Summer of the 20th year of Jian'an of the Han Dynasty [216].

In May, Prime Minister Cao Cao, who led the main force of his troops to retreat from Guanzhong in Hanchuan, stationed himself in Chang'an for several months. After stabilizing the political situation, he ordered the sergeants of all ministries to return to the court along the east division.

In the middle of the month, the army arrived in Luoyang.

Cao Cao personally went to the eastern suburbs, looked into the distance, and recited poems and composed poems.

Ten days.

He ordered his generals to retreat to Xudu with the main force.

He personally led the Huben camp's personal guards eastward to inspect the prefectures and counties.

At the beginning of June, I just returned to Handu.

His eldest son, General Cao Pi, who was responsible for supervising state affairs on his behalf, and the remaining civil and military ministers gathered outside the north gate to welcome him.

Liu Xie, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, also came to greet him personally to show his respect for his ministers' meritorious service.

After the squadron returned to Handu, the war situation in Liangzhou was still ongoing, so no news had been received yet.

Mid June.

Prime Minister Cao Cao, who had been staying in the Prime Minister's Mansion for many days, set out to return north. He marched northward along the main road and returned to his fiefdom of Yecheng.

As for Dong Zhao, who had previously made a big request at the north gate to ask the emperor to confer a royal title, he stayed in the court with Cheng Yu and other officials.

But with Cao Cao's departure.

Inside Xudu City.

In recent days, I have also fallen into a superficial calm in public.

It seems like nothing has changed at all.

The streets and markets are crowded with people and noisy.

The lively scene is extraordinary.

There was no unusual movement in the court hall.

But these are only the superficial developments revealed so far.

In private, there is already an undercurrent surging.

Especially in recent days, Dong Zhao has been taking frequent actions in private and constantly visiting various ministers.

Looking at this posture, it seems that there is a tendency to force the palace again.

Until early July.

At this time, Dong Zhao gathered a group of ministers.

At the court meeting, the civil and military ministers on both sides were wearing court robes, sitting upright and standing proudly.

Emperor Liu Xie was wearing a red dragon robe and a holy crown on his head. He was already in his thirties. His face looked slightly older at this time, and the wisps of beard under his jaw also showed that he was middle-aged.

The maturity and calmness that a human being should have.

He was sitting on the dragon's mat, looking around at the ministers quietly.

Seeing the many ministers standing on the left side, they are all in high spirits and high spirits.

These are basically the talents gathered after Cao Cao promulgated the talent recruitment order in recent years.

Because it was Cao Cao who appreciated them.

After all the ministers came to power one after another, they were also closely connected with the prime minister and shogunate.

On the contrary, he had no good impression of him as the emperor.

As for the ministers standing on the right side, they appear much monotonous.

Except for a few old ministers who still maintain awe of the emperor who has lost power and who still have some hope and loyalty to the Han Dynasty, there is no one who stands on the side of the emperor.

Looking at the scenes presented on the left and right sides of the temple.

After passing an incident at the former city gate.

Liu Xie was already disappointed.

Now I couldn't help but feel ashen, and felt a chill in my heart.

Is the big man completely lonely?

Now that there are only a few supporters left, are the veterans still insisting?

But after thinking about it for a moment, his tense expression was slightly relieved.

The number of loyal ministers and his subordinates gradually decreased.

This is also understandable.

For many years, Cao Cao has been committed to attacking the officials of the Han Dynasty.

Whenever I find some clues.

Those who were staunch supporters of the Han Dynasty often ended up being killed.

And although he, the emperor, is dissatisfied, what's the use?

Having lost his power long ago, he was like a puppet, unable to stop him at all, and there was no way he could do anything against Cao Cao.

And also to save lives.

Forced by intimidation, he also chose to remain silent.

Naturally, the number of courtiers willing to continue supporting the Han Dynasty will decrease.

Even some people can't stand the actions of powerful officials.

But in order to protect their own and family interests, they will also choose to stand on the neutral side.

Visually observe the situation caused by this.

At this moment, Emperor Liu Xie's face showed nothing but bitterness.

As everyone slowly gathered in the main hall.

The morning sun outside the hall is also rising slowly.

Until the fish belly in the east turns white, and wisps of sunlight shine in like refracted light.

At this time, all the officials also became quiet.

There was silence in the main hall for a moment.

The atmosphere suddenly became intense.

About half a minute later, someone from the crowd on the left slowly walked out, standing in the middle.

This person is none other than Dong Zhao, the military sacrificial wine drinker of the Prime Minister's Office.

I saw him bowing his hands to the emperor Liu Xie and saying: "Your Majesty, ever since Dong Zhuo, Li Guo and other Xiliang traitors took over the government and usurped the government, the states and counties in the Han Dynasty have fallen into a period where heroes compete for power, and princes stand side by side to attack each other."

"Signs and people everywhere are living in dire straits."

"If the Prime Minister had not raised the rebel army, conquered various lands, and wiped out the rebels, I fear that the Han Dynasty would be in danger now!"

The words came out loud and clear.

Even if he hasn't fully revealed his inner intentions.

How smart is the emperor Liu Xie who is sitting upright on the dragon throne?

There was already a somewhat unknown premonition in my heart.

What happened at the North City Gate in the previous chapter seems to happen again.

Before he could respond, Dong Zhao, who was at the bottom of the stairs, paused for a moment and said in a more serious tone: "The Prime Minister is not only responsible for stabilizing me, the great man."

"His Majesty Zeng was overly intimidated by the rebels Li Jue, Guo Si and others, and was forced to stay in Luoyang. The princes all watched on the sidelines and ignored him."

"It is better for the Prime Minister to go to meet His Majesty and defeat the rebels."

"He has contributed to the stability of the country, and to Your Majesty he has contributed to the savior."

"If such great achievements are not given to the Prime Minister, it will chill the hearts of everyone in the world!"

"I hope your Majesty will not be stingy."

One word.

All the ministers on the left side of the hall echoed in unison.

"I hope your Majesty will make clear rewards and punishments."

"Your Majesty, you must not dishearten the Prime Minister!"

…

After saying several words in succession, the hall was filled with constant roars.

Almost most of the officials agreed with Dong Zhao's proposal to grant Cao Cao a royal title.
To be continued...