In the early days of his reign, Emperor Ling of Han harbored deep fear and apprehension towards the aristocratic families and powerful clans. To break this situation, he unexpectedly chose Empress He, who had no family background, from among the common people. He attempted to break free from the influence of the aristocratic families, and by choosing an empress from the common people, he sought to weaken the power and influence of the aristocratic families and powerful clans in the court.
Although Empress Dowager Dong was Emperor Ling's mother, she was in fact a typical representative of the aristocratic families and powerful clans. She strongly opposed Emperor Ling's enfeoffment of Empress He, and because of this, the mother and son had a fierce dispute over the matter.
In this dispute, Empress Dowager Dong revealed her stubborn adherence to the interests of the aristocratic families, while Emperor Ling demonstrated his determination to break the monopoly of the aristocratic families. This conflict further exacerbated the complexity of the court situation and intensified the competition among various factions.
It was not until Empress He gave birth to the eldest Prince Liu Bian that Emperor Ling of Han finally established Empress He's position, making it impossible for Empress Dowager Dong to refute, even if she was unwilling. However, two years later, Wang Meiren gave birth to Prince Liu Xie, which made Empress Dowager Dong see hope again.
Empress Dowager Dong personally raised Prince Liu Xie from a young age, and during his growth, she continuously instilled in him the idea that he needed to rely on the aristocratic families to govern the world. By doing so, she was secretly competing with Emperor Ling, attempting to achieve her political goals by influencing Liu Xie and strengthening the position and influence of the aristocratic families in the court.
At the same time, Emperor Ling might have long been aware of Empress Dowager Dong's actions, which further sharpened the conflict between mother and son, and the power struggle within the court became more intense, with various factions secretly competing, all planning and vying for their own interests and goals.
It was not until the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out that Emperor Ling's health deteriorated. He promoted He Jin to Grand General to deal with the crisis. However, Empress Dowager Dong took the opportunity to propose arranging her nephew, Dong Cheng, as General of Cavalry. At this time, although Emperor Ling was the emperor, the Han Dynasty had always governed the world with filial piety. Faced with Empress Dowager Dong's request, even if he was unwilling, he could only reluctantly choose to compromise.
This series of actions made the court situation even more intricate, and Emperor Ling's reluctant compromise further fueled the power of Empress Dowager Dong and the aristocratic families, burying deeper hidden dangers for future court struggles.
It was based on such circumstances that when Empress Dowager Dong almost directly named Liu Xie as her desired successor, Emperor Ling was unwilling to back down in the slightest. Because in Emperor Ling's view, even if Liu Xie were to be enthroned as emperor, he would only become a puppet of the aristocratic families in the future. Liu Xie had no maternal relatives to rely on, he was too young, had no status, his mother died early, and his maternal clan had no status, so how could he cope with the relentless pressure from the aristocratic families?
Inside the palace, the atmosphere was heavy. Empress Dowager Dong looked at the silent Emperor Ling, feeling somewhat displeased. She frowned deeply and raised her voice, saying, “My son, your health is already like this, you should make a decision soon. How can the four-hundred-year Han Dynasty not be taken seriously?”
Emperor Ling's face was as pale as paper, his forehead covered with fine beads of sweat. He forced himself to hold up his weak body, his eyes filled with resentment and helplessness. He slowly raised his head and said in a weak and trembling voice, “Mother, although my time is near, Liu Xie is still young and has not yet understood worldly affairs, while Liu Bian, though young, has already grown up. I place great hopes on him.” Every word Emperor Ling spoke seemed to exhaust his remaining strength, his speech slow and difficult, his words filled with deep unwillingness and struggle.
Empress Dowager Dong, seeing Emperor Ling constantly defying her wishes, became even more furious. She widened her eyes and said sharply, “My son, are you confused? Although Liu Bian is older, he is naturally weak and lacks any strong and decisive spirit. How can such a timid person hold the divine artifact and inherit this vast Han Dynasty? Do you really want to watch the four-hundred-year great enterprise of the Han Dynasty be destroyed in your generation?” The more Empress Dowager Dong spoke, the more agitated she became, her voice becoming sharp. Her expression, full of disappointment and anger, seemed to want to pierce Emperor Ling.
Empress Dowager Dong then continued, “My son, you are not feeling well now, so rest assured. I have already ordered General of Cavalry Dong Zhong to take troops and take over the palace defense. You just need to rest peacefully. Do not be stubborn anymore, listen to your mother, and do not go against your mother anymore!” She waved her arms as she spoke, her emotions very agitated.
After Empress Dowager Dong finished speaking angrily, she pulled Liu Xie along and turned to leave in a huff, her wide sleeves dancing behind her, as if carrying a belly full of anger.
Emperor Ling's face was full of helplessness and sorrow. He looked at Lu Zhi, his voice weak but with a hint of urgency, saying, “Senior brother, in these troubled times, we need to quickly arrange people and prepare early.”
