“Take them all down and beat them!”
One moment, Liu Hong was relieved and appreciative of Zhang Shihao’s loyalty after bestowing a great reward upon him. The next moment, his expression turned grim, and his cold voice resonated.
Jian Shuo, the Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, the Superintendent of the Palace, and others, who had been envious and jealous of Zhang Shihao, trembled violently at his words, their faces instantly turning pale.
One Eunuch guard after another rushed in and dragged out the few people, who were already weak with fear, under the watchful eyes of He Jin, Empress He Lian, Zhang Shihao, and Zhang Rang.
“Smack!”
“Ah~”
“Your Majesty, I truly don’t know about the assassin…”
“Smack!”
“Ah~”
“Hiss, hiss~”
… …
The heavy thud of the planks mixed with the agonizing screams came from outside the sleeping quarters, yet no one dared to cry out “injustice.”
General He Jin’s body trembled slightly, and he couldn’t stop wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, his heart pounding.
Even Zhang Shihao, listening to the horrific screams outside, couldn’t help but twitch his eyelids rapidly.
This was a real beating, plank hitting flesh.
Jian Shuo received thirty strokes, while the Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace all received twenty strokes.
Twenty strokes could be applied to the back, legs, or buttocks. But the pain of such wide sticks and planks hitting the body was truly imaginable, worse than not finishing homework as a child...
Jian Shuo already had injuries, and with thirty heavy planks, he would likely lose his life.
The Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace, with twenty strokes, would likely lose half their lives.
Clearly, Liu Hong was truly enraged this time.
The Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace were all high-ranking court officials, renowned and influential. In later generations, they would be equivalent to defense ministers or military region commanders. However, at this moment, even if they were beaten to death, in front of Liu Hong, they would merely be like crushing a stinking bug.
When an ancient emperor became enraged, millions could fall!
Zhang Shihao’s heart surged with emotion, and a hint of trepidation flickered in his eyes as he looked at Liu Hong.
It was trepidation.
Everyone knew that the Powerful Families were the true masters of the Han Dynasty.
Liu Hong seemed more like a foolish emperor caught between the Powerful Families and the Ten Attendants.
He greatly favored and indulged the Ten Attendants.
Even, in the near future.
In history, Liu Hong would utter a famous line: “Chamberlain Zhang is my father, Chamberlain Zhao is my mother.”
This single act would allow the power of Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and the other Ten Attendants to reach its peak.
It seemed that by employing Eunuchs, Liu Hong had reached the pinnacle of foolishness.
But was that truly the case?
What if Liu Hong intentionally supported Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and other Eunuchs to consolidate imperial power and balance the Powerful Families and the Imperial Harem?
Because since the mid-Eastern Han Dynasty, the power of literati, Powerful Families, and the Imperial Harem had expanded unprecedentedly, encroaching upon the court.
Imperial power was in decline.
When Liu Hong was twelve, he was enthroned by the Imperial Harem, the Dou clan.
However, being enthroned did not make Liu Hong happy; he was even afraid.
Because Dou Wu wanted to manipulate and control Liu Hong.
Liu Hong felt alienated. He feared the power wielded by these Imperial Harem members and Powerful Families.
As Liu Hong gradually grew older, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and others rose to prominence, although the Powerful Families remained strong.
But in the imperial court, the Eunuchs, the Imperial Harem’s He Jin, and the Powerful Families formed a tripartite balance of power.
His Liu Hong’s power had finally returned, and he had a voice.
This was the Han Dynasty court under Liu Hong’s control today.
Zhang Shihao enjoyed reading Three Kingdoms novels.
Before he transmigrated, he was still reading “Three Kingdoms: Starting with Wielding a Hoe Against the Big-Eared Thief” and “Three Kingdoms: Starting with Intercepting the Big-Eared Thief.”
Zhang Shihao, however, knew that Liu Hong's actions went far beyond this.
Historically, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, established the Western Garden, which was generally believed to be for accumulating wealth for debauchery and extravagance.
