Chapter 126: Kong Rong's Dilemma - Unable to Tell Fact from Fiction

In the Chamber of Audience.

Gao Luan enforced strict security outside, preventing anyone from approaching. Within the chamber, only Liu Xie and Kong Rong were present.

After taking his seat, Liu Xie turned to Kong Rong standing nearby and said, “My dear minister, since we’re not in the imperial court, there’s no need for excessive formalities between us as ruler and subject. Please, take a seat.”

The solemnity and gloom on his face had vanished, replaced by a warm smile like a gentle spring breeze.

This abrupt shift in demeanor caught Kong Rong off guard. He stared at Liu Xie, utterly bewildered.

Why has His Majesty changed so drastically, even addressing me as ‘my dear minister’?

Noticing Kong Rong’s astonishment, Liu Xie offered a wry smile. “My dear minister, do not be surprised. Even when Dong Zhuo held unparalleled power, you dared to defy him. We are well aware of your unwavering loyalty. How could someone like you ever succumb to coercion or bribery by that Cao thief? Our outburst earlier in the Great Hall was also a matter of necessity.”

As he spoke, Liu Xie gestured beside himself, inviting Kong Rong to sit with him on the same couch.

“Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled,” Kong Rong responded hesitantly, unsure how to handle such an honor. With a hint of confusion in his voice, he asked, “Forgive my dullness, Your Majesty, but what did you mean by…a matter of necessity?”

At this moment, Kong Rong’s mind was filled with questions, even forgetting his initial private inquiries.

The Emperor in the Chamber of Audience seemed like a completely different person compared to the one in Zhengyang Hall!

In Zhengyang Hall, the Emperor exuded sternness and cold authority, imposing a weight akin to Mount Tai upon all present.

Within the Chamber of Audience, the Emperor appeared mild and gentle, resembling an ancient gentleman, making others feel as if bathed in a refreshing spring breeze.

This stark contrast was truly astonishing.

“Exactly as it sounds,” Liu Xie said calmly while pouring himself a cup of tea. “When we fled from the clutches of the Cao thief to Yecheng, we quickly realized that Yuan Shao is no different from Yuan Shu; both harbor disloyal intentions. To keep him at bay, we had to feign ignorance and portray ourselves as temperamental and impulsive, lacking any depth or cunning. Without such deception, how could he ever feel secure? And without it, how could we have survived until now?

After all, what he seeks is merely the title of Emperor. Just as the treacherous Cao Cao could find someone to impersonate us, why wouldn’t Yuan Shao do the same?”

These words not only vehemently denounced Yuan Shao as a traitor but also subtly hinted that the Emperor in Xu County might be an imposter arranged by Cao Cao.

Upon hearing this, Kong Rong abruptly raised his head and looked at Liu Xie, exclaiming with shock, “Yuan Shao harbors disloyal intentions?! Why would Your Majesty say such a thing? He is a devoted minister who upholds justice, even against family.”

He never expected Liu Xie to accuse Yuan Shao of being a traitor.

Considering Yuan Shao’s reputation, actions, and attitude towards the Emperor, he was beyond reproach—far superior to Cao Cao by leaps and bounds!

As a member of the prestigious House of Yuan, spanning four generations of high-ranking officials, Yuan Shao had fought against Dong Zhuo and later Yuan Shu. Before reaching Yecheng, Kong Rong had heard that Yuan Shao personally presided over the public execution of Yuan Shu!

Moreover, since entering Yecheng, Yuan Shao displayed remarkable gentleness and courtesy, adhering strictly to the conduct expected of a loyal subject towards the Emperor.

Such a hero should be a model for the world; how could he harbor disloyal thoughts? Kong Rong wondered if Liu Xie might have misunderstood something.

“It’s all just a facade,” Liu Xie said, anger flashing across his face. Concerned about prying ears, he whispered fiercely, “Yuan Shao, like Cao Cao, is a treacherous rebel! The entire world has been deceived by him!”

In that moment, Kong Rong felt as though the Emperor from Zhengyang Hall had returned—the one whose wrath struck fear into the hearts of men, akin to thunderbolts.

