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

Chapter 275 Your Majesty, if I were to say that it was all caused by your secret edict...
Driven by the prevailing trend and given the current situation, everyone upholds their aspirations, yet amidst inner turmoil and contradictions, they gradually head towards ultimate defeat.

Did those who participated in Liu Yao's gathering and signed their names on the imperial edict in the belt not know the danger of this matter?
They knew, but people are brave. When there were many like-minded people around them, when the same voice filled the air, when the slogan of reviving the Han dynasty was sung from Liu Yao's residence and resounded throughout Luoyang.

Those who follow the crowd, stubbornly believing they are on the right path, possess an unprecedented courage within them.

But don't they know that delaying the removal of Cao Cao is more of a curse than a blessing?

They knew it too, but people are also cowardly.

When a leader stands on a high platform, when he carries expectations and when everyone has full confidence in him.

His voice will drown out all the noise, and his will will supersede the will of the masses, prevailing over everyone.

People are cowardly and dare not refute those whose official positions are far higher than their own. People admire the strong, and the denunciations of their admirers will drown out the voices of those who are truly brave.

They indulged in comfort, weeping in their mansions from night until dawn, and then believed they had done a great service to the Han Dynasty.

They reap the benefits without lifting a finger, waiting for Liu Yao to shoulder the burden and accomplish the great task of eliminating Cao Cao, so that everyone can share in the glory.

Just as Cao Cao, upon seeing through the true nature of the Han officials' ambition to restore the Han dynasty at Wang Yun's residence, completely abandoned his illusions, and prepared for battle with his Seven-Star Sword at his waist.

Years later, Liu Bei, who witnessed the same scene at Liu Yao's residence, was also utterly disappointed by the rebellion of these scholars.

Unfortunately, he had not yet gained Cao Cao's trust, and now was not the time to take risks.

If Dong Cheng sends Ji Ping to assassinate Cao Cao, and they succeed by chance, that would be fine. But if they fail, the strength that the Han dynasty has just built up will collapse in an instant.

Therefore, he declined Liu Yao's later invitation to a gathering, and to prevent Cao Cao from plotting against him, he planted vegetables in the back garden of his mansion and watered them himself as a way to conceal his intentions.

Humility and obedience are essential; wait patiently for the opportune moment.

Seeing this, Zhang Fei was often filled with worry.

"Now that the uprising against the Han dynasty is imminent, why does my elder brother not associate with the Grand Tutor and Grand Preceptor, but instead engage in this petty vegetable farming business?
Have we forgotten the sworn brotherhood we three brothers shared when we swore our oath in the Peach Garden, and our shared ambition to serve the Han dynasty?

Xuande went to fetch water himself, and replied with a smile:
"When a dragon is trapped in a deep abyss, it transforms into a carp, eating the same food as fish, turtles, shrimp, and crabs, without considering it base or despicable."

Soaring to the heavens, it leaps over the dragon gate; it moves clouds and brings rain, nourishing all living beings invisibly, without considering it precious.

The secrets of this matter are beyond the knowledge of my third brother.

Zhang Fei: "???"

"Alright, Third Brother, you stay in the West Garden and train the troops in peace. Without my orders, remember not to act rashly."

Zhang Fei accepted the order and left, while Liu Bei continued to live a leisurely life, fetching water and growing vegetables every day.

One day, a guard from the mansion came to report.

"Several hundred of Cao's soldiers have surrounded the mansion, both inside and out, fearing that they might plot something rebellious."

We must swear to protect Lord Xuande and help him break through the encirclement to find the Three Generals. If we can reunite with them at the West Garden, we might be able to put up a fight.

Liu Bei seemed unperturbed by this, and simply asked him for advice.

"Have you heard that Lord Cao has fallen ill and has summoned a physician?"

"I heard about this this morning. A doctor named Ji Ping has been invited to the Cao residence."

Upon hearing this, Xuande covered his face and wept, saying, "This is because Lord Dong's plan has been exposed. Now, the great cause has not been accomplished, and a loyal and righteous man of our Han Dynasty has been lost."

Having said that, seeing that Liu Yao, Dong Cheng and others were doomed to defeat, Liu Bei considered a way to retreat and preserve himself.

Now we should bide our time, wait patiently for the opportune moment, and plan for the establishment of a legitimate dynasty to uphold the Han dynasty's orthodoxy.

With this in mind, he ordered everyone in the mansion to remain still and go to the back garden to plant vegetables, just like usual.

