Chapter 117: Reclaiming the Throne

A vast array of inventions were brought into existence and put to practical use. Initially, the soldiers were bewildered by these strange and varied contraptions, having no idea what they were. However, once Liu Xie began demonstrating them, their astonishing effectiveness became clear.

Take, for instance, reinforced concrete. After the city walls were fortified with it, the troops discovered that their durability had increased dramatically. Beyond concrete, Liu Xie developed new armor crafted from innovative materials—not only lightweight but exceptionally resistant to impact. Furthermore, he introduced flag signaling, a technique used by armies in the twenty-first century. From then on, there was no need for face-to-face communication in the ranks; flags could convey orders directly.

Yet, another invention brought Liu Xie the greatest satisfaction: paragliders and even parachutes. Although there were no airplanes in this era, soldiers could utilize them from high vantage points. By gliding through the air, they could control their direction and landing points with precision. Liu Xie did not issue these to the general army; instead, he reserved them exclusively for the Wolf Shadow Guards. He knew they were his most elite force and the most capable of mastering such tools quickly. Liu Xie personally oversaw their training, and they did not disappoint him. Within a few months, every member of the Wolf Shadow Guards had mastered these devices.

Over the course of a year, Liu Xie invented dozens of useful items, ranging from agricultural tools for the common people to daily necessities and military equipment. He also invested heavily in research for the navy. By the end of the year, the naval force had expanded to two hundred thousand men, with over ten thousand warships and support vessels. Stationed at Jiangxia, Jiangling, and Nanjun, these fleets were commanded by Gan Ning, Wen Pin, and Huang Zu.

As time passed, these inventions transformed the landscape. The total military strength of Jing Province, Yi Province, and the navy reached 1.5 million. Meanwhile, the imperial palace was completed. The court ladies brought from Xuchang took up residence, and the Wolf Shadow Guards, led by Gao Shun and Zhao Yun, were stationed there. Additionally, Liu Xie selected fifty thousand elite soldiers, commanded by General Hu Che'er, to serve as the Imperial Guard, permanently stationed within the palace.

The long-awaited day finally arrived.

On this day, Liu Xie was to ascend the throne once more. Inside the grand palace, civil and military officials in their formal robes filed into the great hall. Once all were assembled, Liu Xie, draped in imperial yellow robes and wearing the crown, walked slowly toward the throne, accompanied by Fu Shou and Yuan Ying.

"Long live the Emperor! Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!" Countless people knelt in worship.

"Rise!" Liu Xie spread his arms, his imperial presence undeniable. The crowd stood, awaiting his decree.

"I hereby declare that, from this day forth, Zhuge Liang shall serve as Left Chancellor, overseeing military and political affairs. Jia Xu shall be Right Chancellor, in charge of civilian affairs and logistics. Hu Che'er is appointed Military Censor; all troops, weaponry, and provisions shall be managed by the Military Department—any general with concerns may consult General Hu. Zhang Xiu shall serve as Chief Imperial Inspector, overseeing all matters and reporting directly to me. Lu Bu is named Marshal of Cavalry, Liu Bei as Marshal of Infantry, Liu Biao as Governor of Jing Province, and Zhang Lu as Governor of Yi Province. Chen Gong shall be the Strategist of the Three Armies. Gan Ning, Wen Pin, and Huang Zu, you three are commanders of the navy, each leading your respective fleets. Gao Shun and Zhao Yun, you are the commanders of the Wolf Shadow Guards, answering only to me."

Liu Xie continued assigning roles to everyone, leaving no one out; all were entrusted with significant responsibilities. "Gentlemen, while there are ranks among offices, all of you are equal. Should I learn that anyone is abusing power for personal gain or settling private scores, I shall show no mercy. Furthermore, I announce that from now on, Fu Shou is Empress, and Yuan Ying shall be the Secondary Empress."

The entire assembly was stunned by this final proclamation, including Yuan Ying herself, who could hardly believe it. A "Secondary Empress" was a title unprecedented in any dynasty.

"Do you not understand?" Liu Xie asked. "Fu Shou is the Empress, and from now on, Yuan Ying is the Secondary Empress. This position holds the same power and status as the Empress. I know this has never existed in history, but the past is the past. What did not exist before can begin with me today."

Liu Xie was resolute. He truly wished to name Yuan Ying an empress, but with Fu Shou already in that position, he could not simply depose her. Thus, he created this new title, granting Yuan Ying equal authority.

"Furthermore, from this day forward, the women under my rule shall possess their own rights. In the future, a woman’s choice of whom she marries or with whom she associates must be her own. There shall be no coercion; any who defy this will be executed. Do you understand?"

"Long live the Emperor! Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!" The officials knelt once more.

Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction. From this day on, his legitimacy as Emperor was restored. Though his rule currently extended only over Jing and Yi provinces, it was his own world.

"Proclaim this to the world: I have reclaimed my throne! Inform the various warlords that I grant them six months to submit to me. After six months, I shall mobilize my forces to conquer the realms and bring all provinces and counties back under the authority of this dynasty."

The coronation ceremony concluded in a solemn atmosphere, and the news of Liu Xie’s ascension spread rapidly across the land. Warlords and commoners alike were thrown into heated discussion. Upon hearing the news, Cao Cao flew into a rage. "Abominable! Simply abominable! He has dared to declare himself Emperor again! Who gave him the audacity? If he dares to claim the throne, I shall surely destroy him!"