Chapter 129: We Desire Qingzhou; What Shall Be Done?

Liu Xie anxiously awaited news within the palace for hours until darkness finally fell, and he received word about Kong Rong.

However, it wasn’t Guo Jia or Jia Xu who arrived, but Yuan Shao himself.

In the Chamber of Audience,

As soon as Liu Xie saw Yuan Shao enter, he hurriedly approached and asked with urgency and fear, “Minggong, how is Kong Rong faring now?”

The concern in his voice was palpable.

If anything happened to Kong Rong, while Yuan Shao’s fate might be uncertain, Liu Xie knew he would certainly face dire consequences.

Yuan Shao strode towards the main seat, sat down, glanced at Liu Xie, and replied indifferently, “Consider yourself lucky; Kong Rong is unharmed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let you off so easily.”

Relief washed over Liu Xie, and he exclaimed joyously, “That’s great, truly great! You nearly scared me to death!”

He raised his hand, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, his face still showing signs of lingering fear.

Seeing Liu Xie’s timid demeanor, a hint of disdain flashed in Yuan Shao’s eyes. Such panic and terror at the slightest issue—how could someone like this achieve any grand accomplishments?

Despite his deep disdain for Liu Xie, Yuan Shao was satisfied with two aspects of him: first, their striking resemblance; second, his exceptional acting skills.

In Zhengyang Hall, he convincingly portrayed the aloof and wrathful Emperor, even fooling Kong Rong into believing it was genuine.

However, a commoner remains just that—a mere pretender, adept at deceiving outsiders. In front of Yuan Shao, any slight intimidation would reveal his true nature.

Yuan Shao sneered, “Seems like you’re quite afraid of me? Is it fear of being killed or losing your newfound wealth and status?”

Liu Xie hastily shook his head, “I am not afraid of such things, minggong. My utmost sentiment towards you is respect.”

Yuan Shao’s eyes narrowed slightly, taken aback by this response. “Then why are you so terrified?”

With conviction, Liu Xie replied, “All my wealth and privileges come from minggong’s grace. Without you, I’d still be fighting wild dogs for scraps in the wilderness, uncertain if I’d survive.”

“Though humble, I understand the principle of gratitude,” he continued earnestly.

“Since my life was spared thanks to minggong’s grace and all my wealth bestowed by your generosity, even if minggong were to kill me and take away everything I have, I would harbor no resentment. Otherwise, what would differentiate me from a beast?”

“What I fear is that Kong Rong’s death might jeopardize minggong’s grand plans. If so, I truly deserve a thousand deaths.”

As Liu Xie spoke, his eyes reddened, and his voice became choked with emotion, turning hoarse.

His heartfelt words, combined with his distraught appearance, imbued them with genuine sincerity!

Even Yuan Shao, known for his deep reserves of composure, couldn’t help but be moved by this scene.

Having held positions of power for many years, he could easily distinguish between truth and falsehood. There was no doubt that Liu Xie’s words came from the depths of his heart.

In Yuan Shao’s perception, Liu Xie was a vagrant consumed by greed and lust, cowardly and fearful of death. Yet here he displayed such unwavering loyalty.

Upon reflection, few among his trusted subordinates could match this level of devotion.

This vagrant, granted wealth and beauties, would forever remember these favors and strive to repay them without forgetting the gratitude owed.

His trusted subordinates would merely take wealth and beauties as their due, often feeling it insufficient.

Gazing at Liu Xie, whose face radiated unwavering loyalty, Yuan Shao felt a wave of emotion, his eyes softening slightly.

“It is heartening to know your intentions.”

Liu Xie wiped away tears, choking back sobs, “Minggong…”

Yuan Shao patted Liu Xie on the shoulder. “Your loyalty is clear to me. What I said earlier was out of anger; how could I truly harm you?”

Encouraged, excitement gleamed in Liu Xie’s eyes. “In terms of abilities, this humble one falls far short compared to minggong’s strategists and generals. But when it comes to loyalty towards minggong, no one under heaven can surpass me.”

