[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-461":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Overthrowing Han",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1223220,1620,"Chapter 461: The Hour Had Not Yet Reached Its End","overthrowing-han-chapter-461",461,"\u003Cp>Snowflakes drifted down one after another, like scattered salt — a hallmark of northern snow. To say they were like willow catkins would be a departure from reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was beneath this sky full of salt-like grains that Grand Commandant Liu Yu led a group of key ministers out of the Secretariat, hastily following Minister Yang Mi toward the front hall of Weiyang Palace. Seeing that the Tiger Guard along the way showed no sign of blocking them only made him more anxious and uneasy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they reached the front hall, he suddenly halted before the steps, because another group was already waiting there — Minister Yang Zan, Palace Attendants Yang Qi and Yang Zhong, Commandant of Justice Zhou Zhong, the newly appointed General of the Household of the Right Li Shao, and Attendant of the Yellow Gate Ding Chong, among others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Chong was Cao Cao's fellow townsman and close friend; Zhou Zhong was inevitably tied closely to Liu Bei; Li Shao was an opportunist who had just lost his post as Bearer of the Gilded Mace — all of these were within expectation. But the Huayin Yang clan, a pillar of the court for a century who had been heavily relied upon ever since the court moved west — all five of their key ministers in Chang'an were now gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this point, it was abundantly clear: the foremost great clan west of the Pass, the Hongnong Yang clan, was leading this affair. Wang Yun was at most a co-conspirator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu stopped before the hall, letting the salt-grain snowflakes strike his face, and simply turned his head to look back at Minister of Works Yang Biao — his gaze filled with nearly utter disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others who made similar gestures were Minister over the Masses Zhao Qian, Remonstrance Grandee Zhong Shao, and Household Counsellor Huang Wan — though the emotions in these three men's eyes were not quite so clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the steps before the front hall of Weiyang Palace, Yang Biao met the gaze of Liu Yu and the other Han ministers without the slightest fear, for a long time. None of those who had long been waiting there uttered a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one accused anyone, and no one said anything, because at their level, it could at most be called a matter of political stance — it could not be called anyone betraying anyone, nor could anyone be called anyone else's man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Liu Yu, Yang Biao was merely radical; and to Yang Biao, Liu Yu was merely conservative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those truly qualified to look down from on high and pass judgment on the people present here — perhaps there were only two in all the world. One had the name, the other had the substance. And one of them was inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu understood this just as clearly in his heart. After gazing at Yang Biao for a long time, he finally, under the watch of the assembled Han ministers, turned and slowly walked into the front hall of Weiyang Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the sky was growing brighter, and the snowflakes were falling ever more thickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Commandant!\" The Son of Heaven, only sixteen this year, sat upright on the dragon throne. Seeing Liu Yu enter, he rose to his feet impatiently, but stopped beside the Tiger Guard General of the Household Jing Ze at the steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Liu Yu notice that this young emperor, whose features still held a trace of childishness and who appeared extremely thin and frail, was actually wearing the full ceremonial crown and robes from his capping ceremony!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twelve-tasseled imperial crown, the twelve-gold-emblem ceremonial robe, a jade belt at the waist, and the six-colored imperial seal pouch hanging at his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attire — especially those six imperial seals bound with silk cords of six colors — Liu Yu himself had hung upon him. Because the Imperial Heirloom Seal had still not been found to this day, these Six Imperial Seals were especially precious, and no one knew this better than Liu Boan. Back then, he had only felt that the Son of Heaven was intelligent and wise, and now that he had been capped, perhaps he himself could hold on until the Son of Heaven came of age and then retire with his reputation intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, barely a year later, he felt that the other party was simply far too young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Commandant.