The Three Kingdoms: Home Travel

At dawn on the third day of the twelfth month in Guangping, Cao Cao dispatched four trusted generals, Cao Ren, Cao Chi, Cong Kou, Jing, and Xiahou Yuan, each with 5,000 troops, to guard the four gates of Xuchang. He also ordered Li Dian, Yue Jin, and Yu Jin to lead 3,000 troops to patrol the city.

As the sun rose at dawn, the emperor held court... As usual, Liu Xie slowly entered the golden hall amidst a loud shout from a eunuch. After the officials, led by Yang Biao, shouted "Long live the Emperor!", Liu Xie waved his hand and said calmly, "My beloved ministers, please be at peace."

Halfway through his speech, Liu Xie suddenly noticed that many officials were missing from the court. Apart from some officials who had died in the Xuchang rebellion, whom Liu Xie was well aware of, there were still many officials who had not arrived.

Jiang Zhe, one of the Three Dukes and holding the position of Minister of Works, was absent. However, Liu Xie was already used to it; this fellow clearly wouldn't come to the morning court session! He would only appear at the afternoon court session to handle urgent matters. Liu Xie had long since given up on saying anything more about this; in his heart, it was already second nature. Although Jiang Zhe was simply unable to get up from his harem, what surprised Liu Xie was that even Cao Cao hadn't come today!

Could it be that I spoke too harshly yesterday? Liu Xie frowned slightly, sat on the dragon throne, and waved his hand, saying, "All my beloved ministers, rise!" The poor officials in the court knelt for a while longer for no reason.

"Alas!" Xun Yu, who was in court, glanced at Liu Xie with a sigh and shook his head. Cheng Yu, who was beside him, glanced at the emperor not far away with a cold smile. His eyes were full of schadenfreude.

If Cao Mengde doesn't come, then he doesn't come! Liu Xie was resentful but helpless, and could only let it be, just like he had with Jiang Zhe. However, compared to Jiang Zhe, Liu Xie clearly disliked Cao Cao even more.

Yawning, Liu Xie extended his right hand and said, "Do any of my beloved ministers have important matters to report? If not, the court is adjourned!" As he spoke, he was filled with immense sorrow and anger. Since when had the morning court session, meant for discussing the affairs of the realm, degenerated into a mere formality, a perfunctory exercise? All important matters were dealt with early at the governor's residence in Xuchang, leaving only trivial matters to be reported. Liu Xie utterly loathed this!

The ministers exchanged bewildered glances, none stepping forward. Liu Xie, seeing this, sneered inwardly. He rose, waved his hand, and said in a deep voice, "Since there's nothing else… Court adjourned!"

"Wait!" A loud shout suddenly came from outside the Golden Hall. Then, to the astonishment of everyone in the hall, Cao Cao walked in with a deep expression, went straight to the foot of the Dragon Platform, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice, "Your subject Pi has something to report!"

The ministers discussed the matter among themselves, but Cao Cao only clasped his hands in greeting, without performing a proper salute. The old Grand Commandant Yang Biao glanced at Cao Cao's expression and then looked around at several ministers from Cao Cao's faction, seemingly lost in thought.

Liu Xie stared at Cao Cao in disbelief, feeling as if Cao Cao was a completely different person today, making it difficult for Liu Xie to recognize him.

Without waiting for Liu Xie to speak, Cao Cao glanced at everyone and said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, since General He Jin's demise, there has been no one in the court suitable for the position of General. I feel this is very inappropriate. Now that the Han Dynasty is in distress, and the various warlords throughout the land are disrespecting the imperial family, someone should be appointed to this position to punish the disloyal! What do you all think?"

Cao Mengde is forcing Cao Cao to abdicate! Yang Biao's heart skipped a beat. He never expected Cao Cao to act this way today. He glanced at the assembled ministers and sighed inwardly, "If that young Jiang were here, I might dare to use my age to refute Cao Mengde, but alas, he's not here." It seems there's no one in the court who can persuade Cao Mengde!

"You!" Liu Xie's face flushed red with anger. His finger trembled as he pointed at Cao Cao, but Cao Cao remained unfazed, giving him a cold look.

The court officials looked at each other, not daring to participate in the confrontation between Liu Xie and Cao Cao.

Dong Cheng licked his lips, stepped forward, and said calmly, "Lord Cao's actions are perhaps inappropriate!"

"Oh?" Cao Cao replied with a cold laugh, "Your Excellency, it would be best if you said less, lest you harm your health. Don't blame me for being ruthless later!"

