Chapter 18: The Nation Is Its People! The People Are the Nation!

Liu Xie felt that Zhang He might have misunderstood his intentions.

I merely wanted to chat with you; why did you rush to pledge your loyalty right away? But…it’s not bad.

Liu Xie now had a clearer understanding of Zhang He’s current situation.

Abandoned by Han Fu and neither trusted nor valued by Yuan Shao, he was akin to being unwanted by both uncle and aunt—his skills and passion had no place to flourish. Trapped in a state of unappreciated talent, he experienced feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and disillusionment.

At this juncture, what Zhang He needed was a fresh start… No, what he needed was a wise ruler like Liu Xie to emerge.

Internally rubbing his hands together excitedly, Liu Xie prepared to fully win over this renowned Five Tiger General as a valuable ally.

“General, you possess the qualities of a trusted advisor, and naturally, we have faith in you,” Liu Xie said warmly. “Our Great Han stands weakened, desperately lacking skilled and patriotic generals like yourself. Obtaining your allegiance today is akin to gaining a vital left or right arm!”

Overwhelmed by such high praise from the Emperor, Zhang He immediately dropped to one knee. “Your Majesty exaggerates; I am deeply humbled.”

“As a humble commoner by birth, my abilities are limited, save for some martial prowess. Now serving Your Majesty, I shall exert all my efforts without fail, living up to Your Majesty’s expectations!”

Zhang He’s heart swelled with emotion.

As a humble commoner with no influential background, receiving such esteem and recognition from the Emperor was truly an immense honor!

Seeing Zhang He deeply moved, Liu Xie momentarily paused, surprised.

He had so much more to say and planned on engaging Zhang He in a lengthy conversation throughout the night, sharing meals to demonstrate his respect for talent. Yet, it seemed just these initial words were almost enough to win him over completely? How unexpectedly swift!

“This Emperor title carries quite the formidable aura.”

Liu Xie quickly realized that he had significantly underestimated the powerful influence bestowed by his imperial status.

While this might not sway ambitious warlords like Yuan Shao or Cao Cao greatly, for ordinary scholars and military generals, it was akin to a force multiplier!

In a feudal dynasty spanning four centuries of Yan Han rule, loyalty to the sovereign and devotion to the nation were deeply ingrained in most people’s minds. When the Emperor personally expresses admiration and intent to entrust significant responsibility, how many could resist such allure? While others’ reactions may vary, Zhang He certainly couldn’t withstand it.

“General, please rise immediately.”

Liu Xie stepped forward once again, helping Zhang He back onto his feet, then guided him to sit down. “We heard earlier,” Liu Xie asked, “that you hail from a civilian background?”

Zhang He nodded and replied, “Indeed, Your Majesty. I hail from Moyu County in Hijian Commandery. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion erupted early in my life, I believed that as a man, one should dedicate oneself to military service, serve the nation, and aspire for recognition and promotion. So, I enlisted to fight against the yellow turbans.”

“Due to my commendable martial prowess and relentless efforts against the rebels, I was soon promoted to Army Commander. Not long after, General Yuan took control of Jizhou.”

In this era dominated by aristocratic clans monopolizing political power, commoners had only one path to rise above their station - joining the military and earning military achievements. There were no other options.

All pursuits pale in comparison; lineage alone prevails.

“It is truly remarkable, General, how you have risen to your current position despite humble origins,” Liu Xie sighed, shaking his head involuntarily. “During our escape to Jizhou, we witnessed countless displaced people suffering due to the chaos of war, a sight too dreadful to behold.”

“As the Son of Heaven, these citizens are all under our care. Their plight pains us deeply.” Liu Xie continued, his voice filled with anguish. “This is our failure, a dereliction of duty as Emperor!”

Liu Xie clenched his jaw, his face reflecting self-reproach.

These words visibly moved Zhang He.

He had seen many noble-born scions who viewed commoners as less than livestock, indifferent to their life or death.

As the esteemed Emperor, Liu Xie genuinely cared for his subjects?

Liu Xie looked at Zhang He and smiled. “General, you must be thinking, as the Son of Heaven, why would I concern myself with the lives of commoners? It sounds too insincere, doesn’t it?”

Caught off guard by Liu Xie voicing his thoughts, Zhang He felt somewhat uneasy. “M-my lord, I dare not question such matters!”

Liu Xie waved his hand dismissively. “No need to worry; having those doubts is quite natural. After all, those in power often lack understanding, and how could high-ranking individuals truly care about the struggles of ordinary people?”

“I am grateful for this experience of fleeing, as it allowed me to step out from the confines of the imperial palace. Witnessing firsthand the hardships faced by our citizens has taught me a profound truth.”

Zhang He, captivated, inadvertently asked, “What truth, Your Majesty?”

Liu Xie straightened up, enunciating each word carefully:

“No matter how vast and prosperous the territory may be, if the lives of its people remain plagued by suffering, what value does ruling over thousands of miles hold? The nation is its people, and the people are the essence of the nation!”

These final words resonated like thunder in Zhang He’s ears.

“The nation is its people, and the people are the essence of the nation!” Zhang He murmured, almost dazed, repeating the phrase. As he pondered it further, he increasingly felt the deep love for the populace embedded within these words.

Is this truly what Your Majesty believes?

“Jun Yi!”

Liu Xie suddenly spoke, addressing Zhang He by his courtesy name instead of general this time, with genuine sincerity in his eyes.

“I aspire to emulate Emperor Guangwu and restore the Great Han Dynasty. However, at present, there is no one around me whom I can truly trust—not even Yuan Shao remains loyal!”

“Junyi, if you choose to assist us, we will treat you as a distinguished statesman!”

All Liu Xie’s earlier groundwork had led up to these words! He desperately needed a reliable ally, and based on current circumstances, Zhang He was the ideal candidate.

“Your Majesty!” Zhang He’s heart pounded fiercely, his blood surging with emotion. He swiftly rose and knelt before Liu Xie, tears welling in his eyes. In a resolute voice, he declared, “This humble general pledges unwavering loyalty unto death for Your Majesty!”

“If I betray this oath, may heaven itself bring my demise!”

With that solemn vow, Zhang He bowed deeply, the sound of his forehead striking the ground echoing loudly.

Moved profoundly, Liu Xie’s eyes reddened as he responded, “Junyi, we believe in you!”

Deep down, he knew he had successfully won over Zhang He completely.

Currently, Sima Yi hadn’t yet sworn his oath at Luo River, so this pledge held significant weight. The ancient saying “A promise worth its gold” was not just empty words.

Moreover, Liu Xie’s final statement demonstrated his genuine trust and candor towards Zhang He by openly expressing his lack of faith in Yuan Shao. This display of immense confidence deeply moved Zhang He; it represented the Emperor’s reliance and belief in him!

In those times, being considered a trusted confidant by the Emperor, someone he viewed as one of his own, was an extraordinary honor that few could resist. It evoked a willingness to risk everything, even their life.

“I now have my first loyal general - exhilarating!”

Liu Xie felt immensely pleased within himself.

Unbeknownst to him, at that very moment, from a short distance away near the pavilion, a pair of eyes were observing the entire scene.

The gaze lingered on Liu Xie for quite some time before finally withdrawing. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, the observer turned and disappeared into the depths of the garden.