Chapter 109: Manipulating Zhen Mi

As Liu Xie pushed open the door, he found Zhen Mi sitting before her dressing table, clutching a hairpin and weeping uncontrollably.

Her vibrant eyes were now swollen from tears, making her appear significantly more frail.

Yet, this only added to her delicate allure, stirring feelings of sympathy within Liu Xie’s heart.

Hearing the door creak, Zhen Mi did not turn around.

“Please leave, all of you. Let me be alone…”

Her voice was slightly hoarse, filled with sobs, indicating profound sorrow.

Liu Xie sighed softly, approached her, and gently placed his hand on Zhen Mi’s soft shoulder. “Must I leave as well?” he asked.

Zhen Mi’s body trembled, and instinctively, she turned to look up.

Before her tear-filled eyes appeared Liu Xie’s warm and handsome face.

“Your Majesty…” Caught off guard by Liu Xie’s presence, Zhen Mi hastily wiped away her tears, stood, and bowed respectfully. “This humble servant greets Your Majesty.”

“My beloved consort, there’s no need for such formalities.” Liu Xie gently helped Zhen Mi rise to her feet and, with a stern expression, asked, “The passing of your elder brother is a significant event. Why did you not inform us?”

“Moreover, considering your delicate health, locking yourself away without eating or drinking, crying all day - how could we bear if excessive grief harmed your well-being?”

Hearing Liu Xie’s words, seemingly scolding yet filled with genuine concern, Zhen Mi felt a lump in her throat, nearly bringing her to tears again.

“Yesterday, Your Majesty met with the generals returning from the campaign against Yuan Shu. I didn’t want personal matters to affect Your Majesty’s mood…”

“Nonsense!” Liu Xie interrupted before Zhen Mi could finish. “Your brother was a member of the imperial family; his passing demands our attention. By hiding this from us, do you consider us outsiders?”

“And more importantly, how can we be happy when you’re not? In Our heart, you are paramount!”

In his previous life, Liu Xie had been known as a friend and strategist in matters of love, amassing extensive theoretical knowledge on wooing women.

He understood that when a woman is grieving, her emotional defenses are at their weakest, making it the perfect time to forge deeper connections!

Imagine your distress upon losing a loved one, only for the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar public company to abandon her crucial business dealings and rush to comfort you, declaring that the entire company holds less importance than you do in her heart. How would you feel?

“Your Majesty~”

As expected, Zhen Mi could no longer contain herself after hearing Liu Xie’s words. She collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Liu Xie held Zhen Mi gently, soothing her with soft reassurances, “We will always be by your side.”

After a long while, thoroughly moved, Zhen Mi gradually stopped crying. Noticing she had dampened Liu Xie’s chest with her tears, she felt embarrassed and hesitantly said, “I’ve stained Your Majesty’s imperial robes.”

“A mere set of imperial robes is insignificant!” Liu Xie waved it off casually. “If it brings you happiness, we wouldn’t mind even using these robes to wipe away your tears.”

Besides, Boss Yuan gifted him the imperial robes anyway. Who wouldn’t seize such opportunities? It was perfect for wooing women.

Hearing Liu Xie’s words, reminiscent of a tyrannical ruler, Zhen Mi knew intellectually that this wasn’t right. Yet, despite herself, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of sweetness and joy.

No woman could resist feeling cherished and valued, especially when such favor comes from the Emperor, making it even more precious and heart-stirring.

“Are you feeling better now?” Liu Xie guided Zhen Mi to sit on the bed, gazing at her with eyes filled with deep affection, as if looking upon his most beloved pet.

Zhen Mi turned away, too shy to meet Liu Xie’s gaze, and softly replied, “Many thanks for Your Majesty’s comforting words; I feel much improved. As Your Majesty holds such esteemed status, if there are state affairs to attend to, you need not stay here.”

