Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

The ministers looked at the dead Cai Yong with their hearts filled with sadness. However, under the tyranny of Dong Zhuo, they could only suppress this sadness deep in their hearts and dared not show it on their faces at all.

Dong Zhuo's expression was solemn. He walked respectfully before the Empress Dowager Dong, then knelt down slowly with a solemn attitude, his knees hitting the cold ground heavily, making a dull sound. He straightened his spine, lowered his head slightly, saluted the Empress Dowager Dong respectfully, and said loudly:

He said: "Your humble servant Dong Zhuo will obey the orders of the Empress Dowager." His words echoed clearly in the silent court, and each word seemed to carry a heavy weight, showing his absolute obedience and respect for the orders of the Empress Dowager Dong.

Then, he turned to Liu Xie, his eyes revealing a firmness and majesty, and said loudly: "Please allow Prince Liu Xie to succeed to the throne." Seeing this, the ministers had no choice but to agree, although they were reluctant in their hearts. For a while, a mixed voice of agreement rang out in the court.

Liu Xie, as he had been taught, feigned reluctance, saying, "How can I do this? I am still young and fear I cannot shoulder such a heavy responsibility." Dong Zhuo pleaded again, "Your Highness is intelligent and kind-hearted. You will surely shoulder this great responsibility. I hope Your Highness will not refuse." Liu Xie shook his head again, saying, "This matter requires long-term consideration and cannot be decided hastily." Dong Zhuo pleaded a third time, "The situation is urgent now. I hope Your Highness will prioritize the lives of the people and ascend the throne swiftly."

At this time, Empress Dowager Dong stood up. She looked at Liu Xie lovingly and said slowly, "Xie'er, I know you have concerns, but the world needs you now. Look at this court. The country of the Han Dynasty needs a responsible person to lead it. You have been smart and sensible since childhood. You will definitely become a wise monarch and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty. Don't refuse anymore. This is also the expectation of the late emperor." After hearing what Empress Dowager Dong said, Liu Xie's eyes turned red and he seemed to be touched.

Liu Xie was silent for a moment, then, after pretending to hesitate, he slowly nodded and said, "If that's the case, I'll accept it for now." The eunuchs below hurriedly and respectfully brought the long-prepared dragon robe to Liu Xie, who then dressed in it. After donning the robe, he slowly ascended the throne under the gaze of the crowd. The ministers hurriedly saluted again, shouting "Long live the emperor!" while Liu Xie gazed down with a solemn expression, his mind lost in thought. The atmosphere in the court became exceptionally solemn and complex.

Then Liu Xie put his thoughts aside and asked the eunuch to announce the decree. Of course, this had all been decided in advance.

I have heard that a nation's pillars are its blessings. Now we have Dong Zhuo, your beloved minister, whose loyalty and bravery are commendable and whose achievements are outstanding.

Since Dong Aiqing entered the court, he has devoted all his energy and energy to the Han Dynasty, always caring deeply about its survival. In times of crisis, he bravely stepped forward to turn the tide, safeguarding the stability of our dynasty and the peace of the people. His reputation spread far and wide, intimidating bandits and intimidating treacherous officials.

I remember the contributions of Lord Dong Ai, and I hereby issue this decree to commend him. I grant him a thousand pieces of brocade and ten thousand acres of fertile land, appoint him as Grand Tutor, bestow upon him the Nine Gifts, and grant him the highest honor. I hope Lord Dong Ai will continue to dedicate himself to the Han Dynasty and achieve even greater feats.

Admire this!

Upon hearing the imperial edict, Dong Zhuo's face instantly lit up with exaggerated gratitude. He stepped forward with a calculated stride, then knelt in gratitude with a deliberate gesture, chanting, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace. I will repay your grace with my life." However, this showmanship failed to stir the hearts of the ministers. Their faces were expressionless, their eyes filled with indifference. They watched Dong Zhuo's performance in silence, their dissatisfaction and contempt hidden deep within their hearts, none of them revealing a single ounce. An eerie and oppressive atmosphere permeated the court.

Afterwards, Dong Zhuo, feeling very proud, began to reward his men according to their merits. He promoted Lü Bu to General of the Central Army and bestowed upon him the title of Marquis of Wen, allowing him to enjoy great honor and glory. Ma Chao was promoted to Lieutenant General and given the title of Marquis of Wei, making his reputation known far and wide.

Next, Dong Zhuo's trusted and beloved general, Li Jue, was granted the title of Marquis, bestowed with the highest honors, including marquisate clothing and fine accessories, along with a vast amount of gold, silver, and fertile land, allowing him to enjoy the lavishness of wealth. Guo Si was similarly granted the title of Marquis, gifted with precious jewelry, a luxurious residence, and special power and status in the military. Zhang Ji was also granted the title of Marquis, gifted with a thousand fine horses and countless silks, and a magnificent chariot specially built for him, symbolizing his marquisate.

