Chapter 130: Because We—Are Mandated by Heaven

Yesterday, within the Chamber of Audience, Liu Xie had already revealed his plan to restore the Han Dynasty to Kong Rong.

Qingzhou was under the control of Yuan Shao’s eldest son, Yuan Tan, while Kong Rong served as Prime Minister of North Sea Commandery, which fell under Qingzhou’s jurisdiction.

Liu Xie sought to conquer Qingzhou and thus consulted Kong Rong for advice—a statement with dual meanings.

Firstly, it was a request for strategy, seeking Kong Rong’s counsel.

Secondly, it pertained directly to Kong Rong himself.

“Your Majesty…” Kong Rong’s expression turned uneasy.

With years of experience in politics, he could not miss the double entendre in Liu Xie’s words nor fail to understand that Liu Xie desired his loyalty.

Slowly lifting his head, Kong Rong gazed at Liu Xie before bowing again deeply. “Your Majesty’s trust leaves me indebted beyond measure. Therefore, I humbly request to be granted death.”

Having laid bare his thoughts, Kong Rong braced himself for Liu Xie’s furious wrath. He knew well that if this Emperor before him were genuine, then his actions constituted treason.

For any ruler, regardless of how difficult the decision might be, they must ultimately make a choice. Sharing the title of Emperor with a false claimant is intolerable to any true sovereign; it leads only to one’s demise.

Now, by refusing to pledge allegiance to Liu Xie, Kong Rong saw no other outcome than death.

Liu Xie stared intently at Kong Rong for a long moment, his gaze shifting from anticipation to anger, then becoming more intense, finally revealing a hint of murderous intent.

However, gradually, the killing intent subsided, leaving behind only icy coldness.

“You disappoint us greatly.”

There was no outburst or harsh rebuke. Liu Xie’s voice remained calm, yet beneath it seemed to resonate a hint of sorrow.

Turning away from Kong Rong, Liu Xie spoke with an emotionless tone, “Leave now and live well. Govern North Sea diligently for us.”

“We do not require your death, nor do we wish to see you perish. We want you to thrive.”

Upon hearing this, Kong Rong’s face filled with self-reproach and guilt.

Once he stepped out of the imperial palace and left Yecheng, he would be scorned by all under heaven. Not only would his own reputation be tarnished, but it would also bring dishonor to the esteemed reputation his family had cultivated over generations.

Moreover, committing such treason against the Emperor is unforgivable. Other than accepting death as penance, there appeared to be no other path for him.

Yet, the Emperor spared his life.

Kong Rong lifted his head, gazing at Liu Xie’s steadfast figure, puzzled. “Why does Your Majesty choose to forgive me?”

“Forgive?” Liu Xie let out a derisive laugh, slightly turning his head to glance coldly at Kong Rong from the corner of his eye.

“We want you alive so that you may bear witness! Witness how we will execute the Cao thief and the false emperor, observe as we purge disloyalty and restore our nation!”

“We intend to make clear to you that without your endorsement, we can still revive the Great Han!”

“For we—have been entrusted by Heaven itself!”

Liu Xie’s powerful and resonant voice echoed throughout the Chamber of Audience, exuding an awe-inspiring confidence and pride akin to a tiger dominating its vast territory.

His words seemed not like mere aspirations but as certain future events!

This was the arrogance of an Emperor, born with an inherent self-assurance that came with the throne.

Kong Rong was deeply shaken. He now understood that His Majesty did not wish for him to die in repentance; instead, he wanted Kong Rong to live—to bear witness as the Son of Heaven swept across the lands, conquering all under heaven!

And when the time came, Liu Xie would ask once more: “Is this Emperor truly unworthy?”

Filled with immense anticipation and hope, Kong Rong yearned for this Emperor before him to be the true heir of the Great Han, rather than a puppet impostor found by Yuan Shao.

His desire for death had transformed, and his cloudy eyes regained their vibrant sparkle.

“Your subject shall devote every effort to ensure the prosperity and contentment of North Sea’s people,” Kong Rong pledged solemnly. “Your Majesty resides within the depths of the imperial palace, surrounded by lurking wolves amidst countless dangers. Pray heed caution, prioritizing Your Majesty’s safety above all!”

Facing away from Kong Rong, Liu Xie remained silent.

After performing the respectful three bows and nine prostrations, Kong Rong said, “Your Majesty, I take my leave.”

