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

In March of the third year of the Qianwu reign (204 AD), in Luoyang, at the imperial palace.

In the bright spring sunshine, peach and plum blossoms in the Imperial Garden are in full bloom, their pink and white petals like clouds and rosy hues.

Ji Xuanyuan stood in front of the hall, gazing silently at the locust tree he had planted himself in the courtyard.

This tree was planted the year the capital was moved to Luoyang, and now it stands tall and spreading out.

Under the tree, two children were playing. The eldest son, Ji Heng, was nine years old and had handsome features, much like his father. The younger son, Ji Qian, was just over a year old, toddling and babbling as he was held by his wet nurse and watched his older brother play.

"His Majesty."

A palace attendant rushed in, his face beaming with joy, "Her Majesty the Empress has given birth! It's a prince!"

Ji Xuanyuan turned around abruptly, his eyes gleaming with surprise: "Mother and child are safe?"

The eunuch nodded repeatedly, "All is well! Mother and child are safe!"

Ji Xuanyuan strode towards the inner palace, his steps light and quick. Behind him, the eunuchs jogged after him, panting heavily.

The inner palace, the sleeping quarters.

Zhen Mi lay on the couch, her face pale, but with a satisfied smile on her face.

In her arms, she held a wrinkled baby, small and red, crying loudly.

Ji Xuanyuan rushed in, knelt before the bed, grasped Zhen Mi's hand, and said with slightly red eyes, "Mi'er, you've worked so hard."

Zhen Mi shook her head and said softly, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? This is my duty."

She handed the baby to Ji Xuanyuan: "Your Majesty, look at our child."

Ji Xuanyuan took the light swaddling clothes and looked down at them.

The baby's features hadn't fully developed yet, but its tiny nose and mouth warmed his heart.

"Like you."

He said softly, "Like you when you were a child."

Zhen Mi smiled: "How does Your Majesty know what I looked like when I was a child?"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled as well, holding the baby and gently rocking it.

"Issue the decree," he said without looking up, "My third son is to be named Ji Wu. All members of the harem shall be promoted one rank."

The eunuch accepted the order and left.

Ji Xuanyuan looked down at the baby in his arms and murmured, "Ji Wu... Wu means to stop war. May my Great Yan be free from war forever."

Zhen Mi looked at him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Three days later, there will be a court assembly.

Inside the Taiji Hall, civil and military officials stood in two rows. Ji Xuanyuan sat upright on his throne, his face ruddy, clearly in a good mood.

Guo Jia stepped forward and announced loudly, "Congratulations to Your Majesty on the birth of another son! May the imperial family prosper and the empire be forever secure!"

The courtiers echoed in unison, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly and waved his hand, saying, "All of you, rise."

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices stepped forward again, speaking cautiously: "Your Majesty, the Empress has given birth to two sons, which is truly a blessing for the nation. However, Your Majesty's harem is empty, and the imperial clan still needs to expand its lineage. We earnestly request Your Majesty to take in more concubines to fill the harem."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.

This is not the first time.

Since Ji Xuanyuan ascended the throne, his ministers have repeatedly advised him to take concubines.

But each time, he rejected it.

As expected, Ji Xuanyuan's expression darkened, and he said indifferently, "The Empress and I are deeply in love. My harem is complete with just the Empress. There is no need to discuss this matter further."

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices wanted to persuade him further, but was pulled back by his colleagues.

Everyone knows that this emperor is good in every way, except that he is terribly stubborn when it comes to taking concubines.

Zhang Fei grinned and whispered to Guan Yu, "Third Brother, is Eldest Brother afraid of Sister-in-law?"

Guan Yu glared at him, and Zhang Fei quickly shut up.

After the court session, in the Imperial Study.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone at his desk, a military report from the northern frontier spread out in front of him.

It was sent jointly by Xiang Yu, Lü Bu, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, and others.

Guo Jia entered and said softly, "Your Majesty, a great victory has been achieved on the northern frontier!"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and far-reaching: "I have seen it. The Northern Xianbei and the Xiongnu have completely submitted."

Guo Jia said, "General Xiang Yu led a large army to conquer the Xiongnu, with General Lü Bu as the vanguard, pursuing them all the way to Langjuxu Mountain. The Xiongnu Chanyu was forced to surrender, offering white horses and white oxen, vowing never to invade again. Generals Li Cunxiao and Yang Zaixing also conquered the Northern Xianbei with unstoppable momentum. The Xianbei leader led his people to surrender and presented a letter of surrender."

