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

In the third month of the fifth year of the Zhongping era, in Luoyang.

Despite the lingering chill of early spring, an unusual heat and oppressive atmosphere permeated the Deyang Palace of the Southern Palace.

Liu Hong, seated on the dragon throne, appeared even more sallow and swollen under the shadow of the tassels and beads on his crown. Only his eyes, sometimes unfocused and sometimes suddenly sharp, revealed the dual torment he endured both physically and mentally.

He felt his energy slipping away like sand through his palm. The medicine from the Imperial Hospital could only provide temporary relief, but it could not stop the deep-seated weakness and dull pain that lingered in his bones.

An unprecedented sense of urgency, like a maggot clinging to his bone, gnawed at him day and night.

Inside the palace, a court debate that would determine the future of the empire was reaching its climax.

The one who put forward the surprising proposal was Liu Yan, the Director of the Imperial Clan Court and the Grand Master of Ceremonies.

This high-ranking official from the imperial clan was now speaking passionately, his voice slightly hoarse with emotion: "Your Majesty! Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion began, the world has been in turmoil, with bandits swarming in droves. The prefectures and counties have few soldiers and generals, each fighting its own battles, with inconsistent commands. Often, we have watched helplessly as the rebels have grown stronger, even spreading to several prefectures! The governors have little power, merely conducting oversight; without soldiers or provisions, how can they quell the chaos and bring peace to the people? This is a flaw in the system, and it must be changed!"

He paused, looked around at the officials with varying expressions, and put forward his core proposal: "I dare to suggest that the title of Prefect should be changed to Governor of a Province! Select a virtuous and respected official, especially a member of the imperial family, and grant him full military and political power over a province, allowing him to establish his own government, recruit his own troops, and manage finances."

"In this way, authority and responsibility will be unified, orders will be strictly enforced, and the strength of the prefectures and counties can be concentrated to quickly quell rebellions and deter wrongdoing! This is truly an extraordinary time requiring extraordinary measures!"

The four words "abolish the historian and establish the governor" were like a boulder thrown into stagnant water, causing an uproar in the court!

Grand Commandant Deng Sheng was the first to step forward in opposition, his beard and hair bristling: "Absurd! The position of Inspector was established by Emperor Taizu to supervise the prefectures and kingdoms and prevent them from becoming too powerful. This is the foundation for maintaining the authority of the central government! If it is changed to Governor of a Province, who controls the army and governs the people, how is he any different from the feudal lords of ancient times? If this precedent is set, the world may become like the Warring States period. Your Majesty, please think it over!"

"Deng Gong is mistaken!"

Liu Yan, prepared for this, immediately retorted, "Things are different now! The remnants of the Yellow Turbans have not been eradicated, Zhang Chun of Youzhou has colluded with the Wuhuan to rebel, the Qiang and Hu tribes of Liangzhou have repeatedly rebelled, and the Black Mountain bandits of Bingzhou are rampant... War rages everywhere, and the imperial army is exhausted from fighting one thing at a time. If we do not use severe punishments and grant local authorities real power to protect themselves and suppress the bandits, are we to sit idly by and watch the bandits destroy more prefectures and counties, shaking the foundations of the nation? This is like cutting flesh to heal a wound, a last resort! Moreover, the selection of governors must be loyal and virtuous officials trusted by His Majesty, especially members of the Liu clan. With blood ties, they will jointly protect the Han dynasty; how could they easily harbor disloyal thoughts?"

He specifically emphasized "royal family" and "loyal and virtuous," looking earnestly at the throne.

These words were partly out of public interest and partly out of personal interest.

The public interest lies in the fact that the local authorities are indeed powerless to quell the escalating rebellion.

His personal intentions stemmed from a "chance" private conversation he had with Dong Fu, the Chamberlain, a few months earlier.

That day, Dong Fu, who was well-versed in divination, "unintentionally" sighed to Liu Yan: "The capital is about to fall into chaos, and there is an aura of an emperor in the territory of Yizhou."

Liu Yan was initially alarmed and rebuked him sternly.

However, these words, like a curse, took root in his heart.

Is Liu Junlang truly content to remain in the murky waters of Luoyang, feigning compliance with eunuchs and imperial relatives, and patiently awaiting the collapse of the dynasty?

Yizhou, the land of abundance, a land surrounded by natural barriers... If one can truly govern this region, strengthen the army and improve military skills, no matter how the world changes in the future, one can advance or retreat to protect the territory and its people, becoming the last bulwark of the Han Dynasty. Wouldn't that be a hundred times better than being trapped in the capital?

Once this idea takes hold, it cannot be stopped.

