Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 234 The Legendary Imperial Edict in a Belt

The successful ambush of Sun Ce opened a new door for Yan Yi. For the first time, he realized that those names that shone brightly in history were just people, and that with proper planning, they too could be killed.

Therefore, he set his second ambush target on Emperor Xian, Liu Xie.

Compared to Sun Ce, who was not yet famous in Jiangdong, Liu Xie's identity was more sensitive. Although the Han Dynasty was already in decline, Liu Xie, as the only surviving descendant of Emperor Ling Liu Hong and the last symbol of the Han's legitimacy, still held a dazzling and prominent position. Once the fact that he had shot down this sun was exposed, he would immediately become the enemy of the entire world, and everyone would have the right to kill him.

However, the benefits of killing Liu Xie would also be immense. With Liu Xie dead, Cao Cao would be unable to control the emperor and command the other warlords, and his rise to power would inevitably suffer a severe blow. Even better, the entire realm would descend into unprecedented chaos. At that time, with the Nine Tripods without a master and the world in turmoil, it would be the perfect opportunity to vie for control of the state amidst the chaos.

Yan Yi, from a later era, possessed the ability to foresee the future and knew perfectly well who in this world was the fatal obstacle preventing him from ascending to the throne. He believed that the only correct solution was to ruthlessly suppress figures like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Yuan Shao, and before they could establish their vast empires, fully utilize the essence of blitzkrieg tactics, and sweep across the land with overwhelming force. This was the only way to conquer the entire land of Jiangdong, starting from the six commanderies of Jiangdong.

The so-called blitzkrieg is characterized by speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness, delivering a devastating blow to the enemy with lightning speed. Speed ​​refers to swift and surprise attacks; accuracy to concentrated breakthroughs; and ruthlessness to deep strikes. Germany's sweeping conquest of Europe with its relatively small territory has proven the effectiveness of this tactic.

However, the weaknesses of blitzkrieg are also obvious. Once it falls into a situation of weak logistics and scarce resources, its effectiveness will gradually diminish. If it encounters an enemy with abundant population and resources and a vast strategic depth, it will inevitably be drawn into a protracted war and eventually be worn down and killed.

After much deliberation, Yan Yi concluded that only by killing Emperor Xian could he effectively curb the development of the Central Plains forces led by Cao Cao and create a more favorable external environment for the future Northern Expedition.

The best opportunity to strike was during Emperor Xian's journey back to Luoyang.

When Emperor Xian returned east, his entourage initially consisted of several thousand civil and military officials and their families, more than ten thousand soldiers under Dong Cheng and Yang Feng, and several hundred palace attendants.

However, after suffering a crushing defeat at Caoyangjian in Hongnong at the hands of Li Jue's pursuing troops, the entire returning army was reduced to just over a thousand people in an instant. Countless officials died, with only a few dozen remaining, including Grand Commandant Yang Biao. The remaining imperial guards numbered less than a thousand, and the palace women were almost entirely wiped out.

When they fled across the Yellow River, due to the urgency of the situation, only the Empress, Consort Song, Yang Biao, Dong Cheng, and Fu Wan, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, along with a few dozen others, accompanied Emperor Xian. By this time, the number of people accompanying Emperor Xian had dwindled to just a few dozen.

The journey across the Yellow River and the distance thereafter was Yan Yi's ideal opportunity for assassination.

If they could tamper with the ferry and cause Emperor Xian to drown in the Yellow River, that would be perfect. No one in the world would suspect them; they would only regard Li Jue and Guo Si as the culprits who killed Emperor Xian.

After meticulously planning all possible remedial measures following the failed assassination attempt, Yan Yi finally made the decision to assassinate Emperor Xian.

The flickering candlelight illuminated his face, making his features appear indistinct, and his voice was deep, as if drifting from a distant horizon: "Have Yan Xiu and the others' families and relatives been taken into custody?"

Yan Xiu was the leader of the assassins tasked with killing Emperor Xian.

