Chapter 114: Python Swallows Dragon

The carriage moved steadily along as Yuan Shao and Ju Shou plotted their next move. They schemed to exploit the Zhen Clan’s vulnerable state, turning it into a force for their own benefit.

They even contemplated plans to seize the entirety of the Zhen Clan’s assets.

As their plotting concluded, Ju Shou couldn’t help but lament, “How regrettable that rumor spread; otherwise, if Zhen Mi had married the Second Prince, everything would have fallen effortlessly into place.”

Due to the widespread prophecy claiming Zhen Mi possessed the Phoenix Destiny, she was compelled to enter the imperial palace instead of marrying Yuan Xi, thus benefiting Liu Xie unexpectedly.

While Yuan Shao found this unfortunate, he didn’t dwell on it much. “Gongyu, do not be disheartened. Sending her to the palace enhances our reputation. Besides, with just minor favors, we’ve turned that puppet emperor into a grateful ally who follows our every word.”

Yuan Shao recounted Liu Xie’s behavior earlier to Ju Shou.

Although Ju Shou detected no immediate concerns from Yuan Shao’s account, unease lingered within him. “My lord, I believe it is prudent to maintain strict surveillance over him.”

“Why worry about that?” Yuan Shao waved his hand dismissively and said, “Even when Lu Bu secretly met with him, this lowly puppet revealed everything to me without hesitation. In my presence, he trembles fearfully, always cautious not to jeopardize his wealth and privileges.”

“Moreover, with Zhang He and Gao Luan as palace guards, who eagerly joined our ranks, we needn’t concern ourselves with any disturbances within the imperial grounds.”

Following Liu Xie’s instructions, Zhang He voluntarily reported on the palace situation to Yuan Shao every half-month.

Combined with Liu Xie’s display of greed for wealth and pleasure, along with his subservient demeanor towards Yuan Shao, it ensured that the overly proud Yuan Shao would never suspect or guard against him.

As for whether Zhang He might have defected to Liu Xie? It was a thought that never crossed Yuan Shao’s mind, just as he firmly believed Ju Shou, Xu You, Guo Tu, and others would never betray him.

Ju Shou attempted to continue persuading Yuan Shao, but the latter had no interest in further discussion on the matter.

“Ahh~” Ju Shou sighed deeply inwardly; sometimes his lord could be too stubborn, refusing to heed advice from others.

Back at the imperial palace, Liu Xie returned to his quarters with a radiant smile, unable to hide his delight.

“Boss Yuan truly treats me generously.”

“Not only does he provide for my every need, but he also sends beauties regularly.”

“I already have the Goddess of Luo, and now the two Qiaos are on their way. It’s just unfortunate that Cai Yan was captured by the Huns; otherwise, I’d insist Boss Yuan bring her to the palace too.”

“Someday, when I seize Yuan Shao’s empire, I must grant his family a dignified death. Otherwise, my conscience would be burdened.”

After expressing these sentiments, Liu Xie took out the Imperial Jade Seal from his robes and began playing with it.

“Zhen Yi had three sons and five daughters. The eldest perished early, and the second son, Zhen Yan, died of illness. Now, only the youngest, around ten years old, remains, incapable of managing the vast Zhen Clan.”

“The immense wealth of the Zhen Clan undoubtedly tempts Yuan Shao.”

“But one misstep leads to many. By allowing Zhen Mi to enter the palace, his fate was sealed.”

“Compared to aligning with the House of Yuan, offering the Crown Prince position is far more enticing. With Zhen Mi advocating for me, the Zhen Clan is likely to pledge allegiance.”

With no capable male heir to revive and lead the Zhen Clan, their dependence on the Yuan family would inevitably lead to their absorption sooner or later.

By pledging allegiance to the Emperor, despite the immense risk involved, if he regained power, Zhen Mi’s son would become the Crown Prince. Upon his ascension, the Zhen Clan could experience unprecedented prosperity.

Now it all depended on whether the Zhen Clan dared to take this gamble for extraordinary wealth and influence.

Liu Xie placed the jade seal back in its original position and prepared to head towards Qingli Palace, intending to subtly sway Zhen Mi with his words.

As soon as he stepped out of his quarters, Zhang He approached him.

“Your Majesty, Guo Jia and Jia Xu request an audience.”

“Hm?” Liu Xie halted, surprise evident on his face.

The joint visit from Guo Jia and Jia Xu implied significant matters without needing further explanation.

“Bring them swiftly to the Xuan Room!” Liu Xie exclaimed, slightly excited.

Despite Guo Jia’s exceptional talent, he couldn’t single-handedly ignite internal conflicts within Yuan Shao’s ranks rapidly enough. However, with Jia Xu added to the mix, their combined intellect and strategies could undoubtedly stir up turmoil in Yecheng, accelerating Liu Xie’s plan to usurp control!

Zhang He acknowledged the order and retreated promptly. Before long, he escorted Guo Jia and Jia Xu to the Xuan Room.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.” Upon seeing Liu Xie, both men respectfully bowed.

