My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

Chapter 253 Become Emperor or Die! Liu Bei: Since there's no turning back, I'll ascend to the throne as the King of Chu!

Cao Cao wants to become king!
In fact, from the day he established his state and was granted the title of Duke, he knew that he had no chance to turn back.

He had no intention of turning back.

To depose the Han dynasty and establish his own rule... This was a thought that had been brewing in Liu Xie's mind since the day he was killed.

He first proclaimed himself Duke of Wei, then led his army south, and based on his achievements in recovering Huainan and reaching the Yangtze River, he seized the opportunity to advance further and become a king…

This was a plan he had already devised before his previous southern expedition.

Unexpectedly, the southern expedition ended in a disastrous defeat, not only failing to achieve anything but also losing two states, causing his reputation to plummet.

Under these circumstances, Cao Cao originally lacked the confidence to take any further steps.

Unexpectedly, at this time, Chen Qun and other scholars presented the Nine-Rank System.

The wealthy and powerful families needed his help, and this was the perfect opportunity.

I grant you the power to select officials. You should wholeheartedly support me in ascending to the throne, and then contribute money and manpower to protect my Cao Wei empire, help me destroy Liu Bei, and unify the world.

A win-win situation...

The key point is that Cao Pi was a sensible child, and he even took the initiative to say things that were not easy to say in public on behalf of his father.

Cao Cao had no reason not to go with the flow.

Cao Pi was overjoyed and gladly bowed.

"Father, rest assured, leave everything to your son. Your son knows what to do."

Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, signaling his two sons to leave.

Cao Pi was overjoyed to receive such praise from Cao Cao, and happily took his leave.

Seeing that Cao Cao was greedy for immediate gains and determined to make this deal with the gentry, Cao Chong dared not persuade him any further. He could only sigh inwardly and silently take his leave.

Cao Cao watched his two sons' retreating figures, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Although Zihuan is of mediocre talent, he understands me best, is adaptable, and can distinguish between what is important and what is urgent."

"Although Cang Shu is extremely intelligent, he is not good at understanding my thoughts, lacks tact and flexibility, and his political skills in managing subordinates are not as good as Zi Huan's."

"Should I truly establish Cang Shu as the Crown Prince of my Great Wei?"

Cao Cao muttered to himself, lost in thought.

After much deliberation, Cao Cao found it difficult to make a decision, so he simply stopped thinking about it.

He rose and descended the steps, walked to the hall entrance, stood with his hands behind his back below the high steps, and gazed southwards.

"Liu Bei, do you think that by seizing the two provinces of Qing and Xu and annihilating my 100,000 troops, you have reversed the balance of power?"

"I have plenty of ways to deal with you."

"I will first use the power of the gentry to eliminate you, my greatest enemy, and then deal with those self-righteous fools."

"hey-hey--"

Cao Cao stroked his short beard, a smug and arrogant smirk playing on his lips.

...

Three days later, the officials of Wei began to submit memorials to Xudu.

From the imperial court to the prefectures and counties, from the Three Dukes to the governors, from members of the Cao and Xiahou clans to officials from other families…

Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Sizhou, Jizhou, Youzhou, Bingzhou…

Zhong Yao, Wang Lang, Hua Xin, Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Chen Qun, Cheng Yu, Dong Zhao, Sima Yi…

A flood of petitions arrived in Xuchang from all directions, urging the emperor to bestow upon Cao Cao the title of king, in order to recognize his achievements.

As for Cao Cao's achievements, they are nothing more than the old stories of defeating the Yuan clan, recovering Hebei, and pacifying Guanzhong.

The ministers naturally kept silent about the shameful losses of Huainan, Xuzhou, and Qingzhou.

The young emperor's son in Xuchang was naturally quite astute and immediately sent an imperial edict to Yecheng, bestowing upon Cao Cao the title of King of Wei.

To silence public opinion, Cao Cao naturally refused with righteous indignation.

Therefore, Zhong Yao and other ministers had to urge Cao Cao to ascend the throne, and the emperor issued two edicts to "force" Cao Cao to become king.

After a month of back and forth, with Cao Cao putting on a show of declining and refusing three times, he was finally forced to accept the emperor's decree.

It was autumn.

Cao Cao was formally enfeoffed as King of Wei, changing the Duke of Wei to the Kingdom of Wei, with a fief of 50,000 households. He was not required to address the emperor as a subject when presenting memorials, nor to bow when receiving imperial edicts, and to treat all his comings and goings with the rites due to an emperor.