Yin Li's heart skipped a beat, and he said in a low voice, "A total of one hundred and thirty-two people have been brought under control."

Yan Yi pondered for a moment and said, "Tell Yan Xiu and the others that after the matter is accomplished, each household will be given five hundred gold coins, three thousand acres of fertile land, and their descendants will be ennobled and have temples built for them."

Yin Li's pupils suddenly contracted, his heart filled with astonishment. He wondered what kind of mission it was that the young lord would offer such an incredibly generous reward.

Yan Yi then added, "Regardless of whether the matter succeeds or fails, kill Yan Xiu and the others afterwards. Be careful not to reveal your identity."

Yin Li felt a chill run down his spine, but dared not ask any more questions, and nodded solemnly.

"Young Master, if there are no other instructions, I shall take my leave."

"Go."

Yan Yi watched Yin Li's receding figure with a complex expression.

The next morning, the sky was clear and blue, and the rising sun slowly rose from the ridgeline of the distant mountains. In an instant, thousands of golden rays pierced the sky and sprinkled the earth.

On a vacant lot outside the North Gate of Qiantang, a loess platform, two zhang high, was erected, called the 'Command Platform'.

Around the platform where the mandate was issued, officials, gentry, scholars, and elders from Qiantang stood in neat rows, silent and respectful.

Li Huan, dressed in a blue official robe, stood upright, facing south.

Yan Yi wore a crimson official robe with a cross-collar and right-fastening design, adorned with a Jinxian crown. The crown had a three-horizontal ridge, signifying his status as a prefect. He wore a jade-inlaid belt and silk shoes. He slowly walked up to the platform to receive his appointment and stood facing north.

Li Huan's robe sleeves billowed in the wind like flags, rustling loudly. Inside the sleeves, he slowly unfurled a 1.1-inch-long imperial edict, known as the "1.1-inch edict," and solemnly read it aloud.

"I have inherited the Han dynasty and reign over all nations. Heaven blesses the people and will surely appoint virtuous and capable officials. Now, the rebellious barbarians are rampant and the royal order is in disarray. Only loyal and courageous ministers can restore order and sweep away the wicked and rebellious."

"Commander Yan Yi, the Tiger Mighty, is of gentle and kind character, with a magnanimous and profound demeanor. He is tireless in protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people, working day and night; he is renowned for both his power and benevolence in suppressing rebellious forces. In the Battle of Yongping, he braved arrows and stones to crush the rebels, achieving the greatest merit among all the armies. He is truly a pillar of the state and a pillar of my heart."

"Now appointed: Prefect of Danyang, with the authority of a bronze tiger tally, overseeing the seventeen counties of Danyang, and pacifying the people."

"I hereby appoint you as General Who Punishes Rebels, with Imperial Envoy and Commander of Military Affairs in Danyang."

"Now conferred the title of Marquis of Guannei, with a fief of three hundred households, which shall be hereditary and perpetual."

"May you inherit your merits, bring peace and stability to the southeast. Do not disobey my command, and may the Han dynasty be forever secure."

After Li Huan finished reading the imperial edict, he closed the edict and handed it to Yan Yi.

Yan Yi bowed his head and raised his hands to receive the imperial edict. Facing north, he bowed three times and exclaimed, "Your subject receives the edict and thanks Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years!"

Li Huan took the tokens from the official standing beside him and handed them to Yan Yi one by one, including: the prefect's silver seal and blue ribbon (with a tortoise-shaped knob), the bamboo envoy's token, accounting documents, the banner, the silver seal and blue ribbon (with a camel-shaped knob), and the military tally.

Yan Yi took them one by one and handed them to the attendant beside him.

Below the platform, the civil and military officials watched this scene with a myriad of emotions. Some were thrilled, some were excited, some were awe-inspiring, and some remained silent. The only thing they had in common was a hint of reverence in their eyes.

Sun Jing looked up at Yan Yi's tall back and murmured, "This must be the one who will pacify Jiangdong."

