Zhang Rang was completely stunned when he heard the new order.
Just moments ago, the emperor had been speaking of killing Zhang Xin's sons and raising an army against him. Now, suddenly, he was granting him honors—General of the Cavalry, Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, even Marquis of Champion—and summoning him to the capital.
Was he being entrusted with regency-level authority?
Zhang Rang was momentarily lost.
But after years in court, his instincts were sharp. He quickly pieced it together—the secret edict, Liu Xie's recent departure…
His Majesty had changed his mind.
"Yes," Zhang Rang replied.
"You will personally deliver this secret edict," Liu Hong said, looking at him with a faint smile. "I do not have much time left. You must reach Qingzhou quickly and inform Zhang Xin of the situation in Luoyang, so he can return at once."
"Only you can do this. I will feel at ease… though I fear it will trouble you again."
Tears streamed down Zhang Rang's face as he bowed deeply."If it is Your Majesty's command, I would give my life—how could I fear hardship?"
Liu Hong nodded, then summoned Jian Shuo.
"I will leave you a testament. You must find a way to eliminate He Jin… and enthrone Xie'er."
Jian Shuo accepted the order, weeping.
Despite his failing strength, Liu Hong forced himself to write a personal will with trembling hands before collapsing into deep sleep.
Soon after, a grand imperial convoy departed Luoyang for Qingzhou, openly and ceremoniously.
Meanwhile, Zhang Rang disguised himself and rode ahead alone at full speed.
Several days later, a solar eclipse occurred. Seizing the moment, Liu Hong dismissed Ma Ridi as Grand Commandant and appointed Liu Yu in his place, ordering him to remain in Youzhou. At the same time, he secretly instructed Liu Yu to support Liu Xie.
Liu Yu was benevolent but overly rigid. If brought into central government, he might side with the scholar-official faction and hinder Zhang Xin. Thus, Liu Hong kept him stationed locally—both as a safeguard and as a potential counterbalance.
Should Zhang Xin ever harbor ambitions, Liu Yu could act against him under the banner of "purging corruption." Even if Zhang Xin won, attacking a former superior would cost him public support.
At the same time, Liu Hong sent another secret letter to Huangfu Song, ordering him to guard Chang'an, monitor Dong Zhuo, and likewise support Liu Xie.
With Liu Yu and Huangfu Song positioned as external pillars, and the palace controlled by Empress Dowager Dong and the eunuchs, Liu Hong believed he had created a delicate balance.
If Jian Shuo succeeded in killing He Jin, all would proceed smoothly. If not, Zhang Xin's arrival with troops and imperial authority would ensure Liu Xie's ascension.
After reviewing everything, Liu Hong finally felt reassured.
"There should be no mistakes now…"
In the days that followed, his moments of clarity grew shorter, his time in unconsciousness longer.
Empress Dowager Dong and Liu Xie visited him daily, their faces streaked with tears.
"Life and death are decreed by fate… do not grieve too much, Mother," Liu Hong said weakly.
Then, with a bitter sigh:
"I regret indulging in pleasure… bringing myself to this state."
Soon after, he fell unconscious again.
The next morning, Liu Hong woke once more.
"Father… Father…"
"Your Majesty," Zhao Zhong said, eyes red. "Zhang Rang has already been sent to Qingzhou."
Liu Hong paused, then gave a faint, self-mocking smile."So close to death… even my mind fails me."
After a moment, he said softly,"I want to watch horseshoes being repaired."
Zhao Zhong nodded immediately. "I will arrange it at once."
Before long, craftsmen arrived with a horse.
When Liu Hong awoke again, Zhao Zhong helped him sit up.
The craftsmen began their work—
Scrape… scrape…Hammer… hammer…
Liu Hong watched intently, his expression gradually easing.
"Fixing horseshoes… is more enjoyable than women," he murmured with a faint smile.
Three hooves were soon finished.
As the craftsman prepared to work on the last one, a voice suddenly spoke:
"May I try?"
They turned—Liu Hong had risen and approached them, his face unexpectedly flushed with life.
The craftsmen panicked and knelt.
"This… if the horse struggles—"
Zhao Zhong sighed softly. "Since His Majesty commands, let him try."
The knife was placed in Liu Hong's hand.
"I've watched for years," he said. "I know what to do."
With one stroke, he shaved off a large piece of hoof.
His eyes lit up.
So satisfying…
He worked with growing enthusiasm—
Scrape… scrape…Hammer… hammer…
A smile spread across his face, even as tears filled Zhao Zhong's eyes.
At last, the final nail was driven in.
Liu Hong stepped back, wiping his brow, laughing heartily.
"Come! See how I've done!"
Zhao Zhong examined it and forced a smile. "Magnificent, Your Majesty. Truly skillful."
"Of course!" Liu Hong laughed. "I am the Emperor of the Great Han! Even this is nothing to me!"
He ordered generous rewards for the craftsmen, then returned to his couch, still smiling.
"His Majesty…" Zhao Zhong said softly, offering a few flattering words.
There was no response.
"Your Majesty?"
A chill ran through him.
With trembling fingers, Zhao Zhong checked his breath—
Then broke down in tears.
"His Majesty… has passed away!"
Outside Luoyang, a group of burly men rode hard along the road, escorting an elderly man bound to a horse. His eyes were bloodshot, his face full of fury.
They had finally reached the outskirts of the capital.
"Hurry! Get Doctor Hua into the city!" one shouted.
The old man cursed endlessly, but they ignored him.
Soon, they noticed white mourning banners hanging from every household.
Confused, they stopped to ask.
"The emperor passed away on the ninth day of the fourth month," the locals told them.
The group froze.
"We're… too late…" one muttered.
They turned to look at the old man—Hua Tuo.
"What now?"
The leader thought for a moment, then said:
"Take him to Qingzhou. Let the lord decide."