Chapter 2: Zhang Fei Thrashed the Government Officer; He Jin Plots To Kill The Eunuchs

Dong Zhuo, born in Lintao, was a proud and tyrannical governor. His ill-treatment of Liu Bei marked his downfall, had Liu Bei and Guan Yu not restrained the wrathful Zhang Fei.

Liu Bei urged, “He holds the government commission; we cannot simply judge him.” But Zhang Fei, furious, insisted, “I would rather slay him!” Liu Bei replied, “We are one in life and death; we will all leave together.” And so, the three brothers set off, joining Zhu Jun to attack Zhang Ba, a rebel leader.

In battle, Zhang Ba summoned powerful magic, darkening the skies and sending visions of soldiers to terrify Liu Bei’s army. But Zhu Jun devised a countermeasure: the blood of slaughtered animals, which, when poured from cliffs, broke the magic. Zhang Ba’s forces were defeated, and the rebel leader retreated to Yangcheng, where he was besieged by Zhu Jun’s army.

Meanwhile, Cao Cao had joined forces with Huangfu Song, and the rebels were being crushed. Zhang Ba was killed by his own officer, Yan Zheng, who surrendered. However, other rebels, Zhao Hong, Han Zhong, and Sun Zhong, rose again, forming a new army. The court ordered Zhu Jun to subdue them.

Zhu Jun marched on Wancheng, where Liu Bei and his brothers attacked the southwest corner. Han Zhong led a counterattack, but they were outflanked and routed. When the rebels attempted to surrender, Zhu Jun refused, believing it would encourage lawlessness. Liu Bei suggested otherwise, proposing to withdraw from one corner of the city to provoke a retreat. Zhu Jun agreed, and as the rebels fled, Han Zhong was killed, but Zhao Hong and Sun Zhong returned with reinforcements.

Sun Jian, a renowned general from Wu, then arrived with reinforcements. He swiftly attacked the city, capturing the east gate. Zhao Hong challenged him but was defeated, and the remaining rebels fled or were slaughtered. Wancheng fell, and peace was restored to the region.

Zhu Jun was promoted, and Liu Bei and Sun Jian were recognized. However, Liu Bei, despite his services, was not rewarded and grew despondent. He shared his frustrations with the court official Zhang Jun, who spoke to the Emperor about Liu Bei’s neglect. This led to Liu Bei’s appointment as magistrate of Anxi.

Upon arrival, Liu Bei’s leadership transformed the county, and the three brothers lived harmoniously. Yet, a visiting inspector, Du Biao, insulted Liu Bei, accusing him of falsehoods and corruption. Zhang Fei, enraged, confronted the inspector, thrashing him before Liu Bei intervened.

Despite the insult, Liu Bei chose mercy, warning the inspector to treat the people justly. When Du Biao complained to the governor, Liu Bei fled with his brothers to seek refuge with Liu Hu, leaving the imperial world behind.

The Ten Regular Attendants had gained control and executed anyone who opposed them, demanding presents from officers who helped suppress the rebels. Those who refused were removed from office. Imperial Commanders Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun lost their positions, while the eunuchs received high honors. Thirteen eunuchs, including Zhao Zhong, were ennobled, and Zhang Rang controlled most of the land around the capital. The government became increasingly corrupt, sparking widespread anger.

Rebellions broke out in Changsha and Yuyang. Despite many memorials, the Ten suppressed them all. During a feast, Court Counselor Liu Tao angrily confronted the Emperor, warning him of the empire’s collapse due to the eunuchs’ corruption. The eunuchs begged for mercy, offering their wealth to defray military costs. The Emperor, angered by Liu Tao’s words, had him executed.

The eunuchs sent a forged edict to Sun Jian, making him Governor of Changsha, where he quickly subdued the rebellion. Liu Yu, Imperial Protector of Youzhou, appointed Liu Bei to quell unrest in Yuyang. Liu Bei defeated the rebels, and Zhang Chun was killed by his own men. Liu Bei’s success earned him a pardon and promotion to Magistrate of Pingyuan.

In AD 189, Emperor Ling fell seriously ill and summoned He Jin, the powerful Regent Marshal. He Jin’s sister, Empress He, had a son, Liu Bian, whom the Emperor had adopted. Meanwhile, Empress He’s rival, Empress Dong, sought to make her own son, Liu Xian, the heir. The eunuchs, fearing Liu Bian’s succession, conspired to kill He Jin. But when He Jin was warned of the plot, he rallied ministers to destroy the eunuchs.

At the court, Yuan Shao proposed seizing the palace to support Liu Bian as Emperor. He Jin, with Yuan Shao’s leadership, entered the palace and placed Liu Bian on the throne. They arrested the eunuch Jian Shuo, but Zhang Rang and the remaining eunuchs rushed to Empress He for protection. Empress He convinced He Jin not to eliminate all the eunuchs, resulting in their temporary reprieve.

Meanwhile, He Jin’s power grew as Empress Dong was exiled, and her brother, Dong Chong, was forced to commit suicide. The eunuchs attempted to regain influence by bribing He Jin’s family. In a desperate move, He Jin plotted to kill them, but his sister, Empress He, intervened, advising against it. Despite her objections, He Jin moved forward with the plan.

However, He Jin hesitated, and the eunuchs took advantage of his indecision, securing protection from He Jin’s brother, He Miao. Empress He convinced He Jin to delay the massacre, fearing it would upset the dynasty. He Jin vacillated, and his decision was delayed until further pressure from Yuan Shao and his ministers to act decisively.

The plot to destroy the eunuchs eventually stalled due to He Jin’s indecision, while Cao Cao, ever calculating, saw the opportunity to strike with greater force.