\" The young Son of Heaven stood beneath the jade steps, his face flushed, clearly full of hope in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu had intended to speak sternly, but seeing him like this, his heart softened instead. He stepped forward, performed the ritual salute first, and only then rose and asked slowly and calmly: \"Your Majesty, your servant wishes to ask Your Majesty three things. First, can a military report of unknown origin truly confirm that General of the Guard is dead? Second, even if we go ten thousand steps back and say that Your Majesty retakes Chang'an today, what use is it? Does Your Majesty have any long-term plan for what comes after? Third, the people at Your Majesty's side today, those who urged Your Majesty to do this — can they truly be fully trusted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Son of Heaven — or rather, Liu Xie, clad in the full imperial regalia — saw Liu Yu's clear stance and was momentarily crestfallen. But after a brief pause, he still stood there, hand on the ceremonial sword at his waist, rallying himself to respond: \"The Grand Commandant has three questions; We naturally have three replies. First, We know the military report is false, because that report was forged by the Tiger Guard General of the Household at Our command. The original text said that several thousand deer lost their way in the fog and blundered into the General of the Guard's encampment, and the army captured a great many — this was sent by a subordinate officer in the General of the Guard's army under the pretext of an auspicious omen. We merely had him alter it slightly, and only wished to use it to see the Grand Commandant and the other key ministers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second.\" Liu Xie continued standing there, speaking in a voice still slightly immature. \"We are fully aware in Our heart that even if Chang'an could be taken, it would inevitably be attacked from both sides by Cheng Pu in Sizhou and the General of the Guard in Wudu, and easily retaken. Even the Tiger Guard General of the Household has long stated that he can at most have his own troops clear a path and let Us leave the palace, but he absolutely cannot make them turn their blades against the General of the Guard...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Liu Xie spoke, the newly entered key ministers could not help but turn their gazes toward Jing Ze, who stood proudly beside Liu Xie with his hand on his sword. This man's stance was truly suspect, yet paradoxically seemed beyond reproach — because matters of the human heart are far too complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to think; if Liu Yu and the others questioned him, he would surely be able to produce no fewer than three irrefutable reasons:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not wish to ruin his maternal uncle's reputation as a loyal Han servant; his native place was in the Three Adjuncts, and the General of the Guard's new policies had affected him; years of career stagnation, the General of the Guard had cast him aside; or perhaps he had been won over over the years by his fellow townsmen from the Three Adjuncts and by the Son of Heaven himself — and so on and so forth...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, We have never counted on controlling Chang'an as a means to plan for the long term.\" At his ear, the Son of Heaven was still speaking with a solemn expression. \"Grand Commandant, as early as several years ago, across the vast nine provinces of Hebei, apart from this mere Weiyang Palace on the Dragon Head Plateau, where else was there even an inch of land for Us, this Han Son of Heaven, to stand? As things stand now, with the General of the Guard annexing Liang and Zang, I fear even this inch of land will be hard to keep...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So Your Majesty intends to flee east to the Central Plains, relying on the power of Cao and Liu in an attempt to restore the dynasty?\" Liu Yu grasped it almost instantly, but then immediately became so indignant he could barely contain himself. He pointed at Zhou Zhong and Ding Chong standing behind him and questioned them: \"Your Majesty! If the Gongsun clan cannot be relied upon, can Cao and Liu be relied upon?! Has Your Majesty seen how Cao Cao behaved in his youth? In all things he is inferior to the General of the Guard, surpassing him only in debauchery. Today the General of the Guard has gained power and become domineering, but if Cao Cao gains power, he will only be more domineering! Do you think switching to Cao Cao means he won't kill the Dong and Fu clans? I fear even your two Wang cousins will not escape. As for Liu Bei... does Your Majesty truly believe that a member of the Liu imperial clan can be counted on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Xie, having been scolded and then hearing mention of the Dong, Fu, and Wang affairs, could not help but redden around the eyes. Yet he still pressed his lips together, hand on his sword, and replied — even dropping the imperial \"We\": \"Grand Commandant, as things stand now, I no longer have a mother's clan or a wife's clan. If I do not rely on the imperial clan, whom should I rely on? As for your third question — you say the people in this hall today may not be trustworthy, but if I do not trust them, whom can I trust? Just like you, Grand Commandant — if it were not because you are of the imperial clan, why would I have waited here specifically, to ask you to travel with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end, Liu Xie was nearly in tears, only forcibly holding them back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Liu Yu, increasingly despondent, could no longer find words to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Yang Biao stepped forward slowly and formally spoke: \"Lord Liu, as things stand, the Son of Heaven's resolve to leave is set. As ministers, we can only choose to follow or not to follow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am the regent of the imperial clan. Whether the Son of Heaven leaves or not is not for you to decide.\" Liu Yu turned his head and retorted without the slightest courtesy. \"Fleeing east to the Central Plains is of no benefit to the greater situation of the Han dynasty, and the risks are far too great. Therefore, not only do I not follow, I forbid it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Commandant, this is the will of His Majesty himself!\" Yang Biao also grew stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Majesty is only sixteen this year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At sixteen, one can also rule the state!