Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 176 Descending from the heavens to receive the mandate of heaven, ruling the four seas and grieving for the common people!

"Lord Huan, Liu Biao wants to kill me."

In a dark room filled with bamboo groves, a single lamp can illuminate the space.

Huan Jie met Zhang Xian's ferocious face in the candlelight, suppressed his apprehension, and asked him:
"Why do you say that, Your Excellency?"

Liu Jingzhou was known as the Eight Steeds, his prestige shook the nine provinces, his virtuous reputation spread far and wide, and his benevolence and righteousness were known throughout the nine prefectures. How could he do such a jealous and envious thing, which would be a disgrace to his clan?
Moreover, the Prefect's talent is known to all; he has long governed the region, and the people are loyal to him. Liu Jingzhou relies on such a virtuous man too much to even think about it, so why would he personally order his execution?

"Where the people are loyal after a long period of peace and stability? I'm afraid things will go wrong because of these eight words."

Zhang Xian's lips curled into a cold smile. "Although I am not talented, I have served as the prefect of Guiyang, Lingling and Changsha counties. I have been in Jingzhou for more than 20 years. I have deep roots in the hearts of the people and a wide network of connections."

The current Prefect of Lingling is my former subordinate, and the Prefect of Guiyang is my former official!
"We have already captured three of the nine commanderies of Jingzhou and Xiangyang. We have no external enemies, no immediate internal troubles, ample provisions, and well-trained troops. Biao has long regarded us as a thorn in his side, wanting to eliminate us as soon as possible. It is only because of the lack of unity among the people that this has been delayed until now."

Huan Jie was speechless for a moment when he heard this. Anyone with eyes could see the truth in what Zhang Xian said, and it was not something that could be fooled by pretending to be stupid.

At this moment, in front of him, Huan Jie could only nod slightly, deeply agreeing.

"What you say is very true, Your Excellency. This is the principle of 'merit overshadowing the ruler and power becoming too great to tolerate,' which has existed since ancient times and is not limited to today."

However, since Liu Jingzhou entered Yicheng alone and took over the nine prefectures of Jingxiang, the government was efficient and harmonious. Although he did not give the Prefect a high position, he did not harm him either.

He and the Prefect are separated by north and south, and although there is some mutual distrust, they have maintained peaceful relations until now, leaving room for reconciliation. Why would he, as the Prefect previously stated, want to kill you?

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease; the tiger has no intention of harming people, yet people harbor thoughts of harming the tiger."

Zhang Xian sighed softly, and then began to recount the imperial edict he had received from Xiangyang that he had been entrusted to Huan Jie.

"By raising the banner of resistance against Yuan Shikai, and in the name of the righteousness of twelve imperial edicts, I first ordered Huang Zhong to transfer 10,000 of my troops, second ordered Xing Daorong to transfer 10,000 of the troops under the command of the Prefect of Lingling, and third summoned Chen Ying and Bao Xiong to transfer 10,000 of the troops under the command of the Prefect of Guiyang."

This coalition of 30,000 men marched north into Xiangyang, ostensibly to counter the threat posed by Yuan Shu, but their intentions toward us are crystal clear!
Why do you insist on seizing my military power when you have troops from the nine commanderies of Jing and Xiang?
With these 30,000 men gone, the garrison in Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang counties would be reduced to less than two or three thousand men in each region. To Liu Biao, they would be no different from fish on a chopping block.

The reason why the enemy had long wanted to plot against me was that they were wary of the people's hearts in the nine prefectures of Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

Now, under the guise of the Emperor's edict, Peter is spreading the theory of Yuan Shu's threat, falsely claiming righteousness, uniting the people, and seizing my troops. I fear that the day my 30,000 men march north will be the day my head rolls.

Duke Huan is resourceful and decisive; how can he teach me?

"This"

Upon hearing this, Huan Jie looked hesitant and inwardly groaned.

Zhang Xian served as the prefect of Lingling, Guiyang, and Changsha, where he achieved remarkable results and won the hearts of the people, gaining a reputation in southern Jingzhou.

