Chapter 43: If you draw the Emperor's Qi-gazing Technique, you can distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and evil!

Soon after the Jinyiwei withdrew, time gradually came to midnight, that is, twelve o'clock in the morning. A new day has arrived, and a familiar voice sounded in my mind.

"Ding dong."

"The host has obtained a chance to draw a lottery."

“Will there be a lottery?”

Liu Bian thought directly: "Lottery!"

The turntable began to rotate again, and the pointer passed over attribute points, weapons and armor, military supplies and combat readiness, auxiliary talents, soldiers and population, martial arts secrets, etc. It turned around and around, and finally stopped gradually from fast to slow.

Stopped on the secret manual of martial arts!
This immediately surprised Liu Bian!

This is Liu Bian’s eighth lottery draw. The previous ones were all options for auxiliary talents and troops. This is the first time that a secret manual of martial arts has appeared!
Could it be like Cao Zhengchun's...Tian Gang Tong Zi Gong? !
As Liu Bian's mind raced, a flash of light appeared and the prompt sound echoed again:
"Congratulations on winning the Emperor's Qi-gazing Technique!"

"Hint: This technique can distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and evil! Max level immediately!"

Liu Bian suddenly felt a numbness in his eyes, which came and went quickly, just like his eyelashes were pricked and disappeared in an instant. But he suddenly found that his vision was much clearer.

It feels like when a nearsighted person puts on glasses, the whole world becomes brighter and clearer.

Is it just the equivalent of contact lenses?!
Liu Bian thought for a moment and called out, "Zhengchun."

"The slave is here!!!"

Cao Zhengchun quickly came to the main hall from the side hall.

Liu Bian stayed up until the early hours of the morning, and Cao Zhengchun was always there. The first moment Liu Bian woke up after a rest, Cao Zhengchun was still there.

Liu Bian has always been curious, does he not need to sleep?
Liu Bian looked Cao Zhengchun up and down, and this time, something was obviously different.

Because a red gas appeared on Cao Zhengchun’s head, which translated into numbers means “Loyalty 100+” and “Die Hard Loyal”!
This made Liu Bian suddenly wake up and understand what "distinguishing between loyalty and treachery, good and evil" really meant.

This "Emperor's Qi-gazing Technique" is simply a magical tool! Especially for the king, it is a super auxiliary!
What is the most important thing for a king?
A man of great talent and wisdom? A wise and brave man? A man of noble bearing? Many children? Actually, none of them!
Instead, he knows how to appoint virtuous and capable people, distinguish between loyalty and treachery, good and evil, be close to virtuous officials and stay away from villains!

But looking back over the five thousand years of Chinese history, how many kings could achieve perfection in this ability?
Very few!

Because people’s hearts are hidden, it is difficult to know how dangerous they are!

Not all kings are as talented, wise and powerful as Qin Shihuang, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Emperor Guangwu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Emperor Taizu of Song, and Emperor Taizu of Ming!
Liu Bian thought that he was not as good as these emperors with great talents, wisdom and bravery. All he could rely on was the advantage of knowing history well.

But human hearts are complex and changeable!
Just like Cao Cao, he may have been a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, but with the growth of his power, the growth of his ambition, the decline of the Han Dynasty and the decline of imperial power, he gradually became a traitor to the Han Dynasty, and in the original history he even wanted to usurp the Han Dynasty!
But now, with the "Emperor's Qi-Seeing Technique", Liu Bian can confidently say: "I have a keen eye!", "No villain can escape my discerning eyes!"

——To be close to virtuous officials and to stay away from villains is the reason why the early Han Dynasty prospered. To be close to villains and to stay away from virtuous officials is the reason why the later Han Dynasty declined.

Possessing the "Emperor's Art of Seeing the Weather", Liu Bian could undoubtedly do this!
The Han Dynasty has a population of more than 60 million and is full of talented people. As long as he appoints the right people to the right positions, keeps the wise officials close and keeps the villains away, even if he is not as talented and wise as the founding emperor, he can create a miracle of reviving the Han Dynasty!

