Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As the clock ticked towards the end of the first lunar month, powerful lords from various regions arrived at Suanzao with their troops. Banners fluttered, armor shone, and a solemn and tense atmosphere permeated the air.

Emperor Liu Bian, loyally accompanied by Lu Zhi, unexpectedly arrived. The emperor was dressed in solemn attire, crowned with a celestial crown. The pearl curtains on the crown swayed gently in the breeze, gleaming with a majestic aura. His face was solemn and serious, his eyes piercing, revealing a firm resolve. Beside him, Lu Zhi stood respectfully, his hand on his sword, his gaze fixed firmly ahead.

Afterward, the emperor led the princes to a vast and solemn venue. The surroundings were filled with incense tables, offerings, and a massive bronze tripod. Incense curled from the tripod, as if conveying the people's awe to heaven and earth. In the center, a huge bluestone altar, covered with rich silk, was placed upon it ritual vessels and documents for offering sacrifices to heaven.

The emperor walked steadily up to the altar. Everyone stepped back respectfully, bowing their heads. The emperor unfolded the sacrificial text. The yellowed silk looked particularly sacred in the sunlight. He cleared his throat and began to recite the text in a low and powerful voice:

"Heaven above, and Earth below, I, along with the princes, here offer a sincere sacrifice to the gods of heaven and earth. The Han Dynasty has been tragically ravaged by the scourge of Dong Zhuo. This traitor is tyrannical and brutal. He has arbitrarily deposed and enthroned officials, bullied the emperor, desecrated the court, and exploited the people, leaving them living in dire straits. He has slaughtered loyal officials and righteous men, undermined the principles of law and morality, and brought chaos to the land, placing our country in imminent danger. I and the princes, unable to tolerate this, swear today to expend all our strength to defeat this traitor, restore the Han Dynasty to its former glory, and ensure peace and tranquility for our people. May the gods of heaven and earth protect us and help us succeed, to rectify the world and bring peace to the world!"

The emperor's voice echoed across the empty space, each word imbued with majesty and power. As he read, the crowd's hearts grew heavier, their resentment toward Dong Zhuo intensifying. When the sacrificial text was finished, the emperor placed it in the brazier and ignited it. The raging flames instantly engulfed the silk, symbolizing the burning fire of anger against Dong Zhuo's crimes.

At this moment, the entire venue was engulfed in a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The princes' expressions were stern, their eyes gleaming with determination. A strong sense of mission surged within them, vowing to fight Dong Zhuo to the death and restore the dignity of the Han Dynasty. In this solemn scene, time seemed to stand still, only the unwavering faith and pursuit of justice surged in everyone's heart. This land was about to witness a great historical transformation, a heroic battle for justice and peace was about to begin.

After offering sacrifices to heaven and earth, the emperor, surrounded by his generals, entered the great tent. He sat upright within the tent, while the princes who had come to the meeting stood respectfully beneath it. The emperor, beaming with joy, said, "I am truly thrilled to see such a distinguished gathering of talents." He then said, "Generals, please come forward one by one so I can introduce myself to you."

A man stepped out first. He was tall and straight, his ornate robes accentuating his distinguished demeanor. He cupped his hands and said, "I am General Yuan Shu, a native of Ruyang, Runan. My family has been three dukes for four generations, a legacy of honor. I am willing to serve Your Majesty with all my heart and soul." The Emperor smiled and nodded, saying, "General Yuan is truly a man of noble bearing. Your family has been three dukes for four generations, a prestigious reputation. I believe you will achieve great feats in the cause of defeating Dong Zhuo."

Then Cao Cao stepped forward. Though short in stature, his eyes blazed with energy and his presence was remarkable. He clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I am General Cao Cao of the Fierce Martial Arts. Though I may be short in stature, my ambition and fervor are no less than others. I am willing to help Your Majesty destroy Dong Zhuo and bring peace to the world." The emperor looked at him and said gently, "General Cao, I have long heard of you. You are both wise and courageous. I have high hopes for you."

Then, another man stepped forward. This man had a handsome appearance and spoke solemnly, "Your Majesty, I am Han Fu, the governor of Jizhou. I am grateful for your trust and will do my utmost to contribute to the campaign against Dong Zhuo." The emperor looked at him and said gently, "My dear Han, I know that you have governed Jizhou well. Now that you have come to help us defeat Dong Zhuo, I am very pleased."

Then, Jibei Xiang Bao Xin stepped forward. He had thick eyebrows and large eyes, a resolute gaze, and clasped his fists, saying, "Your Majesty, I, Bao Xin, am here to accompany Your Majesty in the crusade against Dong Zhuo and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty." The emperor praised him, saying, "General Bao, your loyalty and bravery are commendable. You have a great reputation in Jibei, and I have high hopes for you."

"I am Liu Dai, the Governor of Yanzhou. I will fully assist Your Majesty in defeating the thief Dong." Liu Dai was a tall and imposing figure with a dignified appearance. The emperor said, "My dear Liu, Yanzhou is a vital place. You have served so well in defending it. Now that you are here, I am deeply relieved."