The individuals serving under Yuan Shao were all influential figures, yet despite their unwavering loyalty, none expressed it as openly as Liu Xie did.

Satisfied, Yuan Shao nodded. “You’ve done exceptionally well today. Even Kong Rong fell for it, believing you to be the true Emperor.”

Liu Xie stopped sobbing, expressing indignation, “Kong Rong only feigned agreement. In truth, he’s incredibly cunning and refuses to acknowledge my identity!”

“When questioned, he would ramble about the Great Han’s legitimacy, his immense responsibilities, and how he dare not speak recklessly. In the end, he even feigned fainting.”

Yuan Shao couldn’t help but chuckle at this.

Liu Xie was indeed pretending, with his convincing acting skills making it seem genuine. On the other hand, the Emperor in Xu County truly held the imperial mantle without needing to act.

From Kong Rong’s perspective, both Emperors appeared equally authentic, making it understandable why he struggled to make a decision.

“He fainted deliberately today to evade your interrogation. He’ll return to the palace tomorrow, and you mustn’t pressure him again then.”

Liu Xie nodded fervently, “I will do as minggong commands, following your guidance in all matters!”

Yuan Shao now felt quite reassured by Liu Xie. Over the past year and a half, despite being lowly in status, the boy had consistently proven reliable in handling affairs.

“As for the two Qiao sisters from Jiangbei, once we resolve the matter with Kong Rong, I’ll arrange for them to be brought here.”

“You know I’ve never been stingy with rewards. As long as you remain obedient, you shall enjoy endless wealth and prosperity. Once I unify the realm, I will bestow upon you the title of Prince of Anle, ensuring a peaceful life for you, and your descendants will also benefit from your fortune!”

Initially, Yuan Shao hadn’t taken Liu Xie seriously. His plan was to have Liu Xie abdicate once he unified the realm, then let him “die from illness” after a few years, forever burying this secret.

However, Liu Xie’s demonstrated loyalty altered his perspective somewhat. Perhaps sparing his life and granting him the title Prince of Anle would showcase Yuan Shao’s magnanimity to the world.

“My heartfelt thanks, Minggong, thank you so much! Your immense kindness shall be repaid; in my next life, I will serve Minggong diligently.”

Liu Xie’s gratitude overflowed, nearly rendering him speechless with excitement at the mention of “Prince of Anle.”

Following some further words of encouragement, Yuan Shao took his leave.

Liu Xie maintained a joyful expression throughout, only regaining composure when alone in his palace chambers.

“From Duke of Peace and Prosperity to Prince of Anle? Benchu, should we unify the realm, we’ll surely bestow upon your descendants the title Marquis of Anle.”

Yuan Shao’s promises held no sway over him. After all, Liu Xie himself was a master at making such empty gestures, often reaping double benefits from them.

After unifying the realm, abdicating to Yuan Shao and living as the Prince of Anle?

Even if Yuan Shao spared him, what about those under his command?

Gazing at the pristine moon outside his window, Liu Xie displayed signs of weariness.

“Switching between various masks is truly exhausting. When will this life finally end?”

Some people earn their livelihood through acting; Liu Xie relied on it for survival. One misstep could cost him his head.

Among the words he exchanged with Kong Rong today, many were hollow and insincere, but one line accurately reflected his predicament:

“This entire life feels like walking on thin ice, unsure when I’ll reach safety.”

Lying on the imperial bed, Liu Xie rested his head on folded hands, recalling Yuan Shao’s remarks about Kong Rong in the Chamber of Audience moments ago.

“The fact that Kong Rong can’t discern my true identity is good news for me. Hopefully, he continues to avoid making any public declarations regarding who the genuine Emperor is—me or the one in Xu County.”

From Liu Xie’s perspective, if Kong Rong deemed him the false Emperor, his days would be numbered, leading to the loss of everything he held dear.

