Shuhan

The situation in Luoyang was reported by the military commanders at full speed day and night, and was finally presented to Liu Chan, the emperor of the Han Dynasty.

In Wude County, a temporary palace stands tall. Although it is not as magnificent as the Chang'an Imperial Palace, it also has a solemn aura of being entrusted with a task in a time of crisis.

Inside the palace, civil officials and military generals stood on both sides, all of them with solemn expressions, as if water could drip out of them.

Some of them are wearing armor and holding weapons, looking majestic; some are wearing long robes and jade belts around their waists, looking gentle and refined.

Crown Prince Liu Si sat at the head of the group. Although he was just a young man, he already had the bearing of a king. There was a heroic air between his brows, and his eyes flashed with determination and resoluteness.

At this time, Liu Chan was sitting upright on the dragon throne, wearing a yellow robe, a golden crown on his head, his face was calm, and he looked majestic without being angry.

He gently held the armrests of the dragon throne with both hands and tapped them lightly with his fingertips. He seemed calm and composed, as if everything was under control.

However, that slightly furrowed brow revealed his inner worry and anxiety.

His eyes swept across the military reports, which detailed the critical situation in Luoyang: the enemy was at the gates of the city, the morale of the defenders was low, food and grass were running out, and the situation was precarious.

After reading the military report, Liu Chan remained calm and did not express his opinion immediately.

Every decision at this moment is related to the life and death of the Han Dynasty.

However, at this moment, Crown Prince Liu Si suddenly stood up and broke the silence in the hall.

He stood tall, his eyes were sharp, and his voice was firm and powerful: "Father, Luoyang is in danger, General Zhao Yun is fighting alone, I request immediate reinforcements to rescue him!"

As soon as these words were spoken, it was like throwing a stone into a calm lake, immediately causing ripples.

The generals behind him all requested to fight. They either waved their weapons, or shouted loudly, or knelt on one knee, asking Liu Chan to order reinforcements.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall was heated, as if the war had spread here.

However, Liu Chan just waved his hand. The movement was light and powerful, as if it had an invisible force, which made the hall quiet in an instant.

His deep gaze swept across everyone and finally fell on Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, was dressed in a crane cloak, holding a feather fan, with a gaunt face and a calm demeanor.

Liu Chan spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful: "Prime Minister, why is the food supply so slow? Our soldiers are fighting hard on the front line. If we fail because of insufficient food, how can I face the people of the world?"

He seemed to have expected Liu Chan to ask him this question, so he did not seem panicked.

Zhuge Liang immediately stepped forward, bowed, and spoke in a clear and firm voice: "Your Majesty, the slow supply of food and grass is actually caused by natural disasters and man-made disasters. The natural disasters are continuous droughts and floods, which have caused the fields to become barren and the grain production to decrease; the man-made disasters are frequent wars, which have displaced the people and made them unable to farm. The combination of these two has made it difficult for our army to raise food and grass."

Zhuge Liang said this, shaking his head slightly, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

The hardships and difficulties involved cannot be fully expressed in a few words.

However, Liu Chan did not seem satisfied with this answer.

He shook his head, his expression becoming more serious: "I think someone has been corrupted, only caring about enjoying wealth and glory, forgetting his original intention of serving the country and the people!"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

Civil officials and military generals all looked at him sideways, secretly wondering what Liu Chan meant by this.

However, no one dared to ask easily.

After all, at such a critical moment, any word or action could be regarded as a question or challenge to Liu Chan.

When Zhuge Liang heard this, he was also shocked.

He knew very well that what Liu Chan said was of great importance, and if handled improperly, it might cause turmoil in the court.

Therefore, after a moment's silence, he spoke again: "Your Majesty, I dare not boast of my achievements, but I have worked hard and devoted myself to the cause. Regarding the supply of food and fodder, I have done my best to urge officials from all regions to speed up the collection. However, natural disasters and man-made disasters are beyond human control. I hope Your Majesty will sympathize with our efforts."

After hearing what Zhuge Liang said, Liu Chan's expression eased a little.

Zhuge Liang worked hard for the Han Dynasty for many years and made an indelible contribution.

However, the worries in his heart did not completely dissipate.

