Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 187 Liu Yu declares himself emperor in Yuyang and issues a proclamation to attack Liu Bei (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)
North of Yuyang.

Chunyu Qiong led his troops to catch up with Qiuliju's troops, who were leisurely dangling Gongsun Fan.

"Qiu Liju, why did you let the thief go?" Chunyu Qiong's face was gloomy.

Not only were they ineffective in attacking the city, but they also secretly released people, playing dirty tricks.

When Qiu Liju saw Chunyu Qiong arrive, he said cheerfully, "General Chunyu, you misunderstand. I couldn't stop them, but I didn't let the thieves go. If I had let the thieves go, I wouldn't have sent someone to inform General Yuan."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Chunyu Qiong didn't want to argue with Qiu Liju, and shouted, "Take your men and give chase immediately. Any hesitation will be punished according to military law."

Although Qiu Liju was very unwilling, he dared not disobey Chunyu Qiong, so he could only order his men to pursue them.

Seeing this, Chunyu Qiong frowned even more deeply, and then came to Tadun's side: "Tadun, Yuan Cheqi has always thought highly of you, believing that you are the true warrior of Wuhuan. He even intended to marry a clanswoman to you, but you have disappointed Yuan Cheqi too much."

Tadun was greatly alarmed, and seeing Qiuliju mobilizing troops, he whispered, "General Chunyu, it's not that I want to release him. You know I'm just a junior."

"Hmph!" Chunyu Qiong glanced at Qiuliju with disdain and said, "I've heard that when the wolf king on the grassland gets old, he is killed by a strong young wolf, who then steps over the old wolf king's corpse to become the new wolf king. So what if he's a junior? Those who aspire to great things don't concern themselves with trifles."

Tadun's expression changed again.

Tadun understood Chunyu Qiong's words: if he killed Qiuliju, he would become the new King of Wuhuan, and could also marry a woman from Yuan Shao's clan. Money, power, fame, and fortune were all within his grasp.

Tadun's eyes instantly turned ruthless: "I will keep General Chunyu's words in mind."

“I only care about the results.” Chunyu Qiong’s tone was even colder: “Yuan Cheqi is destined to rule the world. Being Yuan Cheqi’s son-in-law is a blessing you’ll never have in eight lifetimes. Don’t ruin your life.”

With Chunyu Qiong's arrival, the Wuhuan soldiers no longer kept their distance as before, and began to approach Gongsun Fan.

Since Lady Wu and Gongsun Zan's wife and children were riding in a carriage, which was not as fast as a warhorse, Gongsun Fan saw that the situation was not good. He could only choose more than ten riders to escort the carriage first, and then lead the remaining cavalry to cover the rear.

"The mantis' arms are like a chariot!"

Chunyu Qiong snorted coldly and beckoned Qiuliju Tadun to charge.

Although the pursuing troops were numerous, Gongsun Fan was not one to fear death, and even when outnumbered, his valor did not diminish.

"Taton, I'm leaving this place to you! Remember your promise."

Chunyu Qiong gave Tadun a look, then led his troops around Gongsun Fan and continued to pursue the fleeing carriage.

Gongsun Fan wanted to stop Chunyu Qiong, but was blocked by Qiu Liju. He was furious: "Qiu Liju, do you really want to be an enemy of the Imperial Uncle?"

Qiu Liju hesitated for a moment.

Just as Qiuliju hesitated, an arrow struck him squarely in the back of the heart. Under Qiuliju's astonished gaze, Tadun spurred his horse and shouted, "How dare the traitor Gongsun Fan kill my Wuhuan King!"

Gongsun Fan was even more horrified: Could Tadun really be so ruthless?

Tadun was Qiuliju's nephew, but at this moment he shot Qiuliju in the back and directly framed Gongsun Fan.

Before Gongsun Fan could speak, Tadun charged in and thrust his spear, shouting, "Gongsun Fan, I will kill you to avenge the king!"

The surrounding Wuhuan soldiers, unaware of the truth, also believed that Gongsun Fan had killed Qiuliju, and roared as they charged towards Gongsun Fan.

Ahead, although the carriage was galloping, it still couldn't keep up with the speed of Chunyu Qiong and his cavalry.

As the cavalrymen guarding the carriage were shot dead, the galloping carriage came to a stop.

"I've done a great job this time!"

Chunyu Qiong shouted excitedly, and his hatred for Liu Bei also burst forth.

