Chapter Twelve: Journey to Luoyang

Not long after Luo Ang and Cai Yan were married, grim news arrived from Luoyang: Emperor Ling of Han had passed away.

Luo Ang and the civil and military officials under his command were instantly shocked upon hearing this.

Chen Qun sighed deeply, saying, “I truly did not expect His Majesty to pass away!”

Chen Jiao also sighed, “Indeed! I thought His Majesty was in good health. I never imagined he would die.”

Luo Ang said, “Actually, Zhicai, Yuan Hao, Ziqi, and I already knew.”

Hearing this, the others were first surprised, then turned to look at Xi Zhicai, Tian Feng, and Liu Fang.

Xi Zhicai nodded, “That’s right. The lord, Yuan Hao, Ziqi, and I already knew the emperor would pass away this month.”

Liao Hua asked, “How did you find out?”

Luo Ang explained, “His Majesty favored the Ten Eunuchs and was obsessed with personal pleasure, indifferent to rebellions even within his own court. His debauchery and disregard for his health drained his energy. That’s why a few days ago, I dared to predict he wouldn’t live beyond this month.”

Chen Qun cupped his fists respectfully, “My lord’s insight is extraordinary; we are eager for your guidance.”

Luo Ang waved his hand modestly, “Longwen, you’re too kind. I merely see through the current situation. But I am certain that soon, He Jin will crown the eldest son, Liu Bian, as emperor. He Jin commands the troops and is supported by Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and others. The Ten Eunuchs dreaming of dominating the court is simply foolish.”

No sooner had he spoken than Cai Yong rushed in, asking, “Zicheng, I heard His Majesty passed away?”

Luo Ang nodded, “Yes. Father-in-law, who told you?”

Cai Yong replied, “The people in the various counties of Youzhou heard the emperor had died, especially those in Jixian. I learned it from the people there.”

Luo Ang said, “Father-in-law, please don’t be so agitated. I know your feelings—you have devoted yourself to aiding the Han dynasty, but His Majesty ignored your loyal advice.”

Cai Yong sighed, “I know, but as a subject, I cannot help but mourn.”

Luo Ang agreed, “Indeed. As a subject, one must be loyal. I will go to Luoyang when the time comes.”

The others were shocked and could hardly believe Luo Ang intended to go to Luoyang.

Xi Zhicai cupped his fists, “My lord, that’s unwise. Traveling to Luoyang now would be fraught with danger!”

Chen Qun also cupped his fists, “Yes, my lord. Without an edict from the emperor or empress dowager, you cannot go to Luoyang!”

Cai Yong joined in, “Zicheng, you must not go! If you go, Wenji will become a widow!”

Luo Ang reassured them, “Don’t worry, I will be fine. I’ll take Yuan Hao and Dian Wei to Luoyang. I doubt they would harm even a hair on my head.”

Still anxious, Cai Yong said, “But I worry nonetheless.”

Luo Ang said firmly, “Rest assured, nothing will happen to me.”

In Luo Ang and Cai Yan’s chamber, Cai Yan was tidying the bamboo slips on the desk.

Luo Ang entered silently and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist.

Startled, Cai Yan looked up at him softly, “Husband, what are you doing?”

Luo Ang smiled, “I just want to hold you more, to smell your scent.”

Cai Yan smiled, “You’re just being playful.”

Luo Ang said, “I’m going to Luoyang soon.”

Cai Yan, hearing this, asked in confusion, “You’re going to Luoyang?”

Luo Ang nodded, “Exactly.”

“But the imperial decree says you cannot go without an official summons,” Cai Yan said.

Luo Ang laughed, “If the emperor fears danger and sends word to Luoyang, they certainly won’t stop me.”

Cai Yan worried, “I’m afraid you’ll be harmed in Luoyang.”

Luo Ang reassured her, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen to me.”

“But I’m afraid we’ve just been married a few days, and then you’ll leave me,” Cai Yan said softly.

Luo Ang understood her meaning, “Don’t worry, I won’t die. After all, we don’t have children yet.”

