In the governor's mansion, Lu Ming was teaching Tan Chun and Lin Daiyu how to use a pencil. He could now mass-produce paper, so he wasn't worried about running out.
The pristine white paper was excellent for writing, and the pencils could be erased with a simple eraser, making it perfect for practice.
It was a rare, proper lesson, not something that would veer into bedroom activities.
The steward came to report that a visiting card had been received from the Jia family; Jia Zheng's wife, Wang, wished to visit Jia Min. This required Lu Ming's approval, and the thought made him lewdly smile.
"Agreed."
Without going to see Jia Min, Lu Ming let the two charming young women practice on their own. He then left the mansion for the imperial palace to see Empress He.
Upon receiving the eunuch's report, Empress He looked somewhat surprised, wondering why Lu Ming, who had previously refused to cooperate with her, was now seeking her out.
"Let him in."
The imposing Lu Ming wore a self-made fiber breastplate, effectively increasing his defense, especially against powerful crossbow bolts.
From the outside, it looked like a unique robe, somewhere between armor and a suit of armor.
"Your humble servant Lu Ming greets Your Majesty the Empress."
"Hmm, rise," Empress He said casually. In reality, Lu Ming merely cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, barely performing a proper bow.
She swayed her voluptuous waist, her two ripe peach-shaped buttocks swaying from side to side, resembling red hearts.
Lu Ming's gaze followed Empress He's movements, thinking, "What a slut! She's an empress, how can she still be so flirtatious!"
Some flirtatiousness is natural; it doesn't require much practice.
Empress He's flirtatiousness was something she had cultivated into a natural habit. To attract the lustful Emperor Ling, she needed to perfect every detail. Now, she was used to it, so this swaying of her hips to attract men's attention remained. "Speak, what is it? You've turned Chang'an upside down. What, can't take the pressure anymore? Have you come to me for help?" Empress He's tone was undeniably sarcastic, clearly displeased with Lu Ming's lack of cooperation.
The reason she was dealing with the four great families was because they had sided with Liu Xie, so she had entrusted Lu Ming with the task.
Essentially, she didn't actually have much power. An empress in mourning, she had already been thoroughly manipulated by Emperor Ling.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject wishes to speak with you privately," Lu Ming said calmly, glancing at the palace maids around him.
Empress He didn't give Lu Ming any face. She lacked wisdom, only knowing how to seek revenge.
"Heh, Governor Lu, speak your mind! I dare not share a room with someone as audacious as you, a lone man and woman!"
Hearing Empress He's mocking words, Lu Ming scoffed, "Your Majesty, I am merely following orders. Why hold a grudge against me? I have come to pay my respects today to request someone from Your Majesty."
"Heh, do you think I will give it to you, Lu Anmin!" Empress He gritted her teeth, seething with hatred, yet powerless to do anything about it.
She needed to pay respects to her late father and observe mourning, and could not return to Luoyang.
Her son, Liu Bian, had also been expelled from the army. All of this meant that once Liu Xie secured his throne, she could find a place to bury herself as soon as possible, lest she die a gruesome death!
Would it be better for her own son to become emperor, or for her enemy to become emperor?
Which emperor could tolerate the murderer of his own mother still at large before his very eyes?
"If Your Majesty is worried about this, there's no need. Moreover, I have some news to report to Your Majesty," Lu Ming said, glancing around before continuing, "I guarantee Your Majesty will be interested."
After much deliberation, Empress He patiently dismissed her attendants, her teeth clenched, and said, "If you can't deliver news that satisfies me, I will punish you!"
Lu Ming composed himself, his expression turning serious. "In Youzhou, some suggest that the new emperor is too young, lacking virtue and talent, and unfit to inherit the throne, and want to recommend Liu Yu, the governor of Youzhou, as the new emperor. In Jingzhou, some also suggest that the crown prince is incompetent and want to recommend Liu Biao, the governor of Jingzhou, as the new emperor. Now that His Majesty is still alive, these people are already plotting like this; what will become of them in the future?"
"Liu Yu, the governor of Youzhou, was a kind and benevolent ruler who pacified the people and won their hearts. He advocated a policy of appeasement towards the local nomadic tribes and was repeatedly awarded the title of Grand Marshal. Even among the imperial clan, he was highly praised."
"Liu Biao, the governor of Jingzhou, rose to fame at a young age and was hailed as one of the Eight Heroes. He combined kindness and severity in his administration, skillfully attracting and pacifying the people, resulting in widespread peace and the people's submission. He also established schools, cared for the people, and nurtured scholars, thus securing his territory of thousands of miles and commanding over 100,000 armored soldiers, becoming a dominant force in the Jingjiang region."
After introducing these two men, Lu Ming took a step closer. "Your Majesty, may I ask, how should we resolve this chaotic situation?"
Empress He was speechless. For a moment, she couldn't find any reason or words to refute him, appearing as if she had been paralyzed with fear.
Seeing Empress He's expression, Lu Ming moved closer. "In this way, the land will be rife with conflict. Even the Crown Prince will face countless trials. Now, as the Governor of Liangzhou, I control the Three Auxiliary Regions, and with Hangu Pass in my hands, even the finest troops in the land cannot breach it. Why doesn't Your Majesty calm down, recuperate, and await the opportune moment?"
After the initial panic, Empress He had calmed down, her phoenix eyes gleaming with thoughtful light. "You might as well be more frank."
"Conserving our strength and awaiting the opportune moment, the King of Youfeng may also have a chance. If Your Majesty cooperates with me, we can either ascend to the throne or ensure a worry-free future. What do you think, Your Majesty?" Lu Ming stated his plan, having analyzed the situation, but he didn't reveal the whole story.
Because Liu Yu, the Governor of Youzhou, was a very traditional Han official, absolutely incapable of disloyalty; he was a kind-hearted person.
While Liu Biao of Jingzhou might have such intentions, they wouldn't in a few years.
A person's ambitions are always linked to their age. In youth, one desires to conquer the world; in middle age, one seeks stability; and in old age, one can only die in comfort.
Empress He couldn't understand why Lu Ming would suddenly say such things today. Before, all his probing had been polite talk about loyalty to the emperor—whoever was the emperor, he would pledge allegiance to. Wasn't that obviously cunning?