Liu Xie took a deep breath, suppressing his emotions once more and regaining that warm, inviting smile. “We understand you must have many questions, dear minister. Allow us to clarify them one by one. Please, take a seat.”

Kong Rong hesitated briefly but ultimately accepted this time, feeling honored as he walked over and sat beside Liu Xie.

“I am all ears, Your Majesty.”

His mind was filled with numerous queries regarding Liu Xie’s circumstances.

How did His Majesty arrive in Yecheng? And why did he consider Yuan Shao a traitor?

“Let us start from the beginning,” Liu Xie said, taking a sip of tea before calmly recounting his experiences to Kong Rong.

“It began when the treacherous duo Li Jue and Guo Si laid siege for months, resulting in countless deaths. Chang’an nearly turned into ruins. After escaping their control, we fled to Hongnong, then moved to Anyi, eventually journeying eastward amidst hardship and turmoil.”

“During this time, Cao Cao led his forces to escort us to Luoyang. We initially believed him to be a loyal subject, having participated in Dong Zhuo’s assassination plot. However, it became apparent that he merely sought to exploit our imperial authority.”

“Under duress from the Cao thief, we had no choice but to relocate the capital to Xu County, becoming his puppet used to manipulate others under the guise of ‘controlling the Emperor.’”

“These events are likely well-known now. What you truly wish to know is what transpired afterward.”

Upon hearing this, Kong Rong’s interest was immediately piqued.

What Liu Xie was about to share held his true fascination—the story of the Emperor’s plight and escape to Yecheng during his time of hardship.

“In Xu County, I was entirely at Cao Cao’s mercy, merely a puppet under his control. Even My ministers around me succumbed to his threats and inducements. Everyone betrayed Us, including Yang Biao, Fu Wan, and even the Empress…”

As he mentioned the Empress, Liu Xie seemed momentarily dazed, his voice changing as if deliberately suppressing his heartache, unwilling to show others the pain of being betrayed by someone so close.

“Fortunately, Heaven has not forsaken Us completely. Despite the betrayals of ministers and concubines, there were still loyal individuals by Our side. With the help of several court eunuchs, We hid inside a vegetable cart used for palace deliveries and managed to escape. After many hardships, We eventually reached Yecheng, nearly starving to death along the way on multiple occasions.”

Kong Rong analyzed this account carefully and found no inconsistencies. Instead, he took note of the fleeting sorrow on the Emperor’s face when mentioning the Empress’s betrayal, as well as the anguish conveyed by narrowly escaping starvation in the wilderness.

Liu Xie chuckled bitterly and continued, “It sounds almost unbelievable, doesn’t it? Each one of those self-proclaimed loyal ministers betrayed us, while the eunuchs they held in contempt remained steadfastly devoted. Some even willingly sacrificed their lives to aid our escape.”

Observing Liu Xie’s seemingly composed demeanor, which concealed deep sorrow and resentment, Kong Rong remained silent, inwardly sighing.

If all this were true, he could scarcely imagine the despair, helplessness, and heartache the Emperor must have felt when betrayed by his most trusted ministers and imperial concubines.

“Your Majesty, why did you choose Yecheng?”

“Yangzhou, Xuzhou, and Jingzhou are all adjacent to Yuzhou. Liu Biao of Jingzhou is even a member of the imperial family, and Lu Bu has been unwaveringly loyal to Your Majesty.”

“Even at that time, Yuan Shu had not yet declared himself emperor, still bearing the prestigious lineage of the Yuan clan with three generations of high-ranking officials. Regardless of where Your Majesty went, reaching any other province would have been more convenient than Jizhou. Why travel such great distances specifically here?” Kong Rong voiced his confusion.

Given the circumstances, both Lu Bu, Liu Biao, and even Yuan Shu were geographically closer options than Yuan Shao. Moreover, Liu Biao was a relative of the Han Imperial family, so why insist on fleeing to Jizhou?

