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Outside the palace gates, a nine-year-old boy, supported by attendants, slowly stepped into the hall. His youthful face was filled with confusion and anxiety, his steps unsteady as he struggled to maintain a semblance of dignity. He was none other than Liu Xie, recently proclaimed the new emperor by Dong Zhuo.
The officials bowed their heads and chanted in unison, "Long Live the Emperor! Long Live the Emperor!" The sound echoed throughout the grand hall, yet it carried an undercurrent of suppressed sorrow.
Dong Zhuo stood nearby, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He watched the kneeling ministers with a cold smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He cupped his hands toward Liu Xie and spoke in a stern tone, "Your Majesty, the ministers have offered their congratulations; please issue a decree to pacify the realm."
Liu Xie pressed his lips together, his small hands trembling slightly. He glanced at the imposing Dong Zhuo beside him and whispered, "I... I understand." His voice was so soft it was nearly drowned out by the oppressive atmosphere in the hall.
After the congratulatory rites concluded, Dong Zhuo ordered that Empress He, the Prince of Hongnong, and the deposed Lady Tang be sent to Yongan Palace, strictly commanding that the palace gates be sealed. The guards outside were sternly instructed to prevent anyone from visiting, ensuring that not even a whisper of news could escape.
Once an emperor himself, Liu Bian now found himself reduced to the status of Prince of Hongnong, confined within the depths of the palace. Leaning against the palace gates with a vacant expression, his youthful innocence had long been replaced by endless fear. He muttered to himself, "I am the Son of Heaven... I should be the Son of Heaven..." Beside him, the Empress Dowager wept silently, gripping his hand tightly but unable to find words of comfort.
Meanwhile, Dong Zhuo's power soared to unprecedented heights. Appointed as Prime Minister, he entered court without haste; he could stride into the grand hall with sword in hand while all of court bowed before him. Each time he entered the court, officials held their breath as if facing a fierce tiger, fearful that any misstep might provoke this tyrant's wrath.
One day, Minister Li Ru came to see Dong Zhuo and quietly advised him, "Prime Minister, you now hold great power over the realm but have yet to win over the hearts of the people. To solidify your foundation, you must gather talented individuals. I recommend someone who is well-versed in knowledge and possesses both virtue and talent; he will surely help you strengthen your reputation."
Dong Zhuo raised an eyebrow and asked with a smirk, "Oh? Who is it?"
"Cai Yong, a scholar from Chen Liu," Li Ru replied respectfully.
Dong Zhuo clapped his hands in laughter. "Cai Yong? I have indeed heard of his reputation. In that case, summon him to court immediately!"
Soon after, a summons reached Cai Yong. Upon reading it, his expression shifted slightly as he sighed deeply. "To enter court at this time is akin to seeking skin from a tiger. Yet if I refuse, my family's safety cannot be guaranteed."
Cai Yong hesitated for days until Dong Zhuo's envoy returned with an even more forceful demand: "The Prime Minister has decreed that if you refuse to come again, your family will face annihilation."
Finally unable to contain himself any longer, Cai Yong set out for the capital to meet Dong Zhuo.
When Dong Zhuo saw Cai Yong, he wore an unusually genuine smile. He rose to greet him and even personally guided Cai Yong to his seat with words full of praise: "Mr. Cai, you have finally arrived! I have long heard your esteemed name; seeing you now is truly a treasure!"
Cai Yong bowed in thanks but his eyes betrayed an underlying worry. He understood that this visit was not one of genuine assistance but rather forced servitude under a tyrant.
Dong Zhuo treated Cai Yong exceptionally well; within just a month, he promoted him three times and ultimately appointed him as an imperial advisor, often discussing state affairs with him. On the surface, Cai Yong appeared compliant but inwardly lamented: "Though I serve in court as an official, I cannot aid in restoring peace to the realm; instead, I am inadvertently assisting Dong Zhuo in his tyranny—what a helpless situation."
Trapped in Yongan Palace, Emperor Shao, Liu Bian, appeared increasingly haggard, his eyes swollen as if tears had washed away all his youthful innocence. He sat in a corner of the courtyard, gazing at the yellowing grass and the wilting flowers, his heart filled with helplessness and sorrow. Empress He and Consort Tang stood by his side, powerless to offer comfort, silently accompanying him in his despair.
"Mother," Emperor Shao's voice was low, like a gentle breeze passing through, "if Father were still here, would these things have happened?"
Empress He’s eyes reddened as she embraced him tightly, her voice trembling. "Child, this is not your fault... it is not your fault."
As she spoke, two swallows suddenly flew over the courtyard, gracefully skimming past the dilapidated railing and swirling among the ruins, seemingly searching for a place to nest. Watching the pair of swallows, Emperor Shao felt hot tears welling up in his eyes once more. He bowed his head in contemplation for a moment before suddenly reciting a mournful poem:
"In the courtyard, two swallows fly alone,
Beneath their wings, no one chases the long wind.
