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

In the first month of the fourth year of Jian'an (199 AD), in Chengdu, Yizhou.

The sounds of New Year's firecrackers had not yet faded, and the governor's mansion in Yizhou was already brightly decorated. Liu Yan held the imperial edict that had been sent all the way from Shuntian, his hands trembling slightly.

The imperial edict clearly stated: "Liu Yan, the Governor of Yizhou, is deeply righteous, and the entire province has submitted to him, his merits benefiting the state. He is hereby specially enfeoffed as the Marquis of Shu, with a fief of ten thousand households, and bestowed with a gold seal and purple ribbon, retaining his post as Governor of Yizhou. His sons, Liu Fan and Liu Dan, are to be sent home immediately to reunite with their father."

Liu Yan read the imperial edict three times, and each time his eyes reddened.

"Father," Liu Zhang said softly from the side, "this is a joyous occasion, why are you crying?"

Liu Yan shook his head, wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and smiled, "Your father is happy. Your eldest brother and second brother are finally coming back."

He stood up, walked to the window, looked towards the north in the direction of Shuntian, and murmured, "The Prime Minister's kindness is something I can never repay in this lifetime."

A few days later, the messenger from Shuntian brought Liu Fan and Liu Dan to Chengdu.

The two brothers knelt before their father, sobbing uncontrollably. Liu Yan, supporting his sons' shoulders, also wept. For years, he had believed they were dead, that he, an old man, had to bury his young. He never imagined they were alive, living well.

"Get up, get up, both of you." Liu Yan helped the two up, his voice hoarse. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Liu Fan knelt on the ground, refusing to get up: "Father, I disobeyed your advice back then and insisted on plotting a rebellion with Ma Teng, which almost ruined our whole family. I am guilty, please punish me, Father."

Liu Dan also kowtowed and said, "Your son is also guilty. If it weren't for the Prime Minister's leniency, your son would have died in Shuntian long ago. Father, the Prime Minister's kindness to us is as heavy as a mountain. Your son is willing to stay in Yizhou and never be an enemy of the court again."

Liu Yan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "Good to know. From now on, Yizhou belongs to the imperial court. Our Liu family will behave ourselves and never harbor any more improper thoughts."

"Yes," the two brothers replied in unison.

In the first month of the fourth year of Jian'an, in Changyi, Yanzhou.

Unlike the festive atmosphere in Yizhou, the atmosphere in Cao Cao's mansion was as heavy as lead.

Xi Zhicai sat at the lower end, his face pale, coughing lightly from time to time. Although Zhang Zhongjing had saved him from his illness, he could no longer exert himself as before. Yet, at this moment, he still forced himself to analyze the situation for Cao Cao despite his illness.

"My lord," he pointed to Jiangdong on the map, "Xiang Yu has taken control of Wu Commandery, and Zhou Yu has occupied Yu Province. Now, all six commanderies of Jiangdong are in the hands of Ji Xuanyuan. The four northern commanderies of Jing Province belong to Liu Qi, and although the four southern commanderies nominally belong to the Sun family, Sun Ce has been defeated and surrendered to you. The four southern commanderies are leaderless and will sooner or later fall into Ji Xuanyuan's hands."

He then traced the map over Yizhou: "Liu Yan surrendered and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Shu. Zhao Yun led his army into Shu, ostensibly to assist in defense, but in reality to take over Yizhou. Now, Ji Xuanyuan has acquired nine of the thirteen provinces of the land. What you, my lord, hold is merely a corner of Yanzhou, plus two counties in Xuzhou, which, at most, is only one and a half provinces."

He paused, looked at Cao Cao, and said, word by word, "My lord, we are surrounded on all sides."

Cao Cao sat behind his desk, his face calm and composed. He didn't speak, but simply picked up his wine cup and took a sip.

"Zhicai," he put down his wine cup and spoke slowly, "tell me, do I still have a chance?"

Xi Zhicai was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Yes."

Cao Cao looked up at him.

Xi Zhicai said, "Although Ji Xuanyuan is powerful, he occupies too vast an area and needs time to digest it. The Jiangdong aristocratic families, the Jingzhou gentry, and the Yizhou powerful clans are all shrewd people. Their submission today is only due to the circumstances. If our lord can recuperate and strengthen his army at this time, he may have an opportunity when internal changes occur within Ji Xuanyuan."

Cao Cao smiled. In that smile, there was bitterness, helplessness, and a hint of resentment.

"Recuperate and rebuild? Strengthen the army? Zhicai, do you think Ji Xuanyuan will give me that time?"

