My younger brother Lü Fengxian

Chapter 333 Intensification

"Well, I also think this is ridiculous and abominable."

"Even my uncle, the current emperor's uncle, was murdered in the Luoyang Palace. There is simply no law."

"You can investigate it!"

Unlike others who looked down on Liu Bian, Lu Yi had been extremely respectful to Liu Bian since the beginning of his protection of the emperor, asking him questions and reporting on everything.

Therefore, Liu Bian's trust in Lu Yi was beyond measure.

Especially since Lu Yi was not some powerless lone minister, he was an important official holding the power of a state.

This made Liu Bian value Lu Yi even more.

Lu Yi's repeated audiences with the emperor also helped Liu Bian gain confidence and see hope for ruling the country himself, so he naturally accepted Lu Yi's request.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will serve you loyally, investigate the treacherous and corrupt officials, and restore peace and prosperity to Luoyang!"

After Lu Yi achieved his goal, he bowed and left.

Just when passing through the gate, he replaced Lu Bu with two young generals, Zhang Liao and Zhang He.

Investigating the case was just Lu Yi's excuse. His real purpose was to use the excuse of investigating the case to kill people and eliminate dissidents.

Once the murderous intention arises, how can one not have a sharp blade in hand?

Just after Lu Yi left, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong served Emperor Liu Bian and took a rest.

The two of them hurriedly retreated to a safe side hall.

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong discussed the matter in a low voice.

"Your Majesty has already begun to suspect He Jin's death. I'm afraid one day he will suspect us."

"Moreover, everyone in Luoyang knows that we killed He Jin, except the emperor."

Zhao Zhong said in a deep voice.

"Instead of letting the emperor break this window paper, why don't we break it ourselves first!"

After Zhang Rang was silent for a moment, his expression suddenly became gloomy.

"Brother Zhang, what do you mean?"

Zhao Zhong was shocked when he heard this.

"Instead of all of us, the Ten Eunuchs, being buried with He Jin, it would be better to push forward two scapegoats. This way, more of us can survive!"

"And this way, it will be easier for us to get through to the Marquis of Jin."

Zhang Rang said cruelly.

"Oh, this is the only way!"

Zhao Zhong could only nod when he heard this.

As I said, I would rather my fellow Taoist die than let myself die.

Two people dying or nine people dying, this is not a difficult choice.

What's more, his own life is at stake.

Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong picked out two unlucky guys in just a few words.

However, this kind of thing cannot be done again in the short term.

It can be one, it can be two, it can't be three.

If the other Ten Attendants were forced into a corner, they might even sacrifice Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.

"Dong dong..."

There was a knock on the door, and Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong immediately shut up.

"Come in!"

Zhang Rang gave an order in a deep voice, and a eunuch led a palace maid hurriedly into the side hall.

"What's the matter?"

Zhang Rang looked and found that the palace maid was the one who had just helped Lu Yi bathe and change clothes. He couldn't help but tremble in his heart and asked hurriedly.

Upon hearing this, the eunuch immediately leaned close to Zhang Rang's ear and whispered, pointing at the woman behind him as he spoke.

"Okay, I see."

Zhang Rang nodded, and found that the palace maid was still standing quietly by the side with her head down, so he slapped the eunuch's neck with his palm. The meaning was obvious, and the eunuch's legs could not help but tremble.

"Be more clean."

After Zhang Rang finished speaking, he waved the two men away, but for some reason his right hand suddenly began to tremble violently, and no matter how he rubbed it, it would not calm down.

"Brother Zhang, what happened that could make you so excited?"

Zhao Zhong and Zhang Rang have been colleagues for decades. They have done countless unscrupulous things together, and they are so familiar with each other that they are almost like wearing the same underwear.

He knew very well that Zhang Rang was a ruthless man who would remain calm in the face of adversity.

Therefore, Zhao Zhong was surprised when he saw this and asked quickly.

"Brother Zhao, do you know that I discovered a big secret today?"

At this time, not only were Zhang Rang's hands shaking, but even his entire body was shaking with excitement.

"The big secret?"

"How big is it?"

Zhao Zhong became even more confused after hearing this.

“Bigger than the sky!”

Zhang Rang couldn't help laughing excitedly three times, and suddenly pointed upwards.

"Ok?"

Zhao Zhong was shocked and stood still.

……

After receiving the emperor's edict, Lu Yi immediately began to investigate the Luoyang coup.

In just half a day, Lu Yi had already obtained a large amount of evidence.

After obtaining the evidence, Lu Yi immediately summoned the ministers and began to investigate the matter thoroughly.

"The day before yesterday, the Luoyang Palace City Incident occurred. Not only did General He Jin die, but even the Emperor and Prince Chenliu were forced to tour the outskirts of Luoyang."

