Hua Xiong didn't ask more questions, as he understood the wisdom of these two far surpassed his own. With Li Ru also advising him, he knew he wouldn't be led astray.
"I will go and pray then. Since we are here, it's best not to challenge the Emperor's authority. Strategist, please rest well. If you need anything, please send someone to inform me. I will not neglect my duties." Seeing Li Ru remain silent, Hua Xiong bowed and slowly exited.
"I still don't know how you managed to do it. These people respect you immensely!" Jia Xu remarked, watching Hua Xiong leave. Even though Dong Zhuo was gone, these former generals still followed Li Ru's orders.
Li Ru didn't respond, but a slight smile appeared on his lips. Although he had misjudged Dong Zhuo, the fierce generals he had nurtured from Xiliang were all loyal and righteous men. However, without his guidance, their righteous and generous nature might not last long due to their lowly origins and limited vision.
"Wen He, have someone investigate who offered incense or mourned for Zhongying. Record everyone who did, whether true or not. Although Zhongying promoted many people, anyone who did so should be noted." Li Ru turned to Jia Xu. Although he had little hope, since Dong Zhuo's actions in Chang'an had deeply alienated the people, it was worth a try.
"I already sent someone to investigate when we arrived in Chang'an. I still have some spies here. The report says no one offered incense, and those who mourned have been imprisoned, awaiting execution." Jia Xu said calmly.
"In prison? Cai Bojie, I presume?" Li Ru reacted immediately. "It must be him. Zhongying treated him well. As a great scholar, only his integrity would make him do such a thing. Does he have any children needing care? With his status, Wang Zishi likely won't execute his entire family. Have Hua Xiong see to it and move the Cai family if necessary."
"He has only one daughter, promised to Wei Zhongdao of the Wei family in Hedong. However, whether mourning for three years or sending her to the Wei family now, both are inappropriate." Jia Xu detailed the situation to Li Ru. Typically, daughters of noble families married at eighteen or nineteen, and Cai Yan was currently unsuitable for either option.
"Have Hua Xiong move the Cai family. Promise her a lifetime of glory! Jia Wen He, can you do this?" Li Ru's eyes shone with determination. "I know you're good at self-preservation, but let me ask you this: Zhongying treated you well. Even if you offered no counsel, Zhongying's downfall was his own doing. However, someone mourned him. Since we have time, we must take care of his family. You, Jia Wen He, can't shirk this responsibility!"
"Fine, fine. What's a lifetime of glory? It's nothing but a simple task for us. But remember, Wenyou, I will only provide covert protection. Her choices will be her own; I will not interfere." Jia Xu reluctantly agreed, making clear he would only provide hidden protection without meddling in her decisions.
"Understood." Li Ru closed his eyes, uttering one word. With that, Cai Yan's fate was sealed, guaranteed a lifetime of prosperity with these two formidable figures ensuring her well-being.
Ten days later, at Weiyang Palace, Emperor Xian sat high on his throne, gazing down at his bowing ministers and Hua Xiong, who had brought much-needed grain tributes. He was very pleased, ignoring the past incidents at Hulao Pass. Those in the know chose to forget the past, seeing no need to offend a powerful warlord, especially one who was a Han clan member and had just defeated the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans.
Hua Xiong's time presenting the tribute was brief. Aside from the shock of the white porcelain cups Chen Xi sent, most of the session was Yang Biao and the newly appointed Wang Yun arguing. Hua Xiong's suggestion for the Emperor to move to Taishan was ignored. Without the valuable tributes and Liu Bei's loyalty, they might have scolded him outright.
"Are you disappointed?" Jia Xu asked with a smile.
"Very. Is this the Han court?" Hua Xiong, having never attended court before his capture at Hulao Pass, found the experience new but ultimately disappointing.
"Haha, just take the imperial envoy with you. These titles and ranks are what Chen Zichuan really wanted. It's surprising that he, not yet twenty, secured a high rank. But sweeping through a million Yellow Turbans is indeed a great achievement for the Han. To the Emperor, without the Yellow Turbans, he wouldn't have suffered so much." Jia Xu laughed.
Securing a Han title was difficult. If not for Chen Xi's overwhelming success, he wouldn't have earned the rank of a guanneihou. Of course, this was disheartening for Chen Xi, who expected a marquis title. Liu Bei was awarded the title of tinghou, confirming that defeating Yellow Turbans was something the Han court deeply appreciated.
"Let's leave tomorrow. The Xiliang army will soon return, casting the Han court into darkness again. The splendor and prosperity of the past are gone, leaving only pain. I wonder who will clean up this mess and who will rule the land." Jia Xu sighed.
Early the next morning, Hua Xiong paid his respects to the Ministry of Rites and then exited the city.
"Is this Cai Zhonglang's home?" Hua Xiong looked at the dilapidated mansion that everyone avoided, its walls and ground in disarray.
"Knock on the door!" Li Ru frowned. He couldn't be seen in Chang'an, but seeing the state of the Cai residence made him glare at Jia Xu, who nonchalantly looked out the window before closing the door again.
"Bang, bang, bang!" Hua Xiong dismounted and knocked firmly on the door, ignoring the surrounding mess.
After a long time, a young girl in mourning clothes opened the door slightly and softly said, "The Cai family is in mourning. Only women are left inside, and we cannot invite guests in. Please forgive us."
"Zijian, help me out of the carriage." Li Ru leaned out and said.
"Form a perimeter, maintain vigilance, and seal the entire street." Hua Xiong commanded without hesitation, perplexed by Li Ru's risky move of stepping out of the carriage.
Hua Xiong helped Li Ru out of the carriage and then let go. Li Ru walked to the Cai residence door, his aura of authority and years of holding power emanating from him. "Tell Zhaoji to take Bojie's compiled music classics, his beloved jiaoweiqin, and his unfinished manuscripts. She cannot stay in Chang'an."
Frightened by Li Ru's imposing manner, the maid hurried back. After a while, Cai Yan, her eyes swollen from crying, came out in mourning clothes and bowed gracefully to Li Ru. "Zhaoji greets Uncle."