Just then, news came from Yizhou that Governor Xi Jian was corrupt and tyrannical, which aroused public resentment. Ma Xiang, Zhao Zhi and others called themselves the Yellow Turbans, gathered tens of thousands of people, attacked and killed Xi Jian, and occupied Mianzhu. Their momentum was considerable.

The imperial court was worried that no one was willing to go to that remote place to clean up the mess. Liu Yan shrewdly seized this opportunity.

He not only wanted to propose "abolishing the historian and establishing the governor," but also wanted to make himself the first and most suitable candidate to go to Yizhou.

"Your Majesty!" Liu Yan knelt down, his head touching the ground, his voice choked with sobs.

"If Your Majesty trusts me, I would like to request to be appointed Governor of Yizhou! Xi Jian of Yizhou has lost his way, bandits are rampant, and the people are suffering. Although I am not talented, I am willing to share Your Majesty's burdens and pacify the southwest! To show that I have no disloyal intentions, I am willing to leave my sons Liu Dan, Liu Zhang, and Liu Mao as hostages in the capital to demonstrate my loyalty! My journey here is solely for quelling the rebellion and bringing peace to the people; I have no other thoughts!"

Upon hearing this, the opposition was momentarily silenced.

Leaving the child as hostage is the greatest expression of sincerity and self-discipline.

Many ministers looked at Liu Yan with complicated expressions. Could it be that this elder of the imperial clan was truly loyal to the country and willing to risk his life to go to the remote wilderness?

Liu Hong remained silent on the dragon throne, his fingers unconsciously stroking the dragon head carving on the armrest.

He took in the expressions of His Highness and the others.

The anxieties of Deng Sheng and others, Liu Yan's "passionate and impassioned" speech, and the bewilderment, calculations, or indifference of many other ministers who felt it was none of their business.

And what thoughts were hidden beneath the lowered eyelids of Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and the others who stood by, seemingly oblivious to their own thoughts?

Has Yizhou already been seen as a new place for the division of interests?

He was well aware of the harm Liu Yan's proposal would cause.

"Removing historians and establishing governors" is tantamount to delegating the last bit of military, financial, and personnel power that the central government has been struggling to maintain. It is like drinking poison to quench thirst, or destroying the Great Wall itself.

If Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Shizu were alive, they would surely be heartbroken.

But... did Liu Hong have any other choice?

I know my own body best; I'm afraid I can't last another two years.

With the Crown Prince Bian still young, can Empress He and He Jin hold onto this precarious empire?

The conflict between the Ten Attendants and the powerful families and relatives of the emperor was already irreconcilable. Once he passed away, Luoyang would surely be plunged into a bloodbath.

By then, will the central government, exhausted by the rebellion, still be able to control the surrounding prefectures and counties?

Rather than waiting until then for local strongmen to establish their own independent regimes, it would be better to proactively "grant fiefdoms" now, handing over power to the Liu clan, who are theoretically the most likely to be loyal to the Han dynasty.

They hoped that they could preserve their territory in the chaos, and perhaps... if Heaven would not abandon the Han dynasty, perhaps another figure like Emperor Guangwu could emerge from among them to restore the old land.

This is a desperate gamble, a slim hope of entrusting the future of the empire to bloodlines and individual abilities.

But this was the last arrangement that Liu Hong, at the end of his life, could make for his son and for the Liu family empire that he both loved and hated, both enjoyed and was powerless to save.

As for checks and balances... his weary gaze swept across the north.

Ji Xuanyuan, the young Marquis of Zhuo, rose to power so quickly and demonstrated such abilities that he felt both gratified and uneasy.

The northern frontier needs this sharp sword, but it cannot be allowed to get out of control, much less be allowed to one day turn against the capital and threaten it.

Liu Yu was benevolent and kind, and good at comforting the people. His style was completely opposite to Ji Xuanyuan's tough approach, making him the perfect person to check and balance him.

Handing Youzhou over to Liu Yu, promoting him to governor, and granting him greater power would allow them to check and balance each other, perhaps buying more time for the court and the crown prince.

"Granted."

The two words, uttered by Liu Hong, carried a sense of weariness and resolute determination, as if the dust had finally settled.

The court fell silent instantly.

"The title of Prefect shall be changed to Governor of a Prefecture, and a virtuous and capable person shall be selected to assume the post, overseeing the military and political affairs of the prefecture and county, so as to pacify the region." Liu Hong's voice echoed in the hall.