“Because we had no other choice,” Liu Xie replied calmly. “After escaping Xu County, our initial plan was to seek refuge with Liu Biao in Jingzhou or Lu Bu in Xuzhou. However, the treacherous Cao Cao launched a covert manhunt for us, focusing heavily on routes leading to Jingzhou, Yangzhou, and Xuzhou.”

“In comparison, the search efforts towards Jizhou were relatively lax. With no alternative, we could only flee to Jizhou.”

Kong Rong nodded slightly, finally understanding the situation.

He knew that initially, Yuan Shao did not favor this Emperor; instead, his support lay with Liu Yu, Inspector of Yōuzhou, who had been murdered by Gongsun Zan. Likely due to this, Cao Cao assumed the Emperor would not escape to Jizhou, resulting in an unexpected miscalculation.

“My humble question, Your Majesty, how did you manage the journey here? The distance between Yecheng and Xu County is vast and fraught with danger,” Kong Rong inquired further.

Even traveling by carriage from Xu County to Yecheng had left him exhausted. Considering the Emperor’s privileged upbringing and lack of resources like horses or money, how could he have possibly reached Yecheng?

“Pretending as vagrants, hiding during the day and moving at night. We drank from mountain springs when thirsty and ate wild fruits from forests when hungry. If there were no fruits, we subsisted on wild vegetables. And if those couldn’t be found, we resorted to gnawing bark like vagrants. As for times when even bark was scarce…” A complex expression flashed across Liu Xie’s eyes, filled with pain. He managed a strained smile, “Never mind, it’s all past hardships now. Why dwell upon them?”

Just “a bit of hardship”? Those few words encapsulated a lifetime’s worth of trials and tribulations.

Kong Rong couldn’t help but feel profound admiration for Liu Xie at that moment.

Although the Emperor hesitated to elaborate, the maturity and composure he displayed could only be forged through enduring immense suffering and torment. How much hardship must he have faced on this journey? It was undoubtedly a past filled with unbearable memories.

Seated close by, Kong Rong seized the opportunity to discreetly observe the Emperor closely. Liu Xie had soft, delicate skin without any calluses, clearly indicating a life of pampering from childhood, devoid of manual labor. He appeared even more regal than his counterpart in Xu County.

Unbeknownst to Kong Rong, beneath Liu Xie’s calm facade lay extreme nervousness. Everything he just recounted was fabricated on the spot. The escape from Xu County and the reasons behind fleeing to Jizhou were somewhat plausible explanations; however, explaining the journey from Xu County all the way to Yecheng seemed far-fetched. Unless he claimed to have died en route, there was no reasonable story he could concoct, so he chose to remain vague.

If Kong Rong pressed further, Liu Xie would feign anger and refuse to answer, inevitably raising suspicions.

Fortunately, Kong Rong did not delve deeper and instead shifted the conversation to inquire about Yuan Shao, curious as to why he was deemed a traitor.

“May I ask, Your Majesty, what led you to consider Yuan Shao a traitor?”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie’s tense nerves finally relaxed.

Now it was time for the simplest part—speaking ill of Boss Yuan, his most refined skill!

“Slam!”

Liu Xie’s expression instantly turned cold, filled with anger. He slammed the teacup on the table, producing a sharp and crisp sound.

“Yuan Shao is even more wicked than Yuan Shu! We were deceived by his reputation, believing him to be a loyal subject. Who could have imagined he hides his treachery beneath a facade of loyalty?”

“He coveted our prestige, and under the counsel of his advisor Ju Shou, sought to control the Emperor and manipulate those who defy him!”

Kong Rong responded, “How can that be? Yuan Shao enjoys widespread renown and has always shown utmost respect towards Your Majesty. Not only did he spend vast resources to build a temporary imperial palace for you, but recently, he demonstrated great righteousness by executing his own brother, Yuan Shu. Please enlighten us, Your Majesty, how exactly has Yuan Shao displayed disloyalty?”

Like many people of their era, Kong Rong held a high regard for Yuan Shao. Since arriving in Yecheng, he had seen no signs indicating any lack of commitment from Yuan Shao. The accusation of being a treacherous imposter seemed unfounded.

