Chapter 137: His Majesty Arrives

From Yecheng, Emperor Liu Xie embarked on his journey to the battlefield in Yōuzhou.

The five-thousand-strong army led by Chunyu Qiong served as overt protection. Privately, Zhang He and Gao Luan commanded a contingent of five hundred imperial guards as Liu Xie’s personal bodyguards, prohibiting anyone from approaching the imperial entourage—Chunyu Qiong included.

As one of Yuan Shao’s subordinates, Chunyu Qiong lacked the status to even meet with the Emperor directly. Any reports or matters requiring attention had to be relayed through Zhang He or Gao Luan, highlighting the stringent security measures in place.

This exemplified the awe-inspiring dignity of the Emperor’s position.

During Yuan Shao’s reign, Liu Xie was confined within the imperial palace, perceived as merely a puppet by all. But now, with Yuan Shao gone, everyone must show utmost respect to the Emperor!

Yecheng was not far from Yōuzhou. With occasional stops along the way, it took roughly half a month for the procession to reach the border between Yōuzhou and Jizhou.

Liu Xie leaned out of the carriage, feeling the gritty wind against his face, and gazed toward the distant horizon. Unable to resist, he sighed, “Straight rises the solitary smoke over the desert; Round sets the sun beyond the winding river.”

Earlier, when reading this verse, he hadn’t fully appreciated its significance. Now, standing at the frontier, he realized how vividly accurate it portrayed the landscape—the essence of the border scenery!

“Beautiful poem! Your Majesty truly possesses exceptional literary talent!”

Upon hearing Liu Xie’s words, Gao Luan, riding alongside the carriage, promptly seized the opportunity to flatter him. His ambition for advancement was palpable.

Liu Xie had no desire to be seen as merely plagiarizing literature, and Gao Luan’s praise left him feeling awkward instead. Turning towards Zhang He at the front, he asked, “Junyi, how far is it to Yi City?”

Gongsun Zan had been bestowed the title Marquis of Yi, making Yi City his fiefdom. Over the years, he fortified the city with strongholds, constructing high walls with iron gates, transforming Yi City into a crucial stronghold against Yuan Shao’s incursions.

Recently, despite relentless assaults by Yuan Shao’s forces, Yi City remained unconquered.

However, without capturing Yi City, Yuan Shao could not advance further into Yōuzhou. Growing desperate, Yuan Shao took the drastic step of transferring Liu Xie from Yecheng to the frontline, hoping his presence would boost morale among the troops.

“Your Majesty, we are less than thirty li away,” Zhang He replied respectfully and meticulously. “I have already sent messengers ahead to inform the main camp; they should soon arrive to welcome Your Majesty.”

Just as Zhang He finished speaking, a cloud of dust billowed on the horizon as a cavalry unit charged towards them, banners emblazoned with the character “Yuan” fluttering in the wind.

“What formidable energy!” Liu Xie marveled inwardly as he watched the approaching cavalry.

Despite numbering only around four or five hundred riders, their imposing aura felt stronger than Chunyu Qiong’s force of five thousand soldiers! It was like witnessing a bloodstained longsword, sharp and menacing.

As the two forces approached each other, the cavalry slowed down and halted less than a hundred meters from Liu Xie’s entourage without disrupting their formation—a testament to their disciplined training.

A general emerged on horseback, rode up to the heavily guarded imperial carriage, knelt on one knee, and cupped his hands respectfully. “This humble servant is Qu Yi! Acting under orders from the Great General, I cordially welcome Your Majesty to our camp!”

“Welcome, Your Majesty, to our camp!” All the cavalrymen dismounted and bowed simultaneously, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Qu Yi!

Upon hearing this name, Liu Xie instantly understood why this army exuded such extraordinary presence. The general before him was none other than Yuan Shao’s fiercest commander, Qu Yi.

He had accompanied Yuan Shao in countless campaigns, achieving near-unstoppable victories and playing a pivotal role in unifying Henanbei province. During Yuan Shao’s battles against Gongsun Zan, it was Qu Yi who repeatedly defeated Gongsun Zan’s elite White Horse Troops head-on!

However, prior to the Battle of Guandu, Qu Yi became arrogant due to his accomplishments, leading to insubordination, and ultimately, his execution by Yuan Shao.

