"Ding, Emperor's mission triggered: Eliminate the rebels and intimidate the heroes."
The system notification startled Liu Xie: "Where's the mission reward?"
"Friendly reminder: the reward depends on the host's performance."
Liu Xie was dissatisfied, saying, "When did the system come up with this rule? It wasn't there when we eliminated Dong Zhuo."
"Friendly reminder to the host: the reward for the last mission was also related to the host's level of completion."
Based on recent observations, the system has very few tasks, and it still relies more on its own efforts.
"What other opinions do you all have?" Liu Xie asked, glancing around at everyone.
Wang Yun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, there are many officials in the city who were originally promoted by Dong Zhuo. Some officials even wept bitterly and went to pay their respects after Dong Zhuo's death. As the saying goes, to repel external enemies, one must first secure the internal situation. Please make a decision, Your Majesty."
"Oh? I wonder who is worshipping Dong Zhuo?" Liu Xie asked curiously.
Wang Yun said, "General Cai Yong."
Liu Xie nodded slightly and said, "Let's put him in prison for now and talk about it after this matter is settled."
"Yes, sir," Wang Yun said, cupping his hands in greeting.
Liu Xie was naturally aware of Cai Yong's reputation. Historically, Cai Yong was implicated because of Dong Zhuo's affair, when Wang Yun held power. Now that Liu Xie was in charge, he certainly wouldn't kill Cai Yong so easily.
Talented individuals are what Liu Xie needs, and loyal talents are of paramount importance. In this era, recommendations from renowned scholars are of great significance.
"Fu Wan, listen to my command!" Liu Xie's voice suddenly rose.
"Your subject is here," Fu Wan said, clasping his hands in greeting.
"You shall immediately lead three thousand soldiers to Zuo Fengyi to stop the rebels," Liu Xie said. "Once you are ready, there is no need to report to me; set off immediately."
"Yes, sir." Fu Wan accepted the order and withdrew.
"The Minister of Works is in charge of the provisions and supplies, with the Nine Ministers assisting him," Liu Xie said.
The men accepted the order, but were uneasy. The Liangzhou army was launching a major offensive, and if they could not stop them, Chang'an would fall into the hands of the rebels again.
After everyone left, Liu Xie felt immense pressure. However, this pressure fueled his fighting spirit. Having transmigrated to the late Han Dynasty, a time of warring states, and with a system at his disposal, he felt it would be unforgivable if he failed to make a name for himself.
What can the feudal lords do if the rebels invade? When the time comes, Liu Xie will show them the majesty of the Han imperial family.
The people of Chang'an were in a state of panic. They had finally escaped Dong Zhuo's rule, but now Dong Zhuo's former subordinates were leading troops to attack. If Chang'an fell into the hands of the villains, they would once again be plunged into endless darkness.
After Liu Xie killed Dong Zhuo, he took many measures to pacify the people, but what was most needed to truly stabilize the people was a strong military.
Liu Xie was aware of this, and the situation in the Chang'an army was quite different from that of the rebels.
"Your Majesty, it's time for your meal." Fu Shou gently massaged Liu Xie's shoulders.
Liu Xie pointed to the instant noodles on the table and said, "Keep it simple. Today, Fu'er will have a simple meal with me."
The successive upheavals severely damaged the imperial family's prestige, and the emperor's meals were also greatly affected. When Dong Zhuo was in power, even his food, clothing, and daily necessities were cut back, which shows how bad the situation was.
The food in the palace was naturally inferior to the modern delicacies in the mall, but Liu Xie dared not indulge in expensive food and wine in the current emergency. Everything had to wait until they got through the immediate crisis.
Under Liu Xie's guidance, Fu Shou completed the making of her first instant noodles.
The distinctive aroma of instant noodles filled the room.
Liu Xie took a deep breath. "A familiar taste."
Fu Shou was surprised, but said nothing. Putting aside everything else, the exquisite craftsmanship of the instant noodles was something Fu Shou had never experienced before.
The emperor harbors secrets, and as a noble person, it is important not to delve too deeply into them; otherwise, it would be a bad thing if it aroused the monarch's suspicion.
When Fu Shou tasted instant noodles for the first time, her pretty face flushed with excitement. It was completely different from any delicious food she had ever tried before. The instant noodles were so delicious that she couldn't stop eating them.
However, the way Fu Shou ate instant noodles was so graceful, which contrasted sharply with Liu Xie's wolfing down of his food.
Liu Xie pushed open the instant noodle cup and asked with a smile, "Fu'er, how does it taste?"
"It's simply divine!" Fu Shou praised without hesitation.
The beauty was delighted, and Liu Xie took out two more bottles of drinks, causing Fu Shou to exclaim in surprise.
Liu Xie laughed loudly, "If Fu'er likes it, that's good. When the world is at peace, I will let Fu'er taste real delicacies every day."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Fu Shou felt a warmth in her heart and quickly bowed.
Liu Xie waved his hand and said, "From now on, when there are no outsiders, you can call me husband."
"Yes, Holy... Husband."
Liu Xie smiled with satisfaction.
Three days later, Fu Wan led three thousand soldiers to Zuo Fengyi. The Three Auxiliary Regions were an important barrier for Chang'an and could not be lost. If they fell into the hands of the rebels, Chang'an would be in utter danger.
Historically, after Dong Zhuo's death, it was the invasion by Li Jue and others that led to the fall of Chang'an again and the weakening of imperial power. Due to Liu Xie's influence, history has undergone many changes.
The imperial carriage emerged from the palace, surrounded by guards whose equipment could only be considered barely adequate. The streets were under martial law, and many passersby dared not look around.
The army outside the city was commanded by Zhang Liao. As a meritorious official who killed Dong Zhuo and quelled the rebellion, Zhang Liao was promoted to General of the Garrison and was in high spirits.
"This is a military camp, stop here!" Several soldiers stepped forward, and a general shouted.
"How dare you! His Majesty is coming! Who dares to stop him?" a general rode forward and shouted angrily.
"General Zhang did not inform us of this matter. We can only proceed after we have informed General Zhang," the general said, neither humble nor arrogant.
"You..." The general on horseback blushed, his fingers trembling slightly. What a glorious sight it was for the imperial guards to travel, yet he never expected to encounter such obstruction outside the military camp.
Liu Xie lifted the carriage curtain and said, "It's alright, we can wait a moment."
"Yes, sir." The general dared not delay upon hearing this.
He Yong was about to explain when Liu Xie interrupted him, saying, "Zhang Liao is skilled in military command and has the demeanor of a great general. If all the generals of the Han Dynasty were like this, how could we not restore the dynasty?"
"Your Majesty is wise!" He Yong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Liao was currently the mainstay of the Chang'an army, commanding three thousand wolf cavalry with unparalleled combat power. If any other changes occurred at this time, it would be of no help in stopping the rebels.
A moment later, a troop of cavalry rode out of the military camp; it was Zhang Liao leading his generals.
"This humble general, Zhang Liao, is late in welcoming Your Majesty. Please punish me." Zhang Liao and his generals dismounted and bowed.
Liu Xie stepped out of the carriage, went forward to help Zhang Liao up, and laughed loudly, "General Zhang is skilled in military command, what crime has he committed? Please get up quickly."
Zhang Liao was deeply grateful. The emperor had not informed the army of this trip in advance, and he could sense the emperor's approval in Liu Xie's words.
The other generals also looked at Liu Xie with great curiosity. The young emperor of the Han Dynasty had created miracles in Chang'an, and the military's reward and punishment system was also created by the young emperor.