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

"Look who's here. It's my great hero."

In the hall, Liu Hong's face was rosy and his voice was loud, showing no sign of weakness whatsoever.

When facing Liu Hong, he was all smiles, as if he were seeing a long-lost close friend.

Although it was their first meeting, the two hit it off immediately, like old friends despite their age difference, and were overjoyed.

However, Liu Hong understood this enthusiasm.

After all, anyone in despair would want to win over someone like Liu Hong who can turn the tide as soon as possible.

Moreover, Liu Hong's status as emperor was explicit.

Liu Hong's "royal" status is implicit, and coupled with the clan relationship of being of the same bloodline as Liu, these buffs combined make Liu Hong able to say: "Family members are of course much more reliable than outsiders."

This is the truth.

"It is all thanks to Your Majesty's glory; your humble servant dares not be arrogant."

Liu Hong bowed deeply, his attitude extremely humble, "Without Your Majesty's strong support, I alone would never have been able to wipe out the Yellow Turban rebels in these thirteen prefectures."

Seeing Liu Hong's humility, Liu Hong was slightly taken aback, but then a more satisfied smile appeared on his face again.

Liu Hong's words were something Liu Hong hadn't expected.

I originally thought that Liu Hong, who had accomplished such an extraordinary feat at such a young age, would naturally be somewhat arrogant and lacking in manners.

In retrospect, it seems that His Majesty was overthinking things.

The fact that the other party has been able to control the entire Liu family of Youzhou for so many years and even develop it step by step to its current state must mean that he has some extraordinary merits.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Liu Hong burst into laughter, his hearty laughter echoing throughout the entire hall. He then spoke again, saying, "My great general, great merit is great merit, merit is merit, and fault is fault. This time, you have quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the thirteen prefectures of the Han Dynasty and established such an unparalleled achievement. Naturally, I will reward you handsomely."

Liu Hong waved his hand and announced loudly, "Issue the decree. Marquis Liu Hong of Weining is promoted to Duke of Weining. He will continue to hold the position of Grand General."

Liu Hong's instructions were very simple. Although he did not continue to bestow lavish rewards, the simpler the words, the more they seemed to imply.

The title of "Duke" may seem like just a promotion of one rank, but it carries a heavy weight.

This was one of the highest ranks of nobility that a non-royal subject could receive. Even Liu Hong was slightly taken aback when he heard the emperor's decision.

What exactly is the other party trying to do?

Under normal circumstances, the most appropriate thing for an emperor to do at this time would be to nominally promote someone while actually demoting them and confiscating their military power.

Isn't Emperor Liu Hong afraid that he might rebel and then "purge the court of corrupt officials"?

After all, in this world, anyone who is not surnamed Liu and claims to be king will be condemned by all.

But Liu Hong also has the surname Liu, and his family genealogy clearly states that he is a member of the Han imperial family.

Is this emperor truly not afraid at all?

Liu Hong was surprised for a moment, and then he stayed at the North Palace that day, where he enjoyed a feast and amusement.

As night deepened and the two were quite drunk, Liu Hong was still not satisfied and wanted to keep him in the palace to have some more fun.

As for what to play, opinions vary.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hong naturally refused outright.

Whether His Majesty is truly sincere or secretly testing us, this matter is a matter of course.

As a subject, he would never dare to agree.

At most, one might drink a few cups of imperial wine at the behest of the emperor, which would be an honor for a subject, as it would be tacitly approved by the emperor.

Otherwise, if there were no rules in the world, wouldn't everything be in chaos?

This may not be a good thing for Liu Hong.

The more rules there are, the more orderly things will be.

His seemingly insignificant status as a member of the clan carries immense weight.

Otherwise, then it really is nothing.

Liu Hong naturally had to maintain order in the court.

But as soon as he stepped out of Xuande Gate, Liu Hong's brows furrowed tightly.

Upon learning of what had transpired within the palace, Cui Yan, who was standing nearby, also wore a strange expression and couldn't help but mutter, "This is illogical."

Dian Wei followed beside him, patting his chest and saying nonchalantly, "What's wrong with that?"

"His Majesty is so generous, bestowing such a high title upon our lord—the title of Grand General! Even I know it's a very high-ranking official position, seemingly granting command over all the military forces in the land. Theoretically, all military personnel should be under our lord's jurisdiction. Isn't this a good thing?"

"That's a good thing."

Zhao Yun slowly said, having blended in with the world and gained experience from his trip to Jingzhou, he naturally had a much clearer understanding of court politics, and his words became increasingly strategic. "But Brother Dian Wei, good things taken to extremes may not necessarily be good things."

"Then what are your plans next, my lord?"

Cui Yan looked at Liu Hong and asked in a deep voice.

Liu Hong's gaze sharpened slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke: "Since His Majesty has entrusted us with the position of Grand General, as his subjects, we should naturally obey His Majesty's decree."

"If His Majesty isn't afraid of us, what do we, as his subjects, have to fear?"

After Liu Hong finished speaking, Cui Yan, Zhao Yun, and the others could only nod slightly.

At least on the surface.

Their strength has not been weakened.

The saying goes, "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun," no matter how bad the situation is.

They have the greatest initiative, which is already quite good.

"Your Majesty has taken a very risky move."

Inside the imperial palace, in the side hall of the North Palace.

After Liu Hong and his entourage left the main hall where the banquet was held, he unusually did not seek out the pleasures of wine and meat or go out for amusement. Instead, he sat wearily beside the dragon bed.

Before him, the imperial physician was taking his pulse and warming his body.

The reason Liu Hong's health has been barely maintained these days is mainly due to the imperial physician's herbal medicine.

At that time, the Imperial Medical Academy was still somewhat trustworthy, unlike in later generations when imperial physicians became a high-risk profession with medical skills so advanced that even the emperor dared not trust them.

Of those who were treated by the imperial physicians, nine out of ten were destined for a short and unfortunate life, which shows how profound the secrets were.

"Rumors and gossip..."

Liu Hong snorted and a cold smile appeared on his lips. "It's just a trick played by those aristocratic families."

"But Your Majesty, are you truly not worried?"

Liu Yan stood to the side, asking with a worried expression.

Liu Hong remained silent for a long time.

How could he possibly not be worried?

Although he was the emperor and possessed the greatest legitimacy, when a person holds a large army but doesn't care about this legitimacy, the so-called imperial power is ultimately just that—nothing more.

Liu Hong couldn't possibly be that foolish, but handing over the initiative to someone else so easily is something no emperor would tolerate.

If Liu Hong cannot tolerate it now, the new emperor in the future will not tolerate it either.

This is one of the greatest taboos for emperors and rulers.