...

Yingtian, Xiao Mansion.

Zhuge Liang, Lu Su, Pang Tong, Mi Zhu…

The strategists of the Great Chu, who were in the capital, gathered at Xiao He's residence to discuss the details of implementing the imperial examination system.

“Bowen, your imperial examination system and the equal-field system and military system you created earlier truly complement each other.”

"The equal-field system can make the country rich, the military system can make the army strong, and the imperial examination system can gather all the talents in the country."

"With the implementation of these three systems, the revival of our Great Han Dynasty is just around the corner!"

Holding the newly drafted detailed rules for the imperial examinations, Zhuge Liang sighed repeatedly, expressing his deep regret.

Lu Su and others agreed.

Pang Tong picked up the bamboo paper in his hand and clicked his tongue in admiration:

"And the bamboo paper made by Military Advisor Xiao is truly ten times better than Cai Hou's paper. I've heard that its price is less than one-tenth of Cai Hou's paper, let alone bamboo slips."

"In my opinion, don't underestimate this mere blank sheet of paper. Its weight is probably no less than that of Military Advisor Xiao's imperial examination system."

Pang Tong's insight was clearly much sharper than the others, and he saw the significance of this bamboo paper.

Zhuge Liang seemed to be thinking for a long time, then nodded and said:
“Shiyuan is right. This paper is inexpensive. If we use it to replace bamboo slips for writing, wouldn’t even peddlers and rural folks be able to afford books?”

"Books can enlighten the mind. If one day everyone in our great Han Dynasty can read books and understand principles, wouldn't everyone be like a dragon!"

At this point, Zhuge Liang suddenly realized something, and his heart skipped a beat.

Then, with a respectful gaze, he looked at Xiao He, cupped his hands, and said solemnly:
"Bowen, your imperial examination system and bamboo paper have benefited not only the present generation, but also future generations!"

"This is a merit that will last for ten thousand generations. Please accept my bow!"

Zhuge Liang's reminder made everyone realize their mistake, and they all felt great respect for Xiao He.

"Brother Kongming, you flatter me. I didn't think that much about what benefits future generations."

Xiao He was a little embarrassed, and quickly changed the subject:
"Since Brother Kongming and everyone else find this bamboo paper useful, I suggest that from now on, all official documents and memorials used by the court and local governments should be replaced with bamboo paper to promote the replacement of bamboo slips with paper. What do you think, Brother Kongming?"

Zhuge Liang nodded repeatedly and picked up the detailed rules for the imperial examinations again:
“I think what Bowen said is feasible. We have almost finished discussing the detailed rules for the implementation of the imperial examination system. We will immediately petition the Duke of Chu to promulgate and implement them.”

"When the time comes, we will first use paper instead of bamboo slips to announce the imperial examination system to the world."

Everyone agreed that it was feasible.

At this moment, Xiao He changed the subject:
"The details have been drafted, but I think we don't need to rush to implement them. Let's wait for a suitable opportunity."

An opportunity?

Zhuge Liang and the others exchanged glances, but failed to grasp the hidden meaning in Xiao He's words.

Xiao He, however, looked north and said meaningfully:
"I predict that a major upheaval will occur in the north within the next few days. That traitor Cao Cao will definitely make a big move. We should wait and see..."

The words have not yet fallen.

Zhuge Jun rushed in, his face grave, and said:

"Brother, Military Advisor Xiao, an urgent report has just been sent back from Ye City by our spies in the north."

"Several days ago, the traitor Cao Cao usurped the title of king in Ye City, proclaiming himself King of Wei!"

"On the day Cao Cao declared himself king, he promulgated a new law for selecting officials in the northern provinces, called the 'Nine-Rank System,' and intended to promote it throughout the entire territory of the pseudo-Wei state!"

An uproar immediately erupted in the hall.

Zhuge Liang frowned and immediately ordered Zhuge Jun to read the urgent report in detail.

Zhuge Jun then unfolded the silk scroll and read it aloud to the public.

The officials of the puppet Wei regime submitted a memorial, forcing the puppet emperor in Xuchang to issue an edict bestowing upon Cao Cao the title of King of Wei. On the very day Cao Cao ascended to the throne, he promulgated the Nine-Rank System…

The full details will be revealed.

Indignant curses immediately erupted from all sides in the hall.

