Chapter 108: Zhen Clan, Do You Want the Crown Prince or Not?

“It’s all about lineage and birthright.”

After hearing Guo Jia’s explanation, Liu Xie couldn’t help but lament internally. The saying that one’s life is largely determined by their amniotic fluid environment indeed held true.

In the Eastern Han, lineage was paramount.

With a prestigious background, even if you were a fool, people would still follow you.

Conversely, humble origins meant you’d be overlooked wherever you went.

Take Lu Bu as an example; no matter how skilled, brave, or accomplished he was on the battlefield, others viewed him merely as a brutish warrior unfit for higher society.

His unsuccessful attempts to align with both Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu serve as vivid illustrations of this reality. Indeed, one’s birth truly dictated everything.

Of course, his murder of his adoptive father, Ding Yuan, also played a significant role in tarnishing his reputation. Killing Dong Zhuo was acceptable, as traitors deserved punishment, and few would object. However, murdering his adoptive father Ding Yuan over a Red Hare horse drew widespread criticism, deemed utterly despicable behavior.

Had it not been for this act, with his status as Ding Yuan’s adopted son, Lu Bu’s origins wouldn’t have been considered lowly. He could have leveraged Ding Yuan’s connections and reputation to gain support from influential families.

“However, Your Majesty,”

Noticing Liu Xie’s slightly disheartened expression, Guo Jia offered some reassurance: “While it may be challenging for Lu Bu to reach parity with Yuan Shao, with Liu Bei’s assistance, managing both Xuzhou and Yangzhou should not pose significant issues.”

“Once we undertake our grand endeavor, they could provide valuable support, essentially adding another trump card and potential avenue of retreat.”

Before confronting Yuan Shao directly, accumulating strength was paramount.

Liu Xie felt somewhat better upon hearing this.

After all, who can predict the future? He simply hoped that Lu Bu would continue delivering pleasant surprises, perhaps even taking out both Yuan brothers, making his efforts to win him over worthwhile.

“There is one more matter concerning the Zhen Clan.”

Recently, Guo Jia had become increasingly busy, making their meetings rare. Seizing this opportunity, Liu Xie decided to discuss various accumulated concerns with Guo Jia, including the strategy he devised earlier to secure the Zhen Clan without offering tangible rewards.

“I intend to promise the positions of Empress and Crown Prince to the Zhen Clan as incentives to gain their allegiance. What are your thoughts, Fengxiao?” Liu Xie asked.

The offer of the Crown Prince position served as his most potent bargaining tool currently at hand. Previously, when attempting to sway Lu Bu, its impact proved extraordinary.

After all, promising the chance for their descendants to become Crown Prince and eventually inherit the throne was irresistible. Success could catapult their entire family to unprecedented heights, making it an immense temptation.

Previously, Liu Xie had assured Lu Bu that his daughter would be Queen and her offspring the Crown Prince, but ultimately, it was just empty rhetoric - a tactic to win hearts. As a mere puppet emperor, titles like Queen and Crown Prince held no substance yet. Thus, there was no harm in extending a similar offer to the Zhen Clan.

His immediate concern was how to garner more support and influence, accumulating strength to break free from Yuan Shao’s control. Deciding on the future Crown Prince could wait until after he had vanquished various warlords.

“An excellent strategy!” Guo Jia’s eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this, showing strong approval. He meticulously analyzed the situation for Liu Xie, “Since the passing of the current patriarch, Zhen Yi, the Zhen Clan has struggled to maintain prominence, with few serving within the court.”

“Despite their immense wealth, such affluence attracts attention and envy. If Your Majesty offers the position of Crown Prince, the Zhen Clan will find it hard to refuse.”

“Most importantly, at that time, we can leverage the Zhen Clan’s financial resources to assist Lu Bu. They can fund his recruitment efforts, bolstering his military might! It would truly be akin to arming a tiger with wings!”

Using the positions of Crown Prince and Empress as bargaining chips to win over the Zhen Clan was an idea Guo Jia had considered earlier.

He hadn’t brought it up before because Liu Xie already had an Empress, albeit residing in Xu County. As a loyal subject, he couldn’t suggest that the Emperor use such titles casually to sway hearts.

