Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3739 Grain is stored in separate rooms, but in death we are buried together. If you do not believe me, my faith is as clear as the bright sun.

Xu County, Chongde Hall.

Outside the main hall, the evening wind howled, whipping up the lifeless banners of the Han Dynasty, as if relentlessly provoking, "Dance again, dance again..."

Inside the hall, sandalwood burned silently in a gilded bronze incense burner, its wisps of smoke unable to dispel the decaying stench permeating the carved beams and painted rafters.

The entire palace was quite dark, with flickering candlelight casting two thin shadows on the ground.

One man, clad in black robes, stood tall and imposing, like a mountain about to topple; the other, dressed in imperial robes, sat upright, thin and frail, like an autumn leaf hanging from a branch.

Those sitting at the head of the table craned their necks to look down; those standing at the foot of the table, however, held their heads high with arrogance.

Emperor Liu Xie sat upright on his imperial couch, the twelve-tasseled white jade beaded curtain swaying slightly, unable to conceal the complex light in his eyes.

He stared at the familiar yet loathsome figure below the steps...

Cao Cao, also known as Cao Mengde, was the Chancellor of the Han Dynasty.

When this man first entered the palace, he walked with the stride of a tiger and the gaze of an eagle, his domineering aura reaching almost to the throne.

Today, though he still wore black robes and carried a sword, the glint in his eyes was undeniable...

Feeling tired and weary?

Or is it a forced attempt to conceal dejection?
A strange, almost despicable pleasure welled up in Liu Xie's heart.

Like a quietly developing undercurrent in an ice layer.

You, Cao Mengde, have finally met your match?
Cao Cao bowed deeply, his movements impeccable, his voice calm and undisturbed: "Your subject Cao Cao pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."

As for etiquette, it was thorough to the standard, but it lacked any warmth or sincerity.

"Your Excellency, rise."

Liu Xie's voice, strained through the beaded curtain, carried a deliberately maintained calm tone: "Prime Minister, you've rushed back to the capital overnight. What brings you here? Has something happened in Jingzhou? Or... is the Sishui River under siege?"

Liu Xie was still somewhat naive. He deliberately pointed out Sishui Pass, his gaze sharp as needles, trying to pierce Cao Cao's calm aura.

Cao Cao stood ramrod straight, his gaze meeting the beaded curtain with unwavering composure. "Your Majesty's insight is profound. I have not come here for Jingzhou and Xiangyang. Your Majesty is in charge of Jingzhou and Xiangyang; though the General of the Cavalry is cunning, the outcome is difficult to predict in the short term. My concern lies with the gateway to Yingchuan, and Your Majesty's safety."

After Cao Cao finished speaking, he paused briefly.

Liu Xie's gaze sharpened, and his hands, hidden within the wide sleeves of his robe, involuntarily clenched tightly.

This is……

Threatening me?

"General Fei Qian, the General of the Cavalry," Cao Cao's voice suddenly turned cold, like the gleam of a sword, "leading the fierce and powerful troops of Bing and Liang, and relying on the advantage of firearms, has already captured Gong County, and is now stationed at Sishui Pass. Their momentum is overwhelming; they are not merely after a single pass or city, but intend... to directly attack Xuchang, shake the Han Dynasty, and overthrow the very foundation of the nation!"

Cao Cao emphasized the last four words, his eyes blazing as he stared directly at Liu Xie.

Behind the beaded curtain, Liu Xie clenched his teeth, and the flesh on his cheek twitched.

Shake the country's foundation?

Is it your Cao family's power that is being shaken, or my Liu Han dynasty?
He sneered inwardly, but outwardly cooperated with Cao Cao, saying, "Has it come to this? Zilian is known for his bravery and fortitude, and the Si River is a formidable pass; yet, it couldn't even stop their advance?"

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of gloom flashing across them, and said in a deep voice, "Zilian fought valiantly, and the soldiers gave their lives. However, the cavalry's firearms are devastating, beyond human capability. The earthen fortifications at Gongxian collapsed in half a day; the soldiers, loyal and brave, perished on the battlefield. Now, although the Sishui River still stands, we lack provisions within and have no strong reinforcements from outside. The morale of the army is wavering, and we are in grave danger!"

