Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

Chapter 160 Liu Yu also rebelled, Liu Bei was ordered to suppress the rebels (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)
Back when Liu Yu was still in Luoyang, he had a close relationship with Yuan Shao.

Therefore, when Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo used a secret edict to depose the Prince of Hongnong and install the Prince of Chenliu, Liu Yu also believed Yuan Shao and was convinced that Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo had forged the edict. He also expressed his support for Yuan Shao to attack Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo.

Now that the Prince of Hongnong has died in Luoyang, the suspicions of Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo forging the imperial edict have been further deepened.

Yuan Shao was certain that Liu Yu would not refuse, so he proposed to Han Fu that Liu Yu be enthroned as emperor.

The reason for choosing Liu Yu was not only because of his status and reputation, but more importantly because although Liu Yu was kind and benevolent, he was not skilled in military affairs.

If we want to pacify the world, we have to rely on Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao had even prepared his daughter; if Liu Yu agreed to accept the mandate to become emperor, he would marry his daughter to Liu Yu's son, Liu He.

From now on, Yuan Shao will be the most powerful person in the court after the new emperor.

Han Fu, who was a protégé of Yuan Shu, also wanted to go further and suggested, "We can send another letter to Yuan Shu, Zhang Miao and others, saying that the current emperor is not the son of the late emperor."

“We intend to emulate the stories of Marquis Jiang, Zhou Bo, and Marquis Yingyin, Guan Ying, who executed the deposed young emperor and installed the King of Dai. We will then discuss Liu Yu’s merits and governance, and his unparalleled achievements in China. No one in the royal family can compare to Liu Yu today.”

"Emperor Guangwu was five generations removed from the Prince of Changsha. Geng Yan and Feng Yi advised him to assume the title of Emperor Guangwu, and he eventually succeeded Emperor Gengshi. Now, Liu Yu is a descendant of the Prince of Donghai, and he is also five generations removed from the Prince of Donghai. This is the same situation as Emperor Guangwu."

“A sorcerer observed the night sky and saw that four stars were converging at the constellations of Ji and Wei, which could be interpreted as a prophecy: ‘A divine man will be born in Yan.’ He also falsely claimed that someone had obtained a jade seal with the inscription ‘Yu will become the emperor.’ He further claimed that there were two suns in Dai County, which was an omen of Liu Yu’s usurpation of the throne.”

Han Fu spoke eloquently and directly explained the legal basis for supporting Liu Yu.

Although spreading rumors that Liu Xie was not Liu Hong's son was shameless, Han Fu didn't care whether it was shameless or not.

Official history may not be true, but unofficial history is definitely unofficial.

Moreover, those who supported Liu Yu as emperor didn't care whether it was true or false; as long as they had a legitimate claim, that was enough.

Yuan Shao was also satisfied with Han Fu's support and promised, "If Liu Yu becomes emperor, I will be General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Brother Han can be Minister of Works. I will be responsible for quelling the rebellious, and Brother Han will be responsible for commanding all officials."

Han Fu was even more pleased with himself: "You are too kind, Mr. Yuan. I am where I am today because of the kindness of the Yuan family. This is all my duty."

But deep down, Han Fu had a different idea: With my abilities, how could I not sweep away the disloyal ministers?
However, at present, he needed to cooperate with Yuan Shao, and even if he wanted to fight for power, he had to wait for Liu Yu to agree to declare himself emperor. Therefore, Han Fu kept his thoughts to himself and did not show them.

After finalizing the details, Yuan Shao and Han Fu selected Zhang Qi, a native of Ganling and former governor of Lelang, and others to take the proposal to Zhuojun to find Liu Yu.

If Liu Bian had not died, Liu Yu would have angrily denounced Zhang Qi and others for being disloyal and unfilial, for harboring treasonous intentions, and for defaming loyal ministers.

Now that Liu Bian is dead, Zhang Qi and others attributed his death to Liu Xie's fear of instability in the throne, and spread rumors that Liu Xie was not Liu Hong's biological son, thus erasing Liu Xie's legal right of succession.

Liu Yu was convinced that Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo were forging an imperial edict, which made him hesitate.

after all.

Emperor Zhi (Liu Zuan), Emperor Huan (Liu Zhi), and Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) were not in line of succession.

Liang Ji supported Liu Zuan, the eight-year-old great-grandson of Emperor Zhang of Han, to become emperor. After Liu Zuan's death, Liang Ji then sent Liu Zhi, the Marquis of Liwu, to the Southern Palace to ascend the throne.