“My dear ministers, please rise!” Sitting regally on the Dragon Throne, Liu Xie smiled warmly at Jia Xu. “Wenhe’s unexpected visit with Fengxiao today truly delights us.”

At this point, there was no need for him to feign weakness; instead, he projected the imperial dignity that Yuan Shao had trained him to embody when facing Jia Xu.

Jia Xu observed the transformed Liu Xie and couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly. “Your Majesty has deceived me well indeed.”

Since arriving in Yecheng, he had met Liu Xie several times. Back then, Liu Xie appeared timid and overly cautious, lacking any semblance of imperial bearing. Now, however, his demeanor was confident and dignified.

Liu Xie laughed heartily. “If we hadn’t maintained such an act, how could we have lowered Yuan Shao’s guard? But from today onwards, we can be forthright with our beloved minister.”

Hearing this, Jia Xu’s esteem for Liu Xie grew even higher. The saying goes, ‘the details reveal much,’ and here, during their first meeting since Guo Jia brought him to the palace, Liu Xie showed no hesitation or suspicion, revealing his true self immediately. This demonstrated trust in Jia Xu as well as unwavering faith in Guo Jia. Yuan Shao would never have achieved such openness.

Although Yuan Shao had treated him with utmost courtesy these past few days, aside from seeking his advice on significant matters, he hadn’t granted Jia Xu any real authority.

This was precisely what Guo Jia had mentioned earlier—the “Capacity” aspect of the Emperor’s Ten Advantages—trusting those appointed without suspicion.

After granting both men seats, Liu Xie turned to Guo Jia and asked, “Fengxiao, how did you manage to convince Wenhe, such a great talent, to assist this beleaguered Emperor?”

Guo Jia understood that the Emperor wanted him to praise Jia Xu, alleviating any lingering concerns the strategist might have. After all, having previously served Dong Zhuo, Jia Xu likely feared the Emperor harbored resentment against him.

“The Supervisor of Court Ceremonies is indeed a loyal servant of the Han Dynasty, guided by righteousness. Previously, under Dong Zhuo’s coercion, though he wished to eliminate the tyrant, he lacked the means to do so. Upon learning of Your Majesty’s plight today, he was deeply outraged and vowed to aid Your Majesty in restoring the glory of Yan Han.”

Guo Jia briefly glossed over the details of convincing Jia Xu, not mentioning at all the threat he posed to Jia Xu’s family. His words solely aimed to elevate Jia Xu’s reputation.

Jia Xu was moved upon hearing this account. He had initially planned to find an opportunity to explain his past association with Dong Zhuo to the Emperor, but Guo Jia’s explanation eased his worries significantly.

“I see,” Liu Xie said, secretly impressed by Guo Jia’s ability to whitewash Jia Xu’s history. He wondered if Jia Xu felt any embarrassment amidst these flattering remarks.

“I never imagined that amidst the collapse of our Great Han, so many loyal and righteous individuals would step forward to hold back the heavens’ fall. It’s clear heaven has not forsaken Yan Han!”

Quickly responding, Guo Jia said, “Your Majesty was destined by the heavens from the start. With the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies now aiding us, we are closer than ever to reclaiming Your Majesty’s rightful rule. Today, as your subject entered the palace with the Supervisor, it was precisely to discuss strategies for overthrowing the traitor Yuan Shao.”

The moment had arrived—the day Liu Xie had been waiting for!

His heart swelled with excitement, silently shouting within.

With Jia Xu joining their ranks, implementing his and Guo Jia’s Python Swallows the Dragon plan against Yuan Shao would become significantly easier.

It was foreseeable that soon, under Jia Xu’s scheming, tensions among the factions supporting Yuan Shao would escalate, leading to mutual infighting. The irreconcilable conflicts between Yuan Shao’s three sons would also be ignited prematurely, driving them to tear each other apart mercilessly.

If they truly succeeded in toppling Yuan Shao and seizing control of Jizhou, Liu Xie believed he could finally become a true Emperor in both name and power!

“Excellent! Today, let us not be bound by formalities as ruler and subject; Fengxiao and Wenhe should speak freely.”

With Guo Jia’s deference, Jia Xu, the newest member, took the lead.

“May I inquire, Your Majesty, who currently remains loyal to the Han Dynasty?”

This question immediately confirmed Liu Xie’s high regard for Jia Xu. Instead of launching into a torrent of irrelevant advice, he sought clarity on available resources first, intending to strategize based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Liu Xie replied, “Zhang He, the Beitai Guard, and Gao Luan, the Nangong Guard, both heed our commands.

“General of Chariots and Cavalry Lu Bu and Imperial Uncle Liu Bei are unwaveringly loyal and can be trusted.

“As for those advising us, it was only Fengxiao until now, but we must include you, Wenhe.

“Additionally, yesterday, after sharing heartfelt thoughts with Lady Zhen, we promised her the positions of Empress and Crown Princess. The Zhen Clan may become a valuable support for us.”