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Young Emperor was poisoned. The only one left in the close branch of the imperial line is His Majesty alone. If His Majesty meets with mishap along the way, the imperial line will be severed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Precisely for this reason, we must move swiftly now! And if we leave now, who would dare to harm His Majesty?!\" Yang Biao suddenly stepped forward and demanded in a harsh voice. \"Gongsun Xun is a thousand li away. Even someone as domineering as Gongsun Zan would not dare to act rashly against a great minister — who would dare to harm His Majesty?! Even if Gongsun Xun were face to face with him, as one who calls himself a Han minister, would he dare commit regicide?! Emperor Ling had faults, but what fault does His Majesty have? On what grounds would he commit regicide? Would he not fear losing the hearts of all people?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu was immediately at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regicide!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two characters were a moral stain absolutely intolerable to traditional Confucian scholars. Sovereign and father, sovereign and father — the absurdity of the matter lay precisely here. Everyone who had seen Liu Xie with their own eyes knew he was just a sixteen-year-old child, yet all under heaven also knew he was the sovereign and father of all under heaven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, this youth standing on the jade steps — clearly naive to the extreme, clearly a boy who would still weep after being scolded by Liu Yu — was, in legal principle, Liu Yu's sovereign and father. He was also Gongsun Xun's sovereign and father, and the sovereign and father of Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Liu Biao, Liu Yan, Sun Ce, Lu Bu, Shi Xie, Zhang Lu, and those others. He was Yang Biao's sovereign and father, and the sovereign and father of everyone in this hall today, and the sovereign and father of all the people under heaven. So what if Gongsun Xun commanded two-tenths of the land under heaven? If he truly killed this youth, then in the eyes of all under heaven, that General of the Guard would be a regicidal beast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the authority and virtue of the Han dynasty had indeed reached the point of a candle flickering in the wind. But if the deed were truly done, the nature of the act would not change. Regicide is regicide! In the Spring and Autumn period, an era when all rites had been lost, Zhao Dun, in utter helplessness and forced into a passive counterstrike, used his younger brother's hand to kill Duke Ling of Jin, whose posthumous name was Ling. And what was the result? There was still no escaping the record: \"Zhao Dun slew his sovereign\" — a judgment endorsed by Confucian scholars for over a thousand years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much more so for the sole universal sovereign of the present day? How much more so when your Gongsun clan has been Han ministers for generations? How much more so when the one with faults was Emperor Ling, and the present Majesty is without fault?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just how terrifying is it, for a political figure, once they commit regicide?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sovereign and father, sovereign and father. This person lost his father in childhood, so it is not apt to compare it to patricide. But imagine if the General of the Guard, in order to control the Anli Company, suddenly and openly murdered his own widowed mother — how would the hearts of all under heaven follow him then? How would men of integrity willingly submit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the time came, even if such a man could gain the realm, his subordinates would inevitably all be shameless scoundrels. How could it possibly last?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are using His Majesty's life as a shield!\" Just as Liu Yu was at a loss for words, Zhao Qian beside him could finally bear it no longer. \"I also believe that with the General of the Guard absent now, no one would dare take it upon themselves to do the unspeakable. But precisely because of that, if by chance some fool does a foolish thing, the General of the Guard, a thousand li away, could not stop it either! And when the time comes, he will bear the name of a regicide. As for you who used His Majesty as a shield — do you think the luminous annals of history will forget to record a stroke against you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Biao was also cast into gloom by this: \"But if we cannot seize this fine opportunity to carry out this plan, what use is it to stay here in Chang'an, withering away? Once we reach the Central Plains, there are at least two imperial clan warlords to rely on. If we can establish a foothold in Nanyang, with Liu Biao at our back, and maneuver Cao and Liu, then under a balance of the three, we might restore the old capital and Guanzhong — and the great enterprise might yet succeed. To remain in Chang'an is merely to let His Majesty sit as a prisoner and wait for the Han dynasty to collapse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this your plan?\" Zhao Qian scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We also know the road ahead is dim,\" Palace Attendant Yang Qi replied solemnly. \"But does this course of action not at least offer one or two chances to revive the Flame of Han?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what if it fails?\" Even Zhong Shao, the youngest among them, could not help but speak out in rebuttal. \"At that point, the Han dynasty will struggle even to preserve itself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what of staying here?\" Yang Biao's anger finally began to rise as well. \"To sit and watch the Han dynasty die silently in its sleep, as if poisoned by charcoal fumes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Minister of Works is right.