Chapter 46: Ancient Capital Chang'an

And as Liu Bian's great army set out, the various marquises across the realm began to grow restless.

Except for Inspector Liu Dai of Yanzhou, Governor Liu Zhang of Yizhou, Inspector Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Inspector Liu Yao of Yangzhou, and Governor Yuan Shu of Runan, all of whom were hoping for Liu Bian's crushing defeat.

The rest of the marquises were watching; if Liu Bian could successfully recover the two provinces, it would show that he is the one who can restore the Han and turn the tide.

If Liu Bian fails, needless to say, they would also vie for power.

After all, with Chen Sheng and Wu Guang and the nobles and ministers before, how could they lack ambition!

Later, Gaozu's first generation of pavilion leaders, slaying the White Snake uprising, overthrew the Qin Empire and founded the Han, establishing four hundred years of reign.

So why couldn't the next person be them?

Their starting point is far higher than Liu Bang's, the only shortcoming being that the present Han Dynasty still has many who remain loyal to the Han house.

Compared with the time when Qin lost its deer and the world chased after it, the situation is much better now.

Therefore, the eyes of the entire realm are now fixed on Liu Bian's moves.

……

"Your Majesty, at our current marching speed we can reach Chang'an before evening. Do you wish to receive the Chang'an Magistrate and others?"

After the army had been on the march for half a day, Lü Bu checked the speed and said to Liu Bian.

"We'll be at Chang'an that quickly? Very well, the army happens to pass Chang'an, let's go take a look!"

Hearing Lü Bu's words, Liu Bian paused briefly and replied to Lü Bu.

"By the way, I still don't know who holds the office of Chang'an Magistrate?"

Just as Lü Bu was about to turn and leave, Liu Bian suddenly realized that after all this time he still didn't know who the Chang'an Magistrate was!

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the one appointed Chang'an Magistrate is Cheng Yu, who was selected from the Recruitment Proclamation a month ago."

Before Lü Bu could speak, Jia Xu beside him immediately added.

"Cheng Yu! So he's the Chang'an Magistrate; no wonder we haven't seen him!"

Hearing this, Liu Bian wore a surprised expression. Earlier, when he was at the Recruitment Proclamation, he hadn't seen Cheng Yu; later, he asked Lu Zhi, but still hadn't seen him.

He had thought Cheng Yu had not yet entered official service! He didn't expect that Cheng Yu had already been assigned as Chang'an Magistrate.

Indeed, life is full of surprises everywhere!!!

"By Your Majesty's meaning, could it be that you know this Cheng Yu?"

Jia Xu, along with Guo Jia and others nearby, heard Liu Bian's mutter and asked in surprise.

"Hehe, of course, there is nothing in this world that I do not know!"

Hearing Jia Xu's question, Liu Bian gave the few a mysterious smile and said cryptically.

"This…"

"Your Majesty is Sage and Mighty!!!"

The few were silenced by Liu Bian's words, and after a long pause they feigned reverence and bowed.

"Hehe, don't think I'm being pretentious; you'll understand later."

Seeing the false flattery on their faces, Liu Bian paid them no mind and smiled, saying.

"We dare not, we absolutely trust what Your Majesty says!" Hearing Liu Bian, the few hurriedly bowed.

"Alright, I trust you. Since the Chang'an Magistrate is Cheng Yu, let's go see together!"

He gave the few a slight wave and immediately changed the subject.

Then the group set off toward Chang'an City.

At this moment, at the east city gate of Chang'an City, Cheng Yu, the Chang'an Magistrate, led a crowd of civil officials and generals, all staring eagerly at the road.

"Sir Cheng, how much longer until His Majesty arrives?" After waiting for a while, a middle‑aged scholar beside Cheng Yu asked.

"What, can't wait? If Family Head Li Wei doesn't wish to wait, you may return; no one will force you."

Seeing that the speaker was Li Wei, the Family Head of the Li Family—one of the four great families of Chang'an City—expressing discontent, Cheng Yu sneered.

Seeing Cheng Yu's anger, Li Wei immediately bowed his head and said brightly, "Sir Cheng, you jest; I am not impatient! I dare not!"

"Good that you understand; if this reaches Your Majesty's ears today, you know the consequences!"

Cheng Yu coldly replied to Li Wei, a hint of murderous intent in his gaze.

"Sir, look quickly, is His Majesty arriving?" At that moment, someone in the crowd around Cheng Yu shouted excitedly.

Immediately, everyone's eyes turned toward the end of the road.

In the distance, on the wide road, a group of figures emerged; as they drew nearer, a magnificent cavalry unit came into view.

The closer they came, the more cavalry appeared, and just as anticipation peaked, a dashing young man in noble, imposing armor entered the crowd's sight.

Around the youth were several generals and scholars, their figures following.

From the attire, no introduction was needed; everyone could guess who had arrived!

When the army, halted with reins, came within ten steps of the crowd, Cheng Yu hurried forward, knelt respectfully on the ground, and loudly proclaimed, "Your humble servant, the Chang'an Magistrate Cheng Yu, pays homage to Your Majesty!"

Seeing Cheng Yu's action, the people behind him also quickly knelt and shouted, "We pay homage to Your Majesty!"

Seeing Cheng Yu and the others' gestures, Liu Bian immediately dismounted, stepped forward, and helped Cheng Yu to his feet.

Then, smiling, he said to Cheng Yu, "Zhongde, I have long awaited you; I never expected we would meet in this manner!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your favor; alleviating your worries is my duty."

Seeing Liu Bian's delighted gaze and the respect in his tone, Cheng Yu was overjoyed.

At first, merely seeing Liu Bian overthrow Dong Zhuo and issue the Recruitment Proclamation, he thought such an Imperial Majesty would not be bad.

Thus, when Cheng Yu, who had originally resigned from office for leisure, learned the news, he resolutely went to the Recruitment Proclamation, not wanting the four‑hundred‑year foundation of the Han to be destroyed.

He did not want the people of the Han Empire to live such a hard life.

From Liu Bian's conduct during this period, it proved he had not misjudged anyone; Liu Bian's performance far exceeded his expectations.

Whether it was the scholars' cultivation of Literary Dao, the generals' cultivation of Martial Dao, or, recently, the Sweet Potato that swept the realm, all deeply impressed Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu now is absolutely 100% loyal to Liu Bian!

Afterwards, after everyone introduced themselves, Liu Bian said to Lü Bu and Cao Cao: "You two, first go arrange the Army; the troops need not enter the city. First set up camp outside Chang'an City, let the Soldiers rest, and tomorrow set off properly!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao and Lü Bu immediately clasped fists and said, "The junior general obeys the command!"

"By the way, after the Army is arranged, hand it over to the Deputy General to keep an eye on, and you come into the city to find the Emperor."

Watching the two about to turn and leave, Liu Bian suddenly called them back and spoke.

"I obey the decree."

The two respectfully saluted Liu Bian, then turned to arrange the Army's camp.

Looking at the departing Army, Liu Bian smiled at Cheng Yu and said, "Zhongde, let's enter the city first; it's my first time in the ancient capital Chang'an, you must give me a proper introduction!"