Chapter 360: Liu Bei did a good job cleaning up the last bit of debris

Luoyang.

When Liu Bei learned that eight of the three dukes and nine ministers had been dismissed and he was the only one who had not been dismissed, he immediately realized that something big had happened.

After spending three days in fear, Liu Bei finally mustered up the courage to go to the palace to pay his respects to Liu Xie.

"Liu Bei, the Prefect of the Imperial Guards, pays respect to Your Majesty."

"No gift."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"What does Xuande want to see you for today?"

Liu Bei had been with that group of old foxes for a long time in the past few years, and had mastered their language. He asked very tactfully, "Your Majesty, I heard that the situation in the court has been changing recently, and the positions of the three dukes and nine ministers have changed a lot. I am worried about the stability of the country and the peace of the country. Although I am not talented, I am willing to share your worries. I wonder what the situation in the court is like? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Liu Xie's eyes flickered when he heard this, as if he was examining Liu Bei's sincerity. After a moment, he slowly spoke: "Xuan De's loyalty is evident, and I am very pleased. The recent changes in the government and the public are actually for the purpose of rectifying the rules and regulations, removing redundant personnel, and hoping that the country will be more clear. As for you, I have always known that you are loyal, righteous, and benevolent, and have the talent to govern the country, but I have never had the opportunity to use you. Looking at the current situation, I intend to entrust you with an important task. I wonder if Xuan De has the confidence to take on this important task?"

Liu Bei was surprised and delighted when he heard this. He knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. Although I am not talented, I will do my best to live up to your trust. I swear to protect the Han Dynasty until my death, and I will do my best to serve you!"

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Okay, I've been waiting for you to say that. I want to set up a special agency, called the 'Secret Bureau', which is responsible for collecting intelligence, monitoring officials, and handling some matters that should not be handled openly. This position is not trivial, and it requires a loyal, wise and brave person to be competent. I see that in the court, only Xuande can take on this task. What do you think?"

Liu Bei heard this, and although a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind, his face remained calm. He knelt down again and said, "Your Majesty has placed his trust in me, and I will do my best to live up to your trust. Regarding the matter of the Secret Bureau, I will go all out to help Your Majesty solve his problems."

However, when Liu Bei began to prepare for the secret bureau under the instruction of Liu Xie, he encountered numerous obstacles.

The ministers who used to be able to get along well with Liu Bei now regarded Liu Bei as a bandit.

In desperation, Liu Bei went to his good friend Yang Xiu to ask for advice.

This Yang Zhengzheng was the only son of the former prime minister Yang Biao. He was extremely intelligent since childhood. He became closer to Liu Bei after being trapped in Luoyang. However, their relationship was not so close that they had nothing to talk about.

Therefore, when Yang Xiu learned of Liu Bei's intention, he could only say in a very obscure way: "Lord Xuande, you know that when Dong Zhuo was in chaos, the three dukes and nine ministers were also replaced as frequently as today."

Liu Bei suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. In the past, Dong Zhuo was so powerful that he treated officials like grass and appointed and dismissed them at will, which led to the decline of government and panic among the people. Now I want to set up a secret bureau. Although it is not for my own selfish reasons, it has inevitably touched the interests of some people and attracted many criticisms and obstructions. Brother Yang's words are like a revelation, allowing me to see the complexity and subtlety of the situation."

Liu Bei pondered for a moment and continued, "However, if we do not think about reform and strengthening the country in times of crisis, how can we maintain peace and resist foreign aggression? The establishment of the Secret Bureau is intended to collect intelligence, seize opportunities, relieve your majesty's worries, and benefit the country. Even if the road ahead is full of thorns, I must remain firm in my beliefs and move forward courageously."

Yang Xiu was speechless when he heard this. He said that there were treacherous people in the court, but Liu Bei was only thinking about his own trivial matters and was short-sighted.

Yang Xiu sighed inwardly, but his face did not show any emotion. He stroked his long beard lightly, and his tone was calm and profound: "What Liu Huangshu said is very true. Reform and strengthening are the foundation of the country and the hope of all people. However, the road to reform requires not only perseverance, but also insight. The matter of the Secret Bureau has touched off the undercurrent and cannot be taken lightly. We should use wisdom as a sword and justice as a shield to protect ourselves and the country and the people."

He paused slightly, looking at Liu Bei with a sharp gaze: "Although the traitors in the court are treacherous, they are just duckweed in troubled times, moving with the wind. The real challenge lies in how to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, how to keep a clear head in the complex situation, and not be confused by appearances. Since the emperor's uncle has made this determination, he should open up a wide range of talents, not stick to one style, gather the wisdom of everyone, and make plans together. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen the internal construction of the secret bureau to ensure that information can flow smoothly and keep secrets strictly to avoid being taken advantage of by the enemy."