If it weren't for Liu Bei, Chunyu Qiong would have been living comfortably in Luoyang, so why would he have ended up in this desolate northern region?
And inside the carriage.

Holding the young Gongsun Xu in her arms, Madam Hou looked at Madam Wu with remorse: "Aunt, it seems our fate has come to an end."

Madam Wu said with a sorrowful tone, "If it weren't for Bo Gui, I would have died in Zhuo County long ago. Many brave warriors died to protect an old woman like me. I am so sorry for you all."

Hou hurriedly said, "Aunt, you mustn't think like that. All the brave warriors died fighting the rebels. Even without you, Aunt, they would still be fighting the rebels."

Outside the carriage.

Chunyu Qiong's triumphant voice rang out: "Madam Wu, come out. You are Liu Bei's mother, I will not kill you."

Madam Wu told Hou and her son to be silent, stepped out of the carriage, and looked at Chunyu Qiong, who had spoken: "My son Xuande has been determined since childhood to serve the country and bring peace to the people. He cares about the affairs of the nation. You want to capture me, which is nothing more than trying to use me to threaten my son. Since ancient times, it has been difficult to balance family and country. How can I let my son suffer because of me?"

But then Madam Wu pulled out a pair of scissors from her sleeve and prepared to commit suicide.

Chunyu Qiong was horrified: "Madam, you mustn't!"

Looking at Chunyu Qiong, who had a look of shock on his face, Madam Wu said, "If you are willing to release the mother and child in the carriage, I can leave with you."

Hou was shocked: "Auntie, no!"

Chunyu Qiong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Madam Wu had really committed suicide, all his efforts would have been in vain. He quickly replied, "Of course! This is negotiable."

As for the mother and child in the carriage, Chunyu Qiong guessed their identities. The one that Lady Wu was willing to risk her life to protect must be Gongsun Zan's wife and child.

Madam Wu sighed and was about to jump off the carriage when she suddenly saw Chunyu Qiong's rider fall off his horse, crawl directly into the carriage, and then press Hou and her son down to lie face down under the carriage.

"Aunt, what is this?"

"Don't panic! It's definitely not the enemy!"

Compared to Gongsun Zan's wife and children, Lady Wu had experienced more, and her reaction was faster than that of Lady Hou and her son.

Although they didn't know who the person coming was, as long as they were enemies of Chunyu Qiong and the others, they could become friends.

Just when they were about to succeed, they were suddenly ambushed. Chunyu Qiong was both shocked and furious.

But then they saw eight riders ahead, none other than Xu Shu and his eight companions.

"Xu Shu, Minister of the Imperial Secretariat of the Great Han Dynasty, is here, ordered by the Imperial Uncle to suppress the traitors!"

Then a voice shouted from behind, "Zhang Fei of Yan is here! Who dares to fight me to the death!"

Minister of the Imperial Secretariat?

And Zhang Fei?

How can this be?

Chunyu Qiong was shocked and suspicious.

Seeing the approaching force was menacing and their army numerous, Chunyu Qiong was immediately filled with fear. "Retreat!"

The sky was dark, and Chunyu Qiong couldn't tell whether it was the real Zhang Fei or the fake Zhang Fei.

Chunyu Qiong didn't dare to gamble on whether the other party was the real Zhang Fei or a fake Zhang Fei. If it was the real one, he wouldn't be able to escape if he wanted to.

In addition, Chunyu Qiong had few soldiers and dared not fight, so he turned his horse around and left.

Xu Shu did not rush to chase after them, but hurried to the carriage: "Is the old lady in the carriage?"

Upon hearing Xu Shu's voice, Madam Wu rose and lifted the carriage curtain. Seeing Xu Shu, she was startled and hurriedly said, "Minister Xu, quickly save Gongsun Fan!"

Xu Shu ordered Shi Tao to lead three men to escort the carriages and horses ahead, and then led his troops forward, where they encountered Gongsun Fan, who had broken through the encirclement: "Where is Governor Gongsun?"

A trace of sadness flashed in Gongsun Fan's eyes as he said, "Minister Xu, my brother is unwilling to leave and only wants us to go first."

"Alas—" Xu Shu sighed, not daring to pursue Chunyu Qiong any further, and quickly ordered Zhang Yan to return to the army.

The Black Mountain Army was, after all, a band of outlaws, and their so-called cavalry were just a bunch of mounted bandits. They only managed to catch Chunyu Qiong off guard by taking advantage of the darkness and having Zhang Yan impersonate "Zhang Fei." If they really fought, they might not be a match for him.