After Liu Zhi's death, Dou Miao sent Imperial Censor Liu Shu, Grand Master of the Palace, and General Cao Jie, among others, to Hejian State to welcome Liu Hong to the throne.

Now that Liu Hong and Liu Bian are dead, and Liu Xie is suspected of not being Liu Hong's biological son and being involved in Liu Bian's death, it would be perfectly acceptable for the officials to select a talented and prestigious member of the imperial clan to ascend the throne.

However, becoming emperor was a major event.

Once a decision is made, there is no turning back.

Seeing Liu Yu hesitate, Zhang Qi advised again: "If Lord Liu refuses to become emperor and take charge of the overall situation, we loyal and righteous men will be traitors with rebellious intentions. In the past, when we attacked Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo, Lord Liu also helped us. In the eyes of Liu Bei and others, Lord Liu is just like us, a traitor with rebellious intentions."

"Does Liu Gong think that if he supports the false emperor Liu Xie now, Liu Bei and the others will think that he has abandoned the darkness and turned to the light? For the sake of the Han Dynasty and for Liu Gong's own sake, only if Liu Gong emulates Emperor Guangwu and declares himself emperor in Hao City will we have a reason to punish Liu Bei and the other rebels, and only then can Liu Gong restore the Han Dynasty and save his life."

Liu Yu frowned, his frustration causing him to get up and pace back and forth.

Liu Yu understood Zhang Qi's reasoning.

Having participated in Yuan Shao and others' campaign against Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo, if Liu Yu were to express support for Liu Xie's ascension to the throne, not only would Liu Bei and others not believe that Liu Yu genuinely supports him, but Yuan Shao and others would also become enraged and turn against Liu Yu. Gongsun Zan, who was already fighting against Liu Yu, would be even less likely to believe him.

At that time, Liu Yu will be surrounded by enemies and have nowhere to turn.

"But I have no achievements to show for myself, and even if I were to become emperor, I would have no prestige," Liu Yu said, expressing his deep concern.

Seeing that Liu Yu had relented, Zhang Qi was secretly overjoyed and said, "If Lord Liu has such concerns, why not first assume the positions of Grand Marshal and concurrently Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and be authorized to bestow titles and honors? In this way, we will have a pretext to attack Liu Bei and his followers. After achieving merit in the future, we can then claim the title of Emperor, how about that?"

Liu Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "If it is only to serve as Grand Marshal and concurrently as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and to be granted official titles and honors, I am willing to take on this important task and work with you all to save the Han Dynasty."

The risk of becoming emperor is too great; one wrong move and there's no way out. Taking on the role of Grand Marshal and concurrently Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, with the authority to appoint and bestow titles, is much less risky.

As for the future, we'll discuss that later.

Zhang Qi was overjoyed and then presented the official appointments that Yuan Shao and Han Fu had already discussed.

In addition to Han Fu remaining as Governor of Ji Province, Yuan Shao was appointed Governor of Hanoi and General of Chariots and Cavalry, Yuan Yi was appointed Governor of Yan Province, Zang Hong as Governor of Qing Province, Tao Qian as Governor of Xu Province, Yuan Shu as Governor of Yu Province, Zhou Yu as Governor of Jing Province, and Zhang Chao as Governor of Yang Province.

The provinces of Youzhou, Jizhou, Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Yangzhou, and Jingzhou were nominally brought under the jurisdiction of Liu Yu, the Grand Marshal.

Liu Yu approved of all these appointments.

Because Gongsun Zan raised troops in Youzhou to fight against Liu Yu, Liu Yu asked Yuan Shao and Han Fu to lead troops into Youzhou to attack Gongsun Zan.

Yuan Shao and Han Fu readily agreed to Liu Yu's request.

"Yuan Tu, you deserve the greatest credit!"

Yuan Shao laughed excitedly.

If Liu Bian hadn't died, Yuan Shao really wouldn't have been confident that he could appoint Liu Yu as Grand Marshal and concurrently Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Although the goal of making Liu Yu directly declare himself emperor was not achieved, as long as Liu Yu is willing to take the lead, it is only a matter of time before he is supported to become emperor in the future.

Meeting Ji also brings joy to my heart.

The assassination of Liu Bian was Feng Ji's proudest achievement; without it, Yuan Shao would not have gained any legitimacy. Deep down, however, Feng Ji harbored contempt for Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo. What good was a secret edict to depose and install emperors? Even if it was a genuine edict, he could make it appear fake.

