Chapter 19: Yuan Shu: Should I Also Find Someone to Pretend to Be the Emperor?

Zhang He’s formal allegiance marked Liu Xie’s first significant power base amidst this chaotic era—consisting not only of Zhang He himself but also the thousand imperial guards under his command.

These guards were originally part of Jizhou’s defense forces and had fought alongside Zhang He on numerous battlefields. Their loyalty was unquestionable, and their combat prowess was formidable.

Although just over a thousand men might seem insignificant, it greatly excited Liu Xie.

“Your Majesty, what are your plans moving forward?” Zhang He asked Liu Xie, concern evident in his tone. “As you’ve mentioned, Yuan Shao harbors disloyal intentions, making Jizhou unsuitable for Your Majesty’s long-term stay.”

Having chosen to pledge allegiance to the Emperor, Zhang He naturally prioritized the Emperor’s interests. Although he didn’t understand why Liu Xie accused Yuan Shao of disloyalty, there must have been a reason behind His Majesty’s words, and Zhang He trusted him without further questioning.

Liu Xie sighed deeply upon hearing this. “Who wouldn’t wish to leave? But with the world engulfed in chaos, the Han Dynasty weakened, and warlords dividing territories, where could we possibly go?”

“Moreover, with us currently residing in Yecheng, how could Yuan Shao possibly allow us to leave?”

Zhang He fell silent.

Indeed, aside from the difficulty of escaping, even if they managed to flee from Yuan Shao’s grasp, where would they go?

“Junyi, there is no need for concern. Although Yuan Shao harbors ambitious desires, he dare not show disrespect towards us at present. For now, we are safe.”

“This situation presents an opportunity for us to gather strength, connect with ministers still loyal to the Han Dynasty, and await the right moment to confront the traitors together. We shall restore the glory of our dynasty!” Liu Xie patted Zhang He on the shoulder, painting a hopeful vision for him.

Fully trusting Liu Xie, Zhang He nodded emphatically, “I am entirely at Your Majesty’s command!”

“All right, you may attend to your duties now.”

“The humble general takes his leave!” With a respectful bow, Zhang He turned and strode away.

As Liu Xie watched Zhang He depart, the corners of his lips curved slightly upward, revealing a hint of satisfaction.

Now, which corner should I pry next from Yuan Shao?

The imperial edicts for Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu’s appointments were swiftly issued.

In truth, Liu Xie didn’t even need to review or personally draft them; Yuan Shao oversaw the entire process from writing to issuance.

With the Emperor’s formal appointment, Yuan Shao officially ascended from being the General of Chariots and Cavalry and Governor of Jizhou to the positions of Great General and Grand Marshal.

These roles represented the pinnacle of achievement for a subject in the Great Han Dynasty!

Now endowed with these titles, Yuan Shao could legitimately raise troops, expand his military forces, and attract support from other factions.

Meanwhile, the decree for Yuan Shu was dispatched to Yangzhou.

Yangzhou, currently under Yuan Shu’s control, served as his main stronghold.

Historically, Yangzhou has been one of the wealthiest provinces in the empire, often referred to as the “Granary of the Nation,” and it has always been a strategic location fiercely contested by military strategists throughout history.

Jiujiang Commandery, Shou County.

“Urgent message! Eight hundred li urgent!”

As dusk fell and the gates of Shou County were about to close, a hoarse voice accompanied by galloping horse hooves echoed from outside the city walls.

From atop the watchtower, the guard commander squinted and saw a cloud of dust rising in the distance, followed by a swift horse approaching rapidly.

The rider on the horse held aloft a yellow silk scroll, shouting loudly, “Eight hundred li urgent! Imperial Edict! Open the city gate immediately!”

An eight hundred li urgent message, and an Imperial Edict?

“Open the gate!”

Hearing this proclamation, the commander guarding Shou County’s gate dared not hesitate for a moment and immediately ordered his soldiers to open it.

With a loud rumble, the heavy gates swiftly swung open, allowing the rider to vanish amidst swirling dust clouds within seconds.

As they entered Shou County without slowing down, the messenger continued galloping deep into its heart while shouting, “Urgent dispatch! Imperial decree! Obstruction means death; defiance equals doom!”

Witnessing this spectacle, the surrounding populace was stunned and hastily scattered to both sides of the street.

Blocking the path of an urgent imperial messenger carried severe consequences—death awaited even nobles and ministers, let alone commoners.

As the messenger disappeared into the distance, the people began murmuring among themselves:

“What could be so important that it requires such urgency?”

“Didn’t he say it’s an imperial decree?”

“Imperial decree? Whose decree is it? I’ve heard there are now two competing Emperors—one in Xu County and another in Jizhou.”

“Yes, but who knows which one is genuine?”

“Sigh, we’re just ordinary folks. Why bother ourselves with their affairs? Does it really matter who’s true or false?”

“Exactly, exactly. Let’s think about what to eat tonight instead.”

Yuan Shu’s residence stood at the heart of Shou County.

As the administrative center of Jiujiang Commandery, Shou County boasted both vast territory and a large population, significantly larger than Yecheng.

While Yuan Shu’s residence was referred to as a manor, it far surpassed the opulence and grandeur typical of noble estates, bordering on outright violation of protocol. However, within Shou County, no one dared raise objections.

Despite the nightfall, the interior remained brightly lit.

Yuan Shu had summoned his advisors for a gathering to discuss the hotly debated issue of the true and false Emperors.

“Do you think the Emperor in Yuan Benchu’s hands is genuine or not?” In the Great Hall, Yuan Shu frowned deeply, addressing the assembled advisors.

Shortly after Cao Cao announced escorting the Emperor to Xu County, Yuan Shao claimed that the Emperor had fled to Jizhou instead. He then declared Cao Cao a traitor.

Now, the Emperor under Cao Cao’s control issued an edict stating he never went to Yecheng, accusing Yuan Shao of deception.

With truth and falsehood intertwined, even Yuan Shu found it hard to discern which was real.

Upon hearing Yuan Shu’s question, his chief clerk Yan Xiang stepped forward and said, “My lord, determining the truth now is impossible. Regardless, either way, this situation benefits you greatly.”

“Now Yuan Shao and Cao Cao dispute over which is the true Emperor, creating discord between them. We can exploit this opportunity to further incite conflict and deepen their animosity.”

After Yan Xiang spoke, Yang Hong, the Chief Secretary, added, “Indeed, while they engage like the crab and clam, my lord, you can be the fisherman reaping benefits amidst the turmoil, waiting for the opportune moment.”

However, Yuan Shu did not see it that way.

“But many across the land believe Yuan Shao holds the genuine Emperor. What if he uses this chance to expand his power?”

“Regardless, one of them must be false. Why not follow suit? Let’s find someone to impersonate the Emperor. Then we too could command the nation under the Emperor’s name, wouldn’t we?”

Yuan Shu was envious of Yuan Shao’s ability to act under the Emperor’s guise, but with the Emperor out of his reach, he couldn’t resist entertaining unscrupulous thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiang and Yang Hong exchanged glances, both reflecting mutual exasperation.

Impersonating the Emperor would undoubtedly bring more harm than benefit. If discovered, the consequences would be disastrous—why take such a risk? Focusing solely on potential gains while ignoring the dangers was clearly unwise.

Just as they prepared to persuade Yuan Shu again, a voice echoed from outside the Great Hall:

“Urgent message! Imperial Edict—”