Xi Zhicai remained silent.

Cao Cao stood up, walked to the window, looked north towards Shuntian, and murmured, "He won't give it to me. He'll make his move soon."

In the first month of the fourth year of Jian'an, in Shuntian, at the Tiance Prefecture.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in his study, with victory reports from all over the country spread out before him. He read them one by one, his expression calm and composed. Behind him, Guo Jia, Pang Tong, Zhou Yu, and others sat on either side, each with a joyful expression.

"Congratulations, my lord!" Guo Jia's peach blossom eyes curved into a smile. "Yizhou has submitted, Jiangdong has been pacified, and Yuzhou has been acquired. Now, of the thirteen provinces under heaven, my lord has nine. What remains are only Cao Cao in Yanzhou, Liu Bei in Jiaozhou, and a few counties in southern Jingzhou. With my lord's momentum, sweeping across the world is just around the corner!"

Pang Tong also laughed and said, "Your Excellency's achievements are unparalleled since the restoration under Emperor Guangwu. I believe you should be promoted to Duke to recognize your merits and bring peace to the realm!"

Zhou Yu nodded: "Shiyuan is right. Our lord's achievements are unparalleled. If he is not promoted, how can we win the hearts of the people? How can we reassure the soldiers?"

Ji Xuanyuan put down the report of victory and smiled slightly: "There's no rush for the promotion."

Guo Jia was taken aback: "My lord, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity..."

Ji Xuanyuan waved his hand, interrupting him: "I know. But promotion is no small matter and requires careful consideration."

He stood up, walked to the map, and traced the location of Yizhou with his finger: "Xun Yu is still in Yizhou. I left him there not only to assist Liu Yan in governing the country."

Guo Jia's eyes lit up: "My lord means..."

Ji Xuanyuan turned around and looked at him with a deep gaze: "There will inevitably be opposition in the court to my promotion. Those old ministers of the Han dynasty, those scholars who are loyal to the Han dynasty, will not easily agree. I need Xun Yu in Yizhou to appease those opposing voices for me."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, Liu Yan is a member of the Han imperial family and is highly respected. If he can speak on my behalf in court, my promotion will be a natural progression."

Guo Jia clapped his hands and laughed, "My lord's wisdom and foresight are truly admirable!"

Ji Xuanyuan gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the distance. Outside, the winter snow was beginning to melt, and spring was stirring. The time for advancement had come.

In the second month of the fourth year of Jian'an, in Shuntian, at Xuanzheng Hall.

The atmosphere at the court assembly that day was unusually different.

The civil and military officials stood in two rows, each with a solemn expression. Liu Xie sat upright on his throne, his face calm, but beneath that calm lay unfathomable complexity.

Ji Xuanyuan stood at the head of the group, dressed in court attire, exuding composure.

Liu Xie spoke, his voice clear and resonant: "My beloved ministers, there is an important matter to discuss at today's court assembly."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "Since the Prime Minister raised his army, he has saved the nation from peril, pacified the north in chaos, subdued Jiangdong, and benefited Yizhou. His achievements are unparalleled. I have pondered this matter deeply, but I truly do not know how to reward him. Today, I would like to hear your opinions."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Guo Jia was the first to step forward, proclaiming loudly, "Your Majesty, I believe that the Prime Minister's achievements surpass even those of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou in ancient times. He should be promoted to Duke to recognize his merits and bring peace to the realm!"

Pang Tong immediately followed suit: "I second that opinion! The Prime Minister's achievements are known throughout the land. If he is not promoted, how can we win the hearts of the people? How can we reassure the soldiers?"

Zhou Yu also stepped forward: "I second that opinion!"

The military officers, including Li Cunxiao, Ran Min, and Yang Zaixing, all knelt down in unison: "Your Majesty, we second your proposal!"

In an instant, most of the civil and military officials in the hall knelt on the ground.

Liu Xie remained expressionless and looked at the ministers who had not knelt: "My dear ministers, do you have any objections?"

Grand Master of the Palace Kong Rong stepped forward, his face grave: "Your Majesty, I have an objection."

Liu Xie nodded: "Please speak, Doctor Kong."

Kong Rong said, "I dare not deny the Prime Minister's merits. To be promoted to Duke is no small matter. Since the rise of the Han Dynasty, only Wang Mang, who was not of the Han imperial family, has been granted the title of Duke. If the Prime Minister is granted the title of Duke, how will the people of the world view him? How will future generations write about him? I believe that the Prime Minister should prioritize the country and his reputation, and should not give others a handle to use against him because of temporary merits."