In addition to praising Feng Ji, Yuan Shao also remembered to commend the newly joined Guo Tu.

In the assassination of Liu Bian, Feng Ji was the strategic leader, while Guo Tu was the executor.

Although Yuan Shao regretted the loss of Zhou Bi, he didn't pay much attention to Zhou Bi's death.

Yuan had many protégés and former subordinates, so the death of Zhou Bi was not a significant loss.

Just like now, Zhou Bi died, and Guo Tu came along.

Upon learning that Guo Tu had persuaded Zhou Bi to leave with him before departing, Yuan Shao admired Guo Tu even more: "He is a wise man with even greater talent than Zhou Bi!"
Yuan Shao, wanting to test Guo Tu's abilities, asked, "The Grand Marshal has invited Han Fu and me to go to Youzhou to attack Gongsun Zan. Do you have any good strategies to teach me?"

Yuan Shao had discussed the specific strategy with Feng Ji, but at the moment, he needed to assess the talent of the newcomer and give Guo Tu a chance to prove himself.

Guo Tu glanced around and saw that only Feng Ji was by Yuan Shao's side. He then spoke frankly, saying, "Han Fu is ambitious but incompetent. He may not be willing to be subordinate to our lord. If Han Fu were to take charge of Ji Province, even if our lord were to help Liu Yu succeed in the future, it would be Han Fu who would benefit."

"Therefore, in my opinion, the best course of action in this attack on Gongsun Zan is to take advantage of the opportunity to suppress Han Fu's military power and seize Ji Province, rather than defeating Gongsun Zan."

Yuan Shao nodded slightly.

Yuan Shao knew very well who Han Fu was.

Previously, during the alliance meeting to attack Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo, Han Fu, fearing Yuan Shao's prestige, often embezzled military rations in an attempt to undermine morale and damage Yuan Shao's reputation.

Now that Liu Yu is in charge of the Grand Marshal and concurrently the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, and is also authorized to bestow titles and honors, even if Yuan Shao claims that he is only in charge of the military and not the political affairs, it may not be able to dispel Han Fu's suspicions.

However, Yuan Shao had another concern, saying, "If the main goal is to seize power, it will be difficult to quickly eliminate Gongsun Zan. Now that Liu Bei has annexed Dong Zhuo's remaining forces, if he hears that the Grand Marshal has been appointed to a post, he might send troops to attack Hebei. What should we do then?"

Guo Tu laughed and said, "Not to mention that Hebei has the natural barrier of the Yellow River, even if Liu Bei dares to cross the danger to attack Hebei, he must first secure the three provinces of Yan, Yu, and Xu. In particular, Yuan Shu, the governor of Yu Province appointed by the Grand Marshal, will definitely be Liu Bei's primary target."

"I have heard that Yuan Shu has always been disrespectful to our lord. Why don't you write a letter to Yuan Shu, in which you write many self-deprecating words, and also say that Gongsun Zan is too powerful to be controlled and will be difficult to eliminate in a few years. You should also make an agreement with Yuan Shu that whoever enters Luoyang first will be made a general and become the one who controls the Yuan family!"

Yuan Shao was intrigued by this.

Yuan Shao knew Yuan Shu all too well: arrogant, self-righteous, and in the past, he had even actively cooperated with Yuan Shao's schemes to cause the deaths of Yuan Kui and Yuan Ji.

Yuan Shao could guess what Yuan Shu was thinking: as long as Yuan Ji was alive, there was nothing for Yuan Shu to do; as for Yuan Shao, he had always been Yuan Shu's son born of a maid, and had no right to command the Yuan family.

Now Yuan Shao is the General of Chariots and Cavalry, while Yuan Shu is only the Governor of Yu Province. This must be causing dissatisfaction. If we don't offer Yuan Shu a promise of a better future, he might not be willing to compete with Liu Bei.

If Liu Bei were allowed to advance unimpeded and first join forces with Gongsun Zan to attack Hebei, it would truly be paving the way for Yuan Shu's success.

"Yuan Tu, what do you think of this plan?" Yuan Shao did not immediately evaluate Guo Tu's plan, but instead turned to ask Feng Ji.

Feng Ji glanced at Guo Tu, who had a smug look on his face, and said, "This plan is excellent."

Changing the subject, Feng Ji added, "However, Yuan Shu was defeated by Liu Bei and even killed by Liu Bei to the point of cutting off his beard and abandoning his robe. He may not dare to fight against Liu Bei again."

