Chapter 125: Having Seen Your Emperor, Why Not Pay Homage?

Just as it had been in Xu County, upon entering Yecheng, Kong Rong stayed at the imperial residence while Tai Shici remained in the relay station.

If Kong Rong failed to return within the agreed-upon timeframe, Tai Shici was instructed to immediately flee Jizhou.

Inside the carriage, Kong Rong appeared composed with his eyes closed, but internally, he was far from tranquil.

How does this Emperor of Yecheng compare to the one in Xu County? Is he genuine or an imposter?

As they approach the final step towards unveiling the truth, Kong Rong, initially tasked solely with discerning the Emperor’s authenticity, now feels an overwhelming sense of anxiety, unease, and… anticipation.

He fears that this Emperor might be even more unworthy, yet hopes for significant differences between them.

During his three-day stay in Xu County, through conversations with Yang Biao, Fu Wan, and the Emperor himself, Kong Rong learned numerous secrets about the Emperor known only to a select few, including details like specific birthmarks on his body.

However, he understands these revelations should only be taken with half-trust; complete belief is unwise. Thus, he treats all newly acquired information merely as references.

Beyond the secrets gathered in Xu County, Kong Rong has his own methods to authenticate the Emperor’s identity.

“Prime Minister, we’ve arrived.”

As Kong Rong pondered, Yuan Shao’s voice echoed from outside the carriage.

He slowly opened his eyes, exhaled deeply, and stepped down with resolute determination.

Before him stood an imposing and grandiose palace.

“This is?” Kong Rong was slightly taken aback; Yecheng’s imperial palace rivaled Chang’an’s magnificence, far surpassing Xu County’s modest counterpart.

Yuan Shao smiled. “With His Majesty relocating the capital to Yecheng, how could I, as a loyal subject, not provide a fitting palace for our Emperor?”

“While this palace may not match the grandeur of those in Luoyang or Chang’an, considerable thought and effort were invested, employing skilled artisans for its construction… Rest assured, Prime Minister, all expenses for building the palace came solely from the House of Yuan, without burdening the people.”

“Currently, His Majesty resides within these walls, attended by over five hundred servants and protected day and night by a thousand members of the imperial guard.” Yuan Shao briefly outlined the various arrangements within the palace.

To maintain the illusion and uphold his reputation for loyalty, ever since Liu Xie arrived in Yecheng, Yuan Shao had spared no expense on continuous renovations and expansions, both day and night.

Although the imperial palace before them was not yet fully completed, it was evident at first glance that it had indeed been constructed according to the grand specifications befitting the Emperor’s residence.

Kong Rong surveyed the palace and discreetly glanced at the imperial guards stationed outside, nodding silently to himself. This imperial palace far surpassed the so-called “palace” in Xu County in opulence. The meticulous attention to detail and the personnel arrangements clearly showcased Yuan Shao’s dedication.

The only question remained whether the one seated within truly was the Son of Heaven.

As they conversed, a court eunuch approached with small, quick steps and bowed respectfully to both Yuan Shao and Kong Rong. “Great General, Prime Minister, His Majesty awaits you in Zhengyang Hall. Please accompany me for your audience.”

Yuan Shao nodded, slightly stepping aside to let Kong Rong precede him. “After you, Prime Minister.”

Kong Rong strode forward, entering the palace gates.

Guided by the eunuch, the two men traversed the imperial grounds until reaching the entrance to Zhengyang Hall. Along the way, Kong Rong subtly observed their surroundings.

“Please wait here momentarily while I announce your arrival,” said the eunuch, leaving Yuan Shao and Kong Rong outside as he entered the hall to notify the Emperor.

These subtle gestures did not go unnoticed by Kong Rong; they were markedly different from what he had observed in Xu County.

Soon, the herald’s voice echoed from within the Great Hall:

“Announcing—

“The Great General and Grand Marshal, Yuan Shao!

“The Prime Minister of North Sea, Kong Rong!

“Enter the hall to pay respects—!”

With that cue, Yuan Shao and Kong Rong stepped into the Great Hall.

Upon entering, they saw civil ministers and military generals standing solemnly on both sides.

As the saying goes—“In the halls of power, noble officials gather.”

Yuan Shao approached the center of the hall and reverently performed a deep bow, “Subject Yuan Shao greets Your Majesty!”

He executed the solemn and grand ritual involving three bows and nine prostrations.

Kong Rong remained standing, lifting his gaze towards the imposing figure seated upon the Dragon Throne straight ahead.

