Chapter 10: The World Trembles

With Yuan Shao’s deliberate promotion, news of the Emperor arriving at Ji Province swiftly spread from Yecheng to all corners of the realm.

Simultaneously, Tian Feng and Chen Lin’s declaration also circulated widely.

“…the treacherous usurper Cao Cao, descendant of eunuchs, falsely claims loyalty as his virtue. Upon closer examination, this claim is grossly misleading; he sacked Luo Yang, forcibly relocated the Emperor, and established Xu County as the new capital. Though ostensibly supporting the Han Dynasty, his true intentions mirror Dong Zhuo’s ambition—to control the Emperor and command the feudal lords, ultimately seizing power from Great Han!”

“The wolf-like ambitions conceal nefarious plots—insulting royalty, undermining laws, disrupting order, manipulating the Emperor, monopolizing governance, bestowing titles arbitrarily, meting out punishments capriciously. Loved ones bask in undeserved favor, while hated individuals face extermination down to their third kin. Those who openly criticize risk swift execution, while those voicing dissent in private face covert retribution. Officials remain silent, communicating only with glances on the streets. Secretaries record assembly proceedings, while ministers serve merely as ceremonial figures.”

“Governor of Jizhou, Yuan Shao, hailing from four generations of high-ranking officials, has always cherished gratitude towards the Han Dynasty and harbored a heart dedicated to its service. Upon hearing of the Emperor’s plight, he has been deeply troubled day and night, unable to find peace in sleep or sustenance in food.”

“Fortunate indeed, for heaven has aided the Emperor’s escape. After a perilous journey, he finally reached Jizhou. With loyal subjects now by his side, there is hope for restoring the glory of Great Han. A decision has been made to establish the new capital at Yecheng, revitalize imperial authority, and stabilize the nation…”

”…It is said that wise rulers anticipate danger to control change, and loyal ministers foresee hardships to establish authority.

“We call upon all ambitious men of integrity, subjects of Great Han, to promptly travel to Yecheng to pay homage to the Emperor and aid in restoring our nation’s sovereignty. Together, we shall achieve extraordinary feats.”

“Let this proclamation reach every corner of the land, informing all of the dire predicament facing our sacred dynasty. As decreed by law!”

The content of this declaration could be summarized into three main points:

Firstly, Cao Cao was portrayed as a treacherous villain whose aim in welcoming the Emperor was to manipulate him against other feudal lords, akin to Dong Zhuo’s actions.

Secondly, the Emperor had escaped from Cao Cao’s clutches and found refuge in Yecheng under the protection of my lord Yuan Shao. He was now safe and planning to reestablish the imperial court to stabilize the nation.

Lastly, it called upon all ambitious individuals and former ministers of the Great Han to swiftly journey to Yecheng, where they would meet with the Emperor and collectively strategize against the traitors.

This news spread like wildfire across the lands, causing immediate shockwaves throughout the realm.

Just recently, Cao Cao had announced the establishment of the capital at Xu County and summoned ministers of the Han Dynasty for audience. How did the Emperor suddenly end up in Ji Province? Moreover, how did Cao Cao transform overnight from a loyal subject of the Great Han into a traitorous villain akin to Dong Zhuo?

Everyone was bewildered by this sudden turn of events.

Yingchuan Commandery, Xu County.

Today, the atmosphere at Cao Manor was festive due to the Emperor establishing his capital in Xu County. To celebrate, Cao Cao hosted a grand banquet and invited all civil officials and military generals to pay homage to the emperor.

In the Great Hall, the young Emperor sat enthroned on the highest seat.

However, today’s true protagonist wasn’t him but rather the stocky man seated slightly below and to his left.

This man, clad in brocade robes, was short and unremarkable in appearance, yet every gesture exuded a commanding presence. He was none other than Cao Cao.

With a wave of his hand, the noisy hall fell silent. Holding up his wine cup, Cao Cao rose with a smile and declared, “Honored guests, the Emperor has arrived in Xu County and established it as our new capital. The foundation of our Great Han is now secure!”

“Let us raise this toast together in honor of His Majesty!” With that, Cao Cao turned towards the Emperor, bowed respectfully, and drained his cup in one gulp.

“Hail His Majesty!” echoed the ministers in the Great Hall, also standing and raising their cups.