...

Liu Bian kept staring at Cao Zhengchun, his mind full of thoughts, imagining a bright future. However, Cao Zhengchun felt a chill on his back, cold sweat soaked through his clothes, and panic appeared in his heart.

"Did I do something wrong? Why is His Majesty looking at me like this? But His Majesty's eyes are so sharp! I have been practicing Tiangang Tongzi Kung Fu since I was young, but I can't resist His Majesty's gaze. It's as if I am completely defenseless!"

This was not the first time Cao Zhengchun had faced Liu Bian's gaze, but this time it was even more terrifying! Even more horrifying! Even more uneasy!
Your Majesty's eyes are like a sword, so sharp that they seem to be able to kill people!
...

Liu Bian finally calmed down and came to his senses. Cao Zhengchun actually felt like he had escaped from a tiger's mouth and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Zhengchun, staying up late is bad for your health. You should go to bed early." Liu Bian was in a good mood and his tone softened.

This made Cao Zhengchun feel relieved. His Majesty was concerned about him! He immediately looked serious and said respectfully:

"Your Majesty, as long as you open your eyes, this servant will always be here!"

"Don't you need to rest? Just having this intention is enough. I still need you to stay by my side forever, so don't tire yourself out."

Cao Zhengchun was deeply moved and said:

“I dare not hide it from your Majesty. When I practice Tiangang Tongzi Kung Fu, I only need to meditate and take a short rest. Even if I don’t sleep for three days and three nights, I will be full of energy and radiant after meditating and resting for a while.

Your Majesty, please do not worry about my health. Instead, Your Majesty, work hard for the country and the people, and do not tire yourself out. "

...

This immediately gave Liu Bian something to think about.

This ability is incredible!
If he cultivates, won't he not need to sleep in the future? Then he can devote himself to work!
996? Too lazy! 007 is enough!

And looking at Cao Zhengchun's radiant appearance, his complexion is even smoother than that of Empress Dowager He. This is a perfect health-preserving skill!
Liu Bian was immediately moved, so he asked: "Zhengchun, how about you teach me how to practice?"

...

"This……"

Cao Zhengchun was suddenly embarrassed and didn't know how to answer. He said quietly:

"Your Majesty, this is the Tiangang Boy's Kung Fu! It is a boy's Kung Fu! It is not suitable for your Majesty to practice! Your Majesty, please put the dragon body and the country first!"

...

After hearing this, Liu Bian woke up in shock and was extremely disappointed!
Yes!

He is the ruler of a country, the ruler of the Han Dynasty, and he needs to ensure the continuation of his lineage. Practicing Tiangang Tongzi Gong? I'm afraid that Empress Dowager He and all the officials in the court will die to advise against it!

And if there are no heirs, the country will be in turmoil!

"Ugh."

Liu Bian felt a little regretful.

...

Cao Zhengchun dared not share your worries.

Regarding the practice of the Boy's Kung Fu, if he dared to allow His Majesty to practice the Boy's Kung Fu, Empress Dowager He and all the officials in the court would tear him to pieces.

Seeing that His Majesty was somewhat curious about the cultivation method, Cao Zhengchun panicked and made up his mind to reveal a little about today's communication. His Majesty has reached the age of marriage and childbearing, so he must choose a concubine and a queen as soon as possible.

If he had to practice Tongzi Kung Fu on a whim, could Cao Zhengchun still refuse? !
However, if Your Majesty loses his virginity as soon as possible, the Tiangang Boy's Skill will not be practiced, and Cao Zhengchun will then be able to rest easy.

As long as the idea of ​​His Majesty practicing the Boy's Kung Fu was spread, even if it was just a rumor, Empress Dowager He and all the officials in the court would probably become crazy worried.

