Chapter 358 Before the Abdication of the Throne
Yique Pass in Luoyang.

This was the first time that Jinmao returned to Luoyang in many years, because Liu Xie sent a message saying that he wanted to abdicate the throne.

Although everyone has tacitly acknowledged Jinmao as the ruler of the country, as long as he has not ascended the throne, he can only be the emperor for one day.

If something unexpected happens in the future and Jinmao is liquidated, then it will definitely be a rebel.

But as long as he succeeds in ascending the throne, Jin Mao's current actions will become legitimate and he will leave a good reputation in history books.

This time, the reason why Jin Mao came in person was not to accept the abdication on the spot, but to discuss with Liu Zheng how to end it.

In recent years, Jinmao has been strengthening centralization, but there are still some diehards in Luoyang who refuse to compromise.

To this end, Jin Mao hoped that Liu Xie could play the villain, while he would play the hero and eradicate the last remnants.

Yique Pass, located on the Luo River, is the key to blocking the southward advance of Luoyang.

At the gate, the slightly plump Jinmao sat on a luxurious soft frame, watching the emperor's carriage slowly approaching in front of him.

This meeting attracted great attention from people both inside and outside Luoyang, but no one stopped it, or no one could stop it.

Today, Liu Xie is no longer the young emperor who was at the mercy of others, but an adult emperor with his own insights. If Jin Mao is willing to give up power, I believe Liu Xie will be able to govern the country well.

As the frame got closer, Jinmao reluctantly got off the soft stand and waited by the roadside.

Unlike the luxurious Jinmao's car, Liu Xie's car looks very shabby. If no one tells you, many people would think that Jinmao's car is the emperor's car.

"Uncle, you are embarrassing me." Seeing Jin Mao's actions, Liu Xie was no longer arrogant. He jumped off the carriage in a hurry, ran over in two steps, held Jin Mao's hands, and said happily, "Uncle, you have gained weight."

As soon as this sentence came out, the atmosphere suddenly became harmonious. Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "Hey, of course, since I have the Military Affairs Office, I have been eating well and sleeping well, so how can I not be fat?"

Liu Xie enviously said, "My uncle is really courageous. I am not as good as him."

"Don't underestimate yourself." Jin Mao said with a smile, "You are an emperor only because you met me. If it were anyone else, you would definitely play them around!"

Liu Xie was terrified and thought Jin Mao was speaking in a sarcastic way. Then he changed his mind and said, "The emperor's uncle thinks too highly of me. If Dong Zhuo or Yuan Shao were in power, it would be a big question whether I could survive."

This sentence very cleverly avoids the main contradiction.

Sure enough, Jin Mao nodded and said, "That's true. Only a kind elder like me can take care of you."

"That's right!" Liu Xie breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the emperor's uncle did not come to call him to task.

"Uncle, when do you think it would be best to abdicate?"

Seeing that Liu Xie was so humble, Jin Mao breathed a sigh of relief. After so many years, how could he speak without thinking? The words he said before must have deep meaning.

Since Liu Xie was able to resolve the problem easily, the next things will be easy to handle.

"Xie'er, it's not the right time yet."

Jin Mao pondered and said, "Now that the world is peaceful, I don't want to start a war again, but some people always make things difficult for me. I dare not take your position until this matter is resolved."

Liu Xie was very smart and understood immediately. He asked, "Uncle, are you worried about the Yang family of Hongnong and the Yuan family of Runan?"

The Hongnong Yang family refers to Yang Biao and Yang Xiu, father and son, who are the diehards. The Runan Yuan family is naturally the Yuan family of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu.

Earlier, Jin Mao also thought that the Yuan family had been destroyed with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, but who knew that the Yuan family had always been present in all the events that followed.

Three dukes in five generations, so terrifying!
"Not only them." Jin Mao nodded seriously, "There are also the Wang family of Taiyuan, the Cui family of Qinghe, the Sima family of Hanoi, the Chen family of Yingchuan, the Zhong family of Yingchuan..."

Jinmao reported more than a dozen families at once. These were all large families who were later forced to move to Luoyang and all of them refused to obey the regulations.

The Wang family of Taiyuan is Wang Yun's family, the Chen family of Yingchuan is Chen Qun's family, and the Zhong family is naturally Zhong Yao's family.

These people were all opponents of the New Deal.

Liu Xie couldn't help but show deep worry when he heard this. He knew very well that although these noble families had moved to Luoyang and seemed to be submitting to the imperial court, they actually had their own thoughts and secretly woven a complex network of power, and they would not rest even under his nose.

"Uncle, your concern is very true." Liu Xie asked humbly, "What do you want me to do?"

