Shuhan

Wude County.

A temporary palace in the city.

Inside the palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the carved beams and painted buildings, making it look exceptionally luxurious.

At this time, it was dinner time. In a dining hall of the palace, Liu Chan, the last emperor of Shu, was having dinner with his concubines Sun Luban and Sun Luyu.

Sun Luban and Sun Luyu were both stunningly beautiful and could be described as stunning beauties.

Sun Luban was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe embroidered with exquisite patterns, which set off her graceful figure, as if she was a fairy from heaven.

Her face is as beautiful as a flower, her eyebrows are as dark as distant ink, her eyes are like autumn water, and her glances are graceful and charming.

Sun Luyu was dressed in plain and elegant clothes, fresh and refined, like a solitary orchid in a valley.

Her face was as round as jade, her eyes and eyebrows revealed a sense of intelligence, the corners of her mouth were slightly raised, with a faint smile, making people feel like spring breeze.

On the dining table, a wide variety of delicious food was neatly arranged, the aroma was overflowing, and it made people salivate.

There are tender and delicious fish, fragrant roast duck, and a variety of cakes, fruits and vegetables, all of which are delicious in color, aroma and taste. At first glance, you can tell that they are made by the royal chefs.

However, Liu Chan had no intention of enjoying these delicacies. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of anxiety and sorrow.

He gently put down the chopsticks in his hand, sighed, and glanced at Sun Luban and Sun Luyu, and slowly said: "Now the treasury is empty and there is a shortage of money and food. I am really worried. I wonder if the two beloved concubines have a good plan. How can we raise enough money and food to meet the emergency needs?"

Sun Luyu was slightly stunned when she heard this, then shook her head and said softly: "Your Majesty, this is a man's matter. I am a woman, how can I understand this? Please don't embarrass me."

Her voice was soft and sweet, like a yellow oriole singing in a valley, but with a hint of helplessness and refusal.

Sun Luban's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and she raised a cold smile and said slowly: "Your Majesty, why should you worry so much? The noble families have abundant food and grass. As long as you squeeze them, you are not afraid of not being able to raise money and food? No matter what means you use, as long as you can achieve your goal, why not?"

After hearing what Sun Luban said, Liu Chan frowned even more.

He thought to himself: "Although Sun Luban is smart, she is too cruel. If I really do what she says, it will probably provoke rebellion from the family, and then the gain will outweigh the loss."

He shook his head and said in a deep voice: "My beloved concubine, this is wrong. The aristocratic families have great power. If we act rashly against them, it may cause unnecessary trouble. This matter needs to be considered carefully."

Seeing this, Sun Luyu sighed inwardly, "I know what my sister is thinking, but this move is too risky. If we really anger the noble family, the consequences will be disastrous."

She gently pulled Sun Luban's sleeve, signaling her not to say anything more.

Seeing this, Liu Chan understood the two concubines' thoughts. He smiled slightly and tried to ease the atmosphere: "My two concubines, please don't be like this. I just asked casually, not really asking you to come up with any good ideas. Come, let's continue eating, don't let these trivial matters ruin our mood."

As he spoke, he reached out and picked up a piece of fish, put it in Sun Luban's bowl, and said softly: "My beloved, this fish is tender and delicious, you try it."

Seeing this, Sun Luban felt warm in her heart. She knew that Liu Chan was trying to comfort her, so she forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

However, the sadness in her heart did not go away.

She thought to herself, "Although your majesty appears calm on the surface, he must be very anxious in his heart. This matter of raising money and grain is related to the safety of the country. If it is not resolved as soon as possible, I am afraid the consequences will be disastrous."

She couldn't help but look at Liu Chan with some worry.

Liu Chan seemed to be aware of Sun Luban's worries. He smiled slightly, trying to make himself look more relaxed: "Don't worry, my beloved concubine. I know what to do. I believe that there will always be a way out."

As he spoke, he picked up the wine glass and took a sip, his eyes revealing a hint of firmness and determination.

Seeing this, Sun Luyu felt a little more at ease.

She said softly, "Your Majesty is right. There is always a way out. We will definitely find a way."

Her voice was gentle and firm, as if she was cheering Liu Chan up.

The next day, as the sky brightened, the flickering candlelight in the hall reflected on the magnificent golden walls, making it look particularly solemn and mysterious.

In the main hall, the eunuch Huang Hao was holding a memorial carefully and walking towards Liu Chan in front of the throne step by step.

He was dressed in gorgeous eunuch attire, a tall hat, and light powder on his face. His eyes revealed a hint of caution and respect.

Liu Chan sat upright on the throne, wearing a dragon robe and a crown on his head. His face looked a little tired, but there was a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

He took the memorial handed over by Huang Hao, flipped through it casually, and seemed to have thought of something. Suddenly, he raised his head and looked at Huang Hao with sharp eyes.

"Huang Hao, you have followed me for many years. Have you ever had any special wishes?" Liu Chan's voice was low and powerful, as if it could penetrate people's hearts.

Huang Hao was shocked when he heard this, wondering why the emperor suddenly asked this question. He knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head, his heart pounding, afraid that he had said something wrong.