Your Majesty's marriage and inheritance are important matters concerning the state system!
...

Liu Bian had no idea about Cao Zhengchun’s inner thoughts. After expressing his regret for a while, he finally got up and rested.

In fact, he was full of energy and could continue working, but Liu Bian also knew that staying up late was harmful to his health and not conducive to his long-term development.

After Liu Bian fell asleep, Cao Zhengchun continued to meditate and rest in the side hall.

As long as Liu Bian called him, he would appear at the first moment. And if any villain dared to disturb the emperor, he would take lightning action at the first moment.

Just when Deyang Palace became quiet, the Jinyiwei became busy.

After leaving the palace, Zhuque and other Jinyiwei returned to the camp at full speed. They tortured Xu You all night long to extract a confession!

This is the job of the Royal Guards!
Negotiation? That's the censor's job!

Xu You was stubborn at first, shouting something:
"The literati and officials shall not be punished", "How dare you resort to lynching? I will impeach you", "I am from the Xu family of Nanyang, and the Xu Shao brothers are my distant relatives. I will bring disgrace upon you and make you infamous forever."

But soon, Xu You realized that he was a wise man:
"Stop hitting me, stop hitting me! I confess! I confess everything!", "Ask whatever you want to ask! I only have one request, give me a quick death!"

Suzaku asked the question she wanted to know most -

Why did so many princes respond to Qiao Mao's false edict?
Many of them are well-known loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty. Are they just seeking fame and reputation? Are they hyped up by you aristocratic families who hold the power of discourse?
Also, why did Liu Dai, a relative of the Han Dynasty and the governor of Yanzhou, participate in the meeting? Did Liu Dai have any rebellious intentions? Was he trying to restart the Rebellion of the Eight Princes?

...

Xu You said weakly:
"Because although the content of the 'forged edict' to purge the emperor's side was fake, the seal was real! Yuan even wrote a private edict for each prince, stamped with the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal.

"The content of the imperial edict is that Your Majesty is under coercion and control by the Xiliang Army, and your personal freedom is threatened. It is hoped that the loyal officials of the Han Dynasty will come to the capital to purge the emperor, punish the treacherous officials, and support the Han Dynasty.

"Even the loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty would go to the capital without hesitation to purge the emperor after hearing the imperial edict! Because they would think that this is the imperial edict of His Majesty!

“We will deliberately let the Xiliang Army cause chaos in the capital. The fleeing civilians and merchants will spread the news in all directions, making people think that the Xiliang Army still controls the capital.

“Due to the inconvenience of road transportation, many princes probably don’t know that the matter of abolishing and enthroning has been stopped by Your Majesty. The edict to announce it to the world needs to go through the local governors.

"The Yuan family has three officials in four generations, and their students and former officials are all over the country. They control the local discourse power, intercept intelligence from the capital, and spread rumors, making it impossible for people to distinguish the truth from the false. This is why the princes from all over the world besieged the capital."

Xu You spoke for a full half a quarter of an hour, and Zhuque and other Jinyiwei were horrified when they heard it!
"The 'Six Seals of the Son of Heaven' and the 'Imperial Seal' are in your hands?"

Zhuque said in a deep voice: "No wonder we searched the Xiliang military camp and Dong Zhuo's residence but couldn't find it. It turns out that you have taken it away first? How did you do it?"

...

"After Dong Zhuo took over the capital, he was all-powerful and controlled the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal, which were used to issue imperial decrees. Although Dong Zhuo died, Li Ru controlled these seals. In fact, there was a clause in his agreement with the Grand Tutor that transferred the control to the Grand Tutor."

Xu You was half dead, but he told everything he knew.

...

Today, the imperial edicts of Emperor Han Liu Bian still use the seal of "Prince Bian", because the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal have been missing for a long time.

It turns out that the agreement between Li Ru and Grand Tutor Yuan Wei included the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal?

