Treasures of the Ten Eunuchs

After consulting with Duan Gui, Zhang Rang reluctantly disclosed the location of the treasure to Lu Bu.

The treasure was buried near the tomb of Emperor Han Lingdi in the Beimang Mountains. It was a secret excavation done while constructing Emperor Han Lingdi's tomb, containing the accumulated wealth of the Ten Eunuchs and numerous small eunuchs over several decades.

Zhang Rang, foreseeing the impending chaos years ago, buried the treasure there in anticipation of troubled times in the capital. Their plan was to dig it up later, share the wealth, and retire to their hometowns. However, they didn't expect the chaos to arrive so soon.

Observing the majestic Beimang Mountains in the distance, Lu Bu couldn't help but ponder.

Beimang Mountain's grandeur, coupled with the winding Yiluo River, made it an auspicious burial site according to the ancient belief in "resting against mountains and facing rivers." The area had been revered for its Feng Shui, and it had been chosen by emperors for their tombs throughout history. The soil beneath Beimang Mountain had low water permeability, good stickiness, and compactness, making it an ideal location for imperial tombs. Lu Bu noted that since Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty, through the present Last Emperor Liu Xie, all emperors were buried there. There was no doubt that the imperial tomb would be heavily guarded, and attempting to excavate the treasure now would be no different from grave robbing. Lu Bu understood the risks, and for the time being, the treasure had to remain untouched.

The priority at Beimang Mountain was dealing with the eunuchs before considering the treasure.

Lu Bu ordered his men to bring several boats out from Xiaopingjing Pass, push them into the Yellow River, and then commanded Zhang Rang to release Emperor Liu Bian and King Liu Xie.

Zhang Rang and the others quickly released Liu Bian and Liu Xie, then rushed towards the boats.

Having been held captive and forced to travel nearly a hundred miles, Liu Bian and Liu Xie were exhausted and could hardly walk.

Lu Bu hurriedly approached, lifting the nine-year-old Liu Xie.

Liu Xie, resembling his mother Wang Meiren, had a fair complexion, white teeth, and red lips. He was naturally intelligent, calm, and composed, not crying or making a fuss. He turned his head to glance at Zhang Rang, then at Lu Bu, asking, "General Lu, can you spare Zhang Changshi? He did things for my father and treated me well. Although he has no merits, he has suffered hardships, and he is getting old. Can you spare him?"

Lu Bu nodded, "I will heed Prince Chenliu's wishes."

Lu Bu felt a sense of melancholy. It was evident that Liu Xie remembered Zhang Rang's kindness. Without the protection of the Ten Eunuchs, Liu Xie would have been killed by He Jin and Empress Dowager He long ago. A wise and virtuous emperor like him, unfortunately, encountered unfaithful ministers.

Lu Bu was not interested in holding the fifteen-year-old Liu Bian, so he let Qin Yi assist him.

The larger child, Liu Bian, cried out, "I'm hungry, and I'm thirsty. I want food, and I want water!" He behaved like any pampered child, emphasizing how lacking Empress Dowager He was in educating her children.

Lu Bu frowned, instructing his men to bring some dry rations and clear water for Liu Bian and Liu Xie, finally stopping Liu Bian's crying.

Meanwhile, Zhang Rang and the others took advantage of the situation to run towards the boats. Before they could even sit down, Lu Bu waved his hand, and dozens of archers from Bingzhou released a volley of arrows, killing Hou Lan and the other eunuchs. Only Zhang Rang remained, crying out, "Lu Bu, you untrustworthy scoundrel! Are you really going to kill us all?"

Lu Bu shook his head, ordering his men to take Zhang Rang onto the flagship and change him into the attire of a Bingzhou soldier. Some artificial facial hair was added, instantly making him unrecognizable.

Zhang Rang, utterly confused, asked, "Lu Bu! Why did you kill them but spare me?"

Lu Bu sneered, "Because I only promised to spare your life for Prince Chenliu. I didn't promise to spare the other eunuchs. Moreover, the fewer people who know about the secret of our treasure, the better!"

Lu Bu spared Zhang Rang for a specific reason. Although Zhang Rang spent most of his time pleasing Emperor Han Lingdi and making money, having been in the palace for so many years, he likely had substantial experience in dealing with the nobility and influential families. Lu Bu even suspected that Zhang Rang might have an organization similar to the East Factory, dedicated to spying on the private lives of influential families. Even if there wasn't such an organization, Zhang Rang probably had a wealth of unsavory information about Yuan Shao's and Wang Yun's families stored in his head.

Additionally, according to rumors, Zhang Rang was an inventor who admired Cai Lun as his idol. He had invented waterwheels for irrigation, among other marvels, to please Emperor Han Lingdi. These inventions, considered "unusual skills" by the noble ministers, held a different value in Lu Bu's eyes.

Although keeping Zhang Rang's life risked him being slandered throughout the realm, Lu Bu weighed the benefits more heavily than the drawbacks.

Lu Bu instructed his trusted soldiers to hide Zhang Rang in the main camp and cut off the heads of Duan Gui and other eunuchs. He hung those heads on the horses' bridles before quickly chasing after the advancing army led by Qin Yi.

Upon catching up with the vanguard led by Qin Yi, Lu Bu ordered the entire army to be on high alert. Hundreds of soldiers led by Lu Zhi and Min Gong were approaching from nearby, and Dongo's large army might also arrive shortly.