"Where do you intend to recruit soldiers?" Emperor Ling's voice was weak, but his tone was considerably colder.
"Anywhere is fine, including transferring some generals and soldiers from counties. Surrendered soldiers can also be recruited. This humble subject does not wish to fail Your Majesty's grace, hence the request for permission. If you don't want to do anything, you can simply sit on the sidelines and do nothing." Lu Ming wasn't afraid to speak frankly, naming names, practically implying others.
"Heh, you certainly dare to speak your mind." Emperor Ling was gradually getting to know Lu Ming better; he was a straightforward young man.
Compared to those cunning old ministers, this kind of fearless young man was clearly much more useful.
"I grant your permission. Have my father draft an edict for him later."
Don't underestimate this simple step; it meant Lu Ming could openly poach talent from other places! What's this called? Being ordered to punish a traitor? No, it's being ordered to steal someone's place!
After that, they talked about business for a while. Lu Ming continued treating Emperor Ling. This kind of weak, obese man, who indulged in unrestrained eating, was beyond saving; treatment only delayed his death.
"Your Majesty, Marquis Zhao, I have another dish: roasted mutton. It's inexpensive, easy to prepare, and even ordinary people can enjoy a couple of skewers. It's a good way to make a living and satisfy one's palate," Lu Ming continued. This was something he planned to collaborate on with Zhang Rang.
It wasn't exactly presentable for a banquet, but it was perfect for eating.
"Oh? Is that so? Quickly bring it up for me to try!" Emperor Ling loved this kind of thing; strange and unusual things were fine as long as it wasn't important.
"This needs to be made fresh. I need to borrow the Imperial Kitchen," Lu Ming said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
"What does it matter, Zhongmu? Take Anmin to the Imperial Kitchen. Once it's ready, bring it up immediately." Emperor Ling waved his hand, already eager to try the new dish.
The Emperor's meals required strict control, but sending Zhao Zhong clearly simplified this process. Zhao Zhong understood this as well. "Yes, Your Majesty. Commandant Lu, this way please."
Leaving Emperor Ling in the hall for a private conversation with Zhao Hou, the ice was indeed a good thing, even lowering the temperature.
"Zhao Hou, which Lu Ming is a promising talent? I entrust him to your care. Hmph, the Yuan family!" Emperor Ling made no attempt to hide his dislike for the Yuan family from Zhao Hou, but because their influence was so deeply entrenched, even the Emperor couldn't do much about it.
This was reality: powerful ministers and aristocratic families—even the Emperor couldn't do anything about them.
"This kid has some brains, but he's too impulsive." Zhao Hou recalled the scene of Lu Ming recklessly arguing with Yuan Wei, and it was truly amusing.
"That's also a strength, humph. Good ideas are good, but the person has to be good too." Emperor Ling was well aware of the consequences, but he chose the greater of two benefits and the lesser of two harms.
It was a helpless choice. If he held real power, would he need to be beholden to the powerful clans?
From the Eastern Han Dynasty onwards, the power of the powerful clans had become tied to powerful families, becoming uncontrollable and weakened.
Emperor Guangwu rose to power with the help of powerful clans, and in return, he had to relinquish power—it was unavoidable.
Otherwise, the powerful clans could elevate Liu Xiu, but they could also bring him down!
If Lu Ming heard these comments here, he wouldn't be afraid; he would be proud.
His ability to hide it so well is a perfect example of success!
If it weren't for better power and treatment, he wouldn't have come to Luoyang to confront the Yuan family!
To manipulate more women, and to prevent his own women from being manipulated, he had to be self-reliant; this was the only path he could take.
In the imperial kitchen, Lu Ming also intended to make connections.
The Ten Attendants still wielded power comparable to the aristocratic families; his goal was to cultivate relationships with them and profit from it.
As for the so-called scholarly integrity and the rule against associating with eunuchs, he treated it all as nonsense.
Since he had no family connections, those people wouldn't respect him anyway; he wouldn't suffer such humiliation.
After several rounds of flattery, Zhao Zhong beamed. Eunuchs, though physically disabled, still craved respect. At least Lu Ming didn't discriminate or show disgust, which made them feel comfortable.
They didn't need the eunuchs' help, but at least they shouldn't cause trouble.
After preparing the roasted lamb skewers, Zhao Zhong couldn't wait to taste them. He wanted to test them first to see if they were poisoned.
They weren't afraid of Lu Ming's recklessness; he had the backing of the Dong family and their clan. If he tried anything wrong, the entire clan might be implicated.
"Hmm, not bad, not bad." Zhao Zhong had clearly never eaten roasted mutton like this before; he almost bit his tongue off.
The imperial chefs in the imperial kitchen were also somewhat embarrassed. Why were these eunuchs all in the imperial kitchen?
Although they disapproved, they dared not speak out. Who would dare? That would be suicide!
Offending one of the Ten Attendants, who were currently in power, was better off finding a place to bury oneself as soon as possible. It would be disastrous if they ended up dead and their families were implicated.
They liked to keep their families together, not only to prevent rebellion and maintain order, but also to keep them on their toes. If they were truly ignored, their families would surely suffer!
Back at the palace, even Empress Dowager Dong had arrived.
Looking at the mature woman in a brocade robe, her hair styled in a bun, with crow's feet at the corners of her eyes revealing the marks of time, seated gracefully in a chair, attended by maids, this was undoubtedly Empress Dowager Dong.
What a magnificent Empress Dowager! Regal and dignified, yet not seductive, she truly deserved to be the mother of the nation; her bearing was impeccably controlled.
"Anmin, why haven't you paid your respects to the Empress Dowager?" Zhao Hou reminded her from the side, knowing that if he didn't introduce her, Lu Ming might not recognize her.
"This humble subject, Lu Ming, Colonel of the Western Garden Army, pays his respects to the Empress Dowager." Lu Ming bowed to Empress Dowager Dong, wondering why she had come.
"Hmm, no need for formalities. Your Majesty, oh, what is this?" Empress Dowager Dong was drawn to the mutton skewers in Lu Ming's hand. The fragrant aroma wafted through the hall, whetting her appetite, and she couldn't help but swallow a few times.
The mere smell was enough to make one want to eat; that was the allure of delicious food.
"Your Majesty, these are lamb skewers. I developed them myself back in my hometown. Your Majesty has just recovered from a long illness and, in addition to medicinal diets, needs to eat regularly. This is a perfect appetizer to stimulate your appetite," Lu Ming began, introducing his lamb skewers. "Using salt, pepper, fennel seeds, onions, sesame seeds, flour, and beaten eggs, evenly cut pieces of lamb are marinated for an hour and a half before skewering. The skewers are then turned and grilled, controlling the heat of the charcoal fire. If the fire is too low, a fan is used to gently fan it; if it's too high, a finger dipped in water is used to lightly press down on the flames. After grilling evenly, pepper powder and cumin are sprinkled on top. It's ready in about half an incense stick's time. The skill required for grilling the meat itself is secondary; the key is to marinate the meat well with the right seasonings."