\" Amid the quarreling, Liu Xie gripped the imperial sword at his waist and forced himself to speak. \"I also ask you all not to be harsh on one another. I know that you are all loyal ministers of Han, the only ones the Han dynasty can rely on now. But Grand Commandant!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant is here.\" Liu Yu lowered his head in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Our decision!\" Liu Xie's eyes grew redder still. \"We know your concerns, and We know the risks of fleeing east to the Central Plains. On that day when we moved the capital from Luoyang to here, We... I saw everything. Even my imperial sister-in-law was nearly seized by the Western Liang soldiers! But that time was different from this time. Back then, the dignity of the Han house was utterly lost amid the relocation. And now, what does this Son of Heaven have left to rely on? Family and kin — all gone. How many ministers have gradually shifted their allegiance to Ye? The few old ministers I could rely on are fading away day by day. And after that upheaval on Beique Street, the court officials have, in broad strategy, gradually drifted apart from Us. To stay now is merely to wait for death. Better to flee east to Nanyang, the imperial hometown of Emperor Shizu, and fight with all our might! I dare not say I can emulate Emperor Shizu in turning the tide and reshaping the altars of state, but there is still some hope to be had, is there not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is your servant who is incapable.\" Liu Yu knelt on the ground in shame to beg forgiveness. \"As regent, I cannot preserve the hearts of men for His Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We do not blame the Grand Commandant.\" Liu Xie finally descended the jade steps and bent down, making as if to help him up. \"In such a situation, what could the Grand Commandant do? This is also why We must leave. There is truly not half a foothold for the Han dynasty here. Today, We have only one question: Can the Grand Commandant accompany Us eastward?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant... cannot agree!\" Liu Yu, bearing what was perhaps the greatest pressure of his entire life, knelt on the ground and refused with all his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly was the greatest pressure of his life, for this time surpassed even what he had experienced in Youzhou before — and that was already extreme. Back then, everything could be attributed to Gongsun Xun's bloody and violent threats. But this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it truly was a difficult choice Liu Yu made from the depths of his heart!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he went with the other side, even if he died, he would inevitably leave the four words \"Loyal Minister of Great Han\" in the history books; but if he did not go, it would seem he clung to life and feared death, and in his heart he truly did yearn for his beloved concubine, yearn for his comfortable life, yearn for his son who had already risen to be Grand Administrator of Liaoxi in Youzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet on the other hand, behind such an obvious moral deficit lay Liu Boan's heartfelt belief that going east was useless — not wrong, but useless — and that such a radical stance would instead hasten the decline of the Han imperial house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the ages, the hardest thing is simply death, but sometimes when responsibility is laid upon one, some things are harder than death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And moreover, your servant also sincerely wishes to urge Your Majesty to stay!\" With this thought, Liu Yu could only strenuously kowtow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Xie was utterly disappointed. He slowly straightened up, yet did not blame the other: \"I understand the Grand Commandant's difficulty. If you will not go, so be it. But my mind is made up, and I must also ask the Grand Commandant to be lenient toward me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu, prostrate on the ground, was nearly overcome with distress, on the verge of tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what of the other ministers?\" Liu Xie turned his gaze once more to the remaining few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant shares the Grand Commandant's view!\" Huang Wan, the Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, who had remained silent, quietly watching Liu Yu's back, now raised his voice in reply. \"And forgive your servant for speaking bluntly: times have changed, and men's hearts are fickle. Perhaps at this moment, if Your Majesty goes east, you might indeed gain a slight reprieve. But should the situation shift, whether in success or failure, dwelling among wolves and tigers without the shelter of Weiyang Palace and whatever loyalty remains in Guanxi will only make things more difficult!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beyond this, the Grand Commandant, being of the imperial clan, cannot voice one particular point, but we servants may speak it plainly.\" Minister over the Masses Zhao Qian also stepped forward and spoke with stern resolve. \"Your Majesty, if the greater situation falls into the hands of outside surnames like the Gongsun clan or the Cao clan, perhaps the house of Han might still endure for a time by avoiding mistakes. But if it falls into the hands of the Liu imperial clan's various lords, then Your Majesty himself would become utterly insignificant! For this reason, your servant also urges Your Majesty not to go east.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Xie hesitated, wanting to speak. First he slowly nodded, then firmly shook his head: \"Ministers, you are unwilling to follow me east — I have nothing to say to that. But this time my mind is made up. It is as they say: the arrow is on the string and must be loosed! Even the Secretariat's official documents have been forged, and so many ministers have been persuaded... If I do not go, I may merely remain a prisoner in the palace, but they will all fall to vicious hands!