Chapter 113: Minggong, You Treat This Commoner Too Well

Within the imperial palace.

Yuan Shao arrived to conduct his routine inspection and training session with Liu Xie. The primary focus was checking Liu Xie’s recitation of the imperial chronicle, ensuring that his conduct aligned perfectly with the Emperor’s demeanor. Additionally, Yuan Shao meticulously briefed Liu Xie on the identities and backgrounds of key ministers close to the throne.

Particularly, he provided exceptionally detailed information about Empress Fu and other concubines in the imperial harem.

For these regular inspections and trainings, Yuan Shao always attended personally, unwilling even to entrust Ju Shou with such tasks.

“As you continue playing your role as Emperor diligently, wealth and honors will never be lacking for you,” Yuan Shao reassured Liu Xie before leaving the palace, painting another grand promise. “In the future, who knows, I might bestow upon you the title Duke of Peace and Prosperity.”

Liu Xie’s eyes welled up with tears, looking at Yuan Shao with immense gratitude. “Minggong, granting this humble subject a large home, providing meat for every meal, and arranging marriages - such kindness is truly overwhelming. To repay minggong’s heavenly grace, I must earnestly portray the Emperor without fail.”

While pleased with Liu Xie’s attitude, Yuan Shao felt uneasy seeing those conveniently summoned tears. Memories resurfaced of Lu Bu’s visit when he had clutched the Imperial Jade Seal, wailing uncontrollably, devoid of any imperial dignity. Unable to resist, Yuan Shao rebuked sharply:

“A manly ruler should not shed tears so easily! Remember, your position now is Emperor, not vagrant! If you weep incessantly during future audiences with ministers, how can they perceive any regal bearing in you?”

Liu Xie appeared startled by Yuan Shao’s rebuke, his face paling as he stammered, “Y-yes, Minggong, your admonishment is well-taken. This humble subject will ensure it does not happen again.”

“Be ever mindful; an Emperor must uphold imperial dignity.” After finishing, Yuan Shao paused mid-step, seemingly recalling something. He turned back and asked, “Did you just say that Zhen Mi’s second brother passed away?”

Liu Xie promptly nodded.

Internally, Liu Xie scoffed at this suggestion. Countless palace concubines had been unable to return for family funerals once they entered the imperial gates—a vast abyss from which there was no escape. It wasn’t merely about the death of a sibling; even if their parents perished, what difference would it make?

Yuan Shao’s proposal to allow Zhen Mi to attend her brother’s funeral clearly stemmed from his desire to curry favor with the Zhen Clan.

“This humble subject will immediately inform Lady Zhen that upon hearing of the passing of the Zhen Clan’s second young master, the Great General sought special permission, hoping I would allow her to return home for the mourning rites,” Liu Xie replied dutifully.

Yuan Shao glanced sidelong at Liu Xie, impressed despite himself. The skill with which this lowborn individual seized opportunities to flatter and ingratiate himself was truly unparalleled, unmatched even by the strategists under his command.

Despite his inner disdain, Liu Xie was quite pleased with this move by Yuan Shao. If Zhen Mi were not made aware that her ability to mourn her brother was due to his intervention, how could he convey his goodwill towards the Zhen Clan?

Yuan Shao nodded slightly and continued, “While you’re at it, issue an imperial decree generously bestowing titles and rewards. I will have Gongyu prepare the draft for your approval; simply pass it along when ready.”

Liu Xie respectfully acknowledged the request, maintaining a humble demeanor.

Yuan Shao’s gaze swept across the table before abruptly asking, “Where is the Imperial Jade Seal?”

Liu Xie hastily replied, “Minggong, given its immense value, fearing loss or theft, I hid the jade seal within my private quarters. Please wait momentarily, Minggong, as I retrieve it right away.”

With that, Liu Xie briskly left the Great Hall and returned shortly thereafter, carrying the Imperial Jade Seal.

“Minggong, here is the Imperial Jade Seal,” Liu Xie announced breathlessly, presenting the seal with both hands, a pleasing smile still on his face.

Without further ado, Yuan Shao reached out, took the wooden box, and carefully removed the Imperial Jade Seal inside.

The Imperial Jade Seal, square and radiant, had acquired extraordinary significance over centuries. To assess the legitimacy of an emperor’s rule, one need only consider their possession of the Imperial Jade Seal. Without it, claiming divine mandate to ascend the throne would be audacious indeed.

Yuan Shao held it reverently, his gaze fixed intently without wavering.

“Minggong, this jade seal is truly magnificent, even more so than gold and precious gems,” Liu Xie feigned admiration.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao’s lips twitched, barely managing to suppress his expression. How could mere gold and jewels compare with the Imperial Jade Seal? This lowly peasant clearly had no understanding or appreciation for its significance.

Placing the jade seal back into the wooden box, Yuan Shao said, “For now, I entrust the Imperial Jade Seal to your care. If any damage occurs… hmph!”

Deep down, he yearned to take the jade seal home, as merely glimpsing it daily would bring immense joy. However, he feared that if someone accidentally saw it within his manor, word might spread, leading to dire consequences. He wasn’t willing to risk such exposure. After all, the Emperor was already his puppet; whether the Imperial Jade Seal resided in his manor or the imperial palace made little difference.

Liu Xie, visibly alarmed, waved his hands repeatedly. “Please, Minggong, take the jade seal with you. I dare not accept responsibility for its safekeeping. It’s priceless, the Imperial Jade Seal itself! Should anything happen to it, selling me wouldn’t be enough to compensate.”

