Chapter 128: Kong Rong's Decision

Kong Rong risked his life to hastily return to the relay station.

Upon leaving Yuan Shao’s manor, he spurred his horse into a frenzied gallop.

Even with every bone in his aging body nearly shaken apart, he dared not stop.

“Ziyi—!”

“Ziyi—”

As soon as he arrived at the relay station, Kong Rong shouted frantically.

Yet, there was no sign of Tai Shici anywhere. Anxiety consumed him, turning his face alarmingly pale.

The sun had already set, and he had missed the agreed time to meet Tai Shici back at the relay station.

If Tai Shici believed something untoward happened within the city and fled Jizhou, the consequences would be unimaginable! With his exceptional riding skills and determined nature, even dispatching immediate pursuit now would be futile.

Kong Rong stood frozen at the relay station, fear etched across his face.

Scenes from Liu Xie’s impassioned speech in the Chamber of Audience flashed through his mind:

“It’s merely a bit of hardship…”

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

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

“As your Emperor, failing to contend means death, and without contention, Great Han will perish!”

“Does my loyal subject wish to extinguish the flickering hope for the Great Han’s resurgence?”

Kong Rong felt as if his spirit had been drained, collapsing onto the floor like a lifeless husk.

Was it truly due to him that the hope for the Han Dynasty’s revival would be snuffed out?

Tears streamed down his aged face as he lay prostrate on the ground, wailing uncontrollably.

“Prime Minister!”

Suddenly, a voice filled with surprise echoed through the room.

Tai Shici emerged from the stable, leading his horse by its reins.

“Ziyi!” The sight of Tai Shici reignited Kong Rong’s eyes, which had lost their vitality moments ago. A sense of immense relief washed over him.

He murmured repeatedly, almost gratefully, “It’s good that Ziyi didn’t leave, good that you stayed…”

The joy he felt at this moment surpassed even the elation when hearing about Dong Zhuo’s execution years ago.

As Tai Shici approached, witnessing Kong Rong sprawled on the floor, disheveled and sobbing pitifully, ignited his fury.

Kong Rong always valued composure and dignity; seeing him in such distress was unprecedented. This must surely be connected to what transpired within the city.

“Has the Yuan traitor troubled our Prime Minister?!” Tai Shici gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing menacingly.

“No, not yet.” Kong Rong hastily restrained Tai Shici, fearing he might rush to attack Yuan Shao’s manor.

“Please fetch me a bowl of water first.”

After regaining consciousness, Kong Rong had spurred his horse on relentlessly and just endured an emotional rollercoaster. Now, he was utterly drained, both physically and mentally.

Tai Shici didn’t hesitate, swiftly returning with a bowl of honeyed water.

Kong Rong drank nearly half the bowl, his complexion gradually improving slightly.

Just as Tai Shici was about to inquire about Kong Rong’s encounter within the city, Yuan Shao arrived at the relay station gate with a contingent of soldiers.

Instantly, Tai Shici positioned himself protectively in front of Kong Rong, drawing his paired halberds from his back and eyeing Yuan Shao warily.

Yuan Shao dismounted hurriedly and entered the relay station. Seeing Kong Rong sitting on the ground, apparently unharmed while sipping honey water, brought him slight relief.

He then asked, perplexed, “Why did the Prime Minister leave without bidding farewell? Did I inadvertently offend you?”

The abrupt departure of Kong Rong, who fled on horseback after barely exchanging a few words upon waking, left Yuan Shao feeling bewildered. Worried for the elderly scholar’s safety, he chased after him immediately.

“Governor of Jizhou, you worry too much; I merely needed to return promptly.” Kong Rong waved dismissively at Yuan Shao, exhausted. “I am perfectly fine. Please convey my assurance to His Majesty that I suffered no ill effects today. My fainting had nothing to do with him; there’s no need for concern. Tomorrow, I shall go to the palace and seek his forgiveness.”

Yuan Shao remained filled with questions but, seeing Kong Rong’s weak and pale face, feared pushing further might cause more harm. Reluctantly, he added, “In that case, Prime Minister, please rest well. You must avoid such reckless horseback dashes as earlier. Your safety directly concerns His Majesty’s reputation; utmost care is necessary. Any mishap could unjustly tarnish the Emperor’s name.”

“I understand,” Kong Rong replied mildly.

Yuan Shao wasted no more words, mounted his horse, and departed the relay station with Ju Shou, Shen Pei, and others in tow.

Only after distancing themselves did Yuan Shao’s expression gradually turn cold. “That old fool! Truly incomprehensible!” He cursed under his grim visage.