With those words, he rose and departed the Chamber of Audience.

Only after some time passed, once Kong Rong had left, did the icy pride slowly fade from Liu Xie’s face.

He now fully comprehended the meaning behind the phrase “dying for justice.” Kong Rong indeed proved himself a venerable elder worthy of respect.

“We should have overcome this hurdle now!”

Since arriving in this era, this was the second major crisis Kong Rong had faced.

Once he left Yecheng and Jizhou behind, there would be no one left to challenge his claim as Emperor, not even the true heir himself.

Even if Yuan Shao or Ju Shou suddenly went mad and revealed Liu Xie’s true identity to the world, nobody would believe them.

From then on, regardless of public discourse, only two outcomes were possible—the powerful would reign as Emperor, while the weak would be deemed a false pretender.

In terms of credibility, his position already surpassed that of Emperor Xian in Xu County.

There would undoubtedly be no shortage of talents willing to pledge their allegiance in the future.

By escaping Yuan Shao’s shackles, he would become the legitimate ruler of Great Han.

“Although I didn’t earn Kong Rong’s endorsement, my status as Emperor is firmly established—a monumental step forward.”

“Now, all I need to do is endure humiliation and patiently wait for Guo Jia and Jia Xu to sow chaos within Yuan Shao’s ranks.”

A surge of grand ambition filled Liu Xie’s heart, knowing everything was progressing according to plan.

After leaving the imperial palace, Kong Rong hastily headed straight to the relay station outside Yecheng.

Tai Shici had been waiting for quite some time at the entrance. Upon seeing Kong Rong return, he immediately approached him.

“Is everything well with the Prime Minister?”

Noticing the tear-stained face of Kong Rong, Tai Shici felt profound sorrow. He knew that this esteemed elder, renowned across the land, would now endure endless scorn from hereon out.

Kong Rong, disheartened, said, “Once we reach North Sea, I will announce to the world my inability to discern the true Emperor.”

“Sigh…” Tai Shici let out a long sigh.

Rather than risk endorsing the wrong divine ruler, Kong Rong chose to sacrifice his own reputation. Despite his unwavering loyalty to the Great Han, he faced the prospect of being disgraced forever. How could one not lament such a tragic fate?

“Let’s go. Pack our belongings; it’s time to return to North Sea.”

“Shouldn’t we inform Yuan Shao first?”

“No need. He is merely a withered skeleton in a grave; why bother notifying him?”

Having learned the true nature of Yuan Shao from Liu Xie, Kong Rong held no favorable sentiments towards him anymore. In his view, both Yuan and Cao were fundamentally the same - traitors who held the Emperor hostage.

Fortunately, there was a stark difference between the two Emperors.

The one in Xu County, under Cao Cao’s control, had no means to resist and was entirely at their mercy.

In contrast, the Emperor in Yecheng endured hardships silently, secretly plotting growth and biding his time to strike.

At this moment, Kong Rong firmly believed that Yuan Shao would follow in Yuan Shu’s footsteps.

As they finished packing, Kong Rong cast a deep gaze at Yecheng before departing in the carriage. Apart from feelings of guilt and self-reproach towards the Emperor, he harbored no other regrets.

“Even if Your Majesty is not the rightful heir, you can still ensure the continuation of the Great Han.”

Having just woken up, Yuan Shao received the report from his spy and flew into a rage.

“That old fool! How dare he disregard me so completely.”

Yuan Shao cursed as he hastily dressed and rose from bed. He had intended to personally escort Kong Rong to the imperial palace himself, only for Kong Rong to depart before dawn without notice.

Now, he left without even bidding farewell.

Upon arriving at the debate hall, Ju Shou, Tian Feng, and others were already waiting there.

Yuan Shao turned to Qiong Yuchun. “Zhongjian, lead men to intercept Kong Beihai and ask him which Emperor is genuine.”

Qiong Yuchun acknowledged the order but was stopped by Tian Feng before he could leave.

“My lord, Kong Beihai’s immediate departure after meeting the Emperor indicates that he has made his judgment. Sending someone to detain him might invite unwanted criticism.”

Shen Pei echoed Tian Feng’s concern, “Yuanhao speaks wisely. If word gets out, people will assume my lord detained Kong Beihai to coerce him into changing his decision.”

