Chapter 315 Chaos in Chang'an
"A true righteous man!"

Jin Mao laughed and said, "I like people like you!"

He stood up, walked to the hall, looked at Li Ru's face carefully, and said: "For your sake, I can spare Dong Zhuo's life, but Dong Zhuo cannot exist in the world!"

What this sentence means is that Dong Zhuo must die socially and change his name, otherwise he will still not escape death.

Li Ru understood that this was the best outcome.

Because of what Dong Zhuo did, countless people wanted him dead. If Jin Mao had carelessly allowed Dong Zhuo to continue to be active in society, he would never have achieved his current status.

"In this case, Li Ru is willing to serve the general."

This time, Jin Mao did not show his bad habit of asking people to call him lord.

"Wenruo, Wenhe, Gongda, I'll leave it to you next."

"Yes." Xun Yu, Xun You, and Jia Xu responded in unison.

Now that the general intention has been finalized, the next step is to work out the details and plan how to increase the success rate.

After all, this is just Li Ru's wishful thinking. By then, Dong Zhuo and the generals of Xiliang will not agree.

The goal of the four people is to get these people to agree.

As for the stubborn elements, there is nothing much to say. It is better to bury them in the soil and use them as nutrients.

...

The entire southern army began to mobilize again, stirring up the situation on all sides.

Youzhou, outside Yijing city.

After Yuan Shao found out clearly that the Southern Army was targeting Chang'an, he could not help but launch a more fierce attack on Gongsun Zan.

It is imperative that Yi Jing’s turtle shell be broken by the beginning of next year.

Xuzhou, Pengcheng.

While Cao Cao was reorganizing military affairs, he was moving his troops northward.

This time, Cao Cao's intention was ostensibly to defeat Gongsun Zan's cousin, Gongsun Du, the governor of Bohai Prefecture, but in reality he wanted to seize Jizhou.

Everything seems to be going according to plan.

Time flies.

In the sixth year of Chuping (194), there was a severe drought in the north and it had not snowed for several months.

After the New Year, there was continuous rain in the south, which seriously hindered the progress of the army heading north.

Extreme weather tends to get more extreme.

After consulting several people who were proficient in divination, Jin Mao learned that flood disasters were likely to occur in the south this year.

He decisively gave up his plan to go north and summoned the troops from Jingzhou to join in the construction of consolidating the Yangtze River embankment.

Naturally, all construction in Wancheng came to a halt, and all efforts were put into action to prevent possible floods.

Changan’s plan can only be postponed.

As for Li Ru, I think he should be smart enough. If he took action before the army arrived in Chang'an, he couldn't blame others if he died.

The situation in the north did not ease as a result, and it was even like cold water poured into boiling oil.

Blasted!

Chang'an City.

As Dong Zhuo's dementia incidence rate continued to rise, his generals began to have rebellious thoughts.

Taifu Huang Wan took the opportunity to send envoys to various places to recruit people in the name of Emperor Liu Xie.

General Zhang Ji, Yang Feng and other generals from other families all defected, and Dong Zhuo's power was greatly weakened.

Later, Huang Wan and other members of the imperial party could not bear to see the Western Liang army looting the people, so they asked all generals to enforce military discipline and restrain their respective troops.

Li Ru took advantage of the opportunity to spread rumors, saying that the court was going to get rid of the donkey and kill the meritorious officials.

Li Jue, the General of Yangwu, and Guo Si, the General of Yanglie, were the first to attack the court, followed by Zhang Ji, Yang Feng and others.

Li Jue and his men allowed their troops to plunder and loot, and countless civilians and officials were killed or injured. Taichang Zhong Fu, Taifu Lu Xu, Chengmen Xiaowei Cui Lie, and Yueqi Xiaowei Wang Qi were killed in the battle.

In the name of clearing the imperial court, the generals stormed into the palace, and Emperor Liu Xie was forced to order the execution of Grand Tutor Huang Wan.