Cao Cao cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone more solemn than ever before: "This is truly a critical moment of life and death! I have rushed back day and night, and I humbly request Your Majesty... to issue an edict to reassure the army and to establish a national policy to defend against our powerful enemy!"

"Imperial edict? Decided strategy?" Liu Xie's voice carried a barely perceptible sarcasm as he slowly raised his hand, brushed aside several jade tassels, and met Cao Cao's sharp gaze with undisguised eyes.

Are imperial edicts effective?

Isn’t this a joke?

Liu Xie himself was trapped in Chongde Hall. Not only could the imperial edict not leave Xu County, but he couldn't even leave the palace. What use was it then?

Besides, what "national policy" have I ever participated in? Aren't all the strategies decided by you, you fat-headed, big-eared... oh, I mean, you short, ugly guy?

Now look what's happened, they're talking about 'imperial edicts' and 'national policies'?

"Prime Minister," Liu Xie's voice, though not loud, echoed clearly in the empty hall, "You have held the reins of the court and controlled the realm for many years. In the past, Dong Zhuo's chaos and Li Zicheng's calamities led to the collapse of the state and the tarnishing of the imperial regalia. If it weren't for your righteous uprising in Yanzhou, welcoming me from the ruins of Luoyang, defeating the bandits at Xu Qing's hands, annihilating the two Yuan brothers in the north and south, clearing the world, and restoring order to the court… I and this Han dynasty would likely have been reduced to dust long ago!"

Liu Xie spoke slowly and calmly, and everything he said was attributed to Cao Cao. Every word was true, but his tone was cold, like reciting a eulogy, and he showed no gratitude whatsoever.

Cao Cao sat upright, his face calm and composed, except for the slight whiteness of the knuckles of his hand resting on his knee.

Cao Cao was waiting for the "but" that followed...

As expected, Liu Xie abruptly changed his tone, his gaze piercing like an icicle, "But, can the Prime Minister's achievements be compared to those of Yi Yin and Huo Guang?"

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze instantly!

Yi Yin banished Tai Jia, and Huo Guang abolished Changyi!
The powerful minister was actually carrying out the act of deposing and installing emperors!
Liu Xie's question was a direct attack on his conscience. Cao Cao, didn't you ever consider deposing and installing emperors?! What are you pretending to be now, this loyal subject?

Cao Cao's pupils constricted sharply. He looked up to meet Liu Xie's gaze, showing no sign of backing down. "Your Majesty! My heart, Cao Cao's, is as clear as the sun and moon! Yi Yin and Huo Guang performed extraordinary deeds for the sake of the state! What I am doing today is also to protect Your Majesty's safety and safeguard the Han dynasty! If I have even the slightest disloyalty," he abruptly rose, pointing to the heavens, "Heaven will despise me! Earth will forsake me! I will die by the sword!"

Cao Cao swore a solemn oath, his voice resounding throughout the palace, a tragic and resolute declaration.

Liu Xie felt a sense of satisfaction at first as he watched Cao Cao become enraged as expected, but this satisfaction quickly vanished and was replaced by a chilling feeling.

fighting……

Has the situation truly deteriorated to such an extent that Cao Cao was forced to back down and compromise?

In the Han Dynasty, publicly made oaths of oath still had a certain binding force, especially for high-ranking rulers.

It was at least more effective than the policy programs that later politicians issued to the public.

Therefore, Liu Xie knew that the effectiveness of this oath might have certain limitations, but it at least demonstrated Cao Cao's current attitude...

Unity brings benefits, while division brings harm.

The fact that Cao Cao came alone and met with him privately also illustrates this point.

Liu Xie paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Prime Minister, please calm down. I do not doubt you, but... I spoke from a feeling. It is like a boat sailing through turbulent waves; even if the boatman and the passengers have disagreements, they should still work together to cross the river. If the boat capsizes, everything will be destroyed, without distinction of right or wrong."

Liu Xie is still under Cao Cao's control. In any case, it's impossible to provoke Cao Cao too much, let alone act like a fool and shout, "Try touching me!"

Cao Cao nodded slightly, sat down again, and said, "Your Majesty is wise. The trouble caused by the Fei family is even greater than that of the Yuan brothers! They not only covet the imperial regalia, but also intend to...completely destroy the centuries-old moral order of our Han Dynasty!"