In fact, “Book of the Later Han · Biography of Huangfu Song” records, “Song believed that the party prohibitions should be lifted, and more money from the imperial treasury and horses from the Western Garden stables should be released.”
Historical records do not specify the number of warhorses bred in the Western Garden, but the horses bred there were regarded by Huangfu Song as a “state affair” on par with party prohibitions and private treasuries. They were used to arm the Northern Army to suppress the Yellow Turbans, a role far exceeding mere daily entertainment.
And in “Book of the Later Han · Annals of Emperor Xiaoling,” “In the eighth month of the fifth year of Zhongping, the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden were first established.” In the tenth month, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, personally inspected them as the “General,” riding a horse and wielding a sword, indicating long-term preparations for training in the Western Garden.
The garrison in the capital and the imperial guards were filled with Powerful Families and Eunuchs. Emperor Ling of Han wanted to break free from the Powerful Families and Eunuchs, and he had to control military power, even if it was private troops. The establishment of the “Eight Colonels of the Western Garden” was not within the court’s official structure, thus requiring a large amount of provisions and pay.
These provisions and pay came from the money Liu Hong amassed through selling official positions and titles.
When the “Eight Colonels of the Western Garden” were first established, Liu Hong appointed Jian Shuo, representing “loyalty to the imperial power,” as the Colonel of the Upper Army, to command all forces and directly obey his Liu Hong’s orders.
The Eight Colonels of the Western Garden, by balancing the Imperial Harem’s General He Jin, as well as the Eunuchs and Powerful Families, undoubtedly made the imperial power of the Eastern Han Dynasty increasingly strong.
Even the Governor system, which was criticized by later generations for completely shaking the foundation of the Han Dynasty, was a desperate measure by Liu Hong to consolidate local power.
At that time, although the Han court successfully suppressed the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
However, the benefits were usurped by the Powerful Families, border bandits were difficult to curb, and various prefectures and commanderies were in chaos. To stabilize the localities and restore central authority, Liu Hong accepted Liu Yan’s suggestion to establish Governors.
However, it was clear that Liu Hong had already realized at that time that the power of the Governors was too great.
Therefore, the selection of Governors was very thought-provoking.
Governor of You Province Liu Yu, Governor of Yi Province Liu Yan, and Governor of Jing Province Liu Biao.
All were members of the Han imperial clan appointed as Governors.
There were tens of thousands of members of the Liu imperial clan, so why were only Liu Yu, Liu Yan, and Liu Biao chosen?
And not others?
Facts proved that Liu Hong’s foresight was unique.
Liu Yu, a descendant of King Gong of Donghai, Liu Qiang, served as the Governor of You Province in his early years, achieving remarkable political success and great prestige. After becoming Governor of You Province, the Wuhuan submitted and no longer harassed the border. He strictly enforced frugality, changed the extravagant customs, refused to submit to warlords during Dong Zhuo’s rebellion and declare himself emperor, and implemented measures such as weakening Gongsun Zan’s power in Liaodong, which led to the rapid recovery and development of You Province.
Liu Yan, a descendant of King Gong of Lu in the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Yu, gained experience in Ji Province and Nanyang in his early years, known for his shrewdness and decisive action. After becoming Governor of Yi Province, he gained the support of the Powerful Families of Yi Province, Jia Long, suppressed the Yellow Turbans and the remnants of Ma Xiang, formed Liu Yan’s private “Eastern Province Army” with refugees, and implemented measures such as incorporating the Powerful Families of Yi Province and ethnic minorities on the frontier, which led to the rapid recovery and stability of Yi Province.
Liu Biao, a descendant of King Gong of Lu in the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Yu, had unparalleled courage in “entering Jing Province alone.” He displayed political skill by forming a marriage alliance with the Cai clan. His ability to clear up Jing Province over thousands of miles was extraordinary. With over a hundred thousand armored soldiers, there were no battles on the border. Jing Province under Liu Biao’s rule became a pure land amidst the chaotic wars of the Eastern Han warlords.
