Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter Twenty-Four: A Deposed Emperor? Let Him Be Deposed!

Liu Heng waved his hand sharply, pointing toward the sturdy walls of Gaoling City. "Before that, Zuofengyi is our foundation! Guard it well, make it impregnable, ensure its troops are elite and its grain stores full, and let it become the only sanctuary in this chaotic world where the people can catch their breath. Only with a solid foundation and sufficient strength do we earn the right to speak of 'serving the Emperor.' Otherwise, everything is but a reflection of flowers in a mirror, inviting only ruin upon ourselves!"

Xun Yu stared blankly at Liu Heng, observing the calm that pierced through everything and the near-cruel patience in his eyes. These words struck like a heavy hammer, shattering the fervent urgency he held in his heart to restore the nation. Xun Yu fell silent, his expression shifting rapidly until all his anxieties, unwillingness, and contemplations dissolved into a long sigh. He bowed deeply to Liu Heng once more, thoroughly convinced. "Marquis... your foresight is as clear as a fire in the darkness! I have been taught. It was I who was too impetuous."

Liu Heng’s expression softened slightly as he reached out to steady Xun Yu. "Wenruo, I know your heart is tethered to the state, and I do not doubt your sincerity. But in extraordinary times, one must employ extraordinary strategies. Guarding Zuofengyi and awaiting the right moment is our primary mission for now!"

It was not that Liu Heng was smarter than Xun Yu, but as a transmigrator, he knew better than anyone what was about to unfold. With He Jin still in power, if he were to rashly lead his troops into the capital, what if that man were triggered? The situation would surely spiral out of his control. Once he lost the advantage of historical foresight, his leverage would vanish, and in this chaotic era, where would he turn? On the other hand, only after He Jin perished and Dong Zhuo entered the capital could he follow the currents of history, seeking an opportunity to bolster his strength. By growing stronger in step with history, he might achieve unification ahead of schedule. Liu Heng knew better than anyone that the chaos at the end of the Han Dynasty was about to begin.

Three months later, on the day of Jishen in the eighth month.

In the main hall of the government office, Liu Heng sat squinting, leaning against the armrest of his seat, his knuckles tapping rhythmically and unconsciously against the table. Sitting below him were Xun Yu, Du Ji, Fa Yan, Zhang Ji, Dian Wei, and Chen Shuzhi. Jing Bo, who refused to sit, stood behind him. The group passed around secret reports from Luoyang covering the past three months:

On the day of Bingchen in the fourth month, the Emperor passed away in the Jiade Hall. On his deathbed, Jian Shuo and other eunuchs held the imperial decree, plotting to assassinate General-in-Chief He Jin and replace him with Prince Xie. However, the plot leaked; He Jin received word, stationed his armored soldiers outside the palace, and Jian Shuo’s scheme died in the cradle.

On the day of Wuwu in the fourth month, Empress He and He Jin joined forces to enthrone Prince Bian. He Jin, by virtue of his status as the Emperor's uncle, took full control of the court, becoming the head of the Secretariat, his power overshadowing the entire court. Although the Ten Attendants, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, were fearful, they used vast sums of wealth to bribe He Jin’s brother, He Miao, and Empress Dowager He, thereby securing their safety for the time being.

The Sili Colonel, Yuan Shao, urged He Jin to seize the momentum and eliminate the eunuchs to remove future threats. His words were sharp: "The eunuchs are close to the Supreme One, controlling the flow of commands. If we do not eliminate them now, they will surely become a disaster later!" He proposed a plan: summon fierce generals from all corners to lead troops into the capital, threatening the Empress Dowager into granting permission for the eunuchs' execution.

Although He Jin held supreme power, he was inherently indecisive and deeply constrained by his sister, the newly enthroned Empress Dowager He. The Empress Dowager repeatedly blocked his proposals, arguing, "The late Emperor has just passed; how can you wish to slaughter his old servants?" He Jin, plagued by indecision, delayed the order to purge the eunuchs.

