Chapter 110: My Beloved Consort Wouldn't Want to See Me Sorrowful, Would She?

Before entering the palace, Zhen Mi felt her future was bleak.

Becoming the consort of an Emperor she had never met, with unknown temperament, confined for life within the imperial harem, was not the life she desired.

However, as a daughter of the Zhen family, arranging marriages for the clan’s benefit was an unavoidable duty and obligation, so she harbored no resentment.

Yet, life inside the palace turned out to be less monotonous than she anticipated.

Being the only concubine, there were none of the expected power struggles and intrigues she had imagined. Instead, she enjoyed considerable freedom within the palace walls, able to read, paint, and pursue her interests unhindered.

Moreover, the Emperor’s demeanor was remarkably easygoing, devoid of any imperial arrogance. He also possessed exceptional artistic skills.

Although he occasionally uttered words that made her blush, he genuinely embodied a warm and noble gentleman, closely aligning with her ideal of a husband.

Upon learning about her brother’s death, he promptly came to comfort her, clearly demonstrating his deep affection and favor towards her.

“Given my humble talents and modest beauty, receiving such profound kindness from Your Majesty, how could I not reciprocate with utmost sincerity?”

Zhen Mi leaned against Liu Xie’s chest, her voice soft and gentle. “Even if everyone else treats Your Majesty with insincerity, I never will. I shall forever remain by your side.”

Liu Xie embraced Zhen Mi, deeply moved. “No one has ever spoken to us like this… With you at our side, even if Yuan Shao seeks to usurp our throne, we have nothing to fear!”

Her heart stirred, yet she was also shocked by his words. “Does Yuan Shao harbor such treacherous ambitions?”

The revelation that Yuan Shao coveted the imperial throne caught her off guard. Even Dong Zhuo, during his reign of terror, had not dared entertain such thoughts.

With a solemn nod, Liu Xie replied, “Both brothers, Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, bear nefarious intentions, cut from the same cloth. Yuan Shu’s audacity in proclaiming himself Emperor is self-evident. As for Yuan Shao, though he appears loyal, his ambition knows no bounds. Though he may not aspire to the throne now, who can predict what lies ahead?”

“Once he gains more power, controlling half the nation, he might well seize the throne from us, compelling us to abdicate in his favor.” At this point, Liu Xie’s expression turned sorrowful, tears streaming down his face.

“With warlords dividing the land and the realm fragmented, as the Son of Heaven, we feel utterly helpless—reduced to a mere puppet.”

“I would be ashamed to face the twenty-three emperors who preceded me!”

As he spoke, Liu Xie embraced Zhen Mi tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

Zhen Mi’s heart filled with sympathy and anxiety, but she didn’t know how to comfort him. After all, as a woman, she had never been exposed to such monumental matters concerning the nation.

“Your Majesty, why not seek help from other ministers?”

“The loyal officials of Han surely surpass treacherous individuals like Yuan Shao,” Zhen Mi suggested. “Just as Your Majesty mentioned earlier, could Lu Bu’s assistance not make a difference?”

Recalling Liu Xie’s mention of Lu Bu, Zhen Mi knew his reputation well. Having such a fierce general unwaveringly devoted to the Emperor was indeed fortunate.

“The General of Chariots and Cavalry is indeed a rare loyal subject, and he has pledged to conquer Yecheng and rescue us.” Liu Xie sighed deeply, his expression bitter as he shook his head. “Yuan Shao relies on the House of Yuan’s backing and enjoys support from numerous influential clans. In contrast, the General of Chariots comes from humble origins, lacking noble patronage. He faces shortages of funds and resources, making it highly unlikely for him to swiftly match Yuan Shao’s formidable military strength.”

“With only the General of Chariots alone, we cannot rival Yuan Shao. Despite his determination to defeat the traitor, the odds seem insurmountable.”

Hearing Liu Xie emphasize once more that Lu Bu’s determination and capability to confront Yuan Shao were not in question, but rather his lack of financial support, Zhen Mi’s eyes lit up. Urgently, she said, “If it’s merely a matter of funds and provisions, my family can offer assistance.”

