In 184 CE, the Yellow Turban Rebellion erupted. Many provinces started recruiting soldiers to defend the cities. Liu Bei swears an oath with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and they become sworn brothers, rising to help suppress the rebellion.
After the rebellion, Emperor Ling dies. As He Jin plots to kill the Ten Attendants, the eunuchs strike first. Generals Yuan Shao and Cao Cao massacre the eunuchs in kind. However, Dong Zhuo seizes the new child Emperor Shao.
Dong Zhuo plans to depose Emperor Shao. He is opposed by Ding Yuan. Zhuo bribes Yuan's adopted son Lü Bu with the Red Hare. Bu kills Yuan, becoming Zhuo's adopted son. Zhuo poisons Emperor Shao, putting the 9yo Emperor Xian on the throne.