Luoyang.

December 22nd.

As the year draws to a close, Luoyang is bustling with people, and the crowded streets add a touch of warmth to the city in the cold winter.

After a busy year, Luoyang residents took advantage of their holiday to go shopping for New Year's goods with their wives and children.

Of course, besides the people of Luoyang, most of the people shopping and strolling on the streets were people from other prefectures and counties who had come to participate in the Great Han Games.

In addition to athletes recommended by local officials, wealthy merchants and scions of prominent families from various prefectures and counties also gathered in Luoyang.

Because the court was engaged in military operations in Ji, Yan, and Qing, it did not have much energy to attend to the games, so they were postponed indefinitely, and these people remained in Luoyang.

At the entrance of Dongfang City, a middle-aged man dressed in blue brocade strolled along the street, his eyes filled with admiration as he watched the bustling scene of people coming and going.

Beside the middle-aged man, a nine-year-old boy stared wide-eyed at the dazzling array of goods around him with wonder and excitement.

"Uncle, I grew up in Wu County and have never seen such a lively scene before. Luoyang is indeed extraordinary, living under the emperor's nose!"

The middle-aged man was named Lu Kang, one of the four great families of Jiangdong, and the current head of the Lu family.

The little boy, named Lu Jun, was Lu Kang's nephew and the father of the later historically renowned Lu Xun.

Lu Kang stopped and looked at Lu Jun with a smile, "Jun'er, do you know why Luoyang is so wealthy and prosperous?"

Lu Jun tilted his head, thought for a moment, and then said, "Because of the Emperor!"

Lu Kang stroked his beard and continued, "Hmm, not bad! Anything else?"

Lu Jun shook his head: "No! The affairs of the world depend on the emperor. Without the emperor, nothing can be discussed!"

"Well said, Lu Jiajun is indeed extraordinary!"

As soon as Lu Jun finished speaking, a young voice came from behind.

Lu Kang and his nephew turned their heads and saw a sixteen-year-old youth walking towards them. The young man was Zhu Zhi, from the Zhu family, one of the four prominent families in Jiangdong.

As Zhu Zhi walked, he bowed to Lu Kang with his hands clasped in greeting.

"I have met Duke Ji Ning!"

Lu Kang offered a gesture of support with one hand and smiled, "There's no need for such formalities, sir!"

After exchanging greetings, Lu Kang looked at Zhu Zhi and asked, "Is your father well?"

Zhu Zhi cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Lord Ji Ning. My father is doing well!"

Lu Kang continued, "Did Junli come to Luoyang alone?"

"Indeed, I was recommended by Brother Yuan and was just about to go to the School of Engineering!"

Lu Kang's expression shifted: "Oh? Junli is referring to the Yuan family son who is the newly appointed magistrate of Guzhang County?"

Zhu Zhi nodded with a smile: "Exactly!"

Lu Kang smiled and said, "His Majesty and the officials of the court attach great importance to the three colleges of engineering, agriculture and medicine. Now that Junli has been able to join them, he will surely achieve great things in the future!"

Zhu Zhi humbly replied, "Lord Ji Ning, you flatter me. I only wish to serve Your Majesty with my knowledge and skills, and I have no other requests!"

"Oh, right, I also have a letter from Brother Yuan to give to Lord Zhouyang. I'll take my leave now!"

After saying this, Zhu Zhi bowed to Lu Kang and then walked towards Yuan Feng's residence.

Watching Zhu Zhi's departing figure, Lu Kang couldn't help but frown slightly.

The fact that the Zhu family had somehow aligned themselves with the Yuan family made Lu Kang feel a sense of crisis.

Seeing Lu Kang standing still, Lu Jun couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, where are we going next?"

"Go and pay a visit to the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

With that, Lu Kang led Lu Jun toward Cao Song's residence.

Just then, a rapid sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from the main road leading to Nangong from behind.

People looked over and saw a fast horse galloping along the main road.

"A great victory in Jizhou! Our army has utterly defeated 200,000 rebel troops in Jizhou, recovered Jizhou, and captured the rebel leader Liu Kui alive!"

The messenger on horseback, holding a report of victory, galloped towards the Southern Palace while shouting loudly to announce the great victory to the people of Luoyang.

"Good! This group of rebels will finally be wiped out by the royal army!"

"Haha~, how can a mere traitor stand against the mighty Han army?"

"Long live the Great Han! Long live the Emperor!"

Upon hearing the good news, the surrounding people cheered. More than 400,000 people rose up in rebellion, and victory was in sight in just over a month. The confidence of the people of Luoyang soared, and their sense of security also rose sharply.

"This truly reflects the will of the people. I never imagined that the people of Luoyang would support the Emperor and the court so much!"

Looking at the people cheering in the streets because of the Han army's great victory, Lu Kang couldn't help but admire them.

Soon, the good news reached Deyang Palace.

Although he was somewhat prepared, Liu Hong still couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement when he saw the good news.

His scheme to exploit Liu Kui's rebellion, fabricate a major case, and wipe out the Shandong gentry in one fell swoop can finally come to an end.

And now I can finally let go and do what I want, ready to start a new journey.

After reading the good news, Liu Hong looked at Lü Qiang, who was serving him.

"Summon all civil and military officials to the palace for a meeting!"

"promise!!"

Lu Qiang respectfully agreed, then turned around and ran quickly outside.

Inside the Chongde Hall, all the officials gathered.

News of the great victory in Jizhou had already reached the ears of all the officials. Thinking of the impending annihilation of the scholars who had been clamoring to kill them, everyone could not hide their excitement.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

With a shout from Lü Qiang, Liu Hong, dressed in imperial robes, followed Dou Miao into the main hall.

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