Three Kingdoms: Ten Times Speed, Diao Chan Says I'm Too Fast

The scene inside and outside Chang'an City was similar.

The residents of the city lined both sides of the main street of Anmen, kneeling to welcome Liu Bian's carriage.

Both sides were lined with Liangzhou soldiers dressed in black armor and wielding long spears.

In addition, on the buildings on both sides of the street, there were guards from the Military Affairs Bureau whose faces were not visible, all wrapped in black robes.

Originally, one could simply enter Weiyang Palace through the Xi'an Gate.

However, Duan Yu deliberately drove his carriage through Anmen Gate, then headed north along Chang'an's main street, turning west and circling the entire Weiyang Palace from the armory east of it.

This was done to inform the people of Chang'an that from now on, Chang'an would no longer be the secondary capital it once was.

In front of the South Gate of Weiyang Palace, Duan Yu slowly stopped the carriage and then stepped off first.

"Your Highness, please."

Duan Yu said to Liu Bian in the car.

Liu Bian, dressed in a black robe embroidered with a golden dragon totem, jumped off the carriage.

Two rows of tall, golden-armored soldiers stood in front of the South Gate of Weiyang Palace.

As the gates of the Southern Palace opened, a straight imperial road paved with bluestone appeared before Liu Bian's eyes.

Black banners lined both sides of the imperial road, and solemn ceremonial music rang out from the hands of musicians.

Liu Bian turned his head and glanced at Duan Yu beside him, while Duan Yu had already taken a half step back behind Liu Bian.

Meeting Liu Bian's gaze, Duan Yu smiled and nodded.

As Liu Bei took his first step, hundreds of golden-armored soldiers in front of the South Palace Gate raised their gold-painted spears in unison.

Then it landed neatly on the ground with a dull thud.

The heavy sound was like the throbbing of the earth's arteries, which gradually made Liu Bian, who was initially somewhat timid, stand tall and proud, and a surge of passion rose in his heart.

In the distance, the newly painted walls of Weiyang Palace stood dark and solemn, exuding a profound sense of historical weight.

Weiyang Palace was built in the southwest corner of Chang'an, which is also the highest point of the entire Longshou Plain, even higher than the city of Chang'an.

The black buildings resembled densely packed black dragon scales covering the entire dragon's head.

After entering through the South Palace Gate, Cangchi Pond is on the left and Weiyang Stable is on the right.

The pond water is so clear and blue that it is called "Cangchi" (Azure Pond).

Upon entering Weiyang Palace, Duan Yu, who was closely following Liu Bian, asked, "Does Your Highness know why Weiyang Palace is named Weiyang?"

Liu Biao stopped and looked around at the gazes, then turned to Duan Yu and nodded in reply, "This student understands."

"The name Weiyang is taken from the poem 'Tingliao' in the Book of Poetry, Minor Odes".

"How long is the night? The night is not yet over, the torches in the courtyard are shining. The gentleman arrives, and the phoenixes sing sweetly."

"Its meaning is to admonish future rulers to be diligent in their duties."

Duan Yu smiled and nodded: "Indeed, the night is not yet over, and the light of the torches shines through the courtyard."

When the virtuous man arrives, the sound of the phoenix is ​​melodious.

"I hope Your Highness will remember these words, diligently govern, and live up to the expectations of the people."

Liu Bian nodded vigorously: "Master, your student will remember your teachings."

As Liu Bian stepped into Weiyang Palace, letters of appointment, issued in his capacity as the eldest son of the Han Dynasty and the Crown Prince, were sent to the Prefect of Jingzhao, the Left Fengyi, the Right Fufeng, and Hongnong Commandery.

..............

Those who were first summoned by the Chang'an court were undoubtedly the gentry from the vicinity of Chang'an.

Duan Yu has been in Chang'an for some time now, sealing off Hangu Pass and occupying Chencang, Huayin, and Chang'an. At the same time, he has secured strategic locations, and another piece of news is being announced to the gentry in various prefectures.

Since Chang'an is to become the Western Capital and rival Luoyang, it must have all the regulations and systems of the Luoyang court.

The basic configuration includes the Three Dukes, the Nine Ministers, and all civil and military officials.

This is why Duan Yu did not directly allow Liu Bian to ascend the throne and become emperor.