The incomparably brave Hua Xiong, for his illustrious military exploits, was granted the title of Marquis by Dong Zhuo. He was given a magnificent mansion filled with rare treasures and a throng of servants, and his family was highly respected. Dong Zhuo also generously granted Xu Rong, a general with outstanding military exploits, the title of Marquis, granting him mountains of wealth and a vast fiefdom, allowing him to celebrate his achievements in wealth and glory.

Not only that, Dong Zhuo also gave extremely generous rewards to many other generals who followed him. For a time, the court became noisy because of this series of rewards.

The ministers who were originally loyal to the Han Dynasty were filled with grief and helplessness when they saw Dong Zhuo wielding power so recklessly. They could only watch all this happen in silence, secretly sighing at the fall of the Han Dynasty.

Dong Zhuo watched the crowd's reactions and felt increasingly confident that he was in control. He laughed unbridled, his arrogant laughter echoing throughout the court, instilling disgust and fear in the crowd. Liu Xie, sitting on the dragon throne, watched all this unfold, his young face filled with confusion and unease.

Dong Zhuo stood on a high seat, looking at the generals, and said loudly: "This time, all the generals have made great contributions. I will not treat you unfairly!"

When the generals heard this, they were overjoyed and came out one after another to express their gratitude. For a moment, the court was extremely lively.

However, only Ma Chao stood there quietly, gazing at Cai Yong's bloody corpse, his heart filled with sadness and indignation. He took a deep breath, stepped out of the line, faced Dong Zhuo, and shouted, "Grand Master, Mr. Cai Yong's murder was unjust. I, Ma Chao, am willing to exchange this title for a dignified burial!"

Dong Zhuo's expression darkened upon hearing this, and he shouted angrily, "Ma Chao, how dare you disobey me at this moment? Do you know what you are doing?"

Ma Chao stood undaunted, his body erect, his gaze resolute as he replied, "Grand Master, Mr. Cai Yong is a great scholar of our time. He deserves no such tragic death. I have made up my mind to secure a dignified burial for him!"

Dong Zhuo's hair and beard were standing on end with rage. He roared, "How dare you! You ignorant brat! Do you really think I can't do anything to you?"

At this moment, Li Ru hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Grand Master, calm down! Calm down! Ma Chao may be young and full of vigor, but his loyalty and righteousness are truly rare. Why not fulfill his wish and show your magnanimity?"

Dong Zhuo glared at Ma Chao fiercely, then looked at Li Ru. After a moment's silence, he gritted his teeth and said, "Hmph, well, then I'll demote him to the rank of Marquis of Duting and allow him to bury Cai Yong with honor!"

Ma Chao bowed and said, "Thank you, Grand Master!" Then he turned, picked up Cai Yong's body, and slowly left. He was filled with endless grief and indignation at Dong Zhuo's brutality, but also felt a sense of relief that he had secured a dignified burial for Cai Yong. The other generals watched Ma Chao's departure, each with their own thoughts.

Cai Yong was a man of high righteousness who stood in the court and had a strong ambition to serve the Han Dynasty.

However, the treacherous and evil people committed murder, and the tragic song of death will be spread forever.

Ever since Cai Wenji married and left home, Cai Yong had no servants or slaves left in his household, save for an elderly servant who served as doorman. When Ma Chao brought Cai Yong's deceased body back home, the doorman, seemingly having anticipated Cai Yong's fate, showed no surprise and calmly led Ma Chao to Cai Yong's study. Cai Yong's books had been neatly arranged, and nearby lay his renowned Jiaowei qin. Ma Chao, taking in the scene before him and then looking at Cai Yong's apparently impoverished home, felt a surge of sorrow and tears welled up in his eyes.

As a highly sought-after general under Dong Zhuo, Ma Chao handled Cai Yong's funeral with the utmost solemnity and graciousness. He personally conducted the funeral for Cai Yong, treating him with the proper respect a nephew would show for an elder. Wang Yun, Xun Shuang, Zhang Wen, and other prominent officials and close friends of Cai Yong also came to offer their condolences. Even Li Ru came on Dong Zhuo's behalf, making the funeral a truly grand and lavish affair. However, during this critical moment in Luoyang, he failed to notify Cai Wenji or the Hedong Wei clan. Finally, Ma Chao quietly took the books and the Jiaoweiqin (a scorched-tail zither) Cai Yong had prepared back to the Lu residence, resolving to convey the tragic news and these belongings to Cai Wenji upon his final departure.