https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-666-Upgrading-the-Hall-of-Martyrs/13042060/
Chapter 665: Individual Rewards
Chapter 665: Individual Rewards
2017-09-25
Lu HaiKong's stay in Luoyang lasted for nearly half a month, during which time the entire city witnessed a series of momentous events, one after another, akin to a dream-like experience.
First, there was Lu HaiKong's stunning arrival, followed by his enfeoffment, and finally, his request for an imperial marriage with Emperor Ling of Han.
Each of these events became the hottest topic in Luoyang, and Lu HaiKong undoubtedly became the undisputed center of attention during this period.
Therefore, Lu HaiKong's departure also became the biggest news in Luoyang.
Lu HaiKong had originally planned to leave quietly, but to his surprise, Emperor Ling personally saw him off, and the citizens of Luoyang also gathered spontaneously to bid him farewell. This made his departure even more grand than his arrival.
In contrast to Lu HaiKong's grand entrance and magnificent exit, Dong Zhuo and his group, who arrived in Luoyang shortly after Lu HaiKong's departure, appeared rather dispirited. Despite their contributions in the Yellow Turban campaign, their treatment couldn't compare to Lu HaiKong's.
This was an unavoidable situation, as Lu HaiKong's presence had captured the attention of almost everyone.
Furthermore, Lu HaiKong's followers boasted about his achievements, attributing the primary credit for suppressing the Yellow Turbans to him. In the eyes of the common people and the court officials, Dong Zhuo's group, arriving over half a month later and looking somewhat disheveled, were merely supporting characters in Lu HaiKong's spotlight.
During Lu HaiKong's stay in Luoyang, an incident occurred in Jizhou.
Previously, the court had issued a crude order to disband the troops in Jizhou, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, to quickly resolve the military issue.
Lu HaiKong, Dong Zhuo, and Gongsun Zan had no issues, but the legions under Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun faced significant problems. Both main generals were severely injured and unconscious, leaving Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian, the three remaining leaders, at a loss. They didn't know where to take the soldiers under their command, causing over ten thousand troops to stagnate.
This was a dire situation. On one hand, there was insufficient food supply, and on the other, there was no clear destination or leadership. Under these circumstances, wouldn't something go wrong?
Soon after Lu HaiKong left Jizhou, a large-scale soldier rebellion broke out in Quliang, Jizhou, almost escalating into an insurrection. It was only resolved when Huangfu Song, despite his severe injuries, stepped forward to handle the situation.
Due to the delay caused by this incident, Dong Zhuo, Huangfu Song, and their group arrived in Luoyang over half a month later than Lu HaiKong, appearing rather disheveled.
Despite their disheveled appearance, they were still rewarded for their contributions in the Yellow Turban campaign. Lu HaiKong received the titles of General Who Conquers the North and Governor of Bing Province, along with the Emperor's promise of an imperial marriage. Those who arrived later also received their rewards.
In the eyes of the court officials, this reward ceremony was a rare opportunity to divide the spoils. Many aristocratic families planned to take advantage of this chance to benefit their own clans.
As a result, Luoyang was once again filled with hidden undercurrents for a long period, as various powers became involved. Compared to the covert competition during Lu HaiKong's reward ceremony, this time, the tides were much more turbulent.
However, Dong Zhuo eventually contacted Xin Ping, a subordinate of Lu HaiKong in Luoyang, and with the help of Zhang Rang's influence, he managed to secure the position of Governor of Longxi Commandery and the title of General Who Defeats the Bandits.
Dong Zhuo didn't achieve the governorship, but this gain was far better than what he historically obtained after the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Historically, he was directly removed from power and imprisoned by Huangfu Song.
Although Dong Zhuo was only a commandery governor at the moment, with his current strength, if he could seize the opportunities presented by a few upcoming events, his rise to power would likely be unstoppable.
After experiencing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Lu HaiKong had a vague sense of Dong Zhuo's destiny. If the plot were to progress to the stage where the feudal lords would oppose Dong Zhuo, then in the near future, Dong Zhuo would likely be favored by fortune, rising rapidly. Therefore, Lu HaiKong was willing to maintain some goodwill for now, leaving the future to be decided later.
Dong Zhuo was appointed as the Governor of Longxi Commandery and General Who Defeats the Bandits. The remaining contributors to the Yellow Turban campaign also received their rewards.
Huangfu Song, relying on his loyalty and background, was appointed as the General of the Left Cavalry and Governor of Jizhou, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Huaili, exactly the same reward as in history, which was slightly better than what Lu HaiKong received.
Interestingly, Huangfu Song's reward not only benefited from the efforts of his friends but also from the Yuan family's support behind the scenes. If the Yuan family hadn't intervened, Huangfu Song would never have obtained the governorship of Jizhou.
The reason for the Yuan family's intervention is worth pondering.
Following Huangfu Song's reward, Zhu Jun received his, which was also similar to history. He was appointed as the General of the Right Cavalry and further enfeoffed as the Marquis of Qiantang, becoming the Governor of Henan Commandery.
Although he was only a commandery governor, his position as a Cavalry General was slightly higher than Lu HaiKong's General Who Conquers the North, and he also held a marquisate, making his reward not much inferior to Lu HaiKong's.
After them, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian also received their rewards, which Lu HaiKong paid close attention to. Interestingly, all three of them were appointed as commandery governors.
Liu Bei became the Governor of Shu Commandery, Cao Cao the Governor of Chenliu Commandery, and Sun Jian the Governor of Changsha Commandery.
Sun Jian's appointment as the Governor of Changsha Commandery was in advance, and Liu Bei's was even decades ahead of schedule. As for Cao Cao, he was also sent to a local position several years earlier than expected.
On his way back, Lu HaiKong couldn't help but frown upon seeing this intelligence report. These big shots were all taking their places, and the plot seemed to be accelerating. Combined with Lu HaiKong's vague sense of Han Lingdi's worrying health during this period, if the feudal lords were to oppose Dong Zhuo, it might not take more than five years.
"The era of great chaos is coming, and the world will likely be in turmoil soon. I don't have much time left!"
Lu HaiKong threw the intelligence report in his hand, and the paper strips fluttered in the wind, turning into powder. Amidst the flying paper scraps, Lu HaiKong's heart gained a clear insight.
(End of Chapter)
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