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

In the spring of the fourth year of Qianwu (205 AD), in Luoyang, at the Taiji Hall.

Court meeting.

Ji Xuanyuan sat upright on his throne, a huge map spread out before him. On the map, the territory of the Great Yan stretched from Liaodong to Jiaozhou, from the East China Sea to the Western Regions, an unprecedented expanse. But his gaze fell on a more distant place—the grasslands, the Western Regions, and the Yizhou beyond the sea.

"Your Majesty," Guo Jia stepped forward and said loudly, "the Northern Xianbei and Xiongnu have already submitted, and more than fifty kingdoms in the Western Regions have submitted. We believe that administrative institutions should be established in the grasslands and the Western Regions to secure the borders."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and far-reaching: "Granted."

He stood up, walked to the map, and traced his finger across the grassland: "In the grasslands, establish the Anbei Protectorate to govern the Xianbei and Xiongnu tribes. Appoint Lü Bu as the Grand Protector of Anbei to guard the grasslands."

Lü Bu stepped forward and knelt on one knee: "Your subject receives the decree!"

Ji Xuanyuan pointed to the Western Regions again: "In the Western Regions, the Anxi Protectorate will be established to govern more than fifty kingdoms. Guan Yu will be appointed as the Grand Protector of Anxi to guard the Western Regions."

Guan Yu stroked his beard and knelt down to express his gratitude.

Ji Xuanyuan continued, "The Anbei and Anxi Protectorates have officials at various levels, appointed by the imperial court. Tribal leaders may inherit their positions, but they must be subject to the control of the Protectorates. All people who submit are subjects of the Great Yan, regardless of whether they are Han or non-Han, and are treated equally."

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Treating everyone equally, regardless of whether they are Han or non-Han? This has never happened before!

Pang Tong stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty is wise! The integration of the Han and non-Han peoples is a great undertaking for the ages. However... this matter requires careful consideration and should not be rushed."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded: "I know. The integration of the Hu and Han peoples is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I may not live to see the day when they are truly integrated. But at least, we must try."

He turned to face his ministers, his gaze resolute: "What I desire is not temporary submission, but lasting peace. Only through the integration of the Han and non-Han peoples can the border troubles be truly eliminated."

The assembled officials exclaimed in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"

After the court session, in the Imperial Study.

Ji Xuanyuan sat alone at his desk, a long list spread out before him. It was the list of officials he planned to send to the Protectorates of Anbei and Anxi. He looked at each list one by one, sometimes nodding, sometimes frowning.

Guo Jia walked in and said softly, "Your Majesty, are you still worried about the Protectorate?"

Ji Xuanyuan put down the list and sighed, "Fengxiao, tell me, how many more years do I have left to live?"

Guo Jia was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty is in the prime of life, why do you say such a thing?"

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head, his gaze distant: "I know my own body. Back in Zhuojun, if it weren't for Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing, I would have died long ago. Although I have taken good care of myself over the years, my constitution is still weak."

He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the spring light outside, and murmured, "I am not afraid of death. I am only afraid that I will not have enough time to finish what I should do."

Guo Jia remained silent.

Ji Xuanyuan turned around, looked at him, and smiled slightly: "However, I still have time. At least, I can still cause trouble for another ten years or so."

He walked back to the desk and continued to look through the list.

"Fengxiao, take a look at this." He pointed to one of the names. "What do you think of this person?"

Guo Jia leaned closer, glanced at him, and nodded, saying, "This man is honest and upright, and can be put to great use."

Ji Xuanyuan nodded and circled the mark with his brush.

In the summer of the fourth year of the Qianwu reign, on the grasslands, in the Anbei Protectorate.

Lu Bu stood on the newly built city wall of the Protectorate, gazing silently at the distant grasslands. The wind blew, causing his cloak to flutter.

"General," the lieutenant stepped forward, "the leaders of all the Xianbei tribes have arrived. The Xiongnu Chanyu has also come."

