Chapter Four: Departure
After the Yellow Turban Rebellion was suppressed, everyone gathered the remaining troops and returned to Luoyang to receive rewards from Emperor Ling of Han.
Luo Ang asked, “Yunchang, Pan Zhang, do you have anywhere to go now?”
Guan Yu and Pan Zhang shook their heads and said, “Nowhere.”
Seeing that Guan Yu and Pan Zhang had no place to go, Luo Ang was very pleased and said, “Since you two have nowhere to go, how about following me?”
Guan Yu and Pan Zhang exchanged a glance, then looked at Luo Ang, clasped their fists and said, “If you will not abandon us, we are willing to follow you, General.”
Luo Ang, seeing their willingness, smiled and said, “Since you follow me, I will not let you suffer any loss.”
Guan Yu and Pan Zhang echoed in unison, “Thank you, Lord.”
Soon, the troops returned to Luoyang to receive the imperial rewards from Emperor Ling.
He Jin, upon hearing that Luo Ang had annihilated the Yellow Turban army, could hardly believe it.
He sighed and said, “Unexpected that Luo Ang, a mere scholar, could be so formidable in commanding troops.”
At the residence of Cai Yong.
Cai Yong was overjoyed upon hearing that Luo Ang had wiped out the Yellow Turbans, unable to stop smiling.
He laughed, “I didn’t expect Zicheng could eliminate the Yellow Turbans; I had underestimated him!”
Cai Yan said to Cai Yong, “I also didn’t think Zicheng had the talent to lead troops!”
“I guess He Jin must be green with envy now, since he knows nothing about Zicheng’s military command,” Cai Yong chuckled.
At that moment, a servant rushed in and bowed, “Sir, the former general has returned!”
Cai Yong’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, for Luo Ang had brought him honor.
He said to the servant, “Bring him to my study; I have something to discuss.”
The servant replied, “Yes, sir,” and withdrew.
Cai Yong looked at Cai Yan and said, “Wenji, you may leave first; Zicheng and I have matters to discuss.”
Cai Yan stood, bowed slightly to Cai Yong, and then left.
Soon, the servant led Luo Ang into Cai Yong’s study.
Seeing Luo Ang enter, Cai Yong dismissed the servant and invited Luo Ang to sit.
Cai Yong said, “Zicheng, I didn’t expect your command to be so excellent.”
Luo Ang replied humbly, “Sir, you are too kind. Without your recommendation, I wouldn’t be where I am now. However, I had two great generals assisting me; only then could we defeat the Yellow Turbans.”
Cai Yong’s eyes brightened, curiosity piqued. “Who are they?”
Luo Ang said, “Guan Yu and Pan Zhang. But I have them waiting outside the residence for your audience.”
Cai Yong nodded, “Since you recommended them, let them come in.”
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Luo Ang expressed gratitude, “Thank you, sir. I will have them brought in immediately.”
Cai Yong stopped him, “No need. I will have the servants bring them in and arrange a room for them.”
Luo Ang stood and bowed, “I thank you on their behalf.”
Cai Yong smiled, “No need for such formality.”
Then, looking outside, he instructed, “Someone, bring the two generals inside and arrange a room for them.”
The next morning, everyone came to the court to receive commendations from Emperor Ling.
Emperor Ling looked at the assembled officials and said, “You have all eliminated the Yellow Turban rebels and relieved the court of a great threat. I am deeply gratified. I hereby appoint Zhu Jun as General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Henan, Sun Jian as Chief Officer of the Separate Corps, Cao Cao as Magistrate of Jinan, Gongsun Zan as Inspector of Qingzhou, and Luo Ang as Guard General and Inspector of Youzhou.”
Huangfu Song stood and said, “Your Majesty, although Zigan was framed by treacherous officials, he has redeemed himself by his merits. I ask Your Majesty to be lenient in judgment.”
Emperor Ling considered this and said, “Very well, as you say, forgive Lu Zhi’s crimes.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Huangfu Song replied. “Dong Zhuo was defeated by the Yellow Turbans; I ask that he be severely punished.”
Zhang Rang stepped forward, “Your Majesty, though Dong Zhuo was defeated by the Yellow Turbans, he has made amends. I urge clemency.”
Emperor Ling said, “If Father says so, I shall overlook it this once.”
Dong Zhuo bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Zhang Rang continued, “Your Majesty, please grant Dong Zhuo a position, as he has served the court diligently.”
After some thought, Emperor Ling said, “Since Father insists, I appoint Dong Zhuo as Former General, Marquis of Aoxiang, and Inspector of Xiliang.”
Dong Zhuo bowed again, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Luo Ang watched this scene with disdain.
After the court session, Luo Ang and Cai Yong returned to Cai Yong’s residence.