Yuan Shao had been on edge all day. First, he feared Liu Xie’s identity would be exposed, then later, he worried for Kong Rong’s safety.

Kong Rong’s erratic behavior left him baffled—first fainting at court, then hastily seizing a horse and galloping back to the relay station, one incident after another. Didn’t the old man consider his age?!

With such reckless actions, what if he died in Yecheng?

Ju Shou, observing from nearby, seemed to discern some clues, revealing a thoughtful expression. “My lord, as I suspect, there is more to Kong Rong’s sudden faint than meets the eye.”

“Perhaps Emperor Liu Xie pressured him too intensely, leaving him unable to respond promptly, so he feigned unconsciousness to evade questioning.”

Shen Pei nodded in agreement. “Using feigned illness to escape a ruler’s inquiries has been documented numerous times in history.”

Following Ju Shou and Shen Pei’s insights, Yuan Shao also grasped the situation. Grinding his teeth, he exclaimed, “How dare that old fool! He caused me immense anxiety!”

Feng Ji, lagging half a horse-length behind, joined in the scathing remarks. “Kong Rong’s actions are truly deceitful; resorting to such shameless tactics!”

“Tomorrow, when he returns to the palace, we must have eight or ten physicians ready. If he feigns unconsciousness again, they should prick him with needles!”

“Foolish!” Yuan Shao rebuked Feng Ji without mercy. “How can you wake someone pretending to be unconscious by pricking them? Even if they rouse momentarily, they could simply continue their act. Are you going to keep pricking them indefinitely?”

If Kong Rong was determined to feign unconsciousness, pricking him like a sieve would be futile.

Feng Ji found Yuan Shao’s assessment reasonable and continued cursing under his breath, “What a brute! Shame on him, as the twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius.”

At this point, Guo Tu frowned, perplexed. “But why rush back to the relay station so hastily? If he refuses to acknowledge the Emperor’s authority, can my lord not simply dispose of him?”

“During Kong Beihai’s stay in Xu County,” Shen Pei observed, “he had no contact with that Cao thief whatsoever. Perhaps he fears being seen alone with our lord, lest it invite gossip.”

“Hmph!” Yuan Shao snorted indignantly, deeply dissatisfied. His illustrious reputation, Yuan Benchu’s renown, could never be compared to the likes of Cao A’man. Were it not for Kong Rong’s lineage as a descendant of Confucius, Yuan Shao wouldn’t have spared him a glance.

“I suspect it may have something to do with that attendant,” Tian Feng suddenly interjected.

Hearing this, everyone turned towards him in surprise. Had he…actually spoken without undermining their lord? Without causing embarrassment right off the bat?

Yuan Shao pondered for a moment but couldn’t discern any connection between the situation and the attendant. He asked, “Yuanhao, if you have insights, please share them candidly.”

This time, unusually, Tian Feng refrained from embarrassing him, while Yuan Shao, equally uncommonly, allowed Tian Feng to speak freely.

Tian Feng pondered for a moment before speaking. “Earlier at the relay station, I observed that attendant to be quite extraordinary, far from ordinary. With dual halberds on his back, a horsewhip at his waist, and a bundle strapped to him, it was clear he was prepared to leave the relay station.”

“But as Kong Beihai’s attendant, why would he plan to depart? In my view, Kong Beihai must have instructed him beforehand. For instance, if Kong Rong did not return or were detained by our lord, the attendant should immediately leave Yecheng with Kong Rong’s seal of authority.”

Tian Feng’s observations were meticulous, and his analysis well-grounded.

With this explanation, how could anyone remain oblivious? That attendant undoubtedly carried Kong Rong’s official seal within his bundle!

Ju Shou, filled with retrospective fear, sighed, “Kong Beihai is truly cautious. If he didn’t return, the attendant likely intended to take his seal to Xu County, announcing to the world that our lord falsely claimed the Emperor’s throne.”

“Well played, Kong Wenju! To prepare such a contingency explains his haste to rush back to the relay station!” Fear also gripped Yuan Shao, yet simultaneously, he felt admiration for Kong Rong.

This man’s loyalty to the Han Dynasty was unwavering, steadfast even unto death.

Fortunately, no harm had come to Kong Rong today. Otherwise, the attendant would have swiftly fled Yecheng, spreading news of Kong Rong’s demise.

Tian Feng added, “Why does my lord look so apprehensive? Kong Beihai’s haste to return indicates his concern that the attendant might mistakenly spread false information.”

Yuan Shao’s face lit up with surprise. “Could it be he already acknowledges His Majesty as the true Son of Heaven?”

If Kong Rong didn’t recognize Liu Xie’s legitimacy, why would he rush back to the relay station so urgently?

