Chapter 116: If Our High Ancestor Could Do It, Why Can't We?

Lu Bu prided himself as a loyal subject of Great Han and future maternal grandfather to the Emperor.

Upon seeing Jia Xu, once a follower of Dong Zhuo, he immediately deemed him a traitorous villain. Moreover, on that fateful day in the Great Hall, Lu Bu had witnessed Jia Xu standing alongside Yuan Shao’s subordinates with his own eyes.

While Liu Bei also disapproved of Jia Xu for aiding tyrants, he did not display his disdain as openly as Lu Bu. Secretly nudging Lu Bu aside, he stepped forward past Jia Xu and paid respects, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Imperial Uncle, Grand Preceptor Wen, your arrival is most timely,” Liu Xie greeted them warmly before introducing Guo Jia and Jia Xu, “This is Guo Fengxiao, and this is Jia Wenhe, both trusted confidants of ours.”

Liu Bei and Lu Bu were taken aback by this revelation.

What’s going on?

They could dismiss Guo Jia, since they didn’t know him personally. But wasn’t Jia Xu a notorious traitor, having served under Dong Zhuo before betraying to Yuan Shao? How did he become one of His Majesty’s trusted confidants?

Guo Jia nodded slightly and cupped his hands towards them, “Greetings, Grand Preceptor Wen, Imperial Uncle Liu.”

Jia Xu, waving his fan, smiled at Lu Bu, “Fengxian, it has been quite some time.”

Liu Bei returned their greetings courteously, while Lu Bu stared warily at Jia Xu, making no effort to hide his hostility.

“How dare you, traitor, show your face here?”

Jia Xu felt deeply embarrassed.

Was this brute truly unable to read the situation? His Majesty has already declared me his trusted advisor; why do you cling to past grievances? If I am a traitor, aren’t you, Lü Fengxian, one as well?

Sensing the tension escalating, Liu Xie feared that Lu Bu, who now considered himself the Crown Prince’s grandfather, might punch Jia Xu to death. He hastily intervened:

“Grand Preceptor Wen, Fengxiao and Wenhe only feigned loyalty to Yuan Shao, but their true allegiance lies with the Great Han.”

Liu Bei was taken aback by this revelation.

To think His Majesty had been poaching talent right under Yuan Shao’s nose!

Even Lu Bu appeared stunned, yet he remained distrustful of Jia Xu. Worried that Liu Xie might be deceived, he bluntly confronted him without any regard for etiquette:

“Hey, Fatty Jia, since when did you become a loyal servant of the Great Han? Are you suddenly that kind of person?”

As former colleagues, Lu Bu knew Jia Xu all too well. The man’s cunning manipulations and self-preserving tactics were second nature, making him an unapologetically selfish individual. Could such a character genuinely be devoted to the Han Dynasty? It seemed more absurd than Lu Bu giving up wine and women altogether!

Jia Xu found himself speechless at Lu Bu’s words, unable to counter effectively.

After all, considering his past actions, none could truly call him loyal.

Fuming internally, Lu Bu slapped his feather fan against his palm. “If even Lü Fengxian can be considered a loyal subject, why not me?”

Lu Bu clearly understood that Jia Xu was subtly mocking his previous allegiance to Dong Zhuo, where he had even been adopted as Dong Zhuo’s son.

He glared angrily at Jia Xu, retorting, “This general has always been a loyal subject!”

“You were the one who advised Li Jue and Guo Si to attack Chang’an; it was this general who defended the city!”

Just recalling this incident enraged Lu Bu. If not for Jia Xu’s manipulations inciting rebellion within Chang’an’s garrison, the city would never have fallen!

He wouldn’t have needed to flee like a stray dog, abandoning the Emperor!

Nor would he feel guilt and shame every time he faced the Emperor now.

“You…you traitorous turncoat!” With his shortcomings exposed by Lu Bu, Jia Xu flushed with anger, nearly driven to murderous thoughts.

Damn it, they were in front of the Emperor! Couldn’t these insignificant old matters just be left untouched?!

Lu Bu relished the feeling of occupying the moral high ground while berating others, sneering coldly, “So what if this general bears three surnames? At least I’ve never betrayed His Majesty; I remain a steadfast servant of the Great Han!”

“Furthermore, this general killed Dong Zhuo and captured Yuan Shu, proving my unwavering loyalty to heaven and earth! And you, Fatty Jia? What have you done to dare claim yourself as a loyal servant of the Great Han!”

Seeing Lu Bu’s smug expression, Jia Xu felt utterly cornered, unable to counter effectively. Eventually, his embarrassment turned to fury.

“You…you brutish warrior, how dare you insult me!”

“How so!” Lu Bu refused to back down, meeting fire with fire. His fierce glare sent shivers through Jia Xu, making him retreat involuntarily.

