Chapter 1: Liu Xie’s Journey Through Time
Amidst the mountains, a carriage moved slowly, guarded by more than a thousand armored soldiers. Inside the spacious carriage, a young man lay flat, seemingly asleep.
After a brief moment, the youth suddenly sat upright.
“What’s going on?” He looked around in panic, confusion filling his heart.
His name was Liu Xie, an instructor for special forces from the twenty-first century’s Dragon Nation. He only remembered dying from a gunshot wound during a mission. Yet now, something felt terribly wrong.
The cramped quarters and unfamiliar surroundings made him uneasy. He spotted a small window nearby, draped with a curtain. He hastily pulled it aside, and saw nothing but wild mountains and forests.
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a splitting headache overwhelmed him, followed by a torrent of inexplicable information flooding his mind.
Once the pain subsided, Liu Xie gradually calmed down.
“I am… Liu Xie?”
“Liu Xie… from the Three Kingdoms?”
He was stunned.
Indeed, according to the memories now imprinted in his mind, it was the year 196. His real name was Liu Xie, and the person he had transmigrated into was also Liu Xie—none other than the Emperor Xian of Han from the Three Kingdoms, sharing the same name.
He quickly realized he had crossed time, inhabiting the body of Emperor Xian.
The carriage slowed to a stop, and the curtain was drawn aside. A burly man, clad in armor and wielding a broadsword, appeared in his line of sight.
“Your Majesty, what troubles you now?” Though the man addressed him as Emperor, his tone brimmed with disdain, as if he had no regard for him as ruler.
Liu Xie blinked at him, still bewildered. From the memories in his mind, he knew this was Cao Hong, a prominent general under Cao Cao.
They were now on the road to Xu Chang, relocating the capital.
“Uh, n-no, it’s nothing.” Liu Xie hurriedly replied, regaining his composure.
The carriage moved on, and Liu Xie, alone inside, was lost in thought. Gradually, he began to adapt and understand his situation.
Cao Cao had just defeated Li Jue and Guo Si, rescuing Emperor Xian. But now, Cao Cao intended to move the imperial capital to Xu Chang, setting the stage for his infamous manipulation of the emperor to command the feudal lords.
Liu Xie felt bitter.
Of all possible fates, why must he transmigrate into Liu Xie?
---
Beside him, there was not a single loyal minister. Even though he possessed knowledge from the future, it seemed useless.
After several days of travel, the carriage finally halted.
“Cao Mengde, welcomes Your Majesty!”
A voice came from outside. Liu Xie parted the curtain and peered out, seeing a man accompanied by armored soldiers bowing at the city gate.
He recognized him at once—Cao Cao.
Liu Xie slowly climbed out of the carriage, momentarily at a loss amidst such a scene.
“Someone, escort His Majesty into the city.” Without waiting for Liu Xie to grant permission, Cao Cao and the others straightened up on their own.
An hour later, within the imperial palace at Xu Chang.
Liu Xie was pressed onto the throne, much like a puppet.
At this moment, he finally understood the feelings of Emperor Xian: an emperor without freedom.
Although the Liu Xie from the twenty-first century had arrived, what could he possibly do in the face of this situation?
Thus, sitting on the throne, he wore a look of deep frustration.
“Your Majesty, from now on this is the imperial capital of Han. Rest assured and stay here. If you need anything, just ask the attendants—they’ll resolve everything for you.”
Cao Cao spoke with indifference, barely bothering with formalities before leaving.
From Cao Cao down to the lowest soldier, hardly anyone regarded him as emperor.
In the vast hall, Liu Xie sat alone upon the throne, dazed for a long time.
“Your Majesty, it is time to retire.” A young woman wearing a phoenix coronet approached, though her expression was far from pleasant.
Liu Xie knew her to be his empress, Lady Fu Shou. In history, Fu Shou was among the few within the court who remained loyal to Liu Xie, along with her family.
Fu Shou was beautiful, but Liu Xie had no mind to admire her now.
Such a miserable transmigration—he was not about to accept his fate so easily.
History had shown Liu Xie as meek and powerless, but he refused to be so.
---
Back in the inner palace.
Liu Xie sat on the bed, deep in thought. He pondered how to break free from Cao Cao’s grasp and regain his liberty.
Gradually, he turned to look at Fu Shou, who was busy nearby.
“Your Majesty, I am powerless and have brought you suffering,” Fu Shou said, bowing with sadness.
“Beloved, when you have the chance, have your uncle come to Xu Chang,” he said.
A simple plan was already forming in Liu Xie’s mind.
Though his reign was pitiable, he was still emperor after all.
There were things he could still do.
“Your Majesty, Cao Cao is treacherous. If my father brings troops, it may be dangerous.”
---
Fu Shou appeared deeply worried.
Liu Xie gently shook his head, “Don’t worry, Cao Cao wouldn’t dare do anything.”
“Find a way to write to your uncle. Tell him not to bring many men to Xu Chang this time.”
“Just twenty soldiers will suffice.”
“But these twenty must be the strongest and most loyal.”
Fu Shou was puzzled, not because Liu Xie’s plan was outlandish, but because he suddenly spoke with such confidence and resolve—so unlike his former timid self.
“Only twenty men—wouldn’t that be too risky?” she asked cautiously.
Liu Xie smiled with assurance, “Trust me, nothing will happen.”
“Tomorrow in court, I’ll speak to Cao Cao. If he refuses, I have ways to deal with him.”
Liu Xie lay down to sleep, while Fu Shou remained somewhat dazed.
She suddenly felt Liu Xie had undergone a tremendous change.
---
One night passed.
The next morning.
At court, Cao Cao stood below with the ministers, feigning respect.
In truth, all authority here belonged to him.
“Gentlemen, are there any petitions?” Liu Xie sat firmly on the throne and asked.
No one spoke.
“In that case, summon my uncle Fu Wan to court,” Liu Xie said again.
But as soon as his words fell, Cao Cao’s expression soured.
“Court is dismissed!”
Liu Xie waved his hand and rose to leave.
Yet Cao Cao did not move, and no one else dared to stir.
A moment passed, then Cao Cao gestured to the others, who gradually dispersed.
He himself stormed into the inner palace, furious.
“Your Majesty, I think there’s no need to see your uncle. And in future, please consult with me before making any decisions.”
“Your Majesty is new to Xu Chang and unfamiliar with many matters. I fear you may make unwise choices.”
Cao Cao’s tone was dark and threatening.
“Lord Cao, the Empress misses her father. Why, is she not allowed to see him?”
Liu Xie challenged.
Cao Cao’s anger flared, and he drew his sword, pressing it to Liu Xie’s throat.