The result, however, is regrettable.
Relying on the connections of Zhang Rang and He Jin, officials and relatives of the emperor, they could barely maintain a foothold in Luoyang.
Now, however, they are still finding it difficult to move forward.
Zhang Rang and his ilk are not fools; they will definitely target the weakest link.
They wouldn't go after someone like Yuan Kui; if they did, it wouldn't be Yuan Kui who would die, but themselves.
Accumulating wealth is acceptable, as is indulging in debauchery.
The powerful clans allow the emperor to do so, even neglecting state affairs.
Power is firmly in the hands of the powerful clans, and they control the promotion channels.
They can promote whomever they want, resulting in those connected to these powerful clans rising through the ranks. Such individuals, once appointed, are branded with factionalism, becoming so-called protégés and former subordinates.
Now, Emperor Ling only wants to regain some power, and the obstacles are already so great.
It could be said that Lu Ming's life or death was unimportant; their relationship was merely a power struggle between the imperial court and the aristocratic families.
It was a pity, a tragedy, but also a challenge for advancement.
In truth, the powerful aristocratic families did not want the world to descend into chaos, as that would only harm their interests.
They either benefited from the succession and maintained their privileged status, or they would be swept away by the tides in the next reshuffling.
A stable and orderly empire allowed them to remotely control and continue their exploitation, standing second only to the emperor and looking down from a high vantage point!
"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"
Emperor Ling rose from the palace maids and had them help him dress. He was dressed in his imperial robes just as Empress Dowager Dong arrived. "Greetings, Mother."
"I am well. I have something I wish to discuss with Your Majesty." Empress Dowager Dong finished speaking and glanced at Zhang Rang, signaling him to clear the room.
Zhang Rang glanced at Emperor Ling, and only after receiving the emperor's nod of approval did he dismiss the bystanders.
He himself stood at a distance that was neither too close nor too far, a position that allowed the emperor and empress dowager to discuss matters privately, while also allowing him to react quickly to any further orders.
These were techniques only seasoned eunuchs knew; many eunuchs needed to observe and learn on their own, as no one would teach them how to do it.
Empress Dowager Dong cleared her throat and said, "Your Majesty, should we send Lu Ming to Anding County to cure the plague?"
Emperor Ling rubbed his head, a slight headache on his face. He didn't resent his stepmother, the Empress Dowager, but rather felt troubled. "Yes, he has no choice. None of the court officials are capable. Since he's a divine physician, with miraculous healing powers, only he can go. Mother, don't worry, that boy Anmin is quite capable."
"Then how does Your Majesty plan to provide disaster relief? Treating the plague will cost a lot of money!" Empress Dowager Dong intended to divert attention from the issue and find benefits for her young lover.
Speaking of money, Emperor Ling felt a headache coming on.
Although the ice, coal, and perfume that Lu Ming had recently proposed were quite good, bringing in considerable profits, the profits after the share were not much.
He still had to maintain the expenses of the Western Garden Army, as well as other miscellaneous matters. Moreover, disaster relief was a bottomless pit; no matter how much money was invested, it was never enough!
He only wanted to gain some military power through the Western Garden Army; with military power in hand, he could do things more easily in the future.
"Anmin did say that the powerful families in Chang'an and the Three Auxiliary Regions could contribute money for disaster relief. If the plague isn't controlled well, it will spread there; it's essentially life-saving money."
Empress Dowager Dong nodded, her phoenix eyes still shimmering with the afterglow of pleasure, making her appear exceptionally bright.
Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly felt a heat in her lower body. It seemed that after some time, the thick semen Lu Ming had ejaculated inside her had liquefied and flowed out.
This made her somewhat embarrassed. Speaking to her son with the semen of her adulterer, Lu Ming, inside her—it seemed like something only a wanton woman would do!
She could only secretly tighten her lower abdomen, making her vagina clench tighter to prevent any more semen from flowing out.
"Excellent! Your Majesty, why not go with the flow and appoint Lu Ming as the Governor of Liangzhou? Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Liu Yu of Youzhou are both loyal to Your Majesty. With the three powers in a balance of power, they wouldn't dare to do anything!"
"They" naturally refers to the powerful clans led by the Yuan and Yang families, though it wasn't explicitly stated.
This made Emperor Ling somewhat resolute, though he hesitated slightly, saying, "Then Anmin can't return to Luoyang, can he?"
"Your Majesty, he can return to the capital to report on his duties! And the Wan Nian family visit is another reason. Having a good son-in-law outside gives Your Majesty more confidence. Luoyang is still too small." Empress Dowager Dong also hoped that Lu Ming could take control of Liangzhou, and then control the Three Auxiliary Regions and Chang'an. Then she could find a reason to return to the Western Capital, Chang'an, to reunite with her lover. Just thinking about it made her feel a little aroused, wishing Lu Ming would come and rape her again!
"Very well, it will be easier for the Governor of Liangzhou to do his work. Is there anything else, Your Majesty?" Emperor Ling had an idea. He not only wanted to recommend Lu Ming as the Governor of Liangzhou, but also to give him control of the Three Auxiliary Regions.
With Lu Ming's abilities, he certainly wouldn't disappoint him.
Then, with his elite troops, he only needed to summon Lu Ming to lead his army to the capital, and he could ensure his second son, Liu Xie, ascended the throne without bloodshed!
Incredibly brilliant!
Seeing that the task was completed, Empress Dowager Dong exchanged a few more pleasantries before hurriedly leaving.
Her thighs were already covered in Lu Ming's semen, which was still dripping down!
If she didn't leave soon, it would leak out completely. How embarrassing it would be if she were discovered!
"That little rascal, how could he have ejaculated so much inside! And it's still flowing! Heavens, how much is that!"
Lu Ming's strategy with the Empress Dowager was quite effective. At this moment, he was invited to a banquet at He Jin's residence.
Empress He acted as matchmaker to ease the tension between them.
Even Lord Wuyang suggested that it would be best if his youngest daughter, He Wan, had something happen between her and Lu Ming, so they could have leverage over him.
Then, they could let Lu Ming rise as high as he could, ultimately using him to their advantage, without them having to pay any price and without arousing Emperor Ling's suspicion!
Upon seeing He Jin again, Lu Ming was somewhat moved.
This time, he lowered his stance, addressing him as "Great General," showering him with flattery, and using down-to-earth, slightly risqué jokes, finding a pleasant conversation with the butcher He Jin.
Before leaving, He Jin even sent men to carry several boxes back with Lu Ming, filled with silk and silver. The He family was not short of money.
More than half of the pork in Luoyang came from their family; they were not lacking in funds.
If a problem can be solved with money, then it's not a problem.