Shu, Chengdu.
Sun Qian quickly ascended the stone steps of the palace. Guards blocked his path. "The Lord is in private consultation with the strategist. Orders are to not disturb them!"
"Get out of the way!" Sun Qian had no time for explanations and burst in directly.
Inside the palace…
Liu Bei was still inquiring about the details of the Wei-Shu "Five-Year Truce" agreement with Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang sighed, "The enemy is strong, and we are weak. The five-year truce is like drinking poison to quench thirst, but it will ultimately… buy us five years!"
Before Liu Bei could speak, Sun Qian rushed in, looking flustered.
Zhuge Liang noticed Sun Qian and quickly asked, "Gongyou, what is the matter?"
As the words left his mouth, no one expected the sound of a "pat," and Sun Qian knelt down, tears streaking his eyes. "Lord, Strategist, that… that Cao Yu forced the Son of Heaven to abdicate, established a new era, and proclaimed himself Emperor of Wei…"
Hearing this, Liu Bei abruptly stood up, his pupils wide and enormous.
Zhuge Liang had already received this news. He supported Liu Bei, feeling the man's trembling body.
Sun Qian continued, "After the Son of Heaven was deposed, he was driven out of Xudu, exiled to Shanyang Hu… A dignified Son of Heaven, reduced to a Duke of Shanyang. Lord… Lord, the Han Dynasty, four hundred years old, is… is gone!"
As he uttered the final words "is gone," Sun Qian's forehead slammed heavily onto the floor, his grief immense.
And as Sun Qian's voice faded…
Another crisp "pat" was heard. Liu Bei knelt on the ground, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Lord…" Zhuge Liang quickly comforted him, "Cao Yu is skilled at attacking the heart. With the Son of Heaven in his hands, he can be manipulated at will… Lord, even if it was abdication, it was unavoidable. You must take care!"
"Wuuuu…"
The sound of choked sobs shook the heavens and earth!
"Heavens…" Liu Bei seemed to erupt. He raised his hands, looking up at the sky. "The Son of Heaven… the Son of Heaven has met with great calamity. I… my lifelong ambition was to restore the Han Dynasty, but now the Han Dynasty is no more, and the Son of Heaven is in distress… What use am I as a descendant of Liu? What use are my fame and great achievements? I… I would rather die than live, I… I would rather die than live!"
As he spoke…
Liu Bei's large tears fell like rain, soaking the ground.
He, again and again, shed endless tears.
…
…
With Cai Zhaoji appointed as Empress, the imperial capital of Great Wei was officially changed from Xudu to Luoyang.
At this time… in the Imperial Secretariat of Luoyang.
"Good… good!"
Xun Yu, who was appointed Chancellor of Great Wei and head of the Imperial Secretariat by Lu Yu, held a bamboo slip and clapped his hands in approval…
"What makes Uncle so happy?" Xun You asked from the side.
The Imperial Secretariat and the School Office were now the two most important institutions in Great Wei, running neck and neck… one managing government affairs, the other overseeing surveillance. As Chancellor, Xun Yu was even busier and more hardworking than before.
"Zhuge Jun is truly a man of talent. He sent someone to deliver an urgent message over seven hundred li. The five-year truce agreement… Liu Bei has finally signed it. Great Wei has gained a rare five years for recuperation. This is a great benefit for the people, officials, and clans!"
The five-year agreement?
This…
Xun You's eyes darted. "Uncle, nephew has been adept at pre-war strategies and deployments since childhood but less so at overall planning. This five-year truce agreement, nephew is foolish and doesn't quite understand. Why would His Majesty say something like 'Having taken Long, we now desire Shu'?"
"In nephew's opinion, even though the Shu roads are difficult, Great Wei still possesses an absolute advantage. Moreover, we have the aerial cavalry that can cross those mountains and burn Bashu, forcing Liu Bei to open his gates. Thus calculated… unifying the world is just one step away. Why retreat at this time!"
Xun You did not know Liu Chan's true identity, nor did he know that Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei were contributing greatly to Great Wei…
Under this premise, his analysis was not wrong.
"A general's success is built on ten thousand bones' decay…"
Why be…
Merciful to the people of Bashu? It was like the strategy to deter Jiangdong after the Battle of Chibi. With the aerial cavalry deployed, and a great fire, how dare Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang not surrender!
Of course…
Xun Yu knew this, but it could not be leaked, not even to his own nephew.
"You are unaware of certain matters."
Xun Yu waved his hand. "In the past, when Liu Bei and Lu Bu occupied Xuzhou, the King of Wei feared Yuan Shao crossing the Yellow River and attacking from both inside and outside with the central plains lords. Thus, he accelerated his attack on Liu Bei and Lu Bu, defeating them in less than half a year. Liu Bei was forced to seek refuge with Yuan Shao. It was only then that the late-realizing Yuan Shao planned to attack Xudu… His civil and military officials were fervent and eager, all sharpening their swords, but only Tian Feng suggested that it was not suitable to attack Liu Bei at this time… The reason was…"
At this point, Xun Yu…
Xun You continued his uncle's words, "The reason was that Cao Cao had already occupied the central plains, and Xudu was no longer empty. Moreover, Cao Cao was skilled in warfare and unpredictable. Although his numbers were small, he should not be underestimated. It would be better to hold firm for a long time. Yuan Shao, relying on the defensible mountains and Yellow River, with the armies of four prefectures, could ally with heroes outside and implement agriculture internally to prepare for war."
