Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3880 Desire Cannot Be Obtained

West of Sishui Pass, the General of the Cavalry's camps stretched like an iron wall, their banners obscuring the sun, and a murderous aura filled the fields.

Fei Qian led his army at a leisurely pace until they reached the outside of Sishui Pass, where they set up camp.

Since the initial plan failed, it was natural to develop another strategy.

From an overall strategic perspective, the "slowness" that Fei Qian is currently displaying, in addition to dealing with the "urgency" of the emperor's edict, also has a certain deceptive effect.

As for its function...

After gathering information from various sources, Fei Qian has now largely confirmed that Cao Cao is located in Sishui Pass.

After the southward advance of the Flying Cavalry was exposed, Fei Qian's army slowed down, especially after news of the victory in Jingzhou was rushed to Fei Qian, which fundamentally changed the nature of the entire battle situation.

When Fei Qian first clashed with Cao Cao's army in the Heluo region, if he had marched out of the central route to advance into Yanzhou and Yuzhou, he would have inevitably been threatened by both flanks. In such an unsafe environment, it would have been almost like going all in on Xuchang by sending cavalry on a long-distance raid.

Now things are different. The northern flank, Hanoi, has been dealt with, and the problem has even extended to Ji Province. The Songshan-Jingzhou line, which was originally a headache in the south, is now basically beyond the reach of Cao Cao's army.

This means that even if Fei Qian fails to capture Cao Cao in Heluo, he will still have protection on both flanks and overall safety when he heads east out of Sishui Pass.

Moreover, Fei Qian had prepared some backup plans...

Now that they had arrived at Sishui Pass, Fei Qian inspected the situation of Cao Cao's army at the front line and then returned to the central command tent. He then summoned Xi Lu, who had previously come as an "angel" to issue an edict and was later placed under semi-house arrest in the camp.

Xi Lu had been living in constant anxiety, fearing both the purge by the Flying Cavalry and the repercussions from Cao Cao and the Emperor for his "failure to complete his mission." Being summoned now only added to his unease.

Upon seeing Xi Lu arrive, Fei Qian didn't bother with any pleasantries. He simply had someone hand him a scroll of official documents sealed with sealing wax, and then said in a calm tone, as if inquiring about the weather, "Take this document back to Sishui and present it to the Emperor."

Xi Lu was taken aback at first, then a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders!
Being able to go back means we're safe at least for now!
Xi Lu hurriedly accepted the gift with both hands, his eyelids twitching slightly as he stole a glance at Fei Qian. Then, he squinted, feigning a look of overwhelming gratitude and reluctance, saying, "General... this humble official... this humble official is deeply grateful for the General's mercy in sparing my life and his hospitality. Now that I am returning, the situation within the pass is unclear, and I fear... I fear I will never again be able to receive the General's guidance..."

Xi Lu clutched the letter tightly, her face contorted with emotion. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was extremely reluctant to leave.

Upon hearing this, Jia Qu, standing to the side, curled his lip slightly in a mocking manner and slowly said, "Oh? Since Censor Xi is so attached to our army... and feels a sense of unease, why not stay? As for delivering the memorial, someone else could easily be sent. Our army happens to lack someone familiar with Shandong's regulations and writings."

Upon hearing this, Xi Lu was terrified. His feigned reluctance vanished instantly, and he hastily bowed, his words quickening: "Jia Zhizhong, you flatter me! How could I let personal matters interfere with my duty? Having received the General's order to deliver the memorial to the Emperor, I must see it through to the end. How could I abandon my mission halfway? Even if mountains and passes block my way, or dangers lurk in the wind, I will not fail in my mission! I will prepare immediately and depart at once!"

After saying this, Xi Lu bowed to Fei Qian again. Before Fei Qian could say anything more, he tightly hugged the scroll of documents as if it were a talisman. Not daring to stay for a moment, he hurriedly bowed and retreated, almost fleeing the General Cavalry camp, heading towards Sishui Pass.

……

……

Inside Sishui Pass, the atmosphere was more somber than usual.

Xi Lu's return did not bring much relief; on the contrary, the fact that he brought back a formal "reply" from General Fei Qian made the already fragile balance even more uncertain.

The court session proceeded with difficulty. Liu Xie sat on his throne, his face pale and his heart filled with trepidation.