He looked at Zhuge Liang deeply, as if he wanted to see through his eyes into his heart: "Prime Minister, I know you are loyal. However, state affairs are difficult, and I have to be cautious. After the court session, you must thoroughly investigate this matter to ensure that the soldiers on the front line have no worries."

When Zhuge Liang heard this, he was startled.

He was well aware of the weight of Liu Chan's words, and he also understood that the responsibility on his shoulders was even greater.

Therefore, he bowed and said, "I obey your order. I will do my best to find out the truth and ensure that food and fodder are supplied to the front line in a timely manner."

After saying this, Zhuge Liang turned and left.

He walked steadily and his back looked firm and powerful.

However, he secretly sighed in his heart: This world is difficult, when will there be a peaceful day?

At this time, the atmosphere in the hall was still solemn.

Liu Chan glanced at the crowd and thought to himself: Luoyang is in danger, Zhao Yun is fighting alone, if there is no timely reinforcement, there may be a danger of destruction.

However, what should we do if the supply of food and fodder is slow?
He was extremely anxious, but tried to remain calm.

When Crown Prince Liu Si saw this, he became extremely anxious.

He was well aware of his father's worries and anxieties, and also understood his own responsibilities and mission as the crown prince.

Therefore, he stood up again, bowed to Liu Chan and said: "Father, I am willing to lead the army to Luoyang to rescue General Zhao Yun. Although I am young and ignorant, I am willing to do my part for the Han Dynasty."

Liu Chan was moved when he heard this. He looked at the determined eyes and resolute expression of Crown Prince Liu Si, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

He knew very well that it would be somewhat dangerous for the prince to go there, but he also understood that this was a good opportunity to train the prince.

Therefore, after hesitating for a moment, he slowly said: "My son, it is good that you have such a determination. However, Luoyang is in danger and the enemy is strong. You must be careful when you go there. I will send generals to assist you and make sure that nothing goes wrong."

When Crown Prince Liu Si heard this, he was overjoyed.

He knew that his father had agreed to his request, and he also understood that the responsibility on his shoulders was even greater.

Therefore, he bowed and said, "I obey your order. I will do my best to rescue General Zhao Yun and live up to your trust."

After saying this, Crown Prince Liu Si turned around and walked down the hall.

The civil and military officials in the hall also stood up, bowed to Liu Chan and said, "We are willing to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to go to Luoyang to rescue General Zhao Yun."

Liu Chan just said: "I have already made an appointment!"

Sending troops to rescue Luoyang has now become a critical matter for the Han court. It concerns the safety of the country and cannot be slackened in the slightest.

However, the issue of logistics and food supplies is like a sword hanging over everyone's heart, constantly reminding everyone that this war is not just a fight on the battlefield, but also a contest of logistics and resources.

After the small court meeting was over, Liu Chan did not leave immediately, but stayed in the temporary council hall.

The flickering candlelight in the hall reflected on the magnificent golden beams and pillars, making it look particularly solemn.

Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne with a solemn expression and deep eyes.

"Prime Minister, please stay." Liu Chan's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating the silence in the hall.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang stopped, turned around and walked back to the front of the hall, bowed and saluted: "What do you want, Your Majesty?"

Liu Chan motioned Zhuge Liang to sit down, and he leaned forward, resting his hands on the armrests of the dragon chair, and said straight to the point: "In the past few years, our Han Dynasty has fought wars in the south and the north, and conquered thousands of miles of territory. However, many places have not had time to digest it, and the local powerful families have undoubtedly infiltrated the Han army. I heard that between You and Bing, the middle and lower-level officers of the Han army were married to their daughters, and given land, houses and slaves to win the hearts of the people. In Jizhou, there are even soldiers who enclosed land and forcibly took women. Isn't this behavior heartbreaking?"

Liu Chan's words revealed a deep worry, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes flashed with anger and helplessness.

The infiltration of these powerful families not only undermined the discipline of the Han army, but also posed a potential threat to the Han dynasty.

Zhuge Liang was silent for a moment, thinking secretly in his heart.

He knew that what Liu Chan said was true. He had also heard about these things, but he had never expected the situation to be so serious.

He nodded and replied, "Your Majesty is right. Such behavior does exist and is getting worse. If it is not stopped in time, it may lead to a disaster."

