Chapter 101: No Fake Emperor Here, We Are the True Sovereign!

Yecheng, Imperial Palace.

Upon receiving news of Lu Bu’s arrival in Yecheng, Liu Xie was in the midst of changing his attire.

Having been briefed by Yuan Shao, he understood that today’s meeting with Lu Bu must proceed without any slip-ups. To ensure this, Ju Shou had specifically entered the palace to instruct and advise Liu Xie extensively.

Liu Xie asked, “Has he arrived at the palace already?”

The eunuch replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. Marquis of Wen and the Great General have reached the palace gates, awaiting Your Majesty’s audience.”

Liu Xie nodded absentmindedly, feeling both eager and apprehensive about Lu Bu’s visit. His anticipation stemmed from the opportunity to meet the fiercest warrior of the Three Kingdoms era; if he could somehow win Lu Bu’s allegiance, it would significantly improve his current predicament.

However, his anxiety arose from the fear of exposing himself, worried that Lu Bu might uncover his true identity.

With the assistance of palace maids, Liu Xie meticulously donned the cumbersome imperial robes and crown. Following the eunuchs, he proceeded towards the Main Hall.

Seated on the Dragon Throne, Liu Xie took a deep breath, fully immersing himself in his role as Emperor.

Below, a eunuch with a shrill voice announced, “Introducing Great General Yuan Shao and General Who Displays Might Lu Bu - let them enter!”

The proclamation echoed through the layers of the palace.

Soon after, Yuan Shao and Lu Bu entered the Great Hall, each accompanied by their entourages.

“Hail to Your Majesty!” Upon entering, everyone immediately bowed to Liu Xie.

The sight was profoundly awe-inspiring. Sitting on the Dragon Throne, Liu Xie felt an overwhelming sense of power, as if the world lay at his fingertips.

Composing himself slightly, Liu Xie shifted his gaze towards the tall and imposing figure within the hall.

“Lu Bu!” Although he had never met Lu Bu before, it didn’t hinder him from instantly recognizing the general amidst the crowd. With his robust physique, striking appearance, and intimidating aura, Lu Bu seemed to exude the message, ‘I am invincible!’ written all over his face!

After a quick glance, Liu Xie raised his hand gracefully and smiled, “My lords, rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty—”

As they stood up, the officials automatically lined up on both sides according to their ranks.

Lu Bu gazed at the Emperor seated on the Dragon Throne and immediately recognized him as the same ruler from years past, not an imposter sent by Yuan Shao. Although the Emperor had grown older, unmistakable traces of his younger self remained.

Liu Xie, having prepared himself emotionally, met Lu Bu’s eyes, his expression subtly shifting as if reminiscing about their shared history. With a poignant tone, he said, “Marquis of Wen, it has been five long years since our parting in Chang’an. How have you fared?”

Their last meeting was during Dong Zhuo’s death, exactly five years ago when Liu Xie was merely eleven years old.

“Your Majesty…” A myriad of emotions stirred within Lu Bu.

Throughout the years, those he pledged allegiance to either sought to exploit or kill him, but none had genuinely asked after his well-being with such concern. In a momentary daze, Lu Bu recalled a time from his days in Chang’an.

That year, as he prepared to confront Li Jue and Guo Si outside the city, the young Emperor, fearing for his safety, looked upon him with the same warm regard as today.

Time had passed, transforming the once-child Emperor into a mature adult, yet his genuine care for Lu Bu remained unchanged.

Yet, here was someone who genuinely cared for him, just as before.

Lu Bu took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions. He knelt on one knee and solemnly said, “Your Majesty, I failed to protect you during our departure from Chang’an; please pass your judgment upon me!”

Years ago, after losing against Li Jue and Guo Si, Lu Bu had fled Chang’an with only a hundred mounted soldiers, leaving the Emperor behind. This omission weighed heavily on his conscience, stirring feelings of guilt even now.

Despite being so young, the Emperor had placed immense trust in him. Even when returning east to Luoyang, he had sought Lu Bu’s aid. However, at that time, Lu Bu’s forces were weak and supplies scarce. All he could send through a messenger was, “My army lacks provisions and cannot reach Your Majesty.”