Jin Mao originally planned to have Liu Xie play the villain and find a random excuse to dismiss all these people.

So, Jin Mao said, "My nephew, the current situation is delicate. We need to proceed step by step and not act too hastily. These aristocratic families are deeply rooted and if they are not handled properly, there may be unexpected changes. I think we can start from the small things, find their mistakes, and break them one by one. This will not only show my nephew's wisdom, but also gradually weaken their power."

When Liu Xie heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and he said with a smile: "Uncle, you are too kind. How can I be so wise?"

Then, seeing Jin Mao's expression, Liu Xie immediately changed his words and asked, "Then what should we do specifically?"

Jin Mao pondered for a moment and said slowly: "My nephew can start by rectifying the administration of officials. Order the Censorate to strictly investigate corruption among officials, especially those from noble families serving in the court. Once any illegal activities are discovered, they should be severely punished. At the same time, you can use the name of selecting virtuous people to open up a path for talents, attract poor scholars to serve in the court, and balance the power in the court. In addition, my nephew can also implement a series of policies that benefit the country and the people, such as reducing taxes and building water conservancy projects, so as to win the hearts of the people and weaken the influence of the noble families on the people."

After hearing this, Liu Xie suddenly understood and nodded, saying, "Uncle's plan is exactly what I want. I will immediately issue an order to the Censorate to investigate corruption and prepare to select talented people. As for the implementation of the new policy, uncle will need your help. I don't know much about it."

Jin Mao looked at the calluses on Liu Xie's hands with a strange look. Is this emperor unfamiliar with the new policy?

What a joke!
Jin Mao knew everything Liu Xie did in Luoyang.

It can be said that Liu Xie knew exactly how many concubines Liu Xie had in one night.

"That's what should be expected." Jin Mao waved his hand, and someone brought him a thick paper book.

Liu Xie took it, stroked the cover carefully, and said with emotion: "My uncle is so amazing that he can make such fine paper. I wonder when I can use it."

The speaker is intentional and the listener is intentional.

Jin Mao smiled and said, "This is easy. Since the nephew is willing to abdicate, I, as his uncle, cannot help but show my support."

"Let's put it this way. From now on, whenever you need anything, I will do my best to satisfy you. Even if you want to stay in Luoyang and be the king in the future, that's fine!"

Liu Xie was deeply moved and bowed, "Thank you, uncle, for your kindness."

Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "It's just a small favor. I'm not as wise as the emperor's nephew."

Liu Xie thanked him again, and the two of them boasted about business for a while before getting down to business.

"To be honest," Liu Xie said, "after I abdicate, I also want to govern a region. I hope my uncle can give me this opportunity."

Jin Mao frowned, but he had no way to refuse. The other party had handed over the entire kingdom to him, so could he not be willing to give up a state?

"Where do you want to go?"

Liu Xie breathed a sigh of relief and uttered two words: "Wushang!" Jin Mao was shocked. If it was somewhere else, he might be worried, but Wushang County was his birthplace. If even there rebelled, then Jin Mao would be a failure and deserved to be killed.

"My nephew, why are you going to Wushang County?"

Liu Xie asked back: "Is it not possible?"

"Okay! Why not!" Jin Mao said quickly: "Then don't regret it when the time comes!"

"Oh my!" Liu Xie started to act like a demon, "Uncle Emperor was right to remind me. I regret it now. Please forgive me and let me choose again!"

Jin Mao's eyes widened. Liu Xie's tone was more like a younger generation's coquettish attitude towards an elder, but it couldn't be completely regarded as coquettish.

After all, Liu Xie was still the emperor. A toothless tiger still had some power, let alone an incumbent emperor?
"No, no!" Jin Mao waved his hand and said, "I allow you to make one condition. You are not allowed to change the place."

Unexpectedly, Liu Xie wanted this promise, and said, "Uncle, this is what you said, don't regret it when the time comes!"

"No! A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!" Jin Mao promised.

"Good!" Liu Xie clapped his hands and said, "Then I'll keep it in mind."

Jin Mao asked, "What are your conditions?"

"I haven't thought about it yet." Liu Xie said lazily, "We'll talk about it when the time comes."

Jin Mao was stunned, but seeing the rare innocence on Liu Xie's face, he thought for a moment, swallowed his words, and agreed: "Okay, as long as you don't mention the matter of ascending the throne again, everything will be fine."

Liu Xie assured: "Of course not!"

...

At the south gate of Luoyang.

Lu Xun walked around the door anxiously, and after a while he looked up into the distance.

Liu Xie brought no one with him to this meeting except the one hundred personal guards given to him by Jin Mao, which made Lu Xun anxious.

Finally, seeing the shadow of a carriage in the distance, Lu Xun didn't care about his manners, jumped on his horse, and rushed forward like the wind.