He didn't know what Fei Qian wrote in his memorial; it contained worries, fears, and even a sense of helplessness and resignation.

Cao Cao sat at the head of the table below the imperial steps, his face calm and his eyes lowered, revealing neither joy nor anger.

The remaining civil and military officials sat on both sides, most of them looking anxious and their eyes darting around.

Xi Lu entered the hall with trepidation, held the memorial high above her head, presented it, and then silently bent over, shrinking back to her lower position, wishing she could immediately cast an invisibility spell on herself and disappear from everyone's sight.

The eunuch took the memorial and presented it to the emperor.

That document, like a magnet, drew everyone's attention.

Liu Xie looked at the scroll of documents, his Adam's apple bobbing, his fingers trembling slightly inside his long robe.

He wanted to take it, but Liu Xie knew in his heart that his decision didn't count...

No matter what Fei Qian wrote, Liu Xie had no say in it.

So Liu Xie took a long breath, resisting the urge to accept the memorial, even controlling his gaze. He merely turned his head slightly and whispered to the eunuch beside him, "Present...present it to the Prime Minister, and read it aloud in public."

The voice was soft and weak, carrying a resigned indifference.

The eunuch obeyed and presented the memorial to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao's gaze swept over Liu Xie's body and face.

The tassels on Liu Xie's crown partially obscured Cao Cao's view.

Cao Cao couldn't keep staring at Liu Xie under these circumstances, so he could only look away, linger for a moment on the wax seal of the memorial, and then slowly reach out and take it.

Break the sealing wax and unfold the silk.

Cao Cao's gaze swept over the first few lines, and his expression subtly darkened. As he read on, his fingers, gripping the edge of the silk, tightened slightly, his knuckles turning pale.

Cao Cao had clearly grasped the key point in the text...

"Prime Minister," Liu Xie, sitting on the throne, urged him when he remained silent for a long time, his voice still light and airy, "What is the matter regarding the General of Chariots and Cavalry's memorial? Could you... read it aloud to me and the ministers?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao raised his head, forcing a slightly stiff smile. He closed the memorial slightly, but instead of returning it to the eunuch, he cupped his hands to Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, this memorial is written in archaic language and is quite long. My eyesight has been failing lately, and the handwriting is difficult to decipher. I fear that there may be errors during its reading, which would deviate from the original intent of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and also offend Your Majesty and the other officials. It would be better to adjourn the court first, and then we can examine it more closely..."

Cao Cao glanced at the Yellow Gate Attendant standing to the side.

This is clearly an excuse.

The eunuch shrank back and looked at Liu Xie.

Normally, if Cao Cao made such a suggestion, Liu Xie would have given his consent without much thought. But today…

Liu Xie paused for a moment, then turned to another, older eunuch, saying, "In that case, I will trouble the Palace Attendant to read the General of the Cavalry's memorial to me and all the ministers."

The eunuch in charge of the palace gates turned pale and stole a glance at Cao Cao. Cao Cao remained expressionless, but his eyes were as deep and unfathomable as a still pool.

The eunuch inwardly groaned, but dared not disobey the emperor's decree. He could only tremble as he stepped forward and take the heavy silk from Cao Cao's hands.

Cao Cao hesitated for a moment, but finally released his grip. The force seemed to dissipate with immense pressure from his fingertips; Cao Cao ultimately dared not destroy the document in public.

The Imperial Attendant cleared his dry throat, unfolded the silk scroll, and began to read it aloud in his distinctive, high-pitched voice, trembling with nervousness…

"General of the Cavalry, Grand Secretary, and Acting Imperial Envoy Fei Qian, bows twice and respectfully presents this memorial to Your Majesty the Emperor:"
"I have heard that the Mandate of Heaven is not constant, but is aided by virtue. Long ago, Emperor Gaozu wielded his three-foot sword, slew the white serpent, overthrew the tyrannical Qin dynasty, established his capital in Guanzhong, and founded his imperial enterprise on the ancient land of Feng and Hao. Guanzhong is a land of strategic passes, a thousand miles of golden city, a land of abundance. Emperor Gaozu relied on this to establish his imperial enterprise. Emperors Wen and Jing succeeded him, reducing taxes and corvée labor, allowing the people to rest and recuperate. The granaries were full, and people knew etiquette; the treasury was abundant, and military preparedness was honed. Thus came the reigns of Wen and Jing, when the realm was prosperous and education flourished. Emperor Wu then drove back the Xiongnu in the north, pacified the Baiyue in the south, annexed Goguryeo in the east, and established relations with Bactria in the west. His power extended to the four seas, and his virtue reached the eight directions. Thus, the name of the Han dynasty resounded throughout the world, the barbarians trembled at the mere mention of it, and the surrounding foreign tribes submitted to his rule. All these glorious achievements originated from Guanzhong. This is the testament to the spirits of Emperors Gaozu, Wen, Jing, and Wu, and also proof of Guanzhong's strategic location and the convergence of imperial aura."

