Chapter 655: The Beginning
Chapter 655: The Beginning
September 25, 2017
The arrival of Lu Haikong was a significant event for the common folk of Luoyang, especially those at the bottom of the social ladder.
Tens of thousands of people who witnessed the grandeur of Lu Haikong's army firsthand couldn't help but excitedly share their experience with their neighbors, friends, and family upon returning home.
On that day, the voices of tens of thousands shouting "Long Live" echoed throughout Luoyang, making Lu Haikong the talk of the town for the next few days. No matter the time or place, people were discussing Lu Haikong.
Meanwhile, Lu Haikong had been mostly staying in the military camp since entering Luoyang.
It wasn't that he didn't want to go out; he couldn't. He finally understood the plight of being a celebrity. There were countless people waiting outside the camp, and if he stepped out, they would swarm him in an instant.
Although Lu Haikong didn't leave the camp, he remained active during this time.
On the one hand, Zhang Rang's subtle reminders, and on the other, Lu Haikong's own realization, his propaganda team sprang into action again after his arrival in Luoyang.
This time, however, they didn't just promote Lu Haikong; they also tied in Emperor Ling of Han, presenting him as the second Liu Xiu of the Han Dynasty's revival.
Lu Haikong directly promoted Emperor Ling as the savior of the Han Dynasty, while he was depicted as a divine general sent from the heavens to aid the Emperor in his quest for dominance.
Lu Haikong played this hand beautifully. Since that day, when tens of thousands of people shouted "Long Live," Emperor Ling had been paying more attention to the common folk.
He suddenly wanted to know how his subjects viewed him.
In this situation, Emperor Ling saw nothing but praise throughout the city. Of course, given his incompetence, it was impossible for the entire city to genuinely praise him, but sometimes, an emperor's life could be quite pitiful, as there were things he simply couldn't see.
The channels through which an emperor understood the world were controlled. How could the people around Emperor Ling let him hear anything he didn't want to?
If Emperor Ling wanted to understand the world, he would only hear of a harmonious and prosperous realm. If he wanted to know how the people perceived him, he would only hear that he was the most revered ruler.
In this context, Emperor Ling could only receive praise for himself and messages like Lu Haikong being a divine general sent to help him subdue rebels and expand his territory.
After receiving this information, Emperor Ling, who was already impressed by Lu Haikong, became even more delighted.
Over the next few days, Emperor Ling summoned Lu Haikong several times, the only occasions Lu Haikong left the military camp.
During their meetings, Lu Haikong consistently portrayed himself as a loyal and dedicated general, expressing his desire to help Emperor Ling subdue rebels and expand the Han Dynasty's territory.
On their first real meeting, Lu Haikong pointed to the map of the Han Dynasty and passionately declared to Emperor Ling that he would help him expand his territory, ensuring that every land bathed in the sun's rays would become his own.
In his interactions with Emperor Ling, Lu Haikong sensed that the Emperor's ambition had been stirred, and he wanted to accomplish something grand, something that would etch his name in history and earn him eternal praise.
This was a natural desire, as few people possessed self-awareness. Even those living in less-than-ideal circumstances often had some self-worth, let alone Emperor Ling.
As the Emperor, he was the foremost person in the Han Empire, a position that prevented him from feeling inferior.
Moreover, Lu Haikong's army's might and the grand scene of tens of thousands shouting "Long Live" had left a profound impact on Emperor Ling, stirring something unique within him.
In this state, when Lu Haikong pointed to the map and vowed to make every sunlit land his own, it was easy to ignite Emperor Ling's ambition.
Consequently, Emperor Ling placed even more importance on Lu Haikong, summoning him to the palace daily for several consecutive days to engage in deep conversations.
On the first day of their discussions, Lu Haikong overwhelmed Emperor Ling with grand dreams, and on the second day, he studied with Zhang Rang to prepare adequately.
Based on Zhang Rang's understanding of Emperor Ling and Lu Haikong's own insights, he responded in the most appropriate manner.
Although Lu Haikong had a challenging few days, his efforts were not in vain.
With Zhang Rang's assistance and Emperor Ling's excellent first impression of Lu Haikong, the two men found themselves increasingly compatible in conversation.
Furthermore, under Lu Haikong's deliberate guidance, within a few short days, the grand dream of becoming a legendary emperor was etched into Emperor Ling's budding ambition.