A murmur rippled through the hall.

Ji Xuanyuan remained expressionless, simply standing there quietly, as if Kong Rong was not referring to him.

Liu Xie looked at the others: "Does anyone else have any objections?"

Several more veteran officials of the Han dynasty stepped forward to voice their opposition. But their voices were so faint amidst the surging tide of requests for investiture throughout the hall.

Liu Xie remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "Prime Minister, what is your opinion?"

Ji Xuanyuan stepped forward and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, my achievements are all due to Your Majesty's great fortune and the soldiers' valiant efforts. I dare not take credit for it. I dare not accept the offer of promotion."

Liu Xie looked at him, his gaze complex. He knew that Ji Xuanyuan was giving him a way out. If he truly refused, those who opposed him would praise his noble character, and those who supported him would say he was humble and prudent. Either way, he would be at a disadvantage.

But Liu Xie also knew that Ji Xuanyuan was not unwilling, but rather that the time was not yet ripe.

"Your Excellency's humility is very gratifying to me," Liu Xie said slowly. "But Your Excellency's achievements are known throughout the land. If I do not reward you, how can I command respect? How can I bring peace to the realm?"

He stood up and announced loudly, "Issue the imperial decree—"

The hall was completely silent.

Liu Xie said, word by word: "Prime Minister Ji Xuanyuan's achievements are unparalleled, and his virtue benefits all people. He is hereby specially promoted to Duke of Yan, granted the Nine Bestowments, bestowed with a gold seal and purple ribbon, granted the establishment of the Duke of Yan's mansion, and appointed officials, placing him above all other princes. This is the imperial decree!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" All the civil and military officials in the hall knelt down.

Ji Xuanyuan bowed deeply: "Your subject accepts the decree and expresses gratitude."

On the second day of the second month of the fourth year of Jian'an, the dragon raised its head, which was in accordance with Heaven's will.

On this day, Shuntian City was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the streets were deserted as everyone flocked to the city.

Ji Xuanyuan offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, received the emperor's investiture, and officially ascended to the position of Duke of Yan.

The Nine Bestowments—chariots and horses, clothing, musical instruments, vermilion doors, a throne, tiger-like guards, axes, bows and arrows, and fragrant black millet wine—were displayed solemnly and respectfully. This was the first time since Wang Mang that anyone had received such an honor. Yet no one dared utter a single word of dissent. For this glory was earned by Ji Xuanyuan through countless battles, through twenty years of blood and sweat.

Ji Xuanyuan stood atop the high platform, looking down at the civil and military officials below and the cheering crowds in the distance, yet felt no pride. He recalled the days in Zhuojun when he and his brothers shared a wild rabbit. He recalled the oath he swore with Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei in Luoyang. He recalled the day in Shuntian when he held the newborn Ji Heng and told Zhen Mi, "This child resembles me."

Twenty years have passed. He has grown from a sickly boy to who he is today. Those former enemies are either dead, surrendered, or fled. Those former brothers are either guarding their territories, dying on the battlefield, or becoming bitter enemies. And he stands here, the most powerful man in the world.

But he didn't feel happy; he only felt tired.

"My lord," Guo Jia walked to his side and said softly, "it's time to go back."

Ji Xuanyuan snapped out of his reverie and nodded. He took one last look at Shuntian City below, then turned and walked down from the platform. Behind him, civil and military officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

That night, in the back garden of Tian Ce Mansion (now renamed Yan Gong Mansion).

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone in the waterside pavilion, gazing at the moonlit pond in silence. Zhen Mi, carrying a bowl of ginseng soup, gently approached him.

"Husband, what are you thinking about?"

Ji Xuanyuan took the ginseng soup, held her hand, and said softly, "Thinking back to those days. In Zhuojun, you followed me and suffered so much."

Zhen Mi leaned on his shoulder and smiled slightly: "That's all in the past. Now, my husband is the Duke of Yan, and the whole world belongs to him. What is there to think about?"

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head, his gaze distant: "The world? It's still a long way off. Cao Cao is still in Yanzhou, and Liu Bei is still in Jiaozhou. This world isn't entirely mine yet."

Zhen Mi asked softly, "Then what does my husband plan to do?"

Ji Xuanyuan looked south, his gaze resolute: "Wait. Wait for them to make mistakes, wait for them to fall into internal strife, wait for the time to come."

He paused, then added, "However, it will be soon."

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water. In the distance, the lights of the palace gradually went out. A new era was about to begin.

(The End of Chapter 241)