Chapter 295 Liu Yan and Liu Biao join forces with Dong Zhuo
After Liu Yan escaped from Yizhou and came to Chang'an City, he was appointed as Taiwei, nominally commanding the military generals of the entire country.

In fact, he only commanded an army of over 20,000 troops, whose quality was uneven, with very few elite soldiers, and was just a show.

Some generals such as Zhang Lu and Zhang Xiu were given the title of General of the Central Army, while others became Colonel.

Instead, Liu Yan's four sons, Liu Dan, Liu Fan, Liu Mao and Liu Zhang, got a great advantage.

The eldest brother Liu Fan was formerly the General of the Left, and is now named the General Suppressing Bandits.

The second son, Liu Dan, was originally the Imperial Censor, and is now conferred the title of Imperial Censor.

The third brother, Liu Mao, was named General Suppressing Bandits.

The fourth son, Liu Zhang, was appointed as a counselor.

Although the Counselor is just a censor, in fact, he is the only way to be promoted to Guanglu Dafu or to be sent to a county governor, and it can be considered a stepping stone.

Guanglu Dafu is the reserve of the Nine Ministers.

Among Liu Yan's four sons, Liu Mao was similar to his father and had quite a bit of Liu Yan's style, Liu Fan inherited Liu Yan's bravery, Liu Dan inherited Liu Yan's wisdom, and Liu Zhang inherited nothing.

However, Liu Yan loved his youngest son Liu Zhang the most because he was filial.

Earlier, when Liu Yan entered Shu, he only took the third son Liu Mao with him. This is another side of Liu Yan as a father.

I hope my son will become a dragon!

Unfortunately, the time was short and Liu Mao was unable to complete his training and transformation, otherwise, Liu Yan would not have been defeated so miserably.

Fortunately, Dong Zhuo, who was entrenched in Chang'an, was seriously injured, giving Liu Yan an opportunity to take advantage of.

However, Liu Yan did not foolishly launch a suicidal attack on Dong Zhuo like his predecessor, Wang Yun.

After getting the post of Grand Commandant, Liu Yan started to play the same tricks he did in Yizhou, obeying orders but not announcements.

This made Emperor Liu Xie very angry.

Then, Liu Biao was in big trouble when he came. Not only did he fail to get any official position, but he was also suspected by Liu Xie of being in cahoots with Jin Mao.

In the end, Liu Biao relied on his amazing network of contacts to get one of the Nine Ministers and the Grand Herald.

The former Grand Herald Yang Biao once again became one of the Three Dukes, the Minister of Education, which was the former official position of Wang Yun.

To be honest, when Yang Biao received the appointment, his legs were shaking. Wasn't this pushing him to death?

It hasn't even been a year since the previous prime minister Wang Yun died. Why is he taking his place so soon?

this day.

Liu Yan held a grand banquet at the Taiwei Mansion to entertain Liu Biao. Also attending were the Minister of the Interior Yang Biao and the Minister of Works Zhu Jun.

After drinking wine, eating meat, and looking at beautiful women, Liu Yan said, "Today we will mainly discuss how to stabilize Chang'an and unite the princes from all over the country to fight against the remnants of Dong Zhuo."

"Yang Situ and Zhu Sikong, you two are important officials in the court. You should set an example and work together for the stability and prosperity of the court."

"We should work together to support the Han Dynasty, drive out the evil, and restore the prosperity of the Central Plains."

After he finished speaking, the four of them fell silent. Each of them had their own agenda, but all showed agreement on their faces.

Yang Biao was originally a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, but now he is in danger. He knows very well that the banquet in the Taiwei Mansion is not a simple gathering, but an undercurrent.

He glanced at Liu Biao and saw that he looked solemn and obviously realized the complexity of the situation.

He wondered secretly, could the peace of Chang'an City be maintained by old ministers like them, as Liu Yan said?
Zhu Jun was foolishly loyal. Although he knew that Liu Yan was ambitious, he still had a glimmer of hope in his heart, hoping that through the efforts of everyone, they could resist the threat of Dong Zhuo.