"Your Majesty, I am Wang Kuang, the governor of Henei County. I will do my utmost to fight Dong Zhuo alongside you." Wang Kuang had thick eyebrows and large eyes, and a heroic expression. The emperor said, "General Wang, Henei is a crucial place. I am very pleased that you have been able to defend it safely and are now actively fighting against Dong Zhuo."

"I, Qiao Mao, the governor of Dongjun, am willing to serve as your majesty's vanguard and advance courageously." Qiao Mao was a man of distinguished appearance. The emperor said, "General Qiao, your reputation in Dongjun is far-reaching. I greatly appreciate your willingness to serve as your vanguard."

"Your Majesty, I am Yuan Yi, the governor of Shanyang. I possess both military and literary talents, and I pledge my loyalty to the Han Dynasty." Yuan Yi was a slender figure with an elegant demeanor. The emperor said, "My dear Yuan, Shanyang has enjoyed peace and stability under your governance. I believe your talents will shine in this campaign against Dong Zhuo."

"I am Zhang Chao, the governor of Guangling. All the soldiers under my command are willing to fight for your majesty." Zhang Chao was an extraordinary figure. The emperor said, "General Zhang, Guangling is in perfect order under your leadership. I look forward to your achievements here."

Then, an imposing general stepped out. This man was a burly figure, and his voice was like a bell. He said, "Your Majesty, I am Sun Jian, the governor of Changsha. I am a veteran of many battles, brave and fearless. I will surely make great achievements in the cause of defeating Dong Zhuo!" The emperor said excitedly, "General Sun, I have long heard of your renown. You have made many achievements in Changsha. This time, with such a strong general like you, I am at ease."

Yuan Shao then stepped forward with a dignified demeanor and said, "Your Majesty, I am Yuan Shao, the governor of Bohai. The Yuan family is renowned throughout the land. I am willing to lead my troops to help Your Majesty eliminate Dong Zhuo." The emperor praised him, saying, "Yuan Benchu, you are a leader of the Yuan family. Under your rule, Bohai has enjoyed stability and prosperity, and your reputation is feared far and wide. In this campaign against Dong Zhuo, you should set an example for all."

"I am Zhang Miao, the prefect of Chenliu. I am willing to obey your majesty's orders and fight against the rebellious forces." Zhang Miao had a kind face. The emperor said, "My dear Zhang, Chenliu is a vital location. You have been able to appease the people, and now you are determined to fight against Dong Zhuo. I believe in your loyalty."

"I am Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou. Although I am old, my loyalty is undeniable. I am willing to help Your Majesty defeat Dong Zhuo." Tao Qian's face was kind. The emperor said, "My dear Minister Tao, you are highly respected in Xuzhou. Despite your age, you have resolutely joined the fight against Dong Zhuo. I am deeply moved."

"Your Majesty, I am Gongsun Zan, the governor of Beiping. My White Horse Volunteers command a mighty force in the northern borders, and I am certain they will aid Your Majesty in achieving great things." Gongsun Zan spoke with awe. The emperor said, "General Gongsun, your White Horse Volunteers are renowned throughout the land. With you guarding Beiping, I have nothing to worry about. You will surely demonstrate your prowess once again in this campaign against Dong Zhuo."

"I am Zhang Yang, the governor of Shangdang. I wish to accompany Your Majesty in the fight against Dong Zhuo." Zhang Yang was handsome. The emperor said, "General Zhang, Shangdang is of vital importance. I am delighted that you have come."

At this time, Cheng Pu, a lieutenant under Sun Jian, stepped forward and said respectfully, "I am Cheng Pu, a lieutenant under Sun Jian, Marquis of Wucheng and Governor of Changsha. I am willing to follow my lord and fight bravely for your majesty." The emperor said, "Captain Cheng, you have fought under General Sun in many campaigns and have made remarkable achievements. I will remember your contributions in this campaign against Dong Zhuo."

Then, a fierce general stepped forward and shouted, "I am Huang Gai, a general under Sun Jian. I will fight to the death to defeat Dong Zhuo." Huang Gai was a strong man with a determined face. The emperor said, "General Huang, I have long known your bravery. This time, I will fight bravely and kill the enemy."

Another man stepped forward and said, "I am Han Dang, a general under Sun Jian. I am willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty." Han Dang was awe-inspiring. The emperor said, "General Han, you have fought under General Sun for many years with unwavering loyalty. This time, we will surely achieve great success in defeating Dong Zhuo."

"I am Gongsun Yue, the younger brother of Gongsun Zan. I am willing to assist my brother in serving Your Majesty." Gongsun Yue was also a handsome man. The emperor said, "General Gongsun Yue, you and your brother are both loyal and brave men. I look forward to your performance."

……

After all the princes came forward and introduced themselves one by one, the atmosphere in the tent was solemn yet full of lofty ambitions.