Priceless? The value and symbolism of the Imperial Jade Seal far surpassed mere cities; peasants remained limited by their narrow imagination. Internally, Yuan Shao held Liu Xie in contempt but chose not to stoop to his level, unwilling to engage with such ignorance.

Yuan Shao spoke coldly, “This is your assigned task, and it must be completed without fail. If any harm comes to it, you will answer for it.”

Liu Xie promptly closed his mouth and cautiously hugged the jade seal tightly to his chest, fearful of causing even the slightest damage.

Shaking his head, Yuan Shao changed the subject. “During the assembly two days ago, aside from your unbecoming wailing, your responses were quite commendable. It seems you’re quickly adapting to the role of Emperor.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie’s expression turned solemn as he earnestly replied, “Minggong, what do you mean by that? The title of Emperor is merely superficial. Wherever this humble one goes, I am always minggong’s soldier… No, minggong’s person!”

“Just as Lu Bu said, there can be only one sun in the sky and one ruler among the people. Minggong, you shall forever be the sun in this humble one’s heart!”

Yuan Shao burst out laughing, clearly pleased, and patted Liu Xie on the shoulder. “Excellent! Serve me well, and I guarantee you a life of wealth and prosperity. Tell me, what reward would you like this time? Beauties or riches?”

Eyes sparkling with delight, Liu Xie eagerly responded, “This humble one has heard that Diao Chan possesses unparalleled beauty…”

Yuan Shao’s face instantly darkened.

The cheeky lad, daring to covet Diao Chan!

Years ago, Lü Fengxian had slain Dong Zhuo over her.

If he dared ask Lu Bu for Diao Chan, Lu Bu would surely march on him the next day.

In a stiff tone, Yuan Shao replied, “Diao Chan is the concubine of the Protector-General. Choose something else.”

Liu Xie scratched his head, seemingly deep in thought. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

“Your subject has heard that the Jiangbei beauties, Big Qiao and Little Qiao, are as radiant as flowers and fragrant as orchids.”

Even in Yecheng, Yuan Shao was familiar with the famed beauty of the Jiangbei sisters.

He nodded and said, “Then draft an Imperial Decree summoning them to serve at court.”

The more Liu Xie displayed greed and lust, the more reassured Yuan Shao felt. Such a person, driven by wealth and desire, would work even harder to secure their existing riches and beauties, meticulously portraying the Emperor without risking any missteps.

“Minggong, you truly treat your humble servant too well,” Liu Xie expressed tearfully, genuinely grateful this time, devoid of any pretense.

Since Liu Xie’s transmigration, aside from enduring some hardships during the initial days, his life had significantly improved under Boss Yuan’s patronage. He now resided in luxurious mansions, attended by servants, and embraced by beauties reminiscent of Goddess Luo.

His mention of Jiangbei’s Two Qiaos was initially just to reinforce his image as someone greedy for wealth and lustful. Yet unexpectedly, Boss Yuan agreed to it.

Encountering such a generous employer compelled him to go all out, ensuring he convincingly played the role of Emperor.

Yuan Shao observed Liu Xie’s emotional tears of gratitude with a satisfied smile.

“It seems you understand the virtue of reciprocating kindness; my efforts to nurture you have not been wasted. I heard that Lu Bu recently entered the palace seeking you. What did he say? Why did he leave looking so pleased?”

Liu Xie maintained a composed facade. “Lu Bu mentioned wanting to offer his daughter as a concubine for this humble subject. It would be improper to refuse him, and I hadn’t yet found the opportunity to report this matter to Minggong.”

Yuan Shao silently thought, Was it really about propriety? You clearly didn’t want to refuse!

However, it seemed even Lu Bu had some cunning. Unfortunately, his attempts at flattery were directed towards a mere puppet, not the true Emperor.

“Besides that…”

Liu Xie hesitated, seemingly reluctant to continue.

Yuan Shao frowned. “What else did he say? Tell me everything!”

Liu Xie clenched his teeth, “Lu Bu also spoke ill of minggong, calling you a treacherous villain who dared to bestow titles on ministers, usurping the Emperor’s authority, much like Yuan Shu, harboring disloyal intentions.”

After uttering these words, Liu Xie appeared genuinely frightened. He lowered his head, not daring to look at Yuan Shao, and trembled uncontrollably.

“That three-surnamed slave…” Yuan Shao showed no trace of anger on his face.

It would have been more surprising if Lu Bu didn’t insult him.

“Lu Bu, that insolent child, had the audacity to reject my overtures. Now, he deludes himself into thinking his daughter can enter the palace as royalty, oblivious to the fact that the Emperor she serves is merely a vagrant with less status than himself!” Yuan Shao felt immensely pleased, his lips curling into a sly smile.

“If either Lu Bu or Liu Bei approaches you alone or sends any private letters, inform me immediately.”

“I understand!” Liu Xie declared earnestly, thumping his chest loudly in assurance.

After giving a few more instructions, Yuan Shao departed.

Outside the palace, aboard a carriage.

Yuan Shao turned to Ju Shou, who had been waiting patiently inside. “The Second Prince Zhen Yan of the Zhen Clan has passed away. Draft a decree for delivery to the imperial palace, posthumously conferring upon him the title of Marquis Tinghou. Additionally, ensure that other rewards are generous.”

Ju Shou’s eyes lit up with excitement. He exclaimed, “With the untimely death of the eldest prince years ago, it was the second prince, Zhen Yan, who led the clan these past times. Now that he is gone, the Zhen Clan only remains under the care of a young child, facing a critical juncture.”

“The vast wealth of the Zhen Clan could significantly bolster our lord’s path to hegemony if strategically acquired!”

A smile played across Yuan Shao’s face; naturally, he coveted this substantial prize from the Zhen Clan.