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yu and the others all faltered, momentarily speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the hall, a thin layer of snow had already accumulated. The Han Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, in full crown and regalia, emerged leaning on his sword. The five ministers of the Yang clan, along with Zhou, Ding, Jing, Li, and the other conspirators, all followed him out of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, several dozen Tiger Guard soldiers suddenly appeared, shut the hall doors, and confined the several high ministers unwilling to follow inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An emperor's flight, even if merely going east as a solitary man, was no simple matter — at most, the Tiger Guard could, under Jing Ze's borrowed authority, clear the roads and open the palace gates; those willing to follow Jing Ze were only a few dozen trusted confidants, yet they still needed the Yang clan's household troops and family members waiting outside the city. The two beauties, Dong and Fu, needed to accompany him. Liu Bian's widow, Consort Tang, the only living \"elder,\" also required a farewell. The Six Imperial Seals could be carried on his person, but the other national treasures moved during the capital's relocation — items of great significance in such times, like Wang Mang's skull — also had to be taken. Furthermore, although Yang Biao claimed he had already bribed Han Xian, the Commandant of Wuguan, the Son of Heaven's majesty was their greatest reliance at this moment, so they also needed to maintain the imperial ceremony as much as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time everything was properly arranged, it was already approaching noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thereupon, Jing Ze stepped forward, using the pretext that the General of the Guards had ordered the Son of Heaven to travel west to Wudu to review the troops, and tricked them into opening the palace gates. Liu Xie finally escaped the first layer of his cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But very quickly, as the imperial procession appeared on Beique Avenue, the commoners and households along the street all saw it, and ultimately it alerted the pro-Gongsun forces within the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Intendant of Jingzhao, Han Xuan, and the Prefect of Chang'an, Han Rui, almost simultaneously led troops to the scene in confusion. The two sides met the imperial carriage head-on on Beique Avenue, near the Armory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Son of Heaven has an edict!\" Jing Ze, in full armor and leaning on his sword, stood beside the imperial carriage. Seeing that the two Hans had not yet approached to inquire, he immediately raised his voice with a blank expression. \"The Intendant of Jingzhao and the Prefect of Chang'an are to withdraw at once, or face immediate execution!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xuan was thrown into panic, but Han Rui flew into a great rage. He stood there in the snow on the street and shouted a stern rebuke: \"Where is the imperial edict? Does it bear the format of the Secretariat? On what grounds do you execute us without cause? Jing Ze, you have received great favor from the General of the Guards and are charged with protecting the Son of Heaven — why then do you permit the Son of Heaven to act on his own?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\" Han Xuan also regained his senses and forced himself to stand firm in the street. \"Before the General of the Guards departed, he left explicit written instructions: the Son of Heaven is young, and all matters must have the approval of the Imperial Tutor or the Three Excellencies. And by court regulation, all decrees must bear the format of the Secretariat. For the Son of Heaven to travel, is there an Imperial Tutor in attendance? Is there the Secretariat's permission?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words had faded, the Minister of Works and Imperial Tutor Yang Biao, along with Secretaries Yang Zan and Yang Mi, emerged together from the rear ranks of the procession. Not only Han Xuan, but even Han Rui was momentarily stunned, inwardly crying out in alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seizing this opportunity, the imperial carriage, before the dumbfounded eyes of the two Hans, continued directly eastward, about to pass the Armory. The two Hans could neither obstruct it nor resign themselves to it. They could only hastily follow while sending men to notify the city gates ahead. However, the city's defenses were now entirely under Gongsun Zan's authority, and Gongsun Bogui was an arrogant and overbearing man. With him absent, none of his subordinates dared to close the city gates on their own authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Hans grew increasingly helpless. They could only send word to the General of the Rear's residence, telling his family to quickly find Gongsun Zan, who for some unknown reason had long failed to return to Chang'an, while also hastily seeking out Gongsun Zan's two trusted confidants — the Palace Attendants Guan Jing and Wang Men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the news arrived, Wang Men, a mere military man, was still muddled. Only Guan Jing, a man of some resource and intelligence, understood the gravity of the situation. Moreover, as Gongsun Zan's most intimate confidant, he felt duty-bound. So upon hearing the news, he dared not delay in the slightest. Without even having time to don his official robes, dressed only in a casual padded jacket and a dog-fur hat, he rode alone straight to the eastern Bamen Gate, which faced directly onto Beique Avenue, and ordered the gate shut just before the imperial procession appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet there he was, atop