Liu Bei's eyes flashed with approval when he heard this. He knew that Yang Xiu was a man of rare talent, so he nodded and said, "Ancestor De is right. I was negligent. Although I am devoted to the country, I also need to take care of more. I will personally inquire about the affairs of the Secret Bureau and set up a supervisory post to prevent collusion between the inside and the outside and ensure that all actions are carried out in the open. At the same time, I will also open up the talent path and recruit talents from all over the world to discuss national affairs and overcome the difficulties together."

Yang Xiu didn't want to say anything more. Even if Liu Bei heard this until tomorrow, he would not understand, so he asked his servants to send him away.

Liu Bei was very upset when he was driven out of Yang's house. After thinking carefully about what Yang Xiu said, he finally came to his senses.

"Oh!" Liu Bei slapped his thigh heavily, regretting, "Liu Xuande, Liu Xuande! Yang Dezu reminded you so clearly, but you turned a blind eye to it and only thought about the secret bureau. You are really as stupid as a pig!"

Not long after walking out of the gate of Yang's house, Liu Bei was annoyed again: "How can I tell Yang Dezu about the important matters of the Secret Bureau? From now on, I will never get any information from him."

There was no other way, so Liu Bei returned to the palace again and explained his current difficulties to Liu Xie. Of course, he did not mention a word about his own mistakes.

"His Majesty"

Liu Bei stood at the foot of the hall, his expression solemn but respectful, and he said slowly: "I, your humble servant Liu Bei, came here this time because I have a difficult matter to report to Your Majesty, and I beg Your Majesty to make a decision. The affairs of the Secret Bureau are related to the safety of our Han Dynasty. I should have been cautious in my words and deeds, but I missed the opportunity due to a moment of negligence. I failed to timely perceive and properly handle the communication with the wise men in the court, resulting in information blockage and difficulty in grasping the overall situation. This is my fault, and I am willing to accept the punishment."

Liu Xie's eyes darkened slightly when he heard this, but then he showed some understanding and tolerance: "Xuan De's words are too harsh. The affairs of the Secret Bureau are inherently complicated and cannot be easily handled by one person. I am also well aware of Yang Xiu's talent. His frankness may have a deep meaning. The fact that the emperor's uncle can reflect on his mistakes this time shows his loyalty and responsibility. I believe that as long as the emperor's uncle acts more cautiously in the future, he will be able to overcome difficulties and make new contributions to our Han Dynasty."

Liu Bei was grateful when he heard this, and he immediately kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise, I will remember your teachings and live up to your high expectations. Regarding the matter of the Secret Bureau, I have a plan, and I want to find a proper way to ensure that the secrets are not leaked, and to maintain communication with the wise men in the court to discuss national affairs. However, this plan still needs your Majesty's approval and time to prepare. I hope your Majesty will approve it."

Liu Xie nodded slightly, signaling Liu Bei to continue: "Xuan De, please go on, I will consider it."

Liu Bei then elaborated on his thoughts, including strengthening the internal discipline of the Secret Bureau, setting up a special agency to communicate with various factions in the court, and adopting a more secretive way of transmitting information. Each point was carefully considered to ensure both efficiency and safety.

After hearing this, Liu Xie showed an expression of approval: "Xuan De's plan is very good. It not only solves the current difficulties, but also is a long-term plan. I approve it. From now on, your uncle can start to implement it. I will also issue an order to let all officials in the court know that any good plans or intelligence can be reported through legitimate channels, and personal interests must not be used to hinder national affairs."

Liu Bei thanked him again, and finally felt relieved.

Liu Xie sat on the dragon chair, looking at Liu Bei's departing back, and muttered quietly: "If you were not the emperor's uncle's man, I would not waste my breath to deal with you."

In fact, Liu Xie never intended to let Liu Bei find out any news. He just wanted to find an excuse to give Liu Bei something to do so that he wouldn't be suspicious all day long, which would be detrimental to major events.

Before Liu Bei could figure out the cause, the minister's final struggle occurred.

When Liu Bei saw Liu Xie using Jin Mao's personal soldiers to wantonly slaughter ministers and their families, he immediately understood what Yang Xiu meant.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xie actually cooperated with the treacherous minister Jin Mao to eliminate these loyal ministers in the court.

Is it bearable, what is unbearable?

Liu Bei asked to see Liu Xie and asked in great sorrow, "Why did your Majesty rebel?"

Liu Xie's expression did not change when he heard this. He just glanced at Liu Bei calmly. His eyes were calm as expected, but also seemed to hide some subtle fatigue and determination. "Xuan De, you are wrong. I am not rebelling. I am cleaning up the house and clearing up the government. The treacherous officials in the court are in power, deceiving the superiors and the subordinates, and causing chaos in the government. As the Son of Heaven, how can I sit idly by and do nothing?"