As Yan Yi implemented his military and political measures against the Sun family, and as his former loyal generals were gradually divided and won over, he gradually abandoned the idea of ​​the Sun family establishing itself independently. He began to advise his clansmen to be law-abiding and to prioritize consolidating their position.

"When Attendant Li made his imperial tour, the people of Jiangdong were overjoyed and all hoped to get close to the Emperor's majesty. We request that Attendant Li stay in Qiantang for a few more days to satisfy the people's longing."

On the platform where the order was issued, Yan Yi earnestly pleaded with Li Huan to stay, intending to use his name to offset the negative impact of Liu Yao's decree on him. The tiger skin was right there; it would be a waste not to use it.

"The sincere loyalty of the people of Jiangdong is proof of Your Majesty's widespread virtue and benevolence. In that case, I will stay in your esteemed place for a few more days." Having already reaped the benefits, Li Huan readily agreed without hesitation.

After the investiture, a ceremony was held at the temple, with a grand sacrifice. The two did not linger on the platform for receiving the mandate; after exchanging a few words, they walked down from the platform side by side.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Attendant!"

The civil and military officials and gentry below the stage either bowed or prostrated themselves in worship, parting to the sides as the two men walked, like waves of rice being parted by an invisible force.

After entering the city, the crowds surged even more, with people packed on both sides of the streets, crowding together to welcome them.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

At first, when the common people came to pay their respects, they would mention Li Huan's name. Gradually, however, the only words they uttered from the thousands of mouths were "Your Majesty," and the shouts grew louder and louder, causing the curtains on Li Huan's carriage to tremble slightly.

Li Huan lifted the curtain on the carriage window and stared in shock at the scene of the people bowing their heads. His mouth was slightly open, but he could not utter a sound.

He had never seen such a scene in his life. Four words involuntarily came to mind: universal adoration.

Li Huan glanced enviously at Yan Yi, who was sitting on the other side of the carriage, only to find that the other man was sitting calmly inside, seemingly already used to such scenes.

"Have Lord Sun draft an edict to exempt all counties from taxes for three months, so that the people may share in the Emperor's grace," Yan Yi instructed a clerk standing on the carriage.

This was his first edict after assuming the post of Prefect of Danyang, and it was of extraordinary significance. In this winter before the war, allowing the people to recuperate would not only solidify his image and reputation as a benevolent and patriotic official, but also boost the morale of the army and the people.

As for the second decree, it was naturally to establish a prefectural court and reward the officials.

The prefectural court was the administrative headquarters of the prefect, divided into two major systems: civil and military. The very name "prefectural court" reveals the immense power wielded by the prefect, to the point that he could establish a 'mini-court'.

In this small court, he was the absolute ruler. Every official he summoned, whether a prefectural magistrate, a commandant, or a clerk or squad leader, naturally enjoyed the recognition of the Han dynasty's legal system from the moment the imperial edict was issued. They were no longer acting presumptuously, but were rightfully recorded in the court's records.

The two imperial edicts immediately drew cheers from the officials and common people under its jurisdiction.

The civil and military officials risked their lives to follow Yan Yi in painstakingly establishing the dynasty, all for the power and wealth represented by this imperial edict. The people of all regions sincerely supported him, hoping for a tangible and peaceful life behind the edict.

The two imperial decrees were like a gentle rain from heaven, bringing sweetness to everyone's hearts.

That evening, Yan Yi hosted a grand banquet at his residence, feasting his guests. Outside, a food stall was set up, serving a wide variety of wheat porridge and meat soup. The entire city of Qiantang was bustling with the festive atmosphere of a holiday.

Even with Yan Yi's astonishing alcohol tolerance, he became slightly tipsy and, unusually, did not work overtime. After a night of passion with his two favorite concubines, he fell into a deep sleep.

In the middle of the night, there was a gentle knock on the door.

