My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

In February of the second year of Jian'an (197 AD), Shuntian was appointed.

The spring chill lingered, and the snow had not yet melted.

Spring came exceptionally late that year.

In Shuntian City, the cold wind was still biting, making the withered branches on both sides of the street tremble.

However, what was even colder than the weather was the atmosphere in the imperial court.

Ji Xuanyuan's achievements are unparalleled throughout the world.

No one dared to say this to his face, but everyone understood it in their hearts.

He pacified the Wuhuan, recovered Jizhou, subdued Liangzhou, and integrated the five northern provinces.

Yuan Shao died, Han Sui died, Wuhuan leader Tadun died, and those once invincible warlords fell one by one at his feet.

Now, apart from Cao Cao of Yan Province and Sun Jian of Yu Province, who are his two allies, and the remaining forces in Qing Province, almost the entire north has fallen into the hands of the Ji family.

How should such meritorious service be rewarded?

There's nothing left to seal off.

This is the most difficult problem facing Liu Xie.

Xuanzheng Hall, court meeting.

The officials stood in two rows, the atmosphere heavy.

Liu Xie sat upright on his throne, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, finally settling on the black-clad figure at the head of the group.

Ji Xuanyuan stood with his head bowed, his face calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

"His Majesty!"

A minister stepped forward; it was none other than Cui Yan, who had recently pledged allegiance to him: "Your subject has a memorial to present."

Liu Xie nodded: "Please speak, Minister Cui."

Cui Yan proclaimed in a loud voice: "Since raising his army, Grand Tutor has rescued the Emperor from peril, established the capital in Shuntian, attacked Dong Zhuo, pacified the Wuhuan, conquered Ji Province, and pacified Liang Province. His achievements are unparalleled and have benefited the people. Now that the north is pacified and the hearts of the people are with him, I believe that Grand Tutor should be promoted to Duke to recognize his merits and appease the world!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall.

Feng Gong?

This is a title bestowed upon someone of a different surname, something that has never happened since the rise of the Han Dynasty!

Before he finished speaking, another person stepped forward. It was Kong Rong, the Grand Master of the Palace. He had come from Beihai to join Ji Xuanyuan and had been appointed Grand Master of the Palace.

"I object!"

Kong Rong declared loudly, "Since the rise of the Han Dynasty, no one but a member of the Liu family has been granted a kingship, and no one but a meritorious official has been granted a marquisate. Although the Grand Tutor has made great contributions, the proposal to confer a dukeship upon him is against the rules of propriety! If this precedent is set, how will we convince the people in the future?"

Cui Yan retorted, "Master Kong is mistaken! The Grand Tutor's achievements surpass those of even the ancient Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou. Yi Yin exiled Tai Jia, and the Duke of Zhou executed Guan and Cai, both for extraordinary merit, and thus received extraordinary rewards. How can the Grand Tutor's achievements be compared to ordinary ones?"

Kong Rong sneered: "Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou were both close relatives of the royal family. Although the Grand Tutor has made great contributions, he is ultimately not of the same surname. If someone of a different surname is granted a dukeship, where does that leave the emperor? Where does that leave the Han dynasty?"

The two were locked in a fierce battle of wits, neither willing to yield.

There was much discussion in the hall, and the debate gradually split into two factions.

One faction supported the enfeoffment of princes, mostly newly recruited scholars from Hebei, as well as military generals and strategists under Ji Xuanyuan.

The other faction opposed the granting of titles to dukes, and consisted mostly of veteran officials of the Han dynasty and some scholars who were loyal to the Han dynasty.

Liu Xie sat on his throne, watching the scene of arguing, his heart turning cold.

He knew that this was not just a dispute over the title of duke.

This is a battle for hearts and minds.

This is... a struggle for the survival of the Han Dynasty.

After the court session, in the Grand Tutor's residence, in the study.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone at his desk, several letters laid out in front of him.

It was written by Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Lü Bu, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing and others.

The contents of the letters were exactly the same.

They advised him to be promoted to Duke of Yan.

"My elder brother's achievements are unparalleled, and his promotion to Duke of Yan is entirely justified."

"If our elder brother does not receive a title, how can he command respect? How can he reassure the soldiers?"

"We brothers are willing to die for our elder brother, only wishing that he will soon ascend to the throne!"

After reading it, Ji Xuanyuan sighed softly.

He folded the letter, placed it aside, and looked at the people sitting below him.

Guo Jia, Pang Tong, Xun Yu, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and the newly arrived Xun You, Xun Yu's nephew, who had just been recruited as military advisor.

