Confirming that Zhang Shihao was not a Pretending Eunuch, Liu Hong immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhang Shihao could be appointed as a Regular Attendant, Marquis of Yiyang, and even Commander of the Palace Guards, leading the Imperial Harem Guards.
Liu Hong had already decided on Zhang Shihao's role in his heart.
That was to promote Zhang Shihao to replace Jian Shuo.
The Powerful Families held immense power in the court, and their Officials were spread throughout the entire Han Dynasty.
The Powerful Families were deeply selfish.
All along, the Powerful Families had been a force that Liu Hong deeply feared.
He promoted the Ten Attendants, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and other Eunuchs, to counter the Powerful Families in the court and give him, Liu Hong, a voice.
He promoted He Jin to Great General, partly because he favored Empress He Lian, and partly because he, Liu Hong, hoped He Jin could control the military as Great General, serving as an arm for him, Liu Hong.
After all, the Empress should always be on the same side as him, Liu Hong.
Even though He Jin was somewhat useless.
However, he could at least sometimes be of use.
Currently, the court was in a three-way standoff between the Eunuchs, the Empress's relative He Jin, and the Powerful Families.
This barely satisfied Liu Hong.
However, barely satisfied was still just barely satisfied, and something was still missing.
The Ten Attendants, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and their faction were powerful, serving as the vanguard against the Powerful Families.
However, they only knew how to use flowery words, flatter, and create chaos, lacking any substantial capabilities.
If the Powerful Families were to fiercely launch a 'cleanse the ruler's side' campaign in the future, he, Liu Hong, would be in big trouble.
Therefore, this did not satisfy Liu Hong.
Thus, in Liu Hong's vision, he should also have a force under his command, controlling an elite army that would be directly loyal to him.
The leader of this army should be skilled in martial arts, possess military strategy, and be especially loyal to him, Liu Hong.
Earlier, Jian Shuo was the best candidate in his, Liu Hong's, hands.
Jian Shuo was brave, strong, and had military strategy.
Most importantly, he had followed him, Liu Hong, since childhood, and was also a Eunuch.
Eunuchs were rootless individuals, without so many distractions.
What could be more loyal than a Eunuch?
Therefore, Jian Shuo was his, Liu Hong's, next move.
It was a pity, however, that when assassins attacked, Jian Shuo was not even a match for a single blow, and he, Liu Hong, was almost killed.
This made Liu Hong greatly doubt Jian Shuo's capabilities.
Fortunately, Zhang Shihao emerged out of nowhere, possessing powerful martial arts, and even knew how to train soldiers? This made Liu Hong's eyes light up, and he already had the idea of heavily entrusting Zhang Shihao.
But then, the matter of the fake Eunuch suddenly broke out.
This truly startled Liu Hong.
Fortunately, he personally saw that Zhang Shihao did not have 'that thing' below.
Liu Hong felt even more at ease.
However, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong had been a bit reckless and excessive this time. Because they feared the Palace Guards being replaced by Zhang Shihao's people, they made a big fuss to falsely accuse and malign Zhang Shihao without even verifying the issue, and even implicated the Empress, which truly angered Liu Hong.
Empress's bedchamber.
After beheading the chubby Eunuch.
Liu Hong 'flew into a rage' at Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong:
"Each of you is demoted by one rank, fined ten million coins, and sent back to your residences for ten days of confinement to reflect!"
Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong repeatedly kowtowed and awkwardly exited Changle Palace.
To be honest, Zhang Shihao was not very satisfied with this outcome.
The one thing Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong didn't lack was money. Ten million coins, though a lot, would only cause them temporary heartache and wasn't really much to them. Demoting their rank by one also didn't affect their actual power, and it would probably be restored soon enough.
However, even though he was not satisfied with this outcome in his heart.
But Zhang Shihao knew that Liu Hong still relied on Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and these people, so he couldn't touch them.
That day, as the commotion in Changle Palace subsided, Liu Hong seemed a bit embarrassed to face Empress He Lian, so he had his carriage taken to another bedchamber.
...
At night, the moon was bright and stars were sparse.
Changle Palace, Empress's bedchamber.
The atmosphere was somewhat oppressive and somber.
All the palace maids and Eunuchs in Changle Palace slowed their steps.
Their steps became much lighter.
They all knew what had happened when a large number of Guards rushed into Changle Palace's bedchamber during the day.
Looking at Empress He Lian, who usually didn't drink, but was now holding a wine goblet and drinking in silence.