On the other hand, if Kong Rong acknowledged Liu Xie as the rightful Emperor, the primary beneficiary wouldn’t be Liu Xie himself, but rather Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao would leverage the Emperor’s authority to expand his influence nationwide, consolidating his power further.

Only by remaining ambiguous about his true identity could Liu Xie exploit the chaos from behind Yuan Shao, gradually executing his Python Swallows the Dragon plan. Once he controlled Jizhou, Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, and Bing Province—the five provinces—whether fake or not, he would effectively become the true Emperor.

“It all hinges on Kong Rong’s visit tomorrow.”

The next day, Liu Xie woke up early from his slumber.

It wasn’t a natural awakening; rather, he was disturbed by Gao Luan’s announcement outside his sleeping quarters.

“Your Majesty, Prime Minister Kong Rong of North Sea seeks an audience.”

Upon hearing “Kong Rong,” Liu Xie instantly felt fully awake and swiftly rose from his imperial bed.

“Please escort him to the Chamber of Audience. We shall join shortly!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” With these words, Gao Luan departed to carry out the command.

Inside the palace, Liu Xie summoned palace maids to assist him with dressing.

He muttered inwardly, “Kong Rong arrived so early, bypassing Yuan Shao directly to seek an audience?”

If this were a formal meeting, Yuan Shao would have escorted Kong Rong and provided prior notice. However, since it was Gao Luan announcing, it meant Kong Rong had circumvented Yuan Shao for a private audience.

A private meeting was indeed more convenient than a formal one, especially as Liu Xie eagerly sought to recruit Kong Rong. In front of Yuan Shao, many discussions would be difficult to broach.

Should Kong Rong truly pledge allegiance, given his reputation in North Sea Commandery and Qingzhou, capturing Qingzhou guarded by Yuan Tan might become significantly easier.

Liu Xie deliberately disheveled the clothes neatly dressed by the palace maids before hastily making his way to the Chamber of Audience.

Upon seeing Kong Rong waiting inside, Liu Xie approached, took his hand, and asked with genuine concern, “My dear minister, how is your health?”

Feeling Liu Xie’s genuine concern, Kong Rong’s heart warmed.

The young Emperor before him had disheveled clothes and traces of sleepiness on his face, clearly rushing over without even taking the time to properly dress. Moreover, instead of immediately questioning their true identities, his first words expressed worry for Kong Rong’s well-being. How could this not move him deeply?

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, I am perfectly fine.” As Kong Rong spoke, he took a step back and bowed deeply to Liu Xie, adhering strictly to the etiquette befitting a subject despite the Emperor’s approachability.

“That is good to hear,” Liu Xie replied with a warm smile. “We were still asleep when you arrived, which truly makes us feel embarrassed. Once breakfast is served, would you care to join us, dear minister?”

Kong Rong responded, “It is rather Your Majesty who should feel embarrassed, as I expected to be immediately questioned about yesterday’s matter upon our meeting.”

“Regardless of truth or falsehood, what difference does it make?” Liu Xie asked, seemingly realizing only then that his attire was untidy and hastily adjusting it. “Moreover, we feared that if we continued pressing, the Prime Minister might once again feign unconsciousness to escape, just like yesterday.”

“Since the Prime Minister is unwilling to choose, why should we force him?”

Kong Rong couldn’t help but blush, feeling deeply embarrassed.

“How did Your Majesty discern this?”

Liu Xie smiled and replied, “Do you think we have not studied history, dear minister? Such tactics are well-documented in our annals.”

Kong Rong shook his head with a wry smile; indeed, he had learned this trick from historical records himself.

“Your Majesty, please forgive my clumsy deception… I hope you will overlook it.”

“With the world on our shoulders, such trivial matters hardly concern us,” Liu Xie waved dismissively. “However, since you could not determine if we were genuine or not, what brings you back to the palace today?”

