Liu Xie's expression turned solemn, a sudden weight settling on his young shoulders.
Though only nine years old, he had been raised within the imperial court and understood well the meaning behind Liu Hong's words.
Could he truly preserve the empire of the Liu family?
Sensing his hesitation, Liu Hong continued, "Of course, I will not leave such a burden to you alone."
"Marquis Xuanwei Zhang Xin, General of the Left Huangfu Song, and Governor of Youzhou Liu Yu are all loyal ministers of the Han. I will appoint them to assist you."
"The Ten Attendants will also aid you…"
At this, Liu Hong turned toward Empress Dowager Dong. "Mother, I grant you regency. You must take good care of Xie'er."
Empress Dowager Dong's position was not entirely orthodox. She had only been elevated after Liu Hong ascended the throne and honored his biological parents. By custom, once the new emperor ascended, Empress He should have become regent as Empress Dowager.
By granting Dong regency, Liu Hong was deliberately creating a balance of power.
Empress Dowager Dong quickly agreed. In her heart, Liu Xie was her only grandson—of course she would protect him.
As for Liu Bian… she held nothing but disdain.
Liu Hong then turned to Zhang Ping.
"Ping'er."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the child replied, bowing.
"Call me uncle," Liu Hong said with a faint smile.
Zhang Ping glanced at Empress Dowager Dong, who nodded.
"Uncle."
"Good," Liu Hong said warmly. "When you grow up, you must follow your father and assist your cousin. Do you understand?"
Zhang Ping nodded, then asked innocently, "Uncle, when will Father return?"
"Soon," Liu Hong replied.
The child beamed with joy.
Afterward, Liu Hong dismissed Empress Dowager Dong and Zhang Ping, wishing to speak with Liu Xie alone.
"Xie'er," he said gravely, "remember this well: Huangfu Song is capable, but not wholly aligned with the Liu family. You may employ him, but never fully trust him."
"I understand," Liu Xie said through tears.
"Liu Yu is of the imperial clan, and his loyalty is unquestionable. But he is overly rigid—kind, yet lacking in ability. You may trust him, but do not entrust him with great responsibility."
"I understand."
"As for Zhang Xin…" Liu Hong paused. "He is both capable and loyal—and your uncle. You may trust him and rely on him heavily."
"But he is young. If granted great power too quickly, he may grow arrogant. You are still young yourself and may not be able to control such a man."
"Please instruct me, Father," Liu Xie said urgently.
Liu Hong nodded, pleased.
"If, after returning, Zhang Xin remains as loyal as ever, then you must trust him completely. Learn from him how to govern. No matter what others say, do not believe slander against him."
"Only he understands the root of the Han's problems. Only he can help you restore it."
"The rest of the court…" Liu Hong sighed, "are mediocre and self-serving."
For a moment, regret flashed across his face.
If he had twenty more years… together with Zhang Xin, perhaps the Han could have been restored to glory.
But time had run out.
"What if I cannot control him?" Liu Xie asked.
Liu Hong's gaze turned cold.
"Then you must join forces with Liu Yu and Huangfu Song and find an opportunity to eliminate him."
"He is too capable—and too young. If he cannot be controlled, he will become your greatest threat."
Liu Xie's face tightened.
Seeing this, Liu Hong softened slightly.
"Do not worry too much. Zhang Xin values loyalty, kinship, and righteousness."
"Address him as 'uncle' in private. Treat his son kindly. Show concern for his family. Bind him with familial affection."
"Offer small gifts from time to time. Ensnare him with kindness. As long as he remains within that bond, he will serve you faithfully."
"I understand," Liu Xie said, deep in thought.
Liu Hong smiled faintly. "Now tell me—do you dare to be emperor?"
"I dare!" Liu Xie answered, tears welling up.
"Do not cry," Liu Hong said, wiping them away. "An emperor must be ruthless."
"I will remember."
"Return to your grandmother," Liu Hong instructed. "For now, do nothing. Say nothing. I will arrange everything."
"And after my death—no matter what happens—until Zhang Xin arrives in Luoyang, you must endure. Remember this."
"I will remember."
Liu Xie knelt, bowed deeply, and withdrew.
As he reached the palace doors, two eunuchs rushed forward and accidentally knocked him to the ground.
They were Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.
The two hurriedly helped him up, trembling. "This servant was careless! Please forgive us, Lord Dong!"
Liu Xie brushed himself off calmly. "You were rushing on His Majesty's business. Your loyalty is commendable. There is no fault."
With that, he left.
Watching from within, Liu Hong nodded with satisfaction. "The boy is kind-hearted."
Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong quickly expressed gratitude before approaching the emperor.
"How goes it?" Liu Hong asked.
"The first two edicts have been issued. The final one remains," Zhang Rang replied.
The first had censured Dong Zhuo. The second ordered the execution of Bao Hong.
Then Zhang Rang presented another report.
"Your Majesty, a victory memorial from Qingzhou."
"Another?" Liu Hong's eyes lit up. "Read it."
After hearing it, he was surprised. "Qingzhou has been pacified so quickly? Did Zhang Xin not say it would take until April or May?"
"The messenger reports that upon hearing of Your Majesty's illness, Zhang Xin hastened his campaign, vowing to restore Qingzhou swiftly and pray for Your Majesty's recovery."
Liu Hong froze for a moment—then emotion surged within him.
"Hahaha—cough, cough—!"
"Your Majesty!" the eunuchs rushed to steady him.
"Good… good… excellent…"
Catching his breath, Liu Hong ordered, "Approve all the titles Zhang Xin requested for his subordinates. Promote him to Right General, and grant him the title of Grand General of the Three Departments."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And issue a secret edict—appoint Zhang Xin as General of the Cavalry, Marquis of Champion, and place him in charge of the Imperial Secretariat…"
"Order him to bring the Qingzhou army to Luoyang at once."