Originally, Mi Heng was sent to Huang Zu in Jiangxia. After further hurling insults at Huang Zu, the enraged Huang Zu killed him with a single blow, ending his wicked life.
However, the wheels of history turned, continuing forward, but deviating from their course.
After arriving in Jiangxia and learning about Huang Zu's character, Mi Heng understood that this was merely a ploy to use someone else to do his dirty work.
He was indeed a troll, but having studied to this extent, he was a shrewd strategist; he didn't need to resort to frivolous tricks!
He merely pretended to use a scheme, claiming that Huang Zu had a past feud with Liu Biao and others, resulting in his exile to Jiangxia. He argued that once the Huang family left Jiangxia, they could no longer hold any official position—this was the best explanation.
Furthermore, Sun Ce, under Yuan Shu, constantly harassed Huang Zu because of the murder of his father, ambushing and attacking Jiangxia soldiers, leaving Huang Zu defenseless and the soldiers in a state of panic.
Therefore, after explaining his weaknesses to Huang Zu, Mi Heng, carrying the money and sincerity Huang Zu gave him, went to Chang'an seeking protection.
In truth, Mi Heng wasn't even a second-rate talent; he was arrogant and conceited.
The reason no one killed him was because he was dealing with renowned figures like Cao Cao and Liu Biao, powerful warlords.
They all wanted to recruit talented individuals to strengthen their own power.
And Mi Heng, being a renowned scholar, would easily alienate intellectuals if killed, making future recruitment extremely difficult!
Therefore, Mi Heng survived. Cao Cao, wanting to use someone else to kill him, sent Mi Heng to Jingzhou.
Liu Biao, not being foolish, transferred Mi Heng to Huang Zu.
However, Mi Heng had an unexpected realization: knowing he was doomed anyway, he might as well seize the opportunity to seek refuge with Lu Ming.
This King of Qin truly aspires to unify the world.
Although, with so many warlords at present, this seems somewhat unrealistic.
But if one had to say, Lu Ming really had a chance!
Lu Ming still summoned Mi Heng.
Although Mi Heng wasn't the talent he was looking for, he accepted it nonetheless.
It was rare for someone to come seeking his help, so he had to put on a show to avoid discouraging those talented individuals.
Shortly afterward, a middle-aged scholar, guided by guards, entered the temporary palace.
This was originally the imperial palace of the Western Han Dynasty; with minor repairs, it could be used again.
The overall scale was still there; only renovation was needed, saving the trouble of design and eliminating the need for re-enclosing land—very convenient and quick.
"Mi Heng, a scholar from Pingyuan, greets the King of Qin, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat."
Mi Heng respectfully bowed to Lu Ming. Even though the young prince was so young, he showed no disrespect.
Only idiots judge by appearances. Besides, he was actually quite comical-looking, rather ugly, yet Lu Ming didn't look at him strangely, which was enough to make him feel favorably towards him.
"No need for formalities. You are Mi Heng. What is your courtesy name?"
Lu Ming nodded. With his current status as a prince, he could look down on anyone.
The reason he didn't do so was also a gesture.
Respecting the virtuous and talented is a good thing, but it's not always necessary.
"My courtesy name is Zhengping."
Mi Heng was somewhat dissatisfied. Did the Prince of Qin not even know his reputation?
Lu Ming nodded, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. "It's said that Zhengping is sharp-tongued and unforgiving. Many people want to punish him, but dare not act because of his reputation.
Cao Cao passed him to Liu Biao, Liu Biao passed him to Huang Zu, but I didn't expect you to end up here with me."
Mi Heng's expression changed. Wasn't this a blatant insult to his reputation? Although he's known for his trolling, he doesn't attack people without reason; his accusations are always based on evidence.
He retaliated when Cao Cao slighted him, which is understandable.
Because Xi Zhicai was from the same school, they were equals. Why was Xi Zhicai given a high position while he was relegated to a marginal post, a lowly drum-playing clerk? Wasn't that humiliating? "Your Highness, although I have had grudges against them, it was because of their problems.
I conspired with Xi Zhicai, yet Cao Cao favored Xi Zhicai while despising me. I was resentful, yet I was mocked.
Liu Biao's memorial to the court was disrespectful to His Majesty. When I pointed it out, it aroused jealousy, and I was belittled."
Lu Ming looked at Mi Heng with a hint of doubt, "Since you are loyal to the Han Dynasty, why don't you go to Luoyang to serve Liu Xie?
That's the emperor, the Son of Heaven of Zhou!"
This topic was somewhat fatal. Clearly, regardless of the warlords' fierce fighting, they no longer cared much for the imperial family.
They were all scholars; they knew the origins of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
During the Spring and Autumn period, one could say they revered the Son of Heaven of Zhou…
But in the Warring States period, the concept of a Son of Heaven no longer existed. Wasn't Liu Xie now in this awkward predicament?
Mi Heng's expression changed, and he bowed deeply to Lu Ming. "May I ask, Prince Qin, do you have the ambition to sweep away the six kingdoms and unify China?"
Speaking requires careful consideration of the occasion and tone. Just looking at Lu Ming's character, it's clear he doesn't respect the Emperor.
Especially considering his actions in bringing Empress Dowager He, Empress Dowager Dong, and Empress Fu Shou to Chang'an for imprisonment.
If someone said nothing had happened between them, probably no one would believe it.
A proclamation had mentioned this during the previous campaign against Lu Ming.
However, the feudal lords couldn't defeat Lu Ming; instead, they were forced to retreat in disarray, thus diminishing the credibility and trustworthiness of the proclamation.
Although powerful families held sway, their military power carried considerable weight.
Knowing that Lu Ming wasn't someone to be trifled with, Mi Heng carefully considered his words.
"That's natural; fortunes change.
If the Qin Dynasty hadn't collapsed, Liu Bang wouldn't have had a chance to ascend the throne.
Now, the world is in turmoil, morality has collapsed, and the people are suffering.
Isn't this all a result of the Han Dynasty's inaction?
My Prime Minister and Ministers have both experienced the hardships of the common people.
They know the true nature of this world. I can't guarantee what will happen in the future, but at least the people under my rule won't have to resort to cannibalism."
"I'm actually glad those talented scholars from the Yingchuan School aren't coming.
A bunch of people who don't know the hardships of the common people, seeing them starving and unable to eat, and then they say, 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'
How foolish, how ignorant!
Zhengping, my ambition lies in the world. As long as you have talent and loyalty, I will use you.
Learn literary and martial arts, serve the emperor, achieve great deeds, and benefit your descendants. What do you think?"
Lu Ming's smile radiated an incredibly strong confidence, a confidence that could infect others!