Chapter Summaries

Liu Xie explained how technological progress, including higher-yield crops and railways, could strengthen Great Han, then proposed policies to develop commerce while protecting agriculture. Zhuge Liang warned that powerful clans could capture the benefits of those policies, leaving Liu Xie and Sima Yi without an easy answer.

• Liu Xie told Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang that new agricultural techniques and overseas crops could raise grain production, and he stressed that developing technology was essential to Great Han’s strength.
• Liu Xie showed them a railway route map and drawings of rail freight wagons, explaining how tracks could improve transport of supplies, troops, and goods.
• Sima Yi asked how agriculture and commerce could advance together, and Liu Xie proposed promoting trade, collecting commercial taxes, investing in foreign trade, subsidizing farmers, and regulating grain prices.
• Sima Yi praised Liu Xie’s policies, but Zhuge Liang warned that great clans could seize their benefits, as they had with the Land Reclamation Policy.

Zhang He discovered that Ma Chao might be hiding at the Qiang Royal Court and defied orders to pursue him with the Mo Dao Army. At the Royal Court, a Han father sacrificed himself rather than kill his son, and the boy died after trying to attack the Qiang arena master.

• Zhang He, frustrated by his failure to capture Ma Chao, learned that the Qiang might be sheltering him.
• Zhang He received a scout report placing Ma Chao's rebel army near the Qiang Royal Court and ordered the Mo Dao Army to assemble.
• Pang De warned Zhang He that leaving Chang'an without authorization would violate his orders, but Zhang He left Pang De to defend the city and rode out.
• At the Qiang Royal Court, a Han father and son were forced into an arena and told that one of them had to die for the other to go free.
• The father stabbed himself to save his son, and the boy attacked the Qiang arena master before being kicked to death.

The Zhongqiang Tribe’s eldest prince and the Qiang nobles tormented a captive Han family while mocking Ma Chao and the Han army. When scouts reported five thousand Han infantry approaching the Royal Court, the eldest prince chose to fight them, while Zhang He led the Mo Dao Army toward the Qiang capital.

• The eldest prince dismissed Ma Chao as overrated and agreed to A Saihei’s proposal to force a Han woman and her relatives into a degrading choice under threat of death.
• The eldest prince killed the woman’s husband when the family refused to comply, then prepared to kill her child as a guard reported that Han troops were approaching.
• The eldest prince learned that the approaching force numbered about five thousand infantry and ordered the Royal Court’s twenty thousand warriors to engage them.
• Zhang He led five thousand Mo Dao Army soldiers deep into Qiang territory, following intelligence that Ma Chao’s troops might be stationed at the Royal Court.

Zhang He led the Mo Dao Army to defeat the Qiang cavalry and seize the Qiang Royal Court, where he discovered the abuse suffered by captive Han women. After the women killed themselves, he nearly executed the captured Qiang nobles in rage, but his deputy stopped him so they could be questioned about Ma Chao and the rebels.

• Zhang He led the Mo Dao Army into battle and routed ten thousand Qiang cavalry with superior armor and weapons.
• The Mo Dao Army advanced to the Qiang Royal Court, captured the eldest prince and other nobles, and freed the Han women held in the Han Women's House.
• The Han women took their own lives, and one woman explained that the Qiang had threatened their families to keep them imprisoned.
• Zhang He tried to kill the captured nobles, but his deputy stopped him to preserve them for questioning about the rebels.
• Zhang He mutilated the eldest prince and ordered his men to castrate all the captured Qiang nobles.

Zhang He captured the Qiang nobles and learned that Ma Chao had gone to Shang Commandery, but he refused to risk pursuing him deep into Qiang territory. Instead, he ordered the Qiang Royal Court’s inhabitants slaughtered and planned to ruin the land and water before withdrawing.

• Zhang He had the Mo Dao Army castrate the Qiang nobles, then questioned the eldest prince and learned that Ma Chao had gone to Shang Commandery.
• Zhang He abandoned the pursuit because of the distance and danger, ordered the nobles taken prisoner, and commanded the Royal Court’s inhabitants killed.
• When his deputy general reported that women and children remained, Zhang He insisted they be killed, and the soldiers carried out his order.
• Zhang He ordered the Mo Dao Army to burn the land, seize or slaughter the livestock, and contaminate the water sources before withdrawing.

Zhang He’s Mo Dao Army burned and poisoned the Qiang Royal Court before withdrawing, while Ma Chao tried to recruit Qiang tribes to counterattack the Han State. The chapter ends as Ma Chao learns that the Han Army has attacked the Royal Court and orders the messenger brought in.

