Chapter 342 Your Majesty, you are too disobedient!
July is almost over, but the sowing of late rice in Luoyang has not been carried out yet, and even the land has not been plowed.

Liu Xie was very angry and issued several edicts in succession, but to no avail.

All officials went on strike in protest.

Liu Xie had no choice but to summon Liu Bei to inquire about the situation.

"Your Majesty," Liu Bei told him truthfully, "All officials are unwilling to work in the fields. This action is a warning to them."

"How ridiculous!" Liu Xie was furious: "At first, my uncle said that these guys were a bunch of vermin, but I didn't believe it. Now it has come true."

Liu Xie looked up at the sky in silence and said with emotion: "The emperor's uncle is right. I am too naive."

Liu Bei knelt on the ground and advised: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I know that this matter concerns the foundation of the country and should not be underestimated. Among the officials, some are old and frail, and some have lofty ambitions and are unwilling to do farming. However, the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every man, let alone the important officials of the court. I would like to ask for permission to go to the fields in person, set an example, and try to motivate the officials to make them understand the importance of farming and the need of the country."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie's eyes flashed with approval, and he said, "The Grand Herald's loyalty is evident, and I am very pleased. This matter will be fully handed over to the Grand Herald. I hope that the Grand Herald can resolve this crisis and allow the sowing to proceed smoothly, so as to ensure the stability of Luoyang Ji."

After receiving the order, Liu Bei immediately set out for the farmland outside the city. He first personally turned the soil and sowed seeds, setting an example, which attracted the people around him to follow suit.

Afterwards, Liu Bei summoned all the officials and held a banquet in the fields. During the banquet, he spoke earnestly, explained the great principles, and emphasized that farming is the foundation of the country.

But it was of no use and no one paid any attention to Liu Bei.

"General Zhou, please stay!"

Liu Bei said loudly: "I heard that your nephew Zhou Yu is working hard in the south and loves the people. I think you must be a kind elder. Please help me and persuade the ministers on behalf of His Majesty."

Zhou Zhong bowed to Liu Bei and sighed, "My Lord, I'm sorry I can't do anything about it."

Liu Bei had no choice but to return to the palace to report to Liu Xie.

"How dare the ministers do this..."

Liu Xie trembled and fell on the dragon chair, unable to speak clearly: "Grand Herald, is there really no other way?"

Liu Bei gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty may issue an edict to order His Royal Highness the King of Wu..."

"Shut up!" Liu Xie said angrily, "If I can't even govern the 200,000 people in Luoyang, how can I govern the 40 million people in the world?"

Liu Bei advised: "Your Majesty is in a high position, why do you need to do menial things? Governing the officials is your real job. The people are governed by their own officials. How can you let the ministers go down to the fields in person?"

Liu Xie looked at Liu Bei in disbelief, his fingers trembling as he pointed, "You...you..."

"You are a commoner, but you don't know the suffering of the people?"

Liu Bei was confused. He had never expected that the young emperor would have such a deep people-oriented thought, and he had never expected that his proposal would cause such a strong reaction. Liu Bei took a deep breath, tried to calm his inner waves, and slowly said: "Your Majesty is wise. What I said is just a temporary expedient. However, the current situation is critical. Luoyang is short of food and grass, and the people are in distress. If we don't take timely measures, there may be a civil unrest. By then, the situation will be even more difficult to deal with. It's not that I don't know the suffering of the people, but..."

"Just what?" Liu Xie interrupted him, his eyes flashing with an unquestionable light, "Although I live in the deep palace, I often hear the voices of the people and know the sufferings of the people. If I ignore the people for my own comfort, how is I different from that foolish and lawless king? Liu Bei, you once said that you want to restore the Han Dynasty, but have you ever thought that the foundation of the Han Dynasty lies in the hearts of the people. If the hearts of the people are lost, how can the Han Dynasty survive?"

Liu Bei was shocked when he heard this. He knew that he had spoken out of turn, so he knelt down and said sincerely, "Your Majesty is scolding me for speaking out of turn and almost making a mistake in the affairs of state. Your Majesty cares about the people, which is a blessing for the country. I am willing to obey your Majesty's will and do my best to relieve the difficulties in Luoyang."

Seeing this, Liu Xie's expression eased a little. He helped Liu Bei up and said earnestly, "Liu Bei, you and I are both descendants of the Han Dynasty. We should put state affairs first and the people first. I know that you are loyal, but you must act with caution. You must not rush for quick success and must not lose the people's hearts. I want to go outside the city in person to inspect the people's sentiments. Are you willing to accompany me?"

When Liu Bei heard this, he felt a warm current in his heart. He knew that this was the emperor's trust and test of him, so he immediately responded: "Your Majesty is determined, I will follow you until death and face the national crisis together!"

