Cai Yong personally went out to greet He Jin, ushering him into the main hall with a beaming smile and solicitously inviting him to sit down and have tea. During this process, Cai Yong skillfully used various words and actions to stall He Jin, thereby slowing down He Jin's subordinates and buying more time for the Little Emperor.
Meanwhile, the Little Emperor continued to stroll unhurriedly in the garden, seemingly casually admiring the scenery while keenly observing his surroundings, trying to find an opportunity to escape surveillance.
Lu Zhi waited anxiously in Cai Wenji's small courtyard room, her brows tightly furrowed with worry as she paced back and forth, unable to come up with a good way to escape the watchful eyes of those approaching her. These watchful eyes enveloped her like dark clouds, making her feel incredibly oppressed and helpless.
Just as he was deep in thought, Lu Wan suddenly had an idea. She took Cai Wenji's hand and softly said, "Wenji, let's go to the garden." Cai Wenji nodded slightly and followed Lu Wan to the garden. Lu Wan subtly gave the Little Emperor a meaningful look, full of hints and reminders. The Little Emperor instantly understood. He deliberately put on a lecherous act, his eyes wandering, a wicked smile on his lips, and unhurriedly followed Lu Wan and Cai Wenji into the garden.
At the same time, the Little Emperor also understood. He pretended to be attracted by the beauty of Lu Wan and Cai Wenji, and quickly followed the two women to Cai Wenji's small courtyard. As he ran, he also feigned looking left and right, as if searching for something interesting. A hint of cunning flashed in his eyes; he was cooperating with Lu Wan's plan to mislead those who were monitoring them.
When they arrived at Cai Wenji's small courtyard, the Little Emperor deliberately slowed his steps, quietly observing his surroundings. He saw that the eyes of the surveillance agents were all drawn to his actions, and he secretly rejoiced. He knew this was a good opportunity to escape surveillance, and he had to seize it to meet Lu Zhi and the others successfully.
When He Jin's subordinates saw this, they wanted to stop the Little Emperor, but Ma Chao and Pang De, who were guarding the courtyard entrance, instantly drew their precious swords. A cold light flashed, and the blades gleamed sharply in the sunlight. The sharp blades and fierce aura instantly intimidated the group of people, making them dare not act rashly. They could only rush to report the situation to He Jin.
When Cai Yong heard that Liu Bian had been led into Cai Wenji's small courtyard, he already knew the plan had succeeded. But on the surface, he showed no surprise; instead, he feigned a look of delighted ambition, fawningly telling He Jin, "Oh my, my humble daughter has actually caught His Majesty's eye! This is truly a great joy that brings glory to our ancestors!" His words were full of false flattery, but a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of cunning flickered in his eyes.
When He Jin saw Cai Yong's fawning expression, his face was wreathed in smiles, his eyes narrowed into slits, as if to say, "This old man is really dreaming of becoming the Imperial Father-in-Law!" He Jin smugly believed he had completely seen through Cai Yong's intentions, and he was secretly pleased with himself.
He Jin could never have imagined that Cai Yong and the others, for the sake of His Majesty, would be willing to let their daughter's reputation be tarnished. One must know how important a woman's reputation was in the Han Dynasty. Cai Yong's face was full of false smiles, his forehead slightly furrowed, and a few fine lines crinkled at the corners of his eyes, his fawning expression fully evident.
So He Jin also dispelled his doubts, accompanying Cai Yong and listening to his sycophantic flattery, thoroughly enjoying it. His lips curled upwards, revealing a row of teeth, and his eyes showed satisfaction and pride, immersed in Cai Yong's flattery, unable to extricate himself.
Lu Zhi and Emperor Liu Bian finally met successfully in Cai Wenji's room. The moment the Little Emperor Liu Bian entered the room, Lu Zhi could no longer suppress his inner excitement. He stood up abruptly, tears welling in his eyes, cupped his hands, bowed slightly, and said with a slight tremor in his voice, "Your Majesty!"
Before Lu Zhi could finish his bow, the Little Emperor Liu Bian quickly stepped forward, extended his hands to help Lu Zhi up, and gently guided him to sit properly in a chair. Immediately after, Liu Bian respectfully walked forward, knelt on both knees, and solemnly bowed to Lu Zhi. He said sincerely, "Teacher, it is I who have caused you to suffer."
Lu Zhi rushed forward, eagerly helping Liu Bian up with both hands, but at this moment, Liu Bian suddenly tightly embraced Lu Zhi's legs, refusing to get up, his body trembling, tears pouring out like a broken dam. His face was full of pain and sorrow as he cried out, "Teacher, it is I who have caused you to suffer, I am incompetent…"
Lu Zhi was somewhat flustered by Liu Bian's sudden action. He quickly reached out and gently patted Liu Bian's back, his eyes full of tenderness and pity, and his voice also trembled slightly as he said, "Your Majesty, please do not be like this, this old subject... this old subject..." His words were choked with emotion.
