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

In September of the fifth year of Jian'an (200 AD), Shuntian was appointed.

The autumn sky was clear and cloudless.

The news that Liu Bei had led his troops across the sea to Yizhou spread like an autumn wind throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River. Some sighed, some rejoiced, and some remained silent. Most people, however, breathed a long sigh of relief.

The war is finally over.

From the Yellow Turban Rebellion in 184 AD to the present day, 200 AD, a full sixteen years have passed. Sixteen years of continuous warfare, sixteen years of immense suffering, sixteen years of warlords vying for power. Yuan Shao died, Yuan Shu died, Sun Jian died, Sun Ce died, Han Sui died, Ma Teng died, Liu Biao died, Liu Yan surrendered, Cao Cao submitted, and Liu Bei fled. The once powerful warlords, either dead, surrendered, or fled, were all gone.

The world was finally unified.

The one who completed this unification was not a member of the Han imperial family, nor a man from a family that had held high office for four generations, but a sickly young man who had almost starved to death in a dilapidated temple in Zhuojun—Ji Xuanyuan.

Shuntian, the Yan Mansion.

Ji Xuanyuan stood by the window, gazing at the old locust tree in the courtyard, remaining silent.

Sixteen years have passed.

From the seventh year of Guanghe to the fifth year of Jian'an, from the age of seventeen to thirty-three.

He spent sixteen years covering a distance that others could not finish in a lifetime.

"My lord," Guo Jia's voice sounded from behind, "news has come from Luoyang that the palace has been repaired. The court officials are discussing requesting His Majesty to move the capital back to Luoyang."

Ji Xuanyuan turned around and looked at him: "Court officials? Which court officials?"

Guo Jia smiled slightly: "A group of veteran officials led by Kong Rong, and... Xun Yu."

Ji Xuanyuan raised an eyebrow: "Wenruo agreed too?"

Guo Jia nodded: "Xun Yu said that Luoyang is the former capital of the Han Dynasty, and the emperor should return to Luoyang to appease the people. Moreover, Luoyang is located in the Central Plains, making it convenient to command the four directions."

Ji Xuanyuan didn't speak, but simply walked back to the table, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip. He certainly needed to return to Luoyang. But not now. Right now, there was something more important.

"Fengxiao," he set down his teacup, his gaze distant, "when will the brothers arrive?"

Guo Jia said, "General Xiang Yu has already set off from Yangzhou and will arrive soon. General Guan Yu is coming from Xuzhou, and General Zhao Yun is coming from Yizhou. Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, Ran Min, and others are already in Shuntian. Pang Tong is coming from Jingzhou, and Zhou Yu is still in Jiaozhou dealing with the aftermath and will arrive a little later."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "Alright. We'll discuss moving the capital once they've all arrived."

Guo Jia clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, sir!"

Several days later, at the North Gate of Shuntian.

Banners blotted out the sun, and armored soldiers stood like a forest. The victorious army, one after another, entered the city.

The people lined the streets to welcome them, their cheers deafening. Some scattered flower petals, some offered wine, and some knelt and kowtowed, thanking the soldiers for bringing peace.

Xiang Yu led the charge, clad in black armor, riding a black steed, his double pupils gleaming like lightning. Behind him were tens of thousands of battle-hardened soldiers, their armor gleaming, their morale soaring. He came from Yangzhou, pacified Jiangdong, subdued the former forces of the Sun family, and brought the entire southeast under the control of the imperial court.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rode side by side. Guan Yu stroked his beard, his face calm; Zhang Fei grinned and waved to the people from time to time. They came from Xuzhou and had guarded the east for many years, never causing the court any worries.

Zhao Yun, clad in white robes and wielding a silver spear, exuded composure. He came from Yizhou to assist Liu Yan in pacifying Shu and bringing the land of abundance under the imperial court.

Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, Ran Min, and their brothers were already waiting in the city. They went forward to greet Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, holding hands and looking at each other with deep emotion in their eyes.

"Second Brother!" Li Cunxiao hugged Xiang Yu tightly. "You're finally back!"

Xiang Yu patted him on the back and smiled slightly: "Eighth brother, you've worked hard."

Guan Yu and Zhao Yun exchanged glances and clasped their fists in greeting. Zhang Fei and Yang Zaixing put their arms around each other's shoulders and laughed heartily. Ran Min stood with his hand on his sword, his face stern, but a hint of warmth flashed in his eyes.

Pang Tong arrived from Jingzhou, dressed in a blue robe, with a smile on his face. Behind him followed a young man—Zhuge Liang.

This was Zhuge Liang's second visit to Shuntian. The first time was when he was brought by his teacher, Sima Hui, to Ji Xuanyuan's wedding.