"Emperor Gaozu left a decree that anyone who is not of the Liu clan and becomes king shall be attacked by all under heaven!"

"Cao Cao, a minister from outside the imperial family, not only dared to be called a duke, but also dared to usurp the title of king. He is truly lawless!" "I think Cao Cao's ambition to usurp the Han throne is now crystal clear!"

Mi Zhu angrily rebuked him.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and a chorus of condemnation erupted.

Only Xiao He remained calm, merely sneering dismissively:

"From the moment Cao Cao allowed his son to murder the late emperor and installed a false emperor, bestowing upon him the title of Duke, his ambition to usurp the Han throne was known to all."

"His ascension to the throne today is merely another step toward his ultimate goal of usurping the throne and becoming emperor. Why should you all make such a fuss?"

Everyone was taken aback, then suddenly realized what was going on.

Zhuge Liang's eyes lit up, and he asked:

"Bowen, you just said that there would be a great change in the pseudo-Wei state, and that we should wait for an opportunity. Could it be that you have already foreseen that the traitor Cao will usurp the throne at this time?"

All eyes turned to Xiao He.

"The traitor Cao Cao lost the two provinces of Qing and Xu, suffered a loss of 100,000 soldiers, and was severely weakened. He urgently needs to restore his strength in a short period of time in order to deal with our imminent Northern Expedition."

"At this time, only by implementing the Nine-Rank System can we win over the powerful families in the north and entice them to devote all their efforts to supporting the puppet Wei regime."

"Cao Cao would not relinquish power to the northern gentry for nothing. Their support for his ascension to the throne was merely a condition for their agreement."

Xiao He sipped his tea and slowly dissected Cao Cao's bones, making them crystal clear.

The crowd seemed to understand something.

Zhuge Liang's lips curled into a sarcastic smile as he sneered:
"It is laughable that Cao Cao, who boasted that he only appointed people based on their talents and did not care about the common people, ended up colluding with the powerful and wealthy families. It is truly laughable."

Xiao He put down his teacup, but a playful smile appeared in his eyes:
"Brother Kongming, Cao Cao's actions may not be entirely a bad thing for the Duke of Chu."

Zhuge Liang's eyes darted around, and his expression suddenly turned to surprise and delight.

You, Cao Cao, despite being a member of a different clan and suffering losses in troops and territory, still dared to shamelessly usurp the title of king.

Our Lord Chu is a member of the Liu imperial family, and not long ago he also made great contributions by recovering the two provinces of Qing and Xu and defeating the pseudo-Wei.

If Cao Cao could become a king, what reason does Liu Bei have not to?

Cao Cao implemented the Nine-Rank System to win over the hearts of the northern gentry. I, Liu Bei, will counter this by introducing the Imperial Examination System, which does not discriminate based on social status or origin, and aims to win over the hearts of the talented people of the land!
"So this is the opportunity Bowen was referring to..."

Zhuge Liang, suddenly realizing the truth, smiled at everyone and said:

"Gentlemen, you must all understand what Bowen means."

"Then Liang won't say anything more. Let's all take action. It's time to help Duke Chu take another step forward."

Pang Tong, Lu Su, and the others present were all shrewd and naturally understood Xiao He's meaning.

The top strategists of Chu then devised a plan in Xiao He's residence.

Thus, a vigorous wave of urging him to become emperor was launched in the following month.

Zhuge Liang and Xiao He took the lead in submitting a memorial to the emperor, requesting that Liu Bei be granted the title of king in recognition of his great achievement in recovering the two provinces of Qing and Xu.

With the two leading civil officials taking the lead, strategists and civil officials such as Pang Tong, Lu Su, Xu Shu, Gu Yong, Lu Xun, Mi Zhu, and Fa Zheng followed suit by submitting memorials.

Immediately afterwards, Guan Yu, the foremost military general, along with Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Wei Yan, Gan Ning, Huang Zhong, Wen Pin, Zhang Liao, and other generals, submitted a memorial to the emperor.

After that, local officials such as the governors and prefects of Jingzhou, Yangzhou, Xuzhou, and Qingzhou submitted memorials urging the emperor to ascend the throne, which were then sent to Yingtian and into the hands of the emperor.

Empress Dowager Fu could naturally see the general trend clearly, and she immediately instructed the emperor to issue an edict to confer the title of king upon Liu Bei.

However, when the edict conferring the title of king was sent to the Duke of Chu's residence, Liu Bei resolutely refused it.