Liu Bei was furious when he heard this, but he suppressed his anger and spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. Although there are treacherous ministers in the court, most of them are loyal and good people who are dedicated to the country. How can you generalize and kill innocent people? Moreover, Jin Mao is a man with wolfish ambitions. How can Your Majesty conspire with him for big things? Isn't it inviting a wolf into the house?" Liu Xie smiled lightly, with a bit of bitterness and helplessness in that smile, "Liu Xie doesn't know, I also know that Jin Mao is not a good person, but the current situation forces me to use him to shock the court and the public with thunder and lightning, so that I can have a chance to revive the government. As for the distinction between loyalty and treachery, I know my own limits. When the overall situation is settled, I will settle the accounts."

After hearing this, Liu Bei felt mixed emotions. He knew that although Liu Xie's move seemed extreme, he also had his own difficulties and considerations. However, as the king of a country, acting like this would not be a long-term solution. He took a deep breath and decided to try again to convince the emperor with reason: "Your Majesty, I am willing to help you solve your problems. As long as you give me a chance, I will be able to find out the truth and restore peace to the court. As for Jin Mao, I will handle it properly and will never let him become a big worry for your majesty."

Liu Xie was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing the pros and cons, and finally nodded slowly: "I have taken note of Xuande's words. But this matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it carefully. Xuande can withdraw first, and I will inform you when I have made a decision."

Seeing this, although Liu Bei was anxious, he knew that he should not act too hastily, so he had to bow and slowly leave the hall.

At this time, Liu Xie finally couldn't help but sneered: "Just because of you, you want to go against the emperor's uncle?"

It’s not that Liu Xie looked down on Liu Bei, but that he simply didn’t think highly of him.

If Liu Bei had become a local lord outside Luoyang, Liu Xie would definitely have struggled a bit, but now that Liu Bei had entered Luoyang, what was the difference between him and a bird in a cage or a turtle in a jar? Aren't they both pieces of meat on someone else's chopping board?
the other side.

Liu Bei was not as incompetent as Liu Xie imagined, and he quickly understood the priorities.

Now that he has no soldiers, it is nothing but a pipe dream to want to challenge Jin Mao. It would be better for him to make use of the more than 200,000 people in Luoyang, form a large army, and then go to persuade Liu Xie.

Just do it if you think of it.

Liu Bei was worthy of being the hero of the Three Kingdoms. With his eloquent tongue, he persuaded the forces in Luoyang to unite and work as one.

In just three months, 20,000 troops were recruited, and in another three months, initial combat effectiveness was formed.

Those noble and powerful families who had not yet died out seemed to see hope again, and one after another they brought in money to invest.

Liu Bei accepted all offers.

Soon, new problems emerged.

Since most of the soldiers came from humble backgrounds, while the nobles and powerful families were promoted to high positions as soon as they joined the army, there was widespread resentment among the soldiers.

Liu Bei was eager to achieve success, so he turned a blind eye and strengthened military discipline.

But where there is oppression, there is resistance.

The soldiers joined the army because of Liu Xie's diligence, and the army was established as the emperor's guard.

What Liu Bei is doing now is that he wants to turn all these people into minions of the aristocratic and powerful families.

How can I bear this?

Thus, under the exaggeration of some people with ulterior motives, the camp riot occurred.

The commander-in-chief Liu Bei left the barracks for some reason and escaped the disaster, but those children from noble families were not so lucky. The soldiers took back the humiliation they had suffered in the past few days tenfold and a hundredfold!
A great change ended so dramatically.

But Liu Bei did not give up and wrote another letter to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, hoping to get their support.

Somehow, Zhang Fei, who was a general in the Southwest Military Region, heard the news and returned to Jingzhou in a clamor, demanding an explanation.

Jingzhou, Wancheng.

"My Lord, what happened to you, Guan Lao San?"

Zhang Fei glared angrily and asked, "Did you kill him?"

Jin Mao was furious and shouted, "Zhang Fei! You left your post without permission, and I haven't punished you yet. How dare you accuse me of this?"

"Has it been because I have indulged you too much over the years that you have become inflated?"

Zhang Fei shrank his neck and said with a wry smile, "Hehe, my lord, calm down. I heard that my second brother might be in trouble, and I am extremely worried. You also know that my second brother Guan Yu and I are brothers who wear the same pants. If he is in trouble, how can I sit back and watch?"

Seeing Zhang Fei's naive appearance, Jin Mao waved his hands impatiently and said, "Come here! Take this fool to see Guan Yu."

"Ah?" Zhang Fei said with surprise, "Thank you, my lord."

"get out!"

"Here."

After Zhang Fei left, Jin Mao smiled meaningfully and said to himself, "I've kept Xun Yu, so can't I keep the three sworn brothers in Peach Garden as well?"

the other side.

Zhang Fei was taken to a mansion, where he met the fat Guan Yu, his dozen beautiful concubines, and more than twenty children.

Zhang Fei was stunned and couldn't help asking, "Guan Lao San! Are you a breeding pig? How can you give birth so fertile?"

Guan Yu had long lost his original vigor and said with a smile: "Aren't the two things in life just about spreading out and returning to one's roots?"

"Now that I have become one of them, as long as I return home in glory in the future, my life will be complete."

Zhang Fei shook his head and said nothing.

(End of this chapter)