The Ten Attendants had ears everywhere, and the plot between He Jin and Yuan Shao gradually leaked. Zhang Rang and his cohorts, terrified, again used heavy bribes to sway He Miao and the Empress Dowager, weeping as they knelt before her: "The General-in-Chief listens to Yuan Shao and intends to kill us all; we beg Your Majesty for mercy!" The Empress Dowager, misled by them, protected them even more fiercely.

The Registrar, Chen Lin, urged him: "The proverb says 'covering one's eyes to catch a sparrow.' If even a trivial matter cannot be deceived, how much less so the great affairs of state? You hold imperial authority and command the military, moving like a dragon or tiger. If you wish to purge the eunuchs, it is as easy as throwing hair into a furnace... yet you cast aside your sharp weapons to summon external help. When great armies gather, the strongest will prevail. This is like holding a weapon by its blade and handing the hilt to another; your goal will surely fail, and you will only invite chaos!"

The Commandant of the Army also mocked him: "The disaster of eunuchs has existed in all ages; it is the fault of the rulers who granted them power. If you wish to punish them, just remove the ringleaders; a single jailer is enough, why summon outside armies? If you intend to kill them all, the news will surely leak, and I foresee your defeat." He Jin dismissed both as "cowardly."

He Jin ultimately adopted Yuan Shao's inferior plan.

Secret orders were sent to the four corners of the realm, the most crucial being to the Former General and Governor of Bingzhou, Dong Zhuo! This man had long been stationed in Xiliang, fierce and arrogant, with long-held ulterior motives. Upon receiving the summons, Dong Zhuo cited "clearing the court of evil eunuchs" as his pretext and marched toward Luoyang with haste. At the same time, others responded, such as the Administrator of Dongjun, Qiao Mao, each stationing troops around the capital. Luoyang had become a powder keg! (Annotation: Urgent report from the abyss! Dong Zhuo’s army has passed Mianchi and is less than two hundred li from Luoyang! His army is formidable, looting everything in its path, and public resentment is boiling.)

On the day of Wuchen in the eighth month, He Jin finally secured the Empress Dowager’s permission to purge the eunuchs. Yet, he was careless and unprepared, intending to enter the palace alone to report the details to the Empress Dowager. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao tried to persuade him to bring more armored guards, but He Jin refused. Zhang Rang, Duan Gui, and the other eunuchs had already received intelligence and placed fifty bladesmen inside the gate of the Jiade Hall. As soon as He Jin entered, the gates were slammed shut! He was executed before the Jiade Hall! The General-in-Chief’s head was thrown over the palace wall!

Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and He Jin's subordinates, including Wu Kuang, heard of the coup and immediately led the Imperial Guards to storm the Southern Palace. Yuan Shao ordered, "Kill every eunuch, regardless of age!"

Inside the palace, it became a slaughterhouse, and many beardless men were killed unjustly. Zhang Rang and Duan Gui abducted the Emperor and the Prince of Chenliu, Liu Xie, fleeing in panic toward the Northern Palace and escaping by night to Xiaopingjin, intending to run to Dong Zhuo’s army. When the pursuers arrived, Zhang Rang and his cohorts, realizing the game was over, threw themselves into the river and drowned. The Emperor and the Prince of Chenliu were left wandering the wilderness, their whereabouts unknown...

On the day of Jisi in the eighth month, Dong Zhuo finally arrived at the Xianyang Garden west of the city with his main force! It happened that the Emperor and the Prince of Chenliu were returning to the capital in distress; Dong Zhuo feigned loyalty and escorted them back to the palace. (Annotation: He Jin’s schemes were shallow, and his spirit was arrogant; Yuan Shao’s plans were clumsy, and his ambition prideful. The eunuchs fought like trapped beasts, and thus Dong Zhuo was able to eye the sacred vessels of power! Now, Xiliang soldiers roam the streets of Luoyang, and the nobles tremble. Dong Zhuo’s intent to depose the Emperor is clear! This is the beginning of the world’s chaos! I risked my life to send this report; I hope the Marquis will quickly devise a strategy to meet this great change!)

...

The reports detailed everything since the passing of Emperor Ling: He Jin’s indecision, his failure to purge the eunuchs, his subsequent murder, and Dong Zhuo’s entry into the capital with designs to depose the Emperor.

