Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Surface Chapter Eight: A Subject’s Petition for the Release of Liu Tao

The Hall of Deyang fell into a deadly silence. The emperor and the assembled lords beneath the dais seemed as if their throats had been grasped by an invisible hand.

Liu Hong’s fingers froze as they twitched on the armrest. The shrewd calculation, like that of a seasoned merchant, on his face was replaced by stunned disbelief.

No charge at all? A mere imperial edict? Exchanging taxes and that so-called “House of Virtue” plaque for something that could save lives? This boy… could he have lost his mind?

Zhang Rang’s face, as smooth and pale as a peeled egg, darkened to the point that one could almost wring water from it. He was striking at the root!

This little bastard wanted to uproot them all! Those lowly grain merchants, apothecaries, the local tyrants and clods, once they caught wind of “tax exemption” and “imperial plaques bestowed by His Majesty,” who would still obediently funnel their profits into the Inner Court’s hands?

Especially those scoundrels hoarding rice, herbs, and medicines, waiting to cash in on the plague—surely they would be the first to jump at this chance! If this plan succeeded, their claws across the provinces would be pried loose! This wasn’t an epidemic control measure; it was a grave robbery of Zhang Rang’s ancestral tomb!

“Utterly absurd!”

Zhang Rang’s voice broke the silence first, sharp and furious.

He abruptly turned to Liu Hong, bowing deeply with a posture full of sorrow and outrage, as if grievously wronged: “Your Majesty! What this youth proposes is rebellious and subverts the natural order! Taxes are the lifeblood of the nation, the laws of our ancestors—how can they be lightly altered? The ‘House of Virtue’ plaques are sacred tokens to honor loyalty and virtue, not to be carelessly granted to merchants and laborers of lowly trades! If such heretical words spread through the realm, the moral fabric will collapse, and rites and music will be lost! Local officials, eager for credit in controlling the plague, will fawn and pander to merchants and commoners—what becomes of the court’s dignity? Let alone this youth himself!”

He straightened up, fiercely pointing at the trembling Liu Heng: “Immature and unappointed, just because he luckily offered an uncertain plan, he dares to arrogantly discuss state affairs and issue commands in the emperor’s name? Such overstepping is treason! Your Majesty, such outrageous rebels deserve death; their words are utterly untrustworthy!”

Every word from Zhang Rang struck right at Liu Hong’s most sensitive and guarded spots—power, tradition, and the emperor’s inviolable dignity.

The shock on Liu Hong’s face quickly gave way to suspicion and a faint irritability at being challenged.

Indeed, this boy spoke grandly, but who was he? A mere youth who had just lost his father and nearly been beaten to death himself, now wanting to use the emperor’s edict to command local officials? How outrageous! Where would that leave the emperor’s face?

Yuan Wei, the seasoned chief minister and cunning old fox who had navigated the treacherous waters of court politics for years, saw his moment approaching. If he did not speak now, this rare opportunity would be ruined by the eunuch dog Zhang Rang.

He stepped forward: “Your Majesty! I believe that Marquis of Yangwu, though young and impetuous, has proposed a plan that may seem shocking at first, but his heartfelt love for the people is clear and heaven bears witness! Amid this devastating epidemic, when lives are lost and the treasury is empty, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures! Harnessing the court’s authority and summoning the people in Your Majesty’s benevolent name to mobilize all for self-rescue is a flexible and excellent strategy—good governance that saves lives! Though some details may be debated, its core—to take from the people and use for the people to save countless lives—is truly virtuous!”

He paused, then shifted tactfully to the crucial issue: “As for who should oversee the execution… Marquis Yangwu’s contributions and intentions deserve praise, but being young and still recovering from grave injuries, he is unsuitable for the intricate and demanding work. This is the wisdom of mature governance.”

His gaze swept over Zhang Rang’s sullen face before settling on Liu Hong: “Your Majesty! The remonstrating official Liu Tao is learned and talented, well-versed in civil affairs, upright and incorruptible, and devoted to the realm! He co-authored the ‘Outline for Avoiding the Epidemic and Seeking Survival’ with Marquis Yangwu, the very foundation of this plan! Furthermore, Liu Tao was imprisoned for his honest counsel, causing widespread regret among scholars and commoners alike! If Your Majesty pardons him and entrusts him with leading the epidemic control, it would not only utilize his talents but also demonstrate Your Majesty’s saintly virtue in heeding advice and protecting loyal ministers! Moreover… with such a revered and experienced official overseeing the whole, and Marquis Yangwu assisting and supplementing, this plan’s implementation would be legitimate and efficient! Would this not be a perfect solution, preserving court decorum while enacting this life-saving policy?”