Yuan Shao’s hands trembled with excitement, gripping the reins tightly, and he felt an urge to howl triumphantly towards the heavens.

A path to dominance was within reach! It truly was possible!

However, Tian Feng doused his enthusiasm like pouring cold water, “My lord, do not celebrate prematurely. We must wait for Kong Beihai himself to confirm it before anything is settled. Perhaps he simply couldn’t discern the truth at that moment.”

Disappointed, Yuan Shao let out a long sigh. Until everything became clear, no one could ascertain what Kong Rong truly thought.

He turned to Ju Shou and said, “Gongyu, send someone discreetly to keep watch over the relay station, closely monitoring that attendant. Also, arrange for several medical officers to attend him later. Under no circumstances should any harm come to Kong Wenju before he leaves Jizhou.”

Whether Kong Rong’s collapse today was feigned or genuine, Yuan Shao did not wish to remain anxious any longer. If Kong Rong indeed faced health issues leading to his demise, Yuan Shao would suppress the news at all costs and find ways to handle the situation afterward.

“Understood!”

The moon shone brightly amidst a star-studded sky.

Tai Shici helped Kong Rong inside his room and closed the doors before asking, “Why did you appear so distressed today, Prime Minister? What caused your fainting spell?”

Although Tai Shici had clearly heard Kong Rong’s conversation with Yuan Shao, he remained puzzled. Just what had Kong Rong experienced within the city?

Kong Rong sighed deeply, his expression conflicted. “This journey may tarnish my reputation irreparably, even affecting the Kong family.”

“How could it be that dire? Was the Prime Minister truly coerced by Yuan Shao?” Tai Shici’s face visibly paled at these words.

From Kong Rong’s statement, Tai Shici could only infer that the Emperor in Yecheng was indeed an imposter. The Prime Minister, under Yuan Shao’s duress, had no choice but to endorse the deception against his conscience. Otherwise, why would his reputation suffer, potentially implicating the entire Kong family?

Kong Rong shook his head, “Ziyi, do you know…the Emperor here in Yecheng bears an uncanny resemblance to the one in Xu County?”

“An uncanny resemblance?” Tai Shici found this hard to believe. Considering Kong Rong’s age and potential vision issues, he couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Prime Minister certain there was no mistake? Such coincidences are rare in this world.”

Kong Rong’s face reflected deep emotion, “If not witnessed with my own eyes, I too would find it incredible. But such is the truth - both the true and false Emperors look identical, without any discernible differences.”

“Could it be some form of disguise?” Tai Shici still found it too coincidental and speculated, “I’ve heard that certain experts skilled in disguise can mimic a person’s appearance and mannerisms perfectly.”

“It is not a disguise, nor mere imitation,” Kong Rong replied. “If it were merely a disguise or imitation, their words and actions would undoubtedly align.” Recalling his meetings with both Emperors, he continued, “Although both Emperors felt remarkably genuine to me, the one from Xu County seemed weak, while this Yecheng Emperor harbors thunder within, restrained yet exuding imperial dignity.”

“And even…”

Kong Rong’s mind flashed back to Liu Xie’s ambitious resolve displayed in the Chamber of Audience.

“And even what?” Tai Shici pressed.

Kong Rong shook his head, choosing not to elaborate further as he shifted the topic: “From a personal standpoint, the Emperor in Yecheng appears more like the true ruler.”

It wasn’t that he doubted Tai Shici’s integrity; rather, he feared eavesdroppers. With their hasty return to the relay station today, Yuan Shao must have realized his arrangements, potentially exposing the purpose behind leaving Tai Shici at the station. Consequently, he dared not discuss matters related to Liu Xie’s efforts to revive the Han Dynasty, fearing catastrophe if outsiders overheard.

Seeing Kong Rong’s reluctance, Tai Shici did not press further. “Since you believe the Emperor in Yecheng is more likely the rightful ruler, when do you plan to announce this to the world?”

Kong Rong felt melancholic, his face filled with conflicted emotions.

After a long pause, he slowly said, “Although the Emperor here in Yecheng appears more like the true heir, resemblance does not guarantee authenticity. With two Emperors claiming legitimacy, it is difficult to discern who is genuine. I dare not make a hasty decision.”

This response puzzled Tai Shici greatly.

The Emperor in Xu County did not resemble the rightful heir, while the one in Yecheng did. Yet, how could it be harder to determine their authenticity?

Seeing Kong Rong’s weary expression and furrowed brow, deeply troubled by the question of the true Emperor, Tai Shici hastily suggested, “Prime Minister, do not burden yourself further. Rest well tonight, and let us observe the situation at court again tomorrow.”

