Revealing the Truth

Year 189 of the sixth reign year of Hanzhong, Grand General’s Mansion, front hall.

Grand General He Jin knelt on the main couch at the head of the room.

At the lower end, seated on both sides, were the Central Army Captain Yuan Shao, Military Commandant Cao Cao, Cavalry Commander Bao Xin, and Right Captain Chunyu Qiong.

He Jin’s envoy Wang Kuang, Yellow Gate Attendant Minister Xun You, and a host of civil and military officials were also present.

Though He Jin was a military officer, he bore the appearance of a prosperous and noble man. After a light cough, he asked with concern, “His Majesty’s health declines day by day, yet the crown prince’s position remains undecided. Rumors circulate in the palace that His Majesty intends to appoint Prince Liu Xie. Gentlemen, what do you think should be done?”

The lean but sharp-eyed Cao Cao replied, “Grand General, there is no need for worry. Since ancient times, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring has always been clear. Prince Liu Bian is the eldest legitimate son and should rightfully inherit the throne. Whether it be the Minister over the Masses, the Grand Commandant, or ourselves, all share this consensus.”

“Moreover, His Majesty would never violate ancestral customs nor the stance of his ministers. What concerns us now is how to handle unexpected troubles, especially the issue of the Ten Eunuchs.” Yuan Shao, Bao Xin, and the others nodded in agreement.

Seeing their approval, He Jin sighed helplessly. “When the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden were first established, the intention was to control military power to counter the Ten Eunuchs. Yet unexpectedly, Jian Shuo, as the Superior Colonel, holds sway not only over the other seven colonels but even over me, the Grand General. Without the Emperor’s edict or Jian Shuo’s permission, none of the troops may be moved. What are we to do?”

Yellow Gate Attendant Minister Xun You said, “This is not a difficult problem. Once the new ruler ascends, you need no longer obey Jian Shuo’s orders regarding troop deployments. However, the Ten Eunuchs often cause trouble and withhold supplies and arms. Compared to the Western Garden’s forces, the frontier troops in the outer provinces are less reliable. Should the Ten Eunuchs collude with ambitious elements from these provinces, the consequences could be dire.”

“Surely that would not happen. Who dares to commit such treason in this vast empire?” Yuan Shao scoffed dismissively.

“Not everyone in the realm is as loyal as you, my lord. The Yellow Turban Rebellion showed many signs of such collusion,” Cao Cao remarked.

“The Ten Eunuchs have indeed allied with rebels. Can you not see the examples of Prince Shi and General Huangfu?” Cao Cao analyzed.

In truth, he looked down upon He Jin and Yuan Shao—men of high rank but lacking true talent.

“What shall we do then?” He Jin asked.

Xun You stepped forward calmly. “I suggest that your excellencies return to your home provinces and recruit some capable personal guards. This way, you can both support the state and protect yourselves without being constrained by others.”

He Jin stroked his beard thoughtfully. “A sensible proposal. Yuncheng, Gongjie, you two shall return home and recruit soldiers.”

“Understood.” “Understood.” Bao Xin and Wang Kuang stepped forward to accept the order.

---

Yuan Shao pondered below, planning to use He Jin’s hand to eliminate the Ten Eunuchs.

Then it would be time to deal with He Jin himself, the “imperial relative.” Meanwhile, he needed to control more capable troops to prepare for the future.

Currently, his forces were limited to the central army and part of Chunyu Qiong’s troops. It seemed necessary to seize this opportunity to expand his strength as much as possible.

…

In a dim side chamber of the Northern Palace in Chang’an,

Ten men knelt on the floor—they were the all-powerful Ten Eunuchs.

Zhao Zhong looked at them and said softly, “According to the private reports from the imperial physicians, His Majesty will not last much longer. We must prepare early and not allow those ministers to outwit us.”

“Ah?” “What?!” The eunuchs gasped in alarm.

Though all were aware of the situation, hearing it from Zhao Zhong’s mouth stirred unease and dread within them.

Zhang Rang shouted sharply, “Why panic? Who will emerge victorious is still uncertain. That butcher and his faction? They are nothing.”

“At present, the question is: if the Emperor passes, whom shall we support to the throne?” Eunuch Sun Zhang asked.

Guo Sheng replied, “Of course, we choose the one most favorable to us. Our family believes Prince Liu Xie is young and without allies, easier to control than Prince Liu Bian.”

“Indeed!” “Agreed!” “Seconded!” Several eunuchs voiced their approval.

“Nonsense! Although Prince Liu Xie is easier to control and His Majesty intends to pass the throne to him, consider the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons. Would the Grand General and the faction so easily allow Liu Xie to ascend? If He Jin and the faction join forces and wield heavy troops to stage a ‘cleansing of the court,’ we will have no place to hide!” Zhang Rang said angrily.

The eunuchs then realized the gravity of the matter.

Duan Gui asked, “If we support Prince Liu Bian, can we continue to enjoy our previous power? The Grand General surely will not tolerate us.”

Zhang Rang looked at them all, his face darkening. “No, the Grand General and the faction may not be united. Those faction ministers have many grievances against ‘this imperial relative’ He Jin. If we perish, those self-righteous faction members will be the next to suffer. Remember, our enemies are the faction, not the Grand General.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhong praised, “Brilliant. If we help Prince Liu Bian ascend, He Jin and Empress He will surely be grateful. The aristocratic faction only supports him to oppose us. We can use this opportunity to befriend He Jin, making our intentions clear so he will no longer trouble us.”

“Then we should send someone to persuade He Jin to remain neutral between us and the faction. We can use gold and silk to curry favor. He Jin’s mother, Lady of Wuyang, and He Miao can help sow discord.”

Zhang Rang slowly outlined their urgent plans.

“But our side is not entirely loyal either,” Zhao Zhong said with a sinister smile.

“You mean Jian Shuo? He is loyal to the Emperor, but if we fall, what good will that do him?”

Zhang Rang was also displeased with Jian Shuo.

Though Jian Shuo was among the eunuchs, he was deeply loyal to Emperor Ling and wielded military power, yet feared He Jin. He, with the eunuchs, persuaded Emperor Ling to send He Jin to campaign against the frontier warlords Zhang and Han, effectively removing him from the capital and neutralizing his influence.

Much like how Jia Chong’s rival advised Emperor Wu of Jin, Sima Yan, to dispatch Jia Chong westward against the Xianbei.

“It seems we must press him hard. The merit of enthronement is always the key to rapid advancement,” Zhao Zhong said coldly.

…

These Ten Eunuchs would do anything to survive.

Whether the Emperor was Liu Xie or Liu Bian, their first priority was to stay alive; everything else could be plotted slowly over time.