Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 265 The Belt Edict

Sleepless through the long night, the candlelight flickering dimly, only the full moon outside the window casting ever longer shadows of the two figures locked in confrontation.

Liu Yao's gaze turned cold, and his voice grew even lower.

I don't understand what you're saying!
Leave immediately. His Majesty has recently appointed Cao Mengde as Imperial Censor, in charge of monitoring Yuan Shao's internal collaborators.

If you dare to linger any longer, don't blame me for handing you over to Imperial Censor Cao. At that time, whatever schemes your master may have, they will all come to naught.

However, Yuan San remained unfazed, leisurely sitting down in Liu Yao's seat in the study, and smiled faintly.

"People leave their voices as they pass by, geese leave their traces as they fly by; everything in this world, once done, will inevitably leave a clue."

"If you don't want anyone to know, then don't do it in the first place. Grand Tutor Liu, you don't actually think that the assassination attempt on the Emperor back then has simply been forgotten in a mere two years, do you?"

He raised his head and stood proudly facing Liu Yao, saying to him:

"The patriarch asked me to pass on a message to you: The time has come, Liu Yao, your retribution has arrived."

Now it's time for you to repay the kindness of not being killed at the Battle of Qu'a.

"You fart!"

Seeing Yuan San's attitude, Liu Yao stopped trying to hide it. His face turned red, and he pointed at him and shouted angrily.

“That incident back then was clearly done by Yuan Gonglu, what does it have to do with me?”

If I had known that Yuan Yi dared to do such a treasonous thing, I would have wanted to kill him with my own hands beforehand.

If I hadn't been kept in the dark, how could I have gotten involved in your rebellion?

On that day, Yuan Yi failed. If I hadn't cleaned up the mess for him and tried my best to cover it up, your lord's rebellion would have been known to the whole world long ago, and he would have been attacked by the princes. How could you be in this situation today?
Now he not only doesn't appreciate my kindness and doesn't know how to repay my kindness, but he's even threatening me with this treasonous plot that I knew nothing about beforehand and never participated in.
Is Yuan Gonglu even human? Does he even know anything about propriety, righteousness, integrity, or a sense of shame?

"hehe."

Yuan San scoffed at Liu Yao's accusations and insults, speaking coldly.

"That's interesting."

If he hadn't been involved, why would the Grand Tutor have covered for Yuan Yi back then?
Besides, it's not like the Grand Tutor only found out today that my Lord Yuan was behind the assassination attempt on the Emperor. Two years have already passed, and the Grand Tutor has been by His Majesty's side day and night.

If we weren't accomplices, why wouldn't the Grand Tutor have told your beloved student, who respects and loves you, about the assassin who killed him?

His words were like knives, each one piercing to the heart; his tone suddenly lowered, carrying a profound meaning.

"Grand Tutor Liu, you say you have nothing to do with the assassination and treason, and nothing to do with us. If you say this, will the Emperor believe you? Will Cao Cao believe you? Will the people of the world believe you?"

Liu Yao!

The truth is not important; what matters is whether your reasoning can convince the world.

History will record this, for all eternity, you will be branded as a regicide!

"You guys are really outrageous!"

It was clearly you who set up this trap, placing the assassin next to me as a bodyguard. If I don't help cover it up, how can I explain myself?

If I don't."

However, before he could finish speaking, Yuan San interrupted him, coldly rebuking him:

"Because you have a guilty conscience!"

If they weren't guilty, why would they help cover it up?
If he were truly upright and honest, he would have confessed everything to the Emperor long ago; otherwise, he would be in this predicament today!

"you"

Liu Yao's face was pale, and his hand pointing at Yuan San was trembling. He could hardly speak.

"The thief cries 'Stop thief!' and then turns around and blames the victim!"
The truth back then was clearly not like that. Does your master only know how to distort the truth?
Please tell him not to force me. He should know that even a cornered beast will fight back, and will fight to the death.

If pushed to the brink, I'd rather die a glorious death than live a shameful life; I'd rather perish together with him, burning to the ground!

What's the point of forcing you?

