The scene within Deyang Hall began to turn bizarre.
The Han Emperor was kneeling towards the new King of Wei, desperately trying to place the Imperial Seal into the new Wei King's hand!
"Zi Yu, oh Zi Yu, you understand me. You have witnessed my resistance. Yes... ten years ago, I too wanted to save the Han dynasty with my own strength. But these past ten years, I've realized the hearts of the populace no longer belong to the Han. Only by ending the Han dynasty can the people and I have hope!"
"I have no regrets. Those who framed my father, those who bullied me, are all gone. You are different from your father; you were never a Han minister, so you don't need to bear unwarranted infamy. For you to succeed... is also to let me go!"
Let me go...
Is that right?
Lu Yu was slightly moved. "Your Majesty's words, surely they were also spoken to my father? How did he reply?"
This...
Liu Xie paused, then recalled before speaking, his words deliberate.
"The King of Wei said that he and his son would prove to the world that my choice was correct..."
Upon hearing this...
Lu Yu finally truly felt the gift his father, Cao Cao, had bestowed upon him.
He nodded slowly, echoing Cao Cao's words, and spoke again, "I will prove to the world that neither Your Majesty's nor Father King's choice was wrong!"
Liu Xie let out a long sigh and straightened himself as he knelt. Lu Yu, however, slowly stood up, standing tall and straight. From this moment on, no one in the world could make him kneel!
Liu Xie slowly bowed to Lu Yu.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!"
After the three bows and nine prostrations, Liu Xie, greatly relieved, slumped back onto the ground, his gaze filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy.
Lu Yu stood proudly, looking down at the former Emperor, and asked gently, "Without the throne, what do you wish to do?"
This question stunned Liu Xie.
He had fantasized about this question countless times, but each time he had avoided it. He dared not imagine what an emperor who was no longer an emperor could do.
"Speak. Whatever you ask, I shall grant!" Lu Yu had now changed his self-address to "Zhen" (朕).
At this moment, he had finally taken a step further than his father.
"I wish to leave this imperial palace and see the outside world. I have been imprisoned here by your father for over ten years, and aside from fear, I have seen nothing. I suffer from insomnia every night. I am about the same age as you, but look at my hair..."
Liu Xie let down his hair bun...
Beneath the bun, his greying hair scattered. It was hard to imagine that a man of Lu Yu's age could be so weathered.
Liu Xie continued.
"I learned some medical skills in the Imperial Medical Academy, but within this palace... only others treat me. I wish to treat a few patients myself, to have saved a few lives with my own hands. Sometimes... I feel ashamed. I have been the Son of Heaven for over thirty years, but what have I truly done for the common people?"
Liu Xie's words moved Lu Yu, who said with a touch of pity, "Very well, I agree to all your requests. I shall enfeoff you as the Duke of Shanyang, and grant you Shanyang Hu. That place is nestled by mountains and water, blessed with abundant sunlight, fragrant with vegetation, and populated by simple folk. If you wish, you may still call yourself Emperor there. You can roam freely within that territory and enjoy the reverence and offerings befitting an emperor. If you wish to heal others, I shall establish a medical office in Shanyang Hu and assign some capable physicians from the Luoyang Medical Office to teach you. Once you have completed your studies, that medical office will be entirely yours!"
Liu Xie's tears flowed freely. "Zi Yu... no, Your Majesty, thank you... thank you very much!"
"I have always believed that I... I have not misjudged you."
Lu Yu leaned down and wiped away Liu Xie's tears with his sleeve. "You are only thirty, and your life ahead is long. Live for yourself, live for freedom!"
As he spoke, Lu Yu patted Liu Xie's shoulder, his final sentiment echoing,
"Money is precious, power is worth more, but for the sake of freedom, both can be cast aside! Eagles soar through the sky, fish swim in the deep, all creatures compete for freedom under the vast sky!"
With that, he stood up straight and strode out of the hall.
In the empty Deyang Hall, only Liu Xie remained, slumped motionlessly, bursting into a long cry that was neither fully laughter nor tears.
"All... all creatures compete for freedom under the vast sky!"
...
...
The Wei King's Palace.
Cao Cao lay on his bed, appearing weak. He was instructing some of his sons.
"Ang'er, Chong'er, Zhi'er... before I retire, I have some words for you," Cao Cao said earnestly. "Zi Huan and Zi Wen are both my good sons. It is a pity that there can only be one ruler of the realm. For the sake of Great Wei and the common people, I had no choice but to... punish them severely!"
"And you are all disciples of your elder brothers. Even if you disregard brotherly affection, you must respect seniority and the teachings of your masters. Zi Jian, you are a fine poet, and your newspaper is thriving. It makes me proud!"
"Zi You, you serve as a general in the Dragon Roar Camp. With Zi Yu succeeding as King, the Dragon Roar Camp will largely fall into your hands. You are your elder brother's support. Remember, at all times, you must protect your elder brother. As long as he is here, Great Wei is here!"