Liu Chan sighed and his expression became more solemn.

He stood up and paced in the hall, as if to release all the worries and anger in his heart: "This has happened before the world is unified. The logistics are certainly difficult to collect food and grass due to natural disasters and man-made disasters, but how can it not be caused by these people? They use their power to hoard food and grass, drive up prices, and make our army's logistics even more difficult. The Han Dynasty is my Han Dynasty, and I will never allow these people to do such absurd things!"

When Liu Chan got excited, he clenched his fists tightly, veins bulging, showing his inner anger and determination. He turned to look at Zhuge Liang, his eyes revealing determination and trust: "Prime Minister, you handle these matters. You must use thundering means and punish severely! Whether it is a powerful family or a scum in the army, they will all be punished according to the law, and there will be no leniency!"

When Zhuge Liang heard this, he was startled.

He was fully aware of the weight of Liu Chan's words and the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to handle this matter. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will move forward courageously and will never let your Majesty down."

Liu Chan nodded, his expression slightly relieved. He walked to Zhuge Liang, patted his shoulder, and said earnestly: "Prime Minister, I know you are loyal and have worked hard for the Han Dynasty for many years. However, the situation is extremely serious at the moment. In Luoyang, the Wei army is resisting stubbornly, and our army cannot increase its troops due to food and grass problems. If this continues, I am afraid something unexpected will happen. When I win a battle, those people will cheer; if I fail to win a battle, what thoughts will those people have? No one can predict!"

At this point, a trace of worry and concern flashed in Liu Chan's eyes.

The human heart is unpredictable and the world is unpredictable. In the smoke of war, people's loyalty and faith often cannot stand the test.

He was afraid that if the war was lost, those who had followed him would turn to the enemy or even betray the Han Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to ensure that there is no worry about logistics. At the same time, I will also strengthen military discipline and severely punish the scum in the army to ensure that the morale of the army is high and invincible!"

Liu Chan felt relieved when he heard this.

At this time, the night outside the palace was gradually darkening, and the moonlight shone through the window lattices onto the ground, appearing particularly cold and clear.

The flickering candlelight in the hall illuminated the faces of the two men, making them look particularly solemn and dignified.

Liu Chan and Zhuge Liang looked at each other and smiled, as if they had already seen the future victory and glory.

"Prime Minister, you should go and have a rest. You have to get up early tomorrow to handle government affairs." Liu Chan said softly, his eyes revealing concern and thoughtfulness.

Zhuge Liang shook his head and said with a smile: "Your Majesty has not yet gone to bed, how can I fall asleep? I am willing to accompany Your Majesty to discuss state affairs until dawn."

Liu Chan was moved when he heard this. He held Zhuge Liang's hand tightly and said affectionately: "Prime Minister, I feel at ease with you here. With you, the Han Dynasty will prosper."

It is not easy to thoroughly investigate corruption.

There are too many people involved behind the scenes.

This is an offensive job and one that requires skill.

Now, we have no choice but to let Kong Ming do it.

It was a dark night, and the temporary palace in Wude County was completely silent. The only sound was the wind howling outside the palace, blowing up the fallen leaves on the ground, making a rustling sound.

The candlelight in the hall flickered, casting a dim light.

Liu Chan walked slowly into the backyard with a hint of fatigue and irritability on his face.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a golden crown on his head. He had a thin face and his eyes revealed an indescribable complex emotion.

Today's court meeting made him feel very upset.

He walked into the bedroom, and the eunuch Huang Hao was already waiting inside.

Huang Hao was wearing a dark purple official uniform, with a round face and a look of shrewdness and flattery in his eyes.

He held a mahogany tray in his hand, on which were neatly placed twenty jade tablets, each of which was engraved with the name of a concubine.

"Your Majesty, it's late at night, it's time to turn over the cards." Huang Hao bowed and said, with a hint of flattery in his voice.

Liu Chan glanced at the jade plate on the tray, frowned slightly, and felt even more annoyed.

He had no intention of doing this, but today's boredom made it difficult for him to fall asleep. If he didn't vent a little, he would probably not be able to sleep all night.

His eyes swept across the jade plates, finally stopping on one engraved with the three words "Sun Luban".

