The next chapter will record the Emperor's reply。
Main Next to Chapter 80 》》
Romance of Three Kingdoms … by Luo Guanzhong … Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Cao Pi Deposes The Emperor； Taking Away The Fortunes of Hans；
Liu Bei Assumes The Throne； Continuing The Heritage。
＇e＇ King Tang was the founder of Shang Dynasty （BC 1700…1050）。 。。。。。
＇e＇ King Yao； King Shun； and King Yu （BC 2400…2200） were the three ideal rulers in ancient China。 They ascended the throne by their virtues and merits； and not by heritage。 King Yu was also the founder of the Xia Dynasty。 。。。。。
Hua Xin was the spokesman of the deputation of officers that went into the Forbidden City； and he spoke thus： 〃Since the inauguration of the Prince of Wei； virtue has spread to the four corners of the empire and humanity has permeated all the earth to a degree unexcelled in all the ages； even in the days of the ancient rulers； King Tang* and King Yu*。 We； your servants； have taken account of these things and have reached the conclusion that the fortunes of Han is worn out； wherefore we trust Your Majesty； in imitation of the great prototypes King Yao* and King Shun*； will yield the mountains； the rivers； and the peoples to a more able guardian and high priest of the sacrifices in the person of the Prince of Wei； thereby pleasing Heaven and satisfying the hearts of humans； and enabling Your Majesty to enjoy the happiness of freedom and repose from the exacting duties of the chief ruler。 The happiness of your ancestors and of humanity at large would thereby be enhanced。 Having thoroughly debated this matter； we have e to lay it before you。〃
The Emperor listened in amazement； and for a time could not reply。
Then； looking at the assembly； he said sadly；