Brother, stop curling up! You're curling up like the founder of the Han Dynasty!

"I knew it! That big-eared scoundrel wouldn't ally with me for no reason!" Yuan Shu felt he had been deceived by Liu Bei once again.

Without an alliance with Liu Bei, no matter how much trouble Liu Bei caused in the Central Plains, his influence on the court and the people of Da Zhong would be negligible.

However, after forming an alliance with Liu Bei, the two sides exchanged goods and resources freely, which allowed Liu Bei's "Ping Le Tong Yi" and "Da Yi" to spread rapidly in Jing and Yang.

If it were just normal materialism, Yuan Shu wouldn't care.

What Yuan Shu cared about was that Liu Bei was actually teaching the people of the world how to rebel against the emperor!
Brother!

You're the emperor!

What you should do is to promote the Mandate of Heaven theory in the Baihu Tongyi and deeply instill in people the ideas that "the prophecy of the golden knife means that Liu will be a minister for ten thousand generations" and "no one but a member of the Liu family can become emperor."

Wouldn't it be better to ensure that the Liu family line continues for ten thousand generations?
Qin Shi Huang dreamed of the Qin dynasty lasting ten thousand generations, but it ended after only two generations; you not only don't want it to last ten thousand generations, but you also want the emperor to take turns sitting on the throne?
If you really don't want your descendants to be emperors, why are you competing with me for the throne? Why don't you just submit to me?
What troubled Yuan Shu even more was that the voices of support for the "Ping Le Tong Yi" were growing louder and louder, so loud that even after Yuan Shu had executed three advisors who spoke out of turn, he could not stop them.

While claiming to support the "Ping Le Tong Yi," Yuan Shu was well aware that what the people supported was the "theory of public opinion" within the "Ping Le Tong Yi."

Yuan Shu certainly didn't want the emperor to sit on the throne in rotation.

Yuan Shu intended to pass the throne to his son, Crown Prince Yuan Yao, so that the Yuan family could rule the country.

If the throne were to be passed on to someone else, why would Yuan Shu have bothered to declare himself emperor?

however.

For ambitious aristocratic families in and out of the court, the allure of the emperor taking turns sitting on the throne was simply too strong.

There's no need to worry about getting caught up in a power struggle between the two palaces by supporting either the crown prince or another prince, because there's no need to support anyone at all.

There's no need to worry about the emperor being a dictator who kills people at the slightest disagreement; as long as the emperor loses popular support, there is a legal basis to overthrow him.

As for the fact that even if one becomes emperor, one cannot pass the throne to one's children and grandchildren, not everyone cares about that.

What family doesn't have an incompetent eldest son?

Who can guarantee that their son will be able to retain the throne after their death?

Rather than that, it would be better to peacefully relinquish power.

Those who want to become emperor should win the support of the people.

As long as I am the emperor, and I can leave my mark on history as a wise and virtuous ruler, that is enough!

Liu Bei's move, which seemed to plunge the various prefectures and counties of the Han Dynasty into a debate between the doctrines of destiny and materialism, actually dragged the two Zhong brothers from the north and south into the controversy as well.

If the benefits are great enough, great scholars will naturally come to defend Liu Bei.

From the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties to the Qin and Han dynasties, throughout history, who hasn't wanted to be an emperor?
Those who say they don't want to be emperors either lack the talent to be emperors or have been deeply poisoned by the rigid hierarchical system of ruler-subject relations, while the vast majority of people simply bury this thought deep in their hearts.

Liu Bei cast irresistible bait into the pond, luring those who aspired to be emperor to take the bait, while ensuring that new bait would appear after each bite.

If you become emperor, we can support you.

But you can't be emperor forever; you have to let us take turns.

Even if it accidentally turns into a system where noble oligarchs take turns ruling, it's not a problem.

As long as enlightenment is successful and everyone agrees to take turns ruling, the rule of one family will become the rule of several families.

In this world, there are only zero times and countless times.

If there are a few, there will inevitably be dozens or hundreds.

It's impossible for aristocratic oligarchs to produce capable individuals in every generation; rather, they tend to emerge from a few oligarchs in each generation.

The swallows that once graced the mansions of the wealthy and powerful now fly into the homes of ordinary people; this is the inevitable law of the development of things.

As for whether the aristocratic oligarchs would revise the "Ping Le Tong Yi" in turn, that's not a big problem.

