Chapter Thirteen: Arrival in Luoyang

That evening, Luo Ang and Cai Yan lay together on the bed, discussing their private matters.

Luo Ang said, “Wenji, tomorrow I must depart for Luoyang.”

Cai Yan was surprised upon hearing this. “What? You’re heading to Luoyang tomorrow?”

Luo Ang nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

Cai Yan asked, “Why so soon?”

Luo Ang explained, “An imperial edict came from Luoyang, ordering me to go.”

Cai Yan looked at Luo Ang and said, “Must you go? Is there no other way?”

Luo Ang met her gaze. “No, it’s He Jin’s command. If I refuse, Youzhou will surely be attacked by He Jin, and then you and the others will be killed by him! Wenji, I know you can’t bear to part with me, but I have no choice.”

Tears welled up in Cai Yan’s eyes as she listened to Luo Ang’s words.

Seeing her tears, Luo Ang gently wiped them away, saying, “Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Cai Yan choked back a sob. “But I truly want you to stay by my side.”

Luo Ang smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll only be in Luoyang for a few days before I return.”

Despite his words, Cai Yan could not hold back her sorrow and burst into tears.

Luo Ang embraced her as she wept, gently stroking her back. “Alright, Wenji, please don’t cry. Honestly, I don’t want to leave you either.”

Cai Yan remained silent, continuing to cry.

Luo Ang comforted her again. “Alright, Wenji, please stop crying, okay?”

Through her tears, Cai Yan whispered, “Okay.”

The next morning, Luo Ang rose early, kissed the still-sleeping Cai Yan on the bed, then went out.

Now, he was preparing to journey to Luoyang.

In the main hall, Luo Ang entered and saw his civil and military officers awaiting him.

“Sorry I’m late. Please, have a seat,” he said.

Everyone sat down.

Luo Ang began, “Gentlemen, today I intend to depart for Luoyang. What are your thoughts?”

Chen Jiao clasped his fists. “My lord, if we set out now, we should bring more troops, just in case.”

Xi Zhicai interjected, “That’s not advisable. If the lord brings many soldiers, He Jin might accuse you of rebellion and execute you. I believe we should take fewer troops.”

Luo Ang’s curiosity was piqued. “Why is that?”

Xi Zhicai clasped his fists again. “Among the thirteen provinces, only Youzhou’s economy has rapidly developed, comparable even to Jingzhou and Yizhou. This certainly breeds envy, especially from He Jin. If we arrive in Luoyang with many troops, it would give He Jin the perfect excuse to eliminate us.”

Luo Ang recalled his past understanding of He Jin and nodded. “Very well, then, according to your counsel, bring three hundred soldiers and prepare to depart for Luoyang. Dian Wei, take three hundred troops to the training ground and get ready.”

“Yes,” Dian Wei responded and left.

Luo Ang continued, “I will take Yuan Hao, Dian Wei, and Zhang He with me to Luoyang. Jixian and Youzhou’s military affairs will be entrusted to Zhicai, with Ziqi, Changwen, and Jibi assisting him.”

Xi Zhicai, Liu Fang, Chen Qun, and Chen Jiao clasped their fists. “Yes, my lord.”

Finally, Luo Ang said, “Yun Chang, continue training the soldiers. Pan Zhang, Liao Hua, assist Yun Chang.”

Guan Yu, Pan Zhang, and Liao Hua clasped their fists. “Yes.”

Luo Ang addressed Yuan Hao and Zhang He. “Let’s head to the training grounds.”

Tian Feng and Zhang He stood, clasping their fists. “Yes.”

Luo Ang looked at Guan Yu, Liao Hua, Pan Zhang, Xi Zhicai, Chen Qun, and Chen Jiao. “You are entrusted with Youzhou’s affairs!”

They stood and once more clasped their fists. “We obey the lord’s command.”

On the road, Luo Ang led five hundred soldiers, accompanied by Tian Feng, Dian Wei, and Zhang He, heading toward Luoyang.

Tian Feng said, “My lord, He Jin summoned you to Luoyang intending to use your troops to kill the Ten Eunuchs and other court officials, then eliminate you afterward.”

Luo Ang replied, “I am well aware of He Jin’s scheme. He wants to uproot my power and remove future threats. I suspect He Jin not only wants me to enter the capital but also invited Dong Zhuo because only our forces are strong.”