Therefore, the emperor and his ministers discussed and decided to go out of the city early the next morning to inspect, understand the people's sentiments, and find a good solution to the predicament in Luoyang.

The next day, Emperor Liu Xie's carriage was stopped by officials before it left the city.

Si Tu Zhao Wen advised: "Your Majesty, the situation outside the city is unclear and the safety is unpredictable. We implore Your Majesty to think twice before acting and not to put yourself in danger. Although state affairs are important, Your Majesty's health must be taken care of even more. If something goes wrong, how will the country be safe? It is better to send a capable minister to do the job, who can both understand the people's sentiments and protect Your Majesty." After he finished speaking, all the ministers echoed him with worried looks on their faces.

Liu Xie frowned slightly when he heard this, but his eyes were very firm: "I know what you said. However, as the Son of Heaven, I should share the joys and sorrows with the people, so as to show that the monarch and the people are of one mind. I have made up my mind. This trip is not only to understand the people's sentiments, but also to build confidence for the people of the world and show the determination of the Han imperial family to share the hardships with the people. General Liu Bei is brave and good at fighting, and he is both wise and brave. I feel at ease with him accompanying me."

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Although I am incompetent, I am willing to protect Your Majesty with my flesh and blood and live up to Your Majesty's high expectations." After saying this, he looked around, his eyes revealing unquestionable firmness and determination, as if announcing to everyone that he would return safely.

Seeing this, all the officials looked at the Grand Commandant Zhou Zhong again.

"His Majesty."

Zhou Zhong sighed, "The wise kings of ancient times all put the people first, and they knew that the foundation of a country lies in the hearts of the people. Your Majesty's move is not humble at all, but is actually a great wisdom and courage. You set an example and educate the people. Your Majesty went to the lower land in person to understand the people's sentiments, so that the people of the world can feel the emperor's great grace and know that your Majesty shares the joys and sorrows with the people. This is the way of a sage monarch, which is beyond the reach of ordinary monarchs."

He paused, his tone more solemn and respectful, "In the past, when Dayu was controlling the flood, he passed by his home three times without entering. Now your majesty is personally in danger, intending to stabilize the world. Your ambition is as clear as the sun and the moon. As your subjects, we should follow your majesty, swear to be loyal to you until death, and overcome the difficulties together. Although the general is worried about your majesty's safety, he respects your majesty's great cause for the world."

After he finished speaking, Zhou Zhong also bowed. Seeing this, the other officials secretly cursed Zhou Zhong for being an old fox and daring to stab them in the back.

The ministers looked at Si Tu Zhao Wen, who stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, why do you refuse to listen to our advice and insist on doing what you want?"

"How is this different from King Zhou of Shang and King Jie of Zhou?"

"Does Your Majesty really want to be the king of a fallen country?"

"How dare you!" Liu Bei and Zhou Zhong shouted at the same time.

Liu Bei even advised: "Si Tu Zhao Wen is guilty of great disrespect! Your Majesty, please dismiss him!"

Liu Xie nodded and said, "Lord Zhao's words are serious but also contain concern. I understand them. However, what I do is not for my own selfish desires, but for the sake of the people of the world. The late emperor's last wish was to restore the Han Dynasty and return peace to the people. Although I am not talented, I dare not forget it. I know that this trip may be dangerous, but I also know that being content with the status quo and not striving for progress is the real way to destroy the country. I want to take this opportunity to rectify the government, open up the way for talents, and work together for national affairs, in order to revive the glory of the Han Dynasty and enable the people to live and work in peace. I hope you can understand this great righteousness."

After saying this, Liu Xie swept his eyes over the ministers, his expression firm and gentle, as if he could penetrate people's hearts and hit their souls. The hall was quiet for a while, and even the sound of breathing seemed to become clearly audible. Zhao Wen heard this, his face changed slightly, as if he was unwilling, but he also lowered his head and said no more.

At this time, Wang Jing, the Minister of Rites, slowly stepped out of the line, bowed and said, "Your Majesty cares about the people and has lofty ambitions. Although I am stupid, I am willing to follow Your Majesty and face the national crisis together. However, Your Majesty must think carefully about what he does and listen to the wise advice to make all the plans. I am willing to work with you to share your worries and solve your problems and come up with good strategies together."

Wang Jiang's words were like a spring breeze, easing the tense atmosphere. The ministers agreed with him, but the situation was much better than at the beginning.

Seeing this, Liu Xie was very pleased and said, "I feel at ease to see you all doing this. I know the road ahead is difficult, but with the assistance of all the wise ministers, I will be able to overcome all difficulties, realize the late emperor's wish, and revitalize the Han Dynasty." After that, Liu Xie took several ministers who were willing to follow him to inspect the work in the fields.

In the following days, Liu Xie inspected around Luoyang and urged the people to farm.

Although it's a little late, it's better than nothing.