Lu Bu nodded, turned around and walked down the city wall.

In the main hall of the Protectorate General's office, the leaders of the Xianbei and Xiongnu tribes knelt on the ground. They looked at the imposing general, their hearts filled with unease.

Lu Bu strode to the main seat, sat down, and surveyed the crowd with a gaze as sharp as a knife.

"Rise, all of you," he said, his voice cold and stern. "From this day forward, you are subjects of the Great Yan. As long as you behave yourselves, the court will not mistreat you. If you harbor any disloyalty—"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the chill he exuded sent shivers down everyone's spine.

The Xianbei chieftain quickly replied, "General, rest assured! We are willing to die for the Great Yan!"

The Xiongnu Chanyu nodded repeatedly.

Lü Bu nodded and waved his hand, saying, "You may all leave. You will continue to manage the affairs of your respective tribes. However, you must pay your annual tribute on time. Any arrears will be dealt with according to military law."

Everyone agreed and left.

Lu Bu sat in the hall, gazing at the empty palace, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. He recalled the days in Bingzhou when he fought against the Xiongnu. Now, those enemies were all his subordinates.

"Father," a clear voice rang out.

Lu Bu turned his head and saw a little girl of about seven or eight years old skipping and hopping in. It was his daughter, Lu Lingqi.

"Lingqi, what brings you here?" Lu Bu picked her up, a rare smile appearing on his face.

Lu Lingqi hugged his neck and said in a childish voice, "Mother said that Father misses home because he's all alone here. So she sent Lingqi to keep Father company."

Lu Bu's eyes reddened slightly as he hugged his daughter tightly: "Alright. With Lingqi by my side, I won't miss home."

In the summer of the fourth year of the Qianwu reign, in the Western Regions, at the Anxi Protectorate.

Guan Yu stood on the city wall of the Protectorate, gazing silently at the distant desert. Behind him were towering snow-capped mountains. Before him stretched an endless sea of ​​sand.

"General," the lieutenant stepped forward, "more than fifty kingdoms in the Western Regions have sent envoys, saying they wish to pay their respects to you."

Guan Yu nodded, turned around, and walked down the city wall.

In the main hall of the Protectorate General's office, envoys from various Western Regions countries knelt on the ground. They looked at the red-faced, long-bearded general with deep awe.

Guan Yu sat down in the main seat, stroked his beard, and said, "Rise, all of you."

The messengers rose and stood with their heads bowed in solemn silence.

Guan Yu slowly said, "The Western Regions kingdoms' submission to Great Yan is your good fortune. His Majesty is benevolent and will not treat you unfairly. As long as you remain law-abiding, pay tribute annually, and come to court every year, the Great Yan army will protect your safety. If you have any disloyal intentions—"

He paused, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Destroy the nation."

The messengers agreed and withdrew.

Guan Yu sat in the hall, gazing at the empty palace, silent. He recalled the scene of swearing brotherhood with his sworn brothers in Zhuojun. Now, those brothers were scattered in different regions. And he, in this western region, guarded the western gate of the Great Yan.

"Third Brother," a rough voice rang out.

Guan Yu looked up and saw Zhang Fei striding in, grinning, "Third Brother, I'm here!"

Guan Yu smiled slightly: "Fifth Brother, what brings you here?"

Zhang Fei plopped down, picked up the teapot on the table, took a swig straight from the pot, wiped his mouth, and said, "My brother sent me to help you. The Western Regions are too remote. I was afraid you'd get bored by yourself."

Guan Yu shook his head: "I'm not bored."

Zhang Fei chuckled: "You're not bored? I am! I'm practically bored to death in Xuzhou. My brother told me to come to the Western Regions to stretch my muscles, so here I am."

Guan Yu looked at him, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes.

September of the fourth year of the Qianwu reign, Luoyang, the imperial palace.

Ji Xuanyuan sat in the imperial study, a memorial laid out before him. It was a strategy for conquering Yizhou, sent by Zhou Yu from the south.