The Luo River still winds around the palace,
Who mourns for the fallen former master?
When will Loyalty and Righteousness be seen again?
The cold moon casts its light on the empty steps."
Upon hearing this, Consort Tang could not help but tear up and softly said, "Your Majesty, please do not think too much. Let us go inside; it’s getting chilly at night."
Yet Emperor Shao did not move. He extended his hand, pointing at the swallows with a bitter smile. "These swallows can fly freely, but what about me? I, a dignified emperor, am trapped in this small courtyard, surrounded only by grass and trees. I am just an emperor after all; I am no happier than they are!"
Empress He suppressed her sorrow and held Liu Bian's hand tightly. "Child, we must be strong. There will always be loyal ministers who will uphold justice for us... there will be..."
Emperor Shao lowered his eyelids in silence. He knew that his mother was merely trying to comfort him; how rare were those who embodied Loyalty and Righteousness? Moreover, Dong Zhuo's minions had spread throughout the court—who would dare to risk their lives to save him?
Not far away, the sound of eunuchs' footsteps approached. They coldly set down a basket of coarse bread and water before turning to leave; the door was locked with a resounding click behind them. Consort Tang picked up a piece of bread, gently breaking it apart to share with Emperor Shao and Empress He while insisting she wasn't hungry and only sipping some water.
The courtyard was silent except for the autumn wind occasionally stirring a few fallen leaves, softly narrating the endless desolation within this deep palace.
After receiving Emperor Shao's poem, Dong Zhuo's expression darkened as he sneered. "A mere poem dares to blame the court and foolishly speak of Loyalty and Righteousness—this is a perfect excuse for execution!" He immediately summoned Li Ru and coldly instructed him: "Take men to Yongan Palace and swiftly end this matter; leave no future troubles."
Li Ru accepted the order and headed straight for Yongan Palace with ten armed warriors.
At that moment, Emperor Shao was taking refuge from the heat with Empress He and Consort Tang in an upper chamber when a palace maid rushed in panic and knelt on the ground. "Li Ru has brought soldiers!"
Emperor Shao's face turned pale as he became flustered. "What do they want? Mother, what should I do?" Although Empress He was filled with fear, she forced herself to remain calm and held Emperor Shao's hand reassuringly. "Do not be afraid; I am here. No one can harm you."
The door was violently pushed open as Li Ru entered with a group of fully armed soldiers. Holding a jug of wine in his hand, his expression was icy while his tone was eerily calm: "The Prime Minister cherishes Your Majesty and has specially bestowed Longevity Wine for you to enjoy."
Emperor Shao looked up, his voice trembling, " Longevity Wine? Is it really Longevity Wine?"
Empress He stood up, her cold gaze fixed on Li Ru. "Since it is Longevity Wine, why don’t you drink first?"
Li Ru frowned and said sternly, "This is a gift from Chancellor Dong; how can it be doubted? If the Empress speaks further, do not blame me for being rude!" He waved his hand, and the warriors behind him placed their sharp blades and white silk on the ground, their chilling gleam sending shivers down spines.
Consort Tang knelt in pleading, her voice filled with tears. "Please, my lord, have mercy! If this wine must be drunk, I am willing to drink it in place of His Majesty. Just spare the Empress and the Emperor!"
Li Ru sneered coldly, his eyes icy. "What are you? Do you think you are worthy to take the place of the king in death?" With that, he lifted the wine cup and pushed it toward Empress He. "Empress, you should lead by example and drink first."
Empress He stared at Li Ru with burning intensity, her anger nearly consuming her reason. "He Jin was foolish to let wolves into the house; this is how we have come to this calamity! Li Ru, when we both descend to the underworld, I will settle this score with you!"
Li Ru impatiently slammed his hand on the table and shouted harshly, "Stop your nonsense! Emperor Shao, drink this wine quickly to avoid suffering a painful fate!" Several warriors stepped forward, hands resting on their sword hilts as they closed in on Emperor Shao.
Emperor Shao gazed at the jug of wine, his eyes swollen and tears streaming down his face. He tightly grasped his mother’s hand and said with a trembling voice, "Mother, I am useless; I cannot protect you..."
Empress He felt as if her heart were being torn apart as she held Emperor Shao's head close. Choking back tears, she said, "Child, do not be afraid; we will go together as a family. Those treacherous villains will eventually receive their retribution!"
Emperor Shao slowly stood up and looked directly at Li Ru, his voice revealing a struggle for calmness. "Allow me to speak with my mother for a moment before I drink."
He turned around and knelt down, tears streaming down his face. "Mother, I am incapable; I can no longer fulfill my filial duty to you. Please take care of yourself..." Then he turned to Consort Tang. "Consort, thank you for always being by my side; it is I who could not ensure your safety throughout your life."
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