Transmigrating to the Three Kingdoms as Lu Bu: I Have a Pseudo-Apocalypse System

Several days later, east of Chang'an, at Ba Shang.

A massive procession was gathering, with thousands of carriages loaded with documents, archives, and office supplies from various government offices, as well as the belongings of the Prince of Jin's residence. The procession stretched as far as the eye could see.

Lu Bu rode his horse to the side of the road, and as the caravan passed by, he put all the items into his storage space. He also instructed the corresponding officials to remember the order of their respective supervisors, so that everyone could collect the items when Lu Bu retrieved them in Luoyang.

Beside her, Yan Yuan held three-year-old Lü Zhao, while several ladies, including Diao Chan, Aisha, Du Xiuniang, Cao Zhi, Mi Zhen, Sun Shangxiang, and Cai Yu, stood to the side.

Yan Yuan said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, once you leave, Chang'an will be empty."

Lü Bu said, "Chang'an will not be empty. It is still an important town in the northwest, the gateway to Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and the Western Regions. In the future, the court will also set up a garrison office to govern Guanzhong."

Diao Chan smiled and said, "Sister, are you reluctant to leave Chang'an?"

Yan Yuan shook her head: "It's not that I'm reluctant to leave, it's just that I've lived here for several years and I've gotten used to it."

Lu Bu laughed and said, "Habits can be changed. Luoyang will be more prosperous than Chang'an in the future, and you will like it."

Just then, a troop of cavalry galloped in from the east.

The leading general was none other than Cheng Lian.

He dismounted, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "My lord, the vanguard has passed Huayin and is on a safe journey. General Hou Cheng is ready in Luoyang and awaits your arrival."

Lü Bu nodded: "Alright, let's go."

The convoy slowly started moving and headed east along the official road.

……

On the 20th of the eleventh month, at Shili Pavilion, east of Luoyang City.

Hou Cheng, along with the soldiers of the Luoyang Army Group and officials of all ranks in Luoyang, waited by the roadside early in the morning.

Looking into the distance, one could see dust billowing on the official road as a large procession slowly approached.

A large banner hung at the head, bearing a huge character "吕" (Lü). Beneath the banner, Lü Bu, dressed in a brocade robe, rode on his Red Hare, exuding an imposing aura.

Hou Cheng hurriedly stepped forward, knelt down, and kowtowed: "This humble general, Hou Cheng, respectfully welcomes my lord!"

Lu Bu dismounted and helped him up, saying, "You've worked hard."

Hou Cheng stood up, his face beaming with joy: "My lord, Luoyang City is ready. Although the South Palace and North Palace are not fully restored, the Taiji Hall and the enthronement platform are completed. All the government offices in the city are also ready, just waiting for you and the court to move in."

Lü Bu nodded: "Alright, let's enter the city."

The procession entered Luoyang City in a grand procession, where the people lined the streets to welcome them, cheering loudly.

"Long live the Prince of Jin!"

"Long live the Prince of Jin!"

Lü Bu rode his horse forward, waving to the people.

He looked around and saw that Luoyang City had indeed recovered considerably compared to a few years ago.

The streets were lined with shops and bustling with pedestrians. Although it couldn't compare to the prosperity of Chang'an, it already had some of the atmosphere of the imperial capital.

Upon arriving at the Southern Palace, one sees the palace gates wide open and the halls majestic. In front of the Taiji Hall, a three-zhang-high altar has been erected, surrounded by banners, creating an imposing atmosphere.

Lu Bu ascended the Taiji Hall, looked around, and nodded in satisfaction: "Hou Cheng, well done."

Hou Cheng clasped his hands in a fist and said, "My lord, you flatter me. I only did my best."

Lü Bu addressed the crowd, saying, "Pass down the order: all government offices must settle down as soon as possible. All preparations must be completed before the 30th of the twelfth lunar month."

Everyone shouted in unison, "Yes, sir!"

……

As December arrived, Luoyang City gradually became lively.

Governors of various states, army commanders, and envoys from various countries arrived one after another.

Governor of Bingzhou: Ma Teng; Commander of the Bingzhou Army Group: Zhang Yan; Governor of Liangzhou: Wang Yi; Commander of the Liangzhou Army Group: Wei Xu; Governor of Yanzhou: Liu Bei; Commander of the Yanzhou Army Group: Huang Zhong; Governor of Xuzhou: Zhang Yang; Commander of the Xuzhou Army Group: Song Xian…

The arrival of Xun Yu, the governor of Youzhou, particularly pleased Lü Bu. Xun Yu was widely recognized as a wise advisor to kings.

