Liu Xie's face grew solemn, a sudden weight settling on his small shoulders.
Though only nine years old, he had been raised within the imperial court. He understood what his father meant.
Could he truly hold onto the Liu family's empire?
Sensing his hesitation, Liu Hong spoke again, his voice steady but tired."Of course… I will not leave such a burden to you alone."
"Marquis Xuanwei Zhang Xin, General Huangfu Song, and Governor Liu Yu of Youzhou are all loyal ministers of the Han. I will appoint them to assist you."
"The Ten Attendants will also help you…"
At this, Liu Hong turned to Empress Dowager Dong."Mother, I entrust you with regency. You must take good care of Xie'er."
Empress Dowager Dong quickly agreed, tears already forming. In her heart, Liu Xie was her only grandson—of course she would protect him.
As for Liu Bian… she felt nothing but disdain.
Liu Hong then looked toward Zhang Ping.
"Ping'er."
"Your Majesty," the child replied, bowing.
Liu Hong smiled faintly. "Call me uncle."
Zhang Ping hesitated, glancing at Empress Dowager Dong. She nodded.
"Uncle."
"Good." Liu Hong's smile widened slightly. "When you grow up, follow your father and assist your cousin. Do you understand?"
Zhang Ping nodded, then asked innocently, "Uncle… when will my father return?"
"Soon," Liu Hong replied.
The boy's face lit up with joy.
Afterward, Liu Hong waved gently."Mother, take Ping'er and return first. I have something to say to Xie'er alone."
Once they left, the emperor's expression turned grave.
"Xie'er," he said, "remember this well."
"Huangfu Song is capable—but not truly one of us. Use him, but do not fully trust him."
"I understand," Liu Xie replied, eyes brimming with tears.
"Liu Yu is of the imperial clan. His loyalty is unquestionable… but he is too rigid, too soft. Trust him, but do not rely on him for great matters."
"I understand."
"Zhang Xin…" Liu Hong paused. "He is both capable and loyal—and he is your uncle. You may trust him, and you may entrust him with great responsibility."
Then his tone shifted.
"But he is young. If he gains too much power too quickly, he may grow arrogant. You are still a child—you may not be able to control him."
Liu Xie hurriedly asked, "Father, what should I do?"
Liu Hong nodded, pleased.
"If he remains loyal, then listen to him. Learn from him. No matter what others say, do not doubt him. Only he understands the root of the Han's problems."
"The rest… are mediocre and self-serving."
Liu Hong sighed softly.
"If I had twenty more years… together, we could have restored the empire."
He fell silent for a moment before continuing.
"But if he does not remain loyal…"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Then join forces with Liu Yu and Huangfu Song—and eliminate him."
Liu Xie stiffened.
Seeing this, Liu Hong's expression softened slightly."Do not be overly afraid. Zhang Xin values relationships deeply."
"Treat him as family. Call him 'uncle' often. Show kindness to his son. Care for his family."
"Bind him with affection. If you can confine him within the bonds of kindness… he will serve you willingly."
"I understand," Liu Xie said quietly.
Liu Hong smiled faintly."Now… do you dare to be emperor?"
"I dare!" Liu Xie replied, tears falling freely.
"Do not cry," Liu Hong said, wiping them away. "An emperor must be ruthless."
"I will remember."
"Go back to your grandmother," Liu Hong said, waving him off. "Until I am gone, do nothing. Say nothing."
"And after my death… no matter what happens, endure it. Until Zhang Xin arrives… endure everything."
"I understand."
Liu Xie knelt, bowed deeply, and left.
As he stepped outside, two eunuchs rushed past and knocked him to the ground—it was Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong.
They hurriedly helped him up."This servant was careless! Please forgive me!"
"It's nothing," Liu Xie said calmly. "You were in a hurry on imperial business."
He dusted himself off and walked away.
Inside, Liu Hong nodded faintly.
"Kind-hearted… good."
Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong approached his bedside.
"How goes it?" Liu Hong asked.
"The first two edicts have been issued. The last remains," Zhang Rang replied.
He then presented a report.
"Your Majesty, news from Qingzhou."
Liu Hong gestured for him to read.
After hearing it, Liu Hong was surprised."Qingzhou… already pacified? He said it would take until April or May."
"The messenger said that upon hearing of Your Majesty's illness, Zhang Xin advanced rapidly, wishing to restore Qingzhou quickly and pray for your recovery."
For a moment, Liu Hong was silent.
Then he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha—cough! cough!"
"Your Majesty!" the eunuchs cried, rushing forward.
"Good… good…" Liu Hong gasped, smiling. "Approve all his requests for his subordinates."
"Promote him to Right General. Grant him the title of Grand General of the Three Armies."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And issue a secret edict," Liu Hong continued, his voice growing faint but resolute."Appoint Zhang Xin as General of the Cavalry… Marquis of Champion… and place him in charge of the Secretariat."
"Order him… to bring the Qingzhou army… to the capital…"
His voice trailed off as the weight of his final arrangements settled over the room.