Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

As early as when Ma Chao sent his daughter Gongsun back, Gongsun Zan had already been well aware of the news of the weakening of the imperial court and the rise of Xiliang. He had already made plans to guard against Yuan Shao in Jizhou, but now his hands holding the latest battle report still trembled - Yuan Shao's 100,000 troops had advanced to Luhe River, and the only soldiers under his command who could fight were 50,000 remnants.

"Report! Chunyu Qiong, the vanguard of the Yuan army, has seized the Luhe River ferry!" The urgent report from the personal guards tore through the twilight. Gongsun Zan suddenly crushed the bamboo slips in his hand, and the splinters of wood pierced his palm without him noticing. He looked at the snowy plains in the north, where the White Horse Volunteers once galloped across the battlefield, but now there was only scars all over the ground. "Pass the order down, reinforce Yijing Tower!" His voice was hoarse like a broken gong, "Tell the soldiers to hold the last line of defense!"

The deputy general stepped forward hesitantly and said: "General, Yuan Shao is powerful, why don't we..."

"Shut up!" Gongsun Zan suddenly drew his sword and pressed the tip of the sword against the deputy general's throat. "Where was Yuan Shao when I led the White Horse Volunteers to defeat the Wuhuan? Even if I have to fight to the last man today, I will let Yuan Benchu ​​know that Gongsun Zan's bones are harder than his arrows!"

As night deepened, the beacon fires of Yijing Tower flickered in the falling snow. Gongsun Zan gazed south, where the undercurrent of conflict between Ma Chao and Yuan Shao still raged. But for him, every inch of Youzhou was now a battlefield of life and death.

As for Liu Bei, after the death of the previous emperor, Liu Bei was defeated in the power struggle with Lu Bu in Chang'an and fled in panic like a frightened bird.

Along the way, their horses' hooves kicked up clouds of dust. They dared not pause, fearing the pursuers' sharp arrows would pierce their backs at any moment. They rushed around like headless flies, unsure where to settle down. It was not until they heard that Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, was an upright gentleman, renowned for his benevolence, that Liu Bei, as if grasping a lifeline, resolutely turned his horse and galloped towards Xuzhou.

Tao Qian had long heard of the martial prowess and righteousness of Liu Bei's three brothers, and since his command lacked capable generals, he was overjoyed to learn of Liu Bei's arrival. He personally led a lavish reception outside the Xuzhou city gates, complete with drums and music, a display of sincerity. However, after a long conversation with Liu Bei, Tao Qian was struck by a sense of dread. Liu Bei had brought the late emperor's young son with him, earnestly proposing to restore him to the throne and preserve the Han dynasty's legitimacy. This news was like a bombshell, sending Tao Qian into a cold sweat. He realized that he had been more trouble than he was willing to pay for his services. Liu Bei had become a hot potato for him.

Truth eventually spread, and word of Liu Bei harboring the late emperor's young son spread like wildfire, quickly reaching Cao Cao's ears. Cao Cao's eyes darkened, a profound sneer curling his lips. He immediately announced to the world, citing the name of Emperor Liu Xie, that Tao Qian was harboring rebels and attempting to overthrow the orthodoxy. Then, mustering his elite troops, he marched towards Xuzhou in a mighty force. War drums roared, cries of slaughter filled the air, and Xuzhou was engulfed in flames. Tao Qian was overcome with regret. Gazing at the Cao army outside the city like a dark cloud, he felt helpless and despair. He had hoped to use Liu Bei's power to strengthen Xuzhou, but instead he had incurred such a catastrophic disaster, bringing disaster upon the people of Xuzhou.

At this time, undercurrents surged within Xuzhou—Tao Qian's two sons, Tao Shang and Tao Ying, were vying openly and covertly for the position of Crown Prince. Tao Ying's earlier defeat against Sun Ce in Jiangdong had left his reputation in tatters. The arrival of Liu Bei and his three brothers was a much-needed lifeline. At the banquet, Tao Ying frequently raised his glass, his words filled with wooing: "I've long heard of Envoy Liu's benevolence and righteousness. Xuzhou would be fortunate to have your assistance!"