Witnessing this display, the Emperor, sitting on the throne, couldn’t help but feel deeply moved. Choking back tears, he proclaimed, “Encountering Mengde has truly been the fortune of Great Han!”

“With this cup, we toast Mengde and all our loyal subjects! You are the pillars and backbone of our Great Han!”

(For clarity’s sake, from now on, the legitimate Emperor will be referred to as simply “the Emperor.”)

After delivering his heartfelt words, the Emperor drained his cup.

Throughout their long journey, they had endured immense humiliation under Dong Zhuo, forced to compromise at every turn. Upon reaching Cao Cao, however, they finally regained the dignity befitting an emperor. This newfound respect stirred a myriad of emotions within him.

“Your Majesty exaggerates. Upholding the Han Dynasty is inherently our duty as ministers,” Cao Cao responded solemnly, his face filled with self-reproach. “It is I who should feel ashamed for not rescuing Your Majesty sooner, allowing you to suffer such indignities.”

The Emperor was even more moved by these words. Stepping down, he took Cao Cao’s hand, tears welling up in his eyes, and said, “Mengde, your dedication alone means so much. Alas, our Han Dynasty has weakened significantly, and we possess nothing to reward you properly. Otherwise, we would undoubtedly bestow great honors upon you.”

“Your Majesty, please, my intentions have never been about receiving rewards,” Cao Cao declared with unwavering integrity.

“No, it must not go unrewarded!”

However, the Emperor persisted. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Although we currently lack treasures to bestow upon Mengde, we can elevate your official position.”

“By imperial decree, we hereby appoint Mengde as Minister of Works with additional authority over military affairs as General of Chariots and Cavalry. All officials shall heed his directives.”

The title bestowed by the Emperor was indeed significant.

In the hierarchical structure of the Han Dynasty, the Minister of Works oversaw administration, the Grand Marshal commanded the military, and the Minister of Works supervised all other officials. These three positions were known collectively as the Three Dukes, part of the prestigious Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

As for the subsequent title of General of Chariots and Cavalry, it ranked just below the positions of Grand General and General of Chariots and Cavalry, equivalent to or even higher than the Three Dukes, holding substantial power!

While the Emperor had no real influence now, and this appointment served only as a nominal honor, it remained an extraordinary privilege that few could attain.

It was crucial to understand that this was a direct appointment from the Emperor himself! From this day forward, Cao Cao would officially be among the Three Dukes, granting him legitimate authority over both military and political matters.

“Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for such great favor!” A slight glint flickered in Cao Cao’s eyes; naturally, he wouldn’t refuse such an esteemed reward. He promptly knelt to express his gratitude.

“Mengde, please rise.” The Emperor extended his hand to help Cao Cao stand. Then, turning towards the ministers gathered within the Great Hall, he asked, “We must not forget our loyal subjects either. Today, let us bestow rewards upon them as well.”

The Emperor was acutely aware that this was now his sole remaining power—to confer titles and positions under the authority of the emperor.

“Your Majesty, there is no rush. Once I return, I will draft a list based on each minister’s merits, and then Your Majesty can bestow the rewards accordingly,” Cao Cao replied with a faint smile, gently declining the Emperor’s suggestion.

Cao Cao could decide who deserved recognition, but it should not be left to the Emperor; otherwise, the intent would change. Control over rewards and punishments must never fall into others’ hands.

“Very well, we shall follow Mengde’s advice.” The Emperor reluctantly sat down, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

Just then, a cold snort echoed through the Great Hall.

“Bestowing rewards upon ministers reflects the boundless grace of His Majesty. Why should you alone determine who receives such honors?”

As these words were spoken, silence immediately fell over the hall. All eyes turned towards the source of the voice.

Glancing in that direction, Cao Cao smiled mildly. “I wondered who dared speak up—it’s Lord Yang.”

The speaker was none other than Yang Biao.

Yang Biao hailed from the prestigious Yang clan of Hongnong and had held high-ranking positions such as Grand Tutor, Minister of Works, and Commander-in-Chief. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, always standing by his side.

With a cold sneer, Yang Biao retorted, “What, Pei of Cao, have we reached a point where even speaking freely is forbidden?”

Despite being well past fifty, his voice remained robust and forceful, echoing throughout the Great Hall.