Looking directly into Cao Cao's cold eyes, Dong Cheng was so frightened that he took a step back.

"My dear minister!" Liu Xie abruptly stood up and said in a deep voice, "Why are you acting like this? Are you perhaps trying to force me to abdicate?"

"Haha!" Cao Cao laughed heartily, then looked around at his ministers and said, "Gentlemen, has Cao Cao attempted to force the emperor to abdicate?"

The crowd was terrified and dared not speak, even Grand Commandant Yang Biao kept his eyes closed and remained silent.

"Hmph!" Liu Xie snorted angrily and shouted, "Since you did not force me to abdicate, then... court is adjourned!"

Upon hearing the emperor announce the end of court, all the ministers rushed towards the palace gates.

"Who dares to leave?" Zhuo Cao shouted in a deep voice, "Come back to me! And stay put!"

Under Liu Xie's gaze, filled with both shock and anger, the ministers returned to their respective positions. They dared not look at Liu Xie, nor at Cao Cao, but instead kept their heads down, staring at the bricks beneath their feet.

The only officials who remained untouched in the court were Grand Commandant Yang Biao, Emperor's father-in-law Dong Cheng, and a series of ministers from Cao Cao's faction.

Cao Cao turned to his ministers and said in an icy tone, "None of you have yet given me a reply!"

Feeling the sharp, piercing gaze sweep over him, Attendant-in-Ordinary Yan Hui hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Cao is absolutely right. The position of Grand General should be reinstated in the court!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers, who were not fools, readily echoed his words, which fueled Liu Xie's burning anger, making it difficult for him to contain himself.

"Heh heh!" Liu Xie laughed in exasperation, pointing at Cao Cao and then at the court officials, before saying in a deep voice to Cao Cao, "In your opinion, who should hold the position of Grand General?"

Cao Cao clasped his hands slightly and said calmly, "Your subject has no such obligation. I am willing to take on this responsibility!"

"What a load of rubbish!" Liu Xie gritted his teeth. His body trembled with rage at Cao Cao's words. "Your actions are utterly rebellious and will surely be condemned by the world!"

"Is that so?" Cao Cao smiled faintly, glancing around at the assembled ministers. "Gentlemen, you all..." The ministers, fearing Cao Cao, could only speak in unison, "Your Majesty is wise; the position of Grand General belongs to none other than Lord Cao!"

"You...you..." Liu Xie was both shocked and furious. His chest heaved with anger, and he couldn't even finish his sentence.

"Please issue the decree, Your Majesty!" Cao Cao said coldly.

Seeing Cao Cao's piercing gaze, Liu Xie, though unwilling, had no choice but to grit his teeth and say, "Issue my decree, appointing Cao Cao and Cao Mengde as Grand Generals! Hmph!"

Now that the pretense of civility had been broken, Liu Xie had even dropped the "my beloved minister" address, knowing perfectly well that Cao Cao wouldn't dare to do anything to him. Having tasted the bitterness of human nature, Liu Xie was now somewhat resigned to his fate.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Cao Cao smiled and bowed, but when he glanced at Liu Xie's angry and fearful expression, he sneered inwardly.

"Is this to Lord Cao's liking?" Liu Xie scoffed, then turned and walked towards the rear of the palace.

"Wait!" Cao Cao called out to Liu Xie again, saying in a deep voice, "Your Majesty is wise. There are many vacancies in the court, which is detrimental to governance. I have prepared a list and hope Your Majesty will grant the appointments!"

"You!" Liu Xie had been barely suppressing his anger, but now he could no longer hold back and roared, "If you want to bestow a title, do it yourself!" With a flick of his sleeve, he angrily strode into the back of the hall.

"Hmph!" Just as the court officials were worried that Cao Cao would be angered, Cao Cao laughed heartily. Looking around at everyone, he said, "Did you all hear that? His Majesty has entrusted this matter to me, the Great General!"

"What a fine general I am!" Yang Biao sighed inwardly.

The ministers exchanged bewildered glances, and even Dong Cheng and his faction dared not oppose Cao Cao at this moment. They could only shout, "We hear you!"

Cao Cao glanced at the fickle ministers, a cold smile playing on his lips. Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, he stepped onto the dragon platform, unfurled the silk scroll in his hand, and said in a deep voice, "By His Majesty's decree, I, the Great General, have come to bestow titles upon you all. Where is Grand Commandant Yang Biao?"

"Huh?" Yang Biao suddenly opened his eyes. A few thoughts raced through his mind, and hesitantly stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting, and said, "This old minister is here!"