Clad in crimson-black imperial robes, crowned with a majestic headdress adorned with pearls.

The face beneath the cascading bead curtain was youthful and handsome, strikingly familiar yet seemingly distinct in some way.

At that moment, it glanced down indifferently at him from above.

Their eyes met.

Instantaneously, as Kong Rong clearly saw the countenance under the pearl veil, his pupils contracted, his body stiffened, and sheer astonishment filled his heart!

How could…they be identical?

Kong Rong struggled to describe the shock he felt, as this scene was entirely unexpected.

The Emperor here in Yecheng looked exactly like the one in Xu County! There wasn’t the slightest difference in their appearance.

However, the solemn and dignified atmosphere within the Great Hall reminded him of Lingdi’s reign, indicating that the Emperor before him was not the same individual from Xu County.

As Kong Rong scrutinized Liu Xie’s face, searching for any discernible differences, Liu Xie spoke up.

“Having seen us, why have you not yet knelt?”

Liu Xie frowned slightly, appearing quite displeased.

Upon hearing the voice beside him, Kong Rong snapped out of his daze, promptly bowing deeply and respectfully saying, “Subject Kong Rong greets Your Majesty!”

But Liu Xie did not let it rest, emitting a cold snort. “Disrespectful conduct before the throne, staring directly at our divine countenance. As the twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius, how dare you show such insolence towards us?”

The overwhelming pressure made Kong Rong break out in a cold sweat.

Realizing the tension had reached its peak, Yuan Shao swiftly intervened. “Your Majesty, Mister Kong has endured a long and arduous journey, leaving him weary both physically and mentally, which led to this momentary lapse in decorum. We hope Your Majesty will forgive Mister Kong for his breach of etiquette.”

Failing to pay proper reverence upon seeing the Emperor, and even daring to stare straight at his visage, might be overlooked under ordinary circumstances. However, during an official audience before all ministers, such disrespect could not go unpunished.

Kong Rong also bowed deeply. “The imperial might of Your Majesty is overwhelming, and this humble old servant could not bear it, leading to such misconduct. I beg for Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

At that moment, he yearned to lift his head and get a proper look at the Emperor seated above him. However, bound by the etiquette between ruler and subject, he dared not risk another offense.

“Imperial might?” Liu Xie let out a cold laugh, seemingly growing even more displeased. His eyes fixed on Kong Rong, he demanded, “How does the Emperor here compare to the one in Xu County?”

His voice brimmed with uncontainable fury.

Instantly, Kong Rong understood why the Emperor before him treated him with such icy severity. It wasn’t due to any breach of protocol within the palace.

What truly angered the Emperor…

was that Kong Rong had gone to Xu County!

“Forgive me, Your Majesty!”

“In today’s world, two Emperors claim truth—one genuine, one false—and distinguishing between them confounds all, including myself. This matter concerns the rightful lineage of Great Han, so utmost caution was necessary, lest I make a hasty judgment. Thus, whether it be Yecheng or Xu County, I felt compelled to visit both.”

“If Your Majesty holds this against me, I willingly accept any punishment.” Kong Rong spoke with sincerity, neither submissive nor arrogant, fully confident in his actions being without guilt.

“Forget it.” Liu Xie seemed somewhat impatient as he replied mildly, “Considering your loyalty, we shall overlook this transgression.”

“Since you have visited Xu County and now come to Yecheng, surely you must have reached a conclusion.”

“Tell us—” Liu Xie paused dramatically before continuing, “who is genuine and who false?”

At this moment, Liu Xie’s acting reached its pinnacle, far surpassing his earlier performance with Yuan Shao. This was the epitome of method acting, fully embodying the role of Emperor.

His resounding voice conveyed an invisible pressure that, even with Kong Rong’s head bowed, felt heavier than Mount Tai, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Watching from the side, Yuan Shao’s eyes flickered, quickly seizing the opportunity to exert more influence on Kong Rong.

“Mister Kong, this matter concerns the Emperor’s reputation. Please be cautious, Mister Kong; avoid any rash statements!”

Kong Rong remained silent for a long moment before finally sighing deeply. With a weary, aged voice, he said:

“Spare me… I cannot discern between them.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao initially froze, then experienced a surge of wild joy.

He had prepared for the worst-case scenario, anticipating that the cunning old fox Kong Rong might expose their deception about the true Emperor. His plan involved tarnishing Kong Rong’s reputation by slandering him, ensuring people would dismiss anything the treacherous old man claimed.