"Chong'er, I favor you the most. You are intelligent and astute, most like your elder brother. However... in terms of vision, you cannot compare to your elder brother. For the sake of Great Wei, I will choose the one most suited to be a ruler to rule, the one most adept at leading troops to lead troops, and the one most skilled in governing to govern. Chong'er... I have a feeling that though you are young now, when you grow up, you will become your elder brother's most important right-hand man. You brothers must work together in unity and sincerity!"
These words of Cao Cao before his retirement were like his final arrangements, and also subtle hints...
To keep his sons in their places and prevent them from harboring ambitions.
Of course, Cao Ang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong... Cao Cao trusted them. They would not act rashly, and they would eventually become pillars of support and trusted relatives to Cao Yu.
"That is all..." Cao Cao waved his hand. "You may go!"
The attendants beside him led the assembled princes away.
Not long after, eunuchs ushered in a group of women. Among them were seasoned ladies like Lady Ding and Lady Bian, as well as new favorites of the Wei King such as Lady Cai, Lady Gan, Lady Du, Lady Huan, and Lady Yin. There were also many young and beautiful women in their prime. Even in their simple attire, they appeared exceptionally radiant.
They all knew that Cao Cao was going into retirement... this parting might be the last time they would see him, and they sobbed softly.
Cao Cao gazed at them, his eyes narrowed, and sighed gently, "What beautiful years!"
He said weakly, "The founding of Great Wei was not easy. The treasures gained from conquering territories over the years, I have bestowed upon meritorious generals. As for you, following me, your clothes were not ornate, nor were your shoes of a second color; you have endured hardship!"
Lady Gan shook her head, weeping. "No... to be able to serve the Great King, even for a single day, is our good fortune. Among the men in this world, no one possesses more heroic spirit than the Great King!"
As she spoke these words, Lady Gan naturally compared him to Liu Bei, who abandoned his wife and children when faced with trouble.
In Lady Gan's opinion, serving Cao Cao for even a day was far better than enjoying wealth and prosperity by Liu Bei's side in Bashu... by that man who abandoned his wife and children!
"Hahahaha..."
Lady Gan's words made Cao Cao burst into laughter. During the discussion of heroes over wine, he had told Liu Bei that the heroes of the realm were he himself and Cao Cao. In the end... as expected, all the other lords had been eliminated, leaving only the two of them.
Cao Cao even thought further... if, if he, Cao Cao, had not given birth to this son, Lu Yu, what would the current situation be?
He might have been able to conquer the central plains, to reclaim the northern territories, but... could he have peacefully incorporated Xiliang and Hanzhong, won the Battle of Red Cliffs, and made Jiangdong surrender at the mere sight of his army?
All of this was uncertain.
But on one point, in the matter of women, Cao Cao had completely defeated Liu Bei!
When it came to women, three Liu Beis combined could not compare to one Cao Cao, in any aspect!
"Hahahaha..."
Cao Cao's laughter grew louder. "Heroic spirit also has its limits. The ailment of head-wind requires retirement to the outer realms, to cleanse the mind with the purest Qi. Do you not wish for me to live a few more years? Haha, I have specially sought out some spices, which I shall distribute among you. You may reside on the Bronze Sparrow Platform, sell incense and buy silk, or learn to make shoes to support yourselves!"
The beautiful women were weeping uncontrollably. Cao Cao weakly raised his hand, and the eunuch brought forward a tray, distributing bags of spices to each of the ladies.
Cao Cao smiled faintly. "Alright, I am retiring, not going to my death. Perhaps in five or ten years, when my head-wind has healed, I might see you all again! I too am reluctant to part with you all! Now, go, go..."
Yes...
So many... "***" were all obtained by Cao Cao from others. He enjoyed this unique feeling, the feeling of being superior to others.
After the weeping beauties were led out by the eunuchs, Xun Yu, Xun You, and others who had been waiting anxiously waved them in.
The ministers rushed in and knelt before Cao Cao's bed. Cao Cao then issued his final decrees before retiring... Xun Yu personally took notes.
"In my governance, I have always relied on law, and this law must not be changed. However, I have often been prone to anger and mistakes; the Crown Prince must not imitate me. The empire is not yet settled, and the people are weary. My place of retirement shall be simple; do not consider my status. My thatched hut, fields, clothing, and meals shall all be modest. After my retirement, all military and governmental affairs of Great Wei shall be handed over to Crown Prince Cao Yu. The officials of each commandery must pay homage to the new Wei King and swear allegiance to him. The stationed troops must not leave their posts. The empire is not yet settled; you lords must assist the new King in establishing the unification of Great Wei! The prosperity of Great Wei! The flourishing of Great Wei!"
Xun Yu's brush moved like flying, but as he truly learned that the future Great Wei would no longer have King Wei Cao Cao's involvement, his tears fell one by one onto the bamboo slips.
A group of distinguished nobles, unable to bear it any longer, erupted in loud cries, "Big Brother... Big Brother..."
The officials also began to weep.