Liu Biao, who had entered Jingzhou alone, worried that the growth of Zhang Xian's power would threaten his rule, and always harbored dissatisfaction and suspicion towards Zhang Xian.

However, due to Zhang Xian's well-trained troops and ample supplies, and his deep-rooted influence in southern Jingzhou, the two sides maintained a superficial peace in order to preserve the stability of the nine counties of Jingxiang.

However, just then, the order to mobilize troops in Xiangyang was delivered. Huan Jie knew that if Zhang Xian obeyed the order, he would lose the military power of the three prefectures and his power would plummet to rock bottom.

So regardless of whether Liu Biao intended to eliminate Zhang Xian when he issued this decree, it wouldn't be impossible for him to seize the opportunity and do so.

Therefore, it's no wonder that Zhang Xian said Liu Biao wanted to kill him.

The question now is, in this political vortex between Liu Biao and Zhang Xian, between Jingnan and Jingbei, where should Huan Jie go?
Thinking of this, Huan Jie gave a bitter smile. In this dark room, in this situation, what choice did he have?
Zhang Xian didn't come to him for advice or to value him as a person; he was clearly after the Huan family's power in Changsha and wanted to force him to take sides!

It seems that tonight will be a sleepless night, and Huan Jie is not the first, nor will he be the last, to be invited to this dark room for advice.

Looking into Zhang Xian's bloodshot eyes and seeing the candlelight reflected there, I thought of the still-burning incense before Sun Jian's memorial tablet at home.

The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, and fate is beyond our control!

His expression was solemn as he began to explain to Zhang Xian in detail.

"If this edict is indeed issued in Xiangyang, then the Prefect's concerns are correct, and we should be careful."

Seeing that Huan Jie had expressed his opinion, Zhang Xian's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly asked him about it.

"What does Duke Huan think the order should be?"

"Liu Biao, though a member of the Han imperial family, falsely claimed to be acting on the emperor's edict and, under the guise of upholding the righteousness of the Han dynasty, actually harmed loyal and virtuous officials."

Such outrageous behavior should be reported to Shouchun, requesting the General to take action.

"Now, Your Excellency's only option is to secure the four prefectures for your own protection, hold the three rivers as a refuge for Lord Yuan, refuse the imperial edict and orders, and raise an army to govern Jingnan. Perhaps then you will have a glimmer of hope."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xian was both satisfied and hesitant, and tentatively asked him about it.

"To submit a memorial to Shouchun? I fear it would tarnish my reputation for righteousness and make me appear as a rebel. What if I were to submit a memorial to the court in Luoyang and petition the Emperor?"

"Today, the emperor is in distress in Luoyang, and the government is controlled by Cao Cao. Cao Cao is no different from Liu Biao."

Previously, he had suffered several defeats at the hands of the Grand General in the north. Now, if Liu Biao could take over all the troops in Jingzhou and use them to contain the south, the Grand General would be attacked from both sides and unable to cooperate. This is exactly what he hopes for.

He wanted to form an alliance with Liu Biao to help each other but failed. At this time, among the emperor, his ministers, and all the civil and military officials, who could go against Cao Cao and speak up for the Lord?
We, people of chaotic times, have never had the power to choose. When Liu Biao chose Cao Cao, if it weren't for the prestige of the Grand General, would you have survived?

Zhang Xian sighed helplessly, "If that's really the case, I will immediately send a message to my old troops in Lingling and Guiyang to make preparations as soon as possible."

Although the troops in Changsha obey my orders, many of them are Huang Zhong's confidants. He is known for his loyalty and righteousness, and I fear he might ruin my plans.

Huan Jie agreed wholeheartedly with this.

"Your Excellency's concerns are quite valid. Huang Zhong should be eliminated as soon as possible."

After secretly conspiring with Huan Jie, Zhang Xian sent out letters to various prefectures in Jingnan to launch an uprising.

Shouchun.

As he rose from the gentle embrace of Shouchun Palace, Da Qiao helped him wash and Xiao Qiao dressed him in a white dragon-fish robe. Yuan Shu slowly walked out of the house.

"The affairs of Shouchun are becoming increasingly busy. Lord Yan often says that he has many important matters to worry about and is eager to report back and ask for instructions. Should my husband summon the ministers today to discuss these matters?"