• Zhang He sent the surviving civilians and Qiang prisoners toward Ye City, then ordered his troops to burn supplies and contaminate water sources across the Qiang Lands.
• Zhang He had the Qiang Royal Court set ablaze and led the Mo Dao Army away as a Qiang rider galloped toward Shang Commandery with news.
• Ma Chao urged the Qiang tribal chiefs to join his planned counterattack, threatening them and promising a month of plunder if they helped retake Yong Province and Chang'an.
• A guard reported that the Han Army had attacked the Qiang Royal Court, and Ma Chao ordered the arriving Qiang rider brought to him.

The Qiang tribal chiefs and Ma Chao learned that Zhang He’s Mo Dao Army had attacked and destroyed the Qiang Royal Court. They arrived to find the grasslands burned, their people and livestock slaughtered, and Zhang He’s blood-written message atop a tower of heads.

• A Qiang cavalryman reported that five thousand Han infantry had crushed the Royal Court’s garrison, and Ma Chao recognized them as the Mo Dao Army.
• The Zhongqiang Tribe’s chief killed the messenger, then urged Ma Chao to march back and offered an alliance against the Imperial Court.
• Ma Chao agreed to join the chiefs’ return to the Royal Court, while Pang De learned that Zhang He had ordered mass slaughter, burned the grasslands, and poisoned water sources with corpses.
• The Qiang chiefs and Ma Chao rushed back in three days and found the Royal Court reduced to ruins amid burned land and scattered corpses.
• The chiefs saw a towering Jingguan crowned with the Qiang Royal Banner bearing Zhang He’s message, and the Zhongqiang Tribe’s chief fell to his knees in despair.

Ma Chao found the Qiang Royal Court destroyed by Zhang He and tried to use the disaster to draw the tribes under his control. As the surviving chiefs split over surrendering to the Han State or seeking revenge, the Zhongqiang chief secretly called on Ma Chao to stop the defectors.

• Ma Chao saw the ruined Royal Court and pretended to pursue Zhang He while considering how to control the Qiang tribes.
• After two days unconscious, the Zhongqiang chief awoke and learned that the Han Army had slaughtered the livestock, contaminated the water, burned the pastures, and taken the tribes’ families captive.
• The Dangjian chief urged the tribes to surrender to the Han State, while the Zhongqiang chief demanded revenge and the Xianling chief warned that aiding Ma Chao had provoked the Han attack.
• The Xianling chief left with several tribes to seek surrender, despite the Zhongqiang chief’s curses.
• The Zhongqiang chief learned that Ma Chao was camped nearby and ordered a messenger to warn him that the Xianling Tribe planned to defect and request reinforcements.

Ma Chao killed the Xianling Chieftain and forced the Qiang tribes to follow him, while Zhang He returned to Chang'an with enormous spoils and learned that the court had ordered him to halt the pursuit. In Ye City, Liu Xie’s court turned to preparations for moving the capital and repairing the Yellow River embankments, but officials warned that the treasury could not afford the work.

• The Xianling Chieftain tried to leave Ma Chao’s camp, but Ma Chao killed him and accused him of planning to surrender to the Han Army.
• Ma Chao offered the Qiang warriors a choice between fighting him and obeying him, and the Zhongqiang, Dangjian, Shaohe, and Xianling tribes pledged allegiance.
• Zhang He returned to Chang'an with captured livestock, valuables, and rescued Han civilians, then learned Ma Chao had returned to the Qiang Royal Court.
• Zhang He wanted to attack Ma Chao, but Pang De reminded him that Liu Xie had ordered the pursuit suspended and the capital move prepared.
• Liu Xie convened court in Ye City to address the relocation and Yellow River flood preparations, while an official warned that the treasury could not afford repairs to the embankments.

Liu Xie redirected the funds for his mausoleum to Yellow River flood control, then received news that Zhang He had destroyed the Qiang Royal Court with a five-thousand-man force. Liu Xie left the court to question the messenger about how the unexpected victory had occurred.

• Fa Zheng proposed cutting military and Foundry Bureau spending to fund Yellow River flood control, but Liu Xie refused.
• Liu Xie postponed construction of his mausoleum and ordered its funds used to control the Yellow River floods.
• A messenger reported that Zhang He had routed the Qiang Royal Court’s garrison, captured nobles, rescued Han civilians, seized vast spoils, and burned the court.
• The court officials celebrated Zhang He’s victory, while Lü Bu and Zhang Liao wondered how Zhang He had launched the attack.
• Liu Xie dismissed the court and questioned the messenger in the Xuan Room about Zhang He’s reasons for attacking.