"Your Majesty, I only wish to serve you, and I have no other requests."

Huang Hao's voice trembled a little. He knew Liu Chan's temper very well and was afraid that he would offend the emperor by accident.

Liu Chan laughed, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes: "But I need it. Now the military rations are insufficient. I need someone to raise military rations for me, no matter what method is used. There are some things that I cannot do, but you can do it. Do you dare to do it, Chao Cuo?"

Huang Hao's heart was shocked when he heard this.

Chao Cuo was a famous official in the Western Han Dynasty, but he was killed by Emperor Jing of Han because of his policy of reducing the power of the feudal lords.

Liu Chan's words were undoubtedly hinting to him that this matter might endanger his life.

Fine beads of sweat oozed out of Huang Hao's forehead. He felt mixed emotions, fear but also a hint of anticipation.

He slowly raised his head and looked at Liu Chan, only to see that Liu Chan's eyes were full of expectation and determination.

Huang Hao knew in his heart that this was a test from Liu Chan and also an opportunity for him to rise to prominence.

He gritted his teeth and thought to himself, "Your Majesty is not Emperor Jing of Han, and I, Huang Hao, may not end up like Chao Cuo. As long as I do this well, I may be able to gain your majesty's favor and become a person second only to the emperor."

Thinking of this, Huang Hao felt an inexplicable courage surge in his heart.

He kowtowed repeatedly and said in a firm voice: "I am willing to go through fire and water for your majesty, and I will do anything for you!"

When Liu Chan heard this, a gleam of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

He nodded gently, with a hint of approval in his tone: "Okay, Huang Hao, I didn't misjudge you. I'll leave this matter to you. No matter what method you use, as long as you can raise military rations, I will forgive you."

Huang Hao was delighted.

He kowtowed to express his gratitude, with a hint of excitement in his voice: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I will do my best to raise enough military rations for Your Majesty."

Liu Chan waved his hand, signaling Huang Hao to step back.

Huang Hao stood up, bowed respectfully, then turned and left the hall.

The moment he walked out of the hall, the sunlight shone on him, as if covering him with a golden halo.

He took a deep breath and vowed to himself: "I must do this well and let His Majesty see my ability."

Inside the hall, Liu Chan sat alone on the throne, with a deep light flashing in his eyes.

He knew in his heart that although Huang Hao was greedy and cunning, he was the most useful person at a time like this.

As long as Huang Hao could raise enough military supplies, he wouldn't mind giving Huang Hao more power and status.

However, Liu Chan also knew in his heart that this was not an easy task.

The collection of military rations involves interests and relationships from all aspects, and if one is not careful it may cause chaos and turmoil.

But he believed that Huang Hao would try every means to complete the task because he knew Huang Hao's desire and pursuit of power.

If one has more skills, it would not be a bad idea to act like Heshen during the reign of Emperor Qianlong.

But if your wrist is not high enough
It's just a fat pig.

After Huang Hao walked out of the hall, he did not leave the palace directly.

He came to a secluded corner where there was a small pavilion, which was where he usually rested and thought.

He sat in the pavilion, looking at the palace and the sky in the distance, with a thousand thoughts in his mind.

"Although this matter is dangerous, it is also an opportunity for me to rise to prominence." Huang Hao thought to himself.

"I must come up with a foolproof plan that can both raise enough military rations and not offend too many forces."

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to think about a plan to raise military rations.

Various ideas and plans flashed through his mind, some feasible and some not. But he did not give up, but continued to think and ponder.

After thinking about it over and over again, Huang Hao's heart was like a surging river and sea, and he couldn't calm down for a long time.

The matter of raising food and fodder is of great importance to the country. If you are not careful, you may bring about fatal disaster.

But if you don't want to offend others and want to raise enough food and grass in the shortest time possible, there seems to be only one feasible way - selling official positions and titles!
As soon as this thought came to mind, Huang Hao's heart trembled violently.

Official positions and titles are what those who have money and food dream of.

Only by giving them official positions and titles will they willingly donate food.

However, this is after all an act that goes against the imperial order and is immoral. Once it is exposed, wouldn't Huang Hao be infamous for all eternity?
Huang Hao sat in the pavilion, the candlelight around him flickering, illuminating his slightly pale face.

His brows were furrowed, and his eyes flickered with hesitation and uneasiness.

He thought to himself: "Can I bear such a crime? Will Your Majesty protect me? Although I, Huang Hao, am greedy for money and power, I will not destroy my future and life for power, right?"

However, on second thought, Huang Hao felt that he had no choice.

If I can't even do this job, how can I be qualified to be a eunuch who is second only to the emperor?
Huang Hao had come a long way and had gone through countless hardships before he reached his current position. How could he back down just because of a little difficulty?
What's more, His Majesty has already hinted to him.

His Majesty's deep eyes and firm tone seemed to still echo in his ears.

Your Majesty needs him. He needs him to raise food and fodder for the Han Dynasty and he needs him to contribute his strength to the great cause.

How could he, Huang Hao, disappoint Your Majesty's expectations?
Thinking of this, Huang Hao's eyes gradually became firm.