One of the concubines was the first to wake up. She quietly put on her bodice and undergarment, walked to the door, and asked in a low voice, "What is it?"

"I have something important to report to the young lord," a whisper came from outside the door.

The concubine recognized Yin Li's voice and, not daring to be negligent, gently woke Yan Yi.

Yan Yi sat up from the brocade couch, pressing his knuckles against his sore eyelids. He casually pulled a crimson gauze robe from the screen, draped it over his shoulders, and walked out of the bedroom.

Outside, the night was as dark as ink, with starlight spilling across the ground. Yin Li stood straight at the foot of the steps, and in the distance, towards the courtyard gate, several figures appeared and disappeared in the dim light of the lanterns.

"What's the matter?"

"His Majesty secretly sent Han Ai to present important matters to you, my lord."

Yan Yi's sleepiness vanished instantly, and he asked, "Have you thoroughly investigated the authenticity of the person who came?"

Yin Li had not expected that Emperor Xian's eunuch would be hiding in the imperial envoy's mission. He had already conducted a thorough investigation before the mission arrived, and immediately replied, "The ivory tablet, the imperial edict, the imperial seal, and the official seal have all been examined. This person was formerly the Yellow Gate Attendant of the Zhangde Hall, and was sent out of the palace many years ago. He should be an informant planted outside the palace by the late emperor."

Yan Yi pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Take him to the East Courtyard's meditation room. I'll be there shortly."

Yin Li nodded slightly, then his figure disappeared into the shadows like a ghost, vanishing in an instant.

Yan Yi returned to his bedroom, where he put on a black fur robe with the help of two concubines, and headed towards the east courtyard.

Inside the east courtyard, a middle-aged man of about forty years old with a clean chin sat on a tatami mat, his sinister, snake-like eyes scanning the room's furnishings. Suddenly, a shadow peeked in from outside the door, and the man's eyelids drooped abruptly, his sinister expression vanishing instantly, replaced by a submissive and respectful demeanor.

Yan Yi walked over and sat down on the couch opposite Han Ai. He carefully examined him for a few moments and, seeing that Han Ai looked like a typical eunuch, couldn't help but ask, "Han Jun's appearance has piqued my curiosity. Li Huan is known for his suspicion, and everyone in the delegation has been personally examined by him. How could you possibly have deceived everyone?"

Han Ai chuckled softly, her voice high-pitched and hoarse: "To be honest, my lord, I was originally a servant of Zhang Rang. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, Dong Zhuo was convicted and sought refuge under Zhang Gong's patronage, and I happened to be in charge of that matter. After Dong Zhuo entered the capital, he remembered our past relationship and promoted me, so I joined his service and gained his trust."

When Yan Yi saw that he would cover his mouth with his sleeve from time to time while speaking, behaving in a 'coquettish' manner, he couldn't help but swallow and get goosebumps all over his body.

Since transmigrating, I've seen many strange and unusual things. But this is the first time I've encountered such a bizarre creature as a eunuch.

"What brings you here so late at night, Mr. Han?" He shifted his gaze from Han Ai's fair, powdered face and asked in a low voice.

Han Ai said solemnly, "Your Excellency has twice written in blood to express your loyalty, and His Majesty read them in the deep palace and wept. I have come here today at great risk, on His Majesty's secret edict, begging Your Excellency to kill the traitor for the sake of the country!"

Yan Yi felt slightly embarrassed. He had previously envied Cao Cao's power to "conquer all directions while holding the emperor hostage" and had secretly sent two letters written in blood to show his loyalty in order to gain some benefits from Emperor Xian. He had not expected the emperor to be so eager and send an envoy in the blink of an eye. It was clear that this puppet emperor's situation in Chang'an had deteriorated to the point of desperate measures.

"Where is the secret edict? Please allow me to see it," he said in a low voice.

Han Ai reached for her waist and solemnly took out a bloodstained silk cloth from the inner pocket of her belt, as if she were holding a priceless treasure, and slowly spread it out on the table.

(End of this chapter)