Late Han: The Great Han's Imperial Ancestor

Liu Chong, Prince of Chen of the Great Han, had just been thinking of becoming a useless prince.

But then the warlords of the late Han rose up like swarming bees. At the time, Gongsun clan held sway in Yan and Liao, Yuan Shao ruled Hebei like a tiger, Cao Cao dominated Henan, Yuan Shu held Jiujiang, Lu Bu controlled Xuzhou, and Li Jue, Guo Si, and others occupied Guanzhong.

The Han house was in decline, the court was powerless, and the emperor was in exile.

"So I... must restore the Han!"

"Your Highness, you are descended from Emperor Xiaoming. If you do not raise an army now, when will you?"

Imperial decree to the Three Excellencies: The seas are turbulent, and no loyal ministers remain to restore order. The nine provinces have fallen, and their governors each rule as they please. We therefore command the Prince of Chen, Grand Marshal, Great General Who Assists the Han, and Director of the Secretariat, Chong, to wipe out the rebels! Let those in charge carry this out!

Later generations would comment: "Had I encountered Han Guangwen, I would have served him facing north."