Chapter 121: What Imperial Demeanor Can A Fake Emperor Possess?

Less than half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Guo Jia and Jia Xu arrived at the imperial palace.

After brief pleasantries with Liu Xie, they got straight to the point. “Fengxiao, Wenhe, are you aware of the Cao thief’s invitation to Kong Rong of North Sea to visit Xu County?” Liu Xie asked.

Guo Jia nodded gravely. “This matter is now known throughout the realm. Wenhe and I just returned from Yuan Shao’s camp, intending to report this very issue to Your Majesty. We didn’t expect you to already be informed.”

Jia Xu sighed, “That cunning Cao thief has indeed played his cards well, leveraging the prestige of the Kong family against the Yuan clan’s renown. Although Kong Beihai is upright and incorruptible, I fear he might fall prey to Cao’s deception and mistakenly identify the wrong true dragon. If that happens, it would truly be a calamity.”

In Jia Xu’s mind, he had prepared for the worst-case scenario.

If Kong Rong were genuinely coerced, tempted, or deceived by Cao Cao into declaring the Yecheng Emperor as false and the Xu County Emperor as genuine, their situation would become dire indeed.

Ever since leaving Yuan Shao’s camp, he had been discussing potential strategies with Guo Jia.

Apart from following Tian Feng’s suggestion to invite Kong Rong to Yecheng, there seemed no better alternative. This reliance on someone else’s actions made Jia Xu feel quite uneasy.

Liu Xie maintained a composed demeanor as he inquired, “What do you think the Cao thief’s intentions are here? Why dare he openly invite Kong Rong to Xu County? Does he not fear being exposed?”

In dealing with this situation, Liu Xie couldn’t appear too indifferent; he needed to exhibit appropriate concern without revealing his inner panic. Otherwise, his true feelings might slip before the astute Jia Xu.

Fortunately, with his acting skills, he could easily manage this balance.

Despite his unease, Jia Xu reassured the Emperor, “Your Majesty need not worry. The actions of the Cao thief reveal that he is cornered. Ever since Lu Bu presented Yuan Shu and the jade seal of the realm, all under heaven recognize Your Majesty as the rightful Emperor.

If the Cao thief did nothing, it would confirm his crime of falsely proclaiming an Emperor, inviting scorn from across the land. Thus, he sought Kong Rong, whose reputation surpasses even Yuan Shao’s, to endorse him.”

“As for whether Kong Rong will align with the Cao thief… I believe this matter lies beyond our control.”

Jia Xu privately thought that if he were Cao Cao, failing to deceive Kong Rong, he would resort to threats and inducements instead. By any means necessary, he’d compel Kong Rong to acknowledge the false emperor at Xu County.

His anxiety grew, hoping that Yuan Shao would also invite Kong Rong, making Yecheng their first stop. Then, by promptly granting him an official position and forbidding him from leaving Yecheng for Xu County, they could prevent further complications.

Guo Jia sighed anxiously, “I believe the reason the treacherous Cao dares to invite Kong Rong to authenticate the true Emperor is because he has either bribed or coerced the Empress and other close advisors. If he finds someone resembling Your Majesty and forces these trusted individuals and imperial concubines to provide false testimony, it’s highly likely that Kong Rong could be deceived.”

Lacking his closest advisors and palace concubines by his side was Liu Xie’s greatest weakness.

However, after hearing Guo Jia and Jia Xu’s analysis, despite the unfavorable situation, Liu Xie felt a sense of relief wash over him.

Neither Guo Jia nor Jia Xu suspected his identity; their concerns solely revolved around whether Cao Cao might deceive or coerce Kong Rong. The legitimacy of his claim as Emperor did not hinge on being a direct descendant of the founding Han Emperor but rather depended on the recognition from his strategists and generals.

As long as enough people acknowledged him as the rightful Emperor, even if he were an imposter, it would become truth.

This realization brought good news for Liu Xie.

But…it was far from sufficient.

Feigning disbelief, he angrily roared at Guo Jia and Jia Xu, “Mr. Yang and Imperial Father-in-law are loyal and upright ministers, and the Empress shares a deep bond with us. How could they aid evil, providing false testimony for the Cao thief?”

