longer be considered a member of my General's household, but rather a private subordinate of this Duke Weining. This will not be outwardly apparent, but in secret, this General will certainly help you secure the position of one of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden."

As for the future, I will at least bestow upon you the title of marquis. Would you be willing?

Liu Hong's tone was melodious and rhythmic, and his last sentence fell heavily, carrying an undeniable force.

Upon hearing this, not only was Lü Bu's eyes wide with shock, but Ding Yuan, who was standing to the side, was also slightly alarmed, and then a sense of jealousy welled up within him.

Even he has not yet had the opportunity to be granted a title.

It was truly unimaginable that his adopted son could receive such an honor. At this moment, Lü Bu dared not show the slightest disrespect and hurriedly nodded emphatically, his voice full of willingness: "This humble general is willing."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Liu Hong burst into laughter, feeling that with Lü Bu under his command, his strength had been greatly enhanced, and he was filled with pride once again.

By placing Lü Bu within the palace, Liu Hong could leave a spies among the emperors, regardless of whether they were wary of him or not, thus securing a foothold for the future.

After that day, Ding Yuan led his men out of Luoyang and returned to Bingzhou to take up his post.

Lü Bu, on the other hand, continued to live in his mansion in Luoyang.

That evening, Lü Bu hosted a banquet with his wife, Lady Ding, and a group of his brothers.

Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, and his brother-in-law, among others, were drinking and celebrating, clearly rejoicing in this momentous occasion.

"General, what has happened? Why are you so happy?"

After a few rounds of drinks, the group couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity.

Zhang Liao looked puzzled, while Gao Shun held his wine cup, lost in thought.

After pouring wine for everyone, Ding tactfully retreated to the backyard. After all, she was a woman and it wasn't appropriate for her to have too much contact with these men.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Lu Bu slapped his chest and shouted, his face flushed red with the smell of alcohol, "In a few days, after I quell the banditry near Luoyang, your general will be able to enter the palace and become one of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden. Tell me, isn't this the best job in the world?"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his voice growing louder and louder: "In Luoyang, we brothers can establish ourselves here. Moreover, we are in charge of the Emperor's personal guard. In addition, our adoptive father commands a large army in Bingzhou. We will definitely be able to make a name for ourselves in Luoyang."

As soon as Lü Bu finished speaking, everyone around him immediately showed a look of joy and raised their glasses in a toast.

It was because they had all been waiting for this day for far too long.

Now, it can be said that the clouds have parted and the moon is shining through.

That night, a group of grown men drank and made merry, and in their high spirits, they even kowtowed and swore an oath to become sworn brothers, almost to the point of calling out their own parents to witness it.

It is said that among brothers, it is easy to share hardship, but difficult to share wealth.

But at this moment, they, especially Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and others, were all chivalrous and righteous men standing beside Lü Bu, each one utterly loyal.

……

A few more days passed.

Zhang Rang's figure was prominently displayed outside the side hall of the Zhaoxian Pavilion, the original site of the West Garden.

He shouted at the officials of the Zhaoxian Pavilion in a hoarse voice, "What? Does this world belong to the Duke of Weining and the General, and not to His Majesty?"

"Are the talented individuals recruited by the Hall of Recruitment destined to be under the sole command of the Grand General, and thus beyond the Emperor's control?"

The officials at the Hall of Recruiting Talents were in a dilemma, but they dared not offend this close minister of the emperor. They could only watch helplessly as Zhang Rang took away Lü Bu, as well as his brothers Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and others.

After the group entered the palace, Zhang Rang walked in front, followed closely by Lü Bu.

At this moment, Zhang Rang was carefully thinking about Liu Hong's previous warning to him, and when he looked at Lü Bu beside him, he couldn't help but feel more cautious.

He hesitated for a moment, slowed his pace slightly, and leaned close to Lü Bu's ear, carefully reminding him in a voice only the two of them could hear: "General Lü, you must know whose man you are now that you've entered the palace."

"Do not forget the general's origins, and the original intention of a few days ago."

These words struck Lü Bu like a thunderbolt.

His pupils contracted sharply, his gaze sharpened, and he looked at the renowned eunuch before him, his heart trembling once more.

No matter how audacious he was, it was truly unimaginable.

Even the emperor's close advisors were that general's men. Thus, the Duke of Weining, that now renowned general, was...

What exactly does he want to do?

It seems that it is already obvious.

Under such circumstances.

It seems that who Lu Bu follows is no longer an issue.

Thinking of this, Lü Bu was unusually clever for once, and said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, sir, whoever you are on my side, I will be on your side as well."

Zhang Rang nodded slightly, but didn't say anything more. He simply waved his hand and quickly arranged for Lü Bu and the others to enter the West Garden.

Nearly half a month later, one of the eight colonels of the Western Garden, who came from a noble family, died while quelling a rebellion.

When the news reached Xiyuan, Lü Bu was immediately enraged. He swore in his camp that he would avenge the captain and repay the kindness shown to him.

This matter subsequently came to the attention of Emperor Liu Hong, who resided in the Northern Palace and whose illness was now worsening.

Liu Hong lay on the dragon bed, his gaze fixed, his face as pale as paper. Then, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he slowly asked, "Whose man is this Lü Bu?"

And Zhang Liao and Gao Shun are indeed rare and brave men.

He wasn't asking Zhang Rang or Zhao Zhong, but rather another trusted eunuch he had promoted in the palace.

The eunuch bowed quickly and replied cautiously, "Your Majesty, this person is a talented individual recruited from the Hall of Recruiting Talents, and I personally went to bring him here."

He hailed from Bingzhou, where he previously served as a registrar under the governor Ding Yuan.

After a pause, the eunuch added, "This person has almost no connection with the General's side."

Moreover, the General has already placed enough men among the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden; he certainly wouldn't dare to further offend Your Majesty.

"You seem to know exactly what I'm thinking?"

Liu Hong's deep gaze fell on the young eunuch, his voice light and airy, yet carrying an invisible pressure.

The eunuch shuddered, then realized what was happening and began to tremble violently, shaking like a leaf.

Fortunately, Liu Hong was only trying to scare him and didn't really intend to punish him like that.

otherwise.

He really has no one else he can rely on.