Chapter 126: Leaving Luoyang

"It is actually Ouyezi!" Mo Tian and Ma Jun exclaimed in unison, both stunned. "My Lord, if this was forged by the descendants of Ouye, then it is no surprise. This must be a masterpiece by Master Oufeng, born of his painstaking efforts. To see it today, I have truly lived a life without regrets. It is only a pity that it is a sword; it is of no use," Ma Jun said with a look of resignation, sinking into his seat in frustration. No matter how fine the sword, it could not perform the work of a craftsman.

Liu Yao smiled upon hearing this. "Deheng, what if I told you that this sword was merely a casual work by Master Ou? If handed to other craftsmen, even if they could not match this piece, they would produce blades with at least fifty percent of its sharpness."

"Impossible!" Ma Jun shouted immediately. He knew full well that such a divine sword could never be forged by an ordinary blacksmith—not even one with half that capability.

Realizing his lapse in decorum, Ma Jun looked embarrassed. "My Lord, it is not that I do not believe you... it is just... this..." He found himself trapped in a dilemma, unable to explain his disbelief.

"Haha, Deheng, do not be troubled. Anyone else would react the same way," Liu Yao said, laughing at Ma Jun’s awkwardness. "I might as well tell you that such weapons can indeed be mass-produced. I have invented a type of steel far superior to the iron-fin steel used previously. Once I have the steel to craft a set of artisan tools for you and Elder Mo, do you think you would have the confidence to work with it?"

"Many thanks, my Lord!" the two replied with great excitement. To Mo Tian and Ma Jun, a set of superior tools held the same significance as weapons and horses did to a warrior; no one could refuse such a treasure.

"My Lord, if there are sufficient materials, I believe I can construct a wooden kite within a year. However, the craftsmanship required is extremely complex; ordinary craftsmen could never complete it. Even with Elder Mo and me working together, it would be difficult to produce many," Ma Jun said apologetically.

"It does not matter. Just do your best. As for how many you can make, so be it," Liu Yao said dismissively. He understood the wonders of the wooden kite; if it were easy to build, it would not have remained the secret technique of Gongshuzi. *Even if they cannot be produced on a large scale, they would be excellent for creating a special detachment or for transmitting messages,* Liu Yao mused. *I wonder what people would think if they saw a wooden bird flying in the sky.*

"Thank you for your understanding, my Lord," Ma Jun said.

"Elder Mo, Deheng, take these two days to prepare yourselves. In a few days, we shall return to Youzhou. Once there, I will establish a research institute specifically for your work. Elder Mo shall be the Dean, and Deheng the Vice Dean. In the future, you may author books and leave a legacy that will last for generations," Liu Yao said with a smile. The importance of this institute was no less than that of an academy; one would be the source of his army’s equipment, while the other would be the source of his future talent. Neither could be neglected.

"Many thanks, my Lord!" the two exclaimed, moved. In such matters, few could remain indifferent to the prospect of fame and fortune.

After meeting with Ma Jun, Liu Yao returned to the Cai residence. Having been away for some time, he missed Diao Chan and Cai Yan, and the reunion was filled with warm exchanges. Of course, there was also his younger sister, Princess Liu Xin, the little firebrand. Having her by his side always brought Liu Yao great joy.

Liu Yao also spoke with Cai Yong, urging him to prepare. Cai Yong had tens of thousands of scrolls to organize, which would serve as the foundation for the Youzhou Academy. Upon his return, the academy and the research institute would be Liu Yao’s top priorities.

Having finished his affairs in Luoyang, it was time to return to Youzhou, where a mountain of work awaited him. Ju Shou and Cheng Yu could not handle everything alone; he needed to return to oversee critical matters personally.

Three nights later, many palace guards witnessed the eldest prince, the Great Han General of the Flying Cavalry and Governor of Youzhou, Liu Yao, walking alone toward the Southern Palace where Emperor Ling of Han resided. He did not emerge until the dawn of the next day, appearing to have something concealed in his sleeves.

That very day was the day of Liu Yao's departure for Youzhou. He stood at the head of the procession, mounted on his horse. Behind him rode Zhao Yun, Zhang Fei, Zang Ba, Ma Chao, and Ma Dai. Five thousand elite cavalry led the way, followed by several carriages and over twenty wagons, with Zang Ba’s five thousand Taishan infantry bringing up the rear. Such a force feared no bandits, and the remnants of the Yellow Turbans would likely flee at the mere sight of Liu Yao’s banner.

The twenty-odd wagons were filled with Cai Yong’s vast collection of books—a truly magnificent sight. The carriages carried Cai Yan, Diao Chan, Liu Xin, and Cai Yong, shielding them from the jolts of the road.

Due to his status, many came to see him off, including Huangfu Song, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian. Having received significant aid from Liu Yao during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they held him in high esteem.

"Move out!" With Liu Yao’s command, the army slowly began its journey toward Youzhou.

Halfway through their departure, Liu Yao could not help but glance back at the familiar city of Luoyang and the palace at its highest point. He touched the object hidden within his sleeve.

"Father, once I leave this time, the next time I return to Luoyang, it will surely be a different scene. But I promise you, I will fulfill what I have pledged. I will restore the Great Han and make its name resonate throughout the world," Liu Yao said with firm resolve, though a tear could not help but fall from the corner of his eye.

He knew that after today, he would likely never see Emperor Ling again. As an orphan in his previous life, he had finally found a father in this one and tasted the rare warmth of paternal love. Yet, he knew this father would soon pass, and he could do nothing but watch helplessly. Such sorrow was difficult for even Liu Yao to bear.

Perhaps his feelings reached the Emperor, for at that moment in the Southern Palace, Emperor Ling suddenly stood up. He gazed in the direction of Liu Yao’s departure, his face stern as he murmured, "My son, the Great Han is entrusted to you." He then quickly reverted to his hedonistic demeanor and headed toward his sleeping quarters.

"Brother Yao, are you alright?" Cai Yan poked her head out of the carriage, noticing the tear on his face, and asked with concern.

Liu Yao quickly wiped it away, forcing a smile. "I am fine, Yan’er. Just some dust in my eye. You should return to the carriage and rest; it will be a tiring journey."

"Oh," Cai Yan replied obediently, drawing her head back. However, with her intelligence, she knew he was lying. She simply understood that there were times when one had to let a person be; at this moment, Liu Yao needed to be alone with his thoughts, and no words could change that.

Seeing this, Liu Yao smiled to himself. *Indeed, Father, I still have Yan’er, Chan’er, my teacher, Xin’er, and the Empress Dowager.*

With that, Liu Yao turned away from Luoyang, slowly continuing his journey toward Youzhou.