“I refuse to believe it! They would never betray us!”

Guo Jia and Jia Xu exchanged glances.

The Emperor still failed to grasp the unpredictable nature of human hearts.

A few moments passed in silence within the Great Hall. Finally, the older Jia Xu steeled himself and said, “Cases where parents harm their children or wives betray their husbands are not uncommon. How much more so for ministers trapped against their will in Cao Camp?”

He continued, recounting history, “When the Cao thief fled from Dong Zhuo, he sought refuge at Lü Boshe’s residence. Despite being warmly welcomed by Lü Boshe’s five sons, suspicion arose in his heart. In the night, he murdered all eight members before escaping.”

Later, shamelessly, he justified this act to Chen Gong with the infamous phrase, ‘It is better that I betray the world than let the world betray me.’

“Given the ruthless nature of the Cao thief,” Jia Xu concluded, “he undoubtedly would employ any means necessary to coerce the Empress and others.”

Guo Jia nodded in agreement. “No one is perfect. Even the most steadfastly loyal individuals have their weaknesses. Not just the vicious Cao thief, but even I could devise dozens of methods to force Yang Biao, Fu Wan, and Your Majesty’s concubines into providing false testimony.”

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu glanced at Guo Jia, recalling firsthand experience of his manipulative tactics - indeed, they were hard to resist.

Noticing Jia Xu’s gaze, Guo Jia couldn’t help but feel slightly awkward.

Threatening family members to coerce compliance was indeed despicable yet highly effective.

This is precisely why both Liu Xie and Jia Xu harbored concerns about the loyalty of ministers close to the Emperor in Xu County, as well as the imperial concubines there.

“What should we do?” Liu Xie feigned panic at the opportune moment, anxiously asking, “If Kong Rong falls for Cao’s deception, won’t everyone believe that we are the false Emperor? How can we face such a situation then?”

Regardless of future outcomes, whether Kong Rong acknowledges the Emperor in Xu County or not is beyond Liu Xie’s control. All he could do was continually hint to Jia Xu and Guo Jia, reinforcing their subconscious belief that “the Emperor in Xu County is a fraud.”

In this way, even if Kong Rong were to recognize the Emperor in Xu County, they would assume he had been deceived and coerced by Cao Cao.

They would not doubt the legitimacy of Liu Xie’s claim to the throne, nor abandon him because of it.

“Your Majesty need not worry excessively,” Guo Jia reassured Liu Xie once more. “Kong Rong is steadfast and unyielding; he dared defy Dong Zhuo in the past, so he certainly won’t succumb to the Cao thief now. With the controversy over the true Emperor spreading rapidly, given Kong Rong’s character, even if deceived in Xu County by the Cao thief, he will undoubtedly come to Yecheng to pay his respects to Your Majesty.”

Jia Xu nodded in agreement. “Indeed, as long as Kong Rong remains unbending against Cao’s coercion, Your Majesty need not worry. A fake is always just that—a mere pretender cannot compare to Your Majesty. One glance at you, and Kong Rong will discern the truth.”

Jia Xu’s confidence hinged on Kong Rong maintaining his steadfastness, much like he had done years ago. As long as he didn’t immediately accept the Emperor in Xu County, but instead visited Yecheng to see the true ruler face-to-face, everything would be resolved.

After all, how could a false Emperor possess the genuine imperial dignity? Even if dressed in imperial robes and wearing the ceremonial crown, it would merely be akin to putting a monkey in royal attire—an absurd charade.

With one comparison, the truth would instantly reveal itself.

“Although you say so, we still feel uneasy…” Liu Xie knew he was genuinely an impostor, and far from being reassured by Jia Xu’s words, his worries deepened.

He shifted the topic, asking, “What if Kong Rong does not come to Yecheng and believes Cao’s claims, staying in Xu County? What then?”

At this moment, Liu Xie fervently hoped that Kong Rong would have keen insight to recognize the true dragon among them, identifying the Emperor in Xu County without ever visiting Yecheng. That way, Jia Xu, Guo Jia, and others could comfort him by attributing Kong Rong’s stance to deception by the Cao thief.

