Shuhan

The sky in Wude County is gray, and the morning mist lingers between the ancient city walls and the staggered eaves, adding a touch of mystery and solemnity to this ancient city.

The temporary prime minister's residence was located in a corner of the county town. The vermilion gate was particularly eye-catching in the morning light. A large number of officials had gathered outside the gate.

They were either standing or sitting, looking anxious, and talking in low voices about the shocking events that had taken place in the court recently.

Recently, the eunuch Huang Hao openly sold official positions and titles in Xiyuan. This matter spread quickly like wildfire throughout the court and the country, causing an uproar.

All the officials were filled with righteous indignation. They knew very well that such actions not only undermined the government but also shook the foundation of the country.

However, their impeachment fell on deaf ears and they never received a response from the emperor.

In desperation, they had to come to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang.

The door of the Prime Minister's Mansion slowly opened, and the scene inside gradually came into view.

The courtyard inside the mansion is deep and shaded by green trees. On both sides of the bluestone paths, there are lush flowers and plants, and the fragrance is fragrant.

However, at this moment, there was a depressing atmosphere in the mansion, and the servants were walking in a hurry, as if they were preparing for the coming storm.

Zhuge Liang sat in his study, with his desk piled with documents and books.

He was dressed in a simple Confucian robe and a silk scarf on his head. He had a gaunt face and deep, wise eyes.

He had already known about Huang Hao's selling of official positions and titles, and had already been thinking about it.

He gently stroked the feather fan on the table, thinking to himself: "How could a mere Huang Hao deceive Your Majesty? Your Majesty must be using the name of selling official positions to secretly collect food and money for emergency use. However, Your Majesty's move is extremely risky. If it is not handled properly, it may cause turmoil in the court and the country. I wonder how Your Majesty plans to end it."

Just as Zhuge Liang was deep in thought, a servant's voice came from outside the door: "Prime Minister, a large number of officials are outside the palace asking to see you."

Zhuge Liang nodded slightly and signaled his attendants to let them in.

A moment later, the ministers filed in. They all had solemn expressions and steady steps, and it was obvious that they attached great importance to this matter.

After entering the study, the ministers bowed and greeted Zhuge Liang one after another.

Zhuge Liang stood up to return the greeting, his eyes swept over the crowd, and he already had a plan in mind.

He slowly said, "Everyone, I have long known about Huang Hao's selling of official positions and titles. This matter concerns the state system, so I will naturally not sit idly by. However, there is another hidden story behind this matter, which requires long-term consideration."

Upon hearing this, the ministers all looked surprised.

One of the elderly ministers stepped forward and said, "Prime Minister, Huang Hao's actions have seriously undermined the government. If it is not stopped in time, it may lead to a disaster. We submitted an impeachment petition, but did not receive a reply from Your Majesty. This is really worrying."

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right. Huang Hao's behavior is indeed outrageous. However, Your Majesty has his own plans. I believe Your Majesty will handle this matter properly. My lords, please be patient. I have my own ideas."

As he spoke, Zhuge Liang stood up and walked to the window, staring at the hazy morning light outside, secretly thinking about his next plan in his mind.

If this matter is not handled properly, it will inevitably cause turmoil in the government and the country, and may even endanger the safety of the country.

Therefore, he must proceed with caution to ensure nothing goes wrong.

The ministers felt somewhat comforted when they saw that Zhuge Liang was confident.

They all sat around Zhuge Liang and listened to his strategies.

Zhuge Liang turned around, his eyes firm and deep, he slowly said: "Everyone, I have decided to personally go to the palace to meet your majesty and explain the interests involved. I believe your majesty will distinguish right from wrong and make the right decision."

Upon hearing this, the ministers nodded in agreement.

A young official stood up and said, "Prime Minister, we are willing to follow you into the palace and meet your Majesty together to show our loyalty to the court."

Zhuge Liang smiled and shook his head, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, but this matter is of great importance, and it would be inconvenient if too many people were present. I can go into the palace alone, and you gentlemen please wait for news here."

As he spoke, Zhuge Liang turned and walked to the corner of the study, picked up a cloak and put it on.

"Everyone, I will do my best to eliminate this traitor for the court. Please wait for good news."

Upon hearing this, the ministers stood up and saluted, watching Zhuge Liang walk out of the study.

When Zhuge Liang walked out of the Prime Minister's Mansion, he saw that a large number of officials and common people had already gathered outside the mansion.

When they saw Zhuge Liang walking out of the mansion, they all made way for him, their eyes full of expectation and admiration.

Zhuge Liang smiled and nodded to them, indicating that they should wait for news with peace of mind.

Then he set out on the road to the palace.

Along the way, he had a lot of thoughts in his mind, worrying about His Majesty's decision and the turmoil in the court and the country.

But he knew very well that as prime minister, he had to shoulder this heavy responsibility and seek the welfare of the court and the people.

When he arrived at the gate of the palace, he saw that the gate was towering and heavily guarded.

He showed the prime minister's token, and the guards bowed and made way for him.

Zhuge Liang walked into the palace, passing through the well-arranged palaces and corridors.

