coobybook Chapter 220: Chang'an as the capital and Xingping as the reign title
Chapter 220: Chang'an as the capital and Xingping as the reign title
After Dong Zhuo's forces were successfully defeated and Chang'an fell to the allied forces, the war-torn city was filled with the lingering smell of gunpowder. The devastated streets and broken city walls bore witness to the fierce battle.
After deliberation, the princes decided to let Emperor Liu Bian enter Chang'an first. They believed that using the old palace as a base and letting the emperor move in first would not only show respect for the emperor, but also buy time for subsequent arrangements.
Thus, escorted by Zhao Yun and the White Horse Volunteers, the young Emperor Liu Bian, accompanied by Lu Zhi, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, slowly made his way towards the palace in Chang'an, filled with trepidation and anticipation. Seated in his ornate yet slightly worn carriage, he gazed out the window at the scene outside, feeling a mixture of emotions. The former prosperity was gone, leaving only the ruins of war and the weary, bewildered faces of the people.
The other princes remained stationed outside Chang'an. Their tents stretched out in a continuous line, their flags fluttering in the wind. Each prince harbored his own agenda, maintaining a facade of unity on the surface while secretly pursuing his own interests.
Yuan Shao stood in front of his tent, gazing towards the Chang'an city walls, pondering how to expand his sphere of influence in this new situation. His advisors whispered to each other, discussing their next strategy.
Cao Cao, in his own tent, was analyzing the current situation with his generals. He knew that although Dong Zhuo had been eliminated, the chaos in the world was far from over, and the conflicts between the princes could intensify at any time.
Yuan Shu threw a tantrum in the tent, expressing dissatisfaction with the resources and territory allocated to him, and clamoring for more benefits.
Gongsun Zan was quietly reorganizing his army, thinking about how to maintain his position and strength in this power game.
Outside Chang'an, though seemingly peaceful, a dark undercurrent surged. The princes waited, waiting for the right moment to secure greater benefits. Meanwhile, within the palace, Emperor Liu Bian's situation was fraught with uncertainty and uncertainty.
Outside the city of Chang'an, the tents of the allied forces of the princes were lined up, and the military flags fluttered in the wind.
In the main camp of the coalition forces, the princes gathered together, each with a face filled with the joy of victory, but behind this joy, they all had their own thoughts.
Yuan Shao, a prince from a prominent family, was the first to break the silence: "Now that Dong Zhuo has been eliminated, our mission is accomplished. How should the fruits of victory be distributed?" He swept his eyes over everyone present, his eyes flashing with a determined glint.
Cao Cao, a hero renowned for his strategy and courage, stroked his beard and spoke slowly, "Lord Yuan, the priority right now is to stabilize the situation. Although Luoyang has been destroyed, Chang'an can serve as the new capital. Our most urgent task is to restore the emperor to the throne and reassure the people."
Yuan Shu, on the other hand, said sarcastically, "Humph, Cao Mengde, you're quite good at speaking high-sounding words. This victory was hard-won, and we all contributed to it. Shouldn't we be rewarded accordingly?"
Gongsun Zan sat aside, silent, but his eyes revealed his desire for power and wealth.
Everyone was arguing with each other, and the atmosphere in the tent gradually became tense.
In the imperial palace in Chang'an, Liu Bian, who had just been freed from Dong Zhuo's shadow, was also conducting a discussion concerning the future of the country accompanied by Lu Zhi.
Liu Bian, the young emperor, deliberately showed fear and anxiety in his eyes: "Master Lu, although Dong Zhuo is dead now, I still have lingering fears. What should I do with the world?"
Lu Zhi bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. Dong Zhuo's elimination is a blessing for the nation. While the allied forces of the princes are serving the nation, we must also be wary of their increasing power. I believe we should establish our capital in Chang'an as soon as possible, stabilize the court, and issue a proclamation throughout the land, announcing our victory over Dong Zhuo to reassure the people."
Liu Bian nodded slightly and asked, "What should be done with Dong Zhuo's remaining territories, such as Lintao, Anding, Ganquan, Fufeng, and Fengyi?"
Lu Zhi pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, many of the garrisons in these areas are hesitant and on the sidelines. I suggest that you first send envoys to persuade them to surrender with both reason and emotion. If they refuse, then we can send troops to suppress them. As for the troops to be sent, I believe the Youzhou Army can take on this important task. They have strict military discipline, fight bravely, and are loyal to Your Majesty. Send them to pacify the situation and place your trusted confidants there to protect the important areas around the capital. Only in this way can Your Majesty's throne be secure."
After hearing this, Liu Bian's eyes flashed with a gleam of light: "I hope so. I rely entirely on Master Lu."
Lu Zhi bowed again and said, "I will devote myself to your cause until my death, to relieve your majesty's worries and to bring peace to the world."