Yuan San stared at him coldly, his gaze aggressive.

"To perish together? To be destroyed in the process?"

Let me tell you, my husband, Mr. Yuan, is waiting!
Go ahead and tell us everything!
Go tell the world that Lord Yuan personally planned the assassination of the emperor several years ago.

The reason why the emperor fell into the water and narrowly escaped death was because of Yuan Gong's secret planning behind the scenes.

Go and talk to them! Why aren't you moving? Are you afraid to move?

As Yuan San spoke, he himself burst out laughing.

"I also heard what you've been talking about at the Grand Tutor's mansion today, what is it called?"
Yes, it was a conspiracy theory about Yuan Shikai.

What's wrong? According to your conspiracy theories, my Lord Yuan has never given up his ambition to overthrow the Han dynasty, and this is not the first or second time he has secretly plotted such a deceitful and treacherous act against the emperor.

Having too much debt means you have nothing to worry about. Even if you go out and reveal the assassination attempt on the emperor, it will only add another plot to the conspiracy theories.

Whether the world believes you or not is another matter; even if the whole world believed you, what impact would it have on Lord Yuan?

Seeing Liu Yao speechless after what he said, Yuan San smiled, stood up, and patted the Grand Tutor, who was second only to the emperor, heavily on the shoulder.

"Times have changed, Grand Tutor Liu."

The patriarch has already proclaimed himself King of Han, established a new capital, and founded a new dynasty. If there are any disobedient subjects in the world, they can be fought. He is waiting for them in Huainan.

However, if it were known to the court officials and scholars that you, the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty and the leader of the imperial faction, were involved in the major case of assassinating the emperor back then, it would be surprising.

He is in cahoots with my Prince of Han and is the most loyal and capable member of the Yuan clan in the court.

But who knows, when the time comes, my King of Han might be able to withstand the combined attacks of all the lords under heaven, but Grand Tutor Liu, will you be able to withstand the factional attacks and suppression by the entire court of officials?

"No, I didn't!"

I am loyal to the Han Dynasty, I am a member of the Han imperial family, how could I assassinate the emperor?
I... I was just confused for a moment!

"A moment of confusion?"
You didn't do it?
Are you a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty?

Don't be so naive, Grand Tutor.

Now that I'm here today, don't think you can keep your secret any longer.

Before that time, I dare say that no one in the entire Han Dynasty could produce more irrefutable evidence than Lord Yuan to prove that he himself assassinated the emperor.

Let alone the fact that this matter was originally the work of the family head, with Yuan Gong's conspiracy theory as a precedent, even if one insists that this matter has nothing to do with him, I don't think anyone would believe it.

"And if the head of the family admits to this, then you, Grand Tutor, who happened to be sent to Chang'an at the time, fled with the Emperor, and was even personally protected by Yuan Yi, will absolutely not escape punishment!"

With each sentence Yuan San spoke, he took a step closer. Liu Yao remained silent, unable to respond, and could only retreat step by step.

For two years, day and night, in his midnight dreams, Yuan Yi had been rolling down a steep riverbank, covered in blood.

When Li Le was killed, he stared at himself in disbelief, his eyes wide open in death.

When the emperor was rescued from the water, he was so weak that his face was deathly pale and ashen.

For years, he worried that the incident would come to light, and fear grew daily. The nightmare scenes that accompanied him came vividly to mind with Yuan San's accusations.

The dignified Grand Tutor, the leader of the Emperor's faction, was forced to retreat continuously by a single minister, leaving him with almost no place to stand.

"Alright, Grand Tutor Liu, don't be too scared. As long as you do your job well, we have no reason to expose this matter and make things difficult for you, right?"
Now that you have purged all those involved from back then, as long as we don't step forward and admit our crimes, who will bring up these old stories? Besides, serving the King of Han now only brings benefits, not harm.

You've seen the merit book that the Marquis of Duting brought, haven't you? Don't worry, as long as you're working for the master, even if you're in the Han camp, you'll still be credited with merit.

