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

In the height of summer, the weather was hot and dry, and a severe drought struck many parts of the country.

But in the heart of the bustling Luoyang, deep within the even more magnificent imperial palace, Liu Hong, whom the gentry labeled a foolish emperor and later known in history as Emperor Ling, could, on the surface, be described as "truly deserving of the title."

Everything he did seemed to be saying one thing—

I have worked diligently and conscientiously for so many years, so what's wrong with enjoying myself a little?

When Zhang Rang entered the palace, he did not go to the Southern Palace, which symbolized the majesty of the state and the operation of politics, but went straight to the Northern Palace, which was like a wine pool and meat forest, a place full of pleasure.

The West Garden within the North Palace is where Liu Hong most often lingers during this sweltering summer.

Even Zhang Rang, a powerful eunuch, dared not look around aimlessly when he arrived here.

Within the West Garden, the countless luxurious buildings are enough to shock anyone.

For example, the Nude Bathing Temple is the most extravagant and decadent place in the West Garden. The temple is surrounded by exotic springs from the Western Regions, and there are bathing pools everywhere. The warm spring water is filled with a faint exotic fragrance.

The palace maids serving them were all completely naked, without a single piece of clothing.

Sometimes, when the emperor was indulging in debauchery, he would frolic and play with the women in this bath. The area around the pool was planted with night-blooming lotus from the South China Sea, which would bloom at night, adding a touch of enchantment to the already luxurious scene.

Today, Zhang Rang searched the entire Naked Touring Temple, but did not find a trace of the Emperor.

He grabbed a palace maid beside him and pressed her for answers, and only then did he follow the trail to the market in the inner palace.

This place was where the Emperor of the Han Dynasty played house.

……

Palace maids dressed as street vendors, eunuchs as tourists, and all sorts of people portrayed various professions from scholars to farmers to artisans, creating a lively and bustling scene.

Looking around now.

Then, on the main street, stood a noble man with a pale face, looking weak and as if he had indulged in excessive sexual activity.

He wore a silk jacket as thin as a cicada's wing and held an ivory-white fan. Although his face was haggard, his gait still exuded the awe-inspiring and unapproachable majesty of an emperor.

This place was then called Jester City.

Upon arriving at this place, Zhang Rang spotted Liu Hong immediately, but dared not urge him in the slightest. He simply stood by with his hands at his sides, waiting for Liu Hong to finish having fun.

Only after Liu Hong waved his hand, signaling everyone to step back, did he bow forward and cautiously ask for instructions.

Instead of returning to the palace, Liu Hong led Zhang Rang to a nearby street-side restaurant.

He walked straight to the table by the window, sat down leisurely, and raised an eyebrow at Zhang Rang: "What are you afraid of? In this courtier's city today, there are no emperors or kings, only an ordinary rich young master."

Seeing that Zhang Rang was still bowing and keeping his eyes down, but no longer showed the timidity of someone from the palace, as if he were truly being treated as an ordinary wealthy man, Liu Hong finally showed a satisfied expression and raised his chin: "That's more like it."

"Young Master Liu."

Zhang Rang immediately understood, abandoning his courtly demeanor and adopting the tone of a merchant, his voice carrying a familiar and eager tone.

It must be said that her acting skills are in no way inferior to those hypocritical ministers in the imperial court.

"A big deal has come from the West Garden. And coincidentally, it's also with the surname Liu, who is from the same clan as you."

At this moment, he had completely immersed himself in the ranks of merchants who had come to discuss business, rather than the powerful eunuch in the palace.

"How big of a deal?"

Liu Hong's interest was piqued, and he tapped the table lightly with his white fan.

"As much as tens of millions of dollars."

Zhang Rang lowered his voice, his tone slightly seductive, "I was certain that Young Master Liu would be tempted, so I've come today specifically to conspire with you on this business deal."

"What are your thoughts, Young Master Liu?"

Zhang Rang spoke respectfully, but not humbly.

This is because he is currently playing the role of a downstream businessman who is dependent on Liu Hong, this "rich young master".

If you have something to ask for, you should lower your stance accordingly.

Otherwise, if he were to adopt his usual demeanor in the palace, let alone treat Liu Hong as an equal, he would never dare to even raise his voice.

If you overdo it, you'll lose your head.

It wasn't just a casual remark from the emperor that "Zhang Rang shall be my father," and he truly became the retired emperor of the Han Dynasty.