After Zhang He annihilated the Qiang Royal Court, Liu Xie praised and rewarded him, then redirected funds meant for his mausoleum toward regulating the Yellow River. The chapter ended with Lü Bu visiting his daughter and being caught by his granddaughter as she grabbed his beard.

• A messenger reported that Zhang He had slaughtered the Qiang Royal Court, burned its lands, and fouled its water sources.
• Jia Xu and Guo Jia praised Zhang He's brutality and proposed even harsher measures, while Liu Xie ordered them to stop.
• Liu Xie defended Zhang He, awarded him a thousand gold, raised his noble rank, and named him Marquis of Champion.
• Liu Xie said the Qiang spoils could fund the Yellow River works and canceled plans to build his mausoleum, earning the ministers' admiration.
• News of Zhang He's victory spread through Ye City, where people celebrated him as a hero.
• Lü Bu visited Lü Lingqi and her newborn daughter, and the baby grabbed his beard as he played with her.

Lü Lingqi and Zhen Mi adjusted to motherhood and illness while Liu Xie cared for them and explained his decisions about the Zhen Clan. As the capital’s relocation to Chang’an began, Liu Xie prepared to offer sacrifice to Heaven in the Southern Suburbs.

• Lü Bu doted on his granddaughter Liu Ying, while Yan Shi urged Lü Lingqi to give birth to an imperial prince for the Lü Family’s future.
• Liu Xie fed Zhen Mi her bitter medicine, and she reassured him that her health had improved.
• Liu Xie told Zhen Mi that he had spared the Zhen Clan from further punishment, sent its members home, and confiscated most of its assets.
• Liu Xie ordered Zhen Mi to remain in Ye City until after the birth because her illness and pregnancy made the journey to Chang’an unsafe.
• When the relocation day arrived, Liu Xie dressed for the ceremony, and Kong Rong announced that everything was ready for the sacrifice to Heaven.

Liu Xie conducted the ceremony moving Great Han’s capital from Ye City back to Chang’an, while Cao Cao learned of the relocation and considered its consequences. The chapter left Cao Cao focused on seizing Yi Province before the Imperial Court could turn its attention elsewhere.

• Kong Rong wept with relief at Great Han’s revival, and Liu Xie urged him to live and witness the dynasty’s unfinished work.
• Liu Xie led his officials and armies through cheering crowds to the Altar of Heaven, where he prayed for Great Han and declared the return to Chang’an.
• The capital relocation officially began, and the Imperial Court spread news of the ceremony throughout the realm.
• Cao Cao heard Xun You report the relocation and recognized that Chang’an would increase the Imperial Court’s prestige and put pressure on him.
• Xun You urged Cao Cao to take Yi Province while Liu Xie was occupied with moving the capital.

Xun Yu wrestled with doubts about which Son of Heaven was genuine, while Emperor Xian of Han learned that the rival court had returned to Chang'an and was shaken by its achievements. Liu Xie arrived in Chang'an, where he welcomed Zhang He and defended his appointment as Marquis of Champion.

• Cao Cao urged Xun Yu to determine Liu Bei's strength, and Xun Yu privately admitted to Xun You that he could no longer tell whether the Son of Heaven in Ye City was genuine.
• Liu Zhang told Emperor Xian of Han that the rival emperor had defeated Ma Chao and moved the capital back to Chang'an, leaving Emperor Xian disheartened and ending their banquet.
• After a month of travel, Liu Xie arrived in Chang'an and was welcomed by Zhang He, Pang De, and the army.
• Zhang He asked Liu Xie to withdraw his title of Marquis of Champion, but Liu Xie defended the honor by citing Zhang He's victories, rescue of commoners, and long service.

Liu Xie returned to Chang'an, entered the restored palace, and held a banquet to celebrate the capital's return. He left the officials wondering at the empty seats before welcoming a group of wounded and disabled soldiers with exceptional honor.

• Liu Xie rewarded Zhang He with the title Marquis of Champion and led his officials and soldiers into Chang'an.
• Chang'an's residents welcomed Liu Xie, who then explored the palace as Zhang He introduced its halls and buildings.
• Liu Xie hosted a banquet in Yongshou Hall and explained that the unoccupied seats were reserved for special guests.
• Gao Lan summoned wounded and disabled officers and soldiers into the hall, surprising the officials and earning the generals' respect.
• Liu Xie personally helped a lame elderly veteran rise, leaving the veteran overwhelmed by the emperor's kindness.