Emperor Liu Bian, who was in the Chang'an Palace, although temporarily settled, was still filled with worries and uneasiness. In particular, he could not put his mind at ease about the situation of Ma Chao and Xiliang.
Liu Bian paced back and forth in the palace, his brow furrowed. He said to Lu Zhi beside him, "Ma Chao commands a large army in Xiliang, and his strength should not be underestimated. The situation is still unstable, and I'm truly worried he might become a new source of trouble."
However, Lu Zhi, a senior official in the imperial court, had a completely different view of his apprentice, Ma Chao. He knew Ma Chao's character and ambitions well, and firmly believed that Ma Chao was not a disloyal or unrighteous person.
Lu Zhi advised the emperor, "Your Majesty, I know my disciple Ma Chao very well. Although he is from Xiliang, he is loyal and righteous, and he certainly puts the country first. I believe that Xiliang will not necessarily become our enemy."
Liu Bian's eyes lit up when he heard this. He walked up to Lu Zhi and said gently, "Master Lu, I know you are quite familiar with Senior Brother Ma Chao. Given the current situation, if Senior Brother Ma Chao could be persuaded to surrender, it would be a great blessing for the court. I believe that with your ability, you will be able to persuade Ma Chao to serve the court."
Lu Zhi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will do my best."
Liu Bian gently patted Lu Zhi's shoulder and said earnestly, "Master Lu, my kingdom is in jeopardy, and I urgently need loyal ministers and wise generals to share my worries. The relationship between Master Lu and my brother as mentor and disciple may be the key to resolving the Xiliang issue. I hope you will tirelessly work to resolve this difficult issue for me."
Lu Zhi sensed the emperor's expectations and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I am willing to go through fire and water for you. Once the affairs of the allied forces are settled, I will personally go to Xiliang and will definitely fulfill my mission."
Liu Bian nodded with satisfaction and said, "Well, Master Lu's loyalty is undeniable. I will remember it in my heart. If this succeeds, you will take the primary credit."
However, the world situation at this time is still complicated. The ambitions of the princes have not been reduced by Dong Zhuo's death. The stability and peace hoped for by Liu Bian and Lu Zhi are still facing numerous difficulties and challenges...
Finally, under everyone's eager anticipation, Emperor Liu Bian held his first court meeting in the slightly old but still solemn and dignified palace in Chang'an.
The morning sun filtered through the carved window lattices, casting patches of golden light on the palace's golden brick floor. Inside, towering vermilion columns supported the heavy roof, a symbol of imperial power. On the walls, exquisite murals depicted the heroic achievements of the Han ancestors, creating a solemn and awe-inspiring scene.
Officials, clad in regal court robes, lined up in descending order of rank. Civil officials clutched tablets, their faces solemn and filled with anticipation; military commanders, clad in armor, bore awe-inspiring presence. Their gazes were fixed on the lofty Dragon Throne, awaiting the Emperor's divine voice.
Emperor Liu Bian sat upright on the dragon throne, clad in a dragon robe and crown. Though his face appeared childish, it exuded a sense of determination and majesty. His eyes held hope for the country's future and his trust in his ministers.
In the solemn silence, the eunuch beside the emperor shouted in a shrill but loud voice: "If you have something to say, please report it. If not, please dismiss the court!"
At this moment, Emperor Liu Bian leaned forward slightly and spoke: "Decree! I am blessed by Heaven's will, and thanks to the efforts of you all, our cause against Dong Zhuo has finally been successful. The traitor Dong Zhuo has been beheaded, and his followers have been wiped out. Now, this victory news must be announced to the entire nation, so that all people know that the traitor has been eliminated and the chaos has been quelled. May our great Han Dynasty enjoy favorable weather, peaceful livelihoods, and a peaceful and stable world. I wish to share the blessings of peace with all the people and forge a prosperous era together."
All the ministers shouted in unison: "Long live the emperor!" The sound echoed in the palace, deafening.
Emperor Liu Bian spoke again, his voice steady and powerful: "Once again, I will issue my decree! Times are different now, and all past hardships are behind us. I have decided to change the reign title to Xingping, and begin a new chapter for the Han Dynasty with the first year of Xingping. I hope this new year will bring auspiciousness to our dynasty and benefit all its people. Furthermore, after careful consideration, I have decided to establish the capital in Chang'an. Chang'an is the ancient capital of the Han Dynasty, the place where the dragon arose, where the royal aura converged, and where the foundations are deep. Establishing the capital here will ensure the eternal stability of the Han Dynasty and the well-being of the country."
At this solemn court meeting, as soon as Emperor Liu Bian's decree of reward was read out, Yuan Shu could no longer contain his composure. His arrogant face was filled with impatience, and he impatiently stepped out of the ranks and shouted without ceremony, "We have all fought against Dong Zhuo, contributing our troops and manpower, shed blood and sweat. Your Majesty, please explain clearly what the reward is!"