"Your Majesty!" Lu Xun hesitated: "Father..."

Liu Xie stopped the car and waved to Lu Xun to ride in the same car.

"Bo Yan is still afraid that the emperor's uncle will eat me?"

Liu Xie joked, "I have never heard of the emperor's uncle eating people."

"Oh!" Lu Xun stamped his feet anxiously and said, "Your Majesty, you know that this is not what I am talking about!"

"Don't worry." Liu Xie comforted him, "The emperor's uncle has agreed, but there are some annoying mosquitoes to deal with!"

Lu Xun immediately understood what he meant and asked in a low voice, "Does your majesty really want to do this?"

There is another thing that Lu Xun did not ask. If Liu Xie really did that, there would be no way out.

"Don't worry." Liu Xie continued to comfort him, "The emperor's uncle has arranged a retreat for me."

Hearing this, Lu Xun felt relieved, but his brows were still furrowed. He knew that this was a serious matter and that if he was not careful, he would be doomed. "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the overall situation of the world. What if..." He hesitated, and finally hid his worries in his heart. Lu Xun knew that as a minister, he must unconditionally obey the king's decision, but deep in his heart, he was full of trepidation about this unknown storm.

"The emperor's uncle is very wise and has made plans. We just need to follow his plan." Liu Xie saw Lu Xun's concerns and said firmly, "Besides, Luoyang is in turmoil now. If we don't do anything, we will just sit there and wait for death. I have made up my mind. Second brother, you don't need to say anything. Just help me complete this plan. Third brother will wait for us."

Hearing this, Lu Xun was reluctant and worried, but he had to nod and agree. He knew that as Liu Xie's confidant, he had to stand on the side of His Majesty and face the coming storm together.

"I obey your order." Lu Xun bowed, his eyes flashing with determination and loyalty. He knew that from now on, they would go hand in hand on a thorny road, but as long as it was for the future of the country and for the people of the world, all these sacrifices and efforts would be worth it.

The next day, morning.

Liu Xie ignored the opposition and forcibly promoted Lu Xun to the position of Imperial Censor.

The first thing Lu Xun did when he came to power was to impeach the diehards headed by Yang Biao.

Yang Biao, who held a high position and great power, had been the sole ruler of the court for many years, and had obstructed any reforms or new policies that might threaten his position. Lu Xun's impeachment was like a bombshell dropped in the peaceful court, instantly causing a huge uproar.

He spoke sharply, pointing out the crimes of Yang Biao and others who formed a clique for personal gain and hindered the development of the country. For a time, the ministers in the hall were in an uproar, some were shocked by Lu Xun's courage and boldness, while others sneered at it.

Everyone in the world knows that Yang Biao is incorruptible and a clean official in the officialdom. Such impeachment is too light and will only make people laugh.

To the surprise of all the officials, Liu Xie and Lu Xun expressed great appreciation for their courage. He also announced the establishment of a special investigation team, with Lu Xun in charge, to thoroughly investigate the case, vowing to restore justice to the court and give the people an explanation.

Yang Biao was a smart man. He immediately smelled the unusual odor and knelt down to beg for bones on the spot.

Liu Xie approved the request without any hesitation.

Now, the other families also knew that Liu Xie’s target was them.

Although they were unwilling to give up, they also knew that the situation was hopeless, and they all showed fear. Some began to contact each other secretly, trying to find a countermeasure; some chose to remain silent and wait for the opportunity. However, Lu Xun had already seen through the opportunity and laid a dragnet, vowing not to let any fish that slip through the net escape the punishment of the law.

In the following days, Lu Xun led the task force to work day and night, directly bypassing Yang Biao to investigate and punish the termites hiding in the dark. The atmosphere in the court changed, and officials began to panic and gathered together.

Seeing that another palace incident was about to happen, Yang Biao could not bear to see his colleagues die, so he kindly reminded them, but was ridiculed.

Perhaps he knew that there was no way out, or perhaps he was just fighting hard despite being trapped.

The aristocratic families launched the last coup.

but!

This time, the aristocratic families were like toothless tigers, bluffing. In their hands, they had only hundreds of exquisitely crafted weapons and not even a hundred sets of armor.

Liu Xie didn't even need to ask for help. He gathered the one hundred personal guards given to him by Jin Mao and the one hundred warriors who escorted Lu Xun into Luoyang.

A total of two hundred people fought off the coup.

After the victory, Liu Xie immediately issued an edict to dismiss all people from all ethnic groups and families from their positions.

For a moment, the Luoyang court was empty.

Liu Xie sat upright on the throne, gazing at the sunlight on the dome and sighed deeply.

(End of this chapter)