Throughout the chaos, neither Grand Marshal Liu Yan nor Grand Herald Liu Biao sent troops to stabilize the situation, but instead allowed it to collapse.

Until the situation stabilizes.

Liu Yan and Liu Biao then stepped forward to negotiate peace with Li Jue and other generals, and wanted to take the opportunity to encircle and suppress the remaining forces of Dong Zhuo.

However, Li Jue and others were grateful for Dong Zhuo's past kindness and were unwilling to take action.

Liu Yan and Liu Biao wanted to mobilize Han Sui and Ma Teng from Xiliang to come to Chang'an again to help them destroy Dong Zhuo.

at this time.

Li Ru emerged out of nowhere under the name of Dong Zhuo.

Li Jue and others were shocked and confused, thinking that Dong Zhuo's condition had improved, so they did not dare to move rashly.

Liu Yan and Liu Biao were deeply afraid that Dong Zhuo would seek revenge on them, so they gathered their troops to defend themselves.

Li Ru took the opportunity to enter the court, issued a general amnesty, and appointed Li Jue as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Guo Si as Rear General, and established a government.

Zhang Ji, Yang Feng and others were all promoted to generals of miscellaneous titles.

After this series of operations, everyone went home satisfied and no longer cared whether Dong Zhuo's condition had improved. They all treated it as if the former Grand Tutor Dong had returned.

Li Ru did not grant himself any official position, nor did he punish Liu Yan and Liu Biao.

In Weiyang Palace.

After Li Ru finished dealing with all the affairs, he met Emperor Liu Xie again.

"Are you serious about what you said?"

Ever since Jin Yang died last time, Liu Xie had a hard time getting over his grief, but he still had fantasies about General Jin Mao.

The reason why Li Ru was able to gain Liu Xie's trust and support was naturally inseparable from the banner of the general.

"Your Majesty, haven't you heard that the general once stationed troops in Luoyang and vowed to welcome you back to the Eastern Capital?"

Liu Xie said in disbelief: "Then why did you withdraw your troops?"

"Don't tell me that the general doesn't have enough soldiers!"

Even the children on the streets of Chang'an knew that the general was leading the troops outside and no one in the entire south dared to disobey.

Li Ru lied, "This is all planned. Your Majesty can return to the Eastern Capital Luoyang by the autumn harvest this year at the latest."

In fact, Li Ru had already pushed the situation to the limit and had not thought about the follow-up. He could only hope that the general could come to Chang'an as soon as possible.

"really?"

Liu Xie jumped up happily, although there was a voice in his heart saying, "Don't believe the general, he is a liar!"

However, news of peace in the south continued to spread to the palace. As an aspiring emperor, how could Liu Xie not yearn for it?
On countless nights, Liu Xie would imagine how great his achievements would be if he had a great general to assist him.

But repeated disappointments made him doubt himself.

Especially the terrifying question, Liu Xie never dared to ask it.

"Will the general attempt to usurp the throne?"

This is different from treason. Jin Mao is a distant relative of the Han Dynasty. In name, he meets the conditions and can become emperor.

For example, the emperor died inexplicably.

This is also the question that Liu Xie is most reluctant to think about, but has to think about.

Li Ru assured: "If what I said is false, Your Majesty can chop off my head!"

Liu Xie felt relieved and couldn't help asking, "I heard that you went to the south this time. How was it there?"

“Is it as prosperous as Luoyang?”

Liu Xie was still thinking about Luoyang before the capital was moved. The entire region had a population of several million, and Nanyang County had a population of more than two million, so he thought it should be about the same.

"Not yet." Li Ru said truthfully: "There is hope in the future."

Liu Xie looked towards the south with a yearning heart.

However, since the Golden Goat, he has never opened his heart to anyone.

He would not have told Li Ru that if he returned to Luoyang, he wanted to visit the south.

After a long silence, Liu Xie asked, "I am tired, what else do you want?"

Li Ru was very tactful and said, "I'll take my leave."

