Chapter 127: Our Life Walks on Thin Ice

Initially, both Liu Xie and Yuan Shao aimed merely to deceive Kong Rong without being exposed.

However, human desires are insatiable. Now, Liu Xie wanted to test Guo Jia and Jia Xu’s advice by attempting to win over Kong Rong!

Gaining Kong Rong meant securing North Sea Commandery and bolstering the Emperor’s reputation.

Not only could this enable plans to control all of Qingzhou, but it also offered a chance to transform from a “Fake Emperor” into the true Emperor.

“Since that is the case, we shall no longer conceal our intentions from you, dear minister.” Observing Kong Rong falling for his act, Liu Xie began another round of performance.

“Upon arriving at Yecheng, Yuan Shao quickly revealed his true colors. The traitor Yuan seeks to use us as a puppet, commanding the nation’s lords to fulfill his wicked ambitions.”

“But how could we willingly submit? How can we bear to watch four centuries of Great Han crumble overnight?”

“During Dong Zhuo’s tyrannical rule, we were too young, leaving us with no choice.”

“Now, having come of age, even if it risks our life, we must seize every opportunity for survival - not just for ourselves, but for the fate of the Great Han!”

“Unfortunately, Yuan Shao wields immense power, and the false emperor in Xu County undermines our authority. Despite our resolve to confront these treacherous forces, we lack the strength to turn the tide.”

Liu Xie spoke with the fervor and cadence of a motivational speaker, his voice rising passionately as he clenched his right fist, symbolizing defiance against fate’s constraints.

At the end, he sighed deeply, seemingly overwhelmed by helplessness due to Yuan Shao and the false Emperor.

Slowly, Liu Xie stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the palatial buildings outside the Chamber of Audience, his eyes filled with sorrow.

“When will this spring blossom moonlit night end, how many memories linger yet? The eastern wind once more caresses my small abode; under the bright moonlight, I dare not look back on my lost kingdom.”

“The carved railings and jade steps may still remain, but youth has faded away. Oh, how much sorrow can one bear? Like endless spring waters flowing eastward, it runs deep and wide.”

Upon hearing these words, Kong Rong’s expression shifted profoundly. He seemed to envision the young Emperor from years past, resentfully powerless against Dong Zhuo. Now grown, Liu Xie was determined to break free from Yuan Shao’s shackles, striving to reverse the tide of chaos and uphold the crumbling edifice of the Great Han, pledging to preserve its reign even unto death.

Yet, trapped within Yuan Shao’s camp, alone amidst overwhelming odds, no matter how grand his ambitions, they could not overcome reality’s harshness. His anguish for the Great Han and hatred towards treacherous ministers flowed boundlessly like the eastward spring waters.

“Your Majesty…” Kong Rong felt a lump in his throat, his voice turning hoarse. Wanting to comfort the troubled young Emperor standing by the window, he found himself unable to utter a single word.

Liu Xie turned to face Kong Rong, his expression no longer filled with sorrow but hardened determination.

“Like a fragile boat adrift on the vast ocean, we are tossed by tempests such as Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, each capable of easily destroying us.”

“But so what!” Liu Xie’s voice rose defiantly. “The winds will one day carry us through storms; our sails shall brave the seas unyielding. We firmly believe that Heaven’s mandate lies with Han, with this Emperor!”

“Let the storm rage fiercer still!”

Though aged, Kong Rong felt his heart surge with passion and blood pump fervently.

With an Emperor like this, how could the Great Han not be revived? How could it remain shrouded in darkness?

Had there not been another claimant in Xu County, had he not doubted the truth, he would have eagerly knelt then and pledged unwavering loyalty.

Taking a deep breath, Kong Rong struggled to calm his boiling emotions.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty, may I inquire how you plan to escape Yuan Shao’s control? And further, how do you intend to pacify the north and conquer the realm?”

Internally cursing, Liu Xie thought: This speech was already the best he could muster—inspiring, moving, and motivational. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated how challenging it would be to sway Kong Rong.

Despite his disappointment, he remembered well the advice from Guo Jia and Jia Xu.

This was Liu Xie’s opportunity to showcase his resilience and capabilities to Kong Rong.

“For over a year now, we have outwardly feigned cooperation with Yuan Shao while secretly nurturing our strength and biding our time.”

“This power continues to grow steadily! Without relying on other warlords, given sufficient time, we will dismantle Yuan Shao from within. Jizhou? The north? The entire realm shall undoubtedly return to the Great Han.”

