Yang Qiu nodded in sincere agreement: "Your Majesty is right, I was foolish."
Seeing that the emperor and his minister had finished discussing important matters, Zhao Zhong whispered, "Your Majesty, Huang Zhong, Gongsun Zan, Gongsun Yue, Zhong Yao, and others have arrived at Xuanming Hall. Would Your Majesty like to summon them?"
"Oh? They've arrived?"
Liu Hong raised an eyebrow, his face showing delight. He then looked at Yang Qiu and said, "Minister Yang, these people are all rare talents. How about they come with me?"
"To be praised so highly by Your Majesty, one must be extraordinary. I will naturally come to see for myself."
Yang Qiu then followed Liu Hong, heading towards Xuanming Hall together.
Inside the Xuanming Hall, Huang Zhong and the other three waited quietly for the emperor's summons. Their tense expressions and taut bodies clearly showed their nervousness and unease.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
With Zhao Zhong's loud shout, Huang Zhong and the other three turned around and looked out of the hall. They saw the emperor walking slowly toward them with a smile on his face.
Huang Zhong and the other three followed the etiquette taught by the young eunuch and quickly stepped forward to bow to Liu Hong.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects."
"No need for formalities!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the four men stood up, Liu Hong slowly scanned their faces, finally looking at Huang Zhong and saying with a smile, "I have heard that Han Sheng is not only exceptionally skilled in martial arts, but also in archery, possessing the talent of Li Guang. Seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary!"
When Huang Zhong heard the emperor compare him to Li Guang, he was overjoyed, but he still forced himself to remain calm and said timidly, "Your Majesty flatters me. General Fei's archery skills are unparalleled in the world. How dare I compare myself to him?"
"Hansheng, there's no need to be modest. Putting aside everything else, I have a good eye for people. With your abilities, you will surely surpass General Fei one day. Don't let me down!"
After saying that, Liu Hong looked at Huang Zhong with a smile and expectant eyes.
"Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your expectations!"
Meeting the emperor's eager gaze, Huang Zhong was also extremely excited.
Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "Alright, I'll be waiting for that day!"
Gongsun Zan and Gongsun Du, seeing that the emperor appreciated Huang Zhong so much, felt somewhat resentful. They secretly decided to challenge Huang Zhong to a contest to see who was more worthy of the emperor's attention.
Subsequently, Liu Hong also praised Gongsun Zan, Gongsun Du, and Zhong Yao lavishly.
They knew their past like the back of their hand, which deeply moved them.
Subsequently, Liu Hong personally appointed Huang Zhong, Gongsun Zan, and Gongsun Du as centurions of the Imperial Guard, and the three immediately kowtowed to express their gratitude.
Zhong Yao was appointed as a Gentleman Attendant by Liu Hong and kept by his side.
The reason Liu Hong kept Zhong Yao by his side was not only because he appreciated his talent, but also to show those powerful families that he still valued them.
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