Liu Xie frowned. "What does the Prime Minister mean by saying that the Fei family intends to destroy the social order? I've heard that they've implemented the 'New Field Policy' in Guanzhong and Bingzhou, encouraging agriculture and sericulture, resulting in full treasuries and a sense of security among the people?"

For Liu Xie, he had become "very clear-headed" over the past few years. He was either under the control of one powerful minister or in the shadow of another. Whether it was Cao Cao or Fei Qian, as long as they still recognized him as the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, he could "endure" until he died, or until the powerful minister died.

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. "Your Majesty's words are quite true! However, the root of this disaster lies precisely in the Fei Clan's new policies! These are their methods to bring ruin to the country and its people, and to shake the very foundations of the state! By distributing land to the people, they emulate Shang Yang's abolition of the well-field system, but in an even more drastic way! They seize the property of the gentry, destroy the feudal system, and incite the common people to usurp power! If this continues, the ruler will no longer be a ruler, and the ministers will no longer be ministers! Rites and music will collapse, and where will the fundamental principles of morality be?"

Cao Cao's gaze was fixed intently on Liu Xie. "The tyrannical Qin dynasty, which implemented the laws of Shang Yang, was powerful for a time, but it abandoned benevolence and righteousness in favor of personal gain, and perished after only two generations! This scoundrel of the Fei clan has brought back the old Qin, and his calamity will be even greater! His ambition is not merely to carve up territory; he desires to destroy the enduring foundation of the Han dynasty!"

Liu Xie fell silent.

"I have heard... that in Chang'an, the General of the Cavalry's residence is constantly being renovated, while the Changle Palace remains in ruins!" Cao Cao leaned forward, his voice lower, yet each word struck Liu Xie's heart like a heavy hammer. "Your Majesty, consider this: if the Fei family truly cares for Your Majesty... since the treasury in Guanzhong is full, why not repair the imperial palace, but instead wage war?! Does this man have any concept of an emperor? Any concept of a ruler and his subjects? Under his rule, he uses profit to drive the people, law to replace propriety, and disregards rank and status as nothing! If Your Majesty falls into his hands, even residing in the ancient palace of Chang'an, how is you any different from those clay and wooden puppets hanging high in the temple?! The ancestral temples of the Han dynasty may still exist, but the spirits of the fallen heroes will be lost! This is not merely a loss of power, but a loss of the very foundation of one's name! Without a name, how can an emperor control the state? At that time, even if Your Majesty survives, how will you be different from the Zhou dynasty in its decline, with the feudal lords vying for the throne?"

Cao Cao elevated the threat of "granting land to the people" to the level of "status quo," highlighting how Fei Qian's new system fundamentally undermined and destroyed the sanctity and symbolic meaning of the "Son of Heaven." His use of the allusion to "the decline of the Zhou dynasty and the feudal lords vying for the throne" subtly yet profoundly suggests that Liu Xie, under Fei Qian's rule, might become a mere puppet in name only, his nominal position as "common ruler" precarious.

Although they are puppets in Xu County, at least they have a decent palace to live in. In Chang'an, the dilapidated Chang Le Wei Yang Palace has never been repaired!

As Cao Cao spoke, Liu Xie's face gradually paled.

A fear greater than the threat of swords and spears seized him.

He could be a puppet because he felt there was still hope of regaining control. Even if that hope was slim...

Born in the deep palace and raised by women and eunuchs, the legitimacy and honor represented by the title "Son of Heaven" had long been ingrained in his very being.

"No... Minister Fei... occasionally sends tribute..."

Liu Xie tried to resist the anxiety that was rising in his heart.

"Tribute...haha, hahaha..." Cao Cao laughed, his sleeves fluttering. "May I ask Your Majesty, compared to this grand palace before us...which is more important?"

'...' Liu Xie fell silent again.

Yes, at least Cao Cao built a new Chongde Palace, while Fei Qian remained in Chang'an, letting the Changle Palace collapse...

"Clay puppets... feudal lords vying for power..." Liu Xie murmured, his fingertips icy cold.

He recalled many other things, not only the Weiyang and Changle Palaces in Chang'an, but also how people from humble backgrounds entered officialdom through examinations rather than recommendations, and how commoners were granted land. Therefore, he treated Fei Qian's soldiers with food and drink...

All of this was incompatible with his understanding of the "world".