Kong Rong appeared somewhat concerned. “Your Majesty, cultivating secret power…are you not afraid? If Yuan Shao discovers this, he might…”

“Afraid?” Liu Xie chuckled scornfully, interrupting Kong Rong, his gaze filled with mockery and disdain.

“Shortly after birth, our mother was murdered; at nine years old, we were held captive by the traitor Dong Zhuo, living each day in constant fear.”

“When Yuan Shao sought to enthrone Liu Yu, Li Zhe and Guo Si also aimed to control us; escaping to Xu County, we faced coercion from Cao Cao; arriving in Yecheng, we endured confinement under Yuan Shao.”

“Our entire life has been like walking on thin ice!”

“The word ‘fear’ vanished from our existence long ago—since the moment Dong Zhuo threatened us, when palace consorts and trusted ministers betrayed us, during our solitary flight, sleeping in abandoned temples, competing with wild dogs for food—it disappeared forever!”

Liu Xie stood tall, resembling an unsheathed sharp sword, radiating unbridled brilliance!

“In this age of fierce contention, who can afford not to fight? Who dare abstain?”

“Strength prevails, weakness perishes!”

“As Emperor, if we do not contend, death awaits us, and with it, the demise of the Great Han!”

“And now—” Liu Xie’s voice suddenly rose sharply.

Kong Rong felt his nerves tighten in response.

With eyes blazing, Liu Xie declared emphatically, “A thousand imperial guards within the palace are already under our control!”

“Two of Yuan Shao’s advisors have pledged their allegiance to us!”

“Lu Bu and Liu Bei hold sway over Xuzhou and Yangzhou, remaining steadfastly loyal.”

“The Zhen Clan from Xuwu has also sworn their devotion to us.”

“We lack neither strategists nor generals, nor soldiers, weapons, or provisions—our resources abound!”

“Just await Yuan Shao’s demise, which will plunge his forces into chaos. Then, through coordinated efforts inside and out, we shall reclaim Jizhou for the Great Han. With Jizhou, Yangzhou, and Xuzhou as our foundation, we’ll conquer Qingzhou and Bingzhou. Armed with these five provinces, we shall purify the realm, vanquishing all who defy us!”

Liu Xie’s gaze flashed like lightning, his voice resonating with ironclad determination.

He looked down at Kong Rong, hunched before him, and demanded sternly, “At this critical juncture, when the fate of the Great Han hangs in the balance, do you intend to disregard your sovereign, tarnish our reputation, and extinguish the final glimmer of hope for its resurgence?”

“Answer us!”

Within the Chamber of Audience, echoes reverberated like the roar of a dragon.

I harbor ambitions yet unsung,

One cry to startle the world upon release!

Cold sweat broke out on Kong Rong’s back as he felt suffocated by Liu Xie’s imposing imperial aura and forceful words.

Never had he imagined that an Emperor under someone else’s control could quietly amass such immense power right under Yuan Shao’s nose. The resilience and talent displayed by this young ruler were astonishing.

More frighteningly, Yuan Shao remained completely oblivious!

With the potential to seize Yuan Shao’s foundation, using Jizhou as their base, along with Lu Bu’s support and backing from the Zhen Clan… perhaps His Majesty truly could revive the Han Dynasty and restore it to its former capital!

Kong Rong was deeply shaken. He recognized that Liu Xie’s claims were not empty; if events unfolded as described, the restoration of the Han Dynasty seemed entirely possible.

The crux of it all lay in the Emperor’s legitimate status!

Without his rightful claim to the throne, everything painstakingly gathered thus far would collapse, rendering all efforts futile. Consequently, any chance for the Great Han’s revival would be lost forever!

Kong Rong grappled internally, unsure how to decide.

Should he uphold his duty as a Han official and publicly declare his inability to discern the true Emperor? Or should he follow his inner conviction, acknowledging the youth before him as the genuine Son of Heaven?

He yearned for the Han Dynasty’s resurgence but feared choosing incorrectly, which might lead to the displacement of the rightful lineage.

Kong Rong’s breath quickened. The weight of “the legitimacy of the Great Han” felt unbearable, like a massive mountain pressing against his chest, making it difficult for him to make a decisive choice.

Yet, the hope for restoring the Han Dynasty compelled him to discard notions of authenticity and acknowledge this spirited young Emperor before him.

Liu Xie stood still, patiently waiting.

As time passed, Kong Rong remained silent, offering no response.

Just as Liu Xie was considering applying more pressure, Kong Rong suddenly tilted his head and collapsed onto the floor.

”???”

Liu Xie’s face drained of color, momentarily stunned.

