Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Surface Chapter Ten: Seventeen-Year-Old Zuo Fengyi

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In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. The once dilapidated old residence in the western part of Luoyang had now become the most eye-catching place in the city. White lime lines clearly marked the boundaries inside and outside the courtyard, and the air was thick with the pungent smell of quicklime and burning mugwort.

Under a makeshift straw shelter, rows of large cauldrons boiled medicinal decoctions day and night without pause. The bitter scent of the herbs mingled with the lime, creating a reassuring “epidemic prevention aroma.”

Liu Tao’s gaunt but upright figure had become the most prominent symbol here. He personally took charge of the “Charitable Office,” directing the imperial medical workers and the scholars and good families who had come to help upon hearing the news.

Whether it was boiling medicine, distribution, sprinkling lime water or boiling water, instructing the people to rub their bodies with strong liquor, or wrapping their mouths and noses with boiled cloth—he handled every task personally.

The city’s refugees and patients were orderly guided here for preliminary isolation and treatment following the methods described in the “Essentials.”

Over the past month, Jing Bo had been busier than ever, no longer the timid old servant he once was, but now the chief coordinator of supplies. His hoarse voice commanded the staff as they counted and transported a continuous stream of incoming goods.

Liu Heng’s strategy of “on-site registration, immediate issuance of receipts, tax deductions, and awarding plaques” had caused a sensation in the Jin market and throughout Luoyang’s merchant circles. Especially when Liu Tao himself was present and the first list of nominees for the “House of Virtue and Kindness” was solemnly posted at the entrance of the charitable office, even the big merchants who had been hesitating or secretly warned by the Prefect couldn’t sit still any longer.

If tax deductions were tangible benefits, the plaque of a “House of Virtue and Kindness” was an honor that could elevate a family’s status and benefit their descendants.

Driven by the dual forces of the deadly plague and the lure of fame and profit, those hoarding merchants finally dropped their reserve and hesitation.

Wagons full of medicinal herbs, mountains of cloth, barrels of strong liquor, large quantities of lime, and even food began to flood into the western charitable office.

Jing Bo, of course, accepted everything, promptly registering and issuing receipts with swift efficiency, carrying himself with the air of “acting under imperial orders.” His bent back seemed to straighten slightly after years of stooping, and his cloudy old eyes shone with unprecedented confidence.

The Prefect of the Treasury would never idly watch Liu Heng control the epidemic. The few henchmen he initially sent to “observe” had mingled among the crowd, hoping to cause trouble and find some “irregularities.”

But when they squeezed up to the registration desk, they were impatiently pushed aside by the merchants’ clerks eager to register for tax deductions. “Why are you crowding? Don’t you see the line? If you delay my tax deduction, are you going to compensate me?”

Seeing the bustling scene inside and outside the charitable office, the excited expressions on the merchants’ clerks holding receipts stamped with the private seal of Marquis Yangwu and Liu Tao’s signature, and the city guards maintaining order—who had been coordinated by Liu Tao from the Chief of Gold Guard under the pretext of epidemic prevention—these henchmen exchanged glances but dared not act.

The situation was too murky, the scene too large; it was no longer something they could casually sabotage by “just watching.” They could only slink away to report.

After hearing the report, the Prefect’s face darkened so much that one of his treasured tea cups shattered. He realized that the fire in the west of the city had been thoroughly ignited by Liu Heng and Liu Tao! Riding on the “tailwind” of the emperor’s edict, driven by the plague, and spurred by the merchants’ pursuit of profit, extinguishing this fire would come at great cost and might not succeed. He could only hatefully send a message to Zhang Rang.

Upon learning the details in the palace, Zhang Rang smashed his jade ruyi scepter in anger. He had calculated everything except that the young Liu Heng would be so ruthless and cunning, and never expected the old Liu Tao, just released from prison, to have such courage and execution! They had bypassed the Prefect, setting up their own base among the common people, creating such a stir! It was like a slap across his face!

Yet for now, the epidemic seemed to be somewhat contained by this “Charitable Office,” and the panic in Luoyang had eased. Even the emperor had heard of the “commotion” in the west and Liu Tao’s hard work. To crack down forcibly now would be too risky.