What is surprising is that Liu Xie has discovered many outstanding farmers from all over the world and wants to issue an edict to hire them as officials to assist in managing agricultural affairs.

However, Zhao Wen and others tried their best to stop them.

Liu Xie was furious and said, "I have already forgiven you once before, but now you refuse to repent. Do you really think that you will not be able to govern Luoyang without you?"

"Where is the Grand Herald?"

Liu Bei stepped out and said, "I am here!"

"From today on, you are the Minister of Education. Zhao Wen will be demoted to a commoner. Give him a few acres of land. I want him to be able to earn his living!"

Liu Bei was overjoyed and said, "I obey your command! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Wen was already old, but he never expected that such humiliation would be waiting for him before his death.

"What a tyrant! What a tyrant!" Zhao Wen cried, accusing him, "The Han Empire will be destroyed in the hands of a little boy like you! I will die today to prove my mistake!"

After saying this, Zhao Wen hit his head against the wall in the hall and died.

This was not the first time that Liu Xie had encountered such a thing, but it was indeed the first time that a minister had targeted him.

At this moment, he began to understand why his uncle had tried his best to suppress the gentry.

"Are there any of you who would like to follow Zhao Wen?"

Liu Xie's cold words echoed in the hall. There was silence in the hall for a while, only Zhao Wen's body slowly fell down, and the dull sound of hitting the ground seemed to still echo in everyone's heart. The ministers looked at each other, some looked reluctant, some secretly rejoiced, and a few people had a complex emotion in their eyes, as if they were respecting Zhao Wen's loyalty, or feeling helpless and worried about the current situation.

Liu Xie's eyes were like torches, scanning the ministers of the palace. There was unquestionable majesty in his eyes, but also some unspeakable fatigue and loneliness. He knew very well that as a king, every decision had to be made with great care, because it not only affected his own fate, but also the rise and fall of the entire country.

"I know that you may have doubts or dissatisfaction in your hearts. But I swear here that I will devote my life to the Han Dynasty until my death. Everything I do is for the Han Dynasty to regain its strength and restore its former glory." Liu Xie's voice was not loud, but every word was sonorous and powerful, revealing a firmness that could not be ignored.

"As for Zhao Aiqing, although he died to show his will, I will also remember his past contributions and give him due honors. However, national affairs cannot be shaken by the life and death of one person. I hope that you can learn from this and assist me together to plan for the future of our Han Dynasty."

At this point, Liu Xie paused for a moment, his eyes becoming more gentle and expectant. "I know that talents are hard to come by, and you are all pillars of our Han Dynasty. I am willing to work with you to create a new situation, so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and there will be no more disputes in the world. What do you think?"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall changed. Several old ministers took the lead in kneeling and shouting "Long live the emperor". Seeing this, the others also responded. The whole hall was once again filled with awe for the emperor's power and longing for the future.

Liu Xie looked at this scene and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was still long and challenges would ensue.

Is this really over?
September.

Weiwei Xuan Pan, Sili Xiaowei Rong Shao, Da Si Nong Zhang Yi and hundreds of other officials gathered thousands of family soldiers and made a military remonstrance.

Liu Bei protected Liu Xie and fought bloody battles, broke out of the siege, and fled to Xuanyuan Pass for help.

When Jin Mao heard about it, he sent out 5,000 elite troops to quell the rebellion without hesitation.

The killing lasted for a day and a night, with bodies rolling in the city of Luoyang, and the affected area was very wide.

Jin Mao doesn't care who is guilty or not, he wishes all these ministers would die. The general leading the troops is Dian Wei, who knows his intention very well.

In just one day, half of the ministers in Luoyang City were gone. The remaining people dared not say no to Liu Xie anymore and were more obedient than slaves.

November.

It is harvest season in Luoyang.

Accompanied by Liu Bei, Liu Xie personally selected a piece of land for harvesting.

sunset.

Liu Xie straightened up, staring at the dim setting sun, and couldn't help but be dazed.

This scene is so similar, except that the people around me have changed a lot.

"Lord Xuande."

"I am here!" Liu Bei showed his head from behind another straw and flattered him, "Your Majesty is truly amazing. I am not as good as you."

Liu Xie seemed not to hear him, and murmured, "I once spent an unforgettable time under the rule of my uncle. To this day, I don't know where my old friend is. Is he doing well?"

Then he said to himself, "I think he must be better than me. What troubles can he have under the protection of the Emperor's uncle?"

Liu Bei did not hear what Liu Xie said, so he could not help asking, "What did you say, Your Majesty?"

Liu Xie came back to his senses, feeling lost, and said, "Nothing."

He pointed to the few remaining rice grains and said, "This acre of land cannot be left until tomorrow. Master Xuande, please help me and harvest all the rice."

"Your Majesty, just wait and see." Liu Bei rolled up his sleeves and said, "I will definitely not let this acre of rice stay until tomorrow!"

(End of this chapter)