He stood up and paced back and forth in the pavilion, thinking about how to implement this plan.

We must proceed with caution in this matter. Once the news leaks out, the consequences will be disastrous.

Finally, Huang Hao made up his mind.

He immediately summoned several trusted eunuchs and whispered, "Spread the news immediately and say that I, Huang Hao, will be selling official titles in the West Garden of Wude County in ten days. The positions are limited, and the highest bidder will win!!"

Upon hearing this, the trusted eunuchs showed surprise on their faces.

They knew very well that selling official positions and titles was a serious violation of the imperial order. Once exposed, not only Huang Hao would suffer, but they, their subordinates, would also be in trouble.

However, they did not dare to disobey Huang Hao's orders and could only agree to it.

Huang Hao looked at their departing backs and sneered in his heart.

Although these people appear loyal to him on the surface, they may not be without selfish motives deep down in their hearts.

However, he didn't care about that. He just needed them to do things for him and pass on his orders.

Ten days later, Xiyuan in Wude County became extremely lively.

Rich people and gentlemen from all walks of life flocked to the scene, some riding in carriages or on tall horses, all of them dressed in gorgeous clothes and looking very dignified.

They all came for one purpose - to buy official positions and titles!
Huang Hao stood at the gate of the West Garden, dressed in gorgeous eunuch clothing, a tall hat, and light powder on his face.

There was a cunning gleam in his eyes as he looked at the wealthy and gentlemen who flocked to him, feeling secretly proud.

He knew that his plan had succeeded in the first step.

When those wealthy people and gentlemen saw Huang Hao, they immediately dismounted from their horses and sedan chairs, bowed and greeted him respectfully.

Huang Hao is a popular figure around Your Majesty and an important force in the Han court.

In particular, Your Majesty actually gave Huang Hao the same power as the Ten Attendants during the time of Emperor Ling.

If they wanted to buy official positions and titles, they had to please Huang Hao.

Huang Hao smiled and nodded, motioning them to enter the West Garden.

He thought to himself, "These people are all rich and powerful. They will definitely spend a lot of money to buy official positions and titles. I just need to raise the price high, and I can raise enough food and fodder."

As Huang Hao expected, as soon as those wealthy people and gentlemen entered the West Garden, they began to compete to bid for official positions and titles.

Some of them offered thousands of gold, some offered tens of thousands of gold, and some even offered higher.

Huang Hao was delighted as he looked at the rising prices.

He knew that his plan had been largely successful.

However, Huang Hao did not get carried away by this.

There are still huge risks in this matter.

Once someone expresses dissatisfaction with the buying and selling of official titles, Huang Hao might be doomed.

Therefore, the official titles purchased were all in places that Wei had not yet occupied.

of course
It's just a cautious start.

As time went on, the noise became louder and louder, and it was simply impossible to conceal it.

He was not only selling official positions in territories that the Han Dynasty had not yet occupied, but even existing official positions and titles were put up for trade. This undoubtedly touched the bottom line of the court and also touched the sensitive nerves of the officials.

As the news spread, all officials were in an uproar, and impeachment memorials flew towards the temporary palace like snowflakes.

Every word in those memorials was an accusation and criticism against Huang Hao, demanding that the emperor severely punish him and restore order in the court.

However, the emperor seemed to turn a deaf ear to the matter and did not respond for several days.

This made all the officials feel confused and worried. They didn't know what the emperor's intention was. Was he going to condone Huang Hao's misbehavior?
Huang Hao was secretly pleased when he saw this.

He understood that the emperor's inaction was undoubtedly a form of tacit approval and support for him.

As a result, he became bolder and began to sell official positions and titles openly without any scruples.

In the West Garden, Huang Hao set up stalls with plaques of various official positions and titles, waiting for buyers to come and choose.

And those buyers were all wealthy and powerful people. For power, fame or fortune, they flocked to Xiyuan and competed to bid.

Huang Hao's methods of accepting bribes became increasingly diverse. He not only accepted money, food, and military equipment, but even beautiful women and silk.

He smiled from ear to ear and never turned away any buyer. As long as they had money and property, they could buy the official position and title they wanted.

For a moment, Xiyuan was filled with smoke and chaos.

Some of those who bought official positions and titles proudly showed off their new identities, some were busy preparing for taking office, and more were wandering in the West Garden, looking for the next trading opportunity.

When the officials saw this, they became even more indignant.

Huang Hao's actions have seriously undermined the order of the court. If they are not stopped, the consequences will be disastrous.

However, the emperor still ignored the matter, leaving them helpless.

Huang Hao, however, didn't care at all about the indignation and accusations of the officials.

He continued to sell official positions and titles in Xiyuan, accept bribes, and enjoy the pleasure brought by power and money.

He secretly thought in his heart: "As long as the emperor does not interfere, I can continue to do this. When I have accumulated enough money and influence, even if the emperor wants to touch me, he will have to think twice!"

There is no doubt that under the flattery of those who sell official positions, Huang Hao, who used to be only a servant, has become very arrogant! (End of this chapter)