He was secretly thinking about how to explain the interests to His Majesty and how to convince His Majesty to make the right decision.

Finally, he arrived at the hall where His Majesty handled matters.

The hall was brightly lit with candles, and His Majesty was sitting at his desk reviewing memorials.

When he saw Zhuge Liang come in, he raised his head slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

After Zhuge Liang bowed and greeted him, he got straight to the point and said, "Your Majesty, recently Huang Hao's selling of official positions and titles in Xiyuan has caused a stir in the court and the country. I have come here to explain the interests involved."

Upon hearing this, His Majesty put down his pen, stared at Zhuge Liang, and said, "What do you mean by this, Prime Minister?"

Zhuge Liang was startled, but he quickly calmed down and said, "Your Majesty, Huang Hao's actions have seriously undermined the government. If it is not stopped in time, it may cause unrest in the court and the country. I know that Your Majesty has his own thoughts, but this matter concerns the safety of the country, and I have to risk my life to make suggestions."

His Majesty was silent for a moment after hearing this and then slowly said: "What the Prime Minister said is very true. Huang Hao's actions are indeed questionable. However, I have my own ideas, and the Prime Minister does not need to worry too much."

Seeing that His Majesty was determined, Zhuge Liang became secretly anxious.

He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, there would be endless troubles. So he spoke again and advised: "Your Majesty, Huang Hao's actions have caused dissatisfaction among the government and the people. If it is not stopped in time, it may lose the support of the people. I beg Your Majesty to think twice before acting."

The atmosphere inside the temporary palace was as solemn as the calm before a storm.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon throne with a frown on his face and an unprecedented determination in his eyes.

Under the hall, Zhuge Liang was wearing a crane cloak, holding a feather fan, with a calm face, but he could not hide the slight emotion in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, this is the evil deeds done by Huang Hao, and the memorials submitted by all the officials!"

Zhuge Liang immediately handed over the report and stepped forward.

Huang Hao, the once popular figure around Liu Chan, has now become the target of public criticism.

He abused his power to openly sell official positions and titles in Xiyuan. This move not only undermined the court order, but also caused an uproar inside and outside the court.

The spies planted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs next to Huang Hao kept bringing shocking news: the wealth Huang Hao had hidden away was actually worth billions!

This number was enough to make any honest person dumbfounded, and it also caused an unprecedented chill in Liu Chan's heart.

Inside the hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated Liu Chan's gloomy face.

He spoke slowly, his voice full of unquestionable firmness: "Prime Minister, you have heard about Huang Hao's affairs. Although he raised military rations for me, his actions were truly treasonous! As the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, how can I tolerate such a treacherous person doing evil under my nose!"

Zhuge Liang was shocked when he heard this.

He looked up at Liu Chan, and saw that Liu Chan's eyes no longer had the gentleness and hesitation of the past, but were replaced by a determination and coldness.

Zhuge Liang knew very well that Huang Hao was originally a person close to Liu Chan. Now Liu Chan was so determined. It was really a big move. His heart was as cold as iron and he showed no mercy at all.

Liu Chan continued, "I wanted to give him a chance to reform out of consideration for our old friendship, but now it seems that he is beyond redemption. The court is in turmoil, and the people are resentful. I can no longer sit idly by. Prime Minister, please capture the group of people who bought and sold official positions. I will punish them severely! As for the leader of the thieves, Huang Hao, behead him immediately to serve as a warning to others! The rest of the accomplices will be punished according to their crimes, and no one can be spared! All those who bought official positions will be detained and await their fate!"

Liu Chan's words, like ice, penetrated every corner of the hall.

After hearing this, Zhuge Liang felt mixed emotions.

Huang Hao's death is a foregone conclusion.

But what surprised him was that Liu Chan was so decisive, not caring about their past friendship at all. Was this still the Liu Chan he once knew?
Zhuge Liang pondered for a moment, and finally spoke: "Your Majesty, Huang Hao's crime is indeed unforgivable. But I think this matter involves a lot of things, and we need to think about it carefully. I am willing to follow your order to arrest those who bought and sold official positions, but your Majesty needs to think twice before acting on Huang Hao's death."

When Liu Chan heard this, he frowned and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

He said in a deep voice: "Prime Minister, I have made up my mind. There is no need to discuss it further. Huang Hao's crimes are witnessed by heaven and earth. If I do not punish him severely, how can I appease the people's anger? How can I rectify the government?"

Seeing Liu Chan's firm attitude, Zhuge Liang sighed inwardly.

At this moment, Liu Chan was no longer the monarch who could be easily persuaded.

He slowly stood up, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I obey your order. But I hope that Your Majesty can learn from this and be more cautious in employing people in the future, and never let treacherous people take advantage of you again."

After hearing this, Liu Chan nodded slightly, with a complicated look in his eyes.

Every word Zhuge Liang said makes sense.

But at this moment, his heart was filled with anger and disappointment towards Huang Hao.

It seems that a talent like Heshen is indeed not something that ordinary people can achieve.

Qianlong was lucky to have Heshen.

Liu Chan waved his hand, signaling Zhuge Liang to leave.