Witnessing Lu Bu’s overwhelming shame, Liu Xie channeled his inner Oscar-winning actor. With a heavy sigh and somber expression, he began, “Why dwell on past events, Marquis of Wen? Without your efforts back then, it is uncertain whether we would have survived. How could we possibly hold any grudge against you?”

The fall of Chang’an was not solely Lu Bu’s fault. Had there been no traitors within the city, he likely could have held it.

Of course, Liu Xie didn’t care whether Lu Bu was at fault or not; after all, he wasn’t the Emperor who had suffered during Chang’an’s fall.

His sole focus was on delivering flattering words. Firstly, it met Yuan Shao’s expectations, and secondly, he wanted to test if he could uphold the Liu family tradition by winning Lu Bu’s loyalty.

“Your Majesty is most gracious; your forgiveness humbles me greatly!” Lu Bu bowed deeply, profoundly moved by the Emperor’s kindness. Tears welled up in his fierce eyes.

Witnessing this scene, Yuan Shao couldn’t help but stare in disbelief. “How can that imposter act so convincingly?”

“In just ten days, Ju Shou managed to deceive Lu Bu so effortlessly.”

Lu Bu had genuinely interacted with the real Emperor for a significant period, making him harder to fool than outsiders. However, after initial shock, Yuan Shao felt immensely pleased. The better Liu Xie’s acting, the more convincing his portrayal as the Emperor, the easier it would be to achieve their goal of deception.

“Your Majesty, today should be a day of celebration,” Yuan Shao interjected. “The Marquis of Wen has decisively defeated the traitor Yuan Shu. We ought to rejoice and honor the Marquis, rather than dwell on past sorrows.” As he spoke, Yuan Shao subtly signaled Liu Xie with his eyes, reminding him to get to the main topic.

Taking Yuan Shao’s cue, Liu Xie smiled and said, “The Great General is absolutely right. The Marquis of Wen, by challenging the usurper and false Emperor, conquered Shouchun and captured Yuan Shu alive—a feat comparable to executing Dong Zhuo!”

Lu Bu glared at Yuan Shao, somewhat discontent with being interrupted during his reunion with the Emperor. With a solemn expression, he declared, “Just as there can be only one sun in the sky, so too must there be but one ruler for the people. Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne was treasonous; every man has the duty to bring him to justice!”

“Answering Your Majesty’s decree to subdue Yuan Shu is merely my duty as a subject!”

His words were impassioned and morally resolute.

Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, Ju Shou, and others fell silent, taken aback.

Did this brute Lu Bu actually read the teachings of Mencius?

They found it hard to believe such sentiments could come from Lu Bu himself.

But you’re a thrice-renamed traitor!

Shouldn’t these words be reserved for someone else?

In contrast, Liu Xie felt invigorated and immensely pleased. No wonder everyone loves hearing compliments.

Feigning deep emotion, he wiped away tears with his small hands and exclaimed, “Marquis of Wen, you truly are a loyal pillar of our great Han Dynasty!”

Seeing how moved the Emperor was, Lu Bu seized the moment. “Your Majesty, I not only present the traitor Yuan Shu today, but also the Imperial Jade Seal, which he had stolen!”

As Lu Bu spoke, Liu Bei promptly stepped forward, presenting the wooden box he had been holding reverently.

“Your Majesty, here is the Imperial Jade Seal.”

“Bring it forth quickly,” Liu Xie commanded, visibly excited.

The legendary Imperial Jade Seal! No need for Yuan Shao’s instructions; his genuine enthusiasm would deliver the best performance. His heart raced and hands trembled—no coaching required.

Opening the box revealed a magnificent jade seal with one corner intricately repaired in gold, confirming its authenticity beyond doubt.

“Mandated by Heaven, may longevity endure…” Liu Xie’s heart blazed with fervor as he carefully held this sacred symbol of supreme power in Hua Xia, gently caressing and examining it.

Gripping the Imperial Jade Seal, tracing those eight seal script characters, Liu Xie felt as if the entire world lay within his grasp.

Before obtaining the Imperial Jade Seal, he had dismissed it merely as another piece of Yu Shi’s jade, doubting that a mere seal could command the nation.

But now, with the Imperial Jade Seal in hand, no longer was he seen as a false Emperor—he was the true Emperor!

Endowed by Heaven’s mandate, I am the Emperor, the ruler of all under heaven.