"Then select elite troops, divide them into surprise forces, and infiltrate opportunistically, raiding Henan… If Cao Cao comes to the rescue on the right, Yuan Shao attacks the left; if Cao Cao comes to the rescue on the left, Yuan Shao attacks the right, making Cao's army weary from constant movement, and the people unable to focus on their livelihoods. In this way… Yuan's army would not be tired, but the opponent would be exhausted. Within three years, victory could be achieved without moving. This is what Tian Feng proposed as a war of attrition…"
Upon reaching this point, Xun You looked up at Xun Yu and asked in astonishment, "Could it be… His Majesty also intends a war of attrition? But… Bashu is different from Xudu. If we harass… we must cross the continuous Qinling mountain paths for five hundred li. Tian Feng's tactic of 'exhausting Cao' seems unworkable!"
"Hahaha…" Hearing this, Xun Yu laughed heartily. "This time is different from that time. Of the thirteen prefectures of the empire, Great Wei occupies twelve. His Majesty is also promoting the imperial examination system, selecting talent, and emphasizing agriculture and supplies… The advantages of talent and resources from the twelve prefectures will not be apparent yet, as the great turmoil has only recently settled. But after five years… the advantages in resources and talent will become obvious!"
Hiss…
To crush them with resources?
Although Xun Yu's words had some merit, Xun You felt something was amiss… yet he could not refute them.
"Enough. His Majesty is skilled at attacking the heart. He must have his own plans. Nephew's vision is ultimately inferior to his…"
"Haha!" Xun Yu nodded. "Don't overthink it… His Majesty has a new Empress and a new princess. This 'Five-Year Truce' is a great joy for both Great Wei and His Majesty. Three joys arriving at once… we must carefully arrange the ceremony for establishing the Empress!"
Xun You nodded. "There is also the matter of reforming the government institutions. His Majesty wants to change the original Three Dukes and Nine Ministers to the Three Departments and Six Ministries. Uncle will have to put effort into these matters as well."
Hearing about the change from Three Dukes and Nine Ministers to Three Departments and Six Ministries…
Xun Yu nodded slightly. He slowly stood up, looking out the window. "A new dynasty must have new aspirations. Besides, it is rare that His Majesty is so popular now!"
"Haha…" This time, it was Xun You who sighed with emotion. "In the end, it is His Majesty's previously written 'Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders and Miscellaneous Illnesses' that saved countless people. His Majesty is a benefactor in the eyes of many commoners. Be it the Han or Great Wei, the people are loyal only to His Majesty! We understand this… and the clans also understand this!"
"Gongda has become more insightful in government affairs!" Xun Yu said with emotion.
However, amidst his感慨, a hint of worry also appeared.
Whether it was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system or the imperial examination system, His Majesty's greatest constraint was not among the common people or the clans… but the meritorious clansmen of Qiao and Pei!
…
…
The Empress was established, and a princess was born.
Lu Yu hosted a banquet in Luoyang to entertain the members of the Cao and Xiahou clans and generals.
As the music played, the dancers performed graceful dances. These generals, warmed by wine, became unrestrained.
Xiahou Dun, holding a wine cup, walked over and sat directly beside Lu Yu. A flash of an unusual light passed through Lu Yu's eyes, and he quickly put on a smile.
Xiahou Dun patted Lu Yu's shoulder with emotion and intimacy. "Ziyu, we were sworn brothers, you were my dear brother.
But by chance, you have become my nephew! These years… Big Brother has kept it well hidden. Others may not speak of it, but even I didn't know. Our seniority is all mixed up! Fortunately, you have now become the Son of Heaven… Hahaha, rest assured. This vast Great Wei, your elder brother, no… your uncle will guard it for you! No one can take this empire away!"
Lu Yu, with a reserved smile, slowly poured wine into Xiahou Dun's cup. "Your uncle's intentions towards me, I understand!"
Xiahou Dun continued to pat Lu Yu's back. "Isn't the empire just missing Bashu? With one command, Uncle will go and fight it. You just sit peacefully in Luoyang and wait for news of Uncle's triumphant return! Once Bashu is conquered, Uncle will then go north for you, and drive away all those nomadic peoples… to help you establish a unified dynasty!"
Uh…
Xiahou Dun spoke with such conviction, but Lu Yu felt a shiver of apprehension.
He muttered to himself, Uncle Xiahou, your battle record… do you have any self-awareness? Isn't it better to send Zhang Liao and Cao Ren to attack Bashu? Sending you… I have no confidence!
Of course, Lu Yu would not reveal his thoughts. "The expansion of territory still relies on Uncle!"
