Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Although Liu Hong himself loves to have fun, loves money, and loves women, he is not stupid.

Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the Han Dynasty has been riddled with problems. Although Liu Ce quelled the rebellion in just six months, once the unrest started, it was unstoppable.

He allowed each prefecture and county to recruit its own troops to suppress the rebellion, resulting in the court's control over local areas becoming increasingly weak.

As powerful clans grew stronger, aristocratic families and local landlords built fortified villages, maintained private armies, and controlled grain fields and the population.

War and famine caused people to be displaced, some joining the army, others becoming bandits...

Once outside of Luoyang, few people heed the imperial decrees.

In the imperial court, eunuchs, imperial relatives, and powerful families were vying for power. The eunuchs were relatively easy to deal with, as they depended on the emperor for survival; but dealing with the imperial relatives and powerful families was much more difficult.

In the imperial court, Liu Hong could barely maintain control through his balancing act. But what about his descendants? His two sons, Liu Bian and Liu Xie, were weak and incompetent, could they truly keep him in check?

Liu Hong sighed.

He knew this was a sign that a dynasty was about to perish.

But he couldn't control it anymore.

My body is failing me; after so many years of indulging in alcohol and women, I've been completely drained.

It's good enough that we can maintain the status quo now, where would we find the energy to rectify the government and suppress the powerful clans?

He just wanted to have fun and live out the rest of his days.

But... are we just going to watch the Han Dynasty gradually march towards its demise?

Liu Hong was unwilling to accept this.

He was the emperor, the Son of Heaven of the Han Dynasty. Though absurd and despicable, he did not want to be a ruler who brought about the downfall of his country—at least, not one who would perish at his own hands.

So, what should we do?

Liu Hong pondered for a moment, then his eyes gradually brightened.

He came up with a solution.

A possible way to prevent the dynasty from falling—or at least to delay its demise.

That is, to find a powerful external force to deter all restless forces.

This external force must be strong enough to make powerful families wary, relatives of the emperor afraid, and local tyrants hesitant to act rashly.

This external force must also be loyal to the Han Dynasty, or at least outwardly loyal to the Han Dynasty.

Liu Ce is a perfect match.

First, he was from Hejian County in Ji Province, his fellow townsman, and of the same clan—this was a major reason why Liu Hong initially recognized Liu Ce as his "younger brother".

Secondly, Liu Ce respected him greatly and was very "sensible," offering him valuable gifts and solving many of his problems. He was also very capable, a skilled warrior and a capable administrator.

If Liu Ce were granted the title of King, receiving the highest honor among members of the imperial clan, his position in the court would be entirely different. He would be given ample honor and nominal power, but no real power (since he already possessed real power), making him a sword hanging over the heads of various factions...

In this way, the power dynamics in the imperial court can be rebalanced.

Eunuchs were dependent on imperial power, the maternal relatives and powerful families checked and balanced each other, and then there was a prince who held great military power and a transcendent status...

So, would the powerful families still dare to be so arrogant? Would the maternal relatives still dare to be so domineering? Would the local tyrants still dare to be so lawless?

If they want to cause trouble, they should consider the possibility that Liu Ce, the Prince of Yan, is in the north, and whether his sword will fall.

The more Liu Hong thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.

He was granted the title of King, but only a nominal one, without holding any real power over the territory or any administrative authority. He retained his position as General of the Cavalry, and continued to garrison Youzhou, overseeing the military affairs of the three prefectures.

Give them plenty of honor and face, but not extra real power.

In this way, Liu Ce will gain honor and become more loyal; the various forces will be deterred and restrained; and the court will have this "sword" to hold out for a few more years.

As for the future... let future generations worry about that.

"Brilliant..." Liu Hong laughed. "Bestowing the title of king not only rewards merit but also provides a 'protective umbrella' for my son. Liu Ce is a member of the imperial clan; he's more reliable than an outsider."

Liu Hong understood, and felt a great sense of relief.

"Someone come here!" he shouted.

A young eunuch rushed in and said, "Your Majesty?"

"Call two beauties, the newest ones in the palace, the young ones." Liu Hong lay back on the soft couch, a smile on his lips.

Now that the troubles are over, it's time to enjoy life.

The young eunuch accepted the order and left.

Liu Hong fiddled with the glass beads, pondering how to announce it at tomorrow's court meeting.

Yes, we need to be firm and not let those ministers argue.

It's settled then.

...

The next day, at Deyang Palace.

As expected, the argument broke out again as soon as the morning assembly began.

Liu Hong sat on the dragon throne, coldly observing the group of officials below.

After they had finished arguing, he spoke, his voice not loud, but carrying the majesty of an emperor:

"My ministers, cease your disputes! My mind is made up!"

The hall fell silent instantly.

Everyone looked at Liu Hong on the dragon throne, awaiting his decision.

Liu Hong sat up straight, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, and said, word by word:

"Liu Ce, a member of the imperial clan, has achieved unparalleled merit... Ancestral rules may be amended as appropriate!"

This statement set the tone—I'm making an exception, so shut up.

"My mind is made up," Liu Hong continued, "I hereby bestow upon Liu Ce the title of—Prince of Yan!"

"boom!!!"

Although they were mentally prepared, the court was still in an uproar when they actually heard the words "bestowing the title of king".

The ministers from powerful families turned pale, He Jin's eyes widened in disbelief, while the military generals wore expressions of delight.

Ignoring their reactions, Liu Hong continued to announce:

"A fief of twenty thousand households, to be inherited by his descendants without fail!"

"However, without being part of the state, one has no administrative power over vassal states!"

These words brought a slight sigh of relief to the ministers of the powerful families—the Prince is alright, thank goodness.

"You shall retain the title of General of the Cavalry, remain stationed in Youzhou, and oversee the military affairs of the three provinces of You, Bing, and Ji. You are permitted to act as you see fit, but you must report important military and national affairs to the court at any time!"

He Jin was furious and wanted to say something, but Liu Hong glared at him and shut him up.

"The position of Minister of the Imperial Secretariat will be changed to a remote post, and he will no longer need to go to the capital to take up his post."

This is to appease the powerful families—look, I'm not letting him interfere in central government affairs.

"His father was posthumously granted the title of Marquis of Gaoyang County, and his grandfather the title of Marquis of Zhuo County, bringing glory to his ancestors!"

"The Liu family ancestral hall is granted the plaque 'Pillar of the Han Dynasty,' and permission is granted to erect a monument commemorating their merits in Youzhou!"

"Another reward of 500 catties of gold and 1,000 bolts of brocade will be given as a congratulatory gift."

After Liu Hong finished speaking, he looked around the room and asked, "Gentlemen, does anyone have any objections?"

His tone was calm, but his eyes were sharp.

Yuan Wei, Yang Ci, and the others opened their mouths, but ultimately dared not speak—His Majesty was determined, and to say anything more would be courting death.

Although He Jin was dissatisfied, he knew that this was the best outcome—at least Liu Ce did not enter the central government and did not seize his real power as Grand General.

The ministers shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

"Very well!" Liu Hong declared. "It's settled then! When Liu Ce arrives in Luoyang, I will personally host a banquet to show him my sincerity!"

He waved his hand and said, "Court is adjourned!"

The court officials dispersed.

Yuan Wei, Yang Ci, and the others left with grim expressions, whispering amongst themselves as they went.

He Jin left in a huff.

The generals were overjoyed and congratulated each other. Liu Ce's investiture as a king was an honor for all the generals.

The news quickly spread throughout Luoyang, and then, with the utmost speed, it reached Youzhou.

...