Before Chunyu Qiong could react, Xu Shu had to get Madam Wu away as soon as possible.

As Xu Shu had predicted, although he was initially intimidated, Chunyu Qiong quickly realized the situation: "We've fallen into a trap! How could Zhang Fei possibly be in Youzhou! That Xu Shu must be an envoy sent by Liu Bei to contact Gongsun Zan. Those cavalrymen weren't wearing armor either; they must be bandits from the Black Mountain."

"Damn it! Those bandits from Black Mountain dare to oppose Yuan Cheqi and even dare to play tricks on me!" Chunyu Qiong was furious and hurriedly summoned Tadun to pursue them again.

However, although Chunyu Qiong reacted quickly, Xu Shu reacted even faster, and the Black Mountain Army was also good at escaping, making them even faster.

Even with the moonlight illuminating the way until dawn, Chunyu Qiong still couldn't catch up with Xu Shu and the others.

"hateful!"

The credit that was within his grasp vanished just like that. Chunyu Qiong was anxious, angry, and helpless, and could only return to Yuyang in a huff to report to Yuan Shao.

Although it was regrettable that Liu Bei's mother and Gongsun Zan's wife and children escaped, Yuan Shao did not blame Chunyu Qiong.

Now that Yuan Shao has defeated Gongsun Zan, killed Han Fu, and absorbed Han Fu's forces, he is in a good mood.

Moreover, Yuan Shao also found the seal of the Governor of Youzhou and the appointment documents on Gongsun Zan's person.

Corresponding to Xu Shu, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat mentioned by Chunyu Qiong, Yuan Shao couldn't help but sneer: "That scoundrel Liu Bei is indeed up to no good, he even wants to join forces with Gongsun Zan to counter me. Too bad, he's too late!"

Feng Ji congratulated him, saying, "It is all thanks to your brilliant strategy, my lord. Now that Gongsun Zan and Han Fu are both dead, and Liu Bei's plan to intervene in Youzhou has failed, all we need to do next is invite the Grand Marshal to ascend the throne and become emperor. Then, my lord can, as the Grand General of the court, command all the heroes of the world to punish the traitor Liu Bei!"

Yuan Shao laughed loudly: "Liu Bei thinks that because he received the secret edict and occupied Luoyang, he can command the world. Little does he know that the world is full of Yuan's former followers and officials. Apart from me, who else can command the world?"

Zhang Jin also said, "The matter should not be delayed. The Grand Marshal should declare himself emperor as soon as possible! We can have He Yong from Nanyang falsely present the 'Mysterious Jade Talisman,' claiming that he has received a divine revelation and is offering auspicious omens."

He Yong was famous at the Imperial Academy. Because of his friendship with Chen Fan and Li Ying, he was framed by eunuchs and fled to Runan. Yuan Shao admired He Yong's reputation and became his friend. He Yong is now under Yuan Shao's command.

Yuan Shao was overjoyed and summoned He Yong to give him a secret message.

After a while.

Everyone gathered in Liu Yu's tent, and Yuan Shao feigned announcing, "Reporting to the Grand Marshal, a renowned scholar from Nanyang, He Yong, has come from Luoyang with important matters to report."

Liu Yu exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be He Boqiu from Nanyang?"

He Yong and Liu Yu were both renowned figures of the same era and had interacted before. Upon learning of He Yong's arrival, Liu Yu hurriedly greeted him with great courtesy.

After exchanging pleasantries, He Yong cupped his hands in congratulations: "I came from Luoyang and obtained the Xuan Gui Talisman from the Luo River. I did not understand its meaning at first, but now that I have seen the Grand Marshal quell the rebellion of Gongsun Zan, I understand its principle."

To Liu Yu's surprise, He Yong took out the "Mysterious Jade Talisman" and showed it to everyone. Yuan Shao stepped forward and read: "Yu An in the northern border receives the mandate of heaven, the white horse sinks into the abyss and the unicorn returns; the number five and nine opens a new fortune, the Black Water Mysterious Jade opens the imperial curtain."

Upon hearing this, Feng Ji exclaimed in surprise: "'The white horse sinking into the abyss' is a sign of Gongsun Zan's death! The white horse sinking in Yuyang is a divine punishment for the traitor! 'The hoof of the unicorn' symbolizes benevolence and virtue. The Grand Marshal governs Youzhou and benefits the people. Isn't the appearance of the unicorn in the world clear proof?"