After reading it, he remained silent for a long time.

"Your Majesty," Guo Jia entered and said softly, "Have you read Zhou Yu's memorial?"

Ji Xuanyuan nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "I've seen it. He said the navy is ready, and the provisions are plentiful; they are just waiting for my order."

Guo Jia said, "Your Majesty, Yizhou is isolated overseas, shrouded in miasma. If we launch a direct attack, I fear the casualties will be considerable."

Ji Xuanyuan shook his head, his gaze resolute: "I can't wait any longer. Liu Bei and Sun Quan have been in Yizhou for five years. If we let them continue to build their power, it will only become more difficult to deal with them."

He stood up, walked to the map, and traced the location of Yizhou with his finger: "Issue an imperial decree, appointing Zhou Yu as the General Who Conquers the Yi, in command of the navy. Appoint Xiang Yu and Li Cunxiao as his deputies, leading an army of 50,000 to conquer Yizhou. Liu Bei and Sun Quan must be captured alive."

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

September of the fourth year of Qianwu, Yangzhou, naval camp.

Zhou Yu stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the vast sea, silent. Behind him, 50,000 troops and hundreds of warships were ready to set sail.

"Grand Marshal," Yuwen Chengdu stepped forward, "everything is ready."

Zhou Yu nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "Let's go."

As the horns sounded, the fleet slowly sailed away from the port and headed towards the vast ocean.

Yizhou, Liu Bei's camp.

Over the past five years, Liu Bei has established himself in Yizhou. He led tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians to reclaim wasteland, cultivate the land, and build cities and fortresses. Although it was tough, they managed to survive.

Sun Quan followed Liu Bei and spent five years in this wild and untamed land. He grew from an eighteen-year-old boy into a twenty-three-year-old youth. The childishness of his youth was long gone from his face, replaced by the marks of time.

"Uncle," Sun Quan entered the tent, his face grave, "scouts report that a large number of warships have been spotted on the sea."

Liu Bei abruptly stood up, his expression changing drastically: "What?!"

Sun Quan said, "There are at least several hundred ships, flying the banner with the character 'Yan' on it."

Liu Bei slumped back onto his couch, his face deathly pale. He knew this day would come sooner or later. But he hadn't expected it to come so quickly.

"How many people?" His voice was hoarse.

Sun Quan said, "At least fifty thousand."

Liu Bei closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Five years ago, he led tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians to flee here.

Currently, he has no more than five thousand soldiers capable of fighting.

How do you win when there are 50,000 against 5,000?

"Royal Uncle."

Sun Quan asked in a low voice, "What should we do?"

Liu Bei opened his eyes, his gaze complex: "What else can we do? Fight."

Three days later, in Yizhou, by the sea.

Zhou Yu's fleet, in a grand and imposing manner, arrived at Yizhou.

Liu Bei led five thousand remaining soldiers and arrayed them on the seashore. As he rode his horse, gazing at the enormous warships, a chill ran through him.

Zhou Yu stood at the bow of the boat, looking at Liu Bei on the shore, and remained silent.

Behind him, Xiang Yu and Li Cunxiao stood with their hands on their swords.

"Those who surrender will be spared death." Zhou Yu's voice echoed in the sea breeze.

Liu Bei did not answer. He simply gripped his double-edged sword tightly.

Xiang Yu sneered, mounted his horse, and led his army ashore.

The outcome of the battle was predictable. Five thousand against fifty thousand, and these were the elite troops of the Yan army; the result was foreseeable.

Within half a day, Liu Bei's remaining troops were routed. Liu Bei was captured alive, and Sun Quan was also taken prisoner.

Yizhou, Zhou Yu's main camp.

Liu Bei and Sun Quan were brought before Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu looked at them calmly: "Uncle Liu, how have you been?"

Liu Bei looked up at him and smiled wryly: "Zhou Yu, you've won."

