The Three Kingdoms: My Wife is a Great and Good Teacher

Chapter 127 He Jin's Foolishness 5K

On the fourth day of March in Luoyang, the sun was bright and scorching.

The afternoon was the hottest time of the day. After last night's baptism of fire and blood, the smell of blood and burning could still be smelled in the air in the huge palace.

Most of the Ten Eunuchs were executed and could no longer gain power in the court. This should have been something that the people of Luoyang applauded more than the day Zhang Gong and Song Dian were beheaded in front of the palace gate.

But at this moment, almost everyone in Luoyang was overwhelmed with joy over the news of the "Emperor's death".

Even the common people who were busy with their daily lives and seldom knew what was going on in the court knew that after the death of the emperor, the situation in Luoyang would definitely be in turmoil again, and their savings that they had worked hard to save and had not been looted last night might be wiped out.

How could the knowledgeable people in Luoyang and the officials in the court not know this truth?

From the moment he entered the palace wearing pure white mourning clothes and a white cap but no hat, all the ministers had varying degrees of worry on their faces and in their hearts.

Yuan Shao and Cao Cao walked out of the hall where the late emperor's coffin was placed. The two men, dressed in white mourning clothes, came to a sparsely populated area in front of the corridor.

The cries of officials coming from the hall were clearly audible, and Cao Cao frowned after hearing them.

"I wondered why I didn't see them last night, but I didn't expect that they were sleeping soundly at home last night, and it turned out that they were saving their energy to cry here today."

The disdainful ridicule was not concealed at all. Yuan Shao on the side also shook his head and whispered to stop his inappropriate remarks: "Aman."

Cao Cao also knew that it was not appropriate to talk about these things in front of the hall, so he looked at Yuan Shao and talked about her: "Sister Benchu, how are your family affairs?"

Speaking of this, Yuan Shao's face was very calm: "Nothing, my uncle was just summoned to the palace and didn't say anything to me."

"I didn't say... In other words, Sister Benchu ​​is not important in your uncle's eyes." Cao Cao touched his smooth chin and stated this fact ruthlessly.

"It seems that in Yuan Wei's eyes, it is best for the Yuan family to be tied to He Jin for the time being. Holding on to the victorious He Jin is the right choice to prosper the Yuan family."

Yuan Shao kept silent and asked Cao Cao: "Does Aman also think so?"

"Me?" Cao Cao raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile, "Do you think He Jin can really repeat the actions of 'tyrannical general' Liang Ji?"

Yuan Shao raised his eyebrows slightly. He knew that He Jin's power would not last long, but he did not dare to conclude that there was anything else that could affect He Jin's power at this time.

She thought for a moment and said, "But... He Jin is indeed unstoppable now. Compared with the other queens, Queen He is her sister, and her son is also of the right age. If a new king is to be appointed... He Jin will become the real 'king's brother-in-law'. He Jin should not be underestimated..."

Before Yuan Shao finished speaking, Cao Cao raised his right hand, stretched out his fingers and shook them in front of him, then said, "He Jin should not be underestimated. Sister Benchu, is this person drunk?"

"A monkey wearing a crown and a robe, with little knowledge but seeking to become powerful." Cao Cao gave a one-sentence evaluation of He Jin.

"He Jin is such a person. Although the Ten Eunuchs were executed last night, Sister Benchu ​​shouldn't think it was his credit, right?"

Cao Cao asked back and sneered, "If Zhao Qing hadn't appeared, He Jin's impulsive behavior last night, which only a three-year-old would do, would definitely have ruined himself. Even if Zhao Qing had come forward, his brother would have died in the palace."

"After that, He Jin had many opportunities to expand his victory. For example, when Zhao Qing took out the sword tassel, he had the upper hand, a strong army, and the title of 'Uncle of the King'. If he had been more decisive in Taoyuan at that time, he would have taken action to control all of us. Why would he have to sit down and talk with us now? But at that time, he chose to bow his head to a sword tassel."

"This man is unlikely to accomplish anything great and is more likely to cause trouble." Cao Cao shook his head one last time and ruthlessly expressed his judgment on He Jin.

"As long as there is another threat comparable to the Ten Eunuchs, and that threat only needs to be a little smarter than He Jin, He Jin will be broken like a bamboo."

Yuan Shao nodded slightly. He Jin was indeed such a person, so she took a gamble and did not choose to follow the same path as her brother and family. Instead, she chose to be with Cao Cao. If her "bet" succeeded, Yuan Shao would be able to have absolute say in the Yuan family.

And when He Jin is defeated with an overwhelming force, that will be Yuan Shao's real chance.

"Then the 'threat' that Ah Man mentioned, is it referring to Zhao Qing?" Yuan Shao asked.

"Sister Benchu, do you think Zhao Qing is a 'threat'?" Cao Cao asked back.

Yuan Shao was silent for a moment and shook his head.

If Liu Zhaoqing was a threat, he would not have tried so hard to kill the eunuchs. Moreover, when Ako was holding the sword of Emperor Gaozu, which was now the absolute symbol of imperial power, he did not take this opportunity to purge dissidents or gain huge benefits for himself.