Over here…
As Lu Yu's words fell.
Cao Hong's loud voice rang out. "Rely on what? Yuan Rang… you damn fool, don't you remember? In the last imperial examination… none of our Qiao and Pei descendants entered the final examination. In the past… with the recommendation system, we could still recommend some family disciples, but now… with this so-called Three Departments and Six Ministries, except for the Ministry of War, the rest are all for those literati… Ziyu sits on ten prefectures of land and doesn't think much of us!"
Cao Hong's words were laced with barbs!
Clearly, fueled by a few rounds of wine, he poured out all his dissatisfaction.
"Zilian… how much have you drunk to be talking such nonsense?" Xiahou Yuan was the most calm. After all, he was also Lu Yu's father-in-law. Although they were brothers on one side, he naturally had to stand firmly with his son-in-law…
Saying this, Xiahou Yuan went to support him… Cao Ren also grabbed him. At this moment… saying these things was indeed inappropriate.
"Don't stop me…" Cao Hong flung off those beside him. "Am I not speaking the truth?"
Cao Hong, slightly drunk, said, "We've fought for half our lives, and I thought we people from Qiao and Pei could finally enjoy our blessings, but now, hmph… Back then, when we followed Big Brother to fight Dong Zhuo, we pursued him to Xingyang. We thought we would surely kill Dong Zhuo under our horses, but we unexpectedly ran into a valley. We heard the clamor of troops from all sides of the valley, and large stones and wooden clubs rolled down like rain, covering the mountains and plains with screams! It turned out we had encountered Xu Rong's ambush. A large stone hit Big Brother's horse's leg, and Big Brother rolled off the horse. We were on the verge of despair… If I hadn't given my horse to Big Brother, and taken countless arrows for him, could Big Brother have escaped that valley?"
Cao Hong, growing agitated, looked at Xiahou Dun. "When Yuan Rang arrived, my subordinates were reduced from two thousand… to just over two hundred! These are all our people from Qiao and Pei, many are our relatives, but now… the world is about to be unified, and Ziyu has forgotten the hardships of fighting for the country! Why can't we people from Qiao and Pei hold official positions? If the recommendation system is abolished, can't we establish a separate system for recommending officials for the people of Qiao and Pei!"
When it came to this point…
Xiahou Dun could no longer sit still. He put his arm around Cao Hong. "Ziyu, your Uncle Zilian is drunk. You… you don't mind him!"
Lu Yu smiled humbly. "Uncle speaks the truth. Father King indeed did not have an easy time establishing the empire…"
Xiahou Dun said emotionally, "Actually, I also miss those times… But later, Big Brother met you… you hid your identity as Hidden Dragon quite well! Yet you helped Big Brother establish this Great Wei…"
"Yuan Rang, why are you changing the subject?" Cao Hong waved his hand… he was still rambling on. "Ziyu, what about the official careers of our Qiao and Pei people, will you manage it or not… Will you manage it or not, give us an answer… give us an answer!"
Because it was a family banquet, the guards protecting Lu Yu were not Dian Wei, but Cao Xiu.
Cao Xiu, unable to bear it any longer, approached Cao Hong and softly chuckled to persuade him, "Uncle Zilian is truly drunk…"
Lu Yu's expression remained unchanged. He stopped him. "They are my own uncles. They can speak their minds freely. If I don't even listen to my own uncles, then in this world… whom can I listen to!"
"Exactly…"
Cao Hong exclaimed, "Come, Ziyu, give your uncle an answer. The recommendation system is abolished, so be it. Outside of the imperial examination system, can't you give our Cao and Xiahou families some recommendation rights? Not many, just as many as the imperial examination admits, we Qiao and Pei will recommend. This will also reassure us old brothers who conquered the world, and give us peace of mind!"
As Cao Hong spoke…
Xun Yu and Xun You had already arrived. He was supposed to report to His Majesty about the "Five-Year Truce Agreement," but as soon as he entered the hall, he saw Cao Hong pressuring the Son of Heaven. He stared dumbfounded at this scene that defied seniority and propriety.
In the inner chamber…
Fu Shou, looking through the gauze window, also gazed at the scene in the hall, including the silent and choked Xun Yu.
As the dance concluded, Fu Shou shook her head helplessly.
She whispered to Liu Xue and Xiahou Juan beside her, "Princess, Juan'er… you have also seen… His Majesty has gained popularity since his succession, but it is not easy. At least… the meritorious officials of Qiao and Pei have brought him immense pressure!"
Speaking of this…
Fu Shou sighed helplessly, then whispered with emotion, "Perhaps, this is the meaning of His Majesty wanting me to establish the Sparrow Gate."
Liu Xue nodded…
Xiahou Juan pursed her lips. She had not expected her clansmen to push His Majesty, to push her own husband, so hard…
She opened her mouth, but ultimately closed it…
Liu Xue asked meaningfully in a low voice, "Will His Majesty… how will His Majesty deal with these clansmen's pressure? Will… will he change the original imperial examination system?"
…
…