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

Chapter 153 The Future of the Zhu Family

"In aristocratic families like ours, we naturally value the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. But if Liu Hong were to become the emperor one day, the status of a concubine would be a different story."

Lu Zhi slightly raised his hand, pointing to the air, the unspoken meaning of which was quite clear.

For a top-tier aristocratic family like theirs, Cai Dan was merely a concubine, but if Liu Hong were to truly ascend the throne, Cai Dan would become a Noble Consort.

Even solely based on the Cai family's social standing, she was certain to obtain the position of imperial concubine; it was practically a done deal.

It left him speechless. Zhu Jun suddenly understood, but his face was filled with confusion and distress.

Although Cai Yong had a far-sighted vision, the unfortunate thing was that at the time, he and this "another Emperor Gaozu of Han" of the Han Dynasty were in a relationship that was more like enemies than friends, which was quite bad.

"What can I do?"

Zhu Jun's face darkened, and he said with a wry smile, "Could it be that you intend for me to hand over the entire Imperial Guard of the Han Dynasty to him? That would be far too inappropriate."

Zhu Jun gritted his teeth, his face showing deep reluctance.

Upon seeing his statement, Lu Zhi needed to say nothing more.

Whether he is a friend or a retainer, it is enough for him to offer some advice and point out some directions.

As for other major issues involving power decisions, there's really no need to say too much. Of course, one must understand the importance of each matter in order to be considered prudent.

Afterwards, the entire main hall of the Zhu family's backyard was peaceful and quiet.

Whether the Zhu family will enjoy wealth and prosperity, or fall into ruin and even be wiped out, probably depends on this final decision.

That's all; it's exceptionally clear and easy to understand.

The next day in the imperial court, the Zhu family was unusually well-behaved. Zhu Jun, Zhu Jiao, and many of the Zhu family's court officials even smiled at Liu Hong, which showed that the efforts to win them over during this period had been quite effective, and that the Zhu family was not a monolithic entity.

This scene left the surrounding high-ranking officials, the Yuan family, the Yang family, the Wang family, and many other courtiers bewildered and amused.

They did think about it at some point.

The defeat of General Zhu Jun was truly unexpected. The opponent was defeated so quickly that even his own people had already shown goodwill in advance, making it difficult to have any further hope.

It seems that after a while, the Imperial Guards of the Great Han Dynasty will be directly handed over to this Duke of Weining. At that time, he will hold great power, and probably no one in the entire Luoyang Imperial City can match him.

It's truly enviable; it's simply unparalleled. Could it be that the Han Dynasty is about to produce another Huo Guang?

Many people were secretly pondering this.

Just when all the officials in the court thought this was a matter of utmost importance, suddenly, the smiles on the faces of the three high-ranking officials in front of them looked particularly bitter, as if they had already foreseen what was about to happen.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

As Zhao Zhong's voice, tinged with a unique operatic style and a slightly hoarse tone, slowly faded away, the atmosphere inside the hall instantly changed.

All the high-ranking officials in the Golden Palace were suddenly stunned and couldn't help but look at the Three Dukes in front of them, as well as Liu Hong, the Duke of Weining.

The four of them are truly the pillars of the court.

However, seeing that the four of them did not make any move, the court officials were relieved. It seemed that these four important figures at least knew the inside story.

Before long, Empress Dowager He arrived at the main hall, accompanied by Zhao Zhong.

At this moment, she was dressed in a magnificent palace gown, with a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe. Her face exuded a sense of nobility, and the corners of her eyes revealed a touch of majesty.

"Today, I wish to rule from behind the curtain and assist Your Majesty. I wonder if any of my court officials have any objections?"

Behind the pale white curtain, Empress Dowager He's figure was vaguely discernible. She looked quite plump, which stirred a slight stirring in people's hearts. However, the crowd only dared to look at her, as that would be a grave taboo.

None of the many court officials in the hall uttered a sound.

"What? So, gentlemen, you've agreed?"

Behind the curtain, Empress Dowager He's eyes flashed with annoyance, and she couldn't help but ask again, her voice carrying a hint of coldness.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei, one of the Three Dukes, had no choice but to step forward. Even among the Three Dukes, there were differences in strength, and he was undoubtedly the one who had to stand up.

"Your Majesty, it would be better to consider this matter carefully. His Majesty has already decreed that the Empress Dowager should rule from behind the curtain, and we, as her subjects, dare not disobey."

.

Yuan Wei said these words with a wry smile.

He originally hoped that Empress Dowager He could rule from behind the curtain, so as to check Liu Hong, who now held absolute power in the court.

But right now.

He could foresee that if the Empress Dowager were to attend court and govern at this moment, the entire court would be in chaos.

It would be fine if she didn't use his strength against him, but if Liu Hong were to take advantage of him, the Yuan family and other clans would inevitably face an even more difficult situation. This is what he has always been worried about.

Grand Commandant Yang Biao also slowly stepped forward at this moment.

Although he is now on the side of Liu Hong, the Duke of Weining, it doesn't mean he won't protect the interests of the Yang family.

"It is only right for the Empress Dowager to rule from behind the curtain, and no one dares to stop her. However, we hope that the Empress Dowager will consider this carefully before making a decision. The Emperor is young and is assisted by the ministers in the court. The Empress Dowager has not been familiar with politics in the past. She can rule from behind the curtain and follow the Emperor's wishes, but in the end, she must choose an auspicious day and stabilize the timing before agreeing."

Compared to Yuan Wei, Yang Biao's words were naturally much more tactful and conciliatory, but they also made Empress Dowager He secretly ponder that what Yang Biao said did make some sense.

If she were to remain in the court now, she probably wouldn't know what to say or not to say. The most important thing is that the matter of her ruling from behind the curtain has basically been decided.

"But I have already arrived today."

Empress Dowager He pondered for a moment before answering.

Yang Biao immediately replied: "Today marks the beginning of Your Majesty's regency, and tomorrow will be the time for Your Majesty to manage state affairs."

When Your Majesty is able to assist the Emperor, we old ministers will be willing to serve you without any disloyalty.

"7

At this moment, what Yang Biao said was what Empress Dowager He truly wanted to hear from the bottom of her heart.

Her tone lightened considerably, and instantly, the tense atmosphere in the Golden Palace dissipated.

It looked as if the two sides were about to start a fight at any moment.

"Lord Yang truly lives up to his title as Grand Commandant. This is exactly what all the officials of the court should do. I am very pleased. Well then, let's leave it at that for today. I will take my leave now."

I urge all the officials and ministers of the court to discuss this important matter of the nation.