Reincarnation in the Three Kingdoms Era with a System

Chapter 662: 662 The Death of Emperor Ling

When Lu Ming arrived in Luoyang, his army was stationed in the east.

He dispatched Zhao Yun with two thousand cavalry to escort Zhen Mi and the others to Chang'an, while Zhao Ying and Li Cui stayed behind for their own pleasure.

Even Lü Lingqi was sent back to Chang'an to recuperate.

The young woman was exhausted from his advances and needed a break.

Returning to Luoyang, Lu Ming felt a mix of emotions.

Squinting at the city gate, he didn't go in. Zhou Cang and Wei Yan followed behind him, finding it somewhat strange, but they didn't ask further.

"I didn't expect the Yuan family to be so unpretentious, waiting specifically for me. Heh, I'll send a messenger in to say I'm not going to this trap in Luoyang. Let's go back to the camp."

Lu Ming easily spotted the ambush. Although there were still civilians coming and going at the city gate, creating a peaceful scene, he saw many red dots on the map, even the guards outside the gate were marked with red dots.

Wei Yan was startled and immediately clasped his hands in a fist, saying, "This subordinate failed in his duty; please punish me, my lord!"

"No need for that, Wen Chang. Your strength lies in your ability to use unconventional tactics to achieve victory in battle. This is both a good and a bad thing; it all depends on how you use it. Remember, guard against arrogance and impetuosity. I look forward to you becoming a general with a title."

Lu Ming shook his head, looking towards the city gate with a cold smile, then turned and left.

Yuan Manlai, waiting in the city gate tower, watched Lu Ming's departing figure with disbelief and suspicion after hearing his servant's report.

"Quickly go back and report to my uncle!"

Yuan Manlai slammed his fist on the wall, gritting his teeth, "How did the news leak out?!"

None of the generals dared to answer; they had no idea.

At this moment, it was best to remain silent.

Back at the camp, Lu Ming stroked his chin. The fact that the Yuan family dared to ambush him at the city gate indicated that something was very wrong.

He glanced at the character relationship chart and was immediately taken aback.

"Emperor Ling is dead?"

If a character's profile is grayed out, it means that person is dead.

Death means turning gray, so Lu Ming knew Emperor Ling was dead.

Narrowing his eyes, he said, "Lin Rong, send a message back to Chang'an, ordering Xu Shu to personally lead 20,000 troops here."

"Yes, my lord."

Lin Rong clasped his hands in greeting.

Seeing the puzzled looks on Wei Yan and Zhou Cang's faces, Lu Ming explained:

"His Majesty has passed away. Crown Prince Liu Xie has allied with the Yuan family and just tried to kill me at the city gate to seize Xiliang and the Three Auxiliary Regions. Hmph, they're courting death!"

Upon hearing this, both men were utterly shocked…

Zhou Cang was particularly enraged, "My lord's pacification of Xiliang and defense of the Three Auxiliary Regions are meritorious beyond measure! How dare he!"

"My lord, why not attack Luoyang and establish a new ruler?"

Wei Yan was bolder, but he only proposed supporting a new ruler, not declaring himself king.

Lu Ming shook his head, a cold smile playing on his lips, "No, we'll just wait here."

Di Dao, Prefectural Governor's Residence.

Jia Xu had just finished his work when a servant reported that the intelligence department was requesting an audience.

"Greetings, sir. This is a letter from our lord."

The Mohist disciple handed the letter to Jia Xu, then said, "If you wish to reply, sir, you may send someone to summon me. I will come to retrieve the letter myself."

"Very well, thank you."

Jia Xu opened the envelope and took out the letter.

He carefully studied it, his pupils dilating slightly, seemingly in shock.

After a long while, he finally recovered his composure.

"His Majesty has passed away, and our lord was assassinated at the city gate?"

Jia Xu stroked his beard, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

It seems the forces in Luoyang have reached an agreement with Crown Prince Liu Xie. Seeing that Xiliang has been pacified and is prospering, they want to reap the rewards!

Knowing that Lu Ming wouldn't easily submit, they decided to strike first, but unexpectedly, their plan was foiled!

Now they were in an awkward situation, Lu Ming was facing off against Luoyang outside the city…

Meanwhile, Hangu Pass behind them was under their control, essentially providing a retreat route and a steady stream of reinforcements.

Lu Ming had come to ask him what to do, and entrusted him with full control of Xiliang affairs. Any unusual actions were to be taken first and reported later, without consultation; the key was to maintain stability in Xiliang.

"The day has come for our lord to dominate the world!"

Jia Xu did not act rashly. Instead, he went back to bathe and refresh himself, lit expensive incense, hung the map on the wall, knelt on a cushion, and closed his eyes to ponder.

Two hours later, Jia Xu picked up a brush, dipped it in the inkstone, and began to write.

This was his conjecture and suggestions regarding the situation in Luoyang.

Since Lu Ming had come to consult him, he would certainly offer his best advice.

Similarly, Xu Shu, who had just finished arranging affairs for the refugees in Chang'an, went to visit his mother.

His mother's belly was growing larger and larger; she looked like she was about to give birth.

This meant that he would soon have a younger brother or sister, and his responsibilities would be even greater.

Moreover, his mother had introduced him to a young lady from a prominent family, and he had agreed.

Even if she remarried, his mother would still be his mother; that wouldn't change.

Upon receiving the letter, Xu Shu's expression became incredibly resolute, his eyes rapidly calculating. "In that case, we must prepare a foolproof plan."

Lu Ming, however, wasn't worried at all. He even had the leisure to enjoy the women in the military camp.

The women who hadn't been sent away—Madam Yan, Madam Du, and Madam Zhang—were being taken advantage of by him in turn.

He wasn't in a hurry; he could just enjoy the women while waiting for news.

Emperor Ling was dead, which was a great thing. What he needed to do was enter Luoyang and loot it.

And also, he needed to rescue Empress Dowager Dong.

After all, Empress Dowager Dong was pregnant from his actions; he definitely had to get her to safety.

Looting all the wealth and books in Luoyang and then retreating to Guanzhong would eliminate any worries. Even if the warlords united, it would be none of his concern.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang.

Yuan Kui hurriedly went to the palace to pay his respects; the assassination attempt had been exposed.

This meant a complete breakdown in relations.

At this point, it was crucial to prevent Lu Ming from resorting to desperate measures.

Upon hearing Yuan Kui's report, Liu Xie remained calm. His youthful face beneath the beaded curtain possessed a maturity beyond his years. "Minister of the Imperial Secretariat need not worry. I will draft an edict ordering him to enter the city for an audience."

Shortly afterward, the eunuch returned with new information: "Governor Lu has defied the imperial edict!"

"What!"

Liu Xie's eyes widened in shock. How could this be? "How dare he!"