"Gentlemen."

Ji Xuanyuan slowly spoke: "What are your thoughts on today's events in court?"

Guo Jia's peach-blossom eyes curved into a smile as he said, "My lord, is there any need to look? Being granted the title of Duke is only a matter of time. Your achievements are unparalleled; without it, how can you command respect? How can you reassure the soldiers?"

Pang Tong nodded: "Fengxiao is absolutely right. If our lord does not grant you a title, how can those soldiers who have risked their lives for you be at peace? What are they hoping to gain by risking their lives to fight for you? Isn't it to have their wives and children rewarded and to bring glory to their ancestors?"

Xun You also said, "My lord, I believe we should follow the trend. After being enfeoffed as dukes, we can establish our own government and set up offices and responsibilities, so as to govern the world in a legitimate and just manner."

All three supported the appointment of a prince.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Xun Yu.

Xun Yu remained silent for a long time, then slowly stood up, walked to Ji Xuanyuan, and bowed deeply.

"My lord, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him gently: "Wenruo, please speak freely."

Xun Yu raised his head and looked directly into his eyes: "My lord, I beg you to reconsider."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia, Pang Tong, and Xun You all changed their expressions slightly.

Ji Xuanyuan remained expressionless, simply watching him quietly.

Xun Yu continued, "I dare not deny your merits, my lord. However, the matter of bestowing a duke title is of utmost importance. Since the rise of the Han Dynasty, only Wang Mang, a man of a different surname, has been granted a duke title. Who is Wang Mang? He is the usurper of the Han Dynasty!"

"If our lord is granted the title of Duke, how will the people of the world view him? What will those scholars loyal to the Han Dynasty think? What will allies like Cao Cao and Sun Jian think? Will they think that our lord is also going to follow Wang Mang's example and commit treason?"

Xun Yu's words were undeniably treasonous, but Ji Xuanyuan remained silent and listened quietly until he finished speaking.

Xun Yu continued, "I know that you, my lord, are loyal and have no ulterior motives. However, people's hearts are unfathomable, and the world may not know everything. If you grant me a dukedom, you will put yourself in a position of suspicion. If some villains try to sow discord in the future, how will you face them?"

Tian Feng also stood up and said, "Wenruo is absolutely right, my lord. I also urge you to reconsider. The matter of bestowing titles upon the nobles is a matter that affects the whole situation. Now that the north has just been pacified, Liangzhou is not yet stable, and Qingzhou is not yet pacified, it is really not appropriate to give others a handle at this time."

Ju Shou nodded in agreement.

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a long time after listening.

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the gray sky.

"Wenruo, Yuanhao, Gongyu, I understand what you mean."

He turned around, looked at everyone, and smiled slightly: "Then I will not bestow the title of Duke."

Guo Jia was taken aback: "My lord..."

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, interrupting him: "I am not an ungrateful person. Wenruo is right. It is indeed inappropriate to confer titles of nobility at this time. But if we do not confer titles, the soldiers who have followed me through thick and thin will inevitably feel resentful."

He paused, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "I have a plan, but I don't know if it's feasible."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Ji Xuanyuan slowly said, "Why don't we ask His Majesty to break with convention and create another title for me?"

"Establish another title?" Pang Tong's eyes lit up.

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Let's call him... General Tian Ce."

Upon hearing this, everyone seemed to be deep in thought.

Xun Yu pondered for a moment and said, "General Tian Ce..."

Ji Xuanyuan explained, "This title is unprecedented in all dynasties. If it is established, it will be an exception. However, the advantage of making an exception is that it will appease the soldiers and avoid any suspicion of granting a dukedom. After all, this is a newly established title, and His Majesty can decide its rank and status."

"The position of General of the Heavenly Strategy can be above the princes or below the Three Dukes. Let Your Majesty decide how to determine it. In this way, I will not compete for it, and Your Majesty will not have a difficult position."

Xun Yu pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "My lord's plan is indeed a win-win solution."

Pang Tong nodded in agreement: "My lord's strategy is both offensive and defensive. If His Majesty grants you a high position, you will accept it; if His Majesty grants you a low position, you will not object. In this way, no one can say anything against it."

After all, Ji Xuanyuan already firmly held power in her hands; bestowing titles of king or duke would merely be a formality.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at Xun Yu: "Wenruo, you should report this matter to His Majesty."

Xun Yu bowed: "Your subject obeys."

Weiyang Palace, Imperial Study.