“His Majesty is the true Emperor, not some impostor conjured by that Cao traitor. Kong Beihai is upright and just; he surely wouldn’t mistake truth for falsehood. My lord, there’s no need to interfere,” Tian Feng countered.

All advisors except Ju Shou nodded in agreement. In their minds, the Emperor residing in Yecheng was indeed the rightful Son of Heaven. Given Kong Rong’s character, they were confident he would never dismiss the genuine ruler as false.

Had it not been for Yuan Shao’s anxiety, none of them would have given this matter much thought. Instead, they focused on strategizing against Gongsun Zan in Yōuzhou.

Yuan Shao opened his mouth but ultimately withheld his concerns. Others might be unaware, but he knew all too well the true nature of his “emperor.”

Ju Shou sensed Yuan Shao’s unease and suggested, “My lord, pursuing or letting Kong Beihai go now holds little significance. Why not inquire directly from His Majesty at the palace?”

Regardless of Kong Rong’s thoughts, Liu Xie should certainly have some insight.

Yuan Shao gave a slight nod and issued orders to Chunyu Qiong, “Dispatch a contingent to escort Kong Beihai out of Jizhou without any mishaps!”

Inside the imperial palace, Liu Xie had just lain down for a nap when Gao Luan roused him with news that Yuan Shao had arrived.

“What did Kong Rong tell you?”

“Did he acknowledge your status as Emperor?”

“Why did he leave so abruptly?”

As soon as Yuan Shao saw Liu Xie, questions poured out like rapid gunfire.

Liu Xie replied, “When he came to meet me here at the palace, we indeed spoke at length. Just before leaving, he declared his intention to announce to the world that it is impossible to discern the true Emperor.”

Yuan Shao was both shocked and delighted upon hearing this.

Shocked that Kong Rong dared such a move! Yet delighted that Liu Xie’s identity remained unexposed, allowing Yuan Benchu to continue serving as a loyal subject of the Great Han and wielding authority by holding the Emperor hostage against dissenters.

“However, I must admire how far this old man went to preserve the legitimacy of the Great Han,” Yuan Shao sighed, genuinely impressed.

He understood that Kong Rong’s actions would tarnish his own reputation, potentially leading to widespread condemnation in the future.

Despite being unexpected, this outcome left Yuan Shao ecstatically overjoyed.

However, for Cao Cao, this outcome was far from acceptable.

“Cao A’Man, oh Cao A’Man, you sought Kong Rong’s endorsement to legitimize your Emperor, only to inadvertently aid me.”

“Now, with two Emperors, it is difficult to discern truth from falsehood, but the advantage lies with me.”

Yuan Shao felt immensely satisfied and triumphant. If Cao Cao were present, he would undoubtedly point at him and mock him mercilessly!

Liu Xie observed Yuan Shao’s gleeful expression and said, “Minggong, within the palace, Kong Rong requested that I grant him death. Concerned about the potential repercussions if he died in Yecheng, I spared his life.”

Yuan Shao praised him, “Well done. He can die anywhere else, just not within Jizhou territory. Once outside Jizhou, whether he chooses suicide as penance or endures public scorn to cling to life, it matters not to me.”

After giving Liu Xie further instructions, Yuan Shao hastily departed. He needed to urgently consult Ju Shou, Tian Feng, and others on how to leverage this news against Cao Cao.

That same day, spurred by Yuan Shao’s efforts, news about Kong Rong’s inability to discern the true Emperor rapidly spread from Yecheng across the Nine Provinces.

The revelation caused immediate uproar.

“Absolutely preposterous! Utterly absurd!”

“How could Kong Wenju utter such nonsense?!”

“As it has been said, there can be only one sun in the sky and one ruler among the people. With just one Emperor, how could Kong Wenju fail to identify him?”

“In my opinion, Kong Wenju fears offending either Cao Cao or Yuan Shao, so he dare not determine the Emperor’s authenticity.”

“As a twentieth-generation descendant of Confucius, how could he show such cowardice towards death!”

“We were deceived by his false reputation all along; now it’s clear that Kong Wenju is truly a despicable man!”

“If even Kong Rong cannot distinguish the true Emperor, who else in this world can?”

“I’ve always believed the Emperor in Yecheng was the rightful one.”

“I agree. Lu Bu presented the jade seal of the realm and traitor Yuan Shu at Yecheng—wouldn’t Lu Bu recognize the true Emperor?”