"I have never heard of any strategist under Yuan Shu to make decisions for him. If Yuan Shu is defeated again, not only will Liu Bei's prestige be greatly enhanced, but it will also affect the lord's plans for Hebei."

First he praised Guo Tu's plan, then he criticized it as difficult to implement. Feng Ji's understanding of Yuan Shao's psychology became more and more sophisticated.

Yuan Shao hesitated as expected, saying, "Given Yuan Shu's audacity, it is indeed possible."

Seeing that his initial plan was about to be rejected, Guo Tu became anxious and said, "If only the lord writes a letter, it is indeed possible. I am willing to personally go to Yuzhou to persuade Yuan Shu for the lord. I am originally from Yingchuan and have many old friends in Yuzhou. I am sure I can sway Yuan Shu's heart."

"If my lord grants me another document, I can then persuade Zhang Chao, the governor of Yangzhou, and Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, to form a temporary alliance with Yuan Shu. In that case, how could Yuan Shu be afraid of Liu Bei and dare not contend with him?"

A smile appeared on Feng Ji's lips.

I'm not afraid of Guo Tu making meritorious contributions, but I'm afraid of Guo Tu offering advice to Yuan Shao.

Now that Guo Tu has volunteered to go and assist Yuan Shu, let alone whether Guo Tu will return alive, even if he does, he may not be trusted by Yuan Shao.

Who knows if Guo Tu actually switched allegiance to Yuan Shu?

Therefore, before Yuan Shao could agree, Feng Ji clapped his hands and said respectfully, "Brother Guo's courage is admirable. If Brother Guo had gone to persuade Yuan Shu, Tao Qian, and Zhang Chao, how would Liu Bei have dared to send troops to Hebei? My lord, Lord Guo is a man of great talent, and I am no match for him."

Flattered by Feng Ji, Guo Tu's impatience lessened considerably, and he looked at Yuan Shao with hope.

Seeing that Guo Tu had volunteered for an important position, and that Feng Ji had praised Guo Tu highly, Yuan Shao thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "In that case, I will give you a letter and the corresponding documents. If you can help me hold off Liu Bei, I will reward you with the greatest merit."

Guo Tu was overjoyed: "I will certainly not fail my lord's command!"

As Liu Yu assumed power and was granted official titles, proclamations were sent to all eight prefectures.

The news had already reached Luoyang, and the court officials were all astonished.

Liu Xie was also greatly shocked and angrily cursed, "Liu Yu actually dared to take the position of Grand Marshal and even be appointed as the governor of a province? How dare this old thief do such a thing!"

Of the three governors initially appointed by Liu Hong, Liu Yan, the governor of Yizhou, severed ties with the Luoyang court under the pretext of rice bandits blocking the road. Now, Liu Yu has taken on the role of Grand Marshal and acted as an ally of rebels. Only Huang Wan, a minister from another clan, remains loyal to the court.

Originally, Liu Xie was thinking that once the roads were clear, he would send someone to contact Liu Yu so that if Liu Bei seized power in the future, Liu Yu could check and balance Liu Bei.

Unexpectedly, Liu Yu rebelled first, which made Liu Xie feel deeply betrayed once again.

The rumor that "Liu Xie was not Liu Hong's son" that spread to Luoyang in particular infuriated Liu Xie.

I have been in the palace since I was a child. If I am not a prince, am I some kind of child who sprang from a rock?
Some officials in the court were on good terms with Liu Yu and stepped forward to defend him, saying, "Liu Yu may have been held hostage, it may not be true." Others were on bad terms with Liu Yu and stepped forward to say, "Liu Yu was on good terms with Yuan Shao and responded when Yuan Shao raised the banner of rebellion, it must be true."

While his ministers debated the matter, Liu Bei was quietly considering whether to first send troops to Hebei to capture the rebel leader, or to first pacify Yu, Yan, and Xu.

Both paths have their advantages and disadvantages. One path can strike at Yuan Shao's arrogance in the shortest time, but it is very risky. The other path is steady and cautious, but it will give Yuan Shao time to grow stronger.

Lost in thought, Liu Xie could no longer contain his anger and shouted to Liu Bei, "The rebels are so arrogant. If we do not punish them, it will be against all reason. I beg you, Imperial Uncle, to send troops to punish the rebels."

Seeing Liu Xie's face contorted with rage, Liu Bei had a plan for launching an attack and replied, "The one who has brought chaos to the world is the Yuan family. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will surely punish the rebels one by one."

(End of this chapter)