Chapter 115: Though This Plan May Displease Heaven, It Does Not Harm Wenhe

In Xuan Room, Jia Xu was secretly astonished.

The Emperor had been in Yecheng for less than a year yet managed to secure allegiance from multiple factions right under Yuan Shao’s nose.

“Externally, Lu Bu and Liu Bei consolidate their hold on Xuzhou and Yangzhou as our foundation, bolstered by the support of the influential Zhen Clan from Jizhou. Internally, the imperial guard defends the palace, while Guo Fengxiao and I exacerbate internal conflicts within Yuan Shao’s ranks, inciting discord.”

“It seems that Your Majesty will soon break free from confinement.”

“If we gradually erode Jizhou’s control, we could establish a base across three provinces. With the backing of the Zhen Clan and Lu Bu leading the charge, it won’t be long before Your Majesty can sweep away rival warlords and reclaim the throne.”

Jia Xu meticulously analyzed the situation, growing increasingly convinced of its potential. The most crucial factor was that the Emperor operated in secrecy, while Yuan Shao remained exposed.

Until Yuan Shao’s power is completely undermined, no one would suspect the Emperor’s plans.

Much like himself, until he met with Guo Jia yesterday, he had no inkling that the Emperor was already positioning forces inside and outside to encircle Yuan Shao.

After revealing his hand, Liu Xie looked expectantly at Jia Xu and said, “Wenhe, we have laid out our plans openly. Now, share your insights.”

“Of course!” Jia Xu bowed to Liu Xie, carefully choosing his words before continuing, “Your Majesty, I fully agree with the strategy you and Fengxiao devised.

“Given that Your Majesty is confined within Yecheng, confronting Yuan Shao directly would be as arduous as ascending heaven. Our approach must focus on sowing discord from within, intensifying factional conflicts and inciting rivalry among his heirs.

“Fengxiao has already gained Yuan Shang’s complete trust. Next, I will cultivate a relationship with Yuan Xi and offer him counsel. Working together with Fengxiao, we will provoke conflict between them.

“As for Yuan Shao’s eldest son, Yuan Tan, who guards Qingzhou, he poses little concern.”

Watching Jia Xu eloquently speak, Liu Xie suddenly recalled Yuan Tan’s fate in history and blurted out:

“Feng Ji and Shen Pei consistently support Yuan Shang, often clashing with Xin Ping, Guo Tu, and Yuan Tan’s faction. Moreover, Yuan Shao has adopted Yuan Tan out to his elder brother Yuan Ji. Upon Yuan Shao’s death, Feng Ji and Shen Pei will undoubtedly forge his testament, endorsing Yuan Shang as the successor. This will inevitably create deep divisions among the brothers.”

“Thus, Yuan Shao must die. As long as he lives, his influence and heirs, despite their open conflicts or covert struggles, will remain restrained, fearing to overstep.”

“Your Majesty is truly wise,” Jia Xu praised wholeheartedly.

The thoughts of intelligent minds often align; both he and Guo Jia were well aware that the danger within Yuan Shao’s camp stemmed from its complex internal factions and discord among his sons.

While Yuan Shao lived, he could suppress these divisions, but upon his death, all conflicts would erupt instantly.

Jia Xu was surprised that merely mentioning Yuan Tan’s insignificant presence in Qingzhou prompted such extensive analysis from the Emperor. Even the prediction about Feng Ji and Shen Pei forging Yuan Shao’s last orders echoed perfectly with Jia Xu’s own thoughts.

“How do we kill Yuan Shao?” Liu Xie asked.

Previously, Guo Jia had presented him with three strategies, one of which involved assassinating Yuan Shao. However, relying solely on himself and Guo Jia, they couldn’t ensure their safety while attempting to eliminate Yuan Shao.

“I have a plan,” Jia Xu revealed confidently, looking at Liu Xie and enunciating each word deliberately, “Let a son murder his father!”

These four simple words sent chills down Liu Xie’s spine.

Guo Jia slammed his hand on the table, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Wenhe’s plan is truly ingenious!”

Jia Xu stole a glance at Liu Xie and cautiously said, “While this plan is indeed brilliant, it goes against the harmony of nature. If Your Majesty is unwilling to employ it, I have another strategy.”

