Chapter 41: Trip to Luoyang

Due to the promotion by Liu Yan, the governor of Youzhou, Liu Zhan's reputation began to spread. In addition to his identity as a military general, he also gained the title of "Young Master of Four Unique Skills".

Reputation was very important in this era, allowing Liu Zhan to successfully recruit several famous scholars. Among them were Ju Shou and Zhong Yao, further expanding Liu Zhan's team.

After the Spring Festival, Liu Zhan, accompanied by Dian Wei and some guards, set off for Luoyang.

Before leaving, Liu Zhan first went to Youzhou to visit Liu Yan. First, as a subordinate, he had to show some respect during the New Year. A courtesy New Year greeting was essential. Second, before going to Luoyang, he always had to say hello.

Liu Yan gave some instructions on matters to pay attention to in the capital and wrote a letter to Emperor Liu Hong, asking Liu Zhan to bring it along. The content of that letter was definitely powerful and added a lot of help to Liu Zhan.

Liu Zhan and his party traveled light, only bringing some travel expenses and a few prepared folding fans. All the accompanying people rode fast horses for a quicker journey. They stopped in Zhongmou for a day and met with Chen Gong. The next day, they set off again.

In mid-February, Liu Zhan and others arrived in Luoyang. After entering the city, they found an inn and stayed there.

Originally, they thought they would have to wait patiently in Luoyang for some time. Who knew that on the third day, a junior eunuch came looking for them and asked Liu Zhan to go and meet the emperor.

When seeing Emperor Liu Hong, Liu Zhan shouted loudly, "Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live! May Your Majesty enjoy eternal blessings for thousands of years!"

Emperor Ling had a very good impression of Liu Zhan at first sight. Hearing Liu Zhan's such novel words, he was in a great mood and quickly said, "Royal brother, get up quickly. Get up quickly. We are all family. Come and sit here."

Liu Zhan was new here and didn't know much about the rules in the palace, so he was relatively cautious in his actions.

But Emperor Liu Hong was too enthusiastic. There was no way. Liu Zhan had to obediently sit on the seat arranged by Emperor Liu Hong.

Emperor Liu Hong was not surprised to see Liu Zhan being so cautious. He had seen this kind of phenomenon many times. Especially for young people like Liu Zhan who were meeting the emperor in the palace for the first time. With a slight smile, Emperor Liu Hong said, "Last year, Liu Yan wrote a letter saying that a young talent emerged in Youzhou. A folding fan combines four unique skills. Moreover, he is a descendant of the royal family. You are not only outstanding in literary talent but also a very capable general. Well, the royal family having such a great talent like you has added luster to the royal family. The Liu family having such a young talent like you is a great honor."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's praise. My petty skills are not worthy of being on a grand stage. I am ashamed!" Liu Zhan replied cautiously.

"Don't be so modest. There are few people who can create such a great reputation at such a young age! Moreover, in this suppression of the Yellow Turban rebels, royal brother has made the greatest contribution. In this suppression of the Yellow Turban rebels, royal brother's achievements are the greatest. Killing Zhang Bao, Zhang Liang, and many rebels, relieving the siege of Qingzhou, relieving the siege of Changshe, and so on. The achievements are remarkable and should be rewarded heavily." Emperor Liu Hong highly affirmed Liu Zhan's military achievements.

"Your Majesty, when I came here this time, Governor Liu of Youzhou asked me to bring a letter." Liu Zhan handed Liu Yan's letter to Emperor Liu Hong. Liu Hong took the letter and read it carefully. A happy smile appeared on his face.

After reading Liu Yan's letter, Emperor Liu Hong said with a smile, "This time, royal brother's contributions are very great. It is definitely not okay not to reward. You can choose whether you want to be an official in the capital or stay in Youzhou. How about it?"

"I was originally in Youzhou and personally experienced and witnessed the northern barbarians invading our Great Han every year, killing our border people, occupying our Great Han's territory, and looting our Great Han's women and children. Every year, the wealth looted from the Great Han alone is very astonishing. If the barbarians continue to harm our Great Han like this for a long time, it will definitely pose a great danger. As a military man, I am very indignant. So, I still hope to stay in Youzhou, resist the invasion of the barbarians, defend the territory and wealth of the Great Han from being looted by the barbarians, defend the majesty of the emperor, and guard the Han family's country for Your Majesty!" Liu Zhan stated with a righteous expression and passion.

Liu Zhan's words moved Emperor Liu Hong a little. When Emperor Liu Hong heard that the barbarians looted the wealth of the Great Han, he was very angry. He was a miser. It was not good to touch anything. How dare they loot the wealth of the Great Han? The wealth of the Great Han is not the wealth of the royal family?