Chapter 788: Journey to the Capital
Chapter 788: Journey to the Capital
September 25, 2017
This matter was quite troublesome, and Lu HaiKong was well aware of it when he saw the imperial edict.
He was forcefully dragged into a massive vortex, and although Emperor Ling had pushed him to Liu Xie's side, Lu HaiKong would never truly side with Liu Xie in this matter.
Emperor Ling's idea was sweet and simple: to use Lu HaiKong's formidable military strength to protect and support Liu Xie, with the additional help of Zhang Rang and Empress Dowager Dong. This would allow Liu Xie to easily and securely ascend to the imperial throne.
On the surface, it seemed like a perfect plan, but in reality, it was a terrible one, especially for Lu HaiKong. This matter would bring him no benefits and might even cause him trouble.
After all, Lu HaiKong and He Jin had always been at odds, and with this situation arising, others might assume that Lu HaiKong had joined forces with Zhang Rang to eliminate his political rivals.
If the plot of Dong Zhuo's journey to the capital didn't exist, Lu HaiKong wouldn't mind giving it a try. Perhaps he could painfully control Liu Xie and hold the reins of power, ruling over the lords as the emperor's guardian.
Although this idea seemed sweet, it was also challenging, but there was a chance of success.
The problem was that the plot of Dong Zhuo's journey to the capital was right around the corner. If Lu HaiKong dared to have such thoughts at this time, he felt that the system might very well end him, and Lu HaiKong didn't have the courage to face the system directly.
Emperor Ling's summons couldn't be refused, so in this matter, Lu HaiKong had to put in some extra thought, or he might accidentally fall into a trap.
Lu HaiKong had called upon Xi ZhiCai and Xun You, originally intending to hear their opinions, but after gathering them, Lu HaiKong realized that he had to handle this matter himself.
Even though Lu HaiKong had been increasingly discovering the exceptional qualities of Xi ZhiCai and Xun You, this matter involved the plot and the system. It was difficult for Lu HaiKong to fully share all the intelligence he possessed with them, so this made things more challenging for him.
However, after gathering them, Lu HaiKong found that they weren't completely unaware of his situation, especially Xun You and Xi ZhiCai, who seemed to have some understanding in this regard.
After all, Xun You had the talent of being a brilliant strategist, and based on some details of Lu HaiKong's actions, he could make certain deductions. As for Xi ZhiCai, although his talent was still unknown, this guy usually had access to Lu HaiKong's intelligence system, so he naturally knew more than others.
Therefore, neither of them gave Lu HaiKong any explicit advice, but they subtly hinted at their thoughts.
In their words and expressions, they both indicated that they didn't support Lu HaiKong's direct confrontation with the system. Xi ZhiCai didn't have much to say, and it seemed like Lu HaiKong could make the decision on his own. As for Xun You, he subtly suggested that Lu HaiKong should delay his journey to the capital for as long as possible.
This suggestion wasn't ideal, but it was a strategy. If Lu HaiKong could delay until Emperor Ling's death, he would essentially have no issues and could sit back and watch the conflict unfold.
In reality, Xun You knew that this suggestion wasn't a brilliant idea, but he also understood that it was the most practical one for Lu HaiKong.
He had unknowingly been by Lu HaiKong's side for almost a year, and he was quite familiar with Lu HaiKong's character.
Lu HaiKong had a strong, domineering personality, but he was also sentimental. Xun You was genuinely concerned about letting Lu HaiKong go to Luoyang alone, given the current situation. Even Lu HaiKong's ally, Zhang Rang, might not be trustworthy, and Xun You worried that Lu HaiKong's emotions might get the better of him, leading to his exploitation.
After all, Lu HaiKong had risen from being a bandit, and every step of his journey had been much more challenging than for ordinary people.
It was incredibly difficult to achieve his current status, and while it wasn't easy to get to where he was today, it wouldn't be hard to ruin this favorable situation. There were many people in Luoyang who excelled in such conspiracies, and none of them had good intentions towards Lu HaiKong.
Under these circumstances, it was best for Lu HaiKong to delay as much as possible.
Xun You's suggestion seemed to underestimate Lu HaiKong's abilities, but it also conveyed a deep concern. From this, it was evident that Xun You had made a clear choice between the Han dynasty and Lu HaiKong.
Not only Xun You but even Tian Feng shared this sentiment. They valued Lu HaiKong's interests more than the Han dynasty's foundation, and from this perspective, Lu HaiKong indeed possessed some personal charm.
After careful consideration, Lu HaiKong ultimately rejected Xun You's suggestion for two reasons.
The first reason was Yue Er's presence in Luoyang.
He could choose to delay, but also because Yue Er was in Luoyang.
He could choose to delay, but if he didn't go, those who wanted him to go would likely target her.
