Emperor Ling of Han was the last powerful emperor of the Han Dynasty, a figure who could have altered the course of history, yet he became the root cause of the empire's collapse.
Fate ha...
In the fifth month of the seventh year of the Jianning era (175 AD).
At this time, spring plowing was nearing its end, farmers began sowing seeds, workers were busy with their work, and officials at all levels were busy handling various government affairs or inspecting different areas.
Everything seemed so peaceful and orderly.
Walking on the bustling streets of Luoyang, looking at the people, students, vendors, and merchants from all over the country, Liu Hong felt an unprecedented sense of peace and joy.
Judging from the development process in the second century, after these years of development, Luoyang at this time can be said to be the most prosperous city in the world, without exception.
Since Song Yue became pregnant, Liu Hong would leave the palace whenever he had free time to take a walk and experience the various aspects of life.
Dian Wei, with his massive, towering frame, followed closely behind Liu Hong on his left rear, his sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
Lü Zhen, Zhao Yun, and Dong Zhen also ran hand in hand ahead of Liu Hong, constantly wandering around the street stalls.
Of course, upon closer inspection, it was Lü Zhen and Dong Zhen holding Zhao Yun's wrists, one on each side.
The two girls chattered and tugged at Zhao Yun, buying all sorts of snacks and fresh goods.
Caught in the middle, Zhao Yun looked helpless and pained. He wanted to break free from the two girls' restraints, but he didn't dare to use too much force. He could only keep taking out money as Lü Zhen and the other girl did.
Seeing the three little ones in such a state, Liu Hong smiled knowingly, and his gaze toward Zhao Yun held a hint of pity.
He could also see that the two girls, Lü Zhen and Dong Zhen, really liked Zhao Yun, and Zhao Yun didn't dislike them either.
However, with a brother-in-law like Lü Bu and a father-in-law like Dong Zhuo, Zhao Yun's future pressures will likely be considerable.
Fortunately, Zhao Yun himself is not bad either. He is already eleven years old this year, and in a few years, he will be able to go into battle and make meritorious contributions.
As the three little ones played, Liu Hong and his group arrived near a mansion.
The steward at the gate of the mansion saw Liu Hong for the first time and hurriedly ran over.
"This humble servant greets Young Master Wang!"
"No need for formalities!"
Liu Hong smiled and waved his hand, then looked into the mansion, "Have Zhicai and Yuanhao arrived?"
The butler replied respectfully, "Young master, all the gentlemen are waiting in the living room!"
"Alright, let's go!"
Liu Hong smiled and then walked towards the mansion.
As he approached, the four servants standing in front of the mansion gate bowed to Liu Hong.
Liu Hong raised his hand and then led Dian Wei, Zhao Yun, and the others inside.
The owner of this mansion is Zhou Yi, who currently works in the Ministry of Revenue.
Liu Hong came today not for any other reason than to attend Zhou Yi's son's full-month celebration.
Originally, given Emperor Liu Hong's status, there was absolutely no need for him to come in person.
However, Zhou Yi's son was truly extraordinary.
Upon learning that Zhou Yi had named his son Zhou Yu, Liu Hong couldn't sit still any longer and insisted on coming to see for himself.
As soon as Liu Honggang entered the courtyard, Zhou Yi, who had been informed by a servant, hurriedly came out of the living room with a group of guests to pay their respects.
Liu Hong smiled and looked at everyone, "Please don't stand on ceremony, everyone. I'm just a guest here today, so please don't be shy!"
"Yes, young master, I have prepared tea. Please come inside and rest!"
Zhou Yi respectfully agreed and then turned away.
"good!"
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Liu Hong, surrounded by them, entered the living room.
After the guests and hosts were seated, Liu Hong took out a crystal-clear jade pendant from his pocket, then looked at Zhou Yi and said with a smile:
"Your son is one month old today. I didn't bring anything special, so please accept this jade pendant as a gift for your son!"
"On behalf of my son, I thank you for your generous gift, young master!"
Zhou Yi couldn't help but bow and thank him with a happy expression, then reached out and respectfully accepted the jade pendant.
At a glance, one can see that the front of the jade plaque is engraved with the character "瑜" (Yu), while the back is engraved with the six small characters: "君子比德于玉" (Junzi Bide Yu Yu).
Upon seeing this, Zhou Yi understood that the emperor must have prepared this jade tablet long ago, and the six small characters on the back represented the emperor's expectations and high regard for his son.
For a moment, Zhou Yi was moved, but he was also puzzled. His son had only been born a short time ago, so how could he receive such attention from the emperor?
I really can't figure it out...
Xi Zhicai, who was standing to the side, stared at the jade pendant in Zhou Yi's hand, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. Then he looked at Liu Hong with a grin.
“Young master, my wife will be giving birth in a few days, and I have already named her Ming.”
Those around him twitched at his words and gave Xi Zhicai a strange look.
Everyone knows Xi Zhicai is thick-skinned, but no one expected him to be this thick-skinned.
In the present world, besides Cao Song, the Minister of Revenue, only Xi Zhicai is capable of publicly asking the emperor for things.
Liu Hong chuckled lightly, "Alright, I know. I'll give your son one too!"
"Hehe, then on behalf of my son, I thank you in advance, young master!"
Xi Zhicai chuckled and sat back down, satisfied.
After a brief chat, at everyone's request, Zhou Yi's wet nurse, carrying the baby Zhou Yu whose first hair had been shaved, came to the living room to meet everyone.
Perhaps because it was the first time he had seen strangers, little Zhou Yu burst into tears as soon as he entered the living room.
A loud cry echoed through the living room, and everyone who heard it burst into laughter.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!