“We have already said, your matters take precedence,” Liu Xie emphasized once again, embodying the archetype of a domineering CEO. “What led to the untimely demise of our uncle? And why so suddenly?”

A flicker of sorrow crossed Zhen Mi’s beautiful eyes as she gently caressed the golden hairpin in her hand. In a low voice, she explained, “My second brother had poor health since childhood, suffering from tuberculosis. Despite seeking renowned physicians, no cure was found.”

“Ten days ago, his condition worsened abruptly, leading to his passing that very night…”

Being the youngest daughter in her family, Zhen Mi was deeply loved by her siblings, particularly her second brother, Zhen Yan. He often taught her literature, fostering a strong bond between them.

“What a pity that your esteemed brother passed away so young,” Liu Xie lamented with genuine sorrow. “We shall immediately draft a decree posthumously bestowing upon him the title of Marquis Tinghou, as a gesture of our condolences.”

Tears welled up in Zhen Mi’s eyes, deeply moved, she said, “On behalf of my second brother, I express our gratitude for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

“However…” A hint of hesitation crossed Liu Xie’s face.

As Zhen Mi looked at him quizzically, he continued somberly, “You must be aware of Our current predicament. We need to consult the Great General first on this matter. Without his approval, it would not be prudent for Us to confer such honors.”

Zhen Mi’s eyes widened incredulously. “Does Your Majesty truly lack the authority even to honor your late uncle?”

Before entering the palace, she had known that the Emperor held little power, with Yuan Shao being the true ruler behind the scenes. Even her marriage was initially arranged by Yuan Shao to secure the allegiance of the Zhen family, intending it for his own son.

Only through a series of unforeseen circumstances did she end up marrying the Emperor instead.

Yet, she never anticipated that the Emperor’s authority would be so severely restricted—to the point where even honoring a deceased relative required Yuan Shao’s consent!

Just as her second brother had predicted, the Emperor became a mere puppet.

“My beloved consort, do not worry. Lu Bu remains fiercely loyal to us. Currently, he holds Xuzhou and has defeated Yuan Shu. Once he secures control over two provinces, with his forces strengthened, he will undoubtedly rescue us from Yuan Shao’s grasp.”

Liu Xie began sowing seeds subtly within Zhen Mi’s mind.

Once Lu Bu amassed a powerful army, the Emperor could reclaim his rightful dignity.

However, building such strength required resources and funding. And among these necessities, the Zhen family was most abundant in wealth and provisions.

“Given Yuan Shao’s actions, how is he any different from Dong Zhuo…?” Before Zhen Mi could finish, she realized her mistake and hastily covered her mouth, her face paling as she glanced nervously outside the sleeping quarters.

Words can bring calamity; certain things must never be spoken aloud, lest they lead to disaster for her entire clan!

“No worries, there’s no need to fear being overheard,” Liu Xie reassured her calmly.

Gao Luan, Zhang He’s deputy general—a fierce warrior capable of matching Xu Chu blow for blow—was responsible for ensuring no potential threats approached Liu Xie.

Whenever Liu Xie met with Guo Jia, he personally ensured their discussions remained confidential.

No eunuchs or palace maids could overhear his secrets under such circumstances.

Relieved by this reassurance, Zhen Mi pursed her lips and whispered softly, “Your Majesty…has it always been like this for you?”

Seeing how Yuan Shao held such sway over Liu Xie pained her deeply.

“Ever since Dong Zhuo forced my elder brother to commit suicide upon his dismissal, I’ve grown accustomed to it,” Liu Xie replied with a feigned nonchalant smile. “From Dong Zhuo to Cao Cao, and now Yuan Shao, who among them has truly respected us as Emperor?”

“To them, we were merely a tool to command the nobles of the realm.” A profound sadness was evident in his expression. “Who in this world genuinely cares for us?”

Zhen Mi’s heart ached at these words, tenderly smoothing Liu Xie’s furrowed brow with both hands. “This humble servant…this humble servant truly cares for Your Majesty.”