He paused, then continued, "General Zhou Yu has also sent good news from the south. The rebellion of the Yue tribes has been basically quelled. Now, people live in peace throughout Jiangnan, and bandits have disappeared."

Ji Xuanyuan stood up and walked to the map hanging on the wall.

On the map, the territory of the Great Yan stretched from Liaodong to Jiaozhou, from the East China Sea to the Western Regions, a vast expanse unprecedented in history.

He murmured, "Those nomadic tribes now tremble with fear at the mere mention of the Yan army's name."

Guo Jia laughed and said, "Your Majesty's power extends throughout the land, and your virtue reaches the four barbarians. The Northern Xianbei and the Xiongnu are nothing but a minor ailment. With a single decree from Your Majesty, they will bow down and submit."

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head, his gaze deep: "It is not my might that prevails throughout the land, but the bravery of my soldiers. Xiang Yu, Lü Bu, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, Zhou Yu... and those unsung heroes, it was they who helped me conquer this land."

He turned to Guo Jia and said, "Issue the decree that all soldiers on the northern expedition shall be rewarded. The fallen soldiers shall receive double the compensation. The wounded shall be properly cared for."

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

The Western Regions, the Silk Road.

In the spring of the third year of the Qianwu reign, caravans from the Western Regions arrived in an endless stream.

Since Ji Xuanyuan reopened the Silk Road, various countries in the Western Regions sent envoys to pay tribute. The roads that had been blocked by the Xiongnu were now open again. Silk, tea, and porcelain were transported to the west in an endless stream; grapes, walnuts, and fine horses were also transported into the Central Plains in an endless stream.

However, the Western Regions were not peaceful. Although the region was not large, it was home to more than fifty kingdoms. Large kingdoms such as Kucha, Khotan, and Kashgar, and smaller kingdoms such as Loulan, Jingjue, and Qiemo, each ruled its own territory and fought against each other.

"Your Majesty," Guo Jia pointed to the Western Regions on the map, "these small countries are ignorant of the Mandate of Heaven and are fickle and capricious. If we do not deter them, I fear the Silk Road will be cut off again."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and far-reaching: "Then let's intimidate them."

In the spring of the fourth year of Qianwu (205 AD), in Luoyang, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Ji Xuanyuan offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, deciding to send troops to the Western Regions.

"deliver an imperial order,"

He stood on the high platform, his voice steady, "Issue Xiang Yu as General Who Conquers the West, in charge of all military affairs in the Western Regions, with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as his deputies, leading an army of 100,000 westward out of the Jade Gate Pass. All the kingdoms in the Western Regions that do not submit shall be destroyed."

"Yes, sir!" the generals shouted in unison.

The Western Regions, the capital of the Kingdom of Kucha, Yancheng.

King Bai Ba of Kucha sat in the palace, his face deathly pale.

He had just received news that the 100,000-strong army of the Great Yan had already left Yumen Pass and was marching westward in a mighty force. The vanguard was Xiang Yu, the legendary god of war. The lieutenants were Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, warriors capable of defeating ten thousand men.

"Your Majesty," the ministers knelt on the ground, "the power of Great Yan is overwhelming and cannot be resisted. It would be better to surrender as soon as possible to avoid widespread bloodshed."

Bai Ba hesitated.

Someone else said, "Your Majesty, there are more than fifty kingdoms in the Western Regions. If they unite, they may well be able to fight the Yan army!"

Bai Ba shook his head and smiled bitterly: "A united front? Those small countries are all scheming and have their own agendas. How could they possibly unite? Besides, you all know the prestige of the Yan army. The Northern Xianbei and the Xiongnu have both been wiped out. What do we have to resist?"

He sighed deeply: "Let's surrender."

In the summer of the fourth year of Qianwu, in the Western Regions, in the capital of Shule Kingdom, in Gashi City.

The King of Shule made the same choice.

Following closely behind, Khotan, Loulan, Jingjue, Qiemo… more than fifty kingdoms in the Western Regions surrendered one after another, some submitting and others surrendering. Not a single kingdom dared to resist.

Because the Yan army was too strong.

Xiang Yu's army did not commit any offenses wherever it went. Yet, its murderous aura and imposing presence were enough to terrify any enemy.

Autumn of the fourth year of Qianwu (1756), Luoyang, Imperial Palace.

Surrender notices from various countries in the Western Regions arrived like snowflakes.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at each dish one by one, his expression calm.

Guo Jia stood aside and smiled, "Your Majesty, more than fifty kingdoms in the Western Regions have all surrendered. The Silk Road is now completely open."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "Not enough."