Cai Yong asked, “Zicheng, do you think the court still has a chance to recover?”
Luo Ang shook his head, “No longer possible.”
Curious, Cai Yong asked, “Why?”
Patiently, Luo Ang explained, “The court has been under eunuch control for a long time, and His Majesty fully trusts the Ten Regular Attendants. Today, Zhang Rang defended Dong Zhuo because Dong Zhuo bribed him handsomely to speak well and secure an official post. But Dong Zhuo’s ambitions extend far beyond this!”
Cai Yong’s curiosity peaked, “Tell me in detail!”
Luo Ang revealed all he knew from his past life, “Dong Zhuo is ruthless and treacherous, cruel and unkind. Since the founding of the empire, none has been like him. While in Xiliang, he enjoyed broad friendships, was an expert marksman, and possessed great political acumen. But once he gained power, he became arrogant, sly, greedy, cruel, and impulsive. If given a high rank, he will dominate everything.”
Upon hearing this, Cai Yong immediately understood Luo Ang’s meaning, “In other words, once Dong Zhuo controls supreme power, he will become arrogant, sly, greedy, brutal, and impulsive?”
Luo Ang nodded, “Exactly.”
At this point, he remembered something and said, “Sir, tomorrow I am to depart for Youzhou to assume my post.”
Cai Yong was shocked, “What? You are leaving for Youzhou tomorrow?”
Luo Ang nodded, “Yes. Before I go, I must speak frankly. The court is chaotic; He Jin and Zhang Rang dislike each other. I am certain neither will live long. He Jin plans to use Dong Zhuo to eliminate the Ten Regular Attendants, then remove Dong Zhuo himself, thus ridding the court of these disasters and taking control of the government.”
Cai Yong was alarmed, “You mean He Jin intends to use Dong Zhuo’s hand to kill the Ten Regular Attendants and then assassinate Dong Zhuo?”
Luo Ang nodded, “Yes. He Jin wants to kill two birds with one stone, removing the most powerful Dong Zhuo and the hated eunuchs to seize the reins alone. But if the eunuchs learn of this, they will kill He Jin. Then Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and others will eliminate the eunuchs, which will lead to Dong Zhuo entering the capital and treating its people like cattle and swine.”
Cai Yong anxiously asked, “What should be done?”
Luo Ang shook his head, “This is bound to happen; we cannot stop it. Our only safety lies in leaving the capital.”
Cai Yong said, “Zicheng, I will resign and accompany you to Youzhou.”
Luo Ang admired him, “Sir’s resolve is admirable.”
Cai Yong continued, “Zicheng, Youzhou is dangerous, I fear.”
Luo Ang smiled, “Don’t worry. Though Youzhou borders the Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Wuhuan tribes, it has abundant resources to repel invasions.”
Cai Yong felt reassured, “In that case, I am comforted. I will resign at once.”
With that, he left his residence for the palace.
That evening, a servant entered Luo Ang’s room and said, “General, sir requests your presence in his study.”
“I understand,” Luo Ang replied, setting aside his bamboo scrolls and following the servant.
In the study.
Luo Ang entered to find Cai Yong waiting. “Sir, how did it go?”
Cai Yong sighed, “The Emperor initially did not want me to leave, but Zhang Rang persuaded him otherwise. The Emperor now relies on Zhang Rang and has listened to his false counsel, allowing me to resign.”
Luo Ang said, “Sir, this may be for the best. You preserve your life and your family’s, and can live as a gentleman in leisure. Isn’t that freedom?”
Cai Yong pondered; having long served at court, he knew Emperor Ling had long trusted Zhang Rang and the eunuchs, ignoring loyal ministers, with the court’s affairs monopolized by Zhang Rang, never reaching the Emperor’s hands.
After a moment, Cai Yong said, “Then tomorrow I will dismiss the servants, keeping only two maidservants and a coachman, and set out.”
Luo Ang clasped his fists, “I will inform Yunchang and Pan Zhang of tomorrow’s departure.”
He then left the study.
The next morning, Cai Yong dismissed the servants, leaving only two maidservants and a coachman.
Luo Ang approached Cai Yong and Cai Yan, clasping his fists, “Sir, the carriage is ready; Yunchang and Pan Zhang are waiting outside, ready to escort you and the young lady.”
Cai Yong nodded, “Very well, let us depart.”
Luo Ang, Cai Yong, and Cai Yan left the residence.
Cai Yong and Cai Yan boarded the carriage, while Luo Ang mounted his warhorse and led the way.
Thus, Luo Ang led Cai Yong, Cai Yan, Guan Yu, and Pan Zhang as they departed Luoyang, heading to Youzhou to assume their posts.