“Old bastard!” Zhang Rang cursed inwardly. Yuan Wei’s move was ruthless! Not only did he affirm Liu Heng’s undermining plan and block his accusations of overstepping, but he also dragged the damned Liu Tao forcibly out of prison and intended to place him in charge! This was a dagger straight to his heart!

The eunuch faction behind Zhang Rang also showed grim expressions.

As for Liu Heng’s violent acts against slaves and beating the palace attendant—this was a secret “imperial order” Zhang Rang had issued without Liu Hong’s knowledge. As long as Liu Heng dared enter the palace with a few eunuchs, he would surely “die en route.” Would the emperor investigate? He could craft a story that the Marquis of Yangwu, eager to serve His Majesty, fell ill and passed away on the way. Whether or not the emperor would grant him a posthumous title was of little consequence.

The problem was, Liu Heng had not entered the palace under any “imperial order” and would never foolishly admit to forging one!

“Your servant requests the release of Liu Tao to handle the epidemic!” Liu Heng, ignoring the pain, suddenly knelt low and spoke in a deep voice.

Liu Hong’s fingers began twitching rapidly again, his eyes darting between Yuan Wei, Zhang Rang, and Liu Heng. Yuan Wei’s words offered him a perfect way out and scratched the itch in his heart—reputation!

Pardoning the upright Liu Tao and appointing him to lead the plague control would bring far more prestige than any bribe! And Liu Tao was indeed capable; in his former post as magistrate of Jingzhao, though often feigning illness, he was competent.

As for Liu Heng, his nephew… credit for the plan could be given to Liu Tao, while he would retain the honor of having proposed it, preserving the clan’s dignity and avoiding accusations of mistreating his nephew. The best part—none of it would cost the emperor a single coin!

This deal… seemed not to be a loss?

“Hmm…” Liu Hong dragged out the sound, shifting in his throne for comfort as if the prior tension had never existed. “Chief Minister Yuan’s seasoned counsel is reasonable.”

He cast a sidelong glance at Zhang Rang, whose face had darkened, and spoke leisurely: “Eunuch Zhang’s concerns are also prudent. The extent of tax exemption, the standards for issuing the ‘House of Virtue’ plaques, and how local officials verify these… yes, these details require careful consideration and must not be neglected.”

His gaze turned to Liu Heng: “Boy, it’s commendable you have such zeal at your age. As for the practical handling…”

He elongated the pause, clearly unwilling to let Liu Heng wield real power: “Let it be as Chief Minister Yuan says. Liu Tao is talented. Issue an edict: release the remonstrating official Liu Tao from prison, restore his rank, and appoint him to oversee the epidemic control, assisted by the Imperial Medical Office. The necessary decrees and details shall be formulated within three days by Liu Tao and relevant departments and submitted for my review.”

He hesitated briefly as if recalling something, then added: “Marquis of Yangwu Liu Heng, your contributions and loyalty are noted… hmm, I will appoint you as Liu Tao’s deputy to assist with epidemic matters. Young men should learn more from experienced officials.”

“Your Majesty!” Zhang Rang grew desperate, attempting a final resistance.

“My decision is final!” Liu Hong waved irritably, as if shooing flies. “So be it! Boy, any further words?”

He looked at Liu Heng, eyes faintly scrutinizing, wanting to see if his nephew resented being sidelined.

It was settled! Having knelt so fiercely moments ago, Liu Heng now felt blackness cloud his vision and sharp pain stabbing his back.

Hearing “release Liu Tao,” “restore his rank,” and “lead epidemic control” was like a huge weight crashing down on his chest; the breath he was holding almost escaped at once.

As for that nominal “deputy” title… to hell with it, who cared?

If Liu Tao was freed and this life-saving plan could be implemented, that was enough!

Besides, Liu Tao was an honest man. If he hadn’t been, he wouldn’t have committed suicide in prison after being falsely accused. With him around, how could Liu Heng fail to gain credit and fame?

That beating hadn’t been in vain! Just a bit too painful—he felt like he might die. Now all he wanted was a place to lie down and for Jing Bo to dress his wounds.

Liu Heng lifted his head faintly, drawing a difficult breath: “Your Majesty is wise! I have no objection! I only beg Your Majesty to issue the edict swiftly and begin epidemic control soon. Delay risks chaos; the lives of the people… are of utmost importance…”

As he uttered the last word, his body suddenly lurched, unable to hold on, and he blacked out once more, collapsing forward helplessly.

“Quick! Catch him!”

Jian Shuo, who had been watching coldly, frowned and commanded the nearby guards. Two armored soldiers rushed forward and supported the fainting Liu Heng.

Liu Hong, startled by the sudden turn, glanced at Liu Heng’s pale face, his brows tightening imperceptibly. He waved his hand.