Yuan Shu laughed upon hearing this, “When I was not in Shouchun before, Lord Yan was able to handle all matters, big and small, properly. How come he seems to be unable to manage now that I have returned?”

Madam, please don't listen to his complaints and nagging. He's not lacking energy at all; he's clearly complaining about having too much to do and is asking me for help.

"This matter is not urgent; I have already made plans. Right now, there is a pressing matter at hand: I must accompany both ladies."

Xiao Qiao became interested and smiled charmingly, "I wonder what important matter it is that my husband would require us sisters to accompany him?"

Yuan Shu smiled and replied:
"I have heard that the two ladies often go to Mount Bagong to pray for their husbands. I wonder if the old Taoist priest Yu Ji is really so effective?"
The sky is high and the air is crisp, the clouds are light and the breeze is gentle; it's the perfect day for a trip to Mount Bagong.

"Does my husband also wish to pray for blessings?"

Da Qiao was surprised, because in her eyes Yuan Shu did not seem like the kind of person who sought immortality and divination.

"Of course." Yuan Shu whispered something in her ear, making Da Qiao Yan blush and stammer with her head down.

"I will go and prepare a carriage for my husband to accompany him."

As he spoke, he ran away as if fleeing, leaving Xiao Qiao blinking her curious eyes like a child.

"Husband, what did you say to my sister?"

When Yuan Shu whispered something in her ear, Xiao Qiao was so embarrassed that she couldn't help but spit out a curse, but she stopped herself before she could finish the word "deng".

She seemed to be carefully choosing her words, and after a long while, she gave him a resentful glare.

"For such matters, my husband can spend more time with us at night. Even if he makes a request, we should do it privately."

"You...you, a great general, going there in person, won't that make it public knowledge? It would be utterly shameful!"

Like a frightened deer, she ran away, saying that since she was going, she would prepare more sacrificial offerings so that the prayers would be answered.

Seeing the two women's reactions, Yuan Shu chuckled and shook his head. Praying to the heavens for a son soon was just him teasing the two Qiao sisters. He probably thought the heavens didn't even want to acknowledge him as the emperor anymore.

The purpose of this trip to Bagong Mountain was to resolve a major political crisis currently facing both sides of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers.

Taiping Huangtiandao!
Although Yu Ji rose up by proclaiming himself the Son of Heaven and by conforming to the popular sentiments of the people of Jianghuai.

For the time being, the interests of both sides are aligned, but some matters concern the people's beliefs, so he still needs to meet with Yu Ji more formally and have a proper talk with him.

While he was pondering, he had already entered the inner palace of Shouchun Palace, which had been prepared in advance. As he raised his hand to give the order, Xu Chu led a thousand-man guard and rushed to Mount Bagong to summon Yu Ji to pay homage.

Praying for blessings on the mountain is just like the Qiao sisters going out for a spring outing. As the son of the Yellow Heaven, how could he possibly go to see a Yellow Heaven believer in person?
Before that, at the end of the first year of Jian'an, in the inner palace of Shouchun Palace, the white-haired, youthful-looking Taoist priest Yu Ji, under the earnest invitation of thousands of elite warriors, had no choice but to come.

As soon as he entered the hall, he saw layers of beaded curtains covering the entrance, behind which wisps of blue smoke rose leisurely into the sky.

A figure could only be glimpsed through the clouds and mist, but the details remained unclear.

Without needing to be reminded, Yu Ji knew that the person inside must be the general who had seized his own temple and altered the Martyrs' Garden a few days ago.

Upon seeing this scene, Yu Ji was initially taken aback, thinking to himself that this scene of swirling clouds and unfathomable depth was exquisitely arranged, and that he should learn from it and put it to use in the future, and also arrange something like this in Taiping Temple.

Then, he hurriedly adopted the posture of a high-ranking Taoist master and said in a profound tone:
"The Great General, who follows the Way of Heaven, closes the path of evil and opens the way to peace. Today, I see that he is indeed a person of our Way."

"This humble Taoist priest, Yu Ji, greets you."