Tian Feng asked, “Why do you think so?”

Luo Ang explained, “The strongest power in the Central Plains isn’t just me; there’s also Dong Zhuo. That man is cruel, treacherous, and ruthless. Since he seized his position, he has been unprecedented in brutality. When he was in Xiliang, he made many friends, was skilled in archery, and had political acumen. Yet, his flaw is that once he gains power, he becomes arrogant, cunning, greedy, and violent. If granted a high rank, he would dominate all. Thus, He Jin summoned me not only to help eliminate the Ten Eunuchs but also to check Dong Zhuo’s ambitions.”

Tian Feng understood Luo Ang’s analysis immediately. “I see! Dong Zhuo is indeed driven by will. Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu may harbor rebellious thoughts, but they don’t expose their desires as openly as Dong Zhuo.”

Luo Ang nodded. “Exactly. At least they can restrain themselves.”

Tian Feng suggested, “My lord, let’s first go to Bingzhou and accompany Ding Yuan to Luoyang.”

Luo Ang waved his hand. “There’s no need.”

Tian Feng’s face filled with doubt. “Why not?”

Luo Ang said, “A few days ago, Ding Yuan came to me and said that after his death, he would entrust Bingzhou to me. But I haven’t told you that He Jin summoned him to Luoyang.”

Tian Feng, Dian Wei, and Zhang He were stunned by this revelation.

Seeing their shocked expressions, Luo Ang said, “I know you’re surprised, as was I at the time. But on reflection, it’s for the best. This way, we don’t need to use excessive force to conquer Bingzhou. Why refuse such a gift of ripe flesh?”

Tian Feng recovered and said, “My lord speaks wisely. In that case, we can take up residence in Bingzhou and carry out reforms to make it as prosperous as Youzhou.”

A few days later, Luo Ang and his party arrived just outside Luoyang.

Luo Ang looked at Dian Wei and Zhang He. “Dian Wei, Zhang He, you and the army will camp outside the city. Do not enter the city or disturb the lives of the common people.”

They clasped their fists. “Yes.”

Then Luo Ang and Tian Feng entered the city together.

In Luoyang, Luo Ang and Tian Feng rode through the streets.

The city was no longer the vibrant place Luo Ang remembered upon first arriving in the Eastern Han but appeared rather dilapidated.

Riding along, Luo Ang observed the surroundings. “I didn’t expect that after so long, Luoyang would be in such a sorry state.”

Tian Feng said, “After all, He Jin holds power now, and the emperor is young, unaware of the court’s treacheries.”

Luo Ang nodded. “Indeed. He Jin is ascendant, installing the late emperor’s eldest son Liu Bian as emperor, but he controls the court’s authority.”

Tian Feng said confidently, “I dare say He Jin will not survive much longer.”

Luo Ang agreed. “I also believe He Jin’s days are numbered. Still, I worry if he might act against me now.”

Tian Feng reassured him, “My lord need not fear. He Jin lacks wisdom but knows what to do and what not to do. Now that he’s summoned you to eliminate the Ten Eunuchs, he surely won’t kill you immediately.”

Luo Ang nodded. “I hope that’s true.”

Soon, they arrived at the guesthouse designated for visiting lords. There, a man stood outside, causing Luo Ang to dismount, curious.

“Lord Cao Cao pays respects to Lord Yan!” Cao Cao clasped his fists.

Luo Ang recognized the voice. “Mengde, long time no see!”

Cao Cao said, “It’s been ages, Lord Yan. I’ve missed you greatly. I admired your heroic bearing back then, and your poetry left me in awe!”

Luo Ang smiled politely. “Just some humble verses—nothing special.”

Cao Cao said, “You’re too modest. Your two poems are well-known among Luoyang’s nobles and commoners alike. And this is...”

He glanced at Tian Feng beside Luo Ang.

Tian Feng clasped his fists. “I am Tian Feng.”

Cao Cao recognized Tian Feng’s talent. “Lord Yan is fortunate to have such a capable aide.”

Luo Ang said, “Mengde, you are too kind. You’re here waiting—surely you have important news?”

Cao Cao became serious. “Indeed. Please come with me.”

Luo Ang agreed, “Very well.”

They handed their horses to the local stable and entered together with Cao Cao.