Don't assume that Luoyang only has unwelcoming attitudes towards Lu HaiKong. There are also many who welcome him.
At this moment, it's not just Emperor Ling of Han, even Zhang Lang and his associates are doing everything they can to invite Lu HaiKong to come.
After all, for them, whether Lu HaiKong exists directly affects whether Liu Xie can ascend to the throne, and also influences whether Zhang Lang and his group can keep their heads.
Although Zhang Lang and Empress Dowager Dong may have some connection, their relationship with He Jin is a matter of life and death. Who knows if Liu Bian comes to power, will they still have their lives? So, when Emperor Ling of Han shows his intention to establish Liu Xie as the Emperor, most of Zhang Lang's group are naturally overjoyed and supportive.
At this moment, if Lu HaiKong hesitates, who knows what methods they'll come up with to invite him. Lu HaiKong knows that Zhang Lang values Yue Er, although the possibility is small, but even if there's just a tiny chance, Lu HaiKong doesn't want to see it.
Moreover, Lu HaiKong doesn't think Luoyang is some kind of dangerous place. What kind of situation hasn't he encountered before?
It's just Luoyang, what's there to fear? Even if he falls into some kind of trap there, Lu HaiKong is confident he can fight his way out. With Bingzhou firmly under his control, once Emperor Ling of Han dies, the world will be in chaos. In this case, what is there to fear? Bring it on!
Furthermore, Lu HaiKong vaguely has an idea that although this incident is a trouble for him, it's also an opportunity. If Lu HaiKong can seize this chance, he might gain tremendous benefits. So, Lu HaiKong made the decision to go to Luoyang on the spot.
As the boss, Lu HaiKong's decision is naturally not opposed by Xi ZhiCai and the others.
Moreover, in this matter, there's no completely right or wrong choice. Lu HaiKong's decision to go isn't wrong, but Xun You did express his desire to accompany Lu HaiKong to the capital, which Lu HaiKong rejected.
Lu HaiKong vaguely understands Xun You's intention, and this act of considering him warms Lu HaiKong's heart. Although it seems to imply some distrust in his abilities, Lu HaiKong's rejection isn't about proving himself.
In a 6-9-1-8-1-8-1-0 version!
Currently, in Bingzhou, although it's generally stable, Xun You still has his work to do.
Even if Lu HaiKong is entering Luoyang, he won't bring many soldiers, at most bringing along Bloodbath, which is already a lot. The rest continue their training and defense preparations, but it's necessary to leave someone to oversee the overall situation.
The natural choice for this overseer is Wang Ti, as Lu HaiKong has always intended to cultivate him as the supreme commander. Wang Ti has been making efforts to improve, and it's normal for Lu HaiKong to leave the army in his hands when he departs Bingzhou.
Although Wang Ti is outstanding, this is his first time handling such a matter, so Lu HaiKong needs to leave Xun You to assist him. In case of any issues, Xun You's presence will be very helpful, and the Military Council can't do without Xun You at the moment.
Lu HaiKong didn't consult them about going to the capital, but instead entrusted the affairs of Bingzhou to these four.
Since Lu HaiKong has always been in charge of this aspect, he doesn't need to put in much effort for the handover before his departure. Almost immediately, he arranged everything that needed to be arranged.
After that, Lu HaiKong spent three days handling some other matters that needed attention.
In these three days, the time actually spent on handing over Lu HaiKong's responsibilities wasn't much, and the preparations for the trip to Luoyang were mostly left to Xun You.
During these three days, Lu HaiKong spent most of his time pacifying the two little ancestors at home.
When it comes to these two little ancestors, Lu HaiKong's face is filled with tears. Others who traveled through time to the Three Kingdoms era were busy collecting famous generals and beauties, opening up their harems.
But for Lu HaiKong, after several years, there are only two lolis at home, and they are particularly troublesome ancestors, especially Niu Niu, who would throw a tantrum if she's unhappy. Lu HaiKong spent most of these three days pacifying her.
Fortunately, Nan Nan is more sensible and easier to persuade. Lu HaiKong praised her lavishly, using the strategy of inciting her, and finally managed to settle Niu Niu.
These three days were busy with this matter, and it was only near the departure time that Lu HaiKong met Xi ZhiCai.
Xi ZhiCai didn't show sympathy for Lu HaiKong's situation, after all, Lu HaiKong doesn't know that countless people in the world want his two little ancestors. Of course, Xi ZhiCai didn't tell Lu HaiKong this, but some things will naturally be known when the time comes. Letting Lu HaiKong know in advance might not be a good thing.
After meeting with Xi ZhiCai, Lu HaiKong subsequently met Wang Jun, Tian Feng, and Xun You, and finally set off for Luoyang with Bloodbath, Dian Wei, and Zhao Er...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