Yet unexpectedly, Kong Rong admitted he could not distinguish the truth.

This revelation left Yuan Shao ecstatic beyond measure.

“Nonsense!” Just as Yuan Shao contemplated applying further pressure to solidify Kong Rong’s endorsement of the impostor, an enraged voice echoed through the Great Hall.

Liu Xie abruptly rose from the Dragon Throne, his cold gaze fixed on Kong Rong with palpable malice.

“As a descendant of Emperor Gaozu, we are the rightful ruler of Great Han! The Kong family has long been favored by our nation’s grace, and you, Kong Wenju, serve as a model for scholars worldwide. Yet, you fail to recognize the true Son of Heaven, attempting to deceive all under heaven with your feigned ignorance.”

As his voice echoed, the air seemed to chill with the intensity of his murderous intent. Yuan Shao and Ju Shou, feigning alarm, dropped to their knees.

“Please calm yourself, Your Majesty.”

Yuan Shao was secretly thrilled; this imposter’s performance was truly remarkable. For a moment, he almost believed a genuine dragon sat upon that throne.

Following Yuan Shao and Ju Shou’s lead, other genuinely alarmed advisors and generals also knelt, shouting in unison, “Calm yourself, Your Majesty.”

“Calm down? How can you expect us to calm down!” Liu Xie roared like an enraged lion, his intimidating gaze compelling everyone present to avoid eye contact, heads bowed low.

“After the yellow turban uprising, Dong Zhuo brought chaos to the court. Since ascending the throne, we have faced daily anxieties. Thankfully, Grand Preceptor Wen eliminated Dong Zhuo. However, following his demise, traitors like Guo Si and Li Jue emerged, causing further turmoil. Today, feudal lords divide the land amidst incessant warfare, leading to widespread suffering and a miserable existence for the common people.”

“Yuan Shu, in Yangzhou, has committed treason by usurping the throne and proclaiming himself Emperor. Meanwhile, the treacherous Cao in Yanzhou manipulates the true Emperor for his own ends.

We deeply regret not being able to emulate Emperor Guangwu’s efforts to suppress rebellions and restore peace to our subjects.”

His voice resonated with force, echoing throughout the hall.

Among those present, only Yuan Shao and Ju Shou knew Liu Xie’s true identity; the rest glared menacingly at him.

“Kong Rong disrespects the Emperor! I request permission to execute Kong Rong!” exclaimed one official.

“I seek authorization to march on Yanzhou and capture the Cao thief and false Emperor for Your Majesty,” another declared.

Jia Xu and Yuan Shao made their requests sequentially, almost as if prearranged.

The atmosphere within the Great Hall, combined with Liu Xie’s imperial authority, felt like an overwhelming heavenly might bearing down on Kong Rong, making it difficult for him to breathe.

“Your Majesty, I assure you, my intentions are not to deceive the world. The Emperor in Xu County… bears an exact resemblance to Your Majesty.” Kong Rong spoke with evident distress. He couldn’t afford to be seen as unable to discern truth from falsehood; failing to clarify this would ruin his reputation completely.

With two Emperors claiming legitimacy, one must surely be false. If he failed to distinguish between them, people would assume either that he was bought off by Cao Cao or Yuan Shao, or that he feared death too much to offend either.

“Cease your nonsense!” Liu Xie remained furious, convinced that Kong Rong was merely trying to wriggle out of blame. “Even we differ in appearance from our late Imperial Father, let alone outsiders.”

Kong Rong raised several fingers and solemnly declared, “Your Majesty, with clarity, I swear upon the name of my ancestor, Kong Qiu, that if any part of my testimony is false, may I perish by a thousand arrows.”

His words sent a wave of commotion through Zhengyang Hall.

In this era, oaths held significant weight, especially when sworn in the name of Confucius. Most present believed Kong Rong’s assertion without doubt.

“Well done, you treacherous Cao! To find someone who bears such resemblance to Your Majesty and impersonate the Emperor!” Yuan Shao exclaimed indignantly, embodying the image of a loyal servant of the Great Han perfectly.

Despite Kong Rong’s oath, Liu Xie’s anger remained unabated, now mixed with disbelief and shock in his eyes. “The false Emperor looks exactly like us?”

Witnessing Liu Xie’s complex expression—part fury, part astonishment, part disbelief, and a hint of confusion—Yuan Shao couldn’t resist internally applauding him! Such acting prowess was truly unparalleled, rivaling even Kong Rong and Lu Bu as the three unmatched performers of their time.