Zhang Rang could only stifle his anger, his face grim as he ordered: “Watch them! Keep a tight watch! Let’s see how long they can jump around! Once this wave passes…”

During the month, under the nearly “force-fed” aggressive treatment by the Imperial Medical Director, combined with Liu Heng’s youthful vitality and the various tonics Jing Bo occasionally brought back, Liu Heng’s health had improved significantly.

The first thing Liu Heng did after recovering was to defy the Imperial Medical Director’s advice and, under the “escort” of two of Jian Shuo’s personal guards, come to the western charitable office.

“Young Marquis! You… you came!” Jing Bo, who was directing the unloading of newly arrived herbs, was both surprised and delighted at the sight of Liu Heng. He hurried over to support him, his old face full of concern.

Liu Heng patted Jing Bo’s rough hand, his eyes scanning past the crowd to the lean figure busy under the straw shelter.

Liu Tao was bending over to examine a feverish child, his expression focused and gentle—so different from the upright and unyielding image he displayed in court.

Liu Tao saw Liu Heng too. After giving a few instructions to the medical workers, he strode over. Seeing Liu Heng’s still somewhat pale face, his eyes were filled with reproach, but more so with an indescribable complex emotion.

“Boyu! Your injury isn’t healed yet, what if—”

“Lord Liu,”

Liu Heng interrupted him with a sincere smile, “I wouldn’t feel at ease if I didn’t come see.”

He took a deep breath of the air mixed with medicine, lime, and sweat—and found it surprisingly comforting.

Liu Tao looked deeply into Liu Heng’s eyes, seeing the pure relief and a hint of youthful spirit, and felt a surge of emotion.

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He took Liu Heng aside to a somewhat quieter spot and whispered, “Boyu, your timing is perfect. The effort in the west has become a model. Provinces and counties have followed suit, especially the epidemic-stricken regions of Yuzhou, Yanzhou, and Jizhou. Although Zhang Rang’s faction covertly obstructs us, the emperor’s edict carries great weight, and the people’s desperate will to survive has been mobilized! According to the swift reports from the provinces, where this method is in use, the epidemic’s spread has indeed been curbed! Deaths have sharply decreased! All thanks to the young marquis’s brilliant strategy!”

“No,”

Liu Heng shook his head solemnly. “It is the merit of Lord Liu and the dedicated officials, medical workers, and people of the provinces. It is the emperor’s edict that made it possible. I merely shouted orders in front of the hall.”

He understood well that he must not claim all the credit, especially in such a politically charged moment.

Liu Tao looked at Liu Heng deeply, lowering his voice. “Though we have results, the foundation is unstable. Zhang Rang’s faction will not give up easily—they will settle scores after the autumn harvest. Though the plague has eased, subsequent tasks like resettlement and preventing recurrence are complex. I fear my strength may fall short. Boyu, you…”

Liu Heng understood Liu Tao’s concerns and was about to reply.

Suddenly, the sound of urgent horse hooves approached from afar!

A rider dressed in Imperial Guard attire reined in before the charitable office and shouted, “Imperial edict! Marquis Yangwu Liu Heng and Censor-in-Chief Liu Tao, receive the decree!”

The noisy charitable office instantly fell silent, all eyes focusing on them.

Liu Heng and Liu Tao exchanged glances, both seeing solemnity and anticipation in each other’s eyes. They straightened their clothes and stepped onto the open ground at the office’s entrance, bowing deeply to the imperial guard.

The guard unfurled a yellow silk edict and read aloud:

“The Emperor decrees: To Marquis Yangwu Liu Heng, for proposing epidemic prevention measures and saving lives; to Censor-in-Chief Liu Tao, for competent leadership and great labor! Now that the pestilence wanes and the people find some peace, I am deeply comforted! You are summoned immediately to the palace to see me. Do not delay! So commanded!”

“Your servants Liu Heng (and Liu Tao) receive the decree with gratitude! Long live the emperor, long live, long live forever!”

They kowtowed and accepted the decree.

The guard carefully rolled up the edict, glancing at the humble yet vibrant charitable office, then at Liu Heng’s steady face and Liu Tao’s gaunt but upright posture. A faint, almost imperceptible respect flickered in his eyes, and his tone softened: “Marquis, Doctor Liu, please quickly follow me to the palace. The emperor is waiting at Zhuo Long Garden.”