If the world were to change and a new one were to come, with several monumental achievements in hand, Grand Tutor Liu would have a lot of confidence, wouldn't he?

"Given the current situation, the collapse of the Han Dynasty is inevitable. Grand Tutor, you should focus on making careful plans for your own future."

"Enough with the words. I, Liu Yao, am a member of the Han imperial family and have received the favor of both the late emperor and Your Majesty. If I do not think of repaying the country, I would be a wasted human being!"

There is absolutely no way I would be forced to join your corrupt practices under duress!

Liu Yao's eyes were filled with murderous intent, and he almost spoke through gritted teeth.

Even Yuan San was stunned for a moment by this scene, wondering to himself how this was different from what his family had taught.
The patriarch clearly stated that Liu Yao was a coward who feared death and would be easy to manipulate in Luoyang.

Why are you acting so chivalrously and loyally today?

Before he could think further, he heard Liu Yao's voice was hoarse, as if he had used up all his strength.

"This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time."

What do you need me to do? If it doesn't harm the foundation of the Han Dynasty, I can help you this time.

After this matter is over, we are even. I have no further connection with you. If you come again, I will kill you outside the gates!

Upon hearing this, Yuan San smiled, and a knowing look quickly appeared on his face.

"Grand Tutor is right. As a member of the Han imperial family, you are our mortal enemy. Why would you help us?"
Don't worry, you have nothing to do with us. After this is over, I won't come looking for you again.

He said this, but he didn't care at all. Even if there was no Yuan San, there would be Yuan Wu, Yuan Liu, and Yuan Qi to come after you one by one.
Grand Tutor, how naive you are!
Do you think you can stop after doing it once? No, you'll only get deeper and deeper into trouble, and the more evidence they have against you, the more "willing" you'll become a loyal subject of Yuan Shikai!
Once they fall into the hands of my family's Master Yuan, their fate is never in their own hands.

Like a moth drawn into a web, it will only become more and more entangled in the spider silk. With the seal in hand, destiny is like a rope, how can human power defy it?
"Alright, just tell me what you've come here for."

Let me make this clear beforehand: There is absolutely no possibility of assassinating the King or killing the Emperor, anything that would harm the Han Dynasty!

Suppressing his anger, Liu Yao, though outwardly fierce, inwardly weak, asked in a deep voice.

Having already received instructions from Yuan Gong, Yuan San did not hesitate and explained his plan in detail.

"Grand Tutor Liu, what I am about to say is a secret bestowed upon Lord Yuan by the Yellow Heaven. You must remember it well."

Given your status as Grand Tutor, it would be perfectly reasonable for you to frequently visit the Emperor.

When the time was right, the emperor would tear off his robe and secretly write a decree, then bite his fingertip and write it in blood. Afterward, he would have Empress Fu sew it into her jade belt and hide it there.

On this day, the Emperor shall wear this belt when he meets the Grand Tutor, and say to you:

In the past, Emperor Taizu Gao rose up in rebellion after slaying a white snake. He wielded a three-foot sword and roamed the four seas. In three years, he destroyed Qin, and in five years, he destroyed Chu, thus establishing the empire and laying the foundation for an everlasting dynasty.

Our ancestors were such heroes, yet their descendants are so cowardly—how lamentable!

Then he will personally hold your hand and sigh with emotion:

I have never forgotten your merit in saving me in Chang'an, the western capital. Since I have nothing to reward you with, I will now present you with a brocade robe and jade belt.

"I hope you will wear this robe of mine and fasten this belt of mine, as if you were always by my side."

Yuan San instructed Liu Yao to memorize each word, and after Liu Yao had recited them from memory, Yuan San then spoke.

"Grand Tutor, please remember this exchange. If anyone asks you about it in the future, use this as your answer."

He then said that when you returned home, in the dead of night, you examined the brocade robe repeatedly, but found nothing there.

After searching repeatedly to no avail, the lamp wick accidentally fell onto the belt, burning the backing and revealing traces of blood.

He then hastily grabbed a knife, tore it open, and saw that it was a secret edict written in blood by the Emperor, instructing him to eliminate Cao Kuangzheng.

