Free Web NovelChapter 121: The Matter of Relocating the Capital
In addition, traveling from Luoyang to Chang’an in the west, there are many checkpoints and passes along the way, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. If the warlords from the east want to break into Chang’an, it won’t be as simple as it is now!
Thirdly, Li Ru knows very well that the recent military campaigns have consumed a lot of resources, and there is a shortage of funds and provisions. He can take advantage of the opportunity to move the capital to gather the wealthy households of Luoyang to Chang’an, thereby collecting civilian wealth to use for military purposes.
Thinking of this, Li Ru revealed a sinister and eerie smile...
It was a sight that sent shivers down one’s spine.
The next day.
The Imperial Palace of Luoyang.
Dong Zhuo gathered all the civil and military officials to the court.
At this time, the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the officials whispered to each other.
"Hey, do you know why Dong Zhuo has summoned us again this time?"
"Not quite sure, but according to the intelligence from the front line scouts, Dong Zhuo has been repeatedly defeated by the allied forces!"
"Yeah! Even the invincible General Lu was defeated by the enemy general, it seems like it was General Long Chen."
This sentence reached the ears of Wang Sutu, who held one of the top positions among the Three Excellencies.
He was suddenly shocked.
"What? When did he become part of the allied forces! And defeated Dong Zhuo!?"
Because Wang Yun and other high-ranking officials in the court were closely guarded by the Xiliang Army dispatched by Dong Zhuo, they were unaware of the external news. It was only at this moment that they learned of Long Chen’s great achievements.
He thought Long Chen had already sided with Dong Zhuo!
Wang Yun stroked his beard, sighing with relief, "It seems I misunderstood him! I wonder if my granddaughter is still safe..."
"Ah, if it weren’t for this scoundrel Dong, how could I have fallen to such a state, and how could the country have fallen to such a state...
Humph! Dong scoundrel, I swear to kill you, to guard the Han Dynasty!"
He declared resolutely in his heart.
Suddenly,
A heavy footstep came from outside the hall, and all the civil and military officials immediately lowered their heads, not daring to breathe loudly.
They all knew, Dong Zhuo... had arrived...
After all, in Luoyang City, there was only one person with such a heavy presence – Dong Zhuo!
Surveying the surroundings, Dong Zhuo nodded in satisfaction.
He loved the feeling of being above all others!
All the people would bow to him, that was the feeling of boundless power!
Dong Zhuo was addicted to it and couldn’t extricate himself!
Even though most of the people around him lowered their proud heads out of fear of his brutal actions, so what!
No matter what methods he used, these usually arrogant ministers still had to grovel when they saw him!
Thinking of this, Dong Zhuo burst into hearty laughter.
As his laughter echoed, the heads of the civil and military officials lowered even further!
Dong Zhuo was capricious; when he wanted to kill someone, he would, and they didn’t want to provoke his anger...
After the young emperor Liu Xie tremblingly sat on the throne.
Dong Zhuo spoke up:
"Your Majesty, I have something to report!"
His tone was rough and devoid of any respect for the emperor, but where would Liu Xie dare to say anything? He hurriedly said warmly, "Minister, please speak!"
Nowadays, he had to act according to Dong Zhuo’s wishes in everything. If he displeased Dong Zhuo, he would be in for a hard time.
Once he had tried it; defying Dong Zhuo had led to several days of eating only the leftovers of those inferior soldiers, which was unbearable. This was far from the treatment an emperor should receive.
This also made Liu Xie extremely fearful of Dong Zhuo, which was exactly what Dong Zhuo expected.
In this way, he could better control the emperor and manipulate the situation...
"The Eastern Capital Luoyang of Great Han has a history of more than two hundred years. Now its vitality is declining. I believe that prosperity lies in Chang’an. I intend to move the capital to the west. Each of you should prepare accordingly and accompany me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Biao, the Minister of Works, stepped forward and bowed:
"The Guanzhong region is in ruins. If we abandon the ancestral temples and imperial tombs for no reason, I’m afraid it will alarm the people. It’s easy to stir up trouble in the world, but it’s hard to calm it down. I hope Prime Minister will reconsider."
Dong Zhuo was enraged by Yang Biao’s defiance of his orders and said angrily, "Do you want to obstruct the country’s major plan?"
At this moment, someone else who was not afraid of death stepped forward.
Huang Wan, also one of the Three Excellencies, spoke seriously, "Minister Yang’s words are absolutely correct. Once, Wang Mang usurped the throne and burned Chang’an to the ground, leaving it in ruins; coupled with the outflow of the people, nothing remains. Now, if we abandon the palaces of Luoyang and move to the barren land of Chang’an, it is indeed inappropriate!"
Although Dong Zhuo was annoyed, he remembered what Li Ru had said last night: to stay calm and convince people with reason.
So he retorted, "Now the rebels in the east are uprising, and the world is about to fall into chaos. Chang’an has the natural defenses of the Xiongnu Pass; it is closer to Longyou, and with wood, stone, bricks, and tiles, it can be done in a few days. The construction of the palace can be completed in less than a month. Don’t speak recklessly."
After Dong Zhuo finished speaking, he felt a sense of relief, thinking to himself that Li Ru’s words were indeed correct! Convincing people with reason was indeed quite effective, especially seeing the embarrassed look on these literati.
But at this moment,
Minister of Works Xun Shuang advised, "If the Prime Minister wants to move the capital, the people will be restless."
Dong Zhuo:...
What the heck, you guys are so irritating!!!
Dong Zhuo was furious, clutching the sword at his waist and reprimanding, "I am considering the whole world. How can I care about the lives and thoughts of these ignorant people!"
Immediately, he dismissed Yang Biao, Huang Wan, and Xun Shuang from their positions, demoting them to commoners.
What the heck, you guys are so irritating!
Sometimes, a simple and rude method is comfortable. Damn it, if I don’t show my power, they’ll treat me like a sick cat!
Do you really think I won’t dare to touch you?!
Even if you’re the Three Excellencies, I’ll demote you without hesitation!
Faced with Dong Zhuo’s brutal actions, no one dared to stand up against him anymore!
Wang Yun silently stood below, although he was equally annoyed by Dong Zhuo’s decision to move the capital.
But what could he do?
Even if he stood up against Dong Zhuo now, he would only end up like Yang Biao and the others...
Sigh...
After the court session, Wang Yun prepared to ride in his carriage back to his mansion.
Just then,
A familiar figure appeared in front of him.
"Minister Yang!?" free𝑤ebnovel.com
Wang Yun exclaimed in surprise, then looked around and saw no one, so he pulled him into the carriage.
Yang Biao frowned and bowed to Wang Yun, "Sorry to disturb you, Lord Wang!"
Wang Yun waved his hand repeatedly and smiled bitterly, "Minister Yang, we have a close relationship on ordinary days, so why be so polite! If there’s anything you need, just say it. I won’t refuse if I can do it!"
Wang Yun knew that Yang Biao had been demoted to a commoner, and his family would be affected, especially his son Yang Xiu. That was probably why Yang Biao came to find him.
As expected.
Yang Biao stated his purpose for coming, hoping that Wang Yun could provide some shelter for his family and especially his son Yang Xiu in Luoyang City. Wang Yun naturally agreed. These were things within his power, and when a good friend was in trouble, he naturally wouldn’t hesitate to help.
As for Yang Xiu, Wang Yun had heard of him early on. This young man was talented and intelligent, definitely not ordinary. It would be good to get to know him. If there was a chance in the future, he could introduce him to his son-in-law, Long Chen...