Just as Liu Xiu emerged after the fall of the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Bei emerged after the fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Yuan and Liu Yao of the Former Zhao Dynasty and Liu Yu of the Liu Song Dynasty during the Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties, Liu Zhiyuan of the Later Han Dynasty, Liu Chong of the Northern Han Dynasty and Liu of the Southern Han Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and even Kublai Khan could use the name of Liu Bilie.

same.

When the Han Dynasty went astray, some people would inevitably miss Liu Bei. As long as the idea of ​​popular opinion takes root in people's hearts, there will always be a powerful figure to set things right.

Liu Bei didn't care whether his lineage would perish, nor did he care whether the aristocratic oligarchs who took turns being emperors would eventually disappear.

Extinction is an objective law of history, and the common good is the ultimate path for social development.

What Liu Bei cared about was whether the name "Han" could last for ten thousand generations, and whether the people under the name "Han" could live in peace and prosperity.

As for the upper-class nobles, they were already beneficiaries, and since they enjoyed a vast amount of resources, they should bear the consequences of their demise.

It doesn't matter if the upper-class nobles fight to the death, as long as the lower-class gentry and commoners can benefit from it.

If the lower classes and common people do not benefit, then powerful figures who inherit Liu Bei's ideas will rise up.

But this is all for later.

For Yuan Shu at present, the greatest threat has emerged: General of Chariots and Cavalry Zhou Xin!

Liu Dai was captured alive by Zhou Xin.

Liu Biao was captured alive by Zhou Xin.

Although Yuan Shu persuaded Ren Qi to defect and Jia Long captured Liu Yan alive, it was Zhou Xin who led the troops to Chengdu.

Yuan Shu launched his first personal campaign after declaring himself emperor, but was defeated by Guan Yu. In contrast, Zhou Xin was able to retreat safely to Shouchun.

Moreover, Zhou Xin was a former protégé and official of the Yuan family.

In terms of birth, social standing, and military achievements, as long as the Zhong dynasty also follows the will of the people, Zhou Xin is undoubtedly the next Zhong emperor.

Now, Yuan Shu faces two choices: either kill Zhou Xin or abdicate the throne after his death.

Killing Zhou Xin would surely alienate the people; not killing Zhou Xin would leave me restless and unable to eat or sleep.

However, if he were to abdicate after his death, Yuan Shu would certainly not allow such a thing to happen.

"I want to kill Zhou Xin, but I'm afraid the civil and military officials won't accept it. Do any of you have a good plan?" Yuan Shu secretly summoned Yang Hong, Zhang Xun, Lü Bu, and Zhang Jiong.

Before this, Yuan Shu could tolerate Zhou Xin temporarily in order to deal with Liu Bei, a major enemy; but after the "Ping Le Tong Yi" was circulated, Yuan Shu could no longer tolerate Zhou Xin.

In recent days, Yuan Shu has been having nightmares every night. In each dream, he sees Zhou Xin coming to the palace with a knife and shouting, "The people's will is on my side. Please, Your Majesty, abdicate and give way to a worthy successor."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xun, Lü Bu, and Zhang Jiong were all secretly delighted.

Zhang Xun, as a general, had no military achievements and suffered repeated defeats, so he did not want Zhou Xin to continue existing.

Lu Bu and Zhang Jiong simply wanted Yuan Shu to cripple himself.

Although Zhang Jiong was an expert in the theory of destiny, the more proficient he was in it, the more he realized that the theory was actually a deceptive thing. Zhang Jiong also knew that his current wealth and status were given to him by Liu Bei, and that Yuan Shu could not defeat Liu Bei. Therefore, as long as he could perform meritorious service for Liu Bei, he could transform from an expert in the theory of destiny into an expert in materialism.

Whether Zhang Jiong believed in fate or materialism, it made no essential difference to him as he sought fame and fortune by serving Liu Bei.

Therefore, as soon as Yuan Shu spoke, Zhang Xun, Lü Bu, and Zhang Jiong all supported eliminating Zhou Xin.

Zhang Xun's reasoning was simple and direct: "Zhou Xin has repeatedly made military achievements and his prestige in the army is growing day by day. I am a general but have no outstanding military achievements. If this person is left to command the troops, I am afraid that the soldiers will only know the General of Chariots and Cavalry and not Your Majesty. The loss of military power will surely become a great problem."