Bamen Gate, watching the snow on the ground grow thicker and the black smoke in the city persist as before. Even Wang Men arrived with several dozen soldiers, but the Son of Heaven never came, and Guan Jing grew as frantic as a dog. Finally, the two Hans sent word: it turned out the Son of Heaven had clearly prepared in advance. After passing the Armory and reaching Changle Palace, the procession suddenly turned north, then turned east again from Mingguang Palace to the north, seemingly intending to escape through Qingming Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Guan Jing's soul nearly scattered. He hurriedly urged Wang Men to descend from the gate with him and gallop north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But by the time he reached Qingming Gate, before he could even reach the gate tower, he discovered the imperial procession had already arrived before the gate tunnel. Guan Shiqi was truly helpless. He could only grab Wang Men and give him instructions, telling the latter to urge his soldiers to spur their horses forward, while he himself quietly slipped along the roadside into the large crowd trailing behind the imperial procession... Indeed, by now the Son of Heaven's movements had alarmed the entire city. Who knew how many ministers and officials had come in pursuit, and how many citizens of Chang'an had come to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they approached, Wang Men hid to the side of the gate and let the instructed cavalry advance. Correspondingly, the Son of Heaven's party also clearly noticed the sudden appearance of troops, and their hearts grew equally tense. Seeing these several dozen riders wearing dog-fur hats — clearly Gongsun Zan's trusted cavalry of Youzhou origin — not even dismounting before charging at the imperial procession, Jing Ze had no choice but to step forward and shout a stern rebuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, before he could even open his mouth, these soldiers burst into jeers and curses, pretending they could not hear what he was saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Biao and the others also stepped forward to rebuke them, but the several dozen riders still feigned ignorance, instead laughing and asking whether the one in the carriage was truly the Son of Heaven, or perhaps someone in disguise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was deadlocked for a time, and Guan Shiqi could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just at that moment, suddenly, as the cloth curtain of one carriage was yanked open, the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, in full crown and regalia, appeared before the eyes of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The several dozen cavalrymen were instantly stupefied. Then, along with the surrounding citizens who had followed to watch the excitement and those ministers trailing behind, they all paled and prostrated themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you wish to see me?\" Liu Xie's face flushed red. Leaning on his sword, he stood in the carriage and shouted with all his might. \"I am right here! Where are the Palace Attendants Guan Jing and Wang Men?! Where are the Intendant of Jingzhao Han Xuan and the Prefect of Chang'an Han Rui?! And the ministers behind — all of you, come and see me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Majesty has an edict! Summon the Palace Attendants Guan Jing and Wang Men, the Intendant of Jingzhao Han Xuan, and the Prefect of Chang'an Han Rui to appear at once!\" Palace Attendant Yang Qi, hearing this, immediately shouted with all his strength. \"The rest of the ministers, also step forward to hear the edict!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four men had no way to hide and could only brace themselves and step forward to pay homage, while the many accompanying ministers also came forward and knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You four are ministers of Han, yet you lead troops to block the imperial carriage — do you intend to aid villains in regicide?\" Liu Xie's eyes were red-rimmed as he pointed directly at the four men in the street and rebuked them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does Your Majesty say such a thing?\" Guan Shiqi replied awkwardly. \"Your servants truly did not know His Majesty was within...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know now?\" Yang Biao asked sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course we know.\" Guan Jing raised his head toward Yang Biao, recovering some of his composure. \"But why is His Majesty here? His Majesty has not yet reached his majority, yet leaves the capital without authorization...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the Three Excellencies and several high ministers in attendance, with Secretaries of the Secretariat in attendance, with the Imperial Tutor's permission, and with the General of the Gentlemen of the Household Rapid as Tigers as escort — how can this be called leaving without authorization?\" Yang Biao countered proudly. \"Since when does a Palace Attendant presume to question the affairs of the Three Excellencies, the Secretariat, and the Son of Heaven?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Jing was left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what exactly does the Son of Heaven intend to do?\" Han Rui raised his head again to question. \"Your servants are concerned for the Son of Heaven's safety — may we accompany him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You each have your own official duties. This matter is not for you to inquire about,\" Jing Ze suddenly said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Rui, kneeling in the snow, raised his head and sneered in retort: \"The Son of Heaven's safety concerns the security of the realm — who may not inquire? And with the Son of Heaven leaving the capital without authorization, without any explicit word from the Grand Commandant or the General of the Guards, your servants fear only that the Son of Heaven has been deluded by treacherous ministers into committing a monumental error!