"This is extremely treasonous. As the Prefect of the Guards, I have received the Emperor's edict and am here to hear this matter."

In the office of the Praefectus Imperialus, not only were all the officials present, but even Dong Zhuo was sitting there.

"The Marquis of Jin is right. Those ten eunuchs who killed the ministers should be executed. Please enforce the law impartially!"

As soon as Lu Yi finished speaking, Yuan Shao, a member of the Yuan family who was angry because Lu Yi had picked his peaches, immediately stepped forward and spoke.

"How to investigate and who to investigate first is my business. Captain Si Li should just do it well first! It won't be too late for you to speak when I ask you!"

"Moreover, our dynasty has a law that those who make false accusations will be punished. I hope the lieutenant of the imperial court will take care of themselves and not ruin their lives!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yi could not help but snort coldly, showing no mercy to Yuan Shao at all, which caused an uproar among the officials.

Although the Yuan family had three high-ranking officials for four generations and held powerful positions, Lu Yi was now Liu Bian's most trusted minister. Moreover, in terms of official status and power, Lu Yi was not afraid of the Yuan family at all, so naturally he did not need to save face for Yuan Shao.

"Humph!"

Yuan Shao was about to lose his temper when he heard this, but was stopped by his uncle, Grand Tutor Yuan Wei. He could only snort coldly and sit down again in dissatisfaction.

"I already know about the murder of the general, and I have examined the Ten Attendants."

"Based on various witnesses and evidence, although the general was murdered in the palace, the murderer was not all of the Ten Attendants, but only Han Kui and Song Dian."

When Lu Yi said this, everyone in the room was shocked.

"Oh no! Lu Yi is actually trying to protect the Ten Attendants!"

Without waiting for anyone to stop him, Lu Yi continued speaking.

"Here comes someone!"

"Bring here the criminals Han Kui and Song Dian!" As soon as he finished speaking, two eunuchs, who were tied up with their hair uncovered, were taken to the government office by several strong Bingzhou soldiers.

"I ask you, do you plead guilty to the crime of killing the general?"

Lu Yi sat high in the main seat and asked in a deep voice.

"I plead guilty." Han Kui and Song Dian seemed to have been threatened and bribed, so they confessed immediately without Lu Yi using any torture.

"Apart from you two, are there any accomplices?" Lu Yi nodded and continued to ask.

"We didn't have any accomplices. It was He Jin who repeatedly disrespected us. We were so angry that we killed him!"

Han Kui and Song Dian looked at each other after hearing this. Although they were both unwilling, they had no choice but to plead guilty under the coercion and inducement of Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong and other ten eunuchs.

Lu Yi had already promised the two of them privately that as long as they took the blame, he would only kill them.

Not only will their clans not be affected, but even the property they have embezzled over the years can be distributed to their godsons raised outside the palace according to their wishes.

"Since you have confessed your guilt, then according to the law, you will be sent to Caishikou and beheaded!"

After Lu Yi nodded, he waved his hand and asked the soldiers to take the two men down for execution.

However, Lu Yi's raising his hand high and then putting it down gently still aroused dissatisfaction among the ministers.

What they wanted was not just to kill two eunuchs, what they wanted was to completely abolish the eunuch system. Even if that was not possible, they wanted to cut off the eunuchs' chances of taking power, prevent the imperial power from leaving the palace, and put the power of the court into their hands.

Therefore, when Lu Yi's decision came out, several people immediately jumped up and started questioning and insulting Lu Yi.

The one who cursed the most was Yuan Shao, the leader of the younger generation of scholars today.

"quiet!"

"Whoever dares to be rude to the Marquis of Jin, first ask the halberd in my hand!"

Before Lu Yi could say anything, Lu Bu, who had been standing behind Lu Yi, immediately came out with a halberd in his hand. The murderous aura from his body frightened the people who had been shouting just now and immediately shut up.

In history, Lu Bu was a fierce man who had forced many heroes to surrender outside Hulao Pass. Even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were unable to defeat Lu Bu at the same time. His momentum was not something that anyone could withstand.

"If anyone is dissatisfied with my decision, you can tell me right away. I, Lu Yi, have never been a domineering person. I am willing to listen to any reasonable suggestions!"

Seeing that everyone was overwhelmed by Lu Bu's momentum, Lu Yi looked around slowly and acted as if he was listening attentively.

"Very good, since no one objects to my decision, then let's just deal with this matter!"

Lu Yi waited for a moment, and after seeing that all the ministers were angry but dared not speak, he spoke.

"We have discussed the first matter, now let's discuss the second matter!"

As Lu Yi spoke, his expression suddenly became serious.

"The palace is the residence of the emperor. How can we allow our subjects to attack and massacre? Even if He Jin is dead, we should follow the rules and follow the laws of heaven and the king."