Lu Bu glanced at Zhang Xun, his heart filled with disdain: You don't have any outstanding military achievements, you've suffered repeated defeats and have no military achievements at all!

However, this was not the time for Lü Bu to dismantle Zhang Xun's platform, so he echoed, "Zhou Xin has always looked down on us and has many complaints in private. It would be better to eliminate him to prevent future troubles and also to deter those in the court and the public who harbor disloyal intentions."

Zhang Jiong also said, "Now the 'Ping Le Tong Yi' is widely circulated in the court and among the people, and it will surely become a great problem in the long run. If Zhou Xin uses public opinion to force the emperor to abdicate, Your Majesty will be in danger!"

“Killing Zhou Xin would have three benefits: first, it would reassure Your Majesty; second, it would demonstrate that the Mandate of Heaven cannot be defied; and third, it would show weakness to Liu Bei. After Your Majesty kills Zhou Xin, Liu Bei will surely think that Your Majesty is arrogant and domineering and has lost the hearts of the people, thus lowering your guard.”

"When Liu Bei fights Yuan Shao again, Your Majesty can take the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Luoyang to establish your authority. In this way, no one in the court or the country will dare to question Your Majesty again."

Yuan Shu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, and then looked at Situ Yang Hong.

"I also agree with killing Zhou Xin," Yang Hongxian stated his position, and then added, "However, Zhou Xin enjoys a high reputation in the court and among the people. Killing Zhou Xin requires careful consideration."

"What's the plan?" Yuan Shu asked, seeing that all four agreed to kill Zhou Xin. He then made up his mind as well.

All four offered their strategies on how to kill him.

Zhang Xun proposed "forced arrest," Lü Bu proposed "setting up a trap," Zhang Jiong proposed "witchcraft," and Yang Hong proposed "framing someone."

Yuan Shu rejected Zhang Xun's simplistic and mindless suggestion of "forced arrest," and after combining the strategies of setting up a trap, using witchcraft, and framing someone, he devised a plan to kill Zhou Xin.

Although Zhou Xin was Yuan Shu's top general with the best combat record and the highest prestige among the court and the public, Yuan Shu would not show any mercy to Zhou Xin if he threatened Yuan Shu's rule.

Moreover, Zhou Xin initially supported Yuan Shao, not Yuan Shu, and only changed his stance because he could not go to the north.

New suspicions, coupled with old ones, convinced Yuan Shu to eliminate Zhou Xin.

September of the sixth year of Zhangwu (197 AD).

Yuan Shu summoned Zhou Xin, the General of Chariots and Cavalry from Shouchun, Zhou Ang, the General Who Conquers the North, and Zhou Yu, the Governor of Jingzhou from Xiangyang, to return to Echeng for a banquet.

Why would His Majesty invite the three of us to a banquet at the same time?

Upon seeing that Zhou Yu had also returned to Echeng, Zhou Xin immediately became wary.

Recent rumors circulating in the government and among the public have put Zhou Xin in a very difficult position.

Even rumors like "The Yuan surname originated from Chen, and Chen was a descendant of Shun; the Zhou surname originated from Ji, and Yao belonged to the Ji surname, so General Zhou Xin should be the second generation of Emperor Zhong" have emerged.

Zhou Xin also experienced the feelings that Guan Shu and Cai Shu had when they spread rumors and framed Ji Dan during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou.

Rumors are like tigers, making Zhou Xin restless and unable to eat or sleep.

When Yuan Shu sent someone to summon him, Zhou Ang and Cai Mao both advised Zhou Xin to directly raise an army to force Yuan Shu to abdicate. Zhou Xin refused, saying, "If Your Majesty kills me, Liu Bei will surely take advantage of the situation."

However, upon seeing that Zhou Yu had also returned to Echeng, Zhou Xin sensed something was wrong and ordered Zhou Ang to return to Shouchun immediately to await orders.

Zhou Ang asked in bewilderment, "Since you have doubts, why don't you come back to Shouchun with me?"

Zhou Xin frowned: "If you return to Shouchun alone, I can make an excuse that you just caught a cold. His Majesty will not dare to touch me if you do not arrive. If I also return to Shouchun, I will be sitting idly by and watching the plot to rebel. The people of Shouchun may not be united."

Zhou Yu also said, "Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang have also made it clear that if Your Majesty wishes to kill us, the Kuai family is willing to raise troops to help. Cai Mao is also in Shouchun. With my second brother returning to Shouchun, it is enough to make Your Majesty not dare to act rashly."

