Chapter 118: Requesting North Sea's Kong Rong to Authenticate the Emperor's Identity

After half an hour, Jia Xu and Guo Jia also took their leave.

As they walked towards the palace exit, they engaged in casual conversation.

Gazing at the vibrant sunset on the distant horizon, Jia Xu suddenly felt a wave of emotion. “The transformation of His Majesty is astounding. I never imagined that within just a few short years, he would grow from a young child to reach his current stature. Despite not yet reaching adulthood, he already possesses the cunning mind of an emperor.”

Had he not witnessed it firsthand, it would have been difficult for him to connect the present Emperor with the innocent boy from many years ago. They seemed like entirely different individuals.

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia smiled ambiguously without expressing agreement or disagreement.

Unlike Jia Xu, who had met Liu Xie several years prior, Guo Jia didn’t share the same early impressions. However, he clearly recognized how drastically Liu Xie had changed since arriving in Yecheng compared to now.

“Thanks to Wenhe and Grand Preceptor Wen today, I’ve witnessed His Majesty’s fury for the first time,” remarked Guo Jia.

Jia Xu immediately understood that Guo Jia was teasing him for stooping to Lu Bu’s level. Irritated, he retorted, “Ah, you sly Guo Fengxiao! Don’t even think about enjoying any more of my plum wine!”

“How could you do this? I was only joking!” Guo Jia feigned shock as he watched Jia Xu walking away swiftly. Hastily, he chased after him, calling out, “Wenhe, wait up…”

Their figures gradually receded into the distance, blending with the twilight hues.

In the shadows, Gao Luan moved like a specter, ensuring security against any potential threats while safeguarding the Emperor’s secrets.

Early the next morning, Liu Xie received word that Lu Bu and Liu Bei had already embarked on their journey back.

On this same day, Zhen Mi was set to accompany the Zhen Clan’s caravan to Wuji County.

“Your Majesty, I must depart now,” Zhen Mi said tenderly as she nestled close to Liu Xie, filled with reluctance.

This trip would keep her away for at least a month. Currently in the passionate early stages of their romance, just thinking about being separated from Liu Xie for so long saddened her deeply.

Liu Xie gently stroked Zhen Mi’s hair. “Beloved, do not be disheartened. Upon your return, we shall delve into the art of nude figure drawing together.”

“Nude figure drawing?” Intrigued, Zhen Mi knew only of regular sketches but had never heard of such a specific type.

Chuckling, Liu Xie whispered something into her ear. Instantly, Zhen Mi’s fair cheeks flushed red, and she playfully nudged him, feeling both embarrassed and indignant.

“Oh, Your Majesty, always teasing me!”

Just as they were lost in their sweet moment, a court eunuch approached to report, “Your Majesty, the noble consort’s carriage awaits outside the palace.”

Nodding, Liu Xie reluctantly let go of Zhen Mi’s lingering embrace. “My beloved, we await your safe return within these walls.”

Zhen Mi bowed respectfully to Liu Xie before departing with the eunuch. She needed to mourn her second brother and persuade her family elders, despite her deep reluctance to leave.

With every few steps, Zhen Mi glanced back at Liu Xie.

Liu Xie stood there with a smile until her figure disappeared behind the palace gates, and only then did his grin slowly fade away. Rubbing his slightly stiff face from smiling too much, he sighed wearily, “Women in love can be truly terrifying.”

As their relationship deepened, he discovered that beneath Zhen Mi’s aloof goddess facade lay a clingy, lovesick heart! Not only was she utterly submissive to him, allowing him complete control, but she also constantly sought his company day after day.

Given this relentless devotion, even towards the Emperor himself, it was no wonder history recorded her eventual demise due to jealousy.

“Now let’s see if she can bring back good news,” Liu Xie thought anxiously yet expectantly.

Throughout history, countless noble families had risked everything for supreme power, but he couldn’t predict whether the Zhen Clan would do the same.

After standing still for a moment, Liu Xie didn’t return to his sleeping quarters but headed instead toward another side hall.

Zhen Mi’s clinginess had left him virtually no opportunity to meet the three beauties sent by Boss Yuan these past days. Now, he resolved to seize this chance fully.

“It’s not about lusting for their beauty; we must do this to avoid arousing suspicion from Yuan Shao… Ah, what great sacrifices we make.” Blaming Yuan Shao under his breath, Liu Xie sighed while quickening his pace.

In Yingchuan…

After Lu Bu captured Shouchun, Cao Cao retreated to Yingchuan.

His primary objective had been seizing Shouchun and reclaiming the jade seal from Yuan Shu’s possession. With that goal unfulfilled, there was no reason for him to linger.

As for the ongoing struggle over Yangzhou, Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren were handling it.

What truly vexed Cao Cao now was something else entirely.

“That fool Lu Bu is utterly idiotic! How could he trust the treacherous Yuan Shao and hand over the jade seal of the realm so recklessly!” Cao Cao thundered before his assembled advisors in the grand hall. “And Chen Gong! Given his cunning, couldn’t he see through Yuan Shao’s deceit in setting up a false Emperor? Allowing Lu Bu to go to Yecheng clearly shows his resentment towards me, seeking an opportunity for revenge!”

Cao Cao had spent recent weeks tirelessly appeasing Madam Ding, who threatened divorce, while also pacifying the influential families in Yanzhou and Yuzhou. He was overwhelmed with stress.

