For the Yuan clan to usurp the Han dynasty was an insurmountable obstacle.
Even after Dong Zhuo's usurpation of power and the subsequent coalition of eighteen warlords against him, ushering in an era of warlordism, Yuan Shu, controlling the fertile Huainan and Yangzhou regions, could easily muster an army of 100,000 men, supported by a large portion of his own clan.
Yet, when he declared himself emperor, he was universally despised and ultimately met a gruesome end, executed by dismemberment.
The Han dynasty's prestige had already plummeted, but overthrowing a dynasty that had lasted four hundred years was simply unthinkable.
However, it was incredibly difficult. Powerful ministers could wield immense influence, but they could not replace the Han dynasty—this was the fundamental principle.
Even Emperor Hui of the Western Han dynasty, sidelined by Chancellor Cao Can, was met with harsh criticism whenever he tried to express his opinions.
Yet, from beginning to end, he was the emperor, irreplaceable; the Son of Heaven is the Son of Heaven.
In truth, Yuan Wei had fallen into a trap. Even if Emperor Ling wanted to target the Yuan clan, he needed a legitimate reason and capable subordinates. Otherwise, having the will but lacking the power would be futile.
Yuan Wei knew he had already gained Emperor Ling's favor. Given his position and the Yuan clan's accumulated power over centuries, even if he agreed and acted openly, he wouldn't incur resentment.
A subject's greatest fear is offending the emperor. The Liu clan of the Western and Eastern Han dynasties were notoriously cunning and petty; they might find a reason to kill him later!
"Yuan Wei is my pillar of strength, and Lu Ming is my sharpest sword. How can I allow this?" Emperor Ling understood. Someone who could so vehemently oppose Yuan Wei in this situation wouldn't be easily manipulated by the Yuan clan.
Even the Yang clan wouldn't easily protect someone targeted by the Yuan clan.
"Lu Ming, from now on you must cultivate your character and respect Yuan Wei. You are the Prefect of Longxi Commandery, right? Very well. Then I hereby appoint you as the Colonel of the Western Garden Army and concurrently the Prefect of Longxi Commandery, to train new soldiers for me. After your term, return to Longxi Commandery!" Emperor Ling promoted Lu Ming without further ado.
Longxi Commandery borders the Yuezhi, a nomadic people, and that region is also in turmoil.
It's less of an appointment and more of an exile.
No one would go there to serve as prefect; it's too dangerous.
"Your subject obeys the decree." Lu Ming once again bowed with his hands clasped, accepting the appointment, but inwardly he was somewhat displeased. Who the hell was plotting against him?
Although he had obtained an official position, this was not what he wanted!
What he wanted was not this, but to return to Longxi Commandery to develop his territory. Being forced to stay in Luoyang now—wasn't this a joke?
Serving as the Commandant of the Western Garden Army and concurrently as the Prefect of Luoyang is utterly absurd!
Seeing that Emperor Ling's mind was made up, Yuan Wei was unwilling to let this little bastard be so smug.
So, he bowed again, this time not to start a war, but to set a trap for Lu Ming.
"Your Majesty, there is another piece of news. A report from Yanmen Commandery states that the Wuhuan have invaded Bingzhou, and Zhang Chun, the Prefect of Zhongshan Commandery, has rebelled, joining forces with the Xianbei to attack the border army and assassinate Governor Zhang Yi. Cavalry Commandant Ding Yuan is currently leading the resistance and requests reinforcements from the court. Since Commandant Lu is exceptionally brave, I recommend Commandant Lu to lead troops to provide support!"
This is a case of seeing a battle going on and then pushing him out—they want him dead! Needless to say, a series of other methods will follow.
"Haha, a true man should wield his sword and achieve unparalleled feats. My ancestors, Lu Ming, have served the Han dynasty for generations. Though I have no official rank, I can still die on the battlefield, shedding my last drop of blood for the Han." Lu Ming first boasted about himself, then crossed his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to train new recruits and lead my troops to defeat the invading enemy, protecting our Han lands. However, I fear that someone, seeking revenge against me, might disregard even the safety of the nation. At that time, nothing more than cutting off our army's supplies and vital resources will be enough to cause our army's defeat."
This was clearly an accusation that Yuan Kui would use his influence to sabotage the operation—a classic example of petty behavior.
"You're talking nonsense!" Yuan Kui was so angry he swore. It was rare to see a former Grand Commandant so enraged.
"I am a treacherous person who speaks frankly before His Majesty, unlike some who, with their powerful families and influence, can deal with someone like me, without any foundation, as easily as crushing an ant. Today, I am the only one with a grudge against Lord Yuan. If I don't suspect Lord Yuan, why would I suspect anyone else? Is it because I was defeated due to insufficient supplies that Lord Yuan is willing to bear all the blame?"
Before Yuan Wei could reply, Lu Ming continued with a cold laugh, "No, you wouldn't. You only think of yourself. Have you ever seen border people suffer from foreign invasion and their families destroyed for no reason? Have you ever seen famine victims eat clay to survive?"
"Horses and men swelled to death? No, you haven't seen it. When truly hungry, people don't care about what's edible or not, only whether it's edible. Have you ever seen trees within a hundred miles stripped of their bark? You've never seen it, and you don't care about the affairs of the world!"
"You haven't seen it, but I have. Exchanging children to eat—to you it's just four words. I've seen it with my own eyes; it's a pile of meat in their pot. Lord Yuan, if you truly want to contribute to the country, put aside your prejudices and fight against the foreign enemy!" Lu Ming first launched into a tirade, then mocked, and finally offered words of comfort and persuasion.
He'd said everything, both kind and foul, he'd tried every possible path, leaving others with no way out!
The hall fell silent. No one had expected such a sharp reply from someone from beyond the Great Wall. Each word was like a steel knife, piercing straight to the heart.
"Skilled in rhetoric, I never expected a mere warrior to possess such ability." Yuan Wei chuckled in exasperation. Composing himself, he returned to his original spot, closing his eyes and remaining silent.
"Back when I assisted His Majesty in managing the affairs of the realm, the burden of the people rested on my shoulders. You had no right to speak ill of me."
A rising star and a seasoned cunning man, clashed fiercely over a misunderstanding and a matter concerning available positions.
Regardless of how this matter unfolds, Lu Ming will undoubtedly be targeted by the Yuan family, and a grant of amnesty is out of the question.
The Yuan clan is thriving and has no need for such individuals, nor for the lavish spending of fortunes to acquire talent. Their extensive network of protégés and former officials is the best proof of this.