No one expected Lu Ming's sudden attack; it was completely unexpected.
Dealing with Dong Huang wasn't the goal; the goal was to begin separating and severing ties with the Dong family.
Emperor Ling's body wouldn't last another year. He could have lived another two or three years, but he had overdrawn his life force with drugs. He appeared vigorous now, but that was due to burning his life potential—trading his lifespan for it.
Therefore, Lu Ming had to accelerate the severing of ties. It was simple: Luoyang's military preparedness was weak; even the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Bodyguard numbered no more than 20,000.
Of these, half were still under Emperor Ling's control. Once Emperor Ling died, given the Ten Attendants' style, many would surely want them killed!
The Yuan family wouldn't sit idly by; they wouldn't allow these eunuchs to continue lording it over them.
While Emperor Ling was still alive, things were somewhat better; once he died, no one would protect them!
Regardless, bringing the border troops into Luoyang would inevitably create a situation where various factions saw it as a foothold.
His goal was to control Liangzhou and, after securing some gains in Luoyang, withdraw to Guanzhong and seize Hangu Pass.
The most ruthless method was to use Dong Zhuo as bait, letting him fight the warlords of Guandong in Luoyang while he firmly controlled Hangu Pass, thus securing a position that could be used for both offense and defense.
Lu Ming was surprised by his own idea; it undoubtedly sacrificed Dong Zhuo for personal gain.
However, once Dong Zhuo entered Luoyang, he indulged in extravagance and decadence, and no one could dissuade him.
The magnificent palaces and bustling streets could easily corrupt those of humble origins.
Moreover, Dong Zhuo allowed his troops to plunder indiscriminately to maintain their loyalty.
Undoubtedly, these soldiers, upon entering Luoyang, would seize the opportunity to loot gold and silver!
Dong Zhuo was no exception. The sight of magnificent palaces, exquisite furnishings, piles of gold and silver jewels, hunting dogs and fine horses, rare treasures, and most importantly, a multitude of beautiful women waiting to be favored—no one could resist such temptation!
Throughout history, most people have become addicted to this.
Li Zicheng, the rebel leader, and the warlords of the Chu-Han Contention were all examples.
Only by breaking free from this cycle and controlling these desires can one ultimately conquer the world.
Being obsessed with women is a sign of no future; women are merely seasoning!
Shortly afterward, Gao Bang's family was brought over.
Lin Rong also summoned the executioner from the army. This executioner had previously worked in logistics and was also a butcher.
He was the one who had executed Guan Ren by a thousand cuts last time; he came in handy again this time.
"Niu Kui, gather everyone here and read aloud Gao Bang's crimes. In front of all the villagers who have been bullied by Gao Bang, have him torn to pieces. There is only one rule here, and that is me, Lu Ming! I will station a large number of soldiers here. If anyone dares to come and take advantage of us, and you don't dare to deal with them, just tell them, and they will handle it. You just focus on your own duties." Lu Ming wasn't too harsh on the other party; no one had the ability to do so.
Village bullies were far too common in ancient times.
Lu Ming could take advantage of others, but he wouldn't accept being taken advantage of. Therefore, since Gao Bang dared to come out, he wouldn't be polite!
"Yes, sir." Niu Kui was a little apprehensive. He genuinely couldn't deal with Gao Bang, but he had already done his best to negotiate. He didn't have the guts to kill anyone.
If it weren't for his decent abilities, his refusal to oppress the innocent, and his good character, Lu Ming would have indeed dealt with him as well.
This was the situation he was in because he had no capable subordinates. That's why he was so eager to choose a location and build an academy, to teach the children to read and write, and to graduate them as quickly as possible so they could participate in the administration.
Those he trained himself were the most loyal and trustworthy, not those who would harm his interests.
Soon, Lin Rong brought a little boy to Lu Ming. "My lord, this is Deng Ai, the son of the Hu family."
"Ai'er, are you alright?" Hu Zhen excitedly examined Deng Ai, looking him over carefully, afraid that something might have happened to him.
Deng Ai wasn't afraid; instead, he looked at Lu Ming with curious eyes. "M-Sir, you...are you...the...Lord Lu...who...cultivates...water...conservation?"
Faced with Deng Ai's question, Lu Ming became interested. He didn't answer the question but instead asked, "Where is your place of origin?"
"Sir, my son has had a stutter since he was little. I'm sorry, sir," Hu Zhen quickly explained, afraid of angering Lu Ming.
Lu Ming waved his hand, a lewd smile playing on his lips. "It's right that you love your son, but excessive pampering has only harmed him. Now that you're here with me, aren't you going to be my slave? I'll grant your wish now. Deng Ai, right? Answer my question."
Hu Zhen opened her mouth, but ultimately chose to give in. She had nothing left to lose but her son.
Although Deng Ai still stuttered, after Lu Ming's examination—which Hu Zhen perceived as merely a pat—her son's stutter had lessened considerably.
Although still somewhat stammering, he was now almost normal, which both surprised and delighted her.
"Alright, I intend to build a village school and hire teachers to instruct you in knowledge, literacy, and to help you start as a minor official. Deng Ai, you must study diligently and become a useful person. Being of humble birth is not a disgrace; being able to bend and stretch is what makes a true man. From now on, you will live with Niu Kui's family. Your mother will visit you from time to time; her overindulgence is not conducive to your growth." With just a simple question and answer, Lu Ming decided to take Deng Ai in.
Deng Ai's mother, Hu Zhen, was essentially getting a freebie.
"Thank you, thank you, sir." Deng Ai didn't feel there was anything wrong with it; his mother would be better off with Lu Ming and wouldn't suffer.
Yes, in his mind, children didn't understand the concept of "sexual intercourse." He didn't know how many children his mother would have in the future, all defiled by Lu Ming; it would be abnormal if she didn't have ten or eight.
Hu Zhen's heart was also filled with anxiety. She could see that Lu Ming intended to groom her son.
She was also somewhat nervous, because she was a married woman, not a virgin, and she felt unworthy of Lu Ming, believing herself to be unclean and unworthy of him.
Lu Ming ignored Hu Zhen and instead looked into the distance at Gao Bang, who was bound hand and foot, and Niu Kui, who was recounting his crimes to the villagers.