Guo Jia stepped forward and shook hands with Pang Tong, saying, "Shiyuan, you must be tired from your journey."

Pang Tong laughed and said, "Fengxiao, you don't have it easy even in Shuntian."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

That night, the Yan family held a grand banquet to welcome the generals. The brothers gathered, enjoying themselves immensely. After several rounds of drinks, Ji Xuanyuan put down his wine cup, looked around at everyone, and slowly began to speak:

"Gentlemen, the world is now at peace. The nine provinces of the Han Dynasty have all come under the control of the court. Liu Bei has fled to Yizhou and is no longer a threat. Cao Cao has submitted and has no further ambitions. I wish to submit a memorial to the Emperor, requesting that the capital be moved to Luoyang to appease the people of the land."

Everyone echoed in agreement.

Ji Xuanyuan added, "However, there is one more thing before we move the capital."

Everyone turned to look at him.

Ji Xuanyuan's gaze swept across everyone's face as he said, word by word, "I wish to ascend to the throne as king."

The hall was completely silent.

Immediately, Li Cunxiao was the first to stand up, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Brother, your achievements are unparalleled, and your ascension to the throne is perfectly justified! I am the first to support you!"

Zhang Fei also stood up: "Brother should have been declared king long ago! What Duke of Yan? That doesn't sound impressive enough!"

Guan Yu stroked his beard and said slowly, "Brother's achievements surpass even those of Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou in ancient times. It is only natural that he be promoted to king."

Zhao Yun, Yang Zaixing, Ran Min, and others expressed their support.

None of the military officers objected.

Among the civil officials, Pang Tong was the first to speak: "I have no objection to Your Majesty's promotion."

Guo Jia nodded in agreement: "I second that."

Although Zhou Yu was not present, Ji Xuanyuan knew his attitude.

But there was one person who remained silent throughout.

Xun Yu.

He sat at the table, his face calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. But his silence spoke volumes.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him, his gaze gentle: "Wenruo, what are your thoughts?"

Xun Yu rose and bowed deeply: "My lord, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "Speak freely."

Xun Yu raised his head, looked directly into Ji Xuanyuan's eyes, and said, word by word, "My lord, according to Han law, those of different surnames cannot be enfeoffed as kings. If you were to be promoted, I fear the people of the world would gossip."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense.

Zhang Fei glared: "Discuss? What's there to discuss? My brother's empire was built with sword and spear! What right do those scholars who only know how to talk have to comment?"

Xun Yu's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Ji Xuanyuan.

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Wenruo, I understand your meaning. But I also have something to say—"

He stood up, walked to Xun Yu, and said with a profound gaze, "If I were not king, how could I command the respect of the people? How could I reassure the hearts of my soldiers? What do those brothers who have followed me through thick and thin seek? Isn't it just to secure titles for their wives and children, and to bring glory to their ancestors? If I were not king, how could they be ennobled? How could they be appointed generals?"

Xun Yu remained silent.

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "Wenruo, you have followed me for many years, and you should know my character. I am not Dong Zhuo, nor Wang Mang. What I want is not to usurp the Han throne, but to bring peace to the world. But to bring peace to the world, one must have power. Without power, nothing can be done."

Xun Yu remained silent for a long time before finally bowing deeply: "Your subject... understands."

He turned around, returned to his seat, and said nothing more.

But the complex light in his eyes lingered for a long time.

In the tenth month of the fifth year of Jian'an, in Shuntian, at Xuanzheng Hall.

The morning assembly on this day was exceptionally different.

Liu Xie sat upright on his throne, his face calm, but beneath that calm lay an unfathomable despair.

He had known for a long time that Liu Bei had fled to Yizhou. That was his last hope, the imperial uncle on whom he had placed his hopes. But now, even his imperial uncle had been defeated and fled overseas. In this great Han dynasty, there was no one left to stop Ji Xuanyuan for him.

Today's court assembly is not focused on moving the capital to Luoyang, but on bestowing the title of king upon Ji Xuanyuan.

"His Majesty,"

Guo Jia stepped forward and proclaimed in a loud voice, "The Duke of Yan, Ji Xuanyuan, has achieved unparalleled merit and his virtue has benefited all people. Your Majesty, I request that you promote the Duke of Yan to the rank of King!"

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Liu Xie looked at Guo Jia, his heart turning cold.

"Approved." His voice was very soft, as soft as a falling leaf.

Guo Jia then said, "Your Majesty, the matter of bestowing titles upon kings is no small matter. An auspicious day should be chosen for the grand ceremony. I request Your Majesty to select an auspicious day."