Lu Zhi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, why not quickly dispatch Grand General He Jin to lead troops and confront Dong Zhong? Ma Chao and Sun Ce are brave beyond measure. With their assistance, the Grand General will surely be able to reclaim control of the palace guard and regain overall control!”
After speaking, Lu Zhi frowned deeply, looking at Emperor Ling with concern, awaiting his decision. Emperor Ling's face was pale, his expression weary and indecisive. He knew that this matter was of great importance, but he was also worried about the situation getting out of control…
Emperor Ling was already at the end of his rope, and now being pressured and provoked by Empress Dowager Dong in such a way, a flush suddenly appeared on his face, as if a final burst of energy. He suddenly cheered up a bit, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and he gritted his teeth and said, “Although Dong Zhong has sealed the palace gates at this moment, I must find a way to deliver the order to the Grand General! I must not let Dong Zhong succeed!” After speaking, he tightly clenched his fists, as if fighting against fate.
Lu Zhi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, Ma Chao and Sun Ce are always astute and highly skilled in martial arts. You can entrust the tiger tally and credentials to Sun Ce and Ma Chao, and order the two of them to find a way to break through and go to the Grand General's location. Then the Grand General will lead troops to rescue.”
Emperor Ling struggled to hold himself up, allowing Empress He to laboriously retrieve the tiger tally and seal from the hidden mechanism. His eyes were filled with eagerness and hope, and then he tremblingly ordered someone to hand the tiger tally and seal to Sun Ce and Ma Chao.
Emperor Ling looked intently at Sun Ce and Ma Chao, his eyes seemingly glistening with tears. He slowly spoke, “My two beloved ministers, although you are still young, you have already shown extraordinary courage and daring, and are both pillars of this world! I place great hopes on you, and I hope you will not disappoint my trust and expectations…” After speaking, his voice carried an indescribable sense of desolation and helplessness.
Upon hearing this, Ma Chao and Sun Ce both knelt down and solemnly promised, “Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost and not fail in our mission!” After speaking, the two respectfully kowtowed, then rose and slowly exited the main hall. They secretly pondered how to break through the encirclement and successfully deliver the tiger tally and seal.
Emperor Ling then laboriously took out the imperial seal from his side and used all his strength to hand it to Liu Bian. Seeing this, Liu Bian quickly knelt down at the steps, his expression sorrowful.
Emperor Ling spoke weakly, “Bian’er, I am now powerless. From now on, I will no longer be able to support this world for you. The future of the Han Dynasty is entrusted to you, you must…” At this point, Emperor Ling's voice choked, his eyes filled with reluctance and expectation.
Liu Bian looked at Emperor Ling, already sobbing uncontrollably. He knelt on both knees, heartbroken, crying out, “Father! Your son cannot bear to part with you!” His tears gushed out like a broken dam, his voice filled with endless sorrow and reluctance, his entire body trembling from crying.
Emperor Ling looked weakly at Lu Zhi, a flicker of light in his previously dim eyes. He knew that his physical condition was already extremely bad, and it was not easy to hold on until now. He used his last ounce of strength to slightly raise his hand, wanting to pat Lu Zhi’s shoulder, but found that he was unable to do so.
Seeing this, Lu Zhi quickly stepped forward and tightly held Emperor Ling's hand. Emperor Ling looked at Lu Zhi, a relieved smile appeared on his face. That smile contained too many emotions: trust, gratitude, regret, and concern for the future of the Han Dynasty.
“Senior brother…” Emperor Ling’s voice was so weak it was almost inaudible, “I know you are loyal to the Han Dynasty. After I am gone, this Han Dynasty will be entrusted to you… This world… This world is now fraught with crises, I am truly worried…” At this point, Emperor Ling’s voice became even hoarser, and his breathing became more rapid. Emperor Ling’s breath was extremely weak, he could no longer make clear sounds, only mumbling: “Restore the Han Dynasty… restore…”
His voice gradually weakened, finally stopping abruptly, and from the corner of his eye, a tear slowly, gradually, slid down. That tear seemed to carry his infinite attachment and reluctance for the Han Dynasty.
Lu Zhi tightly held Emperor Ling's hand, his heart filled with grief. He understood Emperor Ling's worries. The current Han Dynasty was plagued by eunuch tyranny internally, and aristocratic families externally, with the common people living in dire straits. The new emperor was young, and it would be difficult for him to bear such a heavy burden. But he also knew that he could not betray Emperor Ling's trust. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he had to move forward bravely.
Liu Bian looked at the tear that slid from the corner of Emperor Ling's eye, heartbroken. Lu Zhi and others were also filled with sorrow. They knew that the future of the Han Dynasty would face enormous challenges.
Subsequently, with the support of Lu Zhi and others, Liu Bian, suppressing his grief, began to deal with the current situation. They carried Emperor Ling's entrustment, ready to fight for the future of the Han Dynasty.
And that tear seemed to become Emperor Ling’s last words, forever etched in people’s hearts, inspiring them to work tirelessly for the survival of the Han Dynasty…
On the second day of the first month of 189 AD, Emperor Ling passed away.