The tension in the Great Hall escalated rapidly. Liu Xie, who had been observing from the sidelines like a spectator at a play, stepped forward to mediate.

“Grand Preceptor Wen, Wenhe, both of you calm down.”

Lu Bu snorted coldly. “Your Majesty, Jia Wenhe is a treacherous villain and rebel; he must not be trusted. Beware lest his smooth words deceive you.”

Jia Xu was already on shaky ground, and despite his eloquence, he couldn’t outargue Lu Bu when it came to loyalty versus treason. With a grim face, he retorted, “Fine, fine, fine, I, Jia Wenhe, am the traitor, while you, Lü Fengxian, are the loyal subject! Might I ask this ‘loyal’ subject if you have any plan to rescue Your Majesty?”

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu’s head drooped dejectedly.

Lu Bu indeed lived up to his reputation as unparalleled under heaven, fearlessly charging alone against vast armies.

However, when it came to rescuing the Emperor from Yecheng unharmed, he had no viable plan.

“Enough! All of you, silence!” Liu Xie’s voice boomed just as Lu Bu prepared to retort.

Though typically amiable, after playing the role of Emperor for so long and receiving regular training from Yuan Shao, Liu Xie had internalized the dignity and bearing expected of a ruler. The authority he displayed in anger left everyone in the Xuan Room deeply shaken.

“Forgive us, Your Majesty,” Jia Xu promptly acknowledged his mistake. Intimidated by the Emperor’s presence, Lu Bu dared not disrupt further.

Liu Xie glared at both men sternly and said coldly, “With formidable enemies before us and Yuan Shu yet to be vanquished, you two dare squabble amongst yourselves! Are you any different from the treacherous advisors and generals serving under Yuan Shu?

“Since we allowed this meeting, it clearly demonstrates our trust in both of you! Past matters need never be raised again!

“Xiang Xiang was a descendant of Xiang Yu who later defected to the founding Emperor Gaozu, who entrusted him with significant responsibilities. His son even rose to become Prime Minister during Emperor Jing’s reign!

“Gaozu showed unwavering faith in his subjects; why should we not follow suit? Do you truly believe we are such a petty monarch in your eyes?”

Liu Xie’s impassioned speech resonated with authority and conviction.

He had deliberately allowed Lu Bu to berate Jia Xu initially, waiting for this precise moment. Now feigning anger, he referenced the incidents involving Liu Bang and Xiang Xiang to demonstrate his magnanimity.

His aim was to assure Lu Bu and Jia Xu that their past actions would not create any lingering resentment within him. Of course, whether he maintained some level of vigilance remained known only to himself.

After all, among these individuals, none were genuinely loyal subjects of the Han Dynasty.

While Lu Bu claimed loyalty to Great Han, it stemmed more from lacking ambition than true devotion; he never harbored aspirations to become emperor. Historical records even indicate that he once considered arranging a marriage alliance between his daughter and Yuan Shu. How genuine could his allegiance to the Han Dynasty be?

Human hearts are unpredictable, filled with hidden depths.

To win over Zhang He and Gao Luan, Liu Xie relied on “righteousness”; Guo Jia’s allegiance was secured through shared “ideals”; Lu Bu was enticed by “marriage alliances” and “fame,” while Zhen Mi succumbed to the allure of “tea.”

Everyone has desires and personal interests. Some seek fame, wealth, or power, while others pursue their ambitions—all driven by self-interest at its core. There are few truly selfless heroes who dedicate themselves without ulterior motives!

Loyal subjects or scoundrels? Liu Xie didn’t care either way; as long as they served his purpose, it mattered not.

“I confess my guilt…” Lu Bu felt his mouth go dry, daring not to lift his head.

Despite being shorter and less muscular than him, the Emperor before him instilled fear within Lu Bu at that moment. Was this the wrath of an emperor?

Jia Xu remained silent, but deep down, he harbored newfound admiration for the young ruler. Such breadth of vision and magnanimity clearly echoed that of Emperor Gaozu himself, far surpassing Yuan Shao’s caliber.

Observing the expressions on everyone’s faces discreetly, Liu Xie was quite satisfied with his performance. His demeanor softened slightly as he said, “All of you are trusted advisors and pillars of our realm. From now on, we hope you will unite your efforts wholeheartedly to assist us in reclaiming the throne.”

“Xiang Xiang, descendant of Xiang Yu, rose to become Prime Minister. Why should Lü Fengxian not aspire to be Great General, and Jia Wenhe, Prime Minister?”

Upon hearing these words, Jia Xu’s heart swelled with emotion. Prime Minister—a position second only to the Emperor, one he had never dared to dream of. In that instant, he became wholly convinced and loyal.

Lu Bu glanced at Jia Xu, feeling secretly smug. So what if you, Jia Wenhe, eventually become Prime Minister?

This general’s grandson is destined to ascend the imperial throne!