The emperor's jokes can be heard, but should not be taken seriously.

Since ancient times, serving a ruler has been like serving a tiger; not even the slightest mistake can be made, otherwise, in this deep palace, death is the most common thing.

"Which Liu family?"

Liu Hong ran his fingertips along the rim of the cup and asked slowly.

Zhang Rang was overjoyed, knowing that the emperor had taken it to heart. He quickly blurted out the words he had prepared beforehand: "Oh dear, has Young Master Liu already forgotten?"

"It's the same company you just did a million-dollar deal with. Although it wasn't a huge deal, it was still family business, so we gave them a discount back then."

"Now that we've had enough practice, we're here again to do big business with you, Young Master Liu."

As Zhang Rang spoke, a fawning smile spread across his face, and his tone became increasingly enthusiastic: "This business is growing bigger and bigger, which can also help you share some of the burdens, young master."

Although it's not a lot of money, it's still a token of our family's affection, isn't it?

"What do you think, Young Master Liu?"

"You just answer whatever you're asked."

Liu Hong raised his eyes, casting a meaningful glance, a half-smile on his face. "Is this what I was asking just now?"

Zhang Rang quickly slapped his forehead, using considerable force to create a sense of realism, and repeatedly apologized, "Oh dear. Young Master Liu is right. I'm becoming more and more confused."

"They are descendants of Liu Sheng, the Prince of Zhongshan. The lineage has been passed down through generations until the present generation."

He paused, then added some details, speaking with increasing sincerity: "These descendants are quite capable; they had originally fallen into decline and settled in Zhuo County. Coincidentally, they are from the same place as that old man Lu who works for you, young master."

"He was just a minor county clerk before, but somehow he developed a talent for trade and produced some items that were similar to the Yuan family's salt products, which is how he managed to save up some money."

"That money was the culmination of generations of savings. It was only thanks to your kindness, young master, that we were able to earn a glory that even our ancestors had never experienced."

"Now, we've come to offer you, young master, another big deal."

Zhang Rang launched into another round of flattery: "Young master, I admire your skills from the bottom of my heart. My respect for you is like the surging river, endless and boundless, and like..."

"Alright, alright."

Liu Hong, a smile playing on his lips, listened to the endless flattery, feeling somewhat weary. He slowly interrupted him, changing the subject to the point, "How much money did you receive? Probably quite a bit, right?"

Zhang Rang chuckled, not bothering to hide it at all. Instead, he openly rubbed his hands together, making a small slit in front of Liu Hong, his face full of flattery: "Young master, I only stole a tiny bit, not much, really not much. You know, young master, that's all the courage I have."

Liu Hong set up this courtesan market as a pretense, but he insisted on hearing the truth.

That's why Zhang Rang dared to say that.

He's incredibly brave.

Only those who dare to take risks can have a chance to rise to the top.

And Zhang Rang undoubtedly succeeded.

Despite bearing an infamous reputation throughout history, the power he wielded was real and, for a time, unparalleled.

Seeing Liu Hong remain silent, Zhang Rang pondered the emperor's thoughts and couldn't help but push the conversation further.

Once you profit, you'll profit a second time; once you profit twice, you'll profit a third time, and then...

Countless times!

"The Liu family of Zhuojun also sent someone with a message."

Zhang Rang lowered his voice even further, his tone becoming increasingly earnest, "I am willing to join forces with these lowly people to serve as your sword, and to share your burdens."

Then, changing the subject, she added a touch of regret, her tone so sorrowful it seemed to be true: "It's quite a coincidence. Just a few days ago, the family of the governor of Youzhou failed in their duties and now they have completely lost the capital to do business."

"It's a pity that such a large and precious land as Youzhou is being watched so closely by those wolves and tigers."

As Zhang Rang spoke, he bowed deeply, his eyes drooping obsequiously: "Young Master, the business in Youzhou is a lucrative opportunity. Those beasts only choose lowly scoundrels; how can they compare to the reliability of our own people?"

"Please take a closer look, Young Master Liu. I would never want to let someone else take such a big deal."

He bent down on the ground, his tone full of sincere concern for Liu Hong.

But it didn't take long.

Then he heard the answer he had been longing for deep in his heart.

"If that's the case, then I'll grant your wish, you slave girl."

Liu Hong put down his teacup, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"This person, I approve."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Rang's hands, which were hanging by his sides, clenched quietly, his heart filled with ecstasy.

He guessed right once again.