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is the treacherous minister?\" Just as Yang Biao and the others prepared to continue their rebuttal, amid the falling snowflakes, the Son of Heaven suddenly spoke again. \"Is the one now shaking the very foundations of the Han realm not your General of the Guards?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, everyone, including Yang Biao, began to breathe rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were it not for the General of the Guards, Your Majesty might well have long since joined the Young Emperor as a companion!\" The other three in the front row were all terrified. Behind them, ministers like Zhao Ping, Feng Fang, and Zhang Fan also bowed their heads in silence. Only Han Rui, fury surging, rose directly to his feet, hand on his sword, and faced the Son of Heaven. \"Was the Han realm not shaken by Your Majesty's father and brother, by Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao and those men? It was the General of the Guards who led us, the multitudes of Hebei, to restore the Han realm and gradually recover one or two tenths of the land under heaven — even Cao and Liu dare not deny the General of the Guards' achievements! Yet Your Majesty, without cause, lays blame upon a loyal minister. How unwise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since it has come to this, why waste more words?\" Hearing this, the Son of Heaven instead ceased his anger. With a sharp clang, he simply drew the imperial sword from his waist. \"The General of the Guards was a loyal minister in the past — can he not be a traitor today? Was Dong Zhuo not also a loyal minister and good general in his day, only to bring calamity to the court once he rose to power? And is today's situation what I wished to see? The General of the Guards not only has never held lord and father in his eyes, but views me as a cursed seed, unwilling even to part with a daughter — what is the meaning of this? Not only that, this man has also killed all my close kin and driven wedges between the ministers and the outer relatives. Within the palace, I live each day in dread, doing nothing but washing my face with tears — is this the conduct of a loyal minister? As for his heart, even the passersby on the road know it now! Why bother to conceal it?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What exactly does Your Majesty intend to do?\" The veins at the corners of Han Rui's mouth throbbed uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing more than this: I wish to go east to Nanyang and summon the imperial clan lords to come to the king's aid!\" At this, the Son of Heaven suddenly hurled the imperial sword in his hand to the ground before the other man. \"I mean to break with the General of the Guards and become his enemy... If you, sir, consider yourself a loyal minister to the General of the Guards, then today you may slay me with this sword on his behalf to fulfill his wish! Otherwise, stand aside!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, he then drew another sword from the waist of Jing Ze beside him. In full crown and regalia, bare blade lowered to the ground, he strode proudly through the snow into Qingming Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers along the road, as well as those pursuing ministers who had been right before him, all prostrated themselves on the ground. Even Han Rui, though his fury was hard to quell, merely stood there with head bowed in silence, not daring to pick up the sword from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To slay a sovereign is like slaying one's own father, and with the precedent of Zhao Dun before him, today Han Rui could, relying on a surge of passion, accomplish a great deed — after all, it was only one life, and his family would naturally need no worry — but it would inevitably brand Gongsun Xun, who had shown him such great favor, with the name of a regicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, the Son of Heaven, pushed to the absolute limit, found his courage surging forth. Not only did he personally, in imperial crown and regalia, clear a path with a bare blade, but after the convoy exited the gate and met up with the several hundred men the Yang clan had prepared, he even personally stood guard on the last carriage to cover the rear... The crowd simply did not dare rise to pursue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet amid the chaos, variables arose one after another. Just as the Son of Heaven stood upon his carriage outside Qingming Gate, waiting for the procession to assemble and preparing to turn and depart, suddenly someone within the gate called out from afar: \"Your Majesty, do not go east...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Hans, Guan and Wang, along with many pursuing ministers such as Zhao Ping, Liu Song, Feng Fang, and Zhang Fan, were instantly heartened... It turned out the newcomer was none other than the Grand Commandant, Liu Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as no one dared obstruct the Son of Heaven once he appeared, it was only natural that Liu Yu could leave the palace hall if he wished. However, the man had earlier given up on obstructing him, and now came again — clearly, something had suddenly dawned on him in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty!\" Liu Yu, riding in a carriage with Zhao Qian and others, chased out through the Qingming Gate and knelt in the snow outside, his expression frantic with urgency. \"I beg Your Majesty, you must not journey east... I have only just understood — this journey of Your Majesty's is in truth a stratagem of the General of the Guard, and the one urging you east is very likely none other than the General of the Guard's agent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can Lord Liu go so far as this?!