Chapter 117: Your Majesty's Remarkable Tactics

In the Xuan Room, each person harbored their own thoughts.

As Guo Jia observed the vastly different Emperor before him, his feelings were complex - a mix of satisfaction and unease.

He felt satisfied because the Emperor had transformed significantly since their first meeting. Both in temperament and tactics, he far surpassed his earlier self.

Back then, Liu Xie’s attempts to win hearts were remarkably crude. Ordinary warriors like Zhang He or Gao Luan might have been deeply moved, eager to pledge their lives in service. However, such methods held little effect on individuals like Guo Jia and Jia Xu.

Now, the Emperor skillfully cited historical precedents, drawing parallels with contemporary events. He even likened himself to the founding emperor, Han Gaozu, without hesitation in offering titles as prestigious as Great General and Prime Minister.

His unease stemmed from the Emperor’s rapid growth. In just a short span, signs of imperial manipulation were already evident. If this trend continued, becoming solely reliant on such manipulative tactics would not bode well for the throne.

Meanwhile, Jia Xu had shaken off his previous despondency after Lu Bu exposed his true intentions, now filled with grand ambitions.

Given the opportunity, who wouldn’t desire to leave a mark in history, akin to illustrious prime ministers like Xiao He or Li Si?

“My esteemed subjects, please take your seats.”

With Liu Xie’s command, everyone settled down.

Liu Bei spoke up, “This humble servant and Grand Preceptor Wen plan to depart for Yangzhou tomorrow. We came today specifically to bid farewell to Your Majesty.”

“In such a hurry? We were hoping to reminisce with our Imperial Uncle.”

Liu Xie effortlessly spun his web of falsehoods.

Reminisce? What was there for him and Liu Bei to reminisce about? It was merely an attempt to emotionally sway Liu Bei, making him feel closer to this Emperor.

Indeed, Liu Bei felt genuinely touched. The affection from an Emperor could be intoxicating, especially for someone like him, whose claim as a descendant of the Han Dynasty remained unacknowledged.

“Your Majesty, the conflict in Yangzhou continues unabated. Sun Ce and Cao Cao vie for control over its cities large and small. Grand Preceptor Wen and I must return promptly to oversee the situation; we cannot allow them to seize territory in Yangzhou.”

“Xuzhou and Yangzhou will serve as the foundation for Your Majesty’s future security. With Yuan Shu defeated, it is imperative that Grand Preceptor Wen secure the entirety of Yangzhou. We must not let Cao Cao and Sun Ce reap these benefits without resistance.”

Yuan Shu had fallen, but this did not signify the end of battles in Yangzhou.

Next, Lu Bu and Liu Bei would face off against Sun Ce and Cao Cao in a struggle for dominance.

Historically, after Yuan Shu’s defeat by Cao Cao and Sun Ce, his territories were divided between them, significantly bolstering their power.

For Liu Bei and Lu Bu to expand their influence further, capturing Yangzhou was essential. Otherwise, they would miss out on the most significant benefit of their campaign against Yuan Shu.

“In that case, we shall not detain Imperial Uncle and Grand Preceptor Wen any longer.” Liu Xie nodded towards them and continued, “Recently, we have been courting the Zhen Clan’s allegiance. If they pledge their support, you need not worry about funding or supplies.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu’s face lit up with surprise, and even the usually composed Liu Bei could no longer maintain his calm demeanor.

The Zhen Clan was the wealthiest merchant family in the land.

Lu Bu’s eyes widened excitedly, “Is Your Majesty serious? With ample funds and resources at our disposal, those insignificant Negligent Minister Cao and whelp Sun Ce would be swiftly driven out of Yangzhou!”

Lack of money and provisions had always been Lu Bu’s greatest challenge. Without sufficient funds and supplies, having elite soldiers meant little. He had suffered countless setbacks due to this issue.

Yuan Shu, Cao Cao, and Sun Ce all enjoyed the backing of numerous influential aristocratic families, which made him incredibly envious.

Whenever he needed money or provisions, he resorted to forcefully extorting local aristocrats by military might. Consequently, wherever he went, he faced rejection and encountered various hindrances during battles, greatly frustrating him.

With adequate financial support, he wouldn’t give a second thought to taking on both Cao Cao and Sun Ce! He’d even dare to directly declare war on Yuan Shao.

Liu Xie expressed slight concern, “Securing the Zhen Clan’s allegiance is not guaranteed; await further news from us for details.”

Despite Liu Xie’s concerns, Lu Bu believed this plan was already as good as accomplished.

With Zhen Mi entering the palace, wouldn’t it be expected for the Zhen Clan to pledge allegiance and provide financial support to His Majesty?

Lu Bu even resolved that if the Zhen Clan could supply him with sufficient resources, once Emperor Liu Xie regained full control of the empire, he would recommend elevating Zhen Mi to the prestigious title of Consort Zhaoyi. Additionally, her son would be granted governance over the wealthiest regions of Great Han.

Seeing Lu Bu getting carried away, Liu Xie hastily reminded him, “Grand Preceptor Wen, Negligent Minister Cao commands a multitude of strategists and a host of fierce generals, while Sun Ce is equally formidable. You must not underestimate these heroes of our time.”

History had taught Liu Xie that even someone as valiant as Lu Bu should exercise utmost caution when facing these two forces; otherwise, one misstep could lead to disastrous defeat. If Lu Bu were to fail, his dream of becoming Emperor would become truly unattainable.

Noticing Liu Xie’s serious expression, Lu Bu quickly reined in his soaring ambitions and assured him earnestly, “Fear not, Your Majesty. Under my command, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun are exceptional generals, rare finds indeed. Moreover, I always heed Gongtai’s counsel in matters of warfare, ensuring we never act recklessly.”