"During the Luoyang coup the day before yesterday, some traitors dared to lead troops to attack the imperial city, and after entering the palace, they slaughtered thousands of people!"

"What kind of behavior is this?"

Lu Yi looked at the ministers who had horrified expressions on their faces and spoke word by word.

"This is a naked act of treason!"

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

Every minister present here has conflicts with the Ten Attendants, or the imperial power behind the Ten Attendants.

Some of those who broke into the palace back then may not be in this hall now.

Except for the two outsiders, Lu Yi and Dong Zhuo, no one else in the hall at this time could escape.

What Lu Yi said was tantamount to a warning that he was about to raise the knife against them.

"Anyone who dares to intrude upon the Praetorian Guards will be brought to justice as a traitor and an accomplice of the rebels!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yi snorted coldly, and immediately dozens of soldiers in sharp armor rushed into the hall and dragged away a dozen or so people who were making the most noise like dead dogs.

Lu Yi said that the case was suppressed for trial, but after being tortured in prison, few people could keep their mouths shut, and it was only a matter of time before they confessed their guilt.

Seeing that Lu Yi was making such a fuss, everyone dared not to be the first to act. They could only suppress their anger, calm down, and prepare to see how Lu Yi would deal with it.

"However, I am new here, and I may be misled by villains and wrongly accuse good people."

After seeing that everyone had quieted down, Lu Yi let it go and spoke in a gentle manner.

"Now I will give you a chance."

"A chance to prove my innocence."

"For anyone who comes to me privately today to confess and accuse others, I can plead with Your Majesty to only dismiss them from their posts, but their families and property will not be implicated."

"Please don't make mistakes!"

As Lu Yi spoke, all the ministers could not help but sit down again one after another.

When Lu Yi said this, he was expressing his attitude that he did not want to be implicated.

As long as you plead guilty, you can ensure that your life and property will not be implicated.

Therefore, some centrists had to think carefully about it.

Political games are like this, survival is the first element.

As long as you survive, there is still a chance for the future.

If the property is confiscated and the clan is exterminated, even powerful ministers like Huo Guang and Dou Wu who have the utmost power in the world will eventually become nothing but a passing cloud, right?
When Yuan Shao and other diehards saw that the centrists, who made up the majority of the population, had given up, they had no choice but to sit down. After all, they still had one day left, which was enough for them to connect and plan.

"And the last thing is about the foreign soldiers coming to Beijing."

As Lu Yi spoke, he turned and looked at Dong Zhuo standing beside him.

"Now that Luoyang has been pacified, the Qiang people in Xiliang are eyeing us covetously. Your Majesty has ordered Envoy Dong to lead his troops back to Xiliang as soon as possible and take charge of the northwest of the Han Dynasty. Do not let the people of Liangzhou be harassed by the Qiang people!"

"Oh?"

"Your Majesty wants me to lead the troops back to Xiliang. I wonder when the Marquis of Jin, who also led the troops to the capital, will return to Bingzhou?"

Dong Zhuo couldn't help but ask with a fake smile when he heard this.

"I am the Praetorian Guard appointed by His Majesty. I have a duty to protect Luoyang and the emperor. How can I lead my troops away?"

Lu Yi also responded with a smile.

"What if I also want to stay in the capital to help Your Majesty?"

Dong Zhuo was obviously unwilling to give up this great opportunity, so he confronted Lu Yi.

He is different from the ministers in the hall who have no soldiers or horses.

Not only does he currently have thousands of Xiliang cavalry at his disposal, but a subsequent 100,000-strong army is about to arrive in Luoyang.

In terms of strength, he still felt that he had a chance to compete with Lu Yi.

"Oh? Could it be that Envoy Dong is planning to give up his military power and become an official in the capital?"

But Lu Yi's next words ignited Dong Zhuo's anger, and he couldn't help but slam the table.

"Lu Yi, don't go too far!"

Dong Zhuo said angrily.

"Envoy Dong, please don't get angry. Getting angry is harmful to your health."

Lu Yi smiled gently.

"It is not that I, Lu, am targeting Envoy Dong on purpose. This is the order of His Majesty. Does Envoy Dong intend to disobey the order?"

Of course, Lu Yi did not have the imperial edict from Liu Bian ordering Dong Zhuo to withdraw his troops.

However, Liu Bian is now controlled by Lu Yi in the deep palace, and the Ten Attendants have all defected to him.

He isolated the inside and the outside, and no one knew whether Liu Bian had issued this imperial decree.

In other words, Lu Yi's words are now, to some extent, an imperial edict.

Seeing that there was no room for negotiation, Dong Zhuo did not answer Lu Yi, but just waved his sleeves and left.

"Envoy Dong, don't forget. You must lead the army back to Xiliang at noon tomorrow, otherwise the king's law will be merciless!"

……

(End of this chapter)