Liu Xie stared at the palace gate for a long time in silence.

At this time, two old men walked out of the shadows.

It was Liu Yan and Liu Biao!
"Your Majesty, please do not listen to Li Ru's one-sided words."

Liu Yan was secretly annoyed that Li Ru did not give him any benefits, so he slandered him: "Although Li Ru is very talented, he is also very scheming. What he says and does is mostly based on his own interests, and may not be entirely for Your Majesty's consideration. Now the situation is turbulent, Your Majesty should open up the channels for people to express their opinions, listen to both sides, and then you can sit firmly on the throne and appease the people of the world."

Liu Biao echoed, "That's right, Your Majesty. The two of us care about the Han Dynasty and worry day and night about how to help Your Majesty revive the government. Li Ru is nominally a minister of Dong Zhuo, but in reality he is a lackey of Jin Mao!"

How can you trust the words of such a person? "

When Liu Xie heard this, a complex look flashed in his eyes, showing helplessness about the current situation and confusion about the future.

The previous concerns about Jinmao were first raised about these two people.

Liu Yan and Liu Biao returned to Chang'an with their troops. Liu Xie thought that with the help of these two relatives of the Han royal family, he would be able to fight against Dong Zhuo.

As a result, the two's behavior was disgusting, not even as good as a finger of the Golden Goat.

Liu Yan had always been thinking about being sent to serve as a provincial governor.

Liu Biao was very good at maneuvering, jumping back and forth between Dong Zhuo and the court, gaining benefits from both sides.

If someone said that Liu Yan and Liu Biao wanted to usurp the throne, Liu Xie would definitely believe it.

"You two are loyal and loyal, and I am very pleased. Although I am imprisoned, I will find an opportunity to restore the prestige of the Han Dynasty. You two can return to your respective camps first, reorganize your troops, and wait for the right time to kill the thief Dong in one fell swoop!"

"Cough cough." Liu Yan didn't know if he was choked by the air or what, but he kept coughing dryly.

Liu Biao saluted with a serious expression and said: "Your Majesty, please give me 5,000 soldiers and horses. I will join forces with the Minister of Rites Zhu Jun and kill Dong Zhuo on the spot!"

After a large number of officials died, Zhu Jun returned to the ranks of the Nine Ministers.

"Good!" Liu Xie said happily, "Please ask the Grand Commandant to transfer 5,000 troops to the Grand Herald."

Liu Yan gave Liu Biao a death stare. What the hell, he was poaching someone and ended up poaching himself?
"Your Majesty." Liu Yan's dry cough subsided again, and he said, "The General of Chariots and Cavalry and the General of the Rear have many troops. Why do they need my old, weak and disabled soldiers?"

"They only need one imperial decree, and they still dare to disobey?"

Liu Biao's mouth corners drooped, full of contempt. If this were to be useful, why would we have to wait until now?
Liu Xie sighed in his heart, knowing this would happen.

When Liu Yan came to Chang'an, he had less than 20,000 troops. Now his army has more than 30,000, but he has no intention of fighting at all.

Liu Biao was actually good at management, but he was good at it in the opposite way.

When he arrived in Chang'an, he had 5,000 soldiers and horses, but now he has less than 1,000 soldiers and horses left.

Most of those people were absorbed by the major families and became guardsmen to look after the houses.

This is also the reason why Liu Biao was so popular everywhere. If Li Ru had not interfered this time, he would definitely have been one of the Three Dukes.

Therefore, Liu Biao also had reason to resent Li Ru.

"My dear minister." Liu Xie looked at Liu Biao and said, "I heard that you have a thousand elite soldiers. If you recruit four more soldiers, will that be enough?"

Liu Biao bowed and said, "New soldiers can learn to advance and retreat after one year of training, and can become combat-ready after three years. Your Majesty needs to wait for three years."

Liu Xie's mouth corners dropped. Did he really think he didn't know how to train soldiers? Jin Yang told him everything. The general only needed one year to train an elite army.

