Chapter 33: The Mobilization Decree Sent Across the World

"General Wei, I've offended you!" On the spot, Ma Chao, after clasping his fists toward Wei Xu, opened his attack and charged at Wei Xu.

"Well done!"

Seeing Ma Chao's incoming fist, Wei Xu voiced a compliment, then slightly raised his right hand, extended his palm, and easily blocked Ma Chao's fist.

"What?"

Ma Chao only felt as if his fist had sunk into mud, making it difficult to pull out.

Immediately, swinging his other hand to attack Wei Xu, each strike was easily deflected by Wei Xu; the two were not even of the same level.

In terms of technique, strength, and speed, Ma Chao was completely defeated by Wei Xu.

After the two exchanged ten moves, Wei Xu seized a defensive gap of Ma Chao and defeated him with a single strike.

"I have been defeated; General Wei's strength is great, I, the junior general, admire you!"

Ma Chao is not someone who cannot accept defeat; moreover, he felt that Wei Xu had not given his all, otherwise he wouldn't have lasted ten moves, and he immediately clasped his fists toward Wei Xu and said softly.

"Mengqi, do not be discouraged; you have not yet cultivated Martial Dao techniques, yet at such a young age you already possess the strength of a First-rate Martial General. After you finish cultivation, you may soon surpass me."

Wei Xu still held a high opinion of this exceptionally gifted youth.

"Thank you, General, for the reminder; the junior general will cultivate diligently."

"Indeed, ten days later will be the time for the Army's expedition; after returning, everyone should hurry to cultivate."

Seeing that this matter was settled, Lü Bu said to the crowd.

"Alright, the junior general takes his leave."

Watching the departing crowd, Lü Bu also headed toward his Central Army Tent; he too would return to cultivate, hoping to break through a level in these final ten days.

……

In the Imperial Palace, seeing that Jia Xu's matters had been completed, Xun Yu said aloud to Liu Bian:

"Your Majesty, ten days later is the day of expedition; the Army's Grain and Fodder are all prepared, and you may now issue an Imperial Decree to announce to the world."

"Hmm, it's also time to issue the decree; now we need not fear those Marquises causing trouble."

"Emperor will write the Imperial Decree now; Wen Ruo, bring it with you when you return later."

Upon hearing Xun Yu's words, Liu Bian also thought it was time to issue the Imperial Edict of Conquest; in this way, those Marquises looking to loot the chaos would have no opportunity.

Subsequently, Liu Bian's Imperial Edict of Conquest spread across the thirteen states of the Han Dynasty.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Since my rebellion against Dong Zhuo, although I have executed the rebel leader Dong Zhuo, the four northern Commanderies of Liangzhou and Bingzhou remain under his followers' control. I have decided that ten days hence, I will dispatch troops to suppress the rebels. This summons is announced to the world, all shall now know!"

"Your Majesty, Sage and Mighty, how good, Your Majesty finally will act against Liangzhou and Bingzhou; I have heard that since Dong Zhuo and his men took control of Liangzhou and Bingzhou, the common people there are truly living worse than death!"

"Indeed! I have a distant relative who fled from Bingzhou to me; I heard that Dong Zhuo's subordinates burn, kill, and loot—when they see something they like, they just seize it, and if not given, they kill!"

"Who says otherwise! If you ask me, these people are truly worthless…"

……

As the Imperial Decree spread, people across the lands burst into applause.

First, Liu Dai, the Inspector of Yanzhou, who was closest, received the news first.

"Hmph, this little emperor has made a clever move; once the Imperial Decree is issued, those who want to pick the peaches must think carefully—if they intend to, he now has a perfect pretext for dispatching troops."

Liu Dai looked at the Imperial Decree placed on his desk and said coldly to the crowd.

"Report to the lord, this little emperor, a month ago, after executing Dong Zhuo, gathered the troops that were in Dong Zhuo's hands; his current strength is not to be underestimated. Moreover, with the recent Recruitment Proclamation, the people he can employ are not few."

"After all, there are many people in this world who are loyal to the Han Imperial Clan."

"Furthermore, he is the legitimate heir of the Han Imperial Clan, inherently holding the great righteousness. Liangzhou only has Duan Wei and Xu Rong with forty thousand troops stationed, while Bingzhou only has Dong Zhuo's son‑in‑law, Niu Fu, with twenty thousand troops; they cannot stop Liu Bian's Army."

"Therefore, Liu Bian this time has the advantage of heaven, earth, and people; I estimate that within a month, Liu Bian can recover the Two Provinces."

Below Liu Dai's desk, a middle‑aged scholar, the chief of the civil officials, shook his head and analyzed.

This man was Wang Yu, Liu Dai's chief strategist.

"According to your view, this Inspector cannot go this time? Do you know that if the young Liu Bian takes Liangzhou and Bingzhou, he will control the Three States, and we will have no chance to oppose him in the future!"

Liu Dai, his face grim, roared at Wang Yu.

"Lord, calm your anger; the current situation is indeed so. Without Liu Bian's Imperial Decree, we have no reason to dispatch troops. If we raise forces on our own, we will surely be the first to be besieged!"

Wang Yu, seeing Liu Dai's cold expression, hurriedly stood up to explain.

"Lord, it is indeed so; Liu Bian this time is employing an open strategy, and most people are still watching; we cannot act this time either."

"However, regarding Lord Wang's claim that Liangzhou is easy to take, I have a different view."

"Liangzhou is not that easy to seize; if Liu Bian only attacks the four Commanderies of Beidi, that would be no problem. But if he intends to attack the Wu Wei Six Commanderies held by Ma Teng, that would not be so easy."

"Ma Teng is a descendant of the former Fubo General, and his martial prowess is outstanding; in recent years, the Qiang people dare not cross his borders, and he would surely force Liu Bian to retreat."

"Even if we take a step back, even if Ma Teng submits to Liu Bian, do not forget there is also Han Sui."

"Han Sui has half Qiang blood; he would absolutely refuse to submit to Liu Bian, so Liu Bian would face not just Han Sui but the entire Qiang."

"After all, they do not wish to see the Emperor's power grow; that offers them no benefit."

Below Wang Yu, another middle‑aged man in a scholar's robe, full of confidence, said to Liu Dai.

"Xu Si, what Wang Yu and I said is reasonable; then we shall sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight, see how the young Liu Bian fails to take Liangzhou and how he faces the world! Hahaha…"

After hearing Wang Yu and Xu Si's analysis, Liu Dai felt invigorated, laughing proudly with a smug grin.

……

There are many who share Liu Dai's thoughts; some of them, like Liu Dai, are already members of the Han Imperial Clan.

Such as Liu Zhang, the Governor of Yizhou, and Liu Biao, the Inspector of Jingzhou, among others.

Now that they have tasted power, each of them has developed thoughts they should not have.

In their hearts arises the notion: Liu Bian can become emperor, we are all legitimate heirs of the Han Imperial Clan, descendants of the founding ancestors, so why can't I sit on the throne?

This is the consequence of a weak ruler and strong ministers.

However, for Liu Bian, who has systematic support, this is only a matter of time; no matter how many rise, the outcome is the same.