Chapter 399 Zhong Dynasty Rumble (1/2)
Chapter 399 – Zhong Dynasty Rumble
Three of Tong's legions were ready to strike the central plain at any time, but Xun Yu hoped that Tong could wait a little longer.
The longer they postpone the major war between two powerhouses, the more peasants migrating to their territories. As the richest and the righteous faction of the court, this fame alone could attract merchants and nobles from around the country.
Wei Yan was one of the migrated people because of word of mouth. He came here along with other peasants because he heard that Tong had many academies in Ye.
In addition, Cao Cao had just invaded Xu Province, so civilians in his territories feared that they might get dragged into a war. As a consequence, many civilians moved north, seeking shelter under Tong's faction.
It was the best time to steal manpower resources from the central plain while Cao Cao's cities were underdeveloped.
Tong rolled his eyes after he had listened to Xun Yu's thought.
”How long until Yuan Shu act up? What's our latest spy report?”
”He will move this year. We have fed him enough, so they will definitely give Cao Cao another headache.”
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April 18th, 191 AD.
Luoyang City.
Yuan Shu had been enjoying his position in the ex-capital city for years, but he started to get bored.
All the women he had were the same. All wines became tasteless, and all treasures were nothing but garbage to him.
Now that Yuan Shao had been killed by Cao Cao. He had become the new head of the prestigious Yuan Clan as he had always dreamed.
However, his heart was empty.
Every day, he kept gazing at his Imperial Seal, admiring the jade stone.
”I have everything I have ever dreamt of. I have the clan head title. I have power and territories. I have all the food and loyal subordinates. What else that I haven't had?”
He stared at the seal and his pseudo emperor crown. Then, he gazed toward the north.
”Should I become an emperor? Be one like Zhang Tong?”
Yan Xiang and Yang Hong grimaced when they overheard Yuan Shu's comment.
”My lord, you must not!”
”What are you thinking!? Don't try to pursue the throne, my lord!”
All Han loyalists screamed in a panic. As their heart was with the dynasty, no one wanted an outsider emperor.
Despite the pleas of his loyal retainers, Yuan Shu raised the seal overhead and smiled, ”With this seal, I shall become the new emperor of this land! Prepare a coronation ceremony! I shall be the emperor of my glorious dynasty!”
As Xun Yu had been waiting, Yuan Shu lost his patience and declared himself emperor of a new dynasty, Zhong.
Chen Qun ran away from Luoyang the day he heard that Yuan Shu became emperor by using his Imperial Seal. He rushed to Xuchang, planning to inform everything to Cao Cao.
.
Two weeks later, Liu Bei and his brothers, who were serving Yuan Yin in Hongnong, heard the news from traveling merchants.
Tong stealing the throne from Liu Xie was frustrating enough, Yuan Shu's boldness enraged Liu Bei further.
”Is our dynasty a joke!? Why is everyone trying to become an emperor!?”
Liu Bei screamed as he drank in his courtyard. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were also by his elder brother's side.
Guan Yu lamented, ”It's a turbulent time. Everyone is abusing their power for their self-interest.”
”What about the people!? Don't they care about the innocent civilians!?”
”They do. Well, some of them. Haven't you heard all the praise from the merchants? They liked how Cao Cao and Zhang Tong are doing.”
”…”
Liu Bei swallowed his words. He bit his lower lips and sulked.
”What do I need to do to get to Zhang Tong's level?”
Guan Yu shook his head, ”Impossible. He is an immortal while we are merely men. Why are you competing with him, anyway? Are you jealous of his power?”
”Err, no. I didn't mean it that way.”
”To be honest, I think of Zhang Tong as a good emperor. I heard he abused his edicts to tame Cao Cao, and both of them become allies. This is a move that benefits the people. Don't you think so?”
”…”
While Liu Bei was sulking, Zhang Fei flexed his wing power.
”It's not exactly impossible, first brother! Look at my back.”
Two white tentacle wings fluttered behind Zhang Fei's back.
Liu Bei stared at Zhang Fei with widened eyes, ”Third brother, you … HOW DID YOU GET THAT!?”
Zhang Fei shrugged, ”It just came to me. Second brother has them, too. I can even feel your aura from here, right?”