Zhou Yu shook his head: "It wasn't me who won, it was His Majesty who won."

Liu Bei was taken aback: "Your Majesty?"

Zhou Yu said, "The Han Dynasty is gone. Now, the world belongs to the Great Yan. Your Majesty is the Emperor of Yan."

Liu Bei was struck dumb, frozen in place. Sun Quan was also stunned.

The Han Dynasty...is it gone?

"Impossible!" Liu Bei roared. "How could the Han Dynasty perish?!"

Zhou Yu took out a scroll of silk from his robes and handed it to Liu Bei: "This is His Majesty's edict of ascension to the throne. Take a look for yourself."

Liu Bei took it, unfolded it, and his hand trembled slightly. The edict clearly stated: In May of the sixth year of Jian'an, Ji Xuanyuan ascended the throne as emperor, establishing the state of Yan and changing the era name to Qianwu.

The Han Dynasty is truly gone.

Liu Bei collapsed to the ground, his face deathly pale. He recalled the oath he had taken with Ji Xuanyuan, Cao Cao, and Sun Jian in Luoyang years ago. Back then, they were all passionate young men, vowing to support the Han Dynasty. But now, that oath had long been washed away by the passage of time.

"Uncle," Sun Quan said, supporting him with reddened eyes.

Liu Bei raised his head, looked at the sky, and murmured, "Late Emperor, I am incompetent... I am utterly incompetent..."

Zhou Yu looked at them, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "His Majesty has decreed that you be sent back to Luoyang. How to deal with you is up to His Majesty."

Liu Bei neither resisted nor spoke. He simply gazed northward, at the homeland he could never return to.

November of the fourth year of the Qianwu reign, Luoyang, the imperial palace.

Liu Bei and Sun Quan were taken to Luoyang.

They were led into the Taiji Hall. Inside, civil and military officials stood in two rows, the atmosphere solemn. Ji Xuanyuan sat on the throne, clad in a dragon robe and golden crown, exuding majesty.

Liu Bei raised his head and looked at the person on the throne. He knew that face all too well. But that face no longer held the gentleness and humility of yesteryear, only the supreme majesty of an emperor.

"Liu Bei," Ji Xuanyuan spoke, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears, "Do you know your crime?"

Liu Bei knelt on the ground, remained silent for a long time, and slowly said, "Your subject knows his crime."

Sun Quan also knelt down, without uttering a word.

Ji Xuanyuan looked at him, his gaze complex. He recalled the time he met Liu Bei in Zhuojun. Back then, they were both down on their luck, supporting each other. But now, one was an emperor, and the other a prisoner.

"Liu Bei, I'm giving you two choices," Ji Xuanyuan said slowly. "First, submit to me, and I will bestow upon you the title of Marquis, allowing you to enjoy your later years in peace. Second—"

He didn't continue.

Liu Bei raised his head, looked at him calmly, and said, "Your Majesty, I choose the second option."

Ji Xuanyuan remained silent.

Liu Bei continued, "My entire life has been dedicated to restoring the Han Dynasty. Now that the Han Dynasty has perished, what meaning is there for me to live on? I only beg Your Majesty to grant me death."

Sun Quan also kowtowed: "Your subject is also willing to die alongside the Imperial Uncle."

Ji Xuanyuan looked at them, remained silent for a long time, and finally sighed.

"allow."

Three days later, on a secluded hillside outside Luoyang City.

Liu Bei and Sun Quan drank the poisoned wine and collapsed on the hillside.

Their gaze was fixed on the north, on the land where they had once fought.

"Uncle," Sun Quan said softly, "do you think the late Emperor will be waiting for us in heaven?"

Liu Bei smiled slightly; in that smile were relief, sorrow, and a hint of liberation.

"Yes. He definitely will."

Their hands slowly fell to their sides.

In the winter of the fourth year of Qianwu, Liu Bei and Sun Quan died in Luoyang. Liu Bei was 45 years old and Sun Quan was 24 years old.