In a city as vast as Chang'an, if there isn't even a single court official in the imperial court, wouldn't it make the whole world a laughing stock if the emperor were to declare himself emperor?

Becoming emperor is easy.

Anyone can become emperor if they so desire.

But what happened after he became emperor?

The wild child from the village stood by the river and shouted that he was the emperor, and naturally he was the emperor.

But what will others think?

The answer is obvious.

If Duan Yu were to allow Liu Bian to ascend the throne and become emperor now, he would undoubtedly become a laughing stock.

When an emperor ascends the throne, there must be regulations governing his ascension.

The matter of recruiting court officials would naturally have to wait until Liu Bian arrived in Chang'an.

This was to prove that the eldest son of the emperor, Liu Bian, was the rightful heir.

Therefore, after Liu Bian entered Luoyang and went to Weiyang Palace, Duan Yu immediately sent people to deliver the imperial summons to the major aristocratic families.

Although Chang'an was a secondary capital, it still served as the capital of the Western Han Dynasty for two hundred years.

Although it was not as prosperous as during the Western Han Dynasty, it was still the place where countless powerful clans were born, as it was once under the emperor's feet.

Two hundred years of change have not completely erased all traces of this place, which was once the political center of the Han Dynasty.

Especially the Prefect of Jingzhao.

Chang'an was located in Jingzhao Yin, and the most famous families in Jingzhao Yin were the eight surnames of Jingzhao Prefecture: Wei, Du, Fu, Duan, Song, Tian, ​​Li, and Jin.

Inside Chang'an City, a huge plaque hangs above the porch of a mansion covering more than ten acres.

Two powerful and ancient characters are written and carved on the side.

Song House.

The Song family of Chang'an.

The family has a long history of officialdom, as evidenced by the book "Ouyang Shangshu".

He served twice as one of the Three Dukes and was ranked among the Nine Ministers.

My ancestor, Song Shang, served as one of the Nine Ministers and the Shaofu (Minister of the Imperial Household) during the reign of Emperor Cheng.

Emperor Cheng was Liu Ao, the husband of Zhao Feiyan, who created the Palm Dance.

Song Shang's son was named Song Hong, courtesy name Zhongzi, and was a native of Chang'an, Jingzhao.

Hong was gentle and obedient in his youth, and served as a court attendant during the reign of Emperor Ai.

After Wang Mang usurped power, he resigned from his post and returned home. When Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he was summoned to serve as Grand Master of the Palace.

In the second year of Jianwu, he was appointed Grand Minister of Works by Prince Liang and enfeoffed as Marquis of Xunyi.

Song Hong's younger brother was named Song Song, who was known for his strong character, filial piety, and integrity, and rose to the position of Governor of Henan.

It has been passed down for over a hundred years, spanning four or five generations, and still stands strong today.

The former head of the family, Song Han, courtesy name Zhonghe, was famous for his conduct and was recommended as an outstanding talent. He was promoted four times and became the governor of Xihe.

In the first year of Yongjian, he was transferred to the position of Chancellor of Dongping and General of Duliao, where he established his reputation for integrity and was known for his power and benevolence.

At this moment, in the Song family mansion, Song Ze, the current head of the Song family, was sitting in the hall with a group of family members.

Over fifty years old, Song Ze, whose hair was already half gray, sat in the main seat.

In his early years, Song Ze served as the magistrate of Yanling, where he was highly respected. He, along with Wei Zhu of the Wei family from the same prefecture and Fa Zhen of Fufeng, were known for their ability to recognize talent.

However, an accident in his early years caused Song Ze to resign from his official post and live a secluded life at home.

In his early years, when Song Ze's eldest son went hunting with his servants, a servant made a mistake and accidentally shot an arrow, killing Song Ze's ten-year-old eldest son.

Afterwards, the servant realized his mistake and asked Song Ze to kill him, but Song Ze did not kill the servant after understanding the situation and reasons.

When Xun Shuang of the Xun clan of Yingchuan learned of this, he praised Song for his benevolence and wisdom.

However, after losing his eldest son, Song chose to resign from his official post and return home.

A document was placed in front of Song Ze, who was sitting in the main seat.

Song Ze looked at the conscription document that had just been delivered to the Song residence not long ago, which was placed on the table in front of him.