At the urging of Zhou Xin and Zhou Yu, Zhou Ang quietly left the city and hurriedly headed for Shouchun.

Zhou Xin and Zhou Yu, on the other hand, pretended not to be on guard and went to the banquet without any hesitation.

"Why hasn't General Zhengbei arrived?" Yuan Shu was immediately displeased when he saw that Zhou Ang had not come to the banquet.

Zhou Xin remained calm and reported, "Your Majesty, the General Who Conquers the North has caught a cold and therefore has not arrived."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhang Xun's cold laugh rang out: "Just a cold? Heh, I think you're just fleeing to avoid punishment!"

Zhou Yu's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "General, what makes you say that? How could my second brother have fled out of fear of punishment?"

Zhang Xun coldly looked at Zhou Yu: "It is widely rumored in the court and among the people that the General of Chariots and Cavalry is the second emperor of the Zhong Dynasty. His Majesty did not believe it at first, so he summoned the three Generals of Chariots and Cavalry to a banquet to reassure the court and the people. I never expected that His Majesty's trust would arouse the suspicion of the Generals of Chariots and Cavalry. How ridiculous!"

Zhou Xin's expression also changed, and he hurriedly apologized to Yuan Shu: "Your Majesty, you are wise. Everything I said is true, and I had no intention of overstepping my bounds."

"Whether they intend to overstep their bounds will soon be known," Zhang Xun sneered repeatedly.

Zhou Xin glanced at the people at the banquet and was shocked to find that he did not see Lü Bu.

What you fear most is what happens.

Just as Zhou Xin and Zhou Yu were pondering how to deal with the unexpected events to come, they saw Lü Bu carrying Zhou Ang's head into the banquet.

"Your Majesty, I was ordered to invite General Zhou Ang to a banquet, but this villain not only refused to attend, but also shot me with an arrow. I had no choice but to kill him!" Lü Bu threw down Zhou Ang's head and pointed to the arrow in his shoulder.

Looking at Zhou Ang's severed head, Zhou Xin and Zhou Yu's eyes were bloodshot with rage.

"Lu Bu, how dare you do this!" Zhou Yu shouted sternly.

Lu Bu stared at Zhou Yu as if he were a dead man, and said disdainfully, "Zhou Ang made the first move."

Just as Zhou Yu was about to start cursing again, Zhou Xin stopped him.

At this point, it no longer matters who makes the first move.

Zhou Xin turned to Yuan Shu, his tone bitter: "Does Your Majesty truly believe the rumors circulating in the court and among the people, thinking that I harbor any ambitions of usurpation?"

Yuan Shu stared at Zhou Xin without the slightest hesitation: "General of Chariots and Cavalry, I cannot sleep peacefully until you are dead!"

Knowing he was doomed, Zhou Xin laughed loudly: "At first, I was mocking Liu Bei for his presumptuous talk of public opinion, thinking he was destroying his own foundation. I never expected that Liu Bei's talk of public opinion would first cause Your Majesty and me to distrust and kill each other. Before Liu Bei even made a move, Your Majesty killed a general. From now on, Zhongshi will be powerless!"

Done.

Without waiting for Yuan Shu's reply, Zhou Xin drew his sword and committed suicide.

Seeing Zhou Xin commit suicide, Zhou Yu was filled with grief and glared fiercely at Yuan Shu: "Yuan Shu, don't think too highly of yourself. Without my elder brother, you would just be a withered skeleton clinging to life in Shouchun. You can kill three of my brothers, can you kill everyone in the court and the country?"

Yuan Shu took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry, I will only kill your three brothers. I will take good care of your wives and children. This is a matter of stance, not a matter of right or wrong."

"Damn it! Why should you support my Zhou family's children!" Zhou Yu angrily threw his sword, startling Yuan Shu into quickly dodging to the side.

Having nearly been killed by Zhou Yu, Yuan Shu was both shocked and enraged, shouting, "Lü Bu, kill this traitor for me! Execute his entire clan!"

Zhou Yu spat and said, "What harm is there in exterminating my entire clan? Do you think I'll beg for mercy? Yuan Shu, I'll be waiting for you on the road to the Yellow Springs!"

Zhang Xun grew impatient and slashed Zhou Yu to the ground, cursing, "You traitorous fool! What can you do if I exterminate your entire clan?" (End of Chapter)