Liu Bei, a man of great savvy, cultivated a wide network of contacts in Xuzhou. The wealthy brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, who managed the city's finances, were among the city's most important officials. During their first extended conversation with Liu Bei, Mi Zhu was captivated by his ambitious words and exclaimed, "Your Excellency has the people at heart and is determined to uphold the Han Dynasty. You are truly a rare talent!" As a token of his sincerity, he even betrothed his younger sister, Mi, to Liu Bei. From then on, with the Mi family's financial support and Tao Ying's influence, Liu Bei enjoyed a comfortable carriage and frequent guests at his residence, leading to a prosperous life.

Yet, a cloud of gloom hung heavy over his heart. Whenever Tao Qian mentioned the late emperor's young son, his expression grew solemn, and he stroked his beard and sighed, "The empire is in chaos now. Cao Cao holds the emperor hostage to control the princes, and Yuan Shao dominates Hebei. Hastily supporting a young ruler would only lead to disaster." In the meeting room, candlelight flickered. Liu Bei, observing Tao Qian's furrowed brow, knew the road ahead was still fraught with difficulties—this seemingly stable Xuzhou was but the calm before the storm.

Cao Cao personally led an army of 100,000 men to Xuzhou. The mighty battle banners obscured the sun, like a dark cloud bearing down on the city. Tao Qian, standing atop the city walls, gazed upon the endless array of Cao's troops in the distance. Shocked and enraged, he fell ill. Bedridden, he clutched his military talisman, muttering, "I regret not listening to Yuanlong's advice. I've brought disaster upon myself..."

Inside the Xuzhou Governor's Mansion, the scent of sandalwood incense mixed with bitter medicine filled the long corridors. The bronze crane lamp in front of Tao Qian's bed flickered, casting a strange light on the faces of the civil and military officials. Upon hearing that his father was seriously ill, Tao Ying quietly returned from Xia Pi. Standing in the corridor, he watched Tao Shang surrounded by ministers in the meeting hall. His knuckles unconsciously rubbed the broken tiger talisman at his waist—as if reminding him of how that devastating defeat had yanked him from the throne.

"As you all know, my father summoned me to his bedside last night." Tao Shang's voice drifted through the carved window lattice, his tone deliberately soft but concealing a sense of uncontrollable pride. "When my father recovers, this seal and ribbon of the governor of Xuzhou..." Before he even finished speaking, he was drowned out by the endless stream of congratulations. Tao Ying felt a chill run down his spine, his nails digging deep into his palms. Ever since his defeat, the entire court had looked at him as if he were a walking corpse. Only those retainers who should have belonged to him now entered and exited Tao Shang's residence, carrying documents.

A gentle drizzle of rain pattered against the tiles of the Governor's Mansion. Tao Ying, convinced that if he didn't let his father know his importance now, he would never again have a chance at the throne, resolved to lead his soldiers straight to his father's chambers. As they passed the winding corridor, they were blocked by a group of soldiers led by Tao Shang. Lanterns swayed in the wind below, casting a flickering shadow on Tao Shang's sinister features.

"Brother, father just went to bed." Tao Shang raised his hand to signal the soldiers behind him to hold their spears tightly, but his tone was deliberately gentle, "Why not wait..."

"I rushed here from Xia Pi overnight! Brother, are you going to stop me?"

Tao Shang glanced at his cloak, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his lips: "Shouldn't you be stationed in Xia Pi with Liu, Guan and Zhang? Why did you come back so suddenly?" Before he could finish his words, Tao Ying interrupted him.

"Brother, you know I'm out here fighting Cao's army," Tao Ying's sword clanged against the pillar, making a clear sound, "so don't try those dirty tricks behind my back!"

"How dare you!" Tao Shang's face flushed instantly, and the jade belt buckle made a crisp sound. "You are fighting outside, and I am guarding my father's bedside day and night, and I also have to take care of Xuzhou's government affairs! What, second brother, do you think I'm not doing enough?" He suddenly took a step closer and lowered his voice, "Or are you staking your life and property on those three outsiders?"

