The rise and fall of dynasties had their own logic.
Emperor Guangwu, the Founding Ancestor, had swept away the rival warlords in ten years, and Great Han had received the mandate anew. With Guanzhong devastated, and the School of Immortals claiming that Luoyang possessed a kingly aura, he had established the capital at Luoyang. Nearly a hundred years had passed since then.
The maladies of the realm surpassed those of the previous dynasty.
The turmoil throughout the realm was like surging rivers pounding the banks, impossible to withstand.
It was high summer, with waves of heat rolling across the land, yet the mountains were cool, their streams murmuring, their vegetation lush, and towering trees reaching into the sky.
"Neigh!"
Rumble, rumble, rumble!
The sounds of pounding hooves and carriage wheels turning over uneven ground echoed through the valley. A party of several dozen rounded a mountain spur and turned onto another, flatter road.
"Lord Zhongju, we have traveled several dozen li without stopping. Do you need a rest?"
The rider at the head of the party called loudly to the distinguished man in the carriage, admiration in his eyes.
"No need. Leave this place quickly. The eunuchs of the Inner Court are treacherous and vicious. They will not let this rest."
His words had barely fallen when sounds of things slicing through the air reached their ears. Some riders had no time to react before arrows pierced straight through their chests, leaving bowl-sized holes. Their eyes bewildered, they swayed and toppled from their horses.
"Enemy attack!"
The lead rider in leather armour looked as though the corners of his eyes would split. Only then did he make out the fully armed, armoured riders.
Wearing armour in this season was sheer torment. That alone showed that these men had come determined