Chapter Forty-Five: Imprisoned

  The next day, Zhang Rui got up early and washed and dressed. Today was the day of the morning court, so it was naturally different from usual. In ancient times, the morning court was a very sacred thing, and one had to bathe and change clothes, and make oneself presentable. And when seeing the emperor, one had to pay attention to many details, and there were many rules to follow. All in all, it was really troublesome!!

  "Zhi Bo, you must remember that when you meet the Emperor, don't speak too much. The more you say, the more mistakes you'll make. If someone wants to frame you, they will pick out faults from your words. So, watch more and speak less. When the Emperor asks questions, it's even more important to be careful with your words. Be honest when you should be honest, and lie when you need to lie. In short, you must be clever and grasp the right degree." Xun Yu, as Zhang Rui's senior fellow apprentice, had to instruct him well to avoid any mistakes.

  "Wen, brother, you've already told me many times, alright, alright, I know. Are you going to become like Liu Bei too? I don't want to say that word to you, brother." Zhang Rui was also clearly getting fed up with Xun Yu's nagging.

  Xun Yu shook his head, knowing that saying more would be useless. Xun You seemed to have expected this and smiled without speaking. They soon arrived at the palace gate. Although it was still early in the morning, many officials were already waiting there. The two brothers Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, old acquaintances of the three brothers, were chatting together happily, showing no signs of last night's competition.

  It seemed that the time had arrived, a small yellow gate opened the palace gate, and the officials began to walk towards the main hall in a sparse manner. Although the crowd was sparse, it seemed that there were some differences. Zhang Rui found that the military generals all walked on the left side, while the civil officials seemed to be walking on the right side.

  Soon everyone walked into the grand hall, and on the left stood General He Jin, with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao standing not far from him. On the right stood naturally the Minister of Works, Yuan Ti, with Yang Bi, Ma Ruzi and other veteran officials behind him. Xun Yu and Zhang Rui could only stand in the back row corner, waiting for the Emperor's arrival.

  "His Majesty has arrived." Liu Hong had come, and Zhang Rui saw Liu Hong for the first time. He looked quite dignified (handsome) and majestic. It's said that girls take after their fathers, so it's likely that this Liu Min is just like her father, no wonder she was born so beautiful.

  Zhang Rui found himself starting to look like the Emperor again. Looking back at history, it can be seen that the more an emperor likes to show off, the less he accomplishes. The emperors who are more willing to accept the opinions of their advisors are the ones who achieve great things. Of course, by the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, most of the advisors were either useless or belonged to Zhang Rang.

  Liu Hong first spoke a lot of nonsense, then read out the rewards for the various generals to the officials. These officials probably already knew about it and listened quietly without making a sound. Zhang Rui thought that he would soon get to the point.

  "General Huangfu, in your memorial, you wrote that a young man named Zhang Rui led 500 cavalry to defeat more than 20,000 Yellow Turbans, and also burned down the city of Changshe and the city of Yan. And he even beheaded Zhang Jue with his own hands for me. Is this true?" Liu Hong did all these to pave the way for his woman, and attributed many people's merits to Zhang Rui. This is really a matter of one word from the emperor in ancient times.

  "I report to Your Majesty, this matter is true, and the child is right here in the great hall, waiting for your summons." "Which minister's family is it? Quickly step forward and let me take a look."

  "A humble commoner Zhang Rui requests an audience with Your Majesty." Zhang Rui didn't want to kneel before this incompetent emperor at all, but for the sake of Min'er, he would endure some humiliation.

  The Emperor of the Spiritual Realm saw a young man walking out at the end of the line, about 1.8 meters tall, with a handsome and elegant appearance, and a refined demeanor. The Emperor thought to himself, "Wan Nian indeed has good eyesight, this kid's looks are not bad, almost as if he's going to be my successor." The Emperor casually asked Zhang Rui some questions, and Zhang Rui answered them all with ease. The Emperor thought to himself, "Not bad, his knowledge is also quite good."

