Envoys from Zhao City set out in every direction.
Across All Under Heaven, the feudal lords great and small, including their vassals, numbered no fewer than twenty.
The first to receive Zhao City's letters were naturally Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Cao Cao of Yanzhou, Zhang Yan of Qingzhou, and Guan Hai of Henei.
After Liu Bei withdrew to defend Xuzhou, Zhang Yan had temporarily sought refuge with Yuan Shao, while Guan Hai wavered between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. Both were independent vassals.
But as Cao Cao gained control of Emperor Liu Xie, Guan Hai gradually leaned toward him. As a former member of the Taiping Army, Guan Hai feared most that someone would make an issue of his former identity, so he attached considerable importance to his current Han office and noble title.
Yuan Shao, who had just hurried back from the northern battlefield, happened to receive Zhao City's letter.
Its contents were simple: "The Sage King has issued a decree. On the thirteenth day of the ninth month, you are invited to Zhao City to discuss the great affairs of All Xia."
After only a moment's thought, he immediately said, "Begin preparing gifts now. I will go to Zhao City in person. Also, bring Mi'er along to broaden her horizons.
"As for Jizhou's affairs, Gongyu and You Ruo shall decide them together."
Go in person?
The civil and military officials of Hebei all wanted to step forward and dissuade him, but Yuan Shao stopped them outright. "This is a decree from the Sage King. Nothing like it has happened in the three hundred years since the destruction of the King of Qin Dynasty. What a momentous occasion this is!
"You are all men of intelligence and strategy. How can you fail to see the Luo Clan's resolve?
"Besides,