“See, even you have been deceived by his outward appearance!” Liu Xie sneered, “Yuan Shao excels at cultivating his image. Once, at the imperial court, he rebuked Dong Zhuo, sacrificing the lives of all Yuan clan members in Luo Yang just to enhance his personal reputation.”

“He initially planned for his second son, Yuan Xi, to marry Zhen’s daughter, aiming to seize control of the Zhen family assets. However, unforeseen rumors surfaced about her bearing the Phoenix Destiny, causing a stir throughout the realm. Additionally, with Yuan Shu proclaiming himself Emperor, Yuan Shao feared that marrying Zhen’s daughter might invite criticism. Consequently, he had no choice but to offer her to us!”

“As for executing Yuan Shu… Ha! It was Lu Bu and Liu Bei who defeated him; what does it have to do with Yuan Benchu?”

“Furthermore, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were always at odds, like water and fire. My dear minister, you may not be aware, but initially, Yuan Shao did not acknowledge our right to the throne. He sought to support Inspector of Yōuzhou, Liu Yu, as Emperor, only to be rebuffed by Yuan Shu. Executing Yuan Shu merely served as a means for him to gain fame! Do you truly believe that without Yuan Benchu, Yuan Shu’s head would not have fallen?”

Liu Xie’s sarcastic words deeply furrowed Kong Rong’s brow. He never realized such hidden motives lay behind Yuan Shao’s seemingly remarkable deeds.

Taking another sip of tea to soothe his throat, Liu Xie continued, “On the surface, Yuan Shao appears respectful towards us, but when out of sight from others, he treats us with arrogance and disrespect, overstepping his boundaries! To ensure our survival, we must emulate King Goujian of Yue, enduring humiliation and hardship patiently.”

“My dear minister, if you disclose our conversation to Yuan Shao, there will undoubtedly be dire consequences for us. Can you guess why we risk sharing these thoughts with you?”

Kong Rong shook his head. “I am unaware of such matters.”

Liu Xie stepped forward and took Kong Rong’s hand, instinctively resorting to the traditional Liu family charm.

“Because Your Majesty knows you are a man of unwavering loyalty!”

“You encountered a false Emperor resembling us in Xu County but refrained from making hasty judgments. Instead, you rejected the Cao thief’s attempts to detain you and insisted on visiting Yecheng to verify the truth. Such prudence towards the rightful lineage of Great Han deserves Our trust.”

As Kong Rong observed Liu Xie tightly gripping his hands, a mix of emotions stirred within him.

Isn’t this reminiscent of the legacy left by our founding ancestor, High Ancestor!

His expression turned solemn after hearing Liu Xie’s words. “Your Majesty, you flatter me; it is merely my duty as a subject. Determining the true Emperor is crucial for the legitimacy of the Han Dynasty. How could I not exercise caution or blindly believe one account?”

“If every corner of Great Han were filled with loyal ministers like yourself, how could it possibly decline?” Liu Xie feigned profound sentimentality.

If indeed all corners of the Han Dynasty had ministers like Kong Rong, where would he have found his chance to ascend the throne? With someone who looked just like the Emperor, he likely would have been beheaded by Yuan Shao long ago, never enjoying the luxuries of power.

The mention of the Han Dynasty’s decline also cast a shadow over Kong Rong’s face, prompting a deep sigh.

Concerned that Kong Rong might delve further into sensitive matters regarding the Emperor, Liu Xie hastily changed the topic. “We have now disclosed everything to you, dear minister. Have you reached a decision? Between Us and the one in Xu County, who is the true Emperor?”

His fate, life or death, hung on this decisive moment.

Unexpectedly, Kong Rong fell silent and did not respond immediately.

Liu Xie’s heart skipped a beat. Had he inadvertently revealed something?

After a brief pause, Kong Rong opened his mouth and finally said, “Your Majesty, please forgive my dullness… I cannot discern which one is genuine.”

Relief washed over Liu Xie; he nearly broke out in a cold sweat.