At this, Cai Yan’s cheeks flushed, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“I’m serious! We don’t have a child yet—don’t we want one?” Luo Ang said.

“I’m not talking to you anymore, hmph!” Cai Yan said playfully.

Luo Ang chuckled, “Wenji, I want to make your father’s mansion more splendid. What do you think?”

Cai Yan replied, “I leave it to your judgment, husband.”

“You should also have your own decisions, not just let me decide,” Luo Ang said.

“I still prefer to listen to you,” Cai Yan said quietly.

“What are you saying? I believe in gender equality—not male superiority. Sometimes, you should have your own opinions,” Luo Ang said.

Cai Yan felt a surge of gratitude, “Marrying you is truly a blessing for three lifetimes! It’s rare to find a man who speaks up for women like you.”

Luo Ang smiled, “I cannot bear to see women live so humbly. So I start with family, then I’ll improve the places I govern.”

Cai Yan whispered softly, “You are so good.”

Luo Ang smiled and gently removed his hands from her waist.

Cai Yan turned to look at him, full of admiration.

Seizing the moment, Luo Ang kissed her lips suddenly.

Cai Yan was stunned, frozen in place, unsure how to respond.

After a long moment, they parted.

Luo Ang gazed at her with affection.

Cai Yan blushed and said shyly, “Husband, you’re so bad!”

Luo Ang smiled, “Surprised?”

Cai Yan nodded, then embraced him, nuzzling against his chest.

Seeing her nestle into his arms, Luo Ang held her tightly, caressing the back of her head with satisfaction.

Cai Yan looked up at Luo Ang, “Husband, I want to tell you something.”

Luo Ang looked down at her in his arms, “What is it?”

Cai Yan softly said, “I gave our child a very beautiful name.”

Curious, Luo Ang asked, “What name?”

Cai Yan whispered, “Diao Chan.”

Luo Ang was stunned. He hadn’t expected that the woman he rescued was the fictional Diao Chan from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Seeing him frozen, Cai Yan asked, “Husband, what’s wrong?”

Luo Ang snapped out of it, “Nothing. Wenji, I think Diao Chan is a beautiful name!”

Cai Yan beamed, “Really?”

Luo Ang nodded, “Really. Would I have any reason to lie?”

Cai Yan smiled brightly, “Wonderful, thank you, husband!”

Luo Ang smiled back, watching her joyful face.

Cai Yan whispered, “I am so happy to marry you.”

Luo Ang laughed, “Marrying a gentle and virtuous wife like you is my blessing from past lives.”

Cai Yan teased, “You’re always so playful.”

Three days later, Luo Ang was discussing plans with his officers to further boost Youzhou’s economy.

At that moment, an envoy from Luoyang entered, saying, “Luo Ang, an imperial decree!”

Upon hearing this, Luo Ang and his men immediately moved to the central aisle and knelt, awaiting the decree.

The envoy unfurled the edict and began reading: “By the mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees: Luo Ang shall proceed to Luoyang to assist the Grand General. Should there be any delay, a great army will be dispatched to attack Youzhou. By imperial order.”

Luo Ang said, “I accept the decree.”

He clasped his hands together, ready to receive the edict from the envoy.

The envoy placed the decree in Luo Ang’s hands.

Luo Ang took it and stood with his commanders.

The envoy asked, “Lord Yan, when will you depart for Luoyang?”

Luo Ang replied, “In two or three days.”

The envoy said, “We hope Lord Yan will hasten to Luoyang to assist the Grand General in eliminating the eunuch faction.”

Luo Ang bowed, “Rest assured, I will promptly go to Luoyang to help the Grand General remove the eunuchs.”

The envoy said, “Hearing this from Lord Yan, I am relieved.”

Luo Ang ordered, “Someone, escort the envoy to rest.”

An attendant led the envoy away to rest.

Luo Ang turned to his commanders, “What do you think?”

“Our lord is wise beyond measure; we can only follow your lead,” the commanders said, cupping their fists.

Luo Ang waved them off, “No need to flatter me. I just understand the situation. After I leave, Zhicai will manage affairs in Youzhou.”

Xi Zhicai cupped his fists, “Yes.”