Zhang Jin further pointed to the "Black Water Jade Tablet" and exclaimed: "The Book of Documents records that 'Yu bestowed a black jade tablet to announce his success.' The Black Water is in Youzhou, and the black jade tablet is a ritual object—this is a sign that Heaven ordained Youzhou to be the place of the nation!"

He Yong then said, "In the past, Emperor Guangwu swore an oath by pointing to the Luo River. The oath of the Luo River is deeply rooted in people's hearts. This 'Xuan Gui Fu' came from the Luo River. Doesn't it also correspond to Emperor Guangwu's oath? It is fitting that the Grand Marshal should succeed to the throne?"

The group of people, one after another, steered the fabricated "Mysterious Talisman" toward the idea that Liu Yu should become emperor. After all, it was all made up, and as long as it was made to be believable to Liu Yu and the people of the world, that was enough.

Just like when Liu Xiu became emperor, a great Confucian scholar presented the "Red Talisman," which contained the line "Liu Xiu sent troops to capture the wicked, the four barbarians gathered like clouds and dragons fought in the wild, and fire was the master at the time of the fourth and seventh." It sounded quite reasonable, but in reality, it was just a forgery deliberately arranged by Feng Yi, Kou Xun, and others.

The goal was to give Liu Xiu a sufficient reason to declare himself emperor and confront the regime of Emperor Gengshi. As for whether it was true or false, if he won, it was true; if he lost, it was false.

Yuan Shao hurriedly said to Liu Yu, "In the past, the Grand Marshal was unwilling to become emperor because he had no merit. Now that the Grand Marshal has quelled the rebellion of Gongsun Zan, and the Xuan Gui Talisman of the Luo River is here, it must be that our ancestor Emperor Guangwu saw that the divine artifact had been stolen by treacherous people and wanted to ask the Grand Marshal to inherit the throne and wipe out the bandits."

"Your subject Yuan Shao requests that the Grand Marshal be succeeded to the throne!"

He Yong, Zhang Jin, Feng Ji, and other civil and military officials in the tent also knelt down and shouted.

"Your subject He Yong requests that the Grand Marshal be succeeded to the throne!"

"Your subject Zhang Jin requests that the Grand Marshal succeed to the throne!"

"Your subject Feng Ji requests that the Grand Marshal be succeeded to the throne!"

Looking at the kneeling civil and military officials, Liu Yu was momentarily at a loss for words. He wanted to accept it, but hesitated: "Even if we are to comply with the emperor's ascension, how can we be in such a hurry? Why don't we return to Ye City first and discuss it with everyone before making a decision?"

Zhang Jin said, “The world is in chaos, and things cannot be done according to usual rules. In the past, Emperor Guangwu also ascended the throne when his army reached Hao City. Now, the Grand Marshal has defeated Gongsun Zan in Yuyang, and the Xuan Gui Talisman has just arrived from the Luo River. The right time, the right place, and the right people are all in this place.”

"He could first succeed to the throne in Yuyang, and then return to Yecheng, making Yecheng the capital, to rally heroes from all over the land, punish the rebels, and recreate the great achievements of Emperor Guangwu in restoring the dynasty."

When Liu Yu was appointed Grand Marshal, he had this idea, but he was afraid that he did not have enough prestige, so he only dared to take on the role of Grand Marshal himself.

Now that Liu Yu has defeated Gongsun Zan and obtained the Luoshui Xuan Gui Talisman, his ambitions have also grown.

Pace for a long time.

Liu Yu finally made up his mind and said, "In that case, we shall follow the celestial signs and the requests of the people!"

Yuan Shao was overjoyed.

After many days of planning, the goal was finally achieved: as long as Liu Yu declared himself emperor, the world would still be dominated by the Yuan family!
Three days later.

Liu Yu ascended the throne as emperor at Sanggan Pavilion in Yuyang, changing the era name to Wuping, which directly opposed Liu Xie's Chuping era.

He then appointed Yuan Shao as Grand General and Governor of Ji Province, and under the pretext of "being ordered to punish the rebels," he issued a proclamation calling on the entire world to jointly attack the false emperor Liu Xie and the false imperial uncle Liu Bei.

As soon as the news spread, all the counties and kingdoms of You and Ji were in an uproar. Whether they were Yuan's protégés and former officials or powerful families and clans in You and Ji, they all sent people to submit to Liu Yu and offer congratulations.

(End of this chapter)