Although Kong Rong didn’t outright confirm him as the true Emperor, simply failing to identify him as fake was still a victory. The current Emperor Xian of Han could not compare with Liu Xie in any aspect.

Far more people recognized and supported Liu Xie than they did Emperor Xian of Han.

Of course, despite feeling exhilarated inside, Liu Xie maintained a composed facade externally.

“Why?” Liu Xie furrowed his brow, looking uncertainly at Kong Rong. “What doubts remain in your mind?”

“Wait, could it be…” Liu Xie’s expression shifted from confusion to anger, demanding, “My dear minister, have you fallen for the lies of Fu Wan, Yang Biao, and those influenced by the Empress Dowager?”

Kong Rong’s face displayed mixed emotions. He rose, walked to the center of the Chamber of Audience, knelt before Liu Xie, and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, I cannot tell—I truly cannot discern who is real and who is false.”

His thoughts were entangled, unable to determine which Emperor was genuine and which was the imposter.

The Emperor before him exuded imperial dignity; his demeanor, speech, and bearing were impeccable, far surpassing the weak Emperor in Xu County.

Deep down, Kong Rong desperately hoped this one was genuine.

However…he couldn’t make that decision.

He couldn’t be certain if the words of the Emperor before him were truly accurate. What if it was all deception? Although the Emperor in Xu County appeared timid, he also seemed remarkably authentic, with close advisors and the Empress Dowager as witnesses.

Neither of the two Emperors seemed like imposters.

Indecision plagued him; he genuinely could not discern which was real.

“Enough, enough.” Liu Xie waved his hand, his face filled with disappointment, as if all his energy had drained away. He leaned wearily against the throne, “Our Empresses, concubines, and trusted ministers are all in Xu County. It’s understandable that you’ve been deceived. You may now withdraw, for We are fatigued.”

Seeing the Emperor’s dejected state, Kong Rong felt a deep sense of bitterness and sorrow, unwilling to simply leave.

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty!”

“I initially believed I could determine the true Emperor based on appearance and conduct, but unexpectedly, both claimants look identical.

“In terms of behavior, presence, and imperial dignity, Your Majesty undoubtedly appears more regal. Yet, at Xu County, there are testimonies from the Emperor’s closest advisors and the Empresses.”

“Subject truly does not know whom to believe.”

Both individuals resembled the Emperor perfectly, leaving Kong Rong hesitant and fearful of making a hasty decision. The weight of responsibility was simply too immense.

If he mistakenly endorsed the wrong claimant, the legitimacy of the Great Han’s rightful line would be lost, turning him into a sinner for generations to come.

“My dear minister, do you seek to escape this duty?!” Liu Xie abruptly stood up, his handsome face darkened like storm clouds, eyes flashing with thunderous intensity.

“If even you cannot ascertain our true identity, who else in the world could achieve it? Without your discernment, all will doubt our legitimacy. How then can we prevent the collapse of heaven itself, or restore clarity to the obscured Han Dynasty?”

“Our aspirations, ambitions, and the very fate of the Great Han hinge on your willingness to confront this challenge! Your evasion risks burying everything!”

Liu Xie’s words struck Kong Rong’s heart like heavy blows from a hammer.

Yet, he genuinely dared not make a rash judgment.

After venting his frustration, Liu Xie sat back down, sighing deeply. “Should my dear minister persist in avoidance, refusing to decide, our plan to break free from Yuan Shao’s control, pacify the north, and ultimately conquer the realm may crumble before its inception!”

Kong Rong suddenly lifted his head towards Liu Xie, feeling perplexed. To him, both Emperors appeared similarly trapped within nests of treacherous ministers, completely at their mercy.

How could he break free and conquer the realm with such indecisiveness?

Recalling his observations since entering the palace - from their first meeting until now - Kong Rong realized that the Emperor before him harbored untamed ambitions, biding his time while enduring hardships and nurturing his strength.

“Please elaborate, Your Majesty!”

Liu Xie’s heart swelled with joy at these words.

Kong Rong had taken the bait!