“My dear minister! What happened to you?” Abandoning all concerns for imperial dignity, he rushed to Kong Rong’s side to check on his condition.

Kong Rong lay with his eyes tightly shut, his complexion pale; it did not look good at all.

“He can’t be dead, surely?” Terrified, Liu Xie paled further and cautiously felt for Kong Rong’s breath, his heart pounding anxiously.

If Kong Rong were to die here, even diving into the Yellow River wouldn’t wash away suspicion from him. The world would assume he killed Kong Rong out of guilt, irreparably tarnishing even Yuan Shao’s reputation.

Fortunately, Kong Rong was still breathing.

“You scared us half to death.” Relieved, Liu Xie pressed firmly on Kong Rong’s upper lip while shouting, “Gao Luan, Gao Luan, come quickly! Minister Kong has fainted!”

Hearing Liu Xie’s call, Gao Luan hastily ran inside.

Before Liu Xie could elaborate further, he anxiously urged Gao Luan, “Don’t just stand there! Hurry and fetch help!”

“R-right away!” The sight of Kong Rong unconscious startled Gao Luan, prompting him to swiftly rush out of the Chamber of Audience.

Shortly after, upon hearing the news, Yuan Shao arrived hastily with a large entourage of civil officials and military generals. Witnessing Kong Rong lying unconscious on the floor while Liu Xie desperately pressed his acupoints, their faces paled with shock.

“What have you done to the Prime Minister?!” The scene terrified Yuan Shao so much that, momentarily flustered, he addressed Liu Xie informally using “you.”

Fortunately, at this critical moment, no one paid attention to such etiquette breaches.

All eyes were focused solely on Kong Rong!

Liu Xie lamented, “We truly do not know what happened. We merely answered the Prime Minister’s question as usual, asking who the true Son of Heaven is between us and the Emperor in Xu County, and then he collapsed!”

At that instant, Yuan Shao felt an overwhelming urge to kill Liu Xie himself! If anything befell Kong Rong in Yecheng, it would be far more catastrophic than declaring the Emperor in Yecheng a fraud!

Cao Cao would surely burst into uncontrollable laughter if he heard about this!

Yuan Shao glared at Liu Xie with a murderous gaze before checking Kong Rong’s breathing. He then sternly commanded those behind him, “Come help! Escort the Prime Minister to my manor immediately!”

“I want Yecheng’s finest physician here within half an incense stick’s time!”

No one dared hesitate upon hearing this; they hastily lifted Kong Rong and carried him out of the Chamber of Audience.

Once everyone had left, Yuan Shao glanced sidelong at the panic-stricken Liu Xie and coldly stated, “If Kong Rong dies, you won’t live either.”

Should Kong Rong meet his demise in Yecheng, there would be no need for further debate on the true Emperor. The entire world would refuse to believe any explanation from Yuan Shao, tarnishing his reputation completely.

Liu Xie, as the Fake Emperor, would serve only as a scapegoat, losing all remaining value.

With his head bowed, Liu Xie maintained an expression of fear and distress until Yuan Shao was far enough away. Only then did his features slowly return to normal.

At that moment, he felt the chilling threat of death looming over him. His life now lay entirely in Yuan Shao’s hands.

“Yuan Shao…” Liu Xie clenched his fists hidden beneath his sleeves, his eyes gradually turning icy.

Just then, footsteps echoed outside the Chamber of Audience. Looking up, he saw Guo Jia and Jia Xu entering.

“Why have you returned?” Liu Xie frowned slightly.

Yuan Shao had taken Kong Rong back to the Yuan Manor, and Jia Xu and Guo Jia were expected to accompany them. Leaving without permission could lead to unnecessary complications if discovered.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty,” Jia Xu reassured him. “With so many people around, all focused on Kong Beihai, no one would notice our absence. Even if someone did, we can simply claim we went to seek medical assistance.” After this brief explanation, he couldn’t help but sigh. “Why would Your Majesty resort to violence against Kong Beihai? Even if unable to win him over, there was no need to strike him!”

The original plan had been for Liu Xie to seize the opportunity during their private meeting to persuade and gain Kong Rong’s allegiance. However, after some time, they received news that Kong Rong had fainted unexpectedly.

How could a healthy adult suddenly pass out for no apparent reason?

Not just Jia Xu, but many present at the scene assumed that Liu Xie, failing to convince Kong Rong, had angrily resorted to physical force, knocking him unconscious. It wasn’t surprising they drew such conclusions, given past incidents involving the Liu family.