“It would be fantastic if I could recruit him,” Liu Xie thought, feeling intensely excited.

He was starting to get addicted to poaching talent, eager to take a swing at anyone promising—how could he resist someone like Qu Yi? This formidable general surpassed even Zhang He and Gao Luan in prowess; his only shortcoming being that he died too early.

Having already secured Zhang He and Gao Luan, two of the Four Pillars of Henanbei, wouldn’t adding Qu Yi make for a complete trio, Boss Yuan?

Accompanied by Qu Yi, Liu Xie entered the encampment where Yuan Shao’s army was stationed.

To welcome Liu Xie, Yuan Shao had specially prepared a luxurious tent for him.

Hardly given time to rest within the tent, Yuan Shao and Ju Shou arrived shortly after.

“Minggong!” Upon seeing Yuan Shao, Liu Xie eagerly approached with excitement on his face. With genuine concern, he remarked, “It has only been a short while since we last met, yet minggong appears so much thinner!”

Yuan Shao smiled faintly, “The border is harsh and cold; warfare is never easy.”

Liu Xie responded with self-reproach written all over his face, “Minggong endures such hardships, while this lowly subject enjoys comforts in Yecheng… If only I could bear these difficulties in your place.”

His words were heartfelt and deeply moving.

Ju Shou, listening nearby, felt chills run down his spine. In just one month, this kid’s skills in flattery and sycophancy had significantly improved. As a gentleman knows what actions are appropriate and inappropriate, shouldn’t he feel ashamed of such despicable behavior?

However, Yuan Shao relished Liu Xie’s flattery. Usually, he heard nothing but advisors’ admonishments, especially from that old curmudgeon Tian Feng, whose blunt words often left him feeling embarrassed.

No one could speak as eloquently and pleasingly as Liu Xie.

“It’s good to see you have such intentions,” Yuan Shao nodded approvingly. “Do you know why I summoned you to the front lines?”

Liu Xie firmly shook his head. “I do not know, nor does this lowly subject need to know. Minggong, whatever task you assign, it shall be done.”

With such smooth talk and keen awareness, who wouldn’t appreciate having such a puppet under their control?

Yuan Shao laughed heartily and turned to Ju Shou beside him. “If everyone under my command were as loyal and straightforward as him, who in the world could stand against me?”

“Alas, they each harbor hidden agendas, consumed by intrigue and power struggles… Hmph.” A cold glint flashed in Yuan Shao’s eyes at the end of his remark.

The recent conflicts between Xu You and Shen Pei had left him deeply unsettled. He had barely been away from Yecheng, yet their rivalry escalated rapidly.

Ju Shou lowered his head, refraining from responding.

“Forget it.”

Yuan Shao swiftly dismissed these thoughts, composed himself, and addressed Liu Xie, “This time, I’ve brought you here to bolster our troops’ morale using your status as Emperor.”

“In three days, I will appoint generals for our expedition and seize Yi City with a single, decisive push. At that time, you will inspect the troops and deliver some inspiring words. Gongyu would…never mind, no need for Gongyu’s guidance; you’re even more adept at this.”

If Liu Xie could deceive someone like Kong Rong, rallying the soldiers would be a piece of cake. In matters such as these, Yuan Shao had full confidence in Liu Xie.

“Please do not worry, Minggong. Leave it to this lowly subject! Over the next few days, I’ll carefully plan my performance, ensuring I give my utmost effort to boost the morale of your forces and conquer Yi City decisively!” Liu Xie confidently pounded his chest, sounding resolute and determined.

Addressing the troops to inspire their spirits was right up his alley—a skill he excelled in. This also presented him with an excellent opportunity.

“Hmm, I trust you completely when it comes to handling such tasks.”

After giving Liu Xie a few instructions, Yuan Shao departed with Ju Shou.

On their way to the central military tent, Ju Shou hesitated before speaking up, “Minggong, are you certain about having him inspect the troops? Isn’t it too risky?”

“But he’s not truly the Emperor yet. If he falters before the troops, it could demoralize them instead and harm our military prospects.”

In three days, they would launch another assault on Gongsun Zan.

Ju Shou had initially planned for Liu Xie to merely visit the front lines briefly, spreading word among the soldiers to create the impression of an imperial expedition, thereby boosting their morale.