Liu Xie sat alone at his desk, holding a memorial in his hands, remaining silent for a long time.

That was a suggestion from Xun Yu regarding the "General of Heavenly Strategy".

He read it three times, carefully considering each word.

General Tian Ce...

A separate rank was established, with the emperor determining the rank himself...

Ji Xuanyuan was giving him a way out.

Liu Xie gave a wry smile.

Grand Tutor, you are always like this, so thorough and considerate in everything you do, leaving me no reason to refuse.

But the more this is the case, the more afraid I become.

The more perfect you are, the more I feel that this world will eventually be yours.

Liu Xie put down the memorial, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He recalled the days when he was held hostage by Dong Zhuo in Luoyang.

He was only nine years old at the time, and he spent every day in fear, not knowing whether he would live or die the next day.

Ji Xuanyuan saved him.

Rescue him from Dong Zhuo, return the Imperial Seal to him, train his troops, build his capital, and eliminate the traitor for him.

Over the years, Ji Xuanyuan has treated him with utmost kindness and righteousness.

Can……

He is the emperor.

His surname is Liu.

Ultimately, this world belongs to the Liu family.

Liu Xie opened his eyes, which were now completely calm.

He picked up his pen and, stroke by stroke, wrote on the blank imperial edict: "General of Heavenly Strategy..."

After writing the last word, he put down his pen and said softly, "Someone, summon Liu Bei, the Grand Master of Ceremonies."

It was late at night at Liu Bei's residence.

Liu Bei was reading in his study when he suddenly heard that the emperor had summoned him, and his heart skipped a beat.

He straightened his clothes and followed the eunuch into the palace.

In the imperial study, the candlelight flickered.

Liu Xie sat at the desk, his face solemn.

Upon seeing Liu Bei enter, he rose to greet him and personally helped Liu Bei, who was about to bow.

"Uncle, there's no need for such formalities."

Liu Bei looked at him, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

"Your Majesty summoned me so late at night; what urgent matter is it?"

Liu Xie did not answer immediately.

He simply picked up a letter from the table and handed it to Liu Bei with trembling hands.

Liu Bei took it, unfolded it, and took a look.

That was a blood-written edict.

The blood-red handwriting was shocking.

"I have heard that the Han Dynasty is in decline, treacherous officials are in power, and Grand Tutor Ji Xuanyuan is domineering and arrogant, usurping the emperor's authority and harboring rebellious intentions. Although I am young, I know the importance of the state. I have secretly ordered my uncle Liu Bei to leave Shuntian immediately, secretly unite with the other lords, and jointly punish the rebellious officials, so as to cleanse the court of treacherous ministers and secure the state. My uncle is a member of the Han imperial family and should take it upon himself to restore the Han Dynasty. I have been waiting for this day and night in Shuntian. February of the second year of Jian'an, Liu Xie."

The blood-stained edict not only bore the seal of the Imperial Seal, but also Liu Xie's personal seal.

Liu Bei's hands were trembling slightly.

He raised his head and looked at Liu Xie.

Liu Xie was also looking at him, his eyes filled with expectation and determination.

"Royal Uncle."

He said softly, his voice hoarse, "The only person I can trust is you."

Liu Bei knelt down and kowtowed deeply: "Your Majesty..."

Liu Xie helped him up and continued:

"Tomorrow night, Imperial Uncle, take your three thousand elite warriors and Imperial Guards and leave the city overnight. Go as far away as possible, and whatever you do, don't let Ji Xuanyuan's men find out."

He took out a bundle from under the table and handed it to Liu Bei: "These gold and silver treasures are what I have accumulated over the years. Take them with you, Uncle, and recruit soldiers and build up your strength after you go out."

Liu Bei held the heavy bundle, his eyes reddening.

Liu Xie held his hand and said, word by word, "Imperial Uncle, the future of the Han Dynasty is entrusted to you. I will secretly support you in Shuntian. The day you gather the lords and bring your army to the city gates will be the day I regain power."

Liu Bei knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face: "Your Majesty, rest assured! Your subject Liu Bei swears to restore the Han Dynasty to the death!"

Liu Xie nodded, tears welling up in his eyes.

He turned around, walked to the window, looked at the dark night outside, and murmured, "Go, tomorrow night, I will be on the city wall to see you off, my uncle."

Liu Bei bowed deeply and turned to leave.

In the imperial study, only Liu Xie remained.

He stood by the window, watching the figure gradually disappear into the night, remaining silent for a long time.

After a long while, he sighed softly.

"Uncle, take care."