Dong Zhuo and Li Ru were racking their brains to hold on to power, control the Imperial Guards, and strengthen themselves. Yuan Shao was rallying the Dukes and Ministers still in Luoyang, preparing a political attack on Dong Zhuo, while Empress Dowager He and Liu Bian were trying to balance the forces currently within the city.
The joys and sorrows of one person were not shared by another. The Luo Clan merely found them noisy.
Diao Chan soon finished packing and was ready to leave with the Luo Clan at any moment. Wang Yun's biological daughter would also accompany them; Luo Shu had promised to find her a good marriage match in Zhao City.
While Diao Chan and the others packed, Luo Shu entered the Imperial Palace. Dong Zhuo did not stop him, because Li Ru said Luo Shu was certainly going to persuade Luo Kong to leave, which was what both Dong Zhuo and Li Ru wanted.
Luo Shu met Luo Kong in Emperor Liu Bian's palace.
It was the first time the two brothers had met since that day in the Great Hall. Luo Kong was still brimming with heroic spirit, but a trace of weathered weariness lingered between his brows.
Upon seeing Luo Shu, Luo Kong respectfully sank to both knees, laid his hands flat, and touched his forehead directly to their backs. His voice caught slightly as he said, "Kong pays his respects to Elder Brother."
Luo Shu's heart lurched at such a solemn salute. Forcing a smile, he helped Luo Kong up. "A-Kong, what are you doing?
"Father said, 'A-Kong has suffered too much out there. Let him come home.'
"A-Kong, come home with me. Stay in Zhao City from now on. No one in Luoyang will stop you."
Luo Kong respectfully knelt again and