Within half a month, every province erupted in commotion.

Kong Rong found himself under intense scrutiny, facing relentless condemnation from countless individuals.

However, a small minority still trusted Kong Rong’s integrity, believing the rumors to be unfounded, and awaited his own explanation before forming an opinion.

Xu County.

Cao Cao was having his meal at his manor when he received this news. Instantly enraged, he slammed his bowl onto the table.

“Impossible! Absolutely impossible!”

“How could Kong Rong commit such a preposterous act without discerning the true Emperor’s identity?! This must be one of Yuan Shao’s lies!” He roared furiously. “It’s all false, every bit of it!”

Below him, Xun You sighed softly. “My lord, this information has already spread throughout the provinces. I believe it is unlikely to be fabricated. If Kong Rong had not made such a decision, would Yuan Shao dare utter these falsehoods and risk ruining his reputation?”

“But if Kong Rong truly acted like this, isn’t he destroying his own standing as well?! How difficult can it be to identify the true Emperor?” Cao Cao bellowed uncontrollably, consumed by rage. The thought that someone as upright and devoted to the Han Dynasty as Kong Rong would make such a decision baffled him completely.

Xun Yu pondered for a moment before speaking up, “Kong Wenju cannot be coerced or bought off by Yuan Shao. His decision suggests that perhaps genuinely distinguishing the true Emperor from an imposter was indeed challenging.”

“Shortly after His Majesty relocated the capital to Xu County, Yuan Shao proclaimed that the Emperor had fallen into distress and fled to Yecheng. If he indeed found someone to impersonate the Emperor, why would he be so confident, fearing no exposure? And why would Lu Bu and Liu Bei go to Yecheng to present the jade seal of the realm?”

“Why?” Cao Cao asked irritably.

Xun Yu responded, “My lord, let us consider this boldly. Suppose the false emperor in Yecheng bears an uncanny resemblance to the true Emperor, even mimicking his mannerisms perfectly. In such a scenario, it explains Yuan Shao’s unwavering confidence, knowing he wouldn’t be unmasked.”

“It also clarifies why Lu Bu and Liu Bei went to Yecheng with the jade seal and provides insight into Kong Wenju’s utterly absurd decision.”

Xun Yu’s analysis left Cao Cao deep in thought.

Everyone present understood Kong Rong’s character well. He had once fearlessly confronted Dong Zhuo, pointing directly at him in anger. It was inconceivable for him to succumb to Yuan Shao’s coercion or be bought off.

Cao Cao, eyes bloodshot, spoke in a hoarse voice, “Kong Rong is the epitome of scholars worldwide; he’d rather die than tarnish his reputation.”

“For him to make such an absurd decision, risking his esteemed name, there can only be one explanation, as Wenruo suggests—he genuinely could not discern the true Emperor from the impostor.”

“How did Yuan Benchu manage to find someone who looks exactly like the Emperor? Why does Heaven favor him so!”

In the imperial palace’s Chamber of Audience, Guo Jia excitedly reported to Liu Xie, “Your Majesty, Yuan Shao sent a letter to Gongsun Zan proposing peace talks. Instead of responding, Gongsun Zan bolstered his defenses. This afternoon, Yuan Shao decided to personally lead his forces and attack Yōuzhou.”

Upon hearing this news, Liu Xie’s heart stirred.

Historically, Yuan Shao invaded Gongsun Zan during Jian’an Year 3, but now it was only late Jian’an Year 2. It seemed that due to his actions, the conflict had been accelerated by a year.

Jia Xu also wore a pleased expression, “The tensions between Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang have reached their peak, with Feng Ji, Shen Pei, Xin Ping, Guo Tu, and others deeply divided like fire and water. Moreover, with Yuan Shao leaving Yecheng, this presents a heaven-sent opportunity!”

Liu Xie, equally thrilled, grasped the hands of Guo Jia and Jia Xu, one on each side.

“I entrust everything to both of you!”

With such a fortuitous chance, given the abilities of Guo Jia and Jia Xu, they were certain to sow chaos within Yuan Shao’s stronghold. Even if they couldn’t significantly weaken him, at least they could exacerbate the internal instability, making it easier for Liu Xie to covertly expand his own influence.

Additionally, Jia Xu’s plan involving filial betrayal could now be set in motion. The time for Liu Xie to break free from his shackles was drawing near.