  Zhang Rui did not expect that the Ling Emperor would also understand so many things, it seems that the ancients who could become emperors were not unlearned or unskilled people, after all, becoming an emperor also requires ruthless struggle.

  "Not bad, not bad. Zhang Aiqing is indeed a great talent and even more rare to be so young. I have a daughter under my knees, named Wannian, who is just 28 years old and has not yet married..."

  Even the stupidest person can tell that the emperor wants to make this young man a son-in-law. The happiest person at this point is not Zhang Rui, but He Jin, because Zhang Rui is his protégé and has already been branded with his mark. If Zhang Rui can become a son-in-law, it will be a great help to him. So He Jin gave Zhang Rui a fierce look, meaning hurry up and agree.

  "The Emperor's intention is good, but our family has already arranged a marriage for Rui." He Jin was shocked, how could Zhang Rui be so foolish? Which girl can compare to the princess? He had thought that Zhang Rui was a talented person, but it turns out he only has this level of understanding.

  "Zhi Bo, what nonsense are you talking about? Take back what you just said! Thank the heavens for their kindness!" Yuan Shao also reminded him from the side. Yuan Shao was also more concerned about Zhang Rui, but he didn't expect Zhang Rui to be so stubborn. Yuan Shao's interest in Zhang Rui decreased by a few points.

  Only those who were familiar with Zhang Rui's character, such as Cao Cao and Xun Yu, remained silent, but the look in their eyes also warned Zhang Rui not to speak rashly. They couldn't do anything either, after all, the Emperor had not yet spoken.

  "It doesn't matter, a big man can have three wives and four concubines. You taking Wan Nian as your wife doesn't mean you can't take another concubine. Just wait two years and then bring that girl into the house. I wonder whose daughter is so lucky to make Zhi Bo remember her all the time?"

  The Emperor's temper seems to be unusually good today, and the Emperor actually said such words, which surprised all the officials who were ready to laugh. This kid has had some kind of luck, and he has received such favor from the Emperor. Some cunning officials have already prepared to get close to Zhang Rui after court.

  Zhang Rang was overjoyed when he heard that Zhang Rui had rejected Liu Hong's kindness, thinking to himself that Zhang Rui was indeed looking for his own death and didn't need him to lift a finger. However, he hadn't expected Liu Hong to be so accommodating today, agreeing to let Zhang Rui take a concubine; it seemed he would have to think of another plan. Perhaps only Zhang Rui knew in his heart that this was definitely the doing of Princess Wan, whispering in Liu Hong's ear.

  "I dare not conceal from Your Majesty, I have already betrothed myself to the eldest daughter of Cai Yong and Cai Yan." Zhang Rui said truthfully.

  "Dare to be so bold, Zhang Rui, and actually make a marriage contract with Cai Yong, this treacherous minister's son! Cai Yong has repeatedly disobeyed the Emperor, if not for the Emperor's mercy, he would have been executed long ago. And now you dare to make a marriage contract with his daughter, and still want to take Princess Wan'an? You're just a toad thinking of eating swan meat! Guards, seize him and throw him into prison!" Zhang Rang shouted loudly. Zhang Rang was originally worried about how to ruin this matter, but unexpectedly Zhang Rui delivered himself to the door. Today is truly his lucky day! Zhang Rang thought to himself, what a wonderful coincidence!

  Zhang Rui realized the extent of Zhang Rang's power, as Liu Hong didn't even speak up, yet Zhang Rang dared to have him arrested and thrown into a large prison. The problem was that judging from Liu Hong's expression, he didn't seem to object, which showed just how much trust Liu Hong had in Zhang Rang.

  This great Han dynasty is really beyond salvation, Zhang Rui thought to himself. The vast country is actually controlled by a eunuch, alas... who would have thought that after crossing over, he would die like this? Meng'er and Yan'er, I'm sorry; and also his cheap old father, I'm sorry. However, Zhang Rui did not regret doing so. A real man should stand tall and face reality, if one is not even brave enough to acknowledge the facts, what kind of man is that?

  "Father Emperor, don't!" A soft cry, a figure rushed out from the inner palace and appeared in front of the hall.