Ji Han Liu Zhang

Xudu.

Dong Cheng, a native of Hejian, Jizhou, was the nephew of Empress Dowager Dong, the mother of Emperor Ling of Han, and the father of Concubine Dong, a concubine of Emperor Xian of Han. He was initially a subordinate of Niu Fu, the son-in-law of Dong Zhuo. Later, he escorted Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, from Chang'an to Luoyang in the east, and was appointed General of the Guard and was granted the title of Marquis.

Based on Dong Cheng's identity, we can know that he is a close friend of Emperor Liu Xie. His family, power, and status are tightly tied to Emperor Liu Xie, and there is absolutely no possibility of being untied.

Therefore, whenever Emperor Liu Xie encountered problems, he liked to ask Dong Cheng for advice. His friendship with Dong Cheng and Dong Cheng's loyalty made Liu Xie feel at ease about Dong Cheng, and he could boldly discuss any private matters with Dong Cheng.

Today, at the Taimiao in Xudu, Dong Cheng accompanied Emperor Liu Xie and supervised the progress of the construction of the Taimiao together with Emperor Liu Xie. This is also something that Liu Xie is more concerned about at the moment.

As the saying goes: The most important affairs of a country are sacrifice and war. Without a temple for the ancestors, Liu Xie, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, could not feel at ease.

But seeing that the construction progress of the Taimiao was quite good and it had already taken shape, Liu Xie couldn't help but feel happy.

After walking a few steps forward, Liu Xie tilted his head and said to Dong Cheng who was standing close to him: "Since I ascended the throne, treacherous heroes have emerged one after another. I first suffered from the disaster of Dong Zhuo, and then suffered from the rebellion of Kuai and Si. You and I have to bear the suffering that ordinary people have never experienced."

"In the past, Dong Zhuo was killed, but Li Jue and Guo Si were rampant in Guanzhong and at large. Now, with the assistance of Grand Marshal Liu Zhang, the two thieves Li Jue and Guo Si have also been killed. This is a blessing for the country."

Liu Xie was talking about the affairs of Guanzhong. He summoned Zhang Su, the envoy from Shu yesterday, and learned the news of the death of Li Jue and Guo Si. He couldn't help but feel happy. But today he came to the Taimiao intentionally to talk to the emperors of all dynasties. Although the Taimiao was not complete, he believed that the spirits of the emperors of all dynasties had gathered here.

"The Grand Sima is indeed a loyal and brave man of the Han Dynasty. With the Grand Sima assisting the Han Dynasty and listed as an external vassal, Your Majesty will not have to worry about Guanxi." General Wei Dong Cheng responded.

Speaking of Liu Zhang who killed Li Jue and Guo Si, Liu Xie and Dong Cheng were both grateful. If it weren't for Liu Zhang, it's unknown when the two thieves Li Jue and Guo Si would have been executed. And every day the two thieves lived, every day they lived, was a humiliation and stain to Liu Xie, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, and the Han Dynasty.

Now that Li Jue and Guo Si have been executed, just like the traitor Dong Zhuo in the past, their heads and bodies have been separated. This is a solemn declaration to the world that the Emperor cannot be deceived and the Han Dynasty cannot be humiliated. This will prevent people in the world from looking down on the Emperor and the Han Dynasty.

This was very favorable for Liu Xie's situation. After all, Liu Xie was now under the control of others. The only ones he could rely on were the royal family of the outer vassal states and the loyal officials in the court. Among them, the royal family of the outer vassal states were more important, because the loyal officials in the court had no weapons, while the royal family of the outer vassal states had strong soldiers and could be relied on for help.

"Are you just not worried about Guanxi?" Liu Xie glanced at the eunuchs who were about ten steps away from him and whom he had dismissed earlier. He lowered his voice and spoke to Dong Cheng with profound meaning in his words.

Dong Cheng heard this and smiled indifferently. Then he followed Liu Xie's steps and said to him, "There is Liu Zhang in the west and Liu Biao in the south. I heard that there is Liu Bei in Xuzhou, who is also a hero among the royal family. There are many vassal states in the four seas... Even if they have no intention of assisting the Han Dynasty, they can also teach the treacherous officials in the court not to act recklessly. Of course, there is no need to mention that the Grand Marshal has the intention of assisting the royal family. Your Majesty will not have to worry about Guanxi, and you can be at peace for now."

Liu Xie nodded. What Dong Cheng said was true. As for the foreign vassal clans such as Liu Zhang in Guanzhong, Liu Biao in Jingzhou, and Liu Bei in Xuzhou, the powerful officials and treacherous ministers in the court would have some concerns and would not do anything too extreme to him, the emperor.

Thinking of this, Liu Xie said unintentionally: "I heard that the common people in Xudu knew the news that Li Jue and Guo Si were killed. In addition, Liu Zhang attacked Guanzhong from Chencang Road. Some people compared Liu Zhang to the old Emperor Gao, who also sent troops from Chencang Road and occupied the Three Qins in one fell swoop and established his empire. They said that Liu Zhang followed the old path of Emperor Gao and should also establish his empire. I wonder if such talk has spread in Xudu."