Internally curious, Liu Xie wondered why Kong Rong would leave the palace under feigned illness one day only to return so early the next. What was his intention?

“Your Majesty, I have reached a conclusion,” Kong Rong solemnly stated.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie’s heart jolted, instantly becoming tense while maintaining a composed facade. “Oh? Pray tell, what is your conclusion?”

Under Liu Xie’s gaze, Kong Rong felt a sense of indebtedness. He lowered his head and said, “My response might disappoint Your Majesty…”

As soon as Kong Rong finished speaking, Liu Xie’s expression shifted dramatically, internally seething with anger.

Just yesterday, Kong Rong had treated Liu Xie as the true Emperor, unable to discern any deception. How could his attitude change overnight? Had he discovered something revealing?

Liu Xie narrowed his eyes and spoke coldly, “It seems, dear minister, you believe this Emperor might be an imposter?”

“Not at all.” Kong Rong shook his head, feeling genuinely troubled about expressing his thoughts before this very Emperor.

“Do not speak in riddles; just state your opinion plainly.”

With great difficulty, Kong Rong lifted his head to meet Liu Xie’s gaze. “I… I believe, Your Majesty, that both you and the one in Xu County appear equally like the true Emperor. It is truly impossible for me to distinguish between you.”

“I shall inform the world that I cannot ascertain the authenticity of the Emperor.”

Though spoken softly, these words sounded to Liu Xie like thunderous claps! Kong Rong genuinely couldn’t tell who was the real Emperor!

This outcome was precisely what Liu Xie desired most - absolutely perfect!

Despite his inner excitement, Liu Xie maintained a grim expression, glaring fiercely at Kong Rong. “Are you suggesting we share the title of Emperor with the false ruler in Xu County? Outrageous! This would be an unbearable humiliation!”

“Kong Wenju, with your vast knowledge and scholarly wisdom, have you never heard the saying: ‘There can be only one sun in the sky, and only one ruler among the people’?”

Kong Rong bowed thrice with his forehead touching the ground, tears streaming down his face.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty! I truly cannot discern which of you is genuine!”

“I have pondered this from every angle, but alas, no solution presents itself.”

His first tear was for failing to identify the true dragon, thereby risking the legitimacy of the Great Han’s rightful heir. His second tear was for the inevitable ruin of his reputation, which would also tarnish the Kong family’s standing.

“Puzzling indeed. Why did you make such a choice?” Liu Xie gazed at Kong Rong with mixed emotions.

As the twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius and a renowned scholar respected across the land, Kong Rong fully understood that when the entire world awaited his judgment on the true Emperor, declaring his inability to distinguish between them would invite relentless scorn from all quarters.

People would assume he feared death too much to offend either side or had been bought off by Yuan or Cao, driven solely by self-interest. Regardless of the perception, his lifetime of accumulated renown would be shattered instantaneously!

For a distinguished scholar who valued reputation above all, this outcome was more terrifying than death, yet Kong Rong chose this path nonetheless!

Liu Xie couldn’t comprehend why Kong Rong would take such a stance.

Kong Rong appeared to have aged significantly, his voice weak as he spoke, “I am aware that this decision seems utterly absurd.”

“But truly, I cannot discern the truth!”

“I’d rather risk destroying my lifelong reputation than allow an erroneous judgment from me to lead the legitimate lineage of Great Han astray.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie felt profound respect for Kong Rong.

To abandon one’s esteemed reputation, which scholars value more than life itself, solely to prevent the true lineage of Great Han from being usurped by a false Emperor - Kong Rong undoubtedly deserved the title of “great scholar” and served as an exemplary model for all intellectuals across the land!

“My dear minister, we have one final question,” Liu Xie said, gazing steadily at Kong Rong.

“Subject awaits Your Majesty’s query with utmost humility.” Kong Rong bowed deeply.

“How should we proceed to claim Qingzhou?”

As Liu Xie finished speaking, Kong Rong shuddered visibly.