However, the atmosphere at the banquet made him feel deeply uneasy. He knew that behind this banquet, there were complex schemes and calculations.

Liu Biao knew Liu Yan's temper very well. Both of them were warlords who wanted to establish their own regime. It was just that they were beaten by Jin Mao to the point where they were almost unable to take care of themselves.

Liu Yan wanted to test him. He raised his cup, a cunning look flashed in his eyes. "We are gathered here today for important matters of the court. But I know a little bit about what you are thinking. Yang Situ, Zhu Sikong, Liu Taichang, we should be honest with each other, discuss major plans together, and do our part for the long-term stability of the court."

Everyone present was an experienced person. When Liu Yan said this, everyone understood that he was trying to test them.

Yang Biao looked solemn, Zhu Jun looked worried, and Liu Biao smiled slightly, indicating that he was willing to hear the details.

The atmosphere at the table suddenly became tense. Everyone had their own thoughts, but they all tacitly maintained a superficial harmony, waiting for Liu Yan's next move.

As the host, Liu Yan could not let the atmosphere become gloomy. He cursed inwardly for being cunning and continued, "We need to recruit warriors from all over the country to expand our military strength and strengthen the defense of Chang'an.

At the same time, it is necessary to send envoys to contact the princes from all over the country to discuss major plans and form a joint force in order to completely eradicate the remnants of Dong Zhuo.

I hope you will all help me and work together for the stability and prosperity of the court."

This is fine if you are talking to children. Dong Zhuo is only a threat to them. To Jin Mao, Yuan Shao and other princes, he is nothing.

It would have been better if Dong Zhuo had not been beaten by these people. Dong Zhuo’s two previous defeats in Luoyang speak for themselves.

Moreover, everyone present was well-informed and knew that Dong Zhuo was trying hard to win over Jin Mao.

Therefore, Liu Yan's words were just superficial, and his real purpose was still not revealed.

Zhu Jun, Yang Biao and Liu Biao were very patient and waited for Liu Yan to tell the truth.

Seeing that these people were unmoved, Liu Yan sighed helplessly and said, "Since you don't believe me, please go back."

"My loyalty to the Han Dynasty is evident to all!"

Yang Biao wanted to laugh after hearing this. Who sent Zhang Lu to rob and kill the envoy? Just pretend it never happened, right?

But Liu Yan had 20,000 soldiers and horses, so he didn't have to worry about being the first to be liquidated by Dong Zhuo. But Yang Biao and others were not so lucky.

There was no choice, Yang Biao and Zhu Jun looked at Liu Biao together.

As both are royal family members, Liu Biao and Liu Yan have a closer relationship, so some things are better said by Liu Biao.

Liu Biao sighed, stood up and bowed, saying: "Why do you have to say such empty words, Commander? If you summoned me here today just for this matter, then I will take my leave."

"Wait!" Liu Yan shouted, "Liu Jingsheng! Don't you want to support the Han Dynasty?"

Liu Biao folded his hands and bowed, but said nothing.

Seeing Liu Biao's stubborn look, Liu Yan was very annoyed, but there was nothing he could do. They were all thousand-year-old foxes, so what was the point in performing "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio"?
"stop!"

Liu Yan shouted again and asked Liu Zhang to take the servants, dancers and maids away. Liu Mao, Liu Fan and Liu Dan led people to surround the yard to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

Liu Biao did not leave when he saw this, knowing that the main show was about to begin, and slowly returned to his seat and sat down.

Liu Yan took a deep breath and said, "Since there are no outsiders here, I will tell you what I think."

"With the world in such a mess, Jinmao has an unshirkable responsibility!"

"I want to join forces with Dong to destroy Jin!"

As soon as this statement came out, it was shocking!

The three old foxes, Yang Biao, Zhu Jun and Liu Biao, could no longer remain calm and were horrified.

"Liu Junlang! Do you know what you are talking about?"

Liu Biao jumped up and down and asked, "Are you still a Han minister?"

Liu Yan's eyes were firm as he continued, "Although Dong Zhuo is the source of chaos, Jin Mao's ambition is even more terrifying.