\" Yang Biao finally erupted in fury. \"We may disagree on policy, but why must you slander my loyalty and integrity? I conceived this plan long ago, during the alliance at the Central Plains...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not know who it is, but there is certainly a spy among us!\" Liu Yu gasped for breath, coughing repeatedly, and only after a long while could he address the Son of Heaven again. \"It may be someone from the Yang clan, but more likely it is the General of the Household of the Tiger Guards, Jing Ze, or the General of the Household of the Right, Li Shao! For the General of the Guard's original intent is precisely to make the Son of Heaven journey east, to divide the Son of Heaven from the ministers... Your Majesty, think carefully — the so-called House of Han is not you alone; it is the ministers, the Son of Heaven, the capital palaces, and the imperial tombs all together that constitute the House of Han... If today Your Majesty abandons Chang'an and travels east alone, that is exactly what the General of the Guard desires! He has annexed Xiliang, unified the north, and holds one half of the realm — why would he care about Your Majesty himself? To that man, the only obstacle before him is the House of Han, not the Son of Heaven. What that man seeks in his heart is nothing less than the dismemberment and dissolution of the House of Han, the collapse of its authority once more. And if the authority of the House of Han collapses again, and the Son of Heaven is left wandering abroad, that man would likely rejoice instead, for it spares him the name of regicide one day! These are my words from the heart — I beg Your Majesty, do not fall into this trap!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having barely finished this speech, Liu Yu coughed without cease, and both the Son of Heaven and Yang Biao were each slightly moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as the Son of Heaven was about to speak again, suddenly, an arrow clearly shot from the imperial procession on the Son of Heaven's side flew forth, and before the eyes of all, struck Liu Yu squarely in the chest, causing him to collapse instantly into the snow, his blood staining the white ground, his fate unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Liu Yu, Huang Wan, Zhao Qian, and the many other ministers who had pursued them all changed color, while Han Rui, Wang Men, and others directly drew their blades against the imperial procession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven and Yang Biao were utterly stunned, instinctively turning back to look at Jing Ze, only to find him right beside them — he could not possibly have been the archer. Looking further back, they saw Palace Attendant Yang Qi, expressionless, slowly putting away his bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting the questioning gazes of the Son of Heaven and his clan leader, Yang Qi remained composed: \"Your Majesty, at this point, do we still have a path of retreat? If there is no retreat, then this man is the enemy chieftain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven and Yang Biao both fell into despondency. How could they not know that, no matter how reasonable Liu Yu's words were, there was no turning back now — at the very least, the Yang clan could not escape annihilation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yang clan had not failed the Son of Heaven, and the Son of Heaven could no longer fail this sole remaining loyal house of Han. So he hesitated no more and personally gave the order to proceed eastward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Rui had intended to continue leading troops in pursuit, but for some unknown reason, as if moved by some uncanny impulse, he rode forward alone, and from a distance loosed a single arrow — as if returning the salute — striking the shoulder of Jing Ze, who was covering the rear, before turning back to help tend to Liu Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the gleaming white snow, Liu Xie fled east with only a small faction of ministers, chiefly the Yang clan. And whatever the outcome of this journey, this young Son of Heaven had in fact already abandoned his ministers, the capital, the palace, and the tombs in Chang'an — the House of Han could not avoid splitting apart from this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————I am the dividing line of no return——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the winter of the fifth year of Jian'an, the Han Son of Heaven, beguiled by the Yang clan, abandoned his ministers and the imperial tombs to journey east. The Grand Commandant Liu Yu blocked him at Qingming Gate, but the Son of Heaven would not listen and ordered Palace Attendant Yang Qi to loose an arrow, slaying the Imperial Tutor, Grand Commandant and Prefect of the Masters of Writing, the imperial clansman and entrusted minister Yu before the gate. When Yu died, a great snow arose over Chang'an and did not cease for three days.\" — Old Book of Yan, Volume 62, Biographies, Chapter 12\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ps: I almost forgot — the matriarch's birthday is approaching. If any of you wish to offer rewards, I suggest rewarding the character Lady Gongsun... it's all the same, but it will boost the matriarch's Starlight value. Even if you don't reward, I suggest casually giving the matriarch a heart — that also helps. It's said that when Starlight value reaches a certain level during the event period, it can unlock new activities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thank you all in advance on behalf of that dog Xun — his mother needs everyone's help just to celebrate a birthday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",7519,"2026-06-04T19:42:52.587Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","10f96d6a1d8ee01eab6982b2fc4371e2d6f110f62b6f71944b3fac4a82d4f1df","overthrowing-han-chapter-462","overthrowing-han-chapter-460",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]