While the Zhen Clan couldn’t compare with super-aristocratic families like the Yuan or Yang clans, they still possessed considerable resources. With their long history in commerce, even their publicly known wealth had attracted Yuan Shao’s attention. Imagine what hidden assets lay undisclosed?

Although the Zhen Clan might not be able to provide other forms of help, supplying money and provisions would be relatively easy for them.

Liu Xie promptly rejected her offer, “It wouldn’t be appropriate. If Yuan Shao learns that the Zhen Clan is aiding Lu Bu, it could bring catastrophic consequences upon your family, potentially involving you as well.”

“In this world, only my beloved consort holds such significance for us. How could we allow our cherished consort’s kin to risk so much on our behalf?”

Upon hearing these words, Zhen Mi’s eyes welled with tears, turning red from emotion.

So, I am Your Majesty’s sole attachment in this world. To Your Majesty, I hold greater importance than even the nation itself.

She pressed closely against Liu Xie’s chest, feeling as if she wanted to meld entirely into him. Despite repeatedly insisting that the Zhen Clan was willing to discreetly assist, Liu Xie remained steadfast in his refusal due to concern for her safety, which left her increasingly anxious.

“Today, the Han Dynasty is weak, and Your Majesty faces great adversity. The Zhen Clan has long been blessed by the grace of Great Han; how could we remain indifferent amidst such turmoil? Although unable to single-handedly reverse our nation’s fate, we can at least offer humble support to Your Majesty.”

“Moreover, as Your Majesty’s consort, sharing your burdens is my duty.”

Seeing the anxious expression on Zhen Mi’s face, Liu Xie felt a pang of guilt. With a look of deep emotion, he gently kissed her forehead.

“I swear, this lifetime, I will never betray you, beloved!”

“One day, when power returns to Our hands, We shall surely elevate you to Empress. Our son shall become the Crown Prince, destined to inherit Our throne!”

Despite feelings of guilt and being moved, certain procedures must still be followed.

Compared to future conflicts with Lü Lingqi over the positions of Empress and Crown Prince, it was far more crucial for Zhen Mi to avoid becoming Yuan Shao’s puppet, living each day in misery.

“Your Majesty…” Panic flashed across Zhen Mi’s face upon hearing his words. “Sharing Your Majesty’s burdens is my duty, not a desire for the imperial title.”

Zhen Mi felt both urgent and anxious, fearing that Liu Xie might perceive her ambitions were solely focused on the Empress position.

Most importantly, Liu Xie already had an Empress, and hastily deposing and replacing her would undoubtedly invite criticism from outsiders.

“Between us and the Empress, there exists no genuine marital affection. Only after meeting you, our beloved consort, did we understand true joy and the depth of romantic love. For you, even if it meant enduring condemnation from all under heaven, we would remain unrepentant.”

Liu Xie’s expression was filled with such intense devotion that he found it slightly nauseating himself.

Inevitably, he had become the quintessential manipulative opportunist.

Zhen Mi’s flushed cheeks glowed like ripe cherries as she nestled her head against Liu Xie’s chest, feeling her heart race uncontrollably. Although she didn’t harbor ambitions for the Queen’s position, could any woman truly resist such an opportunity? If she became Queen, her child would be the Crown Prince. Moreover, her family, the Zhen Clan, would gain protection, safeguarding them from those coveting their wealth.

Considering these benefits, there was no compelling reason for her to decline the Queen’s title. Most importantly, Liu Xie’s deep affection for her, willing to endure universal scorn without regret, deeply moved and delighted Zhen Mi.

With a sweet smile and blushing face, she softly replied, “This humble servant… thanks Your Majesty for your profound affection.”

Gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind Zhen Mi’s ear, Liu Xie said, “Since your second brother has passed away, return home to pay your respects. While there, also offer condolences on Our behalf to honor his memory.”

Zhen Mi represented herself; the Zhen Clan stood separately. Her stance did not necessarily reflect the clan’s sentiments. By attending her brother’s funeral, Zhen Mi would undoubtedly share today’s events with the Zhen Clan.

Now, it remained to be seen whether they would go all-in based on this revelation.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness. I wish to depart tomorrow to mourn my second brother,” Zhen Mi decided firmly, determined not to betray Liu Xie’s favor. Upon returning to her family, regardless of the challenges, she must persuade her elders to support this cause.