"Emperor Guangwu, who rose from Nanyang, revived the Han Dynasty, his achievements unparalleled throughout history. However, at that time, Shandong was in turmoil, with powerful clans rising up everywhere. Although the emperor was wise, he had to temporarily establish the capital in Luoyang to pacify Hebei and secure Shandong. Luoyang, though located in the heart of the empire, lacked natural defenses and was easily targeted by powerful figures. Furthermore, the powerful clans of Shandong were deeply entrenched, with their followers and former officials spread throughout the prefectures and counties, their influence often rivaling that of the imperial court. Emperor Guangwu, in his wisdom, undoubtedly wished to return to Chang'an and reclaim his roots, but he was constrained by the power dynamics in Shandong and hampered by the entrenched influence of his former officials, ultimately failing to do so, leaving a lasting regret. This was not a mistake on Guangwu's part, but rather an unavoidable consequence of the circumstances of the time." From this point onward, although the Han dynasty existed, its legitimacy was compromised, its imperial power waned, and authority gradually shifted into the hands of imperial relatives, eunuchs, and regional military governors. This ultimately led to the downfall of Emperors Huan and Ling, the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the rampant violence of Dong Zhuo, the ruin of the state, and the relocation of ancestral temples. Tracing the origins of this calamity, was it not because it strayed far from the foundation laid by Emperor Gaozu and gradually lost the strategic advantage of the Guanzhong Plain?
"Your Majesty is wise and has inherited the throne, yet since ascending the throne, you have encountered a chaotic world, been controlled by powerful ministers, and wandered around Shandong. Now you are trapped at the perilous Sishui Pass. This is not Your Majesty's fault, but rather because the Han dynasty has long been separated from its foundation, and the legitimate succession has been lost, allowing treacherous heroes to rise up and covet the imperial power. Whenever I think of this, I am filled with grief and indignation, and I look up to the heavens and pound my fist in despair!"

"Now that Luoyang has been restored, though the palaces are in ruins, they can be gradually repaired. Chang'an, the ancient capital, is home to the ancestral temples and mausoleums, and is the very source of the Han dynasty's enduring legacy. I humbly believe that if Your Majesty wishes to restore the Han dynasty and revitalize the court, you must emulate the examples of Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Wen, Emperor Jing, and Emperor Wu, returning the capital to Guanzhong and reclaiming the throne. This is not a laborious relocation of the capital, but a return to the roots; not abandoning the people of Shandong, but winning back the hearts of the people. Only by returning to Chang'an can Your Majesty break free from the old entanglements of the powerful clans of Shandong, escape the control of powerful ministers, truly take control of the government, and issue commands freely. In this way, the spirit of Emperor Gaozu will find solace at Changling, the virtues of Emperors Wen and Jing will reappear in the world, and the might of Emperor Wu will once again awe the distant lands. The legitimate Han dynasty will shine once more; all the people of the world will look forward with anticipation."

"Your Majesty, I dare not attack the capital with weapons, but my heart is burning with anxiety. I cannot bear to see Your Majesty remain trapped in this perilous place, and the legitimate Han dynasty be lost to the dust of time. My actions are not against Your Majesty's will, but rather in accordance with the legacy of Emperors Gaozu and Guangwu, and to emulate the loyalty of Emperors Wen and Jing. I wish to welcome Your Majesty's imperial carriage back to the old capital, so that the sun may rise again on the banks of the Wei River, and the Han dynasty may rise once more in the fields of Feng and Hao! My sincere heart is as clear as the sun and moon; my earnest intentions reach the ears of Heaven!"

"Your subject, Fei Qian, is filled with utmost fear and trepidation. I bow my head repeatedly and respectfully submit this memorial."

