The banquet ended, and Mouqiu Dian, Wen Yang, and the others all left.
"Your Majesty..."
Only Cao Mao and Liu Lu remained in the East Hall.
Liu Lu finally spoke, his eyes slightly damp.
"Your Majesty has grown quite a bit taller, and put on some weight."
Cao Mao held his hand, equally stirred, his feelings refusing to settle.
"But you've grown so much thinner. Even your skin has become so dark... I've made you suffer."
"I wouldn't dare say that. Your Majesty has been living in a tiger's den. How could I dare speak of suffering before you?"
"It was our incompetence that subjected Your Majesty to such hardship..."
"If not for you, I would already have died at Sima Shi's hands."
Cao Mao held Liu Lu's hand, his eyes filled with feeling.
The civil and military officials filling the court were all well versed in the classics and came from distinguished families. They seemed so refined and respectable, their names known throughout the realm.
Yet their deeds were so contemptible. They saw nothing but their own interests, with not a shred of devotion to a greater cause.
Liu Lu was a Wanderer of humble origins, yet throughout this time, he had been doing everything he could for Cao Mao, braving life and death. The contrast left Cao Mao deeply moved.
Liu Lu earnestly recounted what he had done during this time.
Cao Mao did not interrupt, merely listening quietly.
Liu Lu began with his journey to Luoyang and continued through his arrival in Huainan. Over this time, he had broadened his horizons considerably and grown more mature than before.
After hearing his account, Cao Mao said with renewed feeling, "Even those renowned Gallant Heroes of old fell far short of you."
Liu Lu suddenly asked, "Oh, Your Majesty,