Liu Xie's words were like a casual remark about the nice weather, without any emotion or sentiment.

But Dong Cheng heard it as if it were thunder, which made his ears deaf. He hurriedly cupped his hands, leaned down slightly and said, "I have never heard of such talk. The people in Xudu only said that the Grand Marshal obeyed the royal family and supported the government, and was a loyal and good man of the Han Dynasty and a wise man of the royal family. They certainly did not say that the Grand Marshal was like the Emperor Gao. Your Majesty should not listen to one side and believe it. Such nonsense is not credible."

"I never believed it. Such nonsense is not worthy of my trust." Liu Xie's eyes were blank, as if he had never taken such remarks to heart from the beginning.

"No one is more wise than Your Majesty." Dong Cheng praised him.

Liu Xie looked at the carpenters sawing wood and the stonemasons carving stones, a busy, noisy and orderly scene. He stretched out his hand, pointed at the bustling scene, and said with emotion: "I think the Taimiao will be built soon, and I will be able to offer sacrifices to my ancestors. In the past, they were controlled by Dong Zhuo, Li and Guo, and I haven't offered sacrifices for a long time."

"The Han Dynasty will continue to prosper, and this is all due to your Majesty's achievement." Dong Cheng congratulated, following the emperor and looking at the revival of the Han Dynasty, with a faint smile on his face.

After inspecting the progress of the construction of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Emperor Liu Xie left the place. On the way back to the East Pavilion, he said to Dong Cheng thoughtfully: "You are the General of the Guards. Have you taken up any duties recently? Have you commanded any troops?"

"Although I am a general of the Wei army, I am just an embroidered pillow, an empty decoration. I have never held any official position, nor am I allowed to command troops. Since I entered Xudu, I have had nothing to do and have been bored for a long time." Dong Cheng sighed slightly. As a general of the Wei army, he had less power than a captain and his job was quite boring.

Liu Xie frowned slightly when he heard this. Although there were powerful vassal states outside, they could not lend him a helping hand in a hurry. He also hoped that there would be one or two loyal people with real power in the court, especially loyal ministers in charge of military affairs who were hidden among them and could protect him in times of crisis. But after hearing what Dong Cheng said, it seemed that there was no hope.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. There are many loyal and good people in the court, not just me." Dong Cheng knew Liu Xie's worries, so he comforted him.

Liu Xie nodded. The Han Dynasty had existed for 400 years, and there were countless loyal and upright people who were loyal to the Han Dynasty. He had suffered many disasters in the past, but he was able to survive with the help of these loyal ministers who risked their lives to protect him. There was clear evidence for this.

After a conversation with his uncle Dong Cheng, Liu Xie, who felt a little more enlightened, came to the residence of Concubine Dong. Because of Dong Cheng's past deeds of loyalty to his master, Liu Xie would naturally take better care of Concubine Dong.

"Your Majesty looks happy, but what is the good news?" The pretty Concubine Dong came forward and after observing Liu Xie's expression, she asked.

Liu Xie nodded and said, "The Taimiao has just begun to be built and has taken shape. It will be completed soon, so I am very happy."

"I congratulate Your Majesty. This is a great celebration for the country." Concubine Dong bowed and congratulated Liu Xie.

After congratulating, Concubine Dong said with a smile as beautiful as a flower: "Speaking of which, since we moved the capital to Xu, we first no longer had to worry about food shortages, and then the two thieves Li Jue and Guo Si were executed. Now the Taimiao is about to be established. There are so many things to be happy about, and the Han Dynasty will prosper." "Indeed." Liu Xie nodded and responded indifferently. Since the capital was moved to Xu County, happy events have occurred one after another. If it were not for the fact that Cao Cao was unpredictable and his loyalty was unknown, he would have been overjoyed and his joy would be evident in words.

After talking with Concubine Dong for a few words, Liu Xie couldn't help feeling sad when he saw the simple and worn clothes on Concubine Dong. As a noble lady, Concubine Dong's clothes were simple and old. This was all because she was always by his side, and he felt he owed Concubine Dong something.

When Liu Xie thought of this, he remembered that Zhang Su, the envoy from Shu, had come this time and brought a lot of local products from Shu as tribute, which should have been put into the inner treasury by now.

So he called the eunuch and ordered him, "Go to the inner storehouse and fetch five pieces of Shu brocade presented by Zhang Su, the envoy from Shu. I want to give it to Concubine Dong to make some new clothes."

After giving the order, Liu Xie took Concubine Dong's hand and held it, saying lovingly, "I'm sorry for making you suffer all this time."

Concubine Dong smiled faintly, shook her head and said, "It is a blessing for me to follow your majesty. There is no hardship at all."

Facing the beautiful and virtuous Concubine Dong, Liu Xie felt more and more guilty. At this moment, he glanced at her and saw that the eunuch was still kneeling on the ground, and did not obey his order to get the Shu brocade.