In Fei Qian's order, the "Son of Heaven" seems to have truly become a symbol...

A profound chill and a sense of humiliation gradually overwhelmed Liu Xie.

Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao below the steps, his gaze filled with complex emotions.

He loathed the powerful figure who held sway over the court and treated him like a puppet in the palm of his hand, and he also feared the hawk-like gaze and the ruthless measures taken against him for the slightest disobedience.

However, deep in his heart, a faint but undeniable thought quietly emerged: if he had stayed in Chang'an back then, would the place where he lived have been the collapsed Weiyang Palace and Changle Palace?
Although Cao Cao seized power, and the deep palace in Xuchang was like a gilded cage for birds, it also gave him a few years of relatively peaceful time, even...

Cao Cao also married his daughter into the palace to solidify the relationship between the father-in-law and son-in-law.

This stability comes with shackles, but it is the only piece of driftwood one can grasp in a chaotic world.

But now, even the "boatman" who was in charge of the driftwood was forced to return to the capital in a sorry state by Fei Qian, and admitted that "it was beyond human power to resist"!
A chilling despair welled up in Liu Xie's heart.

He knows himself all too well.

In terms of strategy and tactics, he was far inferior to Cao Cao; in terms of commanding troops, he was merely a theorist.

His attempt to stir up trouble resulted in the loss of all his loyal ministers, which is irrefutable proof of his poor political skills.

Now, Cao Cao is already struggling against Fei Qian's military might. If he loses this "boatman," how can Liu Xie, an "emperor" who can't even control the palace gates, possibly fight against Fei Qian's overwhelming "new laws" and ferocious army? He might not even be qualified to be a "mud puppet"!

"What the Prime Minister said... is shocking..." Liu Xie's voice was hoarse. "However... however, Fei Qian's army is at its strongest. What plan do you have? How long can Zi Lian hold out?" He finally asked the most pressing question.

He feared both that Fei Qian would ruin his position as "Emperor" and that Cao Cao would suffer a swift defeat, leaving him unable to even retain his "empty title".

Cao Cao keenly noticed the fleeting fear and wavering in Liu Xie's eyes.

The time is right.

"Your Majesty, do not worry!" Cao Cao straightened his back, his calm demeanor fully unleashed. "Although Fei Qian is strong, he has defied the will of Heaven and arbitrarily altered ancestral rules, thus losing the hearts of the gentry throughout the land! Now that his troops are besieged in a fortified city, his morale has been dampened. I have already dispatched Ren Zhonglang with the elite troops of Ji Province to reinforce him. With this strong support, Zilian will surely be able to hold the pass! Furthermore, I have already summoned the Sun family of Jiangdong, who will travel day and night to launch a flanking attack on Sichuan! This is the same strategy employed by Emperor Gaozu of Han in besieging Xiang Yu at Xingyang and Chenggao!"

Cao Cao's gaze sharpened as he stared directly at Liu Xie. "However," he said, "to defeat this formidable enemy requires more than just battlefield prowess! It also demands… Your Majesty's authority and the court's credibility, to unite the hearts of the people! With authority comes the will of the people! At this critical juncture, with this powerful enemy pressing in and the nation on the verge of collapse, Your Majesty and I are as inseparable as lips and teeth, as vital as legs and arms! If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; if the legs are broken, the body will be in danger!"

"What do you want me to do?" Liu Xie's heart tightened suddenly.

He sensed in Cao Cao's words an unprecedented, almost egalitarian, alliance, even though this equality was built upon a shared, immense crisis.

"Your Majesty, please issue three imperial edicts!" Cao Cao spoke faster.
"First, issue a public edict to the entire realm! Denounce Fei Qian for his rebellious and disloyal acts, his usurpation of authority, and his destruction of moral order, akin to Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han throne! Proclaim his crimes and incite the world to condemn him! This edict should be like Emperor Guangwu's proclamation against Wang Lang, clarifying distinctions and defining rank!"

Secondly, an edict of commendation! Cao Zilian of Jin has been appointed General of the Cavalry, granted the authority to command troops, and given overall command of military affairs inside and outside Sishui Pass! The edict rewards the three armies, stating that Your Majesty deeply understands the loyalty and bravery of the soldiers and expects them to defend to the death. Upon defeating the enemy, they will surely be rewarded with land and titles! This edict should be like Emperor Gaozu's act of sharing his food and clothing, inspiring the soldiers' will to fight to the death!

