Chapter Sixty-One: The Imperial Jade Seal Disappears Without a Trace

Late one night, a sudden fire broke out in the palace. The raging flames swept through the entire imperial residence, rousing everyone from their sleep and sending them rushing to extinguish the blaze. After a chaotic struggle, the fire was largely subdued, with only a few places still smoldering.

No one could say for certain whether the fire was a mere accident or the result of someone’s malicious intent; all traces vanished in the river of time. Fortunately, the fire was discovered early, so the losses within the palace were not too severe. Yet, as the attendants took inventory, they found to their horror that the most precious artifact of the realm—the Imperial Jade Seal—was missing. Panic spread among the servants, who immediately dispatched someone to inform the young emperor. The emperor, having just risen and about to sit down for breakfast, was stunned by the news. He leapt from his seat, forgot all about his meal, and ordered everyone in the palace to search for the seal, even if it meant digging up every inch of ground. The loss of the Imperial Jade Seal sent shockwaves through every stratum of the court: from the Empress Dowager and emperor to the civil and military officials, all searched frantically. Every palace, every room, every corner, every tile and brick was turned over. Everyone in the palace was subject to a search, regardless of rank—even the dead were not spared. If the Imperial Jade Seal were truly gone, it would be catastrophic.

The Imperial Jade Seal, often called the Imperial Seal, was commissioned by the First Emperor of Qin, carved by Chancellor Li Si from the finest jade of Lantian. It was the symbol of legitimate rule for successive emperors of China. In the nineteenth year of King Zheng of Qin (228 BC), after Qin conquered Zhao and acquired the Heshi Jade, the First Emperor ordered Li Si to engrave the seal in small-seal script, inscribing on its face the eight characters: "Heaven grants the mandate, may it last forever." The seal was carved by the jade artisan Sun Shou. This artifact became the emblem of imperial legitimacy throughout Chinese history.

The seal itself was four inches square, with five dragons entwined on its knob. On its face was Li Si’s inscription: "Heaven grants the mandate, may it last forever," signifying that imperial authority was bestowed by heaven and thus lawful and legitimate. After Qin, all dynasties revered possession of the seal as a sign of heavenly favor; losing it was seen as a sign that their mandate had ended. Any emperor who ascended without the seal was mocked as a “whiteboard emperor,” lacking the aura of legitimacy and subject to contempt.

Throughout history, rulers proclaimed that obtaining the Imperial Seal was a sign of heaven's favor and auspicious fortune. Thus, it became a coveted prize for those seeking the throne.

When brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu learned that the Imperial Jade Seal had vanished without a trace, they became exceedingly proactive, mobilizing all their noble clansmen and sending their retainers everywhere to search for it. Not a clue could be overlooked, for whoever possessed the seal would be recognized as heaven’s chosen, the rightful emperor, and none would dare dispute it. Now, with the Han dynasty in decline, if either brother could obtain the seal, he could justly replace the dynasty.

All palace guards and soldiers were assembled; Cao Cao himself, sword in hand, conducted searches personally. Of course, Cao Cao had his own ambitions—if someone had hidden the seal, he could secretly claim it for himself. Everything revolved around the quest for the Imperial Jade Seal.

Meanwhile, Li Ru rushed into Dong Zhuo’s chambers. “Now that the Imperial Jade Seal is lost, it shows the Han's mandate has expired. Recently, there’s been a children’s rhyme in the streets: ‘A Han in the west, a Han in the east. When the deer enters Chang’an, all troubles cease.’ I believe the ‘Han in the west’ refers to the founder, whose reign flourished in the western capital of Chang’an, lasting through twelve emperors; ‘Han in the east’ refers to Guangwu, whose rule thrived in the eastern capital of Luoyang, also spanning twelve emperors. The cycles of heaven are complete. Prime Minister, why not lead the army to Luoyang, move the emperor to Chang’an, and fulfill the rhyme? Then there will be nothing to fear. If we truly find the Imperial Jade Seal and seize the throne, why not take it?”

Dong Zhuo was delighted. “If not for your words, I would never have thought of it. You, ‘Wen You,’ truly have foresight!” He immediately summoned Lü Bu, and together they hurried to Luoyang to discuss relocating the capital. Gathering the civil and military officials in the hall, Dong Zhuo declared, “The eastern capital Luoyang has stood for over two hundred years, but its vigor has faded. I see that Chang’an holds the auspicious energy. I wish to escort the emperor west, moving the capital to Chang’an. What say you?” His fierce glare swept the assembly, his face twisted with anger.

Minister Yang Biao stepped forward. “The Guanzhong region is devastated and desolate. To abandon our ancestral temples and imperial tombs without cause will surely alarm the people. The realm is easily disturbed but difficult to pacify. I beg the Prime Minister to reconsider.”

Dong Zhuo flew into a rage. “You dare obstruct the affairs of the state? Can you bear such a charge?”

Grand Commandant Huang Wan stepped forward and continued, “Minister Yang speaks truly. When Wang Mang usurped the throne, and again during the chaos of Gengshi and the Red Eyebrows, Chang’an was burned to ruins, reduced to rubble. The people were scattered, barely one or two in a hundred remained. To abandon our palace for wasteland is unwise. Moreover, Luoyang is the capital of our dynasty, the ancient seat of our nation. How can we so easily let it be destroyed? How can we face our ancestors?”

Dong Zhuo, his face darkening, retorted, “The eastern rebels are rising; the realm is in turmoil. Chang’an has the natural defenses of the mountains; it is closer to Longxi. Timber, stone, bricks and tiles can be gathered quickly. Palaces can be built within a month. Why not move the capital to Chang’an?” He was clearly displeased, ready to teach the ministers a lesson.

Ignoring Dong Zhuo’s expression, Minister Xun Shuang further advised, “If the Prime Minister wishes to move the capital, the people will surely be unsettled.” Dong Zhuo’s fury erupted. “I act for the good of the realm! How can I let the people hinder me!” That very day, he demoted Yang Biao, Huang Wan, and Xun Shuang to commoners, then strode from the hall without a backward glance.

Moments later, Dong Zhuo mounted his carriage and saw two men bowing before it: the Court Secretaries Zhou Bi and Li Ru, his trusted aides. Though Li Ru had proposed relocating the capital, he knew it would not be so easy. “Now the treasury is depleted, and I have no solution. However, Luoyang is full of wealthy households. If we confiscate their riches for the palace, what does the Prime Minister think?”

Dong Zhuo wasted no words. He immediately deployed five thousand cavalry to arrest the wealthy families of Luoyang—several thousand in all—placing banners over their homes inscribed “traitors and rebels,” and executed them outside the city, seizing their gold and treasures. Li Jue and Guo Si drove the entire population of Luoyang, numbering in the millions, toward Chang’an. For every group of citizens, a group of soldiers followed, driving them forward; countless died along the way, and the cries of grief shook the heavens. Anyone who lagged was driven on by three thousand troops, soldiers brandishing white blades, slaying any who blocked their path.

Before leaving, Dong Zhuo ordered the gates set ablaze, burning the homes and temples, and setting fire to the palace. The north and south palaces were engulfed in flames; the halls of Chang Le were reduced to scorched earth. He also ordered Lü Bu to exhume the tombs of the late emperors and empresses to seize their treasures.

Taking advantage of the chaos, soldiers pillaged the tombs of officials and citizens alike. Dong Zhuo loaded thousands of carts with gold, gems, silk, and valuables, abducted the emperor and empresses, and set out for Chang’an, instructing Lü Bu to search carefully for anything left behind.

As the saying goes, the imperial palace is my home, and wealth depends on everyone...