If it is allowed to grow stronger, it will endanger the foundation of the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, I propose that we unite with the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo to fight against Jin Mao together, so that we can have a glimmer of hope. "

When these words were spoken, everyone in the room was shocked, but no one dared to easily refute Liu Yan's determination.

Liu Yan continued: "Although Dong Zhuo is cruel, Jin Mao's ambition is more obvious.

To protect the Han Dynasty, we must unite all available forces, including Dong Zhuo's remnants. This is a temporary measure, and I hope you will think carefully about it. "

Yang Biao, Zhu Jun, and Liu Yan looked at each other in bewilderment. Liu Yan's determination made them feel unprecedented pressure. This was a perverse act!

Liu Yan's firm words shocked everyone. He wanted to join forces with Dong Zhuo's remnants to fight against Jin Mao, which was undoubtedly against the trend.

However, Yang Biao, Zhu Jun and Liu Biao understood that this would be a decision that would determine the survival of the Han Dynasty.

Yang Biao was very tempted, but the Yang family, with five households and four dukes, did not have the face to express his agreement.

Yang Biao stood up suddenly and said in a trembling voice: "Liu Junlang, although your plan is bold, it may cause chaos in the world. Although Jinmao is strong, we can also take our time to deal with it. Why bother to seek the skin of a tiger and put ourselves in danger?"

Liu Yan sneered: "In troubled times, how can we talk about taking our time? If we don't make a decision soon, the Han Dynasty will be in danger!"

Yang Biao said sternly: "This boy is not worthy of being consulted!"

After saying this, he was about to get up and leave, but was stopped by Liu Mao.

"Liu Yan!" Yang Biao asked through gritted teeth, "What do you mean?"

Calling someone by their name shows that Yang Biao is very angry.

Before Liu Yan could say anything, Zhu Jun came out to smooth things over: "Situ Yang, wait a minute. We should focus on the overall situation. Although Liu Taiwei's words are shocking, they do make sense. Now is not the time to argue. We should think carefully about his intentions before making a decision."

Zhu Jun's calm attitude temporarily eased the tense atmosphere, but everyone knew in their hearts that this banquet would definitely not be able to continue.

Yang Biao said resolutely: "I will live and die with the Han Dynasty!"

This scene is quite similar to the style of Liu Yan's nonsense back then.

Zhu Jun said with shame: "I am not as good as Yang Situ!"

Zhu Jun stopped trying to dissuade him, and instead stood with Yang Biao, bowing to Liu Yan and saying, "Taiwei, rest assured, Yang Situ and I will keep our mouths shut and will not reveal a single word!"

Afterwards, Zhu Jun and Yang Biao swore an oath to the sky.

Liu Yan then waved his hand and asked the two to leave.

Liu Biao was the only one left at the table. Liu Yan looked over and asked, "Jingsheng, what do you think?"

Liu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Although the Taiwei's proposal is for the Han Dynasty, it is very risky. Jinmao is powerful and cannot be easily conquered. Although Dong Zhuo was defeated, his remnants are not good people. If this plan succeeds, it may temporarily keep the Han Dynasty peaceful, but if it fails, the world may be in chaos. Let me think it over again."

Liu Yan nodded slightly, indicating that he understood Liu Biao's concerns. He knew that this plan was extremely risky, but it was also the only way out he could think of at the moment.

He patted Liu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Jingsheng, I understand your concerns. But the Han Dynasty is in danger, and we must act decisively. I hope you will think carefully and make a decision as soon as possible."

Both of them are victims of persecution by Jinmao, which makes them more relatable.

However, Liu Biao had no troops to help him, so he had more concerns.

Liu Yan naturally wanted these as well, otherwise it would not be so easy to talk to him.

"How about this," Liu Yan said, "I'll contact Dong Zhuo, and Jing Sheng will just cheer for me when the matter is accomplished. How do you think?"

After hearing this, Liu Biao nodded slightly and said, "Taiwei has thought it over carefully. Now that he has made a decision, I will wait for good news in Chang'an. If there is a way forward, I will definitely go all out."

After saying this, Liu Biao also said goodbye and left.