Liu Zhaoqing took advantage of Emperor Gaozu's anniversary to immediately ask the empress to order the three dukes to hold a grand funeral in order to complete the process as quickly as possible and establish a new monarch for the country.

How could such a person be a "threat"?

"Since it's neither He Jin nor Zhao Qing, then who is it?" Yuan Shao asked.

Cao Cao paused for a moment, then walked down and said, "This question... I think Sister Benchu ​​should ask Zhao Qing. He should know the most, otherwise he wouldn't have been so busy in the palace until now."

As Cao Cao spoke, he also saw a person and his eyes lit up slightly.

"Wen Ruo!"

Cao Cao's call made Xun Yu, who was wearing mourning clothes, raise her head. After seeing Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, she lifted her clothes and quickly went up the stairs.

"Captain Yuan and Captain Cao." Xun Yu bowed to the two of them.

"Is Wen Ruo here to see the late emperor off, or..." Cao Cao asked immediately.

Xun Yu nodded, and then chatted with the two of them for a while. He was relieved to learn that Liu Zhaoqing was safe and sound and the reason he did not go back was because he was participating in such a major event as establishing a new monarch.

Then Xun Yu began to wonder how Liu Zhaoqing was qualified to participate in such a big event?

After Cao Cao and Yuan Shao took a look at each other, they felt that Xun Yu had a special relationship with Liu Zhaoqing, and that Liu Zhaoqing was also a reliable ally of theirs. Cao Cao then told Xun Yu about what Liu Zhaoqing had done in the palace not long ago, including showing Emperor Gaozu's integrity in front of He Jin and what he said. After Xun Yu pondered for a moment, he understood.

Liu Zhaoqing is fulfilling his promise and working hard to quell the chaos in Luoyang.

"Wen Ruo doesn't look worried?" Cao Cao asked puzzledly.

"Why does Captain Cao think that I would be worried?" Xun Yu tilted his head and asked puzzledly.

"This matter of the new emperor may have a great impact on Zhao Qing. If he doesn't do a good job..." Yuan Shao said, "Although he is the Marquis of Changping, his power is the weakest... and He Jin has long been displeased with him."

Xun Yu shook his head slightly. "According to what you two said, the Marquis of Changping executed seven of the Ten Eunuchs last night, expelled the evil spirit Qiongqi, showed no fear in front of He Jin and showed his majesty. Now he is also on guard against possible disasters. How can such a person not be able to choose a good new ruler?"

Cao Cao nodded in agreement with Xun Yu's opinion, but Yuan Shao thought about it and frowned again, saying: "But I think Zhao Qing will still be in danger. He Jin is still the most powerful force in Luoyang. If Zhao Qing violates his interests on issues of principle, I am afraid that even if Zhao Qing has the loyalty of Emperor Gaozu..."

Xun Yu was silent, and then said: "I believe that even if Zhao Qing's choice is not what we want, it is also a well-thought-out decision. After all... now we can still stand in front of this hall and look at the rising sun instead of on the ruins, all because of him."

-

At this moment, on the other side, in a secret small hall in the Weiyang Palace.

Lu Zhi and Yuan Wei, both dressed in white, stepped over the threshold and entered, then saw Liu Zhaoqing and Wang Yun talking.

"Zhao Qing, don't you know that girl is worried sick..."

"I'm sorry to have worried Mr. Wang and Hong'er."

"Haha, I'm fine. I've always been very good at judging people. I knew you would achieve something..."

As he spoke, Wang Yun saw Lu Zhi and Yuan Wei walking in, and the relaxed expression on his face immediately disappeared.

"Grand Tutor Yuan, Minister Lu." Liu Zhaoqing bowed to Yuan Wei and Lu Zhi.

Lu Zhi and Yuan Wei were both very serious. After nodding, the four of them stopped talking until half a moment later, when the door was opened again.

He Jin, wearing a white mourning dress, walked in.

After the five people sat down at the round table in the room, Yuan Wei, one of the three ministers, spoke up and said, "Now that everyone is here, let's get started."

"A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and the Han Dynasty cannot be without the sun for a breath."

After Yuan Wei started talking about etiquette and precautions, he gave two candidates, Liu Bian and Liu Xie.

These two princes are currently the most suitable candidates to be the new emperor.

"Prince Liu Bian." He Jin took the initiative and spoke lightly without even explaining the reason.

Yuan Wei also nodded and said, "Prince Liu Bian is of a decent age, unlike Prince Liu Xie who is too young. In terms of seniority, the former is also older than the latter."

However, there is a big problem, that is, Liu Bian's mother's surname is "He".

Lu Zhi and Wang Yun frowned.

The disaster caused by the eunuch party has just been eliminated, but the rebellion caused by the foreign relatives is about to arise again. This is tantamount to last night's sacrifice being in vain. The Han Dynasty will still fall into chaos in the court, and there may even be a situation where the imperial edict cannot be issued outside Luoyang.

"Although Prince Liu Xie is young, his wisdom and character are superior to Prince Bian. This is the most important quality for a monarch and should be taken into consideration," Lu Zhi said.

