Chapter 103: Lu Bu: Yuan Shao's Treachery Demands Extermination of His Nine Clans!

Yuan Shu had planted spies within Yuan Shao’s ranks, so he knew that the Emperor Yuan Shao served had appeared out of nowhere.

However, there was no trace or clue to determine how or from where this Emperor had emerged!

Regardless, reality told him that the supposed “Fake Emperor” he had dismissed earlier was indeed genuine.

The identical features could not deceive anyone.

“Your Majesty, such traitors must be swiftly executed,” Lu Bu declared indignantly.

He already despised Yuan Shu, and now, his dissatisfaction with Yuan Shao was being channeled onto Yuan Shu as well. In his eyes, both brothers were damned rebels—one openly defying, while the other covertly manipulating the Emperor from behind the scenes.

Liu Xie, having little choice but to follow Lu Bu’s lead, asked, “Grand Preceptor Wen, what punishment do you suggest for Yuan Shu?”

Without hesitation, Lu Bu blurted out, “Conspiracy against the throne is an unforgivable crime. The penalty should extend to exterminating all nine clans as a warning to others!”

As he spoke, Lu Bu glanced at Yuan Shao and his advisors and generals, asking, “What say you, gentlemen?”

Instantly, silence fell over the entire Great Hall.

Everyone subconsciously avoided meeting Lu Bu’s gaze, stealing furtive glances at Yuan Shu before discreetly peeking at Yuan Shao. In unspoken agreement, they all chose to remain silent.

“That treacherous three-surnamed slave!” Yuan Shao gritted his teeth inwardly, cursing Lu Bu for stirring up trouble where it wasn’t needed!

Extermination of nine clans? Considering their close relationship as brothers, even the lightest punishment—execution of the entire family—would inevitably involve him alongside Yuan Shu.

Despite his seething anger, he couldn’t openly contradict Lu Bu. Rebellion had always been a capital offense warranting clan extermination across dynasties. If he were to dispute this now, it would be seen as disrespecting the Emperor and disregarding national law.

Once word spread through Lu Bu or Liu Bei, already tarnished by Yuan Shu’s rebellion, his reputation would be utterly destroyed. The common people would perceive both Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu as equally reprehensible.

The hall remained quiet, with no one daring to speak out. Even Tian Feng, known for his straightforwardness, hesitated to voice his opinion.

On the imperial throne, Liu Xie’s face showed no emotion, but internally, he was bursting with laughter.

Was this what they meant by the Buffoon-Subduing Silver Coin effect?

Even someone with discernment, like Liu Bei who harbored deep resentment towards Yuan Shao, wouldn’t dare utter such words in this setting.

It was clear that implicating Yuan Shao would not be justified; speaking out now could only incur fatal consequences for him.

“Why is everyone silent? Do you believe traitors should not face the punishment of exterminating their entire family?” Lu Bu frowned, clearly dissatisfied as he muttered.

Liu Xie picked up on Yuan Shao’s repeated signals and knew it was time to intervene. Although his heart yearned to follow Lu Bu’s suggestion and wipe out both Yuan Shu’s and Yuan Shao’s families in one fell swoop, it was simply not feasible.

If anyone dared to support this idea, except perhaps Yuan Shao’s closest confidants, including Lu Bu himself, they would meet a gruesome end within the palace. As for Liu Xie, even if spared due to his perceived utility, his future treatment would undoubtedly worsen compared to now.

Carefully choosing his words, Liu Xie said, “Grand Preceptor Wen, the Yuan clan has been unwaveringly loyal to our Great Han throughout generations, achieving remarkable merits. We cannot condemn innocent individuals based solely on Yuan Shu’s transgressions.”

“The Great General has already stated that when Yuan Shu declared himself Emperor, he was disowned from the family lineage. He is no longer considered a member of the Yuan clan… Let us limit the punishment to his immediate family.”

To only punish the family for rebelling and claiming the throne was not merely leniency; it marked an unprecedented decision.

However, there was nothing they could do. Yuan Shao had instructed Ju Shou to convey this outcome, leaving him with no choice but to comply.

“Thank Your Majesty for your mercy.” Before Lu Bu could react, Yuan Shao hastily expressed gratitude. With deep remorse, he added, “The disgraceful actions of this unworthy son fall upon our Yuan clan’s shoulders. In the future, I shall strictly discipline all young members of our clan.”

Lu Bu seethed internally, reaffirming once again that the Emperor was merely Yuan Shao’s puppet—just like Emperor Shao under Dong Zhuo’s control years ago.

If not for the fact that Yecheng, inside and out, was filled with Yuan Shao’s men, even Lu Bu would have been unable to safely extract the Emperor. Otherwise, he might have resorted to wielding his double-bladed halberd to chop Yuan Shao into countless pieces.

Strictly discipline the entire clan?

With Yuan Shu’s death, you have become the greatest traitor to the Yuan clan!

“Then we shall execute only Yuan Shu and his family,” Liu Xie declared, ordering Yuan Shu to be dragged away as he moved on from the topic.

He then turned to Liu Bei and asked, “Imperial Uncle, entering the city alone and securing Zhang Xiu’s surrender and surrender of the city, what reward do you believe is fitting for such service?”

In the campaign against Yuan Shu, while Lu Bu’s contributions were undoubtedly the most significant, Liu Bei’s achievements were also remarkable.

Yuan Shao and his strategists unanimously agreed that failing to reward Liu Bei would lead people to perceive him as undermining capable ministers before the Emperor. After several days of deliberation, they decided on a substantial honor with a hidden agenda.

Yuan Shao promptly responded, having prepared this beforehand: “He should be bestowed the title of Marquis of Ting and appointed Governor of Jing Province.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Bei initially thought he had misheard.