Liu Xie nodded: "Let the Court of Imperial Sacrifices decide."

An official from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, sir!"

After Zhong Fu's death, Ji Xuanyuan replaced the entire Taichang Temple with his own people.

The court session has ended.

The courtiers filed out. Liu Xie sat alone on his throne, remaining motionless for a long time.

"Your Majesty," the eunuch said softly, "it's time to return to the palace."

Liu Xie snapped out of his daze, stood up, and slowly walked down from the throne. His steps were light, but each step felt like walking on a knife's edge.

On the 19th day of the tenth month of the fifth year of Jian'an, in Shuntian, at the Imperial Ancestr

On this day, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.

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

The Nine Bestowments—carriages and horses, clothing, musical instruments, vermilion doors, a platform for receiving guests, tiger-like guards, axes, bows and arrows, and black millet wine—were displayed one by one, solemn and dignified. All the civil and military officials knelt in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

Ji Xuanyuan stood atop the high platform, looking down at the assembled officials, yet felt no pride. He saw Xun Yu kneeling among the crowd, his face calm, but beneath that calm lay unfathomable complexity. He saw Liu Xie standing on the throne, his face pale, but beneath that paleness lay a chilling aura.

He knew that from this day forward, there was no going back to the way things were between him and those ministers who were still loyal to the Han Dynasty.

That night, at Xun Yu's residence.

Xun Yu sat alone in his study, a scroll of bamboo slips spread out before him. It was the *Spring and Autumn Annals*, which he had read countless times. But at this moment, he couldn't concentrate on a single word.

"Father," his son Xun Yun said softly as he entered, "aren't you going to rest?"

Xun Yu put down the bamboo slips and sighed, "I can't sleep."

Xun Yun hesitated and asked, "Father, are you thinking about the Prince of Yan's ascension to the throne?"

Xun Yu did not answer.

Xun Yun then said, "Father, the ascension of the Prince of Yan is the will of the people. Why do you...?"

Xun Yu waved his hand, interrupting him: "You don't understand."

He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the bright moon in the night sky, and murmured, "The Prince of Yan is neither Dong Zhuo nor Wang Mang. He will not usurp the Han throne, at least not now. But he can be granted the title of Duke today, King tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow... Emperor."

Xun Yun was taken aback.

Xun Yu turned around, looked at him with a complex expression: "I have followed the King of Yan for many years and have watched him rise to where he is today. He is a hero, a wise ruler. But he is also an ambitious man. His ambition cannot be satisfied by being granted the title of king."

Xun Yun remained silent.

Xun Yu continued, "I advised him not to be made a king. But he didn't listen. He knew that if he wasn't made a king, his brothers who followed him and the soldiers who risked their lives for him wouldn't agree. He had no other choice."

He paused, then gave a bitter smile: "But as a father, I have no other choice."

Shuntian, post station.

Cao Cao sat alone in his room, a pot of wine laid out before him. He poured himself a drink, his expression calm.

He had been in Shuntian for three days. Ji Xuanyuan neither punished him nor rewarded him excessively, but merely gave him some meager honors, allowing him to continue governing Yanzhou. He knew that Ji Xuanyuan was saving face for him.

"My lord," Xi Zhicai said softly as he entered, "the Prince of Yan has ascended the throne."

Cao Cao nodded: "I understand."

Xi Zhicai looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Cao Cao put down his wine cup and smiled slightly: "Zhicai, do you think I should hate him?"

Xi Zhicai shook his head.

Cao Cao stood up, walked to the window, looked in the direction of the Duke of Yan's residence, and murmured, "I don't hate him. I only hate myself for not being born a few years earlier."

He turned around, looked at Xi Zhicai, and said with a deep gaze: "If I had been born a few years earlier, if I had a brother like him, this world might not be his."

Xi Zhicai remained silent.

Cao Cao then said, "But I don't have it. Therefore, I admit it."

He walked back to the table, picked up the wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

The study of the Prince of Yan's residence.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone at his desk, a long list spread out before him. It was the list of meritorious officials he planned to reward. Xiang Yu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, Ran Min… each name represented a bond of life and death.

Guo Jia walked in and said softly, "My lord, Xun Yu has returned."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, put down the list, and sighed: "Wenruo is not feeling well."

Guo Jia said, "My lord, Xun Yu is a Han official, and he has the Han dynasty in his heart. Your enfeoffment of him as a king today is tantamount to telling him that your ambitions are not limited to this. He... needs time."

Ji Xuanyuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I know. I will give him time."

He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the bright moon in the night sky, and murmured, "I didn't want to come to this. But I have no other choice."

Guo Jia looked at him with a complicated expression.

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.