Chen Shuzhi was the first to break the deathly silence, rising to say, "Marquis, today we received a report from Gongming. Dong Zhuo's subordinate, Niu Fu, sent an envoy to Yunyang, requesting to cross the Jing River under the pretext of resting his troops. Gongming refused. Niu Fu, enraged, attempted a forced crossing but failed, and instead set up camp by the river. Zilong led a surprise attack from the valley, charging the camp four times, personally slaying Niu Fu with his spear. Gongming led his troops in support, taking 3,108 heads and capturing 1,600 prisoners!"

Du Ji set down the bamboo slips, his brow furrowed. "Niu Fu was arrogant and invited his own death. However, Dong Zhuo’s main force now controls Luoyang, and the deposition is imminent. His momentum is like fire burning on oil, his edge sharp. Though we have won this victory, we are not as strong as Dong Zhuo. It is best to dig deep trenches and build high walls, accumulate grain, and strengthen our troops, avoiding his direct edge while planning slowly."

Zhang Ji suddenly looked up, his eyes burning with indignation. "Marquis! You are a scion of the Han royal family and the brother-in-law of the current Emperor! You hold elite troops and sit upon Zuofengyi, the western barrier of the capital! Now that the traitor Dong Zhuo intends to depose the Emperor, the country faces a crisis. We should use the prestige of slaying Niu Fu to immediately march east to rescue the Emperor! Issue a proclamation to the provinces to raise the banner of righteousness! With the banner of justice, why fear that the cause will not succeed?"

All eyes focused on the main seat, and subconsciously glanced at Xun Yu, who had been resting with his eyes closed. Liu Heng’s gaze slowly shifted to Xun Yu, a hint of an unfathomable curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Wenruo, why are you silent?"

Xun Yu opened his eyes and asked, "Is this the moment you spoke of the other day?"

"The moment..."

The last trace of hesitation in Liu Heng’s eyes vanished completely, replaced by a burning, cold... ambition.

"Wenruo, and everyone."

Liu Heng looked up, scanning the people before him. His voice remained steady but carried an invisible pressure that caused the air in the hall to stagnate.

"Let him depose."

The three words fell lightly, yet they weighed more than a thousand catties. They struck Zhang Ji, turning his face pale; they shocked Du Ji and Fa Yan; they caused Xun Yu to sway imperceptibly. Chen Shuzhi looked up at Liu Heng, while only Dian Wei and Jing Bo remained indifferent, as if it were none of their concern.

"Let that Dong Zhongying depose his Emperor," Liu Heng’s voice remained steady, even carrying a hint of indescribable ease, as if discussing trivial neighborly affairs. "I, Liu Boyu, will tend to my fields."

He slowly raised his right hand, pointing outside the hall, toward the Sanfu Plain. Under the scorching sun of the eighth month, the vast fields of harvested wheat stubble shimmered with golden light. Further away, the new military colonies stretched across the landscape, and the irrigation canals sparkled like silver chains. That was the fruit of his four years of effort, the foundation upon which hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Zuofengyi relied for survival.

"Zuofengyi—or rather, Guanzhong—is our root." Liu Heng’s voice deepened. "A land enclosed by four passes, a fortress of a thousand li. To the east, Tong Pass and Hangu; to the west, San Pass and Dazhen Pass; to the south, Wu Pass; to the north, Xiao Pass! One man guarding the pass, ten thousand cannot enter! As long as we guard our home, what does it matter whose banners fly over the walls of Luoyang?"

He paused, his gaze turning sharp as a hawk, sweeping over Chen Shuzhi, who stood at attention. "Shuzhi!"

"General is here!" Chen Shuzhi cupped his hands.

"You will personally lead ten thousand of the 'Subjugation Battalion' and two thousand county troops straight to Tong Pass," Liu Heng’s voice was ironclad. "Guard it with your life! Not one of Dong Zhuo’s dogs is to be let in!"

"Understood!"

"Junming!"

"General is here!" Dian Wei replied sternly.