Cao Cao glanced at Yang Biao indifferently. He then declared firmly, "The old Grand Commandant has faithfully performed his duties, protecting the Han Dynasty. Furthermore, he possesses both talent and learning, and his character is of the highest caliber. He is qualified to be the Imperial Tutor. From this day forward, he is promoted to Grand Tutor!"

"This old minister... thanks Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!" The old Grand Commandant, no, the old Grand Tutor Yang Biao smiled bitterly to himself.

It sounds nice to say that he is the emperor's teacher, but in reality it is a sinecure. Compared to the Grand Commandant, the Grand Tutor is only a nicer title. In terms of real power, they are worlds apart. If someone with no reputation were to be the Grand Tutor, even the guards at the city gates probably wouldn't pay any attention to him.

Yuan Gonglu, you've ruined me! Yang Biao shook his head and returned to his ranks, looking at the ministers with trepidation.

With just this one move, the old Grand Commandant's official position was stripped away?

"If it weren't for your close friendship with Uncle Jiang Shouyi, and considering your lack of involvement during the Xuchang rebellion, I would have simply ordered you to retire and return to your hometown!" Cao Cao sneered inwardly and shouted, "Jiang Shouyi, what are you doing?!" "By order of His Majesty, Jiang Zhe (Jiang Shouyi) is hereby appointed as the Prefect of Jingzhao, Magistrate of Xudu, Governor of Yuzhou, and Marquis of Yingting, while retaining his post as Minister of Works!"

A collective gasp rippled through the court officials. Wang Li, the Chamberlain, hesitated before stepping forward to report, "General, I have a question. What brings you to the positions of Prefect of Jingzhao and Magistrate of Xudu?"

Since Wang Li, the Chamberlain, had never made things difficult for him in the past, Cao Cao did not take offense and said gently, "Since Your Majesty has come to Xuchang, Xuchang shall become the capital of the Han Dynasty. From this day forward, it may be called Xudu!"

Wang Li paused for a moment, then cupped his hands in return to the ranks.

Cao Mengde actually values ​​that young man surnamed Jiang so much. Grand Tutor Yang Biao slightly opened his eyes and thought to himself, "Very well, in this way, the Yang family can live in peace in Xuchang and Xudu!"

Seeing that no one dared to voice their opposition, Cao Cao breathed a slight sigh of relief. He was afraid that if all his ministers opposed him, he would have to kill them all.

Where is Xun Wenruo now?

Xun Yu hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "General, Xun Yu is here!"

Cao Cao nodded and said gently, "By His Majesty's decree, Xun Yu is hereby appointed as Attendant-in-Ordinary. He will also serve as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat..."

"Alas!" Xun Yu sighed inwardly, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Subsequently, Cao Cao appointed Xun You as military advisor, Guo Jia as chief military advisor, Cheng Yu as commander of the guards, Li Ru as chief minister of justice, Liu Ye as minister of public affairs, Mao Jie and Ren Jun as generals of agriculture, Fan Cheng as governor of Juancheng, Dong Zhao as governor of Dongjun, and Man Chong as governor of Chongzhou.

Among the military generals, Xiahou Jing was appointed General Who Conquers the East, Xiahou Yuan General Who Conquers the West, Cao Ren General Who Conquers the South, Cao Chun General Who Pacifies the East, Cao Hong General Who Pacifies the West, Yu Jin General Who Pacifies the South, Li Dian General Who Pacifies the East, Yue Jin General Who Pacifies the West, and Zhao Yun General Who Pacifies the South. The remaining generals, including Lü Qian, Dian Wei, Li Tong, Gao Shun, and Yang Ding, were all appointed as colonels. All other officers and soldiers were also given official titles.

After receiving the emperor's "approval," Cao Cao proclaimed himself Grand General and Marquis of Wuping. From then on, all power belonged to Cao Cao: important matters of the court were first reported to Cao Cao, and then presented to the emperor.

It is worth mentioning the position of Grand Commandant. Cao Cao followed Xun Yu's advice and gave it to Yuan Shao, which could be seen as a way of appeasing Yuan Shao and stabilizing the relationship between the two forces.

Cao Cao renamed Xuchang as Xudu and lavishly rewarded his court officials. As a result, more and more people became his vassals, and Liu Xie was forced to submit to Cao Cao, changing the era name to Jian'an at Cao Cao's behest.

Therefore, the third year of Zhongping can also be called the first year of Jian'an, which marked the beginning of Cao Cao's rise to power as a minister.

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