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

"So they promoted this man to fill the vacancy of the captain, to see his loyalty and whether he was truly capable."

Liu Hong waved his hand, his voice tinged with weariness.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The eunuch responded repeatedly, his forehead already soaked with cold sweat.

After leaving the North Palace, this trusted eunuch wandered around, avoiding everyone's attention, and arrived at the residence of Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong. He bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Godfather."

This trusted eunuch was none other than the same lowly eunuch who had previously sold official positions in the West Garden.

He had previously been extremely loyal to Liu Hong.

But within the palace walls, very few people knew this.

He was Zhang Rang's godson, whom he had taken in long ago.

Should one be loyal to His Majesty or to their own godfather?

This adopted son, the eunuch, has already made his own choice.

"I never expected that you, Zhang Rang, would have such a clever godson, and that His Majesty would take a liking to him."

Zhao Zhong looked at the eunuch in front of him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Who said it's just right?"

Zhang Rang's cold voice slid down, his eyes carrying a hint of smugness as if he had everything under control.

Seeing Zhao Zhong's puzzled expression, Zhang Rang slowly began to recount the old story: "It was all arranged by me personally. I deliberately let His Majesty see this boy. He was clever and sensible, which is why His Majesty valued him."

"Can't you, Zhao Zhong, figure out the cause and effect behind this?"

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Zhao Zhong realized the intricacies of the situation, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face. He was actually taken aback by Zhang Rang's audacity.

"Aren't you afraid that if the new emperor finds out about this, he will take precautions against you?"

Zhao Zhong couldn't help but ask.

"For eunuchs like us, once we've made a contribution, every new emperor brings a new court. I won't insist on holding power in the palace any longer."

All I ask for is to attain one last period of wealth and honor, and then to die peacefully.

"Once the new emperor ascends the throne, I will go to the imperial mausoleum to guard it; this has already been discussed with the General."

Zhang Rang spoke slowly, his tone calm and even, "I don't seek power, only wealth. The General holds the immense wealth of the Liu family of Youzhou; how could he possibly withhold even a small benefit from it?"

Zhao Zhong listened, a thoughtful expression on his face.

At this moment, Zhang Rang had truly let go of his desire for power, but he had not yet...

Although I am aware of the dangers involved, power is not something that can be easily relinquished.

It's a matter of opinion.

At least they can still hold onto some power in the future, but to have the overwhelming power they have now is truly a pipe dream.

"Don't overthink it. The only thing our family can do for you is to ensure a peaceful end."

Zhang Rang glanced at Zhao Zhong and said indifferently.

"clear."

Zhao Zhong nodded slightly, having come to understand Zhang Rang's words.

Even the key ministers of the previous dynasty had to be replaced after the new emperor ascended the throne, let alone these eunuchs.

One must have self-awareness.

Finally, Zhang Rang pointed to his godson, the young eunuch, and continued, "Young people always have a better chance than us old folks."

For those of us who, despite our disabilities, manage to live a decent life and die peacefully in our old age, that's already quite an achievement.

"That's true, that's true."

Zhao Zhong echoed his agreement.

At this moment, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong looked at each other, and they truly realized their own predicament.

……

Time flew by, and soon it was time for Liu Hong to attend a banquet at Wang Yun's residence.

On this day, not long after Liu Hong left his residence, he arrived at the residence of Grand Tutor Wang Yun and saw Yang Biao, the head of the Yang family, and his son Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu is also a member of the Hall of Recruiting Talents at present.

In terms of seniority, once he entered the General's Mansion, everyone should at least address him as "Lord".

Liu Hong slowly stepped into the Prince's Mansion, where he saw that the banquet, with its winding stream and floating wine cups, was already laid out. The delicacies were dazzling and the sight was breathtaking.

And then there were the singing and dancing concubines, the graceful dancers, swaying to the music of string and wind instruments. These beautiful women were all playthings for them to enjoy at will.

Women in ancient times never had any rights.

In other dynasties, things might have been a little better, but in the Han Dynasty, slaves were everywhere.

However, this was not the most desperate situation. The chaos caused by the Five Barbarian Tribes and the War of the Eight Princes after the Three Kingdoms period were truly human tragedies.

Apart from a few aristocratic families who could still live a life of extravagance and privilege, the vast majority of ordinary people were treated like dirt, and the killing of innocent people to claim credit was commonplace. The so-called cruelty was truly all-encompassing, a tragedy of humanity.

It's absolutely terrifying to even think about.

The voice arrived before the person.

The whispers and laughter from the front hall kept flooding into Liu Hong's mind.

"Today, Grand Tutor Wang has hosted this banquet with its flowing water and wine cups; it is truly a joyous occasion!"

"Come, let's raise a toast and properly honor Grand Tutor Wang!"

"That's natural, that's natural!"

The crowd couldn't help but cheer and laugh, and their manners were impeccable.

It is perfectly normal to show respect to the host, and even Liu Hong would not find it inappropriate.

However, as soon as he entered, the noisy front hall instantly quieted down.

Everyone looked at him with burning eyes, their expressions a mixture of respect and deep complexity.

Three years ago, no one could have imagined it.

A member of a clan who emerged from a small place in Youzhou, how could he one day rise so quickly and so dramatically to be above all of them?

Liu Hong could understand to some extent the complex psychology of these powerful families who had deep roots and long-standing traditions in the imperial court and even in Luoyang.

After all, if it were him, the situation probably wouldn't be much better than what he was facing.

"It's the General! I was so sorry I didn't greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

Yang Biao was the first to stand up and bow to Liu Hong, breaking the previous deadlock.

Then the other guests rose one after another and bowed in greeting, showing utmost respect to Liu Hong.

Liu Hong waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for formalities.

The officials, led by Grand Commandant Yang Biao and Grand Tutor Wang Yun, took their seats.

He did not take the host's seat, but instead followed the host's lead and sat at the same table as Yang Biao.

Yang Xiu, Yang Biao's son, stood to one side, showing the respect due to a junior, and also stood next to Liu Hong.

Yang Biao's actions could be seen as securing some convenience for his son.

Yang Xiu is intelligent, but his quick wit is not yet appreciated by Liu Hong.

This is the method of aristocratic families: to do the right thing without making a sound.