Chapter 1: I am Emperor Xian

  It's now September, the time when summer and autumn alternate, with extremely different weather conditions. If you wear a single layer of clothing, it's cold in the morning and evening, making people shiver, but at noon, it's scorching hot again, warm and cozy. The weather during this season is also unpredictable, and when you go out, it may be sunny, but after walking for a while, heavy rain will suddenly pour down, or light rain like silk threads, mixed with a lingering chill that doesn't seem to end, making it difficult for people to adapt, and easily getting sick.

  The weather is overcast, unable to see the time, gusts of cold wind blow in, mixed with fine rain threads, splashing on the muddy official road, a storm has been pouring for three days, until now it finally stopped, leaving only layer after layer of light mist.

  In the distance, a large army was approaching, and upon closer inspection, it seemed to have over a thousand people. Only in front could be seen two columns of soldiers, all wearing full armor, holding long spears, with swords at their waists, standing in a straight line. Behind them was a phalanx formation, consisting entirely of cavalrymen, each with a stern expression, not speaking or smiling, exuding a strong murderous aura, clearly a battle-hardened army. Further back were three horse-drawn carriages, the carriage compartments being spacious and tall, especially the middle one, which could hold over twenty people, and was lavishly decorated, with intricate carvings of dragons playing with pearls, dragons soaring through the nine heavens, and other exquisite patterns, in bright colors, with fine craftsmanship, definitely not something that ordinary craftsmen could create. The curtains on the carriage compartments were all golden yellow, made from high-quality cotton, embroidered with colorful silk threads to form beautiful patterns, making one's heart feel joyful and pleasant.

  Four pure white horses, pulling a carriage, marched in unison. The carriage was surrounded by numerous ceremonial flags of various colors, standing densely together, with over a hundred in total, giving off a solemn atmosphere. After the carriage passed, a battalion of infantry followed, forming a square formation at the very end of the entire procession. Only then could one see that the troops were neatly arranged, with swords and spears standing upright, far more spirited than the two rows of soldiers at the beginning. It was clear that they were the elite among the elites. Such an impressive display couldn't help but make people exclaim: "What a grand spectacle!"

  The team slowly moved along the official road, and suddenly, the curtain of the carriage in the middle was lifted, revealing an extremely young face. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be only 15 or 16 years old, with a somewhat delicate appearance, but with a full face of worry and furrowed eyebrows that seemed to be twisted into a line.

  His name was Liu Xie, Han Emperor Xian of Liu Xie, but he wasn't that Liu Xie, nor was he the Emperor Xian of Han. To be precise, he was a modern person, and his name happened to be Liu Xie, the young master of a business family, who had just taken over the huge family business from his elders and was about to make a big move, but because of a thunderbolt, he was sent here.

  He also talked about the Three Kingdoms with friends, and when a friend jokingly said that Emperor Xian of Han was also named Liu Xie, he clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "If I were really Emperor Xian of Han, I would not be as timid as him!"

  Fate seemed to have played a huge joke on him, and the joking words at that time had become a reality. He really became Emperor Xian of Han, and now Cao Cao was moving his capital to Xuchang, he was on his way to Xuchang.

  Liu Xie forced a smile, he heard that three days ago, a heavy rainstorm destroyed the official road, and the soldiers driving the carriage were careless for a moment, and the wheels suddenly fell into a pit. He was sitting in the carriage at the time, and when the carriage shook, he didn't sit steadily, and his whole body crashed onto the carriage board, immediately losing consciousness. The military doctor said that his brain had been shaken, and external evil had invaded his body, causing some confusion, but there was no serious harm, so only a few calming and soothing medicines were prescribed. Therefore, when he woke up, his daze, surprise, and even amnesia could all be understood by others.

  In the distance, rain and fog swirled, and the twilight was heavy. Liu Xie's heart was even more bewildered. If he were allowed to be emperor, anyone would be willing, but if he were to become Emperor Xian of Han, his heart would chill. An emperor who is restricted everywhere, unable to take care of himself in times of hardship, is truly too humiliating. He was born into a merchant family, and seeking profit is the nature of merchants. He couldn't just watch as his interests were stripped away by others, but what could he use to resist? Suddenly, he thought of the "Edict of the Belt". It seemed that there were still some loyal ministers around him. If he were to take charge of an "Edict of the Belt", would it be possible to succeed? His thoughts began to spread out, and suddenly a strong gust of wind blew by, bringing with it several strands of urgent rain that splashed into the carriage window, hitting Liu Xie's face.

  The curtains were pulled down, "Your Majesty has just recovered from his illness, don't catch another cold!" The voice was warm and gentle. Liu Xie turned his face, he knew who was speaking, Empress Fu Shou. She was about twenty years old, wearing a light golden brocade robe, with a phoenix hairpin on her head, kneeling behind him. These past few days, Liu Xie's mood had been irritable, and he hadn't given her a good look or expression. Now that their eyes met, he took a closer look. As for beauty, Empress Fu Shou was only average, but her figure was slender and elegant, and she was in the prime of her youth, which gave her a unique charm. However, her face had no smile, and her demeanor was dignified, with an air of a mother of the nation.