Cao Cao murmured, "What is wrong with all of you? I am going into retirement to recuperate, why are you crying so miserably? It's as if I am about to pass away..."
Uh... hearing Cao Cao say this, everyone stopped their tears.
"Hahaha..." Cao Cao laughed. "You all hope my head-wind can be cured, right? Ah..."
"May the Great King be blessed!" everyone shouted in unison...
"Since you wish me to be blessed, then all of you, smile for me!" Cao Cao continued.
At this, the officials exchanged glances with each other...
"Haha, hahahaha..."
Strange laughter erupted from various places.
However, Cao Cao opened his mouth and said, "Rest assured, everyone. Zi Yu is more outstanding than I am, and he understands people's hearts better. With him here, no one can take this kingdom away!"
...
...
The next day.
On the platform, sacrificial cattle and sheep were presented, along with five-colored jade gui. A fire was lit, sending up thick smoke.
Under the guidance of the priest, the jade gui were burned to offer sacrifices to Heaven, the Five Sacred Mountains, and the Four Seas...
Amidst solemn music, Lu Yu, clad in his crown and robes, holding the Imperial Seal, ascended the enthronement platform with a solemn expression. Below him, ministers, marquises, generals, the Xiongnu Chanyu, and tens of thousands of people attended.
Lu Yu surveyed the surroundings, seeing familiar faces, but his father's companionship was conspicuously absent...
To ensure his successful enthronement, his father chose this time to retire, effectively nipping all rumors in the bud and providing Lu Yu with the most favorable environment.
*Hoo...*
With this thought, Lu Yu exhaled a long breath.
At this moment...
Liu Xie, holding the imperial edict with both hands, shouted loudly, "Hear ye, King of Wei! In ancient times, Emperor Yao abdicated to Shun, and Shun abdicated to Yu. The Mandate of Heaven is not constant; it rests only with the virtuous. The Han dynasty has declined, plunging into great chaos, with villains rampant and the world overturned. All this has been due to the divine might of the King of Wei... The imperial lineage has bestowed auspiciousness, and men and gods have proclaimed good omens. Truly, with your wisdom and virtue, the divine mandate has descended upon you. Therefore, respectfully cede your position... The destiny of Heaven rests upon your shoulders. May you follow the grand ceremony and receive the Mandate of Heaven on behalf of all nations!"
An imperial edict... was read out clearly.
Lu Yu received it with both hands!
Immediately, under the priest's guidance, he performed rites to heaven and declared aloud:
"Emperor, your subject Yu, dares to solemnly announce to the August Emperors and Former Emperors that the Han dynasty has reigned for twenty-four generations, spanning four hundred and twenty-six years. The Four Seas are impoverished, and the Three Bonds are broken. The Han ruler has deemed the divine artifact fitting for Yu. Yu trembles at the Mandate of Heaven and dares not disobey. I respectfully choose this auspicious day to ascend the altar with the officials to receive the imperial seal and insignia, and make offerings to you, great gods. May you, O gods, grant eternal prosperity and bless the lasting reign of the Wei dynasty!"
As Lu Yu's voice fell...
The officials prostrated themselves, along with the former Han Emperor, and cried out in unison, "Your subjects pay respects to Your Majesty, Emperor Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live, ten thousand years!"
"Emperor Your Majesty, long live, long live, ten thousand years!"
"Emperor Your Majesty, long live, long live, ten thousand years!"
Lu Yu gazed at the vast mountains and the prostrating officials, softly lamenting, "The feelings of Shun and Yu... today, I understand them!"
Thinking of this...
Lu Yu turned around and faced the officials. "I, Cao Yu, ascending to the throne with the Mandate of Heaven, inheriting the great lineage, from this day forward, the realm shall have only one dynastic name—Wei! I proclaim the era as Huang Chu, establish the capital in Luoyang, posthumously honor my father King as Emperor Tai Zu Wu, and enfeoff Liu Xie as the Duke of Shanyang!"
Upon these words...
"Long live His Majesty, long live, long live, ten thousand years!"
"Long live..."
"Long live..."
Yet another wave of thunderous acclamations!
....
On a distant hilltop.
A solitary carriage was parked there. Outside the carriage stood over ten horses, and some guards stood in attendance, looking stern.
"Great King..."
Just then, Xu Chu ran up from below the mountain. "The Han Emperor has abdicated the throne to the eldest son. The eldest son has completed the sacrifices to heaven and earth and successfully ascended the throne!"
"Good!" Cao Cao nodded... as if the last major burden on his heart before retiring had completely lifted.
He lay down in the back of the carriage, his face full of ease.
"Let's go..."
After a while, as if he had rested enough, he called out to Xu Chu, "Zhong Kang, you may return. I entrust the safety of Yu to you. With you and Dian Wei here, I can rest assured!"
"Wei King... if... if the eldest son asks about you, then..."
Cao Cao waved his hand wearily... "Do not tell him where I am. From today on, his heart should not be filled with me, but with the entire Great Wei!"
...
...