Huang Menling's voice trembled at first, but was gradually enveloped by the text's powerful and profound tone, which was full of allusions, deep and resonant yet subtly sharp. The more he read, the more unusual a sense of "solemnity" and "power" it exuded.

In particular, it links the achievements of Liu Bang, Liu Heng, Liu Qi, and Liu Che to Guanzhong, and blames Liu Xiu's failure to move the capital on the obstruction of powerful clans in Shandong. Ultimately, it points to the current predicament of the emperor as stemming from "being far from the root," and finally clarifies that Fei Qian's actions are "following the late emperor's will" and "welcoming the emperor back to the capital," placing himself in a position of great loyalty and righteousness...

After the memorial was read aloud, the hall fell into a deathly silence; you could hear a pin drop.

The air seemed to freeze, but everyone's gaze was not on Emperor Liu Xie on the throne, but rather, involuntarily or overtly, focused on Cao Cao, whose face had turned ashen, below the steps!

Although the text does not explicitly mention the name "Cao Cao," the terms "powerful minister," "coercive," and "old network of powerful clans in Shandong" are like knives, directly targeting Cao Cao!
The core proposition of "returning the capital to Guanzhong" is a radical solution.

If this were to actually happen, Cao Cao's political capital of holding the emperor hostage to command the other lords would be completely destroyed!

At that time, perhaps no swords or spears will be needed; even a jailer could capture Cao Cao!

This wasn't the first time Fei Qian had invited the emperor to return to the capital...

Previously, it could be used to describe Chang'an as dilapidated, Guanzhong as weak, or the Western Liang as inhabited by barbarians, implying that being near the Hu (non-Han peoples) was inappropriate. But now...

Liu Xie felt the suffocating silence and the invisible pressure focused on Cao Cao. His heart was filled with mixed emotions, a mix of nostalgia for the past and a deep sense of helplessness in the face of the current situation…

After a long silence, Liu Xie coughed lightly, trying to make his voice sound steady, "The matter raised by the General of Chariots and Cavalry concerns the very foundation of the state... What do you, my esteemed ministers, think?"

After a brief silence, Liang Shao, the Chamberlain, stepped forward and bowed. His gaze did not fall on Cao Cao, but fixed directly on the Emperor, and he said in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, the General of Chariots and Cavalry’s memorial, ‘Request to Return the Capital,’ is well-researched and eloquent. Returning the capital to the old capital to restore order is perfectly reasonable in terms of both propriety and precedent. If Your Majesty could fulfill the unfulfilled ambition of Emperor Guangwu, it would be a glorious achievement for all time, a source of comfort for our ancestors.”

Before the crowd could even murmur or discuss, Liang Shao changed the subject, saying, "However, the relocation of the capital is a matter of great importance. Even if the General of the Cavalry sincerely requests it, we must still follow the ancient rites and the established customs of this dynasty. The emperor's procession, the imperial regalia, the provisions along the route, the construction of the temporary palace, and the escort of officials all require careful preparation; how can we proceed hastily? This is the first point. Furthermore, since it is a request to return the capital, the General of the Cavalry should first demonstrate the sincerity of his request. With a large army pressing in and besieging the pass, this is not the way to request; it is practically coercion. If he truly wishes to welcome us, he should first withdraw his troops to show his sincerity, and only then can the court calmly discuss and determine the procedures for the return of the capital."

Liang Shao's words, seemingly fair and smoothing things over, were actually quite sharp and incisive!
Most importantly, Liang Shao was raising Liu Xie's "value"!
Regardless of the current economic climate, the bride price should not only not be reduced, but should be doubled and doubled again!
"How dare you utter such nonsense!" A furious roar rang out from the other side. Xiahou Wei stepped forward from the crowd, glaring at Liang Shao. "That traitorous General of the Cavalry, with his troops stationed at the pass, is clearly coercing the Emperor! Instead of thinking of eliminating this traitor for the country, you stand here advocating for him, discussing the etiquette of returning the capital? What are your intentions?!"

Despite being publicly rebuked by Xiahou Wei, Liang Shao remained unfazed. Instead, he turned to Xiahou Wei, his tone still calm, even tinged with confusion, and said, "General Xiahou, what makes you say such a thing? What I discussed concerns matters of great importance to the state's rites and regulations. How could it be considered advocating for the enemy? If General Xiahou has a sound strategy to defeat the enemy, capable of repelling hundreds of thousands of fierce cavalry, ensuring His Majesty's safety and the security of Sishui Pass, then His Majesty would naturally have no need to consider this 'returning to the capital' proposal, nor would he need to risk his life. I am foolish; please, General, teach me, what is this strategy for repelling the troops?"

