Liu Shan Revives the Han Dynasty, First Acknowledging Cao Cao as His Adoptive Father

In the first year of Jian'an, Liu Shan, the carefree Prince of Anle, transmigrated into Emperor Xian of Han. He had just escaped from Li Jue and Guo Si and was living in Luoyang, eating wild greens.

“Prime Minister! Prime Minister, where are you? A Dou is starving to death!”

“Your Majesty, Cao Cao has grain. Shall we have him come to the capital and defend the throne?”

I’m so hungry. Let that traitor Cao come to the capital.

Cao Cao: “Hold fast to worthy ministers and keep petty men at a distance. This was how the Former Han prospered!”

Liu Xie: “What do you mean, traitor Cao? He’s clearly the Prime Minister! Prime Minister!”

They hit it off at once and moved the capital to Xu County!

“Give my decree: send troops to attack Nanyang at once. I shall personally visit Zhuge’s thatched cottage!”

Cao Cao: “This humble minister will go to Nanyang and attack Zhang Xiu!”

Liu Xie: “When you reach Wancheng, send Zou Shi to see me!”

Cao Cao: “Why?”

Liu Xie: “Don’t ask. I’ll give you two palace maids as a reward. Take them along to whet your appetite.”

…

Two years later, on his way to Nanyang, Liu Xie drew Jia Xu’s attention, and the two set off together on three visits to the thatched cottage.

“From the Son of Heaven of Han: I invite Wolong to enter public service!”

Jia Xu: “He refuses to see us? Burn down Zhuge’s thatched cottage!”

Zhuge Liang, reborn: “I’m exhausted. I’m not entering public service this time!”

Liu Xie: “Prime Minister! Have you abandoned A Dou?”

Zhuge Liang: “A Dou? Don’t cry, A Dou. I’d give my life for you!”

Zhuge Liang: “The Longzhong Plan! Take in Liu Biao’s forces, use Cao Cao as our foundation, defeat Yuan Shao, seize Yi Province, pacify the tribes, and crush Eastern Wu!”

…

Several years later, Cao Cao on the left, Zhuge Liang on the right!

Cao Cao: “Your Majesty is truly a divine being!”

Zhuge Liang: “Your Majesty did not consider me unworthy, but stooped to visit me three times in my thatched cottage.”

Xun Yu: “After four hundred years, the Han Dynasty has finally seen the dawn!”

Jia Xu: “Since we parted in Chang'an, Your Majesty has changed so much?”

Cao Zhi: “I swear to serve Your Majesty to the death!”

Liu Bei: “I’ve spent my whole life fighting. It’s time I started enjoying myself.”

Sun Quan: “I beg to surrender.”

Sima Yi: “I’m innocent!”