So, the Yuan family had been planning this from the beginning? !
Relying on the power and connections of the Yuan family of Runan, they formed alliances! Relying on the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal, they turned the "forged edict" into the "real edict"? !

Among the princes who met to "clean up the emperor's entourage", there must have been Yuan's disciples and former officials, Yuan's allies, and those with ulterior motives. But there must have also been loyal officials of the Han Dynasty who were kept in the dark!
Regardless of whether they really had ulterior motives or were loyal officials of the Han Dynasty, they took advantage of Qiao Mao's forged imperial edict to go to the capital to purge the emperor and achieve their own political goals? !
A chain of schemes!

It turns out that all of this was Yuan’s chain of schemes!
...

Suzaku said in a deep voice:
"The eight passes in Luoyang are all dangerous passes where one man can hold their own against ten thousand men. The Yuan family is so generous, is there a traitor among them?
"Who are the allies of the Yuan family in the capital? Among the princes who have purged the emperor, which ones are loyal and which ones have ulterior motives? As Yuan Shao's chief adviser, you should know a lot of secrets, right?"

…"I know……"

Xu You told everything, mentioning the names of one person after another, even including Lu Zhi, Zhu Jun, and Huangfu Song.

Shangshu Ling Lu Zhi was now promoted to Grand Tutor, but he had not yet taken office. Zuo Jiangjun Huangfu Song was given a special title and stationed at Tongguan. Chariot General Zhu Jun led the army to guard the eight passes of Luoyang and resist the siege of the princes.

These three people are also Yuan's allies? !
Especially Zhu Jun, who commanded more than 20,000 soldiers from five schools of the Northern Army and sent troops to support the eight passes of Luoyang. He was the commander-in-chief to resist the princes from entering the capital to purge the emperor!
If Zhu Jun has any problems, then can't we cooperate with him from inside and outside at any time? !
...

This immediately made Zhuque look gloomy. It was obvious that Xu You was making random accusations, trying to drag others into the water and fish in troubled waters.

"Do you think we are stupid? These three generals are loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and everyone knows it!

"During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, he fought bravely and shed blood. When the Western Liang army tried to dethrone the emperor, Zhu Jun led his army to rescue him. Lu Zhi responded from afar in Hanoi and asked for help to save the emperor.

"Are they also allies of the Yuan family?"

...

"Haha, believe it or not. Some things can't be judged by appearance alone.

"If we only look at the surface, when Dong Zhuo was recklessly deposing and enthroning the emperor, Yuan Shao refuted him in court and openly opposed Dong Zhuo. He was almost killed by Dong Zhuo. Is he also a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty?"

Xu You sneered. The torture by the Jinyiwei meant that his request to the emperor had failed.

Your Majesty is so cruel and merciless, what kind of friendship does he need? Before he dies, he will also cause trouble for Your Majesty, so that Your Majesty will know that even rabbits bite when they are angry!
His answers to the Embroidered Uniform Guards were seven parts true and three parts false, but these three parts of falsehood were enough to alienate the trust between the monarch and his ministers!
The trust between the monarch and his subjects is crucial to both the imperial court and the local areas! Moreover, it is a critical moment for the princes to besiege the capital and purge the emperor? !

This will cause unrest in the capital and panic among the people in the court!

Even the soldiers guarding the eight passes in Luoyang might be affected and lose their composure!

Maybe the allied forces of the princes who were originally unable to attack can really make a miracle happen. At that time, it will be easier to invite a god than to send him away!
There is no guarantee that ambitious people like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu will not have other ideas, such as using the emperor to control the princes!

By then, Xu You might be able to save himself!
...

After that, no matter how the Jinyiwei tortured him, Xu You refused to tell the truth. Or if he did, it was half true and half false, making it impossible to tell the difference.