Perhaps it was this kneeling from Liu Bian that completely moved Lu Zhi, forever linking him to his chariot, serving him diligently, even if it meant sacrificing his life, without regret.
After Liu Bian and Lu Zhi's emotions had somewhat calmed, Liu Bian slowly began to speak, "Master, I am now like a bird in a cage, trapped here, without freedom. My uncle and mother only know how to Struggle for power , completely ignoring matters of the Imperial Court. And now, it is so difficult for me to even see you, let alone govern the Han Dynasty." Liu Bian finished speaking, his face full of helplessness and sorrow, his brows tightly furrowed, and his eyes revealing deep pain and confusion.
Lu Zhi stepped forward and gently patted Liu Bian's shoulder, comforting him, "Your Majesty, please endure for now. Once a victor emerges from the struggle between the Ten Attendants and the aristocratic families, we, your loyal subjects, will have an opportunity to regain our voice. And after gaining power, we will certainly strive for your freedom. What Your Majesty must do now is to endure, quietly observing which party reveals a weakness first, and when they are destroyed, they will surely be driven to madness." Lu Zhi's gaze was firm and resolute, filled with encouragement for Liu Bian and stubborn loyalty to the Han Dynasty.
Liu Bian continued with some agitation, "Now the Imperial Court is full of those who form factions and scheme against each other, each only for their own benefit. The Imperial Court is lifeless, and all the officials are silent as cicadas, not daring to speak a word. Every day I am watched like a bird in a cage, it's better... better if I don't be the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, and instead diligently study with Master. That would be much more enjoyable than being bound and without freedom!" The more Liu Bian spoke, the sadder he became, his voice even taking on a hint of a sob.
The more Liu Bian spoke this way, the more distressed Lu Zhi felt, and at the same time, his confidence in supporting the Han Dynasty grew stronger. Lu Zhi said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. First, we must ensure Your Majesty's safety. It is indeed regrettable that you have no military power in the Imperial Court now. However, I have a plan. I have a disciple, Gongsun Zan, who has been operating in Youzhou for several years. Why not let him bring his troops here to assist Your Majesty? This way, Your Majesty will not be without military power and be needlessly bullied by the two factions." Lu Zhi's expression was serious and firm, his eyes shining with determination.
Lu Zhi's thoughts became clearer as he spoke. He continued to patiently guide the Emperor, "Your Majesty, just continue to endure and lie low. Internally, we, the old officials who care for the Han Dynasty, will guard Your Majesty and ensure that government affairs are not chaotic. Furthermore, I can order Gongsun Zan to dispatch an elite army. This way, Your Majesty will be able to protect himself in the Imperial Court. When both sides fight to a mutual defeat, Your Majesty taking charge of government affairs will be just around the corner."
As Lu Zhi spoke, his expression was serious and resolute. His gaze was fixed on Liu Bian, his eyes full of concern and expectation. He continued, "The current situation seems complex, but as long as we remain calm and wait for the right moment, we will surely see a turning point. Your Majesty must not be impatient, nor must you fall into disarray. We old officials will stand firm with Your Majesty, giving our all for the future of the Han Dynasty."
At this point, Lu Zhi paused slightly, then took a deep breath and continued, "As for the Ten Attendants and the aristocratic families, their infighting and unjust actions will surely lead to their downfall. When they are exhausted from their struggle, that will be our time to counterattack. By then, Your Majesty will be able to realize your grand vision, restore the glory of the Han Dynasty, and allow all the people under heaven to live in peace and contentment."
Listening to Lu Zhi's words, Liu Bian's originally somewhat bewildered eyes gradually became firm. He nodded slightly and said, "Master's words are absolutely correct. I will certainly heed your teachings and overcome these difficulties together with Master and all the ministers."
The strategies and ideas were indeed good, yet they seemed to have overlooked another force. Empress Dowager Dong and Dong Cheng, though temporarily dormant after the failed palace coup, had not completely settled down; they were still secretly waiting for an opportunity. They were like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, ready to strike again at any moment, posing a threat to Liu Bian and the Han Dynasty.
Lu Zhi and Liu Bian were engrossed in planning for the future, unaware of this potential crisis. Perhaps not until the other side made their move, catching them off guard, would they truly realize that the path to the Han Dynasty's restoration was still full of difficulties and obstacles, requiring them to be even more cautious and diligent.