Just as things seemed unbearably hectic, news arrived about Lu Bu presenting himself at Yecheng to pay homage to the Emperor and offering the jade seal of the realm. This revelation felt like a bolt out of the blue!

This signaled Lu Bu’s acknowledgment of the Emperor at Yecheng, leading the uninformed masses to believe Yuan Shao’s deceitful claims.

With Yuan Shao’s lineage as four generations of high officials backing him and Lu Bu’s endorsement, along with possession of the jade seal of the realm, the false Emperor in Yecheng seemed more legitimate than the true Emperor here in Xu County, who now appeared like an imposter!

Xun You, Xun Yu, Yang Xiu, Cheng Yu, and others present all wore grave expressions, equally concerned by this news.

“My lord, we must swiftly devise a response. Otherwise, the ignorant masses may genuinely believe you have set up a puppet Emperor,” Xun Yu began, his expression deeply serious.

The situation was already highly unfavorable for them. If they failed to prove their legitimacy promptly, not only would the Emperor lose all authority, but Cao Cao’s reputation would be ruined, causing the influential families supporting him to abandon ship.

After all, who would dare back a traitor accused of installing a fake Emperor?

Cursing Yuan Shao vehemently, Cao Cao gradually regained some composure.

“Wenruo is right; everyone, quickly come up with a plan!”

Not only had they failed to capture Shouchun, but now even the legitimacy of the Emperor was under threat.

Cao Cao’s resolve began to crumble, finding it increasingly difficult to maintain his usual composed demeanor. At this moment, he desperately wanted to prove that Yuan Shao was the one supporting a false Emperor more than anyone else, including the Emperor himself!

However, Yuan Shao already enjoyed greater renown, and with Lu Bu capturing Yuan Shu, his credibility received further endorsement.

The situation seemed overwhelmingly unfavorable for Cao Cao.

Cheng Yu shook his head and sighed, “This will indeed be challenging.”

Xun You and Xun Yu wore grim expressions, also sighing heavily.

They had considered having trusted ministers or even the Empress herself come forward as witnesses. But Yuan Shao could easily counter with a single claim—every high-ranking official and palace concubine were being coerced by Cao Cao.

With Dong Zhuo’s tyrannical reign still fresh in everyone’s memory, Yuan Shao’s manipulation would lead many to view Cao Cao as the second coming of Dong Zhuo.

On the side, Yang Xiu slightly parted his lips, seemingly struck with an idea.

Perceiving this, Xun You promptly asked, “Dezu, have you thought of a solution?”

Everyone’s attention immediately focused on Yang Xiu.

“Indeed, I have a simple suggestion.” Yang Xiu smiled faintly and rose from his seat, looking up as he spoke. “Since the Grand Secretary of Works’ reputation falls short compared to Yuan Shao’s, why not seek endorsement from someone even more renowned to authenticate the Emperor’s legitimacy?”

As Yang Xiu finished, silence fell over the hall.

Everyone mentally assessed the feasibility of this idea.

“Wonderful! Absolutely brilliant!” Cao Cao slapped his thigh, visibly excited.

“Dezu’s plan is truly ingenious!” Cheng Yu concurred enthusiastically.

The reason Yecheng’s Emperor gained credibility across the land was due to endorsements by Yuan Shao and Lu Bu. The people trusted Yuan Shao’s prestige as a descendant of three generations of prime ministers, and they believed in Lu Bu’s achievements, particularly capturing Yuan Shu.

By finding someone with an even greater reputation to validate the Emperor’s authenticity, wouldn’t it solve their problem?

It wasn’t surprising that such a straightforward solution had eluded them earlier. Their focus had been solely on the influential officials who accompanied the Emperor to Xu County.

If both the Emperor’s close advisors and the Empress attested to the Emperor’s legitimacy in Xu County, who could dare question it? Only Yuan Shao could!

He publicly claimed that the Emperor, unwilling to be a mere puppet, fled all the way to Yecheng. According to him, every official at court, including the Empress, were under duress.

With just this statement, doubts about Cao Cao and the authenticity of the Emperor in Xu County were sown.

Eagerly, Cao Cao asked the gathering, “Who among you knows of someone with greater reputation and lineage than Yuan Shao, willing to undertake the crucial task of verifying the Emperor’s legitimacy?”

“Perhaps Mr. Yang or Duke Fu?” suggested Cheng Yu.

By “Mr. Yang” and “Duke Fu,” he referred to Yang Xiu’s father, Yang Biao, and the Imperial Father-in-Law, Fu Wan.

Yang Biao hailed from the prestigious Hongnong Yang clan, matching Yuan Shao’s lineage in prestige. As a seasoned court official, his influence was immense.

As for Fu Wan, being the Emperor’s father-in-law naturally granted him authority to authenticate the Emperor’s identity.

“Inappropriate.”

Xun Yu immediately shook his head, rejecting Cheng Yu’s proposal. “If Mr. Yang and Duke Fu declare to the world that the Emperor in Xu County is genuine, people will only suspect our lord coerced them.”

“Not just Duke Fu and Mr. Yang; none of the officials close to the Emperor residing in Xu Capital are suitable.” With these words, Xun Yu further narrowed down the potential candidates.

Seeing everyone deep in thought, Yang Xiu smiled again and offered, “What do you think of Kong Rong of North Sea, gentlemen?”