History has proven that Liu Yu’s You Province, Liu Yan’s Yi Province, and Liu Biao’s Jing Province all became places where the Han Dynasty continued.
It can be said that Emperor Ling of Han dedicated his life to reshaping imperial power.
He did not hesitate to sell official positions and titles to support his troops, exacerbating conflicts and leading to the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
He did not hesitate to heavily rely on Eunuchs to suppress Powerful Families, leading to court factionalism and bloody political purges.
He did not hesitate to grant real power to demonstrate imperial authority, contributing to the chaotic warlord period at the end of the Han Dynasty.
The final result was that Liu Hong died young at only 33 years old.
The Eight Colonels of the Western Garden, which he had painstakingly built, were taken over by the Imperial Harem’s He Jin.
His trust in Eunuchs to assist in governance led to He Jin’s execution, causing Dong Zhuo’s Western Liang Army to disrupt the court.
His attempts to diminish the Powerful Families were met with united resistance, leading to Cao Cao controlling the emperor to command the warlords.
From the perspective of Zhang Shihao, a person from later generations.
Liu Hong was limited by his era and failed to look at the entire country, focusing only on clan imperial power and sacrificing the interests of Powerful Families and the common people.
However, his training of troops and granting of gubernatorial powers to stabilize the localities were long-term plans for the Eastern Han Dynasty.
It’s just a pity that the Han Dynasty ultimately failed to break through the obstacles of Powerful Families and fate, becoming a victim of power struggles.
Zhang Shihao recalled the various understandings of Liu Hong’s deeds from later generations.
Liu Hong’s attribute panel also appeared before him.
Name: Liu Hong
Identity/Official Position: Emperor of Han
Age: 25 years old
Martial Prowess: 32 (No star, because after starting sexual activity at ten, he became uncontrollable, his sexual energy was too vigorous, and now his body is very weak…)
Leadership: 66 (One-star potential, capable of simple command, absolutely no problem, already at its peak.)
Politics: 81 (Three-star potential, leaning towards court struggles, internal affairs handling does not match this political level…)
Wisdom: 74 (Two-star potential, already at its peak)
Height: 168 (Growth plates closed, cannot grow taller…)
Weight: 72.6 kg
Character/Evaluation: Ambitious but untalented, skilled at balancing power, enjoys novelty, beautiful women, debauched and shameless, only cares about his own pleasure…
Talent, Potential, Traits:
Peak Balance: When the situation is in crisis, he is good at using various forces to achieve a balanced situation.
He glanced at Liu Hong’s high political score of 81.
Zhang Shihao took a deep breath, suppressing his apprehension towards Liu Hong.
Indeed, Liu Hong definitely had some tricks up his sleeve.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have seized power from the Powerful Families.
However, Zhang Shihao didn’t need to be nervous.
With unparalleled martial arts, foresight, and the system, Zhang Shihao would definitely live a comfortable life.
Worst case scenario, he could just fight his way out of the palace; where in the vast world could he not go?
Just as Zhang Shihao’s heart was in turmoil, the agonizing screams outside had already significantly diminished.
The caning was over.
Indeed, Jian Shuo, who was already injured, was beaten to within an inch of his life, falling unconscious, and it was uncertain if he would survive.
The Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace were also beaten raw, crying out in pain.
However, even so, Liu Hong’s expression remained cold, and his icy voice resonated:
“You have three days to find the assassins, otherwise, all of you will go home and retire!”
The terrified Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace were carried away.
Zhang Shihao clearly saw their bloodshot, furious gazes.
These people were going to go crazy, and probably the entire Luoyang would be turned upside down by them.
Zhang Shihao didn’t pay much attention to the shock, anger, and ferocity in the hearts of the Golden Rooster Guards, the Commandant of the Guards, and the Superintendent of the Palace.
What he was thinking now was that he had been appointed as the commander of the Imperial Harem guards by Liu Hong, and he would lead all the guards in the Imperial Harem.
How should he cultivate his own forces?
Liu Hong, having lost too much blood and being weak, soon fell asleep.