After he finished speaking, the hall remained silent for a long time.

A moment later, in the dimly lit hall, countless three-sided beads swayed in front of the doors and windows, reflecting a seven-colored glazed halo.

A clear and melodious sound of a bronze chime came from behind the beaded curtain, and a figure slowly walked out from the seven-colored light, chanting softly.

"To leave the heavens and receive the mandate of heaven, how can one bear it?"
"Governing the four seas yet grieving for the common people, my heart is broken!"

Amidst the wisps of smoke, he slowly approached Yu Ji, his eyes slightly narrowed, scrutinizing him with a half-smile.

"Now that you have seen the Son of Heaven, why does Yu Ji not bow?"

A figure, graceful and imposing, descended amidst ethereal clouds and the sound of bronze chimes, stepping on a rainbow of light.

At this moment, Yu Ji felt that all the times he had his disciples carry sedan chairs, shout slogans, and distribute talismanic water were really fake.

Is this person before me a true immortal descended from some sacred mountain?
He, Yu Ji, had bewitched the world his whole life, but this was the first time he had been bewitched himself.

Stunned by the methods before him, even Yu Ji, who was skilled in bewitching, couldn't help but feel uneasy, wondering if the person in front of him really had a destiny bestowed upon him.

So all those boasts the old Taoist priest used to tell the people that Yuan Gong was the Son of Heaven were actually true?

He forced himself to calm down and bowed deeply.

"Heaven and earth have constant laws, and they do not deviate from their proper order."

Taiping Dao Yu Ji paid homage to the Emperor.

"The Way of Great Peace serves the Yellow Heaven!"
The Son of Heaven is the one who governs the land on behalf of the Yellow Heaven and herds the four directions.

You should all revere me as you would the heavens!

His voice was low and melancholic, as if it came from the clouds. He had just been "warmly invited" by thousands of iron cavalrymen, and was now captivated by the appearance of the man before him. Yu Ji's forehead was already covered in cold sweat.

Hearing the words in his ear, and recalling the previous line, "To leave the heavens and receive the mandate of heaven, how can one bear it; to govern the four seas and grieve for the common people, one's heart is broken!" Yu Ji suddenly understood and quickly bowed and agreed.

"From this day forward, all believers of the Way of Peace shall serve the Yellow Heaven. Lord Yuan is a manifestation of the Yellow Heaven's compassion for all living beings, who descended to earth as a human being."

"Is it... possible?"

Yuan Shu nodded slightly and chuckled as he said:

"If that is so, you shall be the National Preceptor of Great Peace, and I shall be the Yellow Heaven Responding Origin Manifesting Sage Dao Lord."

Yu Ji's eyes lit up, and he loudly proclaimed, "Excellent!"

Watching Yu Ji, who was happily carrying out various tasks to incite the people and was eager to become the Grand Preceptor, go off to carry out his duties, Yuan Shu shook his head sadly.

He knew that in this chaotic feudal era, people always needed some spiritual sustenance.

If the people must believe in something, then they should believe in peace.

In the past, Zhang Jiao, in the name of the Great Teacher of Virtue, commanded the people of the nine provinces. He could communicate with the gods, and the Ten Attendants were at his service. He could also command people and give orders to believers from all directions.

He could easily sit high on the altar of faith, receiving worship from millions of incense smoke, and have whatever he wanted. Wouldn't that be more comfortable than fighting for the world and becoming emperor?
What is the purpose of the person who came down from the mountain?

It was nothing more than those pairs of eyes that yearned for him and believed his fabricated talisman water without a doubt.

The Azure Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise.

The year Jiazi (甲子) is associated with water, foreshadowing the impending demise of the Han Dynasty.

Yuan Shu sighed softly, his gaze lingering on the people on both banks of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers outside Shouchun Palace, who were singing his praises and expressing their love for him.

Aren't they also dreaming of themselves, and deeply believing in his so-called divine mandate?
People!
If you insist on having a belief in something...
Then let's believe in peace.

People of the world!
If you insist on believing someone...
Then trust me.

"Following the Way of Heaven, may peace reign for all generations!"

(End of this chapter)