At this moment, Han Lingdi had only one thought in mind—to have Lu HaiKong help him expand his territory and establish himself as the great emperor who revived the Han Dynasty, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered in history.
In other words, under Lu HaiKong's subtle guidance, this man was beginning to dream big.
As Han Lingdi filled Lu HaiKong's head with this grand vision, on the other side, He Jin was also making his moves. He was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike and keep Lu HaiKong in Luoyang.
After a few days, He Jin had developed a comprehensive plan from what was initially just a young man's suggestion.
This plan started with keeping Lu HaiKong in Luoyang, then manipulating He Jin's people to enter Bingzhou and gradually take over Lu HaiKong's territories. The ultimate goal was to seize control of Lu HaiKong's tens of thousands of troops and, finally, eliminate Lu HaiKong in Luoyang. It was a complete and ruthless plan.
This scheme was not devised by the young man but by another strategist under He Jin.
When the entire plan was presented to He Jin, he immediately approved it without hesitation and began preparing for action.
However, at this point, He Jin could only make preparations. He had to wait for the right moment and opportunity to propose an imperial bestowal for Lu HaiKong, ensuring that Lu HaiKong would have no grounds for refusal.
Such an occasion must be grand, with all the civil and military officials present, and the proposal must come directly from the mouth of Han Lingdi himself, leaving Lu HaiKong no choice but to accept.
He Jin had not anticipated that this opportunity would come so soon.
On Lu HaiKong's fifth day in Luoyang, Han Lingdi suddenly summoned all officials.
In the Xuan Shi Dian, He Jin was taken aback by the emperor's sudden command, but he had a hunch that this might be a rare opportunity for him.
In the Xuan Shi Dian, He Jin saw Lu HaiKong, who had been waiting there early in the morning, and his suspicions were confirmed. He was well aware that Han Lingdi's sudden actions were likely related to Lu HaiKong.
Within the Xuan Shi Dian, Lu HaiKong was not the only one attracting attention.
Many people in the hall were also observing Lu HaiKong, and several of them were particularly intrigued by this young man who appeared to be not even twenty years old.
Initially, only a few people recognized him as Lu HaiKong, despite most officials in the court having seen his portrait to some extent. However, the current Lu HaiKong differed significantly from his portrait and their mental image of him.
Everyone knew that Lu HaiKong was from a mountain bandit background and was, in fact, a fierce general with a reputation for slaughter. Therefore, before seeing Lu HaiKong in person, many assumed he would be a tall, muscular man with a murderous aura and a face full of arrogance.
Even those who had seen Lu HaiKong's portrait and were somewhat prepared were still surprised by his appearance.
Lu HaiKong, dressed in a governor's attire, stood calmly. His slender figure, well-fitted official robes, handsome features, and an overall demeanor of deceptive serenity made anyone who saw him at that moment exclaim, "What a mature and humble young master!"
Seeing Lu HaiKong like this, no one dared to believe that this young man was a general known for his brutality.
Although Lu HaiKong drew many curious glances, no one dared to approach him.
After all, appearances could be deceiving. Everyone was well aware of Lu HaiKong's true identity, and the conflict between He Jin and Zhang Lang was escalating. It was not the time for anyone to seek excitement by getting close to Lu HaiKong.
No one in the hall was foolish enough to openly criticize Lu HaiKong, especially after what had transpired upon his arrival. It was evident that Lu HaiKong had gained Han Lingdi's favor, and provoking him would be asking for trouble.
Moreover, Han Lingdi was about to enter, and it was not the time to either approach or criticize Lu HaiKong.
Everyone present, whether openly or discreetly, was observing Lu HaiKong while awaiting Han Lingdi's arrival.
This time, Han Lingdi was different from before. He did not keep everyone waiting for him in the morning. After all the officials had assembled, Han Lingdi, accompanied by Zhang Lang, entered the Xuan De Dian.
As Han Lingdi took his seat, all civil and military officials bowed in salute.
"Your Majesty!" they exclaimed.
"You may rise!" Han Lingdi gestured.
Han Lingdi waved his hand and began, "Today, I have summoned all of you, my esteemed ministers, for a matter concerning my dear minister..."
As Han Lingdi pointed at Lu HaiKong, a glint of determination flashed in He Jin's eyes. He knew his opportunity had arrived...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