Zhuge Liang turned and walked out of the hall, but his heart was unsettled.

He looked back at the lofty dragon throne with mixed feelings.

Walking out of the hall, Zhuge Liang ran into the commander of the imperial guards who was walking hurriedly.

The commander of the imperial guards was shocked to see Zhuge Liang's solemn expression. He quickly bowed and said, "Prime Minister, His Majesty has ordered the arrest of those who buy and sell official positions. I have come to ask the Prime Minister for instructions on what to do."

Zhuge Liang came to his senses after hearing this.

He said in a deep voice: "Go and pass the order quickly, have the imperial guards dispatched immediately to capture all those involved in the case. No mistakes can be made!"

At the same time, there was a panic in the West Garden.

Huang Hao sat in the hall, his face pale and his eyes full of fear and despair.

He knew very well that his end had come.

He looked around and saw the servants fleeing one after another, and no one was willing to stay with him to face the impending doom.

At this moment, the imperial guards entered one after another.

When Huang Hao saw this, his heart suddenly tightened, as if a chill was running from the soles of his feet straight up to his heart.

His eyes widened with disbelief and fear, and he stood up trembling.

His legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead, and every step seemed so difficult.

He tried to make a final struggle, his voice trembling with reluctance: "You, what are you doing? I am someone close to His Majesty, how dare you touch me? I have made great contributions to His Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, the commander of the imperial guards curled up the corner of his mouth in a sneer that was full of ridicule and disdain.

His eyes were as sharp as torches as he stared at Huang Hao, as if he could see through him.

His voice was as cold as iron, and every word was like a hammer, hitting Huang Hao's heart: "Huang Hao, you are guilty of heinous crimes, corruption, selling official positions, and undermining the government. His Majesty has ordered your beheading! What else do you have to say? Do you think you can do whatever you want just by hiding beside His Majesty? Humph, naive!"

Huang Hao was struck by lightning when he heard this. All his strength seemed to be drained away and he collapsed to the ground.

There was a glimmer of despair in his eyes, a fear of death and despair of losing everything.

His face became distorted and the corners of his mouth twitched, as if he could not accept this cruel fact.

His heart was filled with resentment and dissatisfaction towards Liu Chan. He thought of countless possibilities, but he never imagined that the emperor, whom he once trusted so much, would actually order his beheading.

At this time, Huang Hao's mansion was in chaos.

The servants fled in all directions, some crying and shouting, while others took the opportunity to steal property.

The once prosperous and bustling mansion is now like a ruin, full of desolation and bleakness.

The sky outside seemed to become gloomy, with dark clouds covering it, as if even the heavens were sighing for Huang Hao's misfortune.

The commander of the imperial guards looked at Huang Hao who was slumped on the ground. A trace of pity flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

He knew very well that his duty was to carry out His Majesty's orders, no matter who they were directed to.

He waved his hand, signaling his men to take Huang Hao away.

Two imperial guards stepped forward, lifted Huang Hao's arms, and dragged him up.

Huang Hao was carried and staggered out of the mansion.

His eyes were empty and lifeless, as if he had lost his soul.

His heart was filled with resentment and resentment, and he didn't understand why he had ended up like this.

He used to be so glorious and proud, but now he is like a stray dog, being led towards death.

I really made the mistake.

Your Majesty is even more ruthless than Emperor Jing!
On the street, people stopped to watch and talk about it.

Some people had a glimmer of sympathy in their eyes, while others were filled with indignation, as if Huang Hao's downfall was the result they had been expecting for a long time.

Huang Hao felt even more distressed as he listened to these discussions.

He thought about resisting and begging for mercy, but he knew it was too late.

Finally, Huang Hao was taken to the East Market.

When Huang Hao was taken to the execution ground, everything became quiet.

People gathered around and looked at this eunuch who had once been so powerful but now looked like a lamb to be slaughtered.

Huang Hao was taken to the execution ground, his eyes filled with despair and fear.

He looked at the shining blade and felt an unprecedented fear in his heart.

He thought about escaping and resisting, but he knew that all this was impossible.

He could only wait silently for death to come.

The executioner came forward, his face grim and cruel.

He looked at Huang Hao, then shook his head, as if sighing for Huang Hao's downfall.

However, he held the blade tightly in his hand, ready to carry out His Majesty's orders.

At this moment, a gust of wind blew up Huang Hao's clothes. His thin body trembled in the wind, as if he might fall down at any time.

There was a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if he was recalling his past glory days.

However, all this is now in the past.

The executioner raised the blade high and swung it violently.

In an instant, blood splattered everywhere, and Huang Hao's head fell to the ground. His body also fell down powerlessly, like a body without a soul.

Cheers broke out in the crowd, and people praised Your Majesty for his wisdom and finally getting rid of this treacherous person who was bringing disaster to the country and the people.

There were cheers from all walks of life, both in the government and the public, but also some different voices.

While Liu Chan was in the palace, listening to the cheers coming from outside, he did not feel much joy in his heart.

All officials submitted their reports.

It seems that there is still a force causing trouble in the court! (End of this chapter)