Thirdly," Cao Cao's gaze deepened, his voice lowered even further, "I beg Your Majesty to issue an edict for a personal campaign! To personally lead the army to Sishui Pass! To order the entire realm to come to the aid of the King!"

"Ah!" Liu Xie exclaimed in surprise.

The first two edicts were within Liu Xie's expectations, but the third one practically bound the emperor to the Cao family's chariot and chained him tightly!

However, Fei Qian's "new policies" aimed to strip away the very essence of the title "Son of Heaven"; Cao Cao's only goal was to act in the name of "Son of Heaven".

Weighing the two evils...

Which is more important?

On a deeper level, isn't this an ancient chess game of "the weak joining forces to resist the strong"?

During the Spring and Autumn Period, even small states knew to form alliances to survive; during the Warring States Period, the six states, despite their grudges, once joined forces to resist Qin.

Liu Xie and Cao Cao, one an emperor with the title but no real power, the other a powerful minister with a large army but who was severely damaged by a new and powerful enemy, faced with Fei Qian, a behemoth capable of crushing everything, what other option did they have but to temporarily put aside their differences and struggle together for survival?
If Cao Cao loses, Liu Xie will be instantly crushed; if he were to hinder Cao Cao at this moment, it would be tantamount to cutting off his own arm, hastening his own demise. This "cooperation" is humiliating, it is like drinking poison, but it is also the only life-saving vine that can be grasped in a desperate situation, a thorny vine that stings and leaves one covered in blood!

The hall was dead silent.

Only the dripping sound of the copper kettle, ticking away, seemed to echo the unease in their hearts.

Liu Xie repeatedly stroked the imperial desk, his mind racing with calculations...

If we refuse Cao Cao, then given the current situation, Cao Cao will most likely be defeated, and then Fei Qian will enter Xu...

The title of "Son of Heaven" has become a mere figurehead, or even his life is in danger!

When Dong Zhuo deposed Li Zicheng, wouldn't Fei Qian have done the same?
Even if Fei Qian doesn't want to do it, do you think his subordinates wouldn't?
Oh, right, didn't Fei Qian take in Li Ru back then? This means...

But if he agreed to Cao Cao's request, he might become Cao Cao's puppet, completely inextricably linked to the Cao family. And then…

It's the same; everything comes to an end!
Liu Xie's secret hope for a "lose-lose" outcome seemed so pale and powerless in the face of Fei Qian's subversive threat and Cao Cao's naked demand for power.

time flies.

Cao Cao did not urge him, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through the beaded curtain and see through the emperor's struggles.

Cao Cao knew that the emperor had no way out.

Just like Cao Cao himself.

Finally, Liu Xie let out a long, silent breath.

That breath seemed to drain all his strength and also extinguished the last bit of sharpness in his eyes.

Liu Xie slowly raised his head, gazing through the swaying jade tassels at the mountain-like figure below. His voice was weary and hollow, hoarse with a sense of resignation, "Granted... what you have requested. Three edicts... I... will use the imperial seal immediately."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, which he quickly concealed. He rose from his seat, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to the throne, followed by a full kowtow. His movements were solemn, and his voice was steady: "Your subject... Cao Cao thanks Your Majesty for your trust! I will repay your kindness with my life! I will defend the Han Dynasty and eliminate the traitors!"

loyalty!

It seems that the louder the voice, the more loyal and unwavering it is.

Liu Xie waved his hand weakly.

He watched as Cao Cao retreated step by step from Chongde Hall and disappeared into the deep night.

The candlelight inside the hall remained dim, leaving only endless chill and loneliness.

Liu Xie slumped against the cold throne. The back of the throne was icy cold, but it couldn't compare to the chill in his heart.

A barely audible laugh, filled with self-mockery and sorrow, escaped his lips. "Emperor Gaozu had Zhou Bo; do I... have Cao Cao?"

The night wind outside the palace grew fiercer, sweeping across the empty palace grounds, its mournful sound like weeping.

In this doomed game of chess in the Han Dynasty, he, the nominal emperor, was ultimately nothing more than the heaviest and most helpless pawn...

In order to preserve that crown that could vanish at any moment, they moved forward, leaving just a little room for maneuver.