At the capital relocation banquet, Liu Xie honored wounded veterans by recalling their names and deeds, moving the court and soldiers with his recognition. After the drunken emperor was taken to the Bedchamber, Empress Fu reflected on the difference between the false and real Son of Heaven and left him in the palace maids’ care, puzzling Guo Nüwang.

• Liu Xie named the veterans and recounted their battlefield achievements, then thanked them on behalf of the Imperial Court.
• Ma Youyin and the other veterans knelt and vowed they would die without regret for Great Han and Liu Xie.
• Liu Xie declared the relocation feast begun, shared in the celebration, and warned Empress Fu to maintain her decorum.
• Liu Xie drank heavily at the banquet, and Empress Fu brought him back to the Bedchamber.
• Empress Fu helped the sleeping Liu Xie out of his ceremonial clothes, wondered whether he seemed more like the true emperor, and left him with the palace maids.
• Guo Nüwang watched Empress Fu leave and wondered why the empress had not stayed to attend Liu Xie.

After Liu Xie drunkenly slept with his attendant palace maid, Guo Nüwang, he discovered her identity the next morning and granted her the title of Beauty Guo. Guo Nüwang returned to her quarters feeling hurt, where other palace maids noticed her.

• Guo Nüwang ordered hot water and Sobering Soup, then tried to care for the drunken Liu Xie.
• Liu Xie mistook Guo Nüwang for a consort, confessed that he could not make her Empress, and pulled her onto the bed; the other palace maids left.
• Liu Xie woke beside the naked Guo Nüwang, helped her up, and learned what had happened after he blacked out.
• Liu Xie learned his attendant was named Guo Nüwang and ordered an edict naming her Beauty Guo and granting her residence in Yunguang Hall.
• Guo Nüwang returned to her shared quarters feeling wronged, as the other palace maids watched her.

Liu Xie granted Guo Nüwang the title of Beauty and moved her to Yunguang Hall, while she forgave the palace maids who had mocked her. At the Xuan Room, officials discussed an urgent report that Cao Cao was preparing to invade Yi Province, and Liu Bei had requested reinforcements.

• Chief Eunuch Wu delivered Liu Xie's decree naming Guo Nüwang Beauty Guo and ordering her to live at Yunguang Hall.
• Guo Nüwang forgave the palace maids who had mocked her and followed Chief Eunuch Wu to her new residence.
• Liu Xie joined Guo Jia, Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu, and the other officials in the Xuan Room to handle state affairs.
• Jia Xu reported that Cao Cao had assembled a large army on the border and that Liu Bei had requested imperial reinforcements for Yi Province.
• Liu Xie questioned how quickly Cao Cao had absorbed Jing Province's forces.

Liu Xie agreed to recruit Zhou Yu to train a navy for the coming campaign against Cao Cao, and Lu Su went to the Imperial Prison to bring him before the court. Lu Su found Zhou Yu weakened by imprisonment and had not yet told him about the offer when Zhou Yu asked if his time to die had come.

• Liu Xie and his ministers agreed to prepare a southern campaign against Cao Cao and discussed reinforcing Yi Province.
• Lu Su proposed developing a navy and recommended Zhou Yu, saying he was the best person to train it.
• Lu Su and Zhuge Liang urged Liu Xie to let Zhou Yu redeem himself through service, and Liu Xie ordered Gao Lan to bring Zhou Yu to the hall.
• Lu Su accompanied Gao Lan into the Imperial Prison and entered Zhou Yu’s cell to speak with him privately.
• Zhou Yu, gaunt and exhausted from imprisonment, asked Lu Su whether he had come to tell him his time to die had arrived.

Lu Su persuaded Zhou Yu to leave prison and train a navy for Liu Xie, but Zhou Yu initially refused because he felt guilty over Jiangdong’s downfall. After Sun Quan freed him from that guilt and urged him to kill Cao Cao, Zhou Yu accepted Liu Xie’s appointment and began preparing to build a fleet within three months.

• Lu Su told Zhou Yu that Liu Xie wanted him to train a navy and campaign against Cao Cao, but Zhou Yu refused because he felt responsible for the Sun family’s fate.
• Sun Quan told Zhou Yu he owed the Sun family nothing and urged him to kill Cao Cao, giving Zhou Yu a reason to keep living and fight.
• Zhou Yu accepted Sun Quan’s command, and Lu Su led him out of the Imperial Prison to seek an audience with Liu Xie.
• Liu Xie appointed Zhou Yu General Who Crosses the Seas and ordered him to train a navy within three months, promising warships from the Foundry Bureau.
• Zhou Yu accepted the deadline and vowed to defeat Cao Cao, while Lu Su later thanked Zhuge Liang for speaking up on Zhou Yu’s behalf.