Liu Heng’s thoughts raced: Zhuo Long Garden? Not the Deyang Hall? The emperor uncle must be in a good mood… or perhaps has other plans?

He took a deep breath, nodded to Jing Bo and Liu Tao, and boarded the carriage already prepared under the guard’s escort.

The carriage passed through the streets of Luoyang and entered the imperial city, finally stopping at the scenic and luxurious royal garden—Zhuo Long Garden—more splendid than Deyang Hall.

In a pavilion, Emperor Liu Hong reclined on an embroidered couch while palace maids massaged his legs. Zhang Rang stood nearby, his face as cold as water, his eyes deep and inscrutable.

Jian Shuo stood outside the pavilion, hand on his dagger.

Several ministers, including Yuan Wei, Yang Ci, and Zhang Wen, sat inside, their expressions varied.

Liu Heng’s gaze swept the scene, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind: He had faced the infamous butcher He Jin twice but never seen him present.

Yet before he could ponder more, protocol allowed no distraction. He bowed meticulously with Liu Tao. “Your servants Liu Heng (and Liu Tao) pay respects, long live the emperor, long live, long live forever!”

“Rise, be seated.”

Liu Hong lazily raised his hand, his gaze sweeping over them, lingering briefly on Liu Heng’s pale face. “Hmm… Boyu still looks weak. Minister Liu has also lost weight. The epidemic prevention has been hard.”

“For the emperor’s burdens and the realm’s sake, we dare not complain of hardship,” Liu Tao responded gravely.

Liu Hong nodded, seemingly pleased with Liu Tao’s reply.

He sipped tea slowly and said leisurely, “I summoned you because I heard… you have contained the plague? That ‘Charitable Office’ in the west is causing quite a stir. How effective is it?”

His tone was lofty, tinged with scrutiny.

Liu Tao stood and reported: “Your Majesty, thanks to your mighty heavenly power and benevolence that spreads across the realm, the edict was like timely rain, and all people responded! Lord Marquis and I received your mandate to prevent the epidemic. We established the ‘Charitable Office’ in the west to pilot the ‘Essentials,’ widely implementing your benevolent policies of ‘offering in lieu of labor’ and ‘awarding plaques for merit.’ Within ten days, the epidemic in Luoyang was curbed; deaths reduced by seventy percent! Provinces and counties followed suit with remarkable results! The Governor of Yangzhou, Chen Yi, among others, submitted memorials praising your wisdom. The plague has greatly diminished, and the people’s hearts have calmed! All thanks to your immense blessings that benefit all living beings!”

Though upright, Liu Tao was no fool; every phrase carefully attributed the credit to the emperor’s heavenly mandate and benevolent governance.

“Oh? Seventy percent reduction? Chen Yi also submitted memorials?”

A genuine flash of surprise and pride lit Liu Hong’s eyes. Despite his dullness, he knew that ending the plague was a great achievement, greatly boosting his “Mandate of Heaven” aura—a real benefit for a pleasure-seeking, death-fearing ruler.

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He looked at Liu Heng, a rare sincere smile appearing: “Boyu, your method… hmm, was a bit cunning, but… effective! Not bad! You have not dishonored your family name!”

Liu Heng stealthily glanced at Zhang Rang, who had his eyelids slightly lowered, clearly scheming something wicked.

“Your servant is humbled! This is all due to Your Majesty’s enlightened heart, Lord Liu’s devoted service, and the people’s gratitude for the heavenly grace, working together! My contribution is insignificant and undeserving!” Liu Heng quickly rose and bowed deeply, lowering his posture as much as possible.

“Hmm, enlightened heart, devoted service—that’s well said! Good! Young and humble, yet knowing when to advance and retreat, rare indeed!”

Liu Hong clearly enjoyed the flattery, his fingers habitually twisting, eyes flicking between Liu Heng and Liu Tao as if weighing something.

The pavilion fell silent. Yuan Wei and others kept their eyes neutral. Zhang Rang’s face showed no emotion; Jian Shuo stood by with his hand on his dagger.

After a moment, Liu Hong seemed to make a decision. Sitting straighter, he looked at Liu Heng: “Boyu, you contributed greatly with your strategy and hands-on efforts in the west. I reward merit and punish faults impartially. Now that you have inherited your title, you should share the court’s burdens. Long residence in Luoyang is not a permanent plan.”