However, if Kong Rong did come to Yecheng and discerned the truth, it would indeed be catastrophic. Whether Liu Xie would face death was uncertain, but his days ahead would undoubtedly become unbearable, abruptly ending his dream of restoring the Great Han for a third time.

“What difference does it make if Kong Rong doesn’t come to Yecheng?” Guo Jia, assuming Liu Xie genuinely feared Kong Rong’s absence, calmly analyzed the situation.

“Yuan Shao is not Yuan Shu; he holds sway over three provinces—Qing, Bing, and Ji—with vast armies at his command, making him the most powerful among the warlords. Although the Yuan clan’s prestige may not match that of the Kong family, they still boast four generations of high-ranking officials.”

“If Yuan Shao acknowledges Your Majesty, even if Kong Rong claims the Emperor in Xu County is genuine, dare any other warlord raise their banners against Yuan Shao and Your Majesty?”

The world wasn’t solely under the influence of the Kong family; despite Kong Rong’s esteemed reputation, his word alone could not decide matters.

However, if roles were reversed, and Kong Rong recognized the Emperor in Yecheng with Yuan Shao’s influence and power backing him, it would spell doom for Cao Cao.

Ultimately, strength dictated everything.

Given Yuan Shao’s might, even facing accusations of supporting a false Emperor, who would dare openly oppose him? Of course, this scenario would utterly destroy Liu Xie’s reputation, branding him as a traitor and a false ruler.

Furthermore, should he eventually seize control from Yuan Shao, it would severely hinder his ability to attract loyal ministers and renowned scholars in the future.

After Liu Xie issued his edict, Yuan Shao swiftly dispatched messengers to North Sea with urgent orders and, like Cao Cao, proclaimed the event far and wide.

Cao Cao dared invite Kong Rong to authenticate the Emperor’s legitimacy; if Yuan Shao hesitated, it would imply guilt. However, few realized he genuinely felt uneasy about the situation.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, he had no choice but to summon Kong Rong.

Initially panicked, both Yuan Shao and Liu Xie soon shared the same sentiment—praying fervently that Kong Rong wouldn’t come.

Meanwhile, at Lu Bu’s residence in Downstream:

“Whoa!” Lu Bu reined in his horse outside the estate, tossing the reins casually to a waiting servant before hastily rushing inside.

“General…” Diao Chan approached to greet him, but Lu Bu cut her off before she could speak.

“Where are Madam and Qi’er?” Lu Bu scanned the surroundings, searching for Madam Yan and Lü Lingqi.

Upon hearing this, disappointment washed over Diao Chan’s face, her eyes reddening as she said, “General, treating me as though I’m invisible… Have you grown tired of me?”

Though not prone to jealousy, seeing Lu Bu ignore her completely while only concerned about Madam Yan and Lü Lingqi couldn’t help but stir her emotions.

Lu Bu quickly explained, noticing her reaction, “Misunderstanding! I urgently need to speak with the madam and Qi’er.”

Diao Chan knew her place; after this brief complaint, she composed herself and replied, “The madam and Qi’er went to the temple outside the city walls. They likely won’t return until nightfall… Is there something you need, my lord?”

“Thick walls have thin ears. This isn’t the right place to discuss it. Let’s go inside.” Lu Bu lowered his voice, guiding Diao Chan towards the side room and closing all doors and windows.

Lu Bu’s secretive demeanor heightened Diao Chan’s curiosity, prompting her to ask again, “My lord, what exactly is going on that requires such caution?”

“It’s good news! Tremendously good news!” Ensuring the doors were securely shut, Lu Bu spoke with excitement, “Do you know what reward the Emperor bestowed upon me during my visit to Yecheng?”

Diao Chan pondered for a moment before suggesting, “Considering your achievements in capturing Yuan Shu alive and presenting the jade seal of the realm, perhaps he appointed you as General of Chariots and Cavalry?”

Lu Bu had previously held the title of General Who Displays Might, so a promotion following such significant accomplishments was expected. Seeing his evident excitement, Diao Chan ventured a bold guess.