This actually makes people feel a little tricky!
Before leaving, Zhuque said in a deep voice: "I forgot to tell you one thing. You want to delay time? His Majesty has issued an edict that at noon today, you and the entire family of Yuan Wei will be executed together!"

...

Xu You's pupils shrank, but then returned to normal, and he chuckled and replied:

"I also forgot to tell you that the day the allied forces attacked was the day that Grand Tutor Yuan Wei was executed.

"What time exactly? Will those traitors work together from inside and outside? I won't tell you! Hahahaha——"

...

After hearing this, Zhuque and other Jinyiwei looked solemn and left quickly.

A hundred Jinyiwei followed quickly and asked, "Commander, do you want to increase his punishment? Do you believe he won't confess?"

"Need not."

Zhuque is well versed in pharmacology and knows the limits of the human body. She said in a deep voice: "Xu You has reached his limit. If we continue to torture him, he may die!"

"My subordinate understands."

Xu You is a criminal who has been sentenced to death by His Majesty's order, so he cannot be allowed to die before that.

Zhuque immediately dispersed the Jinyiwei to the eight passes of Luoyang, because the "traitors" mentioned by Xu You included the guards of the eight passes.

Even though they knew that Xu You was just making random accusations and dragging others into the water, at such an important moment, they were still a little worried that some of it was true.

While giving orders along the way, Zhuque and the others left the prison. It was still dark outside. Because it was only three quarters past midnight, about three in the morning. It was the darkest time before dawn.

Zhuque went straight to Qin Qiong's camp. He was resting without taking off his armor or his horse. He woke up immediately after hearing the words. Zhuque then informed Qin Qiong of the interrogation of Xu You, which made Qin Qiong look solemn.

"When Xu You told me about the offensive plan of the allied forces, I sent Wen Yuan to help General Zhu Jun. But now he is making random accusations and trying to disrupt our military morale, so we have to be on guard!"

Qin Qiong thought for a moment and said:

"I suggest sending troops to support Sishui Pass and Hulao Pass, as well as Xuanyuan Pass to the south. Focus on guarding against Yuan Shao and other princes in the east of the pass, and Yuan Shu and other princes in the south of the pass. The Yuan family is the culprit. As for General Zhu Jun, I will wait for your majesty's decision."

"Right on my mind."

Zhuque asked Qin Qiong for his opinion. After all, he was also one of the commanders of the five schools of the Northern Army. Finally, he contacted Xuanwu. Now he was disguised as "Diao Chan" and was inseparable from Lu Bu.

Zhuque ordered Xuanwu to be ready at all times and tricked Lu Bu into rushing to support the defense of Guandong City.

Soon after, Zhuque, Qinglong and others rushed to the capital, passed through the outer city, the imperial city (inner city), and finally entered the palace. It was already the quarter after 4 a.m.

At this time, dawn was breaking and the sky was already turning pale.

But at this moment, Liu Bian was obviously still resting.

After hearing the voice, Cao Zhengchun immediately went outside the palace, looked at Zhuque and the others and asked in surprise, "You Jinyiwei are here to disturb people's sleep so early in the morning?"

"Eunuch Cao is so elegant. We haven't slept all night!"

Zhuque couldn't hide his fatigue. He had interrogated Xu You all night yesterday and had to distinguish the truth from the lies in his words. He was exhausted. Then he traveled a long distance to the palace overnight and was exhausted.

After a pause, Suzaku bluntly said, "We need to see His Majesty immediately! I hope Eunuch Cao will let us know!"

"This……"

Cao Zhengchun looked at the sky and said, "Your Majesty, you stayed up late again last night. It's only around 11:00 now and you haven't rested for long. If this continues, it will have an impact on the Dragon Body!"

“It’s a matter of great importance!”

Zhuque sighed and said, "This concerns the life and death of the capital. If anything goes wrong, I will guarantee it with all my strength!"

"Our family understands!"

Cao Zhengchun flashed into Deyang Palace again and called softly from outside: "Your Majesty."