  Liu Xie saw that he had slightly frowned and his face was cold, thinking that it must be because he hadn't given him a good look in the past few days. He felt a little guilty: "Thanks to the Empress's meticulous care over the past few days, I should thank the Empress!"

  Empress Fu slightly bowed her head: "Taking care of Your Majesty is my duty, but Your Majesty's words seem to be too much!" In the past, Emperor Xian had treated her with sincerity, just like siblings. However, after falling ill this time, Emperor Xian seemed to have changed into a different person, being indifferent and cold towards her, sighing all day long. Now he spoke these inexplicable words, causing her face to sink even deeper.

  Liu Xie knew he had misspoken, and when he first woke up, his whole body was uncomfortable. Fortunately, Empress Fu had been guarding him day and night, and his body gradually recovered. At this moment, he only felt that he owed her, so he hastily smiled and said: "Empress, don't be angry with me. These two days I have been a bit dazed and neglected you. Please forgive me!"

  How dare the Empress Dowager blame the Emperor, it was just a moment of anger, seeing Liu Xie accompanied by a smile, this matter also passed. Only to see her eyebrows slightly relaxed, and she sighed: "In recent days, I have seen that Your Majesty is not thinking about tea and rice, and sighing long and short, is there something on your mind?" Liu Xie and she were like siblings, sometimes privately calling her Empress Dowager sister, whatever happened would be told to her directly. She was four years older than Liu Xie, and sometimes thought more carefully than Liu Xie, so whenever Liu Xie had a difficult situation, he would definitely ask her.

  But the Liu Xie in front of her was not the Emperor Xian she knew, only to see him wanting to speak but stopping himself, turning his head away, and finally falling into deep thought.

  Empress Fu saw Liu Xie not speaking, her heart slightly wrinkled, and she complained a bit: "You and I are husband and wife, what can't we talk about? It's said that one person's plan is short, two people's plan is long. Even if the concubine can't help Your Majesty, the concubine still has her father and brother, maybe they can bring help to Your Majesty."

  Liu Xie's heart moved, Empress Fu spoke correctly. If he relied on himself to deal with Cao Cao, it would be difficult to achieve great things due to his isolated power. Moreover, history has said that Empress Fu had always followed Emperor Xian and plotted the "Imperial Edict" with him, which can be considered loyal. However, she was eventually forced to death because of writing a letter to her father, Fu Wan, in an attempt to plot against Cao Cao. This Empress Fu is indeed a trustworthy person. Liu Xie's heart was greatly settled, but he turned and sighed: "The empress does not know that I have been dreaming for these days!"

  The Empress Dowager frowned, the ancients were superstitious and believed that the Emperor was the Son of Heaven, carrying out the will of heaven, even a dream was an omen from above. But looking at Emperor Xian's appearance, she knew it wasn't a good dream, and hastily asked: "Your Majesty, what did you dream about?"

  Liu Xie pretended to be frightened, opened the window and looked out, then lowered his voice and said to Empress Fu: "I had a dream where a white-robed immortal told me something!"

  Liu Xie did so, and Empress Fu's heart was already in her throat. She knew that this must be something big, otherwise Liu Xie wouldn't have acted like this. He also lowered his voice to ask: "What is it?"

  Liu Xie sighed: "Using the Son of Heaven to order the vassals!"

  The Empress Dowager was shocked, almost losing her balance. Her face turned pale in an instant, and the chaos caused by Li Jue and Guo Si flashed before her eyes. That period of time was unforgettable not only for her but also for Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie. Now that the immortal had appeared to Liu Xie in a dream, could it be referring to Cao Cao? The Empress Dowager, having experienced hardships, calmed down after a brief moment of panic and asked softly, "Does Your Majesty have any plans?"

  Liu Xie shook his head slightly: "I still have no military power in my hands, and it is absolutely impossible to take action. For now, the only plan is to go to Xu Chang first, take one step at a time, and make plans slowly!"

  The Empress Fu saw that Emperor Xian was helpless, and she recalled the time of Li Jue and Guo Si, when Emperor Xian would wash his face with tears every day. But at this time, although he seemed helpless, he did not show any signs of despair, but instead had a kind of heroic spirit, as if he was waiting for an opportunity to strike back. For a moment, she felt an inexplicable joy, and suddenly felt that there was no man in the world more reliable than Emperor Xian. She slightly tilted her head, buried it in Emperor Xian's chest, and whispered: "Your Majesty can do whatever you want, if there is anything I can do to help, my family will follow you without hesitation!"

  Liu Xie saw her sincerity, and his heart was slightly moved. The way of husband and wife should be like this, he thought to himself. He felt that the woman in front of him had already completely relied on him with all her heart. Suddenly, his heroic spirit surged: "I guarantee, I will never let the Empress suffer again!" After finishing speaking, he tightly grasped Fuhou's left hand and forcefully pulled her into his embrace.