Sun Luban was originally the Crown Princess of the Wei Emperor Cao Rui. Later, due to war, she fled to the Han Dynasty and was taken into the harem by Liu Chan.

This woman was extremely beautiful and had a noble temperament, but Liu Chan had never touched her, and he was always a little wary of her in his heart - after all, she was an old friend of the Wei State, and there was no guarantee that she would not have the intention of an assassin.

However, Liu Chan was in a confused mood today. The irritability and depression in his heart made him unable to care about these things.

He reached out and picked up Sun Luban's jade token, and said calmly, "Let Sun Luban come to bed with you."

When Huang Hao heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will arrange it right away."

Liu Chan waved his hand, signaling Huang Hao to leave. He sat on the dragon couch, looking deeply at the candlelight in the hall, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

The figure of Sun Luban appeared in his mind. Her appearance and temperament made him fall in love with her.

However, the vigilance and doubt always lingered in his mind, making it difficult for him to let go.

Soon, there was a slight sound of footsteps outside the hall. Sun Luban, wearing a lavender dress and a gauze, walked slowly into the hall.

Her face was extremely beautiful, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like autumn water, and there was a faint smile on her lips.

Her steps were light, like a lotus swaying in the wind, with a noble and elegant temperament.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Sun Luban bowed gracefully, her voice as pleasant as a clear spring.

Liu Chan looked up at her, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.

He whispered, "Stand up."

Sun Luban stood up, walked slowly to Liu Chan's side, and looked at him tenderly.

There was no trace of fear or vigilance in her eyes, but instead a hint of sadness and helplessness.

"Your Majesty seems to be in a bad mood today. Are you worried about the affairs of the court?" Sun Luban asked softly, with a hint of concern in her voice.

When Liu Chan heard this, he was slightly shocked.

He didn't expect Sun Luban to ask him about his concerns so directly.

He was silent for a moment, then sighed and whispered, "The military situation in Luoyang is urgent, Zhao Yun asked for help, but the food and grass supply has not arrived yet. I am upset and can't sleep."

Sun Luban heard this, and a complicated look flashed in her eyes. She whispered: "Your Majesty is working hard for state affairs, and I am also worried. But Your Majesty must take care of your health and not overwork yourself."

Liu Chan looked up at her, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He asked in a low voice: "Don't you hate me?"

Sun Luban was slightly startled when she heard this, then smiled bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, why do you say that? Since I have entered the harem of the Han Dynasty, I am your Majesty's person. Why would I hate you?"

Liu Chan was silent for a moment, then whispered: "You were originally the Crown Princess of Wei, but now you have ended up here, so you must feel resentful."

Sun Luban shook her head, tears flashing in her eyes. She whispered, "Your Majesty, although I was once the Crown Princess of Wei, that is a thing of the past. Now that Wei and Han are at war, I am also conflicted. But I know very well that Your Majesty treats me well, and I am grateful."

Liu Chan was slightly shocked when he heard this. He did not expect Sun Luban to be so frank. He reached out and held Sun Luban's hand, whispering: "I have not touched you because I have doubts in my heart. After hearing what you said today, I know that I was worrying too much."

Sun Luban smiled slightly, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

She whispered, "Your Majesty, don't worry too much. Your Majesty is the only one in my heart."

When Liu Chan heard this, the irritability and depression in his heart immediately dissipated a lot.

He stretched out his hand and took Sun Luban into his arms, whispering, "Tonight, let me accompany you well."

Sun Luban snuggled in Liu Chan's arms, a complicated look flashed in her eyes.

She felt both helpless and relieved.

One's own destiny is no longer in one's control. Only by obeying fate can one find a glimmer of hope for survival in this troubled world.

The candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere in the hall gradually became warm and peaceful.

The boredom and depression in Liu Chan's heart were temporarily released at this moment, and a faint ripple also appeared in Sun Luban's heart.

The night was dark and the wind was still blowing, but the two people in the hall seemed to be in another world, temporarily forgetting the disputes and troubles in the outside world.

However, in the confusion, Sun Luban heard the voice of Empress Dowager Guo in her ears.

Can killing one person really preserve the State of Wei and bring peace to the world? (End of this chapter)