Liang Shao's words, seemingly directed at Xiahou Wei, were in fact like cold arrows aimed at the ever-silent Cao Cao!

Xiahou Wei was a general who was related to Cao Cao. If he had no plan to retreat, wouldn't that mean that Cao Cao also had no good way to retreat?
Since there was no way to retreat, it would be reasonable, even a last resort, for the emperor to consider returning to the capital to avoid the enemy's advance while he was trapped in a dangerous pass.

Xiahou Wei was choked red-faced, pointing at Liang Shao and stammering for a long time, unable to utter a rebuttal. Most of the officials in the hall lowered their heads, their eyes flickering, and no one dared to respond.

Liang Shao appeared to be criticizing Xiahou Wei, but everyone knew he was actually referring to Cao Cao.

Liu Xie observed all of this, and after a moment of silence, he turned to Cao Cao, "Prime Minister... what Attendant Liang said, although... although it was somewhat extreme, since the General of Chariots and Cavalry has made this request... Prime Minister... what do you think should be done?"

All eyes were once again focused on Cao Cao.

Cao Cao slowly raised his head, the ashen look on his face now gone, replaced by a deep calm. He avoided Liang Shao's veiled probing questions, and did not directly answer Liu Xie's question about "how," instead throwing the question back to the General of the Cavalry.

"Your Majesty, the etiquette and regulations mentioned by Attendant-in-Ordinary Liang are the insights of a seasoned statesman. However, I believe that if the General of Chariots and Cavalry is truly as he claims, loyal and devoted, and determined to welcome Your Majesty back to the capital to glorify the Han dynasty..."

Cao Cao paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said clearly, word by word: "Then please let them first demonstrate their sincerity! In ancient times, Duke Wen of Jin retreated three she (a unit of distance) to repay the kindness of Chu. Now, could the mighty troops under the command of the General of Chariots and Cavalry, in order to show respect to the Emperor and express sincerity, also retreat three she and temporarily withdraw their troops? If they can retreat, then it will not be too late for the court to discuss the ceremony of returning to the capital. If they do not retreat…"

A cold glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes. "Then their so-called request to return to the capital is nothing but empty rhetoric to cover up their rebellion and a false pretense to coerce the emperor! Your Majesty should thoroughly investigate their treachery, and the whole world should unite to punish them!"

"Give way!"

These words caused a low murmur in the hall.

One she (舍) is thirty li, so three she (舍) is ninety li!

This means that the cavalry army, which was already at the gates of the pass, had to retreat nearly a hundred miles!
At a time when the two armies are facing off and tensions are high, this is almost an impossible request, and it is a request without any safety net!
Even if Fei Qian retreats, will he be able to return to the capital?
This is just for consideration; we'll discuss it further!
Cao Cao's proposal, seemingly giving the Flying Cavalry an "opportunity" to demonstrate their sincerity, actually set an extremely high, almost unacceptable threshold.

After hearing this, Liu Xie remained silent for a long time.

He knew that this was Cao Cao's bottom line, and also the most reasonable response Cao Cao could give in this stalemate.

Liu Xie was powerless to change anything and could only accept this situation...

"Since...since that's the case," Liu Xie's voice betrayed a deep weariness, "then let's proceed as the Prime Minister has suggested. The Imperial Attendant, draft the decree...I am moved by his words and have observed his actions. Since he has requested permission to travel, he should demonstrate sincerity. We can follow ancient custom and allow him to retreat three *she* (a unit of distance) to show his true intentions. Then we can discuss returning to the capital."

"As you command." The eunuch bowed and recorded.

The morning assembly ended in an eerie atmosphere.

The content of "Please Return the Capital" is like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, and the ripples and undercurrents it stirs are quietly spreading and fermenting within the precarious Sishui Pass.

Cao Cao's strategy of "retreating three times" seemed to have built a new line of defense...

But can this false defense really withstand Fei Qian's military might?
No one knows.

But Emperor Liu Xie remained like a piece of duckweed adrift in the surging waves...

(End of this chapter)