“Hmm… the injury is severe. Jian Shuo, order the Imperial Medical Office to treat him thoroughly with the best medicines. Court is dismissed!”

With that, he yawned tiredly, no longer looking at the assembled officials, and was helped up by eunuchs, retiring to the rear hall.

“Dismissed—court—”

A sharp chorus of bows echoed.

Zhang Rang fixed his gaze on Liu Heng’s retreating figure, then glanced at Yuan Wei and the others, who wore pleased expressions. Through clenched teeth, he let out a cold snort—only he could hear it. With a sweep of his purple robe, he strode out of the Hall of Deyang. This battle was far from over! Liu Tao… Liu Heng… Humph!

…

The scent of medicinal herbs wrapped around Liu Heng once more. He lay on the familiar hard cot, consciousness drifting on the edge of excruciating pain.

Jing Bo wiped the cold sweat from his brow with trembling hands, tears streaming down his face: “My lord… you scared this old servant to death… It’s done… it’s done! Lord Liu has been released and came to see you… The emperor… the emperor has entrusted you with the task, my lord…”

Liu Heng was dazed but heard “Lord Liu has been released.” He forced a faint smile, but the movement pulled at his wounds, causing him to gasp in pain. Damn, that beating… it really hurt like hell… but it was worth it!

“Jing Bo…” he barely whispered two words, “Water… some water…”

Jing Bo hurried to pour water. Liu Heng’s gaze swept over the stoic armored guard standing like a wooden pillar beside the cot—Jian Shuo’s trusted aide—expressionless.

He thought again of his system: No system at all? How frustrating. It seemed that in this chaotic late Han era, if one wanted to survive and save others, one had to rely solely on one’s own skin and bones…

Jing Bo carefully fed a few sips of warm water to Liu Heng, who felt the burning in his throat ease slightly.

He licked his cracked lips, weakly asking: “Jing Bo… did Lord Liu… truly come?”

“He did! He truly came!” Jing Bo nodded repeatedly, his face glowing with pride.

“While you were unconscious! Lord Liu just came out of prison, still bearing injuries. He looked as if he had suffered greatly behind bars, with no time even to change his official robe before rushing to the Imperial Medical Office to see you! He held your hand, his eyes red, muttering, ‘The marquis’s noble righteousness, I… I am unworthy, a thousand deaths would not repay it!’ He carefully inquired about your wounds and instructed this old servant to care for you diligently…”

Liu Heng’s heart eased somewhat. Liu Tao, as history recorded, was “upright” and somewhat “inflexible,” but deeply loyal and honorable.

He had forced the credit for the “Outline” upon him and risked his life to rescue him from prison — this was a debt of gratitude.

Arriving here, he had secured his first valuable connection. With Liu Tao as “chief” and himself as “deputy,” at least nominally, things would be easier.

“Did Lord Liu say anything else?” Liu Heng pressed, eager to know Liu Tao’s stance.

“Lord Liu said…” Jing Bo recalled, lowering his voice: “Although the emperor has already issued the order for him to lead the epidemic control, assisted by the Imperial Medical Office… the resistance is immense. Just released from prison, he is severely understaffed, and… and most crucially, the funds, grain, and material supplies are coordinated through the Department of Finance…”

A look of worry crossed Jing Bo’s face: “Lord Liu did not elaborate, but judging by his expression, it’s difficult—likely impossible—to proceed!”

The Department of Finance! Liu Heng’s heart sank. The Department controlled the imperial private treasury, taxes on mountains, seas, lakes, and marshes, as well as various palace workshops and warehouses. The funds, grain, cloth, medicines, and lime needed for epidemic control—none could bypass the Department.

And the Department was tightly controlled by the Ten Eunuchs, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and their ilk! That old eunuch dog, unable to block Liu Tao’s reinstatement and Liu Heng’s appointment inside the hall, was now strangling the lifeline! Striking at the root, ruthless indeed!

“Damn it…” Liu Heng cursed softly, wincing as the pain seared through his wounds, teeth clenched. “I knew that old eunuch dog was up to no good!”

His gaze swept over the silent armored guard beside the cot, whose cold eyes showed no sign of hearing.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside, accompanied by a gentle but somewhat weak voice: “Young Marquis Boyu, are you awake? I, Old Liu Tao, have come to express my gratitude for your life-saving kindness!”

Before the voice fell, a figure appeared at the door. The man was about fifty, lean and gaunt, his face haggard. His official robe, faded from washing, hung loosely on his frame.

Clearly newly released from prison, his vitality not yet restored. Bruises still marked his cheeks, lips cracked. Yet his eyes were deep, bright, carrying a stubborn light weathered by hardship, now filled with complex emotion as they fixed on the cot where Liu Heng lay.

…