This night was anything but peaceful for the civil and military officials in Chang'an.
The arrogant and powerful Dong Zhuo, who controlled the court, was suddenly killed. The person who successfully assassinated Dong Zhuo was the current emperor. When this news spread from the palace, many people's first reaction was that it was a trap set by Dong Zhuo.
Previously, Dong Zhuo had committed numerous acts of violence among the officials, killing many loyal ministers and righteous men. However, Dong Zhuo held military power, and if he disagreed with anyone, his soldiers would step forward, and who would dare to disobey him?
The death of Dong Zhuo shocked the generals of Liangzhou. They did not expect such a thing to happen. After confirming the news, many generals immediately led their soldiers to burn, kill, and loot in Chang'an before leaving the city.
What was initially met with disbelief eventually became a reality, shocking officials in the court.
The next day, at the crack of dawn, the Dong Zhuo flag that had been flying on the walls of Chang'an had been replaced with the imperial flag, signifying the end of Dong Zhuo's reign over the court.
Many officials in the court wept bitterly upon hearing the news, especially those who had been killed by Dong Zhuo.
The Han Dynasty lasted for nearly four hundred years and enjoyed considerable prestige among the people. However, the continuous turmoil in recent years has gradually caused the people to lose faith in the imperial court.
The three thousand wolf cavalry under Zhang Liao played an important role in stabilizing Chang'an. These three thousand wolf cavalry were originally soldiers under Ding Yuan.
After Lü Bu defected to Dong Zhuo, the three thousand wolf cavalry gradually came under Zhang Liao's control. Although Zhang Liao appeared to be Lü Bu's subordinate, this was not the case. Zhang Liao held the position of Prefect of Beidi, and had already subtly broken away from Lü Bu.
At a critical moment, Zhang Liao led his wolf cavalry to the scene, stabilizing Chang'an and making a tremendous contribution.
The following day, the gloom in the imperial court dissipated.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The ministers paid their respects, their voices echoing throughout the hall.
Liu Xie frowned slightly. As the courtiers shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times, dust kept falling from the dilapidated palace, which showed just how far the royal family had fallen.
"Rise, everyone!" Liu Xie said calmly.
After the officials rose, they all turned their gazes to Liu Xie. Previously, they had felt pity for Liu Xie, who was under the control of Dong Zhuo. However, after this incident, the officials realized that the emperor was not as simple as they had imagined. The assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo alone made many court officials feel ashamed.
"General Zhang Liao, please tell me about the current situation in Chang'an," Liu Xie said.
Many officials turned their attention to Zhang Liao. During this upheaval, Zhang Liao had made outstanding military achievements. Based on these achievements alone, Zhang Liao could reach a position that ordinary generals could never achieve in their entire lives.
The young Zhang Liao stood out so brightly among the officials.
Zhang Liao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Dong Zhuo is dead. His rebels have revolted, and there has been much looting in the city. Tens of thousands of civilians have died. Many rebels have taken the opportunity to lead their troops away from Chang'an. At this time, there are more than 10,000 soldiers in the city."
Liu Xie nodded and said, "General Zhang has made great contributions in eliminating the traitors this time. General Zhang Liao is hereby appointed as General of the Garrison Army, Marquis of Guannei, and awarded 10,000 gold pieces and a fief of 1,000 households."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor," Zhang Liao said solemnly, bowing deeply.
The title of General of the Garrison Army is a high-ranking general in the Han Dynasty. Compared to Zhang Liao's previous official position, this was definitely a leap from the top.
"He Yong was promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies for his meritorious service in suppressing the Dong traitor, and all others who contributed to the suppression of the Dong traitor will be rewarded," Liu Xie said.
At Liu Xie's signal, the eunuch stepped forward and issued the drafted decree. Wang Yun, Xun Shuang, and other officials involved all received rewards.
"The traitor Dong Zhuo has been eliminated, but the rebellious followers who fled Chang'an are a great calamity. At this critical moment, you should all work diligently to stabilize Chang'an and help me revive the Han Dynasty," Liu Xie said.
The courtiers unanimously agreed. At this moment, Liu Xie gave the courtiers a completely different feeling. Previously, Liu Xie had been controlled by Dong Zhuo and became the emperor of the Han Dynasty, but the courtiers knew that this was just Dong Zhuo wanting to use Liu Xie to command the world.
Now, Liu Xie possesses the majesty of an emperor. The mere act of killing Dong Zhuo has greatly enhanced his prestige among the court officials.
"Dong Zhuo has defied Heaven and his entire clan should be exterminated!" Liu Xie's voice suddenly turned low.
Situ Wang Yun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty's words are very true. Officials who were close to the traitor Dong Zhuo should also be eliminated."
Many officials were alarmed upon hearing this. When Dong Zhuo controlled the court, some officials, under pressure, had tried to curry favor with him. If such a thing became an excuse, it would be extremely detrimental to them.
Liu Xie frowned slightly. The situation in Chang'an was unstable. Although Dong Zhuo had died, his troops had once again captured Chang'an and caused it to fall. If the people inside were in a state of panic at such a time, it would be very difficult to help Chang'an recover from the flames of war and move towards stability.
"What you say makes sense, but back then, Dong Zhuo controlled the court and many officials were coerced by him. The best course of action now is to stabilize Chang'an. As for other matters, I will have them investigated thoroughly before making a decision." Liu Xie said, "The military affairs will be temporarily handled by Generals Zhang Liao and Huangfu Song."
"Yes, sir," Wang Yun said, cupping his hands in greeting.
The emperor was young and had his own opinions. He was able to remain calm and composed when dealing with important matters, which was seen by the officials as a sign of the revival of the Han Dynasty.
After the officials left, Liu Xie left Wang Yun, Xun Shuang, Zhang Liao, Huangfu Song, and Fu Wan behind.
"Gentlemen, the court is in turmoil, and numerous warlords are vying for power. This is precisely the time when we must unite as one. At such a time, what you need to do is to be truly united," Liu Xie said earnestly.
Xun Shuang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's words are very true."
People are in high spirits when they have good news. Although Xun Shuang was over sixty years old at this time, he felt as if a mountain that had been weighing on his heart had been lifted.
"Your Majesty, the soldiers under Dong Zhuo's command are all traitors. They should be wiped out to restore the prestige of the Han Dynasty," Wang Yun said, bowing.
Liu Xie smiled and said, "Minister, there is no need to be anxious. You are aware of the current troop strength in Chang'an. If we were to suppress the rebels, there would likely be many dangers."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Xun Shuang and Fu Wan said, bowing.
"At this critical time for the court, you are all pillars of the Han Dynasty. You should recommend more talented people to the court. Minister of Works, what do you think?" Liu Xie turned his gaze to Xun Shuang.
The Xun family of Yingchuan was a famous family at the end of the Han Dynasty, with many virtuous and capable members.
"Your Majesty is farsighted. Your subject will certainly recommend talented individuals for the use of the court," Xun Shuang said.
Liu Xie stood up and said, "As the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending worthy people even if they are relatives. The Xun family of Yingchuan has many talented people. Minister of Works, you can send your younger generation to the court to gain more experience. In the future, they can govern a region and their achievements will be remembered by future generations."
"Your subject obeys," Xun Shuang said, bowing.