"What's the matter?"

Liu Bian was having a light sleep and suddenly woke up with a start.

"Commander Zhu requests an audience."

"…Bring her in."

"promise!"

Zhuque was brought into the palace. He looked at his nose and his heart, and did not dare to look directly at the emperor.

Liu Bian had already sat up at this time, wearing a single white robe, with his hair untied, and his eyes were slightly swollen due to lack of sleep.

After Zhuque met Liu Bian, he told him everything about the torture he had used on Xu You, including the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal, the person who had confessed to being a traitor, and what he had said about the princes launching an attack today.

After saying this, he fell silent, waiting for His Majesty's decision!
Liu Bian did not expect that the six seals of the emperor and the imperial seal would end up in Yuan Wei's hands. Are they still in the capital? Or have they already fallen into the hands of the local Yuan family members?
No wonder so many princes responded to Qiao Mao's forged edict, including many loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty, and even Liu Dai, a relative of the Han Dynasty, responded!

Because the content of the forged edict was false, but the seal was real!

In ancient times, Lord Xinling stole the seal to save Zhao, and now the Yuan family stole the seal to disrupt the government!

Liu Bian felt it was a bit ironic, but he also knew that in the current era of inconvenient information and communication, tokens such as the tiger talisman and the jade seal could be used to mobilize troops and exercise power on behalf of heaven!

As he was feeling emotional, Liu Bian's mind turned rapidly, and he immediately said:
"Qin Qiong's deployment of troops is very much to my liking. I will dispatch Lu Bu to lead the Bingzhou Army to support the defense of Guandong City, and dispatch Li Siye to lead troops to support the defense of Guannan City. As for the commander-in-chief Zhu Jun..."

In his heart, Liu Bian believed in Lu Zhi, Zhu Jun and Huangfu Song. This conclusion was based on his understanding of the three generals' reputations before and after their death.

But we should be prepared for the worst. This time the siege of the capital by the princes is a matter of great importance!

Perhaps Xu You understood this point. Human beings are suspicious, let alone the emperor?
Liu Bian sighed and asked, "Are the families of the three generals in the capital?"

"No."

Zhuque understood Liu Bian's thoughts.

"Transfer Qin Qiong to replace Zhu Jun as the commander-in-chief, and order Zhu Jun to return to Luoyang as soon as possible. I need him to take charge of the central government.

"Lu Zhi was in charge of the Secretariat and worked with me for several months. He had seen my handwriting and knew the seal of my prince Bian. (Liu Bian ascended the throne in April and was deposed in September)
"I will immediately write a letter with my imperial handwriting, informing you of the details. You shall deliver it to Lu Zhi! Also send a copy to the Left General Huangfu Song."

Liu Bian gave the order in a deep voice. It was not that he did not trust Zhu Jun, but he needed to order him to return to Luoyang and see it with his own eyes before he could feel at ease.

This is the commander-in-chief!

If there really is a change, Liu Bian will be trapped!
Fortunately, he drew the Emperor's Qi-gazing Technique in the early morning, which could be put to use immediately. The round trip did take some time, but it didn't take much time.

As for Lu Zhi and Huangfu Song, it depends on whether they will obey the imperial edict and come to the capital!
"I obey your orders!!!"

Zhuque immediately obeyed the order.

Liu Bian gave some instructions on the details, and then Zhuque rode away at full speed.

"Help me get dressed and tie my hair."

Liu Bian got up immediately.

Cao Zhengchun asked worriedly, "Your Majesty, it's still early, don't you want to continue to rest?"

"No time to rest!"

Liu Bian said in a deep voice: "Today is a time of trouble!"

Cao Zhengchun didn't dare to persuade him anymore. At about five o'clock in the morning, Liu Bian had already gotten up to handle government affairs.

At this moment, he finally understood what it meant to be busy with many things.

Being an emperor is so tiring!
(End of this chapter)