Tao Ying suddenly ripped open his bloodstained shirt, revealing his bandaged chest: "So what if they're taken into custody? Which general in Xuzhou can compare to the brave warriors under Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei?" His eyes were like poisoned arrows. "Brother, if you don't want Xuzhou to fall, get out of the way!"

The noise of their quarrel startled Tao Qian in his chambers. The old governor struggled to sit up, his breath rumbling like a bellows. The attending physician frantically grasped his trembling hand, only to see Tao Qian's cloudy old eyes gazing out the door, his withered fingers tightly gripping the brocade quilt. Outside, Tao Shang's sword was unsheathed, Tao Ying's spear pointed at his brother's throat. In the distance, the sound of Cao Cao's war drums could be heard faintly from the city walls.

"Enough..." Tao Qian's voice, colder than the autumn rain, was completely drowned out by the brothers' roars. He collapsed powerlessly onto the bed, staring at the swaying curtains overhead, as if he could see the flames of the fall of Xuzhou. Appoint a crown prince? Defend the land? His turbid tears rolled down onto his pillow, his heart filled with confusion about the future of Xuzhou.

The night wind from the walls of Xia Pi City carried gunpowder smoke. Liu Bei leaned against the cool brickwork of the arrow tower, gazing at the twinkling lights of Cao Cao's camp in the distance. The deep beat of the night watch drum startled the crows roosting among the battlements. He subconsciously tightened his grip on the jade pendant at his waist—a token of his fellowship, given to him by his mentor, Lu Zhi, when he was a student there. It felt cold to the touch, akin to the fading friendship between him and his junior.

When the Liang Prince's golden edict spread throughout the land, Liu Bei knew that the passionate young man who had once shared moonlit rides and discussed supporting the Han Dynasty had become a powerful and influential figure. Ma Chao's eyes grew colder, and the cries of the late emperor's young son in his arms hung like a sword over his head. Ever since the late emperor entrusted the child to him, he hadn't dared to leave him in anyone else's care. If anything happened to the child, how could he face the late emperor with dignity? He leaned against the battlement and slowly crouched, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the arrow marks on the blue bricks. Memories flooded back: the late emperor, relying on his wisdom and manipulative thinking, tried to manipulate people into his hands, pushing the vast country into irreparable ruin; now Cao Cao, using Liu Xie to control the princes, seized the prestige and prestige. Though he bore the late emperor's blood, he felt like a rootless duckweed.

"If the emperor hadn't been too clever, how could he have ended up in such a predicament?" he muttered, his voice shredded by the wind. Back in Chang'an, if the emperor had listened to advice and made Ma Chao a key figure, the Han Dynasty's revival might have been possible. But now, Ma Chao has divided the land and crowned himself king, Cao Cao controls the government, and he has fled with the late emperor's young son. Tao Qian is hesitant about supporting him, and the situation in Xuzhou is precarious. The road ahead is uncertain. Where can I find a safe haven? Should I continue to live under someone else's roof, or fight to the death?

Guan Yu returned from patrolling the city, holding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade. Catching a glimpse of his brother's dejected figure, the clash of sword rings abruptly ceased. "Brother, it's late." He gently placed his cloak over Liu Bei's shoulders, "We still have to deal with Cao's army tomorrow, so get some rest." Even the usually reckless Zhang Fei slowed down his pace, making the clash of armor more cautious. His rough voice carried a hint of helplessness: "Don't worry, brother. My Zhangba Snake Spear will surely pierce through Cao's camp!"

Liu Bei forced a wry smile, looking at the concerned faces of his two brothers with a mixture of emotions. The beacon fires on the city walls flickered, casting their shadows on the mottled walls, evoking a scene of turbulent times. He gently stroked the late emperor's young son, who slept in his arms, feeling the pressure on his body, and vowed silently: Even if the road ahead is thorny, he will fight for a chance to keep the Han Dynasty alive. Even if it means shattering the heavy shadows of this chaotic world, even if it means facing off against his former brothers in arms, he will never give up his determination to uphold the Han Dynasty.