Historical records indeed show that Emperor Jing of Han, frustrated by losing a chess game with his minister, had grabbed the board and struck the official, causing severe injuries.

“I didn’t hit him! I swear, I truly did not!”

Liu Xie felt utterly speechless; he wasn’t that renowned chess master of the Liu clan.

Seeing Liu Xie’s insistence on his innocence, Guo Jia couldn’t help but ask, “Then how exactly did Kong Beihai lose consciousness? What did Your Majesty say to him?”

Liu Xie replied, “I simply followed our earlier plan—appealing to his emotions and reasoning with logic. I laid out Our strategy for restoring Great Han, hoping to gain his allegiance. That is all We did, nothing more!”

He had merely applied some pressure, who could have anticipated Kong Rong’s such weak mental fortitude? Just a few words and he fainted!

If he were serving under Hongwu Emperor’s court, fear alone might have killed him; he wouldn’t have survived to this age.

Guo Jia and Jia Xu found it hard to believe. Could just hearing this make someone faint?

Perhaps his advanced age, combined with the exhaustion from travel, took its toll?

“Let us hope Kong Beihai recovers uneventfully,” sighed Jia Xu, turning to Liu Xie. “Your Majesty, we shall proceed to Yuan Shao’s manor first. If any further developments occur, we will report back promptly.”

“Go ahead.” Liu Xie nodded.

Guo Jia and Jia Xu hastily departed.

The two advisors rushed away.

Yuan Manor, Lodging Institute.

After bringing Kong Rong back to his manor, Yuan Shao summoned the city’s finest physicians for immediate treatment.

At present, Kong Rong lay unconscious on a bed while one physician checked his pulse.

Standing nearby, Yuan Shao felt his heart tighten with anxiety; Kong Rong must not die here in Yecheng under any circumstances.

As soon as the physician finished examining him, Yuan Shao anxiously asked, “How is the Prime Minister’s condition? Is there anything serious?”

The physician replied, “Great General, there’s no need to worry. The Prime Minister merely suffered from excessive fatigue and emotional distress, leading to mental agitation and fainting. Resting for the night should suffice.”

Hearing this, Yuan Shao finally let out a sigh of relief. However, still uneasy, he reiterated, “Please examine him again thoroughly to ensure there are no complications! Whatever medicinal decoctions or herbs are needed, just say so—my residence has high-quality ginseng available!”

As long as Kong Rong didn’t perish within Jizhou, Yuan Shao would willingly offer more than just ginseng, even the jade seal of the realm if necessary.

The physician, somewhat exasperated, responded, “Great General, truly no medication is required. The Prime Minister’s health is generally good; rest is all that’s needed. If you remain concerned, we can invite other physicians for additional assessments.”

Yuan Shao was about to summon more physicians as a precaution when he noticed Kong Rong’s eyelids flutter, followed by his eyes slowly opening.

“Prime Minister!”

Seeing Kong Rong awake, Yuan Shao was nearly overcome with joy, close to tears.

Kong Rong shook his head, realizing he was in an unfamiliar setting with Yuan Shao and others standing before him. Frowning, he asked, “Where am I? Where is His Majesty?”

He only recalled facing immense pressure from the Emperor, feeling the weight of restoring the rightful Great Han lineage and its glory resting solely on his shoulders, dependent on his decision. At that moment, it felt as if a colossal mountain were crushing his chest.

With no other choice, he feigned unconsciousness.

Partly due to genuine discomfort,

and partly because he did not know how to respond.

“Prime Minister, do not move!” Seeing Kong Rong attempt to rise from the bed, Yuan Shao hurried forward to assist him. “The Prime Minister collapsed during the conversation with His Majesty and is now at my manor.”

“The physician said the Prime Minister suffered from overexertion and requires rest,” Yuan Shao continued.

Ignoring Yuan Shao, Kong Rong looked out the window instead. His expression instantly changed.

Outside, twilight had fallen; the sun was near the horizon, and faint stars twinkled across the distant sky—it was already evening!

“Hurry! Quickly take me back to the relay station!”

Kong Rong hastily jumped off the bed, running outside without even bothering to put on his shoes, leaving Yuan Shao unable to stop him!

In the courtyard, Ju Shou, Shen Pei, Tian Feng, and others awaited. As they saw Kong Rong dash from the house, their faces lit up with joy. However, before they could approach and greet him, Kong Rong sprinted past them, rushing out of the courtyard.

Outside the city, at the relay station’s stables, Tai Shici led his horse out and looked up towards Yecheng not far away, silently tightening his grip on the reins.