The document for conscription is unfolded, and its contents are visible.

Prince Bian, having inherited the throne, works diligently day and night, striving to uphold the illustrious achievements of his ancestors and bring peace to the people. Indeed, the rise and fall of a nation depends on virtuous and capable officials; the prosperity and decline of a dynasty are rooted in moral influence.

Now, we observe that Song Ze, the Prefect of Jingzhao, whose courtesy name is Yuanju, is well-versed in the "Ouyang Shangshu" (Book of Documents by Ouyang Shangshu). His virtuous conduct is renowned, and he is praised by his fellow villagers. His filial piety and brotherly love are well-known throughout the prefecture and county, and his integrity and modesty are known throughout the world.

The imperial edict reads:

Song Ze is hereby specially appointed as the Grand Herald, ranking among the Nine Ministers, to participate in the deliberation of rites and regulations, and to assist the Emperor in governing. He should devote his utmost loyalty and wisdom to assisting Emperor Guangwu in his achievements and restoring the good governance of Emperors Wen and Jing. The officials of the prefectures and counties should earnestly request his appointment with full courtesy, and not allow a virtuous man to remain in obscurity for too long.

"Gentlemen, you must all know that Duan Yu, the governor of Liangzhou and Marquis of Ji, entered Chang'an to welcome the eldest son of the emperor, Bian, to be established as the crown prince, intending to make Chang'an the western capital to counter Luoyang. What do you think of this recruitment?"

Song then turned his gaze to the Song clan members in the hall.

Upon hearing Song Ze's question, the people in the room began to discuss among themselves.

Duan Yu's summons was practically a death warrant.

Although it seems that he was given a position as one of the Nine Ministers.

However, if Duan Yu is subsequently wiped out by Luoyang, he will be considered a traitor, and if these people respond to Duan Yu's call to serve, it will be tantamount to joining the bandits.

Those who join the rebels will likely face charges that extend to their entire family, including nine generations.

But if you don't respond, it's like having a sharp blade hanging over your head.

Who is Duan Yu?

If they don't surrender, will Duan Yu use the Song family as a scapegoat?

It's hard to say.

Therefore, this document appears to be a divine favor.

In reality, it is a death warrant, with both rise and fall being equally at stake.

Neither yes nor no is correct.

In such a situation, naturally no one is willing to step forward and give a clear answer.

So much so that Song Ze, sitting in the main seat, waited for a long time, but still did not receive a clear answer from the people below.

"Patriarch... Marquis Ji, Duan Yu, will naturally recruit court officials. It won't just be our Song clan; all the major clans will probably be recruiting as well. Perhaps... perhaps Patriarch, you should first inquire about the opinions of the other clans?"

Then they discussed it together. Even if Marquis Ji, Duan Yu, acted domineeringly, he couldn't possibly implicate all the families. The law doesn't punish the masses; Duan Yu had to weigh the pros and cons.

Someone below said.

Song frowned and thought for a moment, then nodded.

There is some truth in this.

Since Duan Yu intends to support the eldest son of the emperor in establishing a court, governing the country requires far more than just one or two people.

"The patriarch might as well contact Wei Zhuo and Fa Zhen. I'm sure Fa Gaoqing and the others will also receive Duan Yu's offer of service."

The Fa family of Youfufeng had extremely high attainments in the classics of the Hundred Schools of Thought and the study of prophecies and apocryphal texts.

Moreover, the Legalist school also produced many talented individuals, so Duan Yu would have had to recruit them.

"Alright, I'll write a letter to Fa Gaoqing right away. You all should send it over immediately."

.............

At the same time that Song received the conscription document.

The Zhi clan of Chang'an, the Ling clan of Chang'an, the Shangluotai clan, the Yu clan of Duling, the Zhang clan of Duling, the Fan clan of Xinfeng, the Xiao clan descended from Xiao He of Duling, the Huang clan of Duling, the Du clan of Duling, the Tian clan of Changling, the Fifth clan of Changling, the Jin clan of Chang'an... dozens of aristocratic families, large and small, also received Duan Yu's recruitment notice at the same time.

This also includes the Yang family of Yang Biao from Hongnong.

..............

P.S.: As the plot unfolds, there is more and more foreshadowing needed, and the information researched to ensure quality is becoming increasingly complex. I hope you understand.