Liu Yao: "."

Liu Yao was astonished when Yuan San finished telling the story in such a serious and methodical manner!

He exclaimed in astonishment, "Is Lord Yuan truly a divine being? How could someone so prescient be so capable? If this is indeed the case, who in the entire land can rival him?"

But then he thought about it again and realized that wasn't right.

"This is not right! This is not right!"
After today's court assembly, Your Majesty has received the strong support of Liu Biao and Liu Bei. In contrast, Cao Cao has lost his position as prime minister and has also transferred Cao Ren's army to defend against Yuan Shao.

Given this situation, how could Cao Cao still hold the emperor hostage? This is precisely the time to unite our efforts and fight against your lord.

How could Your Majesty bestow this edict upon me so easily?

Liu Yao's words were very clear: even if the emperor were to issue the edict in the belt, it would certainly be for the purpose of eliminating Yuan Shao!

Now that the traitor Yuan has not been eliminated and the emperor is no longer held hostage, why issue an edict to eliminate Cao?
However, Yuan San smiled mysteriously, his voice unfathomable.

"The Emperor will issue an edict in the robe and belt to remove Cao Cao. This is a decree issued by our Lord Huangtian Yingyuan Xiansheng Daojun!"
"If you don't believe me, Grand Tutor Liu, please look at this."

Liu Yao took the object that he had mysteriously taken out and examined it. He saw that it was written in blood:
I have heard that among the great human relationships, the relationship between father and son comes first; among the distinctions between superior and inferior, the relationship between ruler and subject is of utmost importance.

Recently, he has been wielding power and oppressing the emperor and father.

It was the edict written in blood by the emperor, removing Cao Kuangzheng from his official robes!
In that instant, Liu Yao felt a chill run through his body and his hair stood on end!
He got it!

Why did Yuan Shu dare to issue an imperial edict, saying that the emperor would surely issue a secret edict?

And why did Yuan San insist on meticulously recording every word and phrase of the emperor's words and responses that day?

All of this was bound to happen because of him.

Just as Liu Yao had expected, Yuan San smiled and said to him:

"Grand Tutor, you may visit the Emperor more often these days. When the time is right, you can take out this edict after returning home and act as I instructed you before."

He then contacted righteous men in the court who were dedicated to restoring the Han dynasty and signed their names as proof, plotting to jointly punish the traitor Cao Cao and restore the Han dynasty.

They are Grand Tutor Liu Biao, Commander of the Imperial Guard Xu Huang, General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng, Lieutenant General Zhong Ji, General of Favor Wu Zilan, Marquis of Duting Wang Zifu, and General of the Rear Liu Bei.

Seeing that Yuan Sanlian had already decided on the names, Liu Yao looked extremely embarrassed and troubled.

"The Emperor is not imprisoned by Cao Cao today. If these people were to confront the Emperor, wouldn't our scheme today be exposed?"

"They won't."

Yuan San spoke in a low, enigmatic tone, continuing his seductive maneuver.

"As the saying goes, if secrets are not kept, disaster will result. The Grand Tutor only needs to inform everyone that this matter is extremely important and should be planned in secret, lest the traitor Cao finds out. Therefore, it should not be discussed with others."

You can also tell them in advance:

[There are already spies of Cao Cao by the emperor's side, which is why we have no choice but to act secretly and pass on secrets.]

Therefore, even if they went to confront the emperor face to face, the emperor would definitely deny it outright, otherwise why would he need to issue an imperial edict in the form of a secret decree?

If someone were to act cleverly and ruin the great cause of restoring the Han dynasty, thus alerting the traitor Cao Cao, he might lead the 20,000 Cao Cao troops in Luoyang to fight to the death.

You have betrayed the Emperor's high hopes, allowing the Han Dynasty to perish at your hands!

Moreover, once the traitor Cao is defeated, the power of the court will fall into the hands of you imperial faction members.

Eliminating the traitor Cao is the cause of restoring the Han dynasty, and it is the righteous cause for the imperial party. No one would be happy about it.

(End of this chapter)