Relieved, Liu Xie nodded approvingly. “We have heard much about Secretary Chen’s reputation, and having him advise Grand Preceptor Wen gives us great confidence.”

After stating this, he glanced at Jia Xu and Guo Jia nearby. It was time for them to offer their counsel.

Jia Xu instantly understood Liu Xie’s intent. After pondering briefly, he said, “In my opinion, during the Yangzhou campaign, Sun Ce poses a greater threat than Cao Cao. We must not underestimate him due to his youth.”

“Sun Ce, like a tiger dominating Jiangdong, has already established considerable influence. Following Yuan Shu’s declaration of emperorship, Sun Ce seized nearly half of Yangzhou, amassing power surpassing even Yuan Shu himself. Unless absolutely necessary, I believe engaging in a major war with Sun Ce should be avoided. Our focus should be on driving away Cao Cao and securing control over the remaining larger portion of Yangzhou.”

“With both Xuzhou and most of Yangzhou under our control, we have ample territory to develop for some time. Once we consolidate these gains and strengthen our forces, it won’t be too late to completely expel Sun Ce from Yangzhou.”

Echoing Jia Xu’s sentiments, Guo Jia added, “I concur with Wenhe’s assessment; there is no urgency to confront Sun Ce immediately. Even if Grand Preceptor Wen defeats Sun Ce decisively, Sun Ce can leverage Jiangdong’s resources to regroup, potentially causing unnecessary losses to our forces.

However, the Negligent Minister Cao presents a different scenario! With his fraudulent claim to the throne, he stands as a mortal enemy to Yuan Shao, inevitably leading to a future confrontation between them. If Cao suffers defeat in Yangzhou, fearing Yuan Shao’s attack, he will dare not reinforce further.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu expressed his discontent, “Are we just going to let that whelp Sun Ce off so easily?!”

Jia Xu glanced at him but chose not to respond, clearly unwilling to waste time arguing with such a brash man.

Liu Bei attentively listened and solemnly stated, “I will heed your advice, esteemed gentlemen, and ensure Grand Preceptor Wen restrains himself.”

Guo Jia added, “Xuzhou borders Qingzhou, where Yuan Tan is currently stationed. It would be prudent for Grand Preceptor Wen to establish friendly relations with Yuan Tan.”

“For one, there is discord among the three Yuan brothers, each harboring their own ambitions. If Grand Preceptor Wen takes the initiative to show goodwill towards Yuan Tan, he will undoubtedly strive to gain favor and may even provide support in terms of supplies.”

“Secondly, this could alleviate some suspicions from Yuan Shao.”

“Aye, this general understands!” Lu Bu agreed promptly, finding Guo Jia much more agreeable than Jia Xu. Guo Jia genuinely offered ways to secure benefits for him.

The group continued discussing Yangzhou’s military affairs at length. Once all arrangements were finalized, Liu Bei rose and said, “Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Wen and I shall now take our leave.”

Enthusiastically, Lu Bu chimed in, “As soon as this subject returns to Downstream, I’ll immediately send my daughter to serve Your Majesty within the palace!”

After all, she could become the Crown Prince’s consort!

Lu Bu couldn’t wait for his daughter to enter the palace as Empress and bear him a son.

“Hmm?” Jia Xu looked at Lu Bu with confusion. Was this fellow’s daughter about to join the imperial harem?

“Very well, then we shall await news of your victory against the traitorous Cao within the palace,” Liu Xie said with a smile.

Lu Bu and Liu Bei bowed to Liu Xie before leaving the Great Hall.

As they departed, Lu Bu cast a smug glance at Jia Xu, leaving the strategist utterly puzzled.

After much contemplation, Jia Xu couldn’t resist asking, “May I inquire, Your Majesty, regarding Lu Bu’s daughter?”

Liu Xie’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, “We have also promised Grand Preceptor Wen that once power is restored, his daughter will be crowned Empress, and their firstborn child will become Crown Prince.”

Just as he had dangled the promise to the Zhen Clan, he used the same bait to entice Lu Bu. Offering these empty promises from both sides might make it seem like the Emperor lacked integrity.

However, he had no choice.

The position of Crown Prince was his most significant trump card. If not utilized now, there would be no future opportunity.

Initially startled, Jia Xu’s face quickly lit up with delight. “A brilliant move, Your Majesty! Why not use this as bait to win over more influential families? Wouldn’t that be splendid?”

Liu Xie fell silent, realizing Jia Xu was serious and not mocking him.

Who was Jia Xu? To him, moral boundaries didn’t exist; he would do anything to achieve his goals! Writing empty promises on both sides was merely child’s play for him—he had dozens of methods to extend such commitments three, four, or even seven times over!

”…It’s enough for now. Attempting further alliances might alert Yuan Shao. Besides, just managing these two promises already gives us a headache about how to handle it later.”

Jia Xu smiled dismissively. “This is easily resolved, Your Majesty. Do not forget the surname of Grand Preceptor Wen. Appointing his daughter as Empress would never be accepted by our ministers.”

“The Grand Preceptor’s surname… Lu?” Liu Xie hesitated, his expression turning peculiar.

If Lu Bu’s daughter were indeed crowned Empress, the Han Dynasty would have its second Empress with the surname ‘Lu’.

Due to the fear associated with Empress Dowager Lü, most ministers likely wouldn’t agree to another Empress from the same lineage. Her ruthless tactics still sent shivers down people’s spines to this day.

Indeed, they were genuinely terrified.

“Let’s discuss this matter at a later time.”

The mere thought of another Empress Lü was enough to deter most ministers from supporting such a proposal.

If Lu Bu’s daughter were to become Empress, it would mark the second Empress Lü in Han history.