However, her guess turned out to be too conservative.

Lu Bu snorted dismissively, “General of Chariots and Cavalry? Hardly noteworthy. The Emperor granted me the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry and elevated me to County Duke. If not for that traitor Yuan Shao’s interference, His Majesty would have surely named me Great General. But these titles pale in comparison to what I’m about to share.”

As Lu Bu continued, his face beamed with pride.

Diao Chan’s beautiful eyes widened, nearly quaking in shock.

The title of General of Chariots and Cavalry ranked just below that of Great General, while being bestowed a noble rank was even more astounding. Yet, Lu Bu dismissed these honors as insignificant.

Unable to contain his desire to boast any longer, Lu Bu excitedly exclaimed, “I’m now Imperial Father-in-law! His Majesty declared me his father-in-law himself, and he plans to make Qi’er Empress someday!”

These past few days had been unbearable for Lu Bu, unable to share such joyous news with anyone. Now, having found someone to confide in and celebrate, his enthusiasm grew with each word.

“Qi’er will become Empress!”

“And her son, my grandson, will be the Crown Prince of Great Han, the future Emperor!”

Had it not been for Liu Xie and Liu Bei’s strict instructions to keep this secret until all matters were settled, Lu Bu would have sprinted to the streets, shouting the news so everyone knew Lü Fengxian had finally made it big!

However, Diao Chan did not react with the expected shock or delight. Instead, she gently touched his forehead, puzzled. “You don’t seem feverish; why are you talking nonsense?”

If Lu Bu had mentioned only the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry, Diao Chan might have believed him. After all, his recent achievements were indeed significant.

But Count of the Prefecture? That seemed impossible.

The Great Han had stood for nearly four centuries, with only Wang Mang, who usurped power, ever claiming the title Grand Protectorate of Han.

As for making Lü Lingqi Empress, that was even more absurd.

Empress Fu was still alive, after all.

Even if she were to pass away, it would not be Lu Bu’s daughter’s turn to ascend.

Diao Chan pressed Lu Bu down onto the bed, her concern evident. “Lie down and rest, my lord,” she said. “I will summon a physician immediately.”

“I’m not talking nonsense!” Panicking, Lu Bu grabbed Diao Chan as she made to leave, determined to share this joyous news despite being dismissed as delirious. He swore solemnly, “Every word is straight from His Majesty himself! If I am lying, may I suffer lifelong barrenness!”

To convince Diao Chan, he resorted to such a severe oath.

Though she still found it too fantastical to believe, seeing the earnestness on Lu Bu’s face, she began to accept some truth in his words.

“But hasn’t His Majesty already chosen an Empress? With the Empress still alive, how can there be talk of establishing a new one? Could it be that you’ve been deceived by His Majesty?”

Unlike coarse warriors, Diao Chan possessed a keen intellect. In her view, even if Lu Bu spoke truly, it was highly likely he had been misled.

“Women’s talk!” Lu Bu frowned sternly at Diao Chan’s criticism of the Emperor, clearly displeased. “His Majesty is the Son of Heaven; his every word carries divine weight. He has always been close to me, so why would he deceive me?”

“Moreover,” Lu Bu continued, “His Majesty mentioned that Empress Fu was imposed upon him under duress, not by choice. Furthermore, with the current empress residing in Xu County alongside that Fake Emperor, it undoubtedly creates tension.”

“And given my unwavering loyalty to His Majesty, having achieved such great feats, he hailed me as the Jade Pillar that Holds Up the Sky for Great Han! Why should there be any objection to appointing Qi’er as Empress?”

Lü Fengxian considered himself a loyal subject of the Great Han. In terms of devotion, military prowess, and contributions to the Han Dynasty, who among those alive today could match him?

The Emperor entrusting him with crowning his daughter as Empress signified both trust and recognition!

Lu Bu then solemnly warned Diao Chan, “With the Emperor facing adversity, this is our chance to uphold justice and save the realm. You must refrain from speaking ill of His Majesty, lest you damage our bond between sovereign and minister.”