However, he didn’t expect Yuan Shao to have Liu Xie inspect the army and even address the troops publicly!

Standing before thousands upon thousands of soldiers was no trivial matter; such a sight could intimidate most people to the point of wetting their pants.

“Don’t worry. Have you forgotten his performance when meeting Kong Rong? Even I almost believed he was indeed the Emperor.”

“With acting skills like that, deceiving the troops should be effortless,” Yuan Shao dismissed Ju Shou’s concerns casually. “Gongyu, why do I sense some unease or dislike towards him from you?”

While Ju Shou’s worries were valid, Yuan Shao astutely detected a hint of caution and mild disdain in Ju Shou’s attitude towards Liu Xie, which puzzled him.

Ju Shou fell silent for a moment before replying, “Indeed, I am somewhat displeased with him… Perhaps it’s because I find his obsequious nature distasteful.”

He had always disdained sycophants, and he sensed that Liu Xie’s excessive fawning was not quite natural.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao instantly understood. He shook his head and said, “Your character is too aloof. In this world, snakes have their paths, rats have theirs, and even small individuals must navigate their own ways to survive. Not everyone can be like you.”

“Though he may be a humble refugee, as long as he remains loyal to me, what does it matter? His flattering behavior is merely a means of survival. Why should we disdain him for that? Remember, it was you who brought him here.”

“Moreover, in these borderlands plagued by sandstorms, one must occasionally tolerate some grit in their eyes. Constantly keeping them shut could lead to stumbling upon unseen obstacles.”

With these words, Yuan Shao gave Ju Shou a profound look before briskly entering the Central Army Camp.

Left standing there, Ju Shou appeared stunned, his expression somewhat conflicted.

Could it be…that he was overthinking?

The news that the Emperor himself had arrived at the battlefield spread rapidly through Yuan Shao’s army that very night.

Upon hearing it, soldiers found it almost unbelievable.

This was the Emperor—the lofty ruler, the supreme sovereign, the master of all under heaven! And yet, he dared to personally visit the perilous battleground?

Instantly, whispers and discussions erupted among the troops.

“Is His Majesty dissatisfied with the Great General’s prolonged siege on Yi City, prompting him to lead the expedition himself?”

“I’m not sure, but I heard that in three days, His Majesty will inspect the entire military!”

“That means we might have a chance to see the Emperor! What an immense honor!”

“If I could just glimpse His Majesty once, dying on this battlefield would be worth it.”

The prospect of seeing the Emperor firsthand left the soldiers exhilarated, as if they were celebrating the New Year.

These men hailed from humble backgrounds; none would have enlisted if their families had enjoyed even modest prosperity. How often did commoners get to lay eyes on the Emperor?

Filled with anticipation, the three days swiftly passed, marking the arrival of the day for the imperial inspection.

Twenty miles outside Yi City, within the encampment of Yuan Shao’s forces, stood a ten-meter-high platform for reviewing troops.

Facing directly toward the platform, thirty thousand armored Jizhou soldiers stood solemnly, their ranks neat and imposing.

These were seasoned elite troops, exuding an indescribable aura of keen vigilance and deadly seriousness.

At that moment, they stood in precise formations under the sunlight, as steadfast as pine trees, maintaining absolute silence.

The only sound breaking the stillness was the wind sweeping across the desert, causing banners to flutter audibly.

“His Majesty has arrived!”

A sudden shout shattered this tranquility.

All soldiers promptly turned their heads towards the front.

They saw a group of imperial guards clearing the path, followed by a youth riding forth on a white horse.

Clad in black armor with a scarlet cape draped over his shoulders, the young rider wore a purple-gold crown and carried a long sword at his waist. His eyes gleamed with spirited intensity, radiating authority.

More astonishingly, Yuan Shao, Ju Shou, Tian Feng, Qu Yi, Chunyu Qiong, and others all trailed behind the youth, not daring to step out of line.

This sight left every witnessing soldier deeply moved.

Though they remained silent, their gazes burned with fervor.

Everyone knew that the youth approaching on horseback was none other than the Son of Heaven, their Emperor—the very object of their loyalty!

Today, Your Majesty delivered sixteen thousand words of updates. What say you, noble subjects?