“How can I possibly sleep soundly?” Kong Rong felt entangled by countless worries, as if a heavy mountain weighed on his chest.

With two claimants to the throne, he had to ascertain which was legitimate. He might evade this responsibility for now, but could he avoid it forever?

Tai Shici, unwilling to see Kong Rong so distressed, pondered briefly before saying, “Do you truly believe that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao want you to identify the true dragon solely to support the rightful Emperor, Prime Minister? From my perspective, they merely seek personal gain.”

“As the Great Han gradually declines, the Nine Provinces are divided among warlords. Even if the Prime Minister identifies the true dragon, what difference would it make for the Han Dynasty? Regardless of their legitimacy, both Emperors today are mere puppets in the hands of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.”

“Given this, Prime Minister, why burden yourself with such concerns?”

Tai Shici’s insight into Cao Cao and Yuan Shao’s intentions was keen; they merely wished to avoid being blamed for supporting a false Emperor. Their true goal was to manipulate the Emperor, commanding others under their ruthless ambitions.

Kong Rong shuddered at these words, his cloudy eyes filled with anguish. Tai Shici had brought up what he had deliberately ignored all along.

In this chaotic world, who truly cared about the legitimacy of the Emperor? Even if he could discern the true dragon from the false pretender, what difference would it make? How would it benefit the Han Dynasty? It would only serve to fulfill the treacherous ambitions of those usurpers.

No—!

There still was hope for the Han Dynasty!

If the individual in Yecheng were indeed the rightful Emperor, and if today’s plan could be successfully executed, there might yet be a chance for the Han Dynasty to rise from obscurity once more.

Kong Rong found himself torn between maintaining the “legitimacy of the Han Dynasty” and striving for its “revival.”

As a steadfast and unyielding man, utterly devoted to the Han Dynasty, he could not bear seeing its lineage fall into the wrong hands. Yet precisely because of his unwavering loyalty, he desperately wanted to prevent the decline of the Great Han. His lifelong aspiration was to restore Yan Han’s glory.

“What course of action do you suggest, Ziyi?” Kong Rong turned to Tai Shici.

He knew that aside from his martial prowess, Tai Shici possessed sharp intellect and meticulous thinking.

Kong Rong sensed Tai Shici had gleaned some insights; otherwise, he wouldn’t have spoken as he did.

“Ziyi believes that since it’s difficult to discern the true Emperor, Prime Minister, you should publicly proclaim the Emperor in Yecheng as the genuine Son of Heaven,” Tai Shici hesitated briefly before suggesting.

After their discussion, Tai Shici fully understood why Kong Rong feared his reputation would be tarnished on this journey, potentially even affecting the Kong family’s standing.

The Prime Minister could not determine the rightful heir, fearing a wrong decision might lead to the Great Han’s legitimacy falling into the hands of another.

Thus, delaying seemed the only option. However, prolonging the indecision would inevitably harm his reputation over time. The world would assume either fear of offending Yuan Shao or Cao Cao, or perhaps being bribed by one of them. In any case, it would result in disgrace.

Tai Shici did not wish for Kong Rong’s reputation to suffer and detected from his tone that Kong Rong favored the Emperor in Yecheng, prompting his advice.

Upon hearing this, Kong Rong froze, staring intently at Tai Shici, lost in thought for a prolonged moment.

Witnessing this, Tai Shici couldn’t help but deeply sigh, feeling sympathy for the elderly man before him.

“If the Prime Minister cannot distinguish the true Son of Heaven and is unwilling to hastily decide, then do nothing. Let the debate between the claimants continue.”

“At least this way, there’s no risk of making a wrong decision that could undermine the rightful line of succession or embolden either Yuan Shao or Cao Cao to seize control and manipulate the Emperor for their own ambitions.”

“Furthermore,” Tai Shici continued cautiously, “if the Emperor truly bears the Mandate of Heaven, how could he be usurped by a false ruler?”

In the end, Tai Shici reluctantly provided the answer Kong Rong sought.

“Wise…” Kong Rong nodded gently, his voice raspy as if squeezed from deep within his throat.

This steadfast old man was willing to sacrifice his own reputation, even the honor of the Kong family, to forge a third path amidst the difficult choices between maintaining the “legitimacy of Great Han” and striving for its “revival.”

The Emperor in Xu County, genuine or not, could not shoulder the responsibility of restoring the Han Dynasty thrice over.

As for the Emperor in Yecheng, if true, the legitimate lineage of the Han Dynasty persisted, offering hope for its revival.

If false, the rightful line of succession might falter, yet still, there remained hope for the Han Dynasty’s resurgence.

All would depend on the decision made after entering the palace tomorrow.