There are still three years left, maybe Dong Zhuo will be dead by then!

Liu Xie thought about it secretly, but his face did not show it. He said slowly: "My dear minister, you are right. Training troops is not a one-day job. We need to proceed step by step. However, I see that the current situation is urgent. Dong Zhuo is monopolizing power and his future is uncertain. How can we sit idly by? In my opinion, although we don't need to rush for success, we still need to do something to prevent accidents."

He paused, looked at Liu Biao with deep eyes, and continued: "I know that you are loyal and devoted, and the soldiers under your command are brave and good at fighting, and they are the pillars of the country.

I would like to give you a secret order, asking you to prepare in secret and select brave men. You don't have to stick to the time limit, and strive to form an elite division in a short period of time to prepare for emergencies. You need to discuss the details with several wise and brave ministers in the court. "

Upon hearing this, Liu Biao immediately bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey your order and live up to your majesty's high expectations. I will do my best to build an elite army that can be of great use, defend the country, and punish the treacherous."

Liu Xie nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "I already know what you are thinking. However, this matter is of great importance, so you must act with caution and not leak any information. I believe that with your ability, you will be able to complete this task successfully."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Liu responded expressionlessly.

"I'm tired." Liu Xie held his forehead with his hand and shook his head slowly.

Liu Yan wanted to say something, but Liu Biao pulled his sleeve, and they both bowed and said, "I'll take my leave."

It was not until the two men left that Liu Xie showed determination on his face.

He sat alone on the dragon throne, staring at the empty palace, with complex emotions surging in his heart.

Outside the window, the blood-red sunset shines on the golden glazed tiles, as if foreshadowing the upcoming changes and challenges.

Liu Xie knew very well that although he was the Son of Heaven, he was controlled by others in every way. There were treacherous ministers in power in the court and warlords outside. The safety of the country was in jeopardy.

He gently stroked the jade seal on the table, and the cold touch made him sober instantly.

The importance of the jade seal lies not only in the preciousness of its material, but also in the hope of the people of the world and the responsibility of the peace of the country. Liu Xie secretly vowed to gradually eliminate the treacherous officials in the court, revive the government, and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty.

"Unfortunately, there is no one I can trust around me anymore."

Then, he pulled himself together again: "The Han Dynasty must have countless loyal ministers, I can't retreat just like that!"

Soon, Liu Xie entered the wise king mode again, reviewing memorials and planning for the future.

Outside Weiyang Palace.

Liu Yan asked Liu Biao in dissatisfaction: "Why do you want to stop me from doing good things?"

Just now, Liu Yan wanted to ask the emperor to promote him again. Even if he could not be promoted, he had to ask his sons to be promoted one level.

Liu Biao said righteously: "Liu Taiwei, as ministers of the Han Dynasty, we should put the country first instead of pursuing personal interests.

Your Majesty is working hard to govern the country, and it is time for us to work together to seek national affairs. If everyone is like you, only seeking promotion and wealth, and not caring about the safety of the country, how can the Han Dynasty be revived? "

"You!" Liu Yan was speechless after being choked by Liu Biao's words, his face turned pale and blue, "Stop pretending to be noble here. Everyone knows that you, Liu Biao, are no ordinary person. Don't you have enough tricks behind the scenes?"

Liu Biao smiled slightly and said, "I, Liu Biao, have always acted uprightly. If there is anything wrong, I will apologize to Your Majesty.

But today's matter concerns the great cause of the country and does not allow for personal feelings. Your Majesty is wise and will be able to distinguish right from wrong. As your subjects, we should abide by our duties and assist you with all our heart and soul."

"Hmph, that sounds nice, but who knows what you are thinking." Although Liu Yan was unwilling, he also knew that what Liu Biao said was true, so he had to give up in disappointment and turned away, but he was secretly thinking about how to continue to seek benefits for himself.

(End of this chapter)