His argument that "to secure the foundation of the nation, one must ensure the well-being of the people; to ensure the well-being of the people, one must cleanse the bureaucracy, strengthen the military, suppress powerful clans, and employ virtuous and capable officials" resonates deeply with me!
He paused briefly, his gaze sharp and fixed on Li Ru, who was below, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Your talent is not that of a mere villager, but that of a pillar of the nation! Your ambition is not to seek a mere official position, but to bring order to the world and rebuild the universe!"
The winds and sands of Liangzhou tempered your strength; the decline of your family honed your will; witnessing the suffering of the common people forged your pure heart! Such experiences, such insights, such fortitude, such sincerity…”
Liu Hong's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable expectation: "Is he not my Xiao He?!"
Xiao He?!
These two words struck Li Ru's heart like a thunderbolt from the heavens!
He suddenly raised his head, and through his teary eyes, he could only see the young emperor on the throne, his gaze fixed intently on him with utmost solemnity!
Xiao He! One of the Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty! An unparalleled statesman who assisted Emperor Gaozu in establishing the Han Dynasty!
The emperor... actually compared himself to Xiao He?!
The immense sense of honor and the ecstasy of being completely understood overwhelmed Li Ru like a surging tide, instantly shattering all his rational defenses!
He looked up, tears streaming down his face, his eyes filled with excitement!
Meeting the emperor's expectant gaze, Li Ru bowed solemnly once more:
"Your Majesty has not abandoned me and has treated me as a national hero. My life and my destiny belong to Your Majesty and to the Han Dynasty!"
Your Majesty, if you command me, I will brave mountains of knives and seas of fire, even unto death! I am willing to be Your Majesty's sword, to cleanse the world!
"I am willing to serve as the cornerstone of Your Majesty's rule, even unto death!"
The vow was solemn and clear, every word uttered with tears of blood!
The entire Deyang Palace was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Only Li Ru's powerful vow echoed in the vast space, its lingering sound never fading.
The high-ranking officials looked at each other in disbelief, shocked by the emperor's evaluation and even more so by the fervent and resolute oath of loyalty made by this scholar from a humble background.
Situ Huguang nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
This young man has an iron will and is capable of great things.
On his throne, the young Emperor Liu Hong looked down at the tearful youth below and listened to his resounding vows. A satisfied smile finally flickered in the depths of his calm eyes.
“Very well.” Liu Hong’s voice returned to calm: “I already know Li Qing’s intentions. Please step down. I have my own arrangements.”
"Your subject... obeys the decree!" Li Ru kowtowed again before slowly rising and leaving.
After leaving the main hall, Li Ru straightened his back.
Looking up at the bright sky, Li Ru felt as if the whole world had been renewed.
The yellow sand of Liangzhou, my mother's cough, the wicked face of the Feng family tyrant in Heyang... all the past suffering and resentment...
Your Majesty, so you really did see it. You saw the devastation of Liangzhou, the suffering of the people, and the wickedness of the powerful clans…
You have treated me with the respect due to a national hero, and I, Li Ru, will repay you with the same respect!
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