Tan County, capital of Xuzhou
In the main hall, Tao Qian sat in the seat of honor. Below him were officials such as Zhao Yu, Wang Lang, Mi Zhu, and Cao Hong.
Music filled the hall, dancers swayed gracefully, and the atmosphere was lively.
Cao Hong raised his cup and laughed."Since your arrival in Xuzhou, you've appointed the worthy and defeated the Yellow Turbans in just a few months. Truly, you are a wise ruler. The people are fortunate to have you!"
Tao Qian stroked his beard and laughed heartily."Come—drink!"
They drank, but not everyone shared in the cheer.
Zhao Yu sighed, his expression troubled."My lord, driving the Yellow Turbans into Qingzhou and Yanzhou harms our neighbors. Is this truly appropriate?"
Tao Qian waved it off."They're fleeing, not fighting me. Should I stop them?"
Zhao Yu remained silent, his disappointment clear.
Seeing this, Tao Qian's face darkened. He was about to flare up when Wang Lang quickly intervened."My lord, Zhang Xin has authority over you. If he questions this, what shall we do?"
Tao Qian scoffed."Zhang Xin? Just a lucky youth who rose through connections. Barely out of his teens—what do I have to fear? If he dares question me, I'll ask him whether he's incapable of dealing with a few rebels!"
The tension thickened—
Just then, a minor official rushed in."My lord! An envoy from the Marquis of Xuanwei has arrived!"
The hall fell silent.
"Let him in," Tao Qian said after a pause.
"No need."
A voice rang out as Cui Yan strode into the hall, sword at his waist, imperial staff in hand. Officials followed behind him, unable to stop his entry.
He planted the staff firmly on the ground.
"Where is Tao Qian, Governor of Xuzhou?!"
Tao Qian stiffened. "I am here. Speak."
Cui Yan stepped forward, his voice cold and sharp.
"By order of the General Who Guards the East, I reprimand Tao Qian—
Your mother was virtuous, yet you govern like this? You care only for your own land while pushing disaster onto others!
Are the people of Xuzhou human, but those of Qingzhou and Yanzhou not?
If you cannot govern, then step aside! My lord will personally come to pacify Xuzhou, and you can go home and farm!
Hear this military order: from today onward, if even one Yellow Turban escapes from Xuzhou into another province—
I will execute you on the spot!"
The hall went deathly silent.
Even Cui Yan himself felt a surge of exhilaration after finishing.
Tao Qian sat frozen for a long moment—then exploded in rage.
"How dare that brat insult me like this!"
Cui Yan's expression hardened."Watch your words! You are a subordinate. To defy your superior is a capital offense under military law!"
Fueled by alcohol and fury, Tao Qian roared back with curses, hurling insults at Zhang Xin without restraint.
Cui Yan's hand tightened on his sword.
"If you continue, I will enforce the law here and now."
"Then do it!" Tao Qian shouted, baring his neck. "Come—cut it off! I dare you!"
Zhao Yu, Wang Lang, and the others rushed forward in alarm, trying to calm both sides.
Mi Zhu forced a smile."My lord has had too much to drink—please don't take offense…"
Servants moved to escort Tao Qian away, but he shoved them aside.
"I'm not drunk! Why don't you strike? I knew you wouldn't dare! Go ask that brat Zhang Xin if he dares!"
Those words snapped the last thread of restraint.
Cui Yan's eyes burned with fury.
Before leaving Qingzhou, Zhang Xin had given him clear instructions: if Tao Qian refuses to obey—kill him.
Now, Tao Qian himself was demanding it.
Steel flashed.
Cui Yan raised his sword—and struck toward Tao Qian's neck.