Wang Yun also nodded.

Then everyone looked at Liu Zhaoqing at the same time.

After a moment of silence, Liu Zhaoqing spoke out the candidates he recommended.

Everyone was extremely surprised.

-

Half an hour later, Wang Yun and Lu Zhi looked at Liu Zhaoqing without saying a word.

But Liu Zhaoqing also saw confusion in his eyes.

"Why would Zhao Qing help He Jin?" Wang Yun asked puzzledly.

When both of them intended to prevent He Jin from enthroning Liu Bian, Liu Zhaoqing took the initiative to state that he also intended to support Prince Liu Bian.

"Although He Jin is mediocre, he also understands the principle of fighting to the death." Liu Zhaoqing said, "Although we seem to have the advantage in numbers in this new monarch, he will not make concessions on something that concerns his core interests."

Lu Zhi on the side thought for a while and nodded, saying, "Indeed, He Jin can sit here and discuss with us only because of Emperor Gaozu's loyalty, not because we really have the strength to compete with him."

Wang Yun also understood this principle, but in this way...

Wang Yun looked at Liu Zhaoqing and asked, "Are you going to submit to He Jin..."

Liu Zhaoqing shook his head slightly: "It's just that we can't openly fall out with He Jin for the time being."

"Why?"

"We need the strength of their army to prevent foreign enemies." Liu Zhaoqing said.

"Foreign enemies?"

Wang Yun didn't understand, but Lu Zhi on the side looked at Liu Zhaoqing in surprise.

"Dong Zhuo of Xiliang..." said Lu Zhi.

"This man has his own army and has thought about approaching Luoyang. I was worried that the fight between He Jin and the Ten Eunuchs would cause chaos in Luoyang, giving that man the opportunity to take advantage of the chaos to cause chaos in Sili. So last night, Huangfu Song and I were on guard around Luoyang."

"After Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun saw the evil spirit's breath, they returned to Luoyang for support. Although Dong Zhuo did not show up, he must have known what happened last night."

Liu Zhaoqing nodded: "Mr. Lu is right, not only Dong Zhuo, there are more people eyeing Luoyang."

"We were lucky to be able to quell the chaos last night. If chaos breaks out again in Luoyang, then... the Han Dynasty will be in real danger."

Wang Yun and Lu Zhi were silent. They understood what Liu Zhaoqing was saying.

At the same time, I also feel sincerely impressed that Liu Zhaoqing was able to put aside past grudges and put the overall situation first at this time.

"No wonder His Majesty calls you Changping." Lu Zhi said softly.

Wang Yun on the other side thought for a long time and had another question to ask.

"It's right to consider the overall situation, but...how can you guarantee that He Jin won't do anything naughty?" Wang Yun said with a frown.

"He Jin's army is not our army. He Jin is a man who loves merit and treasure. If the new emperor is his nephew, and the Ten Attendants are no longer in existence, then he will definitely be even more fearless..."

"It doesn't matter if you have nothing to fear." Lu Zhi said, "As long as he doesn't do anything stupid and doesn't realize the dangerous situation in Luoyang, then when the government is stable and I and General Huangfu have enough soldiers, we won't have to fear the traitor."

"What if he happens to be stupid?" Wang Yun asked again.

He was not trying to be argumentative, it was because He Jin was a man who would really do such a thing.

Not only Lu Zhi remained silent, but Liu Zhaoqing also remained silent for a while after hearing this.

Then he shook his head again: "If He Jin wants to dig his own grave, then I can't do anything. I can only do what I can."

-

Later that day, the three ministers began to discuss the funeral. The process of mourning for the late emperor followed a special set of etiquette passed down from Emperor Gaozu.

Although grand and solemn, it was extremely complicated. Not only were there a large number of people participating, but all officials, princes, relatives of the emperor, and the people of Luoyang also had to be present. The ceremonial vessels, jewelry, and other items required were also extremely complex.

Originally, these things would have been difficult to complete within just a few days, but fortunately He Jin seemed unusually happy and very cooperative. That afternoon, he took the initiative to offer a lot of jewelry and gifts in his mansion.

And those things were just a small part of his "trophies" last night.

The next morning, the three ministers announced the late emperor's will and appointed Liu Bian as the crown prince.

Then the grand and sorrowful ceremony of commemorating the late emperor began in the imperial palace. All officials and royal relatives and princes wore white clothes and followed the team from the imperial palace to make a big circle in Luoyang city.

Wherever he passed, many people were crying sincerely.

Later in the evening, Prince Liu Bian, with the support of everyone, put on the imperial robe and walked into the Hall of Supreme Harmony with timidity in his eyes.

After everyone saluted and shouted "Long live Liu Bian", He Jin, in the court and among the officials, looked at Liu Bian and laughed heartily.

At this time, no one dared to stop him in the court.

-

Then on the next day, the new emperor Liu Bian, led by his ministers, continued the mourning for the late emperor. At noon, Liu Bian, at the suggestion of He Jin and others, began to confer titles on the meritorious officials.