Guo Jia was taken aback.

Ji Xuanyuan stood up, walked to the map, and traced his finger to the far west: "Beyond the Western Regions, there are even more distant places. Dayuan, Anxi, Daqin... I will make the fame of Great Yan spread throughout the world."

Guo Jia clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

In the spring of the fifth year of the Qianwu reign (205 AD), Luoyang was the site of a grand pilgrimage by foreign powers.

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

The leaders of the Northern Xianbei, the Xiongnu Chanyu, the kings of more than fifty countries in the Western Regions, and envoys from countries outside the Western Regions such as Dayuan and Wusun gathered in Luoyang to pay homage to the Emperor of Great Yan.

In the Taiji Hall, Ji Xuanyuan sat on the throne, wearing a dragon robe and a golden crown, exuding majesty.

Envoys from various countries presented their tributes in turn. There were fine horses, jewels, spices, and rare birds and animals, a dazzling array that overwhelmed the eyes.

The leader of the Northern Xianbei knelt in the hall, touching his forehead to the ground, and said in broken Chinese: "Your Majesty's might extends throughout the land, and your virtue reaches the four barbarians. We, your subjects, are willing to serve Your Majesty and will never betray you."

The Xiongnu Chanyu also knelt down: "Your Majesty, the Xiongnu are willing to guard the borders for the Great Yan and submit to you forever."

The kings of the various kingdoms of the Western Regions knelt down in unison: "Your Majesty, the kingdoms of the Western Regions are willing to become vassals of the Great Yan, paying tribute every year and coming to court every year."

Ji Xuanyuan smiled slightly and raised his hand, saying, "All of you, rise."

The officials rose and stood respectfully with their heads bowed.

At this moment, Guo Jia stepped forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, all the barbarians have submitted, and the hearts of the people are with you. We humbly request Your Majesty to accept the title of Heavenly Khan bestowed upon you by the barbarians!"

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Heavenly Khan, what an honor this is!

Xiang Yu strode forward and knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, I beg you to accept this honorific title!"

Generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Li Cunxiao, Yang Zaixing, Ran Min, and others knelt down in unison: "Your Majesty, we beg you to accept this honorific title!"

The civil officials, including Pang Tong, Xun You, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou, also knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, please accept this honorific title!"

Ji Xuanyuan looked at the kneeling officials in the hall and remained silent for a long time.

"Yes," he said softly.

"Your Majesty is wise!" the courtiers shouted in unison.

Guo Jia turned to face the envoys from various countries and proclaimed loudly, "The Emperor of Great Yan, receiving the title of Heavenly Khan from the barbarian tribes!"

The envoys from various countries knelt down in unison, shouting in their respective languages, "Heavenly Khan! Heavenly Khan! Heavenly Khan!"

The deafening roar echoed over Luoyang.

Ji Xuanyuan stood on the high platform, looking down at everything, but his heart was as calm as still water.

He recalled the time in Zhuojun when he shared wild rabbits with his brothers. He recalled the time in Luoyang when he swore an oath with Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Bei. He recalled the time in Shuntian when he held the newborn Ji Heng and said to Zhen Mi, "This child resembles me."

Now, he is the emperor, the Heavenly Khan. His enemies are either dead, surrendered, or fled. His brothers have been enfeoffed as marquises and dukes, each ruling a region. His empire is vaster than ever before.

But in his heart, there was no sense of pride, only an indescribable loneliness.

"Your Majesty," Guo Jia walked to his side and said softly, "it's time to return to the palace."

Ji Xuanyuan snapped out of his reverie and nodded. He took one last look at the sky outside the hall, then turned and walked down from the platform.

Behind him, the courtiers shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Spring of the fifth year of Qianwu's reign, Luoyang, the inner palace.

Ji Xuanyuan sat beside Zhen Mi, holding Ji Wu, who had just turned one year old, and playing with him. Ji Heng was reading nearby, while Ji Qian was asleep in his wet nurse's arms.

"Your Majesty," Zhen Mi said softly, "I heard that today, envoys from various countries bestowed upon Your Majesty the title of Heavenly Khan."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded and smiled slightly: "Mi'er, what do you think of this title?"

Zhen Mi thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I don't understand these things. I only know that Your Majesty is my husband and the father of Heng'er, Qian'er, and Wu'er. That's enough."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at her, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Mi'er, you're right." He held her hand, his gaze tender. "I am the emperor, the Heavenly Khan. But first and foremost, I am your husband, the father of your children."