Not long after, Cao Cao led Cao Hong and several dozen generals into the garden. Seeing Liu Bei watering the plants, he laughed and said...

“Xuande has a refined taste and accomplishes great things in the mansion.”

Liu Bei looked ashamed and replied:

"Compared to the Prime Minister who manages the affairs of the state, I only concern myself with the affairs of my own garden, and I have already done my best."

Holding Xuande's hand, they went to the back garden, where they were surprised to see the lush greenery.

"Were these all planted by Xuande himself?"

Xuande smiled and said, "When I was young, my family was poor, so I often grew vegetables to eat."

I still crave fresh vegetables, so I never forget them.

"Xuande is now a noble imperial uncle and a general of the rear, yet he still has to serve the petty men for this delicacy?"

Cao Cao's interest was piqued, and he stroked his beard and smiled, "If it is as delicious as Xuande says, may I try it?"

"It is my honor to serve Cao Cao this meal."

After Liu Bei finished speaking, he personally selected fresh fruits and vegetables in the back garden and went to the kitchen to wash and cook for Cao Cao.

Learning from Ji Ping's experience, Liu Bei had someone accompany him throughout the entire process to keep an eye on him.

Yang Xiu came to report that Liu Bei was diligently cooking in the kitchen, and there was nothing unusual about him.

"My lord, as the saying goes, a gentleman keeps away from the kitchen. Now that Liu Xuande is engaged in such a lowly profession and cooking, I fear he has lost his great ambition and his drive to make progress, and has become a mediocre person."

Cao Cao frowned upon hearing this and looked at him coldly, "Has Dezu not heard of the old story of Goujian's perseverance and humiliation? Now we shall test his heart again."

So he ordered someone to bring wine, and saw Liu Bei bringing up dishes, and invited him, saying:

"Since Xuande has personally prepared the dishes, and Cao Cao has brewed wine to accompany him, shall we enjoy a small feast together? Wouldn't that be delightful?"

Xuande could not refuse, so he quickly set out a feast and sat down with Cao Cao to drink and enjoy themselves.

As evening approached, shouts of battle suddenly erupted from the city, and a great fire raged, scorching the Luoyang Palace and turning half the sky crimson.

Cao Cao pointed to the outside of the garden, where flames rose in the afterglow of the setting sun, a fiery glow like rolling phoenix clouds.

"Does Your Excellency know of the phoenix's transformations?"

The details are unknown.

Cao Cao rose, laughed, and recited a long poem.

"The phoenix is ​​like fire; the more it burns, the brighter it becomes, but when it reaches its peak, it perishes."

When it is at its peak, the sky is filled with clouds and rosy hues, soaring above the heavens, radiant with light and dazzling brilliance, and shining brightly for a time.

Upon death, one is reborn as an egg, this body turning to ashes, awaiting only the ignition of a great fire, from which one is reborn.

Luoyang today has been ravaged by fire several times, just as the Han Dynasty declined after reaching its peak, awaiting its rebirth from the ashes.

"Xuande has traveled far and wide; surely he knows the ways of the world?"

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Bei bowed deeply and said, "I only wish to join hands with Lord Cao to rebuild the Han Dynasty and restore its glory!"

He almost cried as he spoke, but he held back his tears as he told the story.

"Lord Cao, there is something I have been keeping hidden for many days, and I am truly filled with anxiety and unease. Now, hearing your words, Lord Cao, has truly awakened me from my dream."

"Just as a frog at the bottom of a well looks up to see the moon, or a mayfly parting the clouds to see the blue sky."

Cao Cao: “???”

No, I was just looking for an opportunity to say, "The only heroes in the world are you and Cao Cao," to test you.

How come you bowed down faster than I was testing you?
Liu Bei then began to speak eloquently.

"In this world, Yuan Shu in the south has well-trained troops and ample supplies, which has rendered other warlords helpless, allowing them to drink from the great river."

In the north, there was Yuan Shao, who held sway over four provinces. He had many capable subordinates, and no one in the world could rival him.

The Han Dynasty, having reached its zenith, declined. Only a hero like Cao Cao was able to turn the tide and reignite the dying embers!

Bei regretted that he should not have listened to Liu Yao's false edict and been misled by him with the promise of righteousness, which led him to plot against Cao Cao.

This was not what Liu Bei originally intended; he was coerced and threatened by Liu Bei using the emperor's decree.

Upon learning of this, Liu Bei was filled with worry and fear, tossing and turning all night, and wanted to report it to Cao Cao but dared not.