He paused, eyes turning northwest as if pondering: “The vital region of Sanfu, the capital’s shield. This Left Fengyi… the previous holder was incompetent, leaving the region in turmoil. Moreover, his handling of this epidemic was poor, so I have dismissed him.”

At this, those present were stunned! Left Fengyi was one of the three important prefectures guarding Chang’an (the others being Jingzhao Yin and Right Fufeng), a prestigious post with a rank of two thousand shi of grain! The emperor intended to entrust this heavy responsibility to the newly titled, seventeen-year-old Liu Heng? Was this too rash?

Zhang Rang abruptly raised his head, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes before he suppressed it.

Yuan Wei looked shocked but thoughtful. The Han imperial family’s in-law dominance had a long history, often balanced by eunuchs.

Previously there were Liang Ji and Dou Wu; now there was He Jin. He Jin’s sister, Empress He, wished to make the prince Liu Bian crown prince, but the emperor disliked him and feared He Jin’s power, who was garrisoning troops at the capital, thus the succession remained unsettled.

Now, within the royal clan, there was this young hero Liu Heng, the emperor’s nephew, naturally to be promoted to counterbalance the He family’s power.

Liu Hong smiled with a look of “I believe in you”: “I think you are very suitable! Courageous, quick-witted, and able to understand the people’s conditions. You pulled off that operation in the west. Left Fengyi is yours! Take up the post immediately and guard the capital’s western gate for me! As for wrapping up the epidemic…”

He turned to Liu Tao: “Minister Liu, steady and experienced, you shall oversee the entire operation and ensure it is completed well!”

“Your Majesty!”

Liu Heng’s heart jolted—not entirely with joy but with alarm! Left Fengyi sounded prestigious but was a hot potato! The Sanfu region was a complex mix of imperial relatives, powerful families, and Qiang and Hu refugees, notoriously difficult to govern.

The emperor was essentially shoving his “meritorious official” onto a volcano’s edge. Although it seemed like a promotion, it was also a way to remove him from the power center and let him chew on a tough bone.

Yet for Liu Heng, being away from the center might not be bad. He knew better than anyone that Luoyang would not remain stable for long. Once Emperor Ling died, Dong Zhuo would enter the capital, and Luoyang would collapse. It was better to leave the vortex early and save strength for the coming chaos.

Moreover, Luoyang was no safe place now. He had alienated Zhang Rang’s faction and the yet-unseen He Jin. None of these were good people. Staying might bring disaster any day… leaving was better.

Liu Tao instantly understood the danger and looked at Liu Heng with concern.

Liu Heng’s mind raced, but he quickly put on an expression of being flattered and a bit anxious, bowing deeply with a voice tinged with fitting excitement and youthful apprehension: “Your servant… Liu Heng thanks Your Majesty for the heavenly favor! Your Majesty’s trust and heavy responsibility move me to tears! However… I am young and inexperienced, suddenly taking a high post, I fear I may not fulfill this great responsibility and disappoint Your Majesty’s hopes! I humbly ask Your Majesty…”

“Hey!”

Liu Hong waved his hand, interrupting him: “I say you can do it, so you can! Young people must be tested! Left Fengyi is important, but since you managed that operation in the west, it should not be difficult for you! It is settled! Jian Shuo!”

“Your servant is here!” Jian Shuo entered the pavilion, hand on dagger.

“You are to draw five hundred troops from the North and South armies and the Embroidered Riders, escort Marquis Boyu… no, Left Fengyi Liu Heng, and then these troops will be under Left Fengyi’s command. Depart immediately, no mistakes!” Liu Hong’s tone was firm.

“Your servant receives the order!” Jian Shuo acknowledged, glancing at Liu Heng with an unreadable expression.

“Your servant… receives the order! Thanks Your Majesty for the great favor!”

A flicker of joy passed through Liu Heng’s heart—an elite unit! This ‘uncle’ still had some humanity! Yet his face maintained gratitude and a hint of youthful pride.

Zhang Rang watched Liu Heng’s grateful figure and showed a cold expression.

Liu Hong, satisfied, raised his teacup as if completing a successful deal.