"Liu Yan, the Imperial Clan Minister, is loyal and diligent in serving the country, and his public-spiritedness is evident. He is hereby appointed Governor of Yi Province and Marquis of Yangcheng. He shall immediately assume his post and quell the rebellion in Yi Province. Huang Wan, the Imperial Attendant, is hereby appointed Governor of Yu Province. Liu Yu, the Imperial Clan Minister, is hereby appointed Governor of You Province and Marquis of Xiangben."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled officials with a meaningful look, and added: "The appointment of governors is an extraordinary measure, specifically for quelling rebellions and bringing peace to the people. Each governor should always keep the court in mind and prioritize the well-being of the nation. After pacifying the regions, they should consider returning power to the central government. I hope that all of you officials will understand my intentions."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Liu Yan was the first to kneel down and shout, unable to contain his excitement.

It worked!

I'm determined to become the Governor of Yizhou!

Yizhou, the land of the emperor… His ambition and aspirations finally found fertile ground to grow.

As for his sons who remained in Luoyang, that was a necessary price to pay, and also proof of his "loyalty".

"Your Majesty... please reconsider!" Deng Sheng and other veteran officials still wanted to make one last effort, their voices almost pleading.

Liu Hong waved his hand dismissively, saying, "My mind is made up. Court is adjourned."

He didn't want to hear any more arguments.

His broken body and the even more broken country left him no room for further hesitation.

The imperial edict was quickly issued throughout the land.

Liu Yan, with almost no delay, quickly handed over his post and, accompanied by his confidants such as Dong Fu, embarked on his journey to Yizhou with a portion of the troops symbolically allocated by the court, feeling both triumphant and cautious.

He left his three sons in Luoyang, both as hostages and as a way to diversify his investments.

No matter what the future holds for Yizhou, Luoyang will always have a lineage of incense offerings.

When Liu Yu, who was far away in Jicheng, Youzhou, received the imperial edict, his feelings were far more complex than those of Liu Yan.

He was officially appointed as the governor of Youzhou and promoted to the rank of Marquis of Xiangben, greatly increasing his power. He could then legitimately take charge of the military and political affairs of Youzhou and implement his policy of appeasement and pacification of the people.

This should have been a golden opportunity to realize one's ambitions.

However, the first person he thought of was that figure who was also in Youzhou and held equally great power.

Ji Xuanyuan.

His Majesty's move clearly demonstrates his intention to maintain checks and balances.

"My lord, this is because His Majesty trusts you." Wei You, the aide, noticed his worry and said in a low voice.

"Governing Youzhou is the perfect opportunity to vigorously promote benevolent governance, pacify displaced people, and recruit the Wuhuan and Xianbei. Although the Marquis of Ji is powerful, he is still nominally under the jurisdiction of Youzhou. As the governor, you may be able to gradually guide him towards goodness, temper his arrogance, and jointly safeguard the peace of the northern frontier."

Liu Yu shook his head with a wry smile: "The ambitions of Marquis Ji are not limited to the northern frontier."

"Judging from their establishment of their government, recruitment of talented individuals, and the development of various industries, as well as their efforts in iron smelting and armor making, their ambitions are not small. Your Majesty's attempt to use me as a check and balance will not be easy. They have a strong army, popular support, financial resources, and a large number of brothers who can fight ten thousand men each... This check and balance is like walking on thin ice."

He thought of Guanzicheng, and how Ji Xuanyuan, disregarding his own strategy, recklessly sent troops to rescue Gongsun Zan and succeeded.

That was not only a military operation, but also a blatant challenge to and denial of Liu Yu's authority and policies.

Now that he has become governor, this conflict will only become more direct.

He looked south towards Luoyang, silently praying: Your Majesty, you have entrusted me with such a heavy responsibility and difficult task. I... can only do my utmost to live up to your trust and, in this chaotic situation, safeguard a little more peace for the people of Youzhou and for the Han dynasty.

After issuing this edict that could completely change the fate of the empire, Liu Hong returned to Qingliang Palace alone.

He dismissed those around him, leaned back on the couch, and stared blankly at the intricately carved caisson ceiling.

He knew what he was doing.

He was dismantling the imperial framework left by his ancestors, distributing power among the royal family and ministers who might be loyal or ambitious.

He was gambling on a bleak future, gambling that heroes could emerge from the Liu bloodline, gambling that this fragmented land could eventually be pieced back together with the character "Han".

"I am not a ruler destined to bring about the downfall of a nation, yet everything I do is a sign of that doom..." he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible.

The true pillars of support may be in Yizhou, in Youzhou, among those governors who have been given great power, or perhaps... there will never be any more.

He closed his eyes wearily, letting out a long sigh deep in his chest.

The chessboard was already in disarray, and he was powerless to do anything about what would happen next, nor would he ever see it with his own eyes.

We can only hope that the spirit of Emperor Guangwu will once again grace the long-suffering Liu dynasty.