As Liu Bei spoke, he recounted the schemes of Liu Yao and Dong Cheng one by one, feigning the cowardly and fearful demeanor of a child.

Cao Cao silently sized him up, then gave a cold laugh.

"Even a hero like Xuande fears me like a tiger?"

Xuande prostrated himself on the ground in fear, saying, "A sage's anger can cause the deaths of millions. Now that Lord Cao is coming in a fit of rage, how can I not be afraid?"

Cao Cao stared intently at him, lost in thought, seemingly pondering something.

Just then, the sound of swords clashing rang out outside the mansion, and Cao Hong came to report:

"Zhang Fei has led over ten thousand Western Garden troops to attack. His men cannot hold them off. Please, my lord, move aside and summon a larger army to annihilate him!" Liu Bei hurriedly exclaimed.
"I am capable of sharing Cao Cao's burdens!"

Only at this moment did Cao Cao's cold expression subside like a sudden downpour, and he personally helped Xuande up.

"Xuande is a hero of our time. Can you lead your army to assist Cao Cao in quelling the rebellion in Luoyang and restoring order to the Emperor?"

"It's what you wish for!"

The two men looked at each other and smiled, then joined hands to greet Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei: "???" (Scratching his head in bewilderment!)

On the other side, outside the city, at the Jingzhou military camp.

Xun You saw the fire in the city and knew that a major event was imminent, so he went to see Wei Yan.

"To purge the emperor's corrupt advisors and revive the Han dynasty, you, General, should be appointed as a cavalry commander!"

Wei Yan's face turned bright red, and after a long while, he let out a soft sigh.

"Gongda, you've really put me through a lot."

Having said this, he ordered the three armies to assemble, rose and went to the command platform, sighing inwardly:
General Wen, it's not that people's hearts are fickle, nor that Yan is inherently rebellious.

What is the emperor in the imperial court really worth? My 20,000 mouths need to be fed and watered!
The brothers abandoned their homes and property to come to Luoyang with you, but they haven't even had a hot meal yet, let alone a place to settle down.

If you don't surrender to Cao Cao, a mutiny will break out sooner or later. This delay is for your own good.

Thoughts raced through his mind. Wei Yan stood on the command platform, sword in hand, and shouted his orders:

"Provisions of rations and pay are to be issued today!"
Brothers, follow me into Luoyang to serve the royal family and purge the court of corrupt officials.

Cao Cao has promised us that we can acquire property in Luoyang, marry wives and concubines, settle down, and have no more worries.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xun You led his men to distribute the large boxes filled with silver to everyone.

In an instant, the Jingzhou army, which had been abandoned and neglected outside the city, regained its fighting spirit and shouted in unison.

"Serve the royal family and purge the court of corrupt officials!"

"I am willing to fight to the death for the general!"

Seeing that the army's morale was high, Wei Yan immediately led his troops into the city. Under Xun You's arrangement, he cooperated with Cao Cao's army to "purge the emperor's inner circle."

Upon seeing the fire and chaos in Luoyang at the Grand Tutor's residence, Liu Biao knew that his plan had been exposed. He immediately ordered Wen Ping to summon the army outside the city to attack and force Cao Cao's army to return to the city.

However, the news that came was absolutely delightful!
Before long, news came that the Jingzhou army outside the city had already entered the city.

Upon hearing this news, Liu Biao and Wen Pin looked at each other in utter astonishment.

Liu Biao was puzzled, "Are the troops of my Jingzhou really this brave?"

Wen Ping, though not understanding, but respecting the facts, said, "Before entering the city, I handed over the army to Wen Chang."

This man's martial prowess is unparalleled in my life; I fear he may not be inferior to Guan Yu.

perhaps"

This feeling is familiar to Liu Biao!
Before Wenping could say anything more, he slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and laughed loudly, saying:
"It turns out that this man is the number one general in Jingzhou. He can conquer cities and fortresses with ease, and kill generals, raise flags, and take things out of bags."

"I regret my actions. If I had appointed Wen Chang to defend Xiangyang earlier, how could Biao have suffered such a defeat?"

However, during their discussion, neither of them expected that the Jingzhou troops had already arrived.

Liu Biao greeted them with a smile, saying, "These are the loyal soldiers of Jingzhou who protect their lord!"
With the great general Wen Chang by his side, how could Biao not worry about eliminating the traitor Cao and restoring the Han Dynasty?

However, as soon as he stepped out of the mansion, he saw swords and spears arrayed in front of him, all pointed at him.

Liu Biao: "."

