Chapter 027: The Emperor's Edict

“This matter is easily resolved. Simply issue an imperial edict in the name of the Son of Heaven, commanding Yuan Shao, Sun Ce, Liu Biao, and the other lords of the realm to raise their armies and punish the traitor.” The speaker was none other than Cao Peng.

At these words, the assembly was stunned.

“But what if the heroes of the land pay this edict no heed? What then?” Cao Zhang interjected, his question not without merit.

Cao Peng gave a wry smile. “If they refuse the imperial summons, they show no respect to the Son of Heaven!”

It was a flawless strategy.

“Besides, even if none of the lords heed the call to war against Yuan Shu, there is one man who certainly will!” Cao Peng spoke with a hint of amusement.

Cao Cao was about to ask who, but then realization dawned. Of course—it could be none other than Liu Bei.

Liu Bei had always claimed the affairs of the realm as his own responsibility, devoting himself to restoring the Han Dynasty. Now that Yuan Shu had openly proclaimed himself emperor, this was the gravest affront to the Han. While others might find cause to ignore the summons, Liu Bei could not.

Cao Cao regarded Cao Peng with deep meaning in his eyes. This young man had just put forth a strategy in broad daylight—a plan so open that even when its intent is seen, it cannot be thwarted.

A strategy in broad daylight, indeed; a plan known to all, yet impossible to counter.

Inwardly, Cao Cao mused: Given time, this youth will surely achieve greatness! At the same time, he could not help but sigh at heart—why were his own sons not as keen-witted as Cao Peng?

…

Meanwhile,

In Xuzhou, Liu Bei received the “imperial decree.” Yuan Shu’s usurpation was to be punished, and Liu Bei was ordered to lead the campaign.

This news threw Liu Bei’s camp into turmoil.

Zhang Fei, his booming voice shaking the tent, thundered, “Elder brother, this must be that villain Cao, sending orders in the emperor’s name. Why should we pay him any heed?”

After the dark-faced Zhang Fei had spoken, the red-faced, long-bearded Guan Yu added, “Elder brother, third brother speaks wisely. Cao Cao merely wishes to use us as pawns. We must not play into his hands.”

After these opinions were voiced, Liu Bei heaved a long sigh.

“Alas… I know well that Cao Cao’s edict comes in the emperor’s name. But if I do not answer, what right have I to call myself a kinsman of the Han? Moreover, Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne is the gravest theft of our Han legacy. All under heaven should join to avenge this wrong. As a royal kinsman, I must set the example. Even if the emperor did not summon me, I would go all the same!”

Such righteous words, spoken with unwavering integrity, moved all who heard them to tears.

“Elder brother, your virtue is unmatched!”

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were so stirred, they could barely contain themselves.

Liu Bei continued, “When the army departs, Xuzhou must be left in trustworthy hands. Who is willing to stay behind and guard the city?”

Guan Yu bowed. “Elder brother, I, Yun Chang, am willing to stay and guard Xuzhou.”

At this, all present agreed it was a wise choice, but Liu Bei hesitated. “No, it will not do. Campaigning against Yuan Shu is no small matter. Yun Chang, your mastery of strategy and principle is indispensable. I cannot be without you.”

Guan Yu was left speechless, and Zhang Fei immediately shouted, “If that’s the case, let me stay! I swear, I will not disappoint, brother.”

“You? Absolutely not. You are hot-tempered, reckless, fond of drink, and prone to beating the soldiers. If you were left in sole command of Xuzhou, with no one to restrain you, it would surely end in disaster.”

Truth be told, Liu Bei favored Guan Yu. Guan Yu was not only a peerless warrior, but apart from his pride, had no other faults. However, with the army on campaign, he could not do without Guan Yu.

Guan Yu said, “Elder brother, Xuzhou is our most vital stronghold. One must be cautious in choosing whom to entrust it to—if anything were to happen, it would be a lifelong regret! Third brother is kin, and unmatched in battle. With him defending the city, even Lü Bu would dare not act rashly. Though he has some bad habits, if you lay down three strict rules, I’m sure nothing will go amiss!”

Now Liu Bei was in a quandary. If he refused Zhang Fei again, it would surely wound his brother’s heart. There was nothing for it—Zhang Fei was his sworn brother, and his feelings must be considered.

“In that case, you must promise me three things before I allow you to guard Xuzhou.”

“Brother, have no fear! Not just three things—if you asked a thousand or ten thousand, I would promise them all!” Zhang Fei declared, thumping his chest in assurance.

“First, you must never let drink cause you to neglect your duties. Second, you must not give in to your temper. Third, you are not to beat or abuse the soldiers!”

“Brother, rest assured! Such trifles—I’ll remember them all!” Zhang Fei replied, full of sincerity. But whether he truly took these to heart, Liu Bei could not help but worry.

But things had come to this—there was no choice but to let Zhang Fei remain behind in Xuzhou.

Naturally, before departing, Liu Bei also left behind a supervisor of military affairs, a man named Sun Qian.

And so, with orders given and responsibilities entrusted, Liu Bei led his army forth.