All the palace maids and Eunuchs in Changle Palace felt a little heartache.
No matter how the Empress appeared to outsiders, she was very kind to them, and even protective, not allowing anyone from Changle Palace to be bullied outside.
"Your Majesty, perhaps you shouldn't drink so much."
Chun Ying softly advised Empress He Lian.
"I just can't get over it. Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong had no evidence, yet they dared to falsely accuse me. If Xiao Haozi hadn't proven himself, wouldn't I have truly become Zhao Ji?"
The Empress's voice clearly carried a hint of exasperation.
Chun Ying was immediately speechless, unsure how to advise Empress He Lian. After a moment of hesitation, her eyes suddenly lit up, and she said:
"Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong not only offended Your Majesty but also Xiao Haozi. His Majesty now trusts Xiao Haozi so much, I believe Xiao Haozi will not let Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong off easily."
"So, Your Majesty actually doesn't need to be so angry. It's not worth getting angry and harming your health over Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong."
As Chun Ying's words fell, Empress He Lian, who was holding a wine goblet and struggling to suppress her anger, slowly put down the goblet.
"This reminds me, Xiao Haozi is still in the palace. This debt can be settled slowly with Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong. Alas, but to say I'm angry with Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, it's more like I'm angry with His Majesty..."
Empress He Lian sighed softly, making Chun Ying on the side immediately afraid to respond.
"I won't drink anymore. Go prepare. I reek of alcohol, it's disgusting. I want to bathe."
Empress He Lian seemed to have come to a realization, understanding that drinking wouldn't solve anything, and said.
"Yes, Chun Ying will go arrange it now!" Hearing that Empress He Lian was no longer drinking, Chun Ying was immediately delighted and quickly said, then moved to arrange it.
"Wait!"
Just as Chun Ying was about to arrange Empress He Lian's bath, she was suddenly called by He Lian.
Chun Ying paused, looking at Empress He Lian in confusion, and said:
"Your Majesty, do you have any other instructions?"
At this moment, suddenly calling Chun Ying, Empress He Lian did not speak immediately. Instead, a complex emotion and hatred flashed in her beautiful eyes.
"Since Zhang Shihao has already proven himself to be a Eunuch, what could be wrong with a massage?"
Empress He Lian bit her lip lightly, her delicate face flushed, and said:
"Go... invite Xiao Haozi to Changle Palace to give me a massage."
"I feel a tightness in my chest, a bit uncomfortable. I've been angered. Please invite the Imperial Physician to examine me."
"Yes, Chun Ying will go now!" Chun Ying quickly responded and hurriedly turned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to invite Zhang Shihao.
...
However, no one had anticipated.
This night was destined to be an unusual night...
...
"What? The Empress is having chest pains because Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong angered her?"
Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Zhang Shihao, who was on duty, frowned upon hearing Chun Ying's words.
"Hmm, Her Majesty is very angry, and she drank a lot of wine. You should go see her quickly."
Chun Ying quietly approached Zhang Shihao and whispered.
"She even drank wine?" Zhang Shihao's brow furrowed even deeper upon hearing this. Thinking of the Empress, who had been quite caring towards him, drowning her sorrows in alcohol, Zhang Shihao couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He said to Chun Ying:
"Alright, wait a moment. I'll go tell His Majesty, then I'll go with you."
"Mhm."
Chun Ying softly hummed, and Zhang Shihao immediately turned and entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation to seek Liu Hong's permission.
However, Zhang Shihao did not notice the distinct blush on Chun Ying's pretty face under the night sky.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Liu Hong was also very embarrassed to hear that the Empress was unwell due to anger.
He knew that the Empress's silent anger was probably due to his failure to severely punish Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.
"Go, and see how the Empress is doing."
Liu Hong waved his hand and said.
"Yes!"
Zhang Shihao immediately cupped his hands and followed Chun Ying towards Changle Palace.
...
At the same time, in Changle Palace, the Empress's bedchamber, the bathing hall.
Empress He Lian spread her arms, and several personal maids stepped forward to undress her.
The bathing hall was connected to the Empress's bedchamber; one could say it was integrated with it.
Originally, this bathing hall was specially built by Liu Hong for 'amusement' in the bath.
Although Liu Hong wanted to revitalize imperial power, it was undeniable that as the emperor of the entire empire, controlling the lives and deaths of the common people, who wouldn't want to enjoy themselves?
He, Liu Hong, was naturally no exception.
Zhang Shihao arrived very quickly.
...