On New Year's Eve in 188 AD, Lu Zhi suddenly received an urgent summons from Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong.
Looking back, in his youth, Lu Zhi served as a Lang Jiang, responsible for guarding the palace. The young Liu Hong and Lu Zhi had studied and grown together under the tutelage of the great scholar Ma Rong, establishing a deep friendship. Lu Zhi had already demonstrated extraordinary talent and upright character at that time.
Before Liu Hong ascended the throne, the Imperial Court faced a crisis, which Lu Zhi successfully resolved with his wisdom and courage. Liu Hong witnessed Lu Zhi's abilities firsthand and was filled with admiration and trust for him.
As Liu Hong ascended the throne, he harbored the grand ambition of revitalizing the Han Dynasty. Lu Zhi also shared the same ideal, and they often discussed state affairs together; Lu Zhi's insights always deeply inspired Liu Hong. Although Lu Zhi often spoke frankly, pointing out problems and shortcomings in the Imperial Court, which sometimes displeased Liu Hong, Liu Hong understood that Lu Zhi acted out of public interest and truly cared for the nation.
Lu Zhi's character and virtue were widely praised in the Imperial Court and among the populace; he was fair, incorruptible, and cared for the common people. Liu Hong, upon hearing of his many good deeds, admired his character even more. When Liu Hong faced major decisions, Lu Zhi always stood firmly by his side, offering support and advice. All of this made Liu Hong deeply feel that Lu Zhi was a completely trustworthy person, an important reliance for him in realizing his ideals.
Back then, the two met in their youth. At that time, Emperor Ling of Han had just ascended the throne, and he too harbored the grand ambition of revitalizing the Han Dynasty. However, facing a situation where aristocratic families were everywhere, he felt deeply powerless. In desperation, he single-handedly supported the eunuch faction, attempting to use them to counter the aristocratic families. But he never expected that the aristocratic families would perfunctorily deal with the emperor in the Imperial Court and, in the provinces, even obstruct his decrees. They also maliciously spread propaganda against the emperor's various measures, leading to Emperor Ling of Han bearing a notorious reputation in later generations.
The aristocratic families indeed became a significant factor contributing to the great chaos in the world to a certain extent. They wantonly annexed land and privately harbored populations, causing severe imbalances in social resources. The selection of talent was also monopolized by them; one could only enter officialdom through their recommendations, leading to a vicious cycle.
These aristocratic families formed vast networks of influence, with their protégés and former subordinates spread throughout the land. They focused only on family interests, forgetting their responsibilities to the nation. Their existence severely hindered the normal development of society, exacerbated social contradictions and turmoil, and ultimately laid the groundwork for great chaos.
Although Emperor Ling of Han attempted to suppress the aristocratic families to some extent by supporting the eunuchs, and achieved some success, he also inadvertently created a group of eunuchs who deceived their superiors and exploited their subordinates. It is undeniable that Emperor Ling of Han indeed had a heart that desired to govern diligently, but unfortunately, his ideas and methods went awry, granting the eunuchs excessive power, which led to an exceptionally sharp conflict between the eunuchs and the aristocratic families, thereby severely exacerbating the internal strife of the nation.
Under this complex situation, the nation plunged into chaos and turmoil. Various problems gradually surfaced, and the foundations of society were continuously eroded, bringing immense disaster and crisis to the entire nation.
He knew very well that Emperor Ling of Han was not, as rumored by the outside world, a muddle-headed emperor who only knew how to sell official positions, greed for money, and trust only eunuchs.
Lu Zhi watched helplessly as the eunuch faction grew increasingly wanton, the aristocratic families continuously annexed land, peasant uprisings emerged one after another, and Emperor Ling of Han's body was long ago broken by these heavy burdens. He was filled with regret, both lamenting Emperor Ling of Han being tormented by these chaotic phenomena and feeling anxious and helpless about being unable to eradicate these problems or find a solution, his heart filled with worry and melancholy.
Lu Zhi silently followed the eunuch to Emperor Ling of Han's bedchamber. Along the way, his mind was racing, filled with worry. However, when he stood at the entrance of the bedchamber, he made an effort to compose his chaotic thoughts, settled his emotions, and quietly awaited Emperor Ling of Han's summons.
Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, knowing Lu Zhi had arrived at the bedchamber, used all his strength to prop up his weak body and slowly sat up from the bed, then leaned against the couch. He wore a hint of joy on his face, his gaze directed towards Lu Zhi, raising his hand, his eyes revealing anticipation and trust for Lu Zhi.
Seeing Emperor Ling of Han in such a state, Lu Zhi felt a pang of sadness and hurried forward. He tightly grasped Emperor Ling of Han's hand, his face full of concern, his eyes even more filled with worry and heartache, and anxiously said, "Your Majesty..."
Emperor Ling of Han weakly and somewhat reassuringly waved his hand, his voice faint but clear as he said to Lu Zhi, "Brother, I'm afraid this time I truly won't make it..." After speaking, his eyes revealed deep helplessness and sorrow.
Upon hearing Emperor Ling of Han's words, Lu Zhi felt even more heartbroken. He fought back tears and comforted him, "Your Majesty, please do not speak like that. You will surely recover. The Han Dynasty still needs you!" Lu Zhi tightly held Emperor Ling of Han's hand, trying to convey some strength to him.
Emperor Ling of Han gave another self-deprecating smile, his face full of helplessness and sorrow, and he slowly said, "I know my own body, Brother. These past years, I've had the intention to revitalize the Han Dynasty, but I've been powerless." He sighed softly, his eyes filled with worry and melancholy.
"Although my body is failing, the Han Dynasty must not suffer." Emperor Ling of Han's voice carried a hint of urgency and worry, "The Imperial Court is turbulent now, eunuchs wield power, aristocratic families control their own regions, and the common people live in dire straits. I worry that after I'm gone, this world will become even more chaotic, and the common people will suffer even more." As he spoke, Emperor Ling of Han's eyes welled up, and tears glistened in the corners of his eyes.
"Although Bian'er is intelligent, he is still young and needs to grow. Brother, he also studied with you back then; you should know his character. I believe you can assist him and ensure the stability of my Han Dynasty. I entrust this dynasty to you."
Emperor Ling of Han tightly held Lu Zhi's hand. Lu Zhi, listening to Emperor Ling of Han's words, had tears welling up in his eyes. He solemnly said, "Your Majesty, your subject will certainly not fail your trust! Your subject will do his utmost, dedicate himself to the Han Dynasty until death!" With that, Lu Zhi's tears were still glistening in his eyes, but his gaze was incredibly firm.
Liu Hong called out softly, his voice weak but full of affection. Liu Bian slowly moved from behind the bed screen, his small body trembling with grief, tears streaming down his face.
Liu Bian walked to Lu Zhi and respectfully bowed to him. Seeing this, Lu Zhi quickly stepped forward to help Liu Bian up, his eyes full of tenderness.
At this moment, Liu Hong laboriously took out a secret imperial decree from his side. He used his last ounce of strength to hand the decree to Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi received the decree with both hands, feeling as if Liu Hong's body temperature still lingered on it.
Liu Hong looked at Lu Zhi, his eyes full of entrustment and expectation. He said in a weak voice, "Brother, this secret decree concerns the future of the Han Dynasty. You must keep it safe and assist Bian'er..." Before he could finish, Liu Hong coughed violently again, his breath growing weaker.
Liu Bian tightly held Liu Hong's hand, crying out, "Father!" Lu Zhi's eyes were also red. He solemnly said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, your subject will certainly not fail your trust!"
After making these arrangements, Liu Hong felt as if all his strength had been drained, becoming utterly exhausted. He looked at the tearful Liu Bian, his heart filled with reluctance and concern.
"Bian'er, from now on, you must listen to Lord Lu Zhi..." Liu Hong said weakly, his voice carrying a hint of tenderness and expectation.
Liu Bian nodded understandingly, tightly holding Liu Hong's hand, unwilling to let go.
Seeing this, Liu Hong asked Liu Bian to stay and take care of him, while he needed to rest for a while.
Lu Zhi watched this scene from the side, his heart also filled with myriad emotions. He knew that at this moment, Liu Hong had used his last bit of energy to make the final arrangements for the future of the Han Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, then your subject will take his leave." Lu Zhi said softly, then slowly retreated.
The moment he walked out of the bedchamber, Lu Zhi's heart felt incredibly heavy. He knew deeply that from this moment on, the responsibility on his shoulders had become even greater, and he had to give his all for the future of the Han Dynasty and for Liu Hong's entrustment.