"Pass the order! At Wu Pass and San Pass, Zilong is to command his 'Black Armor Battalion,' five thousand of the Subjugation Battalion, and two thousand county troops to hold them fast! Refugees may be let in orderly, but anyone bearing armor, swords, and especially those with a Xiliang accent..." Liu Heng’s voice carried a chilling frost. "Kill without mercy!"

"As you command!"

"Bohou, relay the order to Gongming." Liu Heng looked at Du Ji. "The traitor Niu Fu led troops to plunder Zuofengyi, and now, defeated, he is fleeing through the Sanfu region. Lieutenant General Xu Huang is ordered to suppress the rebels in the Sanfu area; all counties must assist with full strength. Anyone who obstructs this is a traitor to the court! Xu Huang has the authority to deal with them as he sees fit!"

Hearing this, everyone looked at Liu Heng, their expressions intrigued.

"Marquis, isn't Niu Fu already dead by Zilong's spear? What is there to suppress?" Dian Wei, ignoring the others' expressions, asked in confusion. The rest of the group exchanged smiles. This only left Dian Wei more bewildered. "What are you laughing at? Is the Marquis speaking in riddles?"

Du Ji smiled and explained, "The Marquis is using Niu Fu's name to take control of the entire Sanfu region; after all, the troops of Zuofengyi cannot enter other commanderies without a reason!"

Liu Heng did not respond, instead turning to Fa Yan and the others. "Jimou, Derong!"

"Your subordinates are here!" the two replied in unison.

"The military colonies must not stop! Continue building the irrigation works! If there are refugees, expedite their settlement!" Liu Heng’s speech quickened, carrying unquestionable authority. "Tell every county to hold their ground! The sky will not fall! Even if it does, Guanzhong will be the last piece to crumble! If the farming season is missed, you will be dealt with by military law!"

"Understood!" They accepted the order solemnly.

The instructions were clear, cold, and efficient, without hesitation or grandstanding—only pragmatic defense and the strengthening of internal affairs. Xun Yu watched Liu Heng’s mountain-like stability and control. The shock and helplessness he felt from the words "let him depose" were forcibly suppressed, replaced by a strange sense of recognition. This was not the loyalist pillar he had envisioned, shouting and leading troops into the capital. This was more like a chaotic-era warlord who understood the essence of the world and the rules of the jungle.

After the arrangements were made, Liu Heng walked slowly out of the hall, and the others followed him. He stood in the courtyard, facing east. The sunset stretched his shadow long. He seemed to be able to see the imperial capital a thousand li away, already caught in a whirlpool; he could see Dong Zhuo’s arrogant face, the trembling fear of the nobles, and the absurdity and tragedy of the deposition drama about to unfold.

He only wondered if Yuan Shao would truly, as written in the books, point his sword at Dong Zhuo and declare with high spirits: "My sword is also sharp!"

A smile, devoid of any warmth, slowly bloomed on Liu Heng’s face. In that smile lay indifference toward Dong Zhuo’s deposition of the Emperor, the coldness of watching a tiger fight from the mountain, and a bottomless ambition surging silently.

"Let him kill."

Liu Heng’s voice dropped, like a whisper, yet it carried a heart-stopping power. He took a step, walking out of the government office gate: "Let Dong Zhongying... kill all those 'loyal ministers and good generals' who stand in the way in Luoyang..."

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "...Wait until he paves the way for us."

He tapped the hilt of the sword at his waist, producing a dull, light sound.

"When the time comes..."

Liu Heng’s voice trailed off. He suddenly turned his head, sweeping his gaze across the group. "Our millions of bushels of new grain in Guanzhong will be just enough... to treat the people of the world to a full meal."

The wind seemed to grow stronger, whipping up dry dust. Behind him, Xun Yu’s face was pale, his body rigid like a taut string, but he stood straight. Thousands of admonitions were stuck in his throat, but not a single word could be uttered. Those words, "let him depose" and "let him kill," were like ice picks piercing the spine of the loyalty he had believed in all his life. Yet, it also allowed him to see with absolute clarity: this young royal Marquis, his bloodline, his power, his methods... might he not be another possible future for the crumbling Han Dynasty?

After all, he was the late Emperor’s own nephew!