Liu Yan watched him leave, secretly planning his next plan in his heart. The undercurrent in Chang'an City was gradually surging.

A few days later, Liu Yan met Guo Jia again.

Guo Jia, this little rascal, didn't agree to anything and just did things under Cao Cao's banner.

Liu Yan did not state his plan clearly. After testing Guo Jia's attitude, he realized that Cao Cao could not threaten Chang'an.

The only person who poses a threat to Chang'an is Jinmao.

At this moment, Liu Yan had regarded the Sili area as his own back garden and wanted to take off again with the help of this place.

this day.

Liu Yan stopped Dong Zhuo's carriage after the court meeting.

"What's the matter, Commander?"

Dong Zhuo was just about to propose to appoint Jin Mao as the general. Now that the court was back under his control, he was not afraid of Liu Yan and others trying to take action.

However, with the previous experience of Wang Yun as a lesson, Dong Zhuo did not want to restart the war easily as it would be too hurtful.

Therefore, when facing Liu Yan, Dong Zhuo tried his best to remain calm.

Liu Yan glanced at the officials who were constantly coming out of the Weiyang Palace behind him and whispered, "Grand Master, excuse me for a moment."

Dong Zhuo understood and invited him, "How about you ride in the same carriage with me, Taiwei?"

This was a test. If Liu Yan accepted it, it meant that things would not be too bad next. Otherwise, he would have to prepare for war.

Liu Yan also knew this. Although he didn't want to be criticized, things had come to this point and there was no way back. He gritted his teeth and got on Dong Zhuo's carriage.

"Grand Master." Liu Yan said straight to the point, "The world is in chaos, Jinmao is rising, and we are all ministers of the Han Dynasty. We should focus on state affairs.

Although the Grand Master was defeated, his power is still there. I am willing to join hands with you to fight against Jin Mao and protect the Han Dynasty. I hope the Grand Master will think deeply and discuss the major plan with you. "

Dong Zhuo's pupils trembled. He never expected that Liu Yan would come to form an alliance.

“Hahaha!” Dong Zhuo laughed loudly and shouted, “Liu Yan! How could I tolerate you!”

In Liu Yan's angry eyes, Dong Zhuo whispered again: "I will visit you tonight."

Then, Dong Zhuo shouted again: "Get lost!"

Afterwards, all the officials saw Liu Yan jump off Dong Zhuo's carriage in a panic, causing a burst of laughter.

Liu Yan was secretly annoyed: "Dong Zhuo's brain is not working well!"

As long as the two of them join forces, this matter cannot be concealed. Why bother covering it up?
Do more!
Liu Yan always felt that Dong Zhuo wanted to take this opportunity to take revenge, but when he thought about the possibility of joining forces, he could only endure it.

That night.

When Dong Zhuo quietly came to see Liu Yan, half of Chang'an knew about it.

The scene was so huge that Dong Zhuo was afraid of being assassinated, so he brought a lot of people with him.

Liu Yan was so scared that he thought Dong Zhuo was going to massacre the city.

Fortunately it was a false alarm.

But the more this happened, the more Liu Yan felt that Dong Zhuo's public embarrassment of him during the day must have been revenge.

Taiwei Mansion.

Liu Yan, with an unhappy face, and Liu Biao, who came secretly, waited for Dong Zhuo to arrive together.

The surrounding area had already been under martial law, and no one knew that Liu Biao would also come to the banquet.

"Haha!" Dong Zhuo's voice came before his body arrived: "Where is the commander?"

When Liu Mao led Dong Zhuo to the banquet venue, Dong Zhuo was not surprised at all when he saw Liu Biao.

At this time, Liu Yan finally understood why Dong Zhuo did that.

It turns out that Liu Biao, this old silver coin, had already come into contact with Dong Zhuo.

At least earlier than Liu Yan, and it is very likely that he went to find Dong Zhuo after the banquet that day.

But the person Dong Zhuo wanted to protect was not Liu Yan, but Liu Biao!

"Good job Liu Biao!"

Liu Yan never expected that there would be a day when he would be tricked by someone.

(End of this chapter)