Here, Zhang Shihao had just given some treatment to the severely injured, unconscious, and dying Jian Shuo, when Empress He Lian’s personal maid, Chun Ying, came to Zhang Shihao’s side.
The Empress was looking for him.
Zhang Shihao followed Empress He Lian to a side hall in Changle Palace.
Empress He Lian was draped in a red phoenix robe with gold patterns and a stand-up collar.
Her face was like a hibiscus, her eyebrows like willows, and her skin like snow.
Her hair was swept low, with a jade phoenix hairpin slanted in it.
Zhang Shihao never doubted the Empress’s beauty.
“Xiao Haozi, I truly did not misjudge you. You have saved me and the First Prince again. If not for you, our mother and son would probably have died today.”
Empress He Lian sat down and looked at Zhang Shihao, saying with a complex expression:
“It’s just, I don’t know how to thank you!”
Looking at Zhang Shihao, Empress He Lian’s mind kept replaying the scene from yesterday evening.
An arrow pierced the air, about to pierce her son Liu Bian’s head.
Just as she was in despair, Zhang Shihao’s tall figure appeared again.
Then, the terrifyingly skilled lead assassin attacked, and Zhang Shihao once again stepped forward, shielding them, mother and son, as they retreated, like a god of war.
It left her deeply shaken.
Zhang Shihao was unaware of Empress He Lian’s thoughts at that moment.
However.
Zhang Shihao smiled and said:
“Empress, there’s no need for that. It’s only right for Xiao Haozi to save the Empress and the First Prince. What reward do I need? Besides, Xiao Haozi has no relatives left in this world. Earlier, I didn’t know the palace rules, but fortunately, I was brought into Changle Palace by the Empress and received her protection. In Xiao Haozi’s heart, the Empress is dignified, beautiful, graceful, and a model for the world. Xiao Haozi has long regarded the Empress as an elder sister…”
Suddenly, as he spoke, Zhang Shihao’s eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something, and he said to Empress He Lian:
“Xiao Haozi has indeed thought of a way that would make the Empress not have to thank Xiao Haozi, and Xiao Haozi would also be very happy. I just don’t know if it would be considered disrespectful to the Empress!”
“Hmm? Xiao Haozi, tell me about it,” Empress He Lian said softly, looking at Zhang Shihao after hearing his words.
“Xiao Haozi has no relatives left in this world. In Xiao Haozi’s heart, the Empress is like an elder sister. How about Xiao Haozi recognizes the Empress as his elder sister? This way, a younger brother saving his elder sister, the elder sister naturally doesn’t need to thank her good younger brother. What do you think, Empress?”
As Zhang Shihao’s expectant words fell, Empress He Lian was completely stunned.
Zhang Shihao wanted to recognize her as his elder sister?
Elder sister?
“Of course, if it’s not appropriate, just pretend Xiao Haozi didn’t say anything. Empress, please don’t mind it.”
Just as Empress He Lian was stunned, Zhang Shihao’s voice rang out, bringing her back to her senses. Seeing Zhang Shihao’s disappointed expression, she quickly said:
“Of course! Having such a skilled martial artist, an extraordinary doctor, and a younger brother who commands the Imperial Harem guards, I couldn’t be happier! This way, I’ll have support and assistance in the Imperial Harem from now on. How could I refuse? Xiao Haozi, from today onwards, I am your elder sister.”
Empress He Lian quickly said, as if afraid of disappointing Zhang Shihao.
“Ah, really? Empress, you agreed? So from now on, Your Majesty is Xiao Haozi’s elder sister? It’s settled then, no backing out!”
Zhang Shihao’s face lit up with joy, and he quickly confirmed: “Elder sister!!”
“Yes, no backing out, little brother!” Empress He Lian chuckled.
Ding! Congratulations, Host, for protecting the emperor. Mission accomplished. Do you accept the reward?
The system prompt sounded. Zhang Shihao, delighted that he had recognized Empress He Lian as his elder sister, narrowed his eyes, his smile growing even wider.
The mission was completed!