However, now that Liu Xie himself realized this strategy and used it to entice Lu Bu, with plans to further win over the Zhen Clan, Guo Jia felt quite pleased.

To achieve one’s goals by utilizing all available resources without hesitation is the mindset of a true emperor!

Our Majesty has truly matured!

With these thoughts, Guo Jia’s smile grew wider, but he still cautioned, “However, Your Majesty must ensure utmost secrecy. It’s crucial not to let word slip to Lu Bu or allow the Zhen Clan to learn about Your Majesty’s promise to him.”

One can certainly draw multiple pies, but caution is needed to avoid overplaying the game. If both Lu Bu and the Zhen Clan discovered Liu Xie’s double-dealing, it would lead to significant complications.

“I understand, Fengxiao. Rest assured,” replied Liu Xie confidently.

Liu Xie was well aware of the risks involved; he merely sought confirmation from Guo Jia that this approach was feasible. He knew exactly how to execute it effectively.

By now, Liu Xie had become exceptionally skilled at dishing out empty promises!

After reminding Liu Xie of a few more details, Guo Jia rose and said, “Then, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave.”

Liu Xie, puzzled, asked, “Fengxiao, you’ve barely been here for an hour. Why such haste to depart? Is there an urgent matter?”

Guo Jia nodded and replied, “Jia Wenhe has invited me as his guest to his residence. It’s getting late, so I should head over now.”

“Jia Xu invited you as a guest?” Liu Xie was greatly surprised; were Jia Xu and Guo Jia already that close? If so, perhaps his efforts to win over Jia Xu were progressing well.

Guo Jia explained, “The invitation arrived yesterday. This is the first time he has proactively invited me since our initial meeting under Yuan Shang’s pretense to gauge him. In my opinion, this likely involves Lu Bu. Jia Wenhe probably intends to respond to my attempts at courting him, though it remains unclear whether he plans to accept or decline.”

Previously, Jia Xu never responded to Guo Jia’s overtures. However, after Lu Bu arrived in Yecheng and paid respects to the Emperor, Jia Xu suddenly extended an invitation for a visit.

It was evident that this invitation held deeper significance.

Guo Jia harbored a faint suspicion that Lu Bu’s arrival had likely prompted the indecisive Jia Xu to finally make up his mind.

“Indeed? Fengxiao, it all rests on your shoulders now,” Liu Xie responded with great anticipation to Guo Jia.

Faced with the Emperor’s trust, Guo Jia felt the weight of immense responsibility settling upon his shoulders. He bowed deeply and pledged, “Rest assured, Your Majesty. I shall exert my utmost effort!”

Even if it meant using Jia Xu’s family as leverage, he was determined to win him over for the Emperor’s cause! With the resolve to succeed or resort to threats against Jia Xu’s kin, Guo Jia confidently strode out of the imperial quarters.

As Liu Xie watched Guo Jia depart, a surge of motivation welled within him, silently vowing, “We must not slack off any longer!”

If even his subject displayed such diligence, what excuse did he, the Emperor, have to be idle? This decision would shape his future!

Liu Xie promptly headed towards Zhen Mi’s Qingli Palace; it was time to procreate!

Without heirs, no grand vision could bear fruit.

However, upon entering Qingli Palace and approaching Zhen Mi’s sleeping quarters, Liu Xie heard sobbing from inside. Instantly recognizing it as Zhen Mi’s voice, he became concerned.

“What’s happening?”

Liu Xie felt a chill and waved over one of the palace maids standing outside the room, asking, “Why is the noble consort crying?”

Worry etched on her face, the maid replied, “Your Majesty, news arrived yesterday from the noble consort’s family, stating that her second brother passed away ten days ago.

“Since receiving this message, the noble consort has refused to eat or drink, intermittently weeping. We have been unable to console her.”

Shocked by this revelation, Liu Xie looked towards the tightly closed door.

“No wonder she’s crying so sorrowfully; it was due to her brother’s death… I had no idea.” Liu Xie realized he may have neglected Zhen Mi somewhat.

Although he didn’t harbor deep feelings for her, not being aware of such a significant loss in her family while trying to offer empty promises made him feel truly despicable.

His cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment.

However, now that he knew, he needed to take action. Suppressing his shame, Liu Xie pushed open the door to the sleeping quarters and entered.