In his mind, Jia Xu was the first Grand Secretary, Chen Gong was the second, and Xun Yu was the third.

His intention in not changing the name of the country and using the Han calendar was also partly motivated by a desire to win over the hearts of Xun Yu and others.

If he were to change dynasties, given Xun Yu's temperament, he probably wouldn't be employed by him. Historically, Xun Yu had a falling out with Cao Cao.

By not changing the dynasty's name, continuing to offer sacrifices at the Han Imperial Ancestral Temple, and using the Han calendar, he persuaded Xun Yu to put aside all his grievances and fully accept the fact that Lü Bu had replaced the Liu imperial family in ruling the Han dynasty, thus earning Xun Yu's sincere loyalty.

In addition to state governors and army commanders, envoys from various countries also arrived one after another.

The Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Yufuluo, along with his younger brother Huchuquan and a group of tribal leaders, came to pay tribute with fine horses, furs, and other gifts.

The various states of the Western Regions, the Qiang tribes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Liaoxi Xianbei and Liaodong Xianbei north of Youzhou, the Three Hans of the peninsula, and the Goguryeo, Buyeo, Yilou, and Okju tribes of the Northeast, all sent envoys or tribal chiefs to attend in person.

On the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, Luoyang City was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and a festive atmosphere filled the air.

In front of the Taiji Hall of the Southern Palace, the platform for the enthronement has been completed. The platform is 33 feet high, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. An incense table and offerings are set on the platform, and banners are planted all around, creating a magnificent scene.

On either side of the high platform were viewing stands. The left side was for civil and military officials, and the right side was for governors of various states, army commanders, and envoys from various countries.

Below the stage, the craftsmen were putting the finishing touches on the decorations. Some were hanging lanterns, some were laying out red carpets, and some were arranging ceremonial objects; they were all extremely busy.

Lu Bu stood in front of the Taiji Hall, looking at all this, and nodded in satisfaction.

Jia Xu approached, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord, everything is ready. On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, we will assist the emperor in abdicating. On the first day of the first lunar month, my lord will ascend the throne."

Lu Bu asked, "Wenhe, how is things going with Liu Xie?"

Jia Xu said, "Minister Shi Sun has already spoken with Liu Xie. Liu Xie is willing to abdicate, only asking that you, my lord, preserve your life and the ancestral temples of the Han dynasty."

Lü Bu nodded: "I will keep my promise to him. After I ascend the throne, I will enfeoff him as the King of Hanzhong, with a fief of ten thousand households, and his royal palace will be located in Luoyang City. He may preserve the ancestral temples of the Han Dynasty and offer sacrifices to the ancestors of the Liu family."

Jia Xu cupped his hands in greeting: "My lord is magnanimous."

Lu Bu waved his hand: "Go, make the final arrangements."

Jia Xu cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes, sir!"

……

As Lunar New Year's Eve approached, at the headquarters of the Da Han Xun Bao newspaper, which had moved to Luoyang, the editor-in-chief, Meng Cheng, was reviewing sample copies of the special edition for the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Meng Cheng was originally the chief secretary of Lü Bu's Prince of Jin's mansion. Now that Lü Bu is about to ascend the throne as emperor, Meng Cheng has been transferred to the head of the "Great Han Xunbao" newspaper to manage public opinion for Lü Bu.

The front page of the special edition contained Liu Xie's edict of self-reproach and abdication. The second page contained Lü Bu's proclamation of accepting the abdication. The third page contained congratulatory messages from civil and military officials of the court. The fourth page contained congratulatory letters from governors of various provinces, army commanders, and envoys from various countries.

Meng Cheng read it over and over again, and after confirming that it was correct, he picked up his pen and wrote two words: "Agreed, to be printed."

This is the final preparation for the sample issue, but the official publication will have to wait until Liu Xie officially abdicates.

……

It was early morning on the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month.

The Hanzhang Hall of the Luoyang Imperial Palace.

Liu Xie sat alone in the hall, dressed in imperial robes and wearing a crown, his eyes filled with weariness.

The hall was empty except for a few eunuchs and palace maids standing in a corner with their hands at their sides.

Shi Sunrui walked in, knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, the time has come."

Liu Xie nodded and stood up. He walked to the bronze mirror, looked at himself in the mirror, and said with a wry smile, "Minister Shisun, I will be taking off this dragon robe today."

Shi Sunrui lowered his head and remained silent.

Liu Xie straightened his clothes and took a deep breath: "Let's go."

He walked out of Hanzhang Hall, through the long corridor, and arrived at Taiji Hall.