Wen Pingxiang arrived, and upon seeing him, his expression changed drastically. He angrily rebuked him, saying:
Where is Wen Chang?
I have treated you very well, why have you changed your mind now?

Wei Yan sighed and stepped forward from the crowd.

“Yan did not betray his lord, but secretly plotted with the general and the lord on his behalf.”

Now that the soldiers are disaffected, how can we enter Luoyang without Cao Cao?

With the Han dynasty in decline, who could, like Cao Cao, save the day?
This delay is also for the good of the general and the lord.

"If it weren't for my efforts, both the general and our lord would have died without a proper burial today."

"Turning black into white, using silver tongue!"

I really misjudged you!

However, before Wen Ping could say anything more, Liu Biao, who also felt that the scene before him was very familiar, raised his hand to stop him.

Looking at Wei Yan, whose face had turned red from Wen Ping's words, Liu Biao recalled the memories vividly.

Huang Zhong, Xing Daorong, Sun Quan, and Cai Mao.
It seems that anyone under my command will eventually defect to the enemy. Is this Liu Biao's destiny?

A look of dejection flashed in his eyes. He skillfully stopped Wen Ping's last resistance and said:

"Take me to see Lord Cao."

On the other side, at Dong Cheng's residence.

By the time Cao Cao personally brought Liu Bei here, the fighting had already subsided.

With his hands bound and held captive on the ground, Dong Cheng was furious when he saw Liu Bei following closely behind Cao Cao, bowing and scraping respectfully.

"Liu Xuande! You are unworthy to be a member of the Han imperial family!"

The Emperor regards you as his uncle and has ordered you to organize the army in the Western Garden to continue the work that the late Emperor had not finished.

"Do you now wish to join the thieves?"

Liu Bei looked at Dong Cheng with a stern expression. The moment their eyes met, Dong Cheng seemed to understand something, and he cursed even more fiercely, almost gritting his teeth.

"Traitor!"
"You deceive the emperor and betray your authority; you are not worthy of being called a son! May the ancestors of the Han dynasty curse you from the depths of the underworld!"

Seeing that Dong Cheng's insults were getting increasingly offensive, Cao Cao thoughtfully handed Liu Bei his sword.

"This scoundrel shows no remorse and still dares to curse Xuande!"

"We should kill him now to serve as a warning to others. What do you think, Xuande?"

Liu Bei's knuckles were slightly white from gripping the sword hilt tightly.

Upon seeing this, Dong Cheng cursed even more vehemently, his unwavering gaze, as if it were saying only one thing: "Attack!"

[Cheng Jin is doomed to die. If you don't act now, what are you waiting for?!]

"Traitor, you don't understand the will of Heaven!"
"You were the forerunner of twenty-four emperors of my Han dynasty, I will kill you!"

With a gritted tongue, he slashed the sword to its hilt, and Dong Cheng's corpse fell to the ground, his eyes fixed on Liu Bei, his death unfulfilled.

Although Dong Gong was unable to fulfill his duties in the cause of restoring the Han Dynasty, his devotion to the Han Dynasty was as steadfast as Heaven's will.

With a silent sigh, Liu Bei returned the sword to Cao Cao, saying, "I have fortunately fulfilled my mission."

Cao Cao looked up at the sky and laughed, uttering the word "good" three times.

He personally took Liu Bei's hand and said to him:
"This journey took us to the highest heavens, through the ninefold palace, and finally to meet the emperor."

Xuande should travel with Cao Cao.

On the other side, outside the palace.

Xu Huang led 10,000 imperial guards to defend the palace gates at all costs. He had not been unaware that if Dong Cheng failed today, he would face a fierce counterattack from Cao Cao's army.

However, what he did not expect was that as time went on, the enemy forces outside the imperial city actually increased in number.

Cao Cao's army numbered 20,000, Jingzhou's army numbered 20,000, and Xiyuan's army numbered 10,000.
Xu Huang: "???"

Didn't we agree to rise up together and eliminate the traitor Cao?

Liu Bei! Liu Biao!
Back then, everyone signed their names and affixed their seals on the imperial edict!
So, so I'm the only one fighting this battle alone? Turns out, you all rose up together to purge the court of corrupt officials?

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Liu Xie, shocked by the devastating news, tightly grasped Liu Yao, who had fled in, and pressed him for answers.

"Grand Tutor, how did the situation in Luoyang turn out like this?"

In the end what happened?
What exactly happened?

Liu Yao: "."

Um, if I said it was all because of that secret edict you gave me, would you believe me?

(End of this chapter)