"Hmm?" A doubtful and questioning voice came out from the mouth of Emperor Liu Xie, which contained the emperor's pressure. The eunuch who was kneeling on the ground couldn't help but lower his body a little bit, almost crawling on the ground.

Liu Xie suppressed his anger and said patiently, "Didn't you hear what I said? I asked you to go to the inner storehouse and get five pieces of Shu brocade."

"I heard it clearly, but..." The eunuch was sweating and trembling slightly, and he couldn't even finish his sentence.

"Just what..." Liu Xie said angrily, "I just asked you to get five pieces of Shu brocade, not to climb mountains of swords or plunge into boiling water, why are you hesitating?"

Under the pressure of the emperor in front of him, the eunuch blurted out, "Your Majesty, all the gifts presented by the envoy Zhang Su from Shu were taken away by General Cao Hong yesterday afternoon and never entered the inner treasury."

When Liu Xie heard this, he was stunned at first, and then his eyes swept over Concubine Dong beside him. His face turned red, and a feeling of shame and anger surged in his heart.

He did not expect that the things that Zhang Su, the envoy sent by Liu Zhang, presented to him were robbed by Cao Hong early on, and not a single cent was left for him, causing him to lose face in front of Concubine Dong today, and the face of the emperor was trampled upon the ground.

Seeing the embarrassment on Liu Xie's face, the kind-hearted Concubine Dong held Liu Xie's slightly trembling hand, and a sweet voice like the sound of a spring came out of her mouth: "Your Majesty, there are many troubles in the world now, and the palace should be simple to show me... Shu brocade is expensive and exquisite, and it is not appropriate for me to wear it. Please withdraw your order."

"Yeah." Liu Xie looked downcast and nodded silently.

……

Yesterday afternoon, when Emperor Liu Xie summoned the attendant Liu Ai who had returned from Guanzhong, and the envoy Zhang Su from Shu, Cao Hong, Cao Zilian, the cousin of Cao Cao, who was in charge of the imperial guards, was on patrol when he saw a team of carriages and horses heading towards the palace.

As the general in charge of the palace, Cao Hong was under Cao Cao's orders, so he had to step forward and ask a question. So he stepped forward and asked, "Who are you, and what are your carriages and horses?"

The eunuch who led the team of carriages and horses showed a flattering smile when he saw Cao Hong. He walked up to Cao Hong in two steps and said to him, "General, these are the gifts presented by Zhang Su, the envoy from Shu. They need to be put into the inner storehouse. Please check them. If there are no problems, I will put them into the inner storehouse and complete this task."

"Fangwu? Shudi? The things presented by Liu Zhang, the Grand Marshal and General of the Imperial Clan." Cao Hong was immediately interested when he heard this. Needless to say, the things presented by Liu Zhang, who controlled Guanzhong and Bashu, must be extraordinary.

Cao Hong personally stepped forward and started checking the carriages one by one. He first opened a box in the first carriage. When the box was opened, his eyes suddenly lit up and he felt a little dazzling.

Because the wooden box was filled with pearls. After it was opened, it shone with strange light under the sun. Such large pearls were rarely seen by him.

"Great." Cao Hong kept licking his lips. He was like a traveler who had been short of water in the desert for a long time, looking forward to a clear spring to quench his thirst.

They continued to open the various boxes on each carriage, and all kinds of rare treasures appeared before Cao Hong's eyes, including quetou incense, large shells, ivory, rhino horns, tortoise shells, jadeite and other items. Each one attracted Cao Hong's attention, making Cao Hong not know where to focus his eyes for a moment. He liked each of these rare treasures very much, to the extreme.

When Cao Hong walked to the end of the carriages and opened the large wooden boxes on the last two carriages, he couldn't help but stare at the things in the boxes.

There is no other reason, because the things in the large wooden boxes of the last two carriages are Shu brocade, a specialty of Shu. Shu brocade has vivid patterns, exquisite textures and bright colors, and can be called the best brocade.

As a wealthy and powerful man, Cao Hong had purchased Shu brocade in the past. He was deeply impressed by its high price and its priceless nature. However, at that time, the world was in chaos and roads were cut off. The Shu brocade from Shu was rarely sold in Zhongzhou, causing the price of Shu brocade to rise day by day.

Therefore, now hundreds of pieces of Shu brocade were placed in front of Cao Hong, which made Cao Hong feel happy.

Restraining his admiration and the urge to step forward and touch the Shu brocade, Cao Hong closed the box that contained the Shu brocade. Then he waved his hand and called for the eunuch who was responsible for bringing the Shu products into the inner treasury.

"This is the Shu area's stuff. I only took a quick look at the surface. I still need to inspect it thoroughly, inside and out. So I won't put it into the warehouse today. I'll keep it for now."

"Yes." The eunuch did not dare to refute Cao Hong, so he quickly responded. (End of this chapter)