Based on discussions between Yuan Shao and Ju Shou, they knew allowing Kong Rong to probe into sensitive matters concerning the Emperor could easily expose their deception. Therefore, they decided to seize the initiative from the start, aiming to intimidate Kong Rong immediately upon meeting him, showcasing the majestic authority of the Emperor.

Yuan Shao initially worried about Liu Xie’s ability to convincingly portray the role, but now he felt entirely reassured.

With his imposing demeanor and unpredictable temperament, Liu Xie truly embodied the might of imperial authority!

Though delighted within, Yuan Shao didn’t forget to play along. He feigned shock and urgently asked, “Mister Kong, could you have mistaken something? How can there be someone who looks exactly like His Majesty?”

Kong Rong shook his head with a wry smile, turning towards Liu Xie. “Your Majesty, I assure you, it was indeed identical. This is also why I committed a breach of etiquette earlier.”

Seeing this opportune moment, Ju Shou, who had remained silent until now, decisively spoke up, “Your Majesty, such coincidences do occur in the world. Even I have witnessed two individuals, one from Huaiyin surnamed Wu and another from Jixian surnamed Tang, sharing no familial ties yet looking remarkably alike. It seems likely that the treacherous Cao found someone resembling Your Majesty to impersonate the true Emperor.”

The fact that Kong Rong couldn’t discern the true Emperor was already immensely fortunate for them. Now, Ju Shou and Yuan Shao aimed further—to solidify Liu Xie’s identity as the genuine Son of Heaven.

Liu Xie, sensing it was time, nodded and looked at Kong Rong. “Nevertheless, you should still have recognized the true dragon. Considering our estrangement after eight years without meeting, we shall forgive your transgression.”

Kong Rong bowed deeply, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Guo Jia, who had been patiently waiting for this moment, seized the opportunity and pressed Kong Rong immediately, “Even if they appear identical, how can a false emperor compare to the true Son of Heaven? Mister Kong, is it that you cannot discern between them or simply do not wish to?”

Jia Xu nodded in agreement, “Indeed, could a false emperor possess Your Majesty’s majestic bearing?”

Upon hearing these words, Liu Xie nearly went faint.

He knew all too well that he was the imposter; even his supposed imperial dignity was merely an act put on for show. Now, with Guo Jia and Jia Xu urging Kong Rong to compare him directly with the legitimate Emperor, Liu Xie felt intensely uneasy.

Just as Liu Xie began pondering an excuse to divert the conversation, Kong Rong spoke up, “The individual from Xu County indeed lacks Your Majesty’s majestic presence, but… I humbly request permission to examine more closely.”

“From Yang Biao, Fu Wan, the Empress, and other close advisors and court ladies, I have gathered much information about Your Majesty. May I ask several questions, sire?”

Here it comes…

Yuan Shao’s heart tightened at Kong Rong’s words. This was their biggest vulnerability. The imperial chronicles collected by Ju Shou were incomplete, and details about the Emperor’s private life would scarcely be found within those records.

Yet, they couldn’t refuse Kong Rong’s request without appearing guilty themselves.

Seated on the Dragon Throne, Liu Xie calmly replied, “Permission granted!”

Kong Rong bowed respectfully and said, “Considering these matters pertain to Your Majesty’s personal affairs, discussing them here in the Great Hall may not be appropriate.”

With all the civil and military officials present, openly discussing private imperial matters would undoubtedly be highly disrespectful. This went against Kong Rong’s principles of proper conduct between sovereign and subject.

“Then let us proceed to the Chamber of Audience,” Liu Xie agreed with a nod, turning towards Yuan Shao. “Great General, along with all other ministers, please wait here. We shall return shortly.”

With that, Liu Xie departed from the Great Hall alongside Kong Rong.

Yuan Shao watched their retreating figures, his expression shifting uneasily. He felt genuinely anxious, fearing that Liu Xie might inadvertently reveal the truth.

“Well, fretting won’t help now. At this point, I can only trust him.”

There was nothing Yuan Shao could do except patiently await news; he had no other choice.

Previously, Liu Xie had handled encounters with Liu Bei, Lu Bu, and Jia Xu flawlessly. Perhaps this time, too, he might just manage to deceive Kong Rong successfully. What if the questions Kong Rong asks happen to align with what is recorded in the imperial chronicle?

Unnoticed by Yuan Shao, Guo Jia and Jia Xu exchanged glances within the Great Hall, subtle smiles appearing at the corners of their mouths.

Yuan Shao could only wait anxiously for news; there was nothing else he could do.