Everyone knows that Liu Bei's refusal was different from Cao Cao's.

Cao Cao's three refusals and three invitations were merely a formality, a performance.

Liu Bei truly dared not accept it.

There's no other reason than that Liu Bei cared about his reputation.

He feared public opinion that he was imitating the traitor Cao Cao and forcing the emperor to issue an edict to make him a king.

This vigorous wave of urging him to take the throne has now stalled.

Given that Xiao He had persuaded Lao Liu to become a duke before, the burden of persuading Lao Liu to ascend to the throne as king this time was tacitly placed entirely on Xiao He's shoulders by his colleagues.

Unable to refuse, Xiao He had no choice but to accept the request of the ministers and arrive at the Duke of Wei's residence.

"Bowen, I knew you would come."

"If I'm not mistaken, you've come here to persuade me to accept His Majesty's decree and follow the example of that traitor Cao Cao by usurping the throne, right?"

As soon as Xiao He stepped through the door, Liu Bei saw through his intentions.

"Lord Chu is wise and decisive; indeed, my thoughts cannot be hidden from him."

Xiao He also gave a self-deprecating laugh, and then said:

"However, I cannot agree with what Duke Chu said later."

"Emperor Gaozu left a will that anyone who is not of the Liu clan and rules the world should be attacked by all. Therefore, Cao Cao's claim to the throne is an act of usurpation and rebellion."

"The Duke of Chu is a member of the Liu imperial family and has the merit of recovering Qing and Xu. He has the imperial decree and the support of the officials. It is right and proper."

"I don't quite understand why the Duke of Chu's ascension to the throne constitutes usurpation?"

This question left Liu Bei speechless.

Xiao He's words make perfect sense. You are surnamed Liu, have made great contributions, have received an imperial edict, and have the support of all officials. It would be perfectly legitimate for you to be promoted to king.

After a moment of hesitation, Liu Bei waved his hand with a wry smile:

"Fine, even if I had ten mouths, how could I possibly have spoken ill of you, Bowen?"

"Even if it were perfectly legitimate, I still..."

"Mr. Chu!"

Xiao He interrupted Liu Bei, his expression turning solemn, and said seriously:

"I have already told the Duke of Chu about the noble reasons of restoring the Han Dynasty, conforming to the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people, and fighting with Cao Cao for the hearts of the people. I will not repeat them today."

"I only ask that you, Lord Chu, ask yourself what is in your heart. At this moment, you hold half of the country in your hands, command hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and have countless good generals and strategists who are willing to die for you. Do you really not have the slightest desire for that position in the Golden Hall?"

Liu Bei's heart suddenly shook.

Xiao He's gaze was sharp as he continued to question:
"I would like to ask Duke Chu one more question: Does Duke Chu believe that from the day he was promoted to Duke, there is no possibility of turning back on this road ahead except to grit his teeth and walk to the end?"

Liu Bei fell silent.

This time, Xiao He didn't spout those high-sounding principles; instead, he chose to directly address Liu Bei's true feelings.

As the saying goes, "Times create heroes, and heroes create times."

Throughout history, not all emperors were born with the ambition to become emperor.

The vast majority of people are simply following the trend of the times.

Xiao He couldn't believe that, given how things had come to this, Old Liu still wouldn't be tempted by the throne!
This is "enticement with benefits".

As for what he said later, it was to remind Lao Liu that from the day he agreed to become the Duke of Chu, there was no turning back.

Either go all the way down the path and ascend the throne, or you die and your name is forgotten.

This is "coercion".

Thus, under Xiao He's "coercion and enticement," Liu Bei fell into a long period of deep contemplation and deliberation.

Xiao He said no more and waited for Liu Bei to make a decision.

After a long, long time, a meaningful sigh broke the silence.

It was a sigh that contained both helplessness and determination.

Taking a deep breath, Liu Bei looked at Xiao He with resolute eyes:
“Bowen, you are right. You have followed me all this way, so there is no reason for you to turn back.”

"Let us walk this path together, ruler and subject, until the very end!"

Xiao He smiled.

The two men, master and subject, looked at each other and burst into laughter.

...

In the autumn of that year, Liu Bei received an imperial edict from the emperor and was promoted to King of Chu.

On that day, an imperial edict was issued to all directions, promulgating the imperial examination system and bestowing titles upon a large number of officials.

(End of this chapter)