Chapter 24: Liu Xie's Killing Intent
Liu Xie found it difficult to describe his current emotions.
If forced to summarize them with just two words, “utterly bewildered” would be most fitting.
The name Guo Jia was no stranger to him; he was one of the brightest strategists in the Three Kingdoms era, hailed as a genius and even considered by some to surpass Zhuge Liang. They often said, “Had Guo Jia lived, the Sleeping Dragon might never have risen.”
While this sentiment may have been wishful thinking from historical novices, there was no denying that in terms of strategic brilliance, Guo Jia truly excelled. Even if not on par with Zhuge Liang, he belonged indisputably among the top tier.
But…why would he appear here?
Liu Xie gazed at Guo Jia before him, dressed modestly yet exuding remarkable poise, his mind filled with questions.
He recalled seeing this young man amidst the crowd when Yuan Shao led officials to welcome him upon entering the imperial palace.
Yet, he never expected it to be Guo Jia!
But…shouldn’t he already be under Cao Cao’s command?
“Wait, it’s currently Jian’an year one! After Xi Zhici’s death, Xun Yu recommended Guo Jia to Cao Cao only later. At this point, Guo Jia is still with Yuan Shao!”
Liu Xie quickly realized what was happening.
He almost forgot about this detail!
Guo Jia hadn’t initially joined Mr. Cao; instead, he first aligned himself with Yuan Shao. However, Yuan Shao had an abundance of talented individuals and did not fully appreciate Guo Jia’s abilities. Eventually, it was through Xun Yu’s recommendation that Guo Jia ended up under Mr. Cao’s command!
“Could it be that I truly have the chance to recruit him?”
Liu Xie felt his heart racing at the prospect.
Guo Jia was an exceptional strategist, exactly the type of person Liu Xie desperately needed for advice and planning. He must find a way to secure Guo Jia’s allegiance!
Although numerous thoughts flashed through Liu Xie’s mind, in reality, only a few seconds had passed. Having made up his mind, he swiftly composed himself and looked up at the SS… no, at Guo Jia before him.
“So it’s you, Mr. Guo!” Liu Xie exclaimed enthusiastically.
Discarding his fishing rod, he stood up, took hold of Guo Jia’s hand, and wore a genuinely warm smile on his face.
“I’ve long heard of your esteemed reputation, and it’s truly fortunate to meet you today!”
“Come, come, please take a seat, Mr. Guo!” Liu Xie offered his small folding stool where he had been fishing, gently pushing Guo Jia down onto it. Then, turning to a nearby young eunuch, he instructed, “What are you waiting for? Hurry and prepare some tea for our guest!”
“Ah? Yes, Your Majesty!”
The eunuch promptly acknowledged the order and scurried away.
After executing this smooth sequence of gestures, Liu Xie stood beside Guo Jia and sincerely asked, “Is the chair comfortable, sir? Would you care to join us inside the palace?”
Guo Jia remained silent, glancing at his hand still held by Liu Xie, unable to suppress a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. This attempt to win favor… was indeed quite clumsy.
With a soft sigh, Guo Jia withdrew his hand and stood up, solemnly stating, “Your Majesty, such behavior is unbecoming of our lord-subject relationship; I dare not accept it.”
“Alright…” Reluctantly, Liu Xie released Guo Jia’s hand, feeling somewhat disappointed within.
This tactic had worked exceptionally well on Zhang He and Gao Lan, but it failed with Guo Jia.
After all, we’re still the Emperor, you know? With such enthusiasm shown, couldn’t you at least give some response?
Indeed, scholars always proved to be troublesome.
Liu Xie internally grumbled but maintained his smile as he asked, “Very well, then no pressure. By the way, what brings you here today, sir?”
Guo Jia’s sudden visit must have had a specific purpose, and Liu Xie was genuinely curious about it.
“It’s nothing significant,” Guo Jia smiled casually and replied, “Just that after overhearing Your Majesty’s conversation with Commander Zhang near the pavilion a few days ago, I had some questions lingering in my mind. I thought I should seek clarification from Your Majesty.”
“Ah, I see.”
It dawned on Liu Xie that Guo Jia simply wanted to ask him about something. Wait…conversation near the pavilion?
Suddenly, Liu Xie’s heart raced, and his eyes widened as he stared at Guo Jia.
In turn, Guo Jia gazed steadily back, his expression enigmatic yet faintly amused.
Instantly, Liu Xie felt a chill run up his spine.
He had only spoken with Zhang He once at that pavilion. During their conversation, he shared his ideals, plans, and…how to rebel against Yuan Shao.
“Don’t panic! What he said might not be related to that day. If I show fear now, it will raise suspicions!”
“Stay calm, I must stay calm!”
Liu Xie tried desperately to compose himself, but his slightly trembling body betrayed his true anxiety.
He was terrified.
As a mere puppet, a false Emperor daring to use this status to win hearts, if Yuan Shao found out, certain death awaited him!
He did not want to die!
“I-I don’t quite remember clearly,” Liu Xie forced a smile, stammering, “Could you please specify what question you wish to ask, sir?”
Guo Jia responded, “This subject seeks Your Majesty’s interpretation of the phrase ‘The nation is its people; the people are the nation.’”
With these words, the last shred of hope within Liu Xie shattered instantly. Yet paradoxically, at this moment, he managed to regain his composure.
His hand, hidden beneath his sleeve, subtly moved, feeling the icy chill of a metallic object—a dagger.
It was one he had requested Zhang He to procure for him, solely as a means of self-defense.
Gripping the dagger tightly, Liu Xie looked up again at Guo Jia.
He pondered the chances of successfully striking now. He also wondered if anyone else knew this secret besides Guo Jia, and whether killing him could truly keep the truth concealed.
Guo Jia seemed oblivious to the impending danger, his gaze calmly fixed on Liu Xie as he awaited his response.
In that moment, even time appeared to stand still.
However, the sound of approaching footsteps abruptly shattered their silence.
“Your Majesty! The tea is ready… Hm?” A young palace attendant hurried over with a tray carrying tea.
Upon seeing Liu Xie and Guo Jia standing motionless, locked in mutual eye contact, the attendant couldn’t help but freeze in confusion.
What were His Majesty and this gentleman doing?
Liu Xie stared at Guo Jia for a long while before finally releasing the hidden dagger within his sleeve. With a casual air, he sat down on a small folding stool and said mildly, “Mr. Guo, let’s have some tea first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Guo Jia smiled slightly and found a nearby stone to sit upon.
Though puzzled, the young attendant placed the tray down and proceeded to pour tea for both Liu Xie and Guo Jia.
“All right, you may go now; there’s nothing more for you here,” Liu Xie dismissed the attendant with a wave after the tea was served. Then, holding his teacup, he picked up the fishing rod again and continued angling, completely ignoring Guo Jia beside him.
Guo Jia remained silent, simply watching Liu Xie fish.
After a prolonged period, it was Liu Xie who eventually broke the tension, speaking gravely, “Did Yuan Shao send you?”
He decided to confront Guo Jia directly!
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