In this era, filial piety was highly valued above all else.

Even appointments to official positions required demonstrating exceptional filial conduct.

At that time, the concept of filial duty was deeply ingrained, surpassing loyalty to the emperor or patriotism.

Murdering one’s parents was utterly abhorrent, condemned by heaven itself, and would be despised by everyone!

In some ways, the public’s disdain for someone who kills their own parents far exceeded their loathing for treacherous ministers like Dong Zhuo.

Jia Xu feared that suggesting such a patricidal scheme might incite Liu Xie’s disapproval, potentially leading to resentment towards himself as well.

Observing Jia Xu’s apprehensive expression, Liu Xie understood his concerns immediately. With a reassuring smile, he eased Jia Xu’s worries, saying, “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Although this plan may offend natural order, it will not harm Wenhe personally.”

“Your Majesty’s wisdom shines through,” Jia Xu bowed respectfully. He did not care about offending the natural order; what mattered most was ensuring no harm came to Wenhe.

Unbidden, Guo Jia’s Ten Advantages of the Son of Heaven once again surfaced in Liu Xie’s mind.

The Emperor, transcending trivialities and conventions, possesses the virtue of Dao.

Liu Xie asked, “Who should be accused of patricide? Yuan Xi?”

Although Yuan Shang was the youngest son, his striking beauty garnered favor from Yuan Shao.

Yuan Xi, being the second son, became the de facto eldest after Yuan Tan’s adoption away. However, he was the least favored among Yuan Shao’s three sons.

Despite his grievances towards Yuan Shao, it seemed inconceivable for him to go as far as murdering his own father.

Jia Xu nodded, “Precisely!”

Liu Xie furrowed his brow, “Even if Yuan Xi covets the position of heir, how could he dare commit such a heinous act of patricide?”

In other dynasties, Liu Xie wouldn’t have doubted this possibility. Throughout history, cases of sons killing fathers or fathers slaying sons were all too common. However, instances of patricide were rare during the Han Dynasty.

Before Jia Xu could respond, Guo Jia interjected, “Your Majesty, with your pure filial piety, you may underestimate the greed within human hearts. If Yuan Xi sees an opportunity to inherit Yuan Shao’s legacy, even if he himself hesitates to kill his father, those backing him would force his hand.”

Although Guo Jia had not yet reached his thirties, his experiences were vast. Over these years, he had witnessed numerous ugly acts, deeply understanding the treacherous nature of human hearts.

During the Huangjin Rebellion, he personally observed instances of cannibalism out of desperation. With enough to gain, he harbored no doubt that Yuan Xi would be resolute in killing his father.

Liu Xie nodded, “Then I leave it to Fengxiao and Wenhe to diligently execute this plan.”

Thus, within the Xuan Room, Jia Xu and Guo Jia meticulously devised strategies for Yuan Xi’s patricide.

True to his title as the Poisonous Scholar, Jia Xu’s schemes were exceptionally malevolent.

Guo Jia, no stranger to wickedness himself, effortlessly expanded upon Jia Xu’s ideas.

Listening to their conversation from the side, Liu Xie felt a chill run down his spine. If he were the target of such machinations, the thought alone terrified him.

“Your Majesty, Protector-General Lu Bu and Inspector of Jing Province Liu Bei request an audience,” Gao Luan announced from outside the hall.

The Protector-General and Inspector referred to Lu Bu and Liu Bei, respectively.

Jia Xu rose and said, “Your Majesty, subject and Fengxiao shall retire to the side chambers.”

At this moment, asking Jia Xu to withdraw would imply distrust. Liu Xie shook his head firmly; he wouldn’t commit such a mistake. “No need. They are loyal ministers of Great Han, and it is opportune for you all to meet.”

Upon hearing this, even the unflappable Jia Xu showed a rare hint of emotion. The Emperor truly considered him a trusted confidant now.

Moments later, Lu Bu and Liu Bei entered the Xuan Room, escorted by Gao Luan.

As soon as they stepped inside, both noticed Jia Xu and Guo Jia.

Liu Bei remained silent but grew cautiously wary.

Lu Bu, on the other hand, visibly scowled, casting a hostile gaze at Jia Xu, internally cursing, “What bad luck! Why is this guy here too?”