Under the new leadership of Li Jue and Guo Si who used to be Dong Zhuo’s generals, Emperor Han Xiandi was advised to return to the former capital of Loyang in order to avoid the marauding warlords and wayward generals. Throughout the arduous trek, living like beggars, they endured harassment and attacks from other opportunistic generals. Desperate and helpless when they arrived at a dilapidated Loyang, the Emperor sought protection from one man who could still be loyal to the throne – Cao Cao.
Having left the scene after being crushed by Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao had quietly developed his own territory and built a sizable army in Xuchang. Safe in Xuchang, Emperor Han Xiandi had his first good meal in many months. Those who harassed the emperor were swiftly eliminated. Would Cao Cao be a saviour of the ailing Han Dynasty? Or would he turn into the new Dong Zhuo?