A year later, Liu Yuan captured Chang'an and established his capital there.
Though the Xiongnu Han Country held Chang'an and the Two Capitals, it faced powerful enemies in both the north and south. Ji Han in Jiangnan would never allow a Xiongnu to bear the name of Great Han and unify the north, and Northern Expeditions of every size launched constant attacks.
Cao Wei's great armies harried You Zhou, while the Shu Region was also divided under Cheng Han.
For a time, there were three Hans under Heaven!
People of the time all said, "The Han Emperor, the Han Emperor—he's not worth as much as a sack of grain."
Jingkou, on the south bank of the Yangtze River.
The Han Banner fluttered in the wind. Zu Ti, looking somewhat haggard, swore to launch a Northern Expedition here. Behind him stood all the soldiers and officers who had followed him.
He had only a few hundred retainers.
On the altar stood spirit tablets for Chi You, the Three Ancestors, Wind Master Rain Master, and other deities. But unlike the rites held before his previous campaigns, this time there was one more tablet to an Immortal.
The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden!
Many people had seen the Heavenly Lightning that struck the Qiang leader dead; no one could deny it. The scorched, charred marks left by the Lightning Strike still lingered in that place to this day. More importantly, she had protected countless people in the Northern Lands!
For such a Goddess, it was only right that they offer prayers before setting out on the Northern Expedition.
"May Heaven bless Great Han!"
Zu Ti let out a soft sigh and waved his hand. "Set out!"
The Great River stretched broad and wide. Hundreds of men boarded ships and headed for the north bank.