Although Marquis of Ting was the lowest rank among marquis titles, it still conferred nobility, carrying considerable prestige.

However, the appointment as Governor of Jing Province raised eyebrows.

Not that Jing Province was undesirable; its strategic location has made it a contested battleground throughout history.

Jingzhou bordered the Yangtze River, and controlling it would allow one to navigate downstream and dominate the southern regions effortlessly. Additionally, the fertile plains around Jianghan and Dongting Lake were within its borders, making it a crucial grain-producing area. Holding Jingzhou provided both strategic offensive and defensive advantages.

However, the issue was… Jingzhou belonged to Liu Biao.

“Great General, Jingzhou is under Liu Biao’s governance. How can I be appointed as Governor?” Liu Bei expressed his discontent, fully aware of Yuan Shao’s intentions.

With the Han Dynasty weakened and regional lords carving out their territories, even Liu Biao, a member of the imperial clan, had turned a blind eye to Yuan Shu’s rebellion. Could Yuan Shao realistically expect Liu Biao to obediently relinquish control over Jingzhou with just a written decree?

Yuan Shao, undeterred by Liu Bei’s satisfaction or lack thereof, sternly replied, “Upon Yuan Shu declaring himself Emperor, His Majesty ordered Liu Biao to suppress the traitor, yet he refused to act. As a member of the imperial clan, disregarding the Emperor’s authority cannot go unpunished. Without discipline, how will His Majesty maintain respect and obedience?”

“Therefore, this subject believes that Liu Biao should be stripped of all his positions, and Liu Bei ought to replace him!”

Given Boss Yuan’s directive, what choice did Liu Xie have?

Liu Biao owed his luxurious lifestyle, beautiful wife, and numerous attendants to these very benefactors.

Yuan Shao glanced at Liu Bei, feeling profound sympathy for him.

Poor Imperial Uncle Liu.

Regardless of whether my butterfly effect was present or not, this situation remained tragically inevitable.

Yuan Shao valued Lu Bu and sought to win him over, hence he wasn’t hesitant to exceptionally grant him the title of Duke. However, when it came to Liu Bei, he deliberately targeted him with unfair treatment.

Assigning Liu Bei as Governor of Jing Province, currently held by Liu Biao, was akin to writing a worthless check! With Liu Bei’s current power, how could he possibly assume control of Jing Province? If he dared to try, Liu Biao would crush him without mercy!

“Your Majesty! How can this be acceptable?” Lu Bu understood that Yuan Shao was intentionally targeting Liu Bei, anger surging within him. He raised his voice, ready to vehemently defend his friend.

However, Liu Bei gently tugged on his sleeve and shook his head slightly.

Seeing Liu Bei’s timid demeanor, a hint of scorn flashed in Yuan Shao’s eyes—just another peddler of straw mats and sandals!

“Does Your Majesty find it appropriate to remove Liu Biao from all his duties and appoint Liu Bei as the new Governor of Jing Province?”

“Liu Biao stood idly by as Yuan Shu rebelled, betraying his status as kin to the Han Dynasty… We shall follow the Great General’s suggestion and appoint Liu Bei as Governor of Jing Province.” Liu Xie played his role as puppet ruler perfectly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Throughout Yuan Shao’s targeted humiliation, Liu Bei never displayed even a hint of anger—a stoic demeanor indeed! Liu Xie finally understood the phrase often used to describe him: “his emotions remained concealed beneath his countenance.”

Though merely six simple words, how few could truly achieve such composure? Faced with such unfair treatment without showing any reaction was something Liu Xie knew he couldn’t manage himself. It was clear why Liu Bei was considered a remarkable leader of his time.

After receiving their rewards, both Liu Bei and Lu Bu presented lists of achievements for their subordinate officers, seeking recognition for their contributions.

Following Yuan Shao’s guidance, Liu Xie bestowed titles and honors accordingly, requiring little more than a few spoken words from him. Apart from targeting Liu Bei, Yuan Shao was quite generous and liberal with his rewards towards others.

Even Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were granted prestigious military ranks—one became the General of Valor, while the other received the title of General Who Repels Enemies.

As for Zhang Liao and Gao Shun under Lu Bu’s command, they received even higher honors.

Zhang Liao was appointed as General Who Fights with Might, and Gao Shun became General Who Displays Prestige.

Naturally, Yuan Shao seized this opportunity to secure positions for his trusted generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou.

If only Liu Bei could be excluded from these proceedings, everyone would have been content.

With those deserving punishment executed and rewards distributed accordingly, Liu Xie departed first.

The remaining attendees followed suit, leaving the hall one by one.

As they exited, Yuan Shao wore a smile on his face and approached Lu Bu. “Grand Preceptor Wen, I am hosting a banquet today. Would you care to join me at my residence to celebrate your achievements?”

“No need. This general has important matters to attend to.” Lu Bu’s expression remained indifferent, exuding an unwelcoming aura.

Lü Fengxian, rather than starve, would never grace the treacherous Yuan Shao’s banquet with his presence. Moreover, he needed to find an opportunity later to privately enter the palace and meet with the emperor. How could he spare any attention for Yuan Shao?

“Xuande, let’s go.”

Disregarding Yuan Shao’s feelings entirely, Lu Bu pulled Liu Bei along and left without hesitation.

Watching their retreating backs, Yuan Shao’s smile gradually vanished, replaced by a grim countenance so dark it seemed to drip with anger.

“My lord…” Ju Shou attempted to address some serious matters but was coldly interrupted by Yuan Shao.

“Back to our estate!” With that, Yuan Shao strode away without another word.