Led by Taishi Ci, Huang Zhong made his way to the imperial palace.
At first, he still harbored some doubts, but as he followed Taishi Ci past layer upon layer of Imperial Guards and walked through the magnificent, solemn palace, all his doubts turned to awe and excitement!
Perhaps his son really could be saved.
After a eunuch announced him into the hall, Huang Zhong did not dare raise his head to look at the most exalted figure in the world above him. Trembling, he kowtowed in greeting. "Your common subject Huang Zhong kowtows before Your Majesty!"
Although he had once served as a deputy general under Liu Pan, he had resigned long ago to seek medical treatment for his son. Now he was merely a commoner without office.
"You may rise."
Liu Xie looked at Huang Zhong with a faint smile. "General Taishi told me that you have only grown stronger with age, and that even past fifty, your martial prowess surpasses his. Truly, you are a hero seldom seen in this world. Now that I have met you, your bearing is indeed extraordinary."
When Huang Zhong had served under Liu Biao, he had never received such praise, let alone praise from the Son of Heaven. Filled with trepidation, he hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty praises me too highly. I am merely a crude warrior. How could I deserve to be called a hero? I am truly overwhelmed."
Liu Xie brushed aside Huang Zhong's modesty and went straight to the point. "Today, warlords rise across the realm, and the people hang suspended by their heels. I have issued edicts throughout the land, seeking worthy talents everywhere to restore the Great Han."
"With your martial prowess, would your failure to serve the court not cost me a pillar of the realm?"