Chapter 26: Oh No, Is This Love Stirring Within Me?
The people are like water to the ruler’s boat; together they uphold the nation.
Liu Xie’s words profoundly shook Guo Jia.
Throughout history, Emperors governed on behalf of heaven, ruling over all territories and subjects.
An Emperor was the supreme authority, revered by everyone beneath them. Commoners relied solely on the Emperor for their survival—a belief ingrained in him since childhood.
Yet, Liu Xie presented a radically different perspective:
It is not that the commoners need the Emperor, but rather, the Emperor needs the commoners.
Without an Emperor, the commoners remain unchanged, still living as ordinary citizens. But without the commoners, what right does an Emperor have to be called such?
This truly embodies the principle that the people are more valuable than the ruler!
“Your subject has learned much today,” Guo Jia said with mixed emotions, bowing deeply to Liu Xie in respect.
He genuinely admired Liu Xie, recognizing that these were not empty words or recited lines, but profound insights sincerely held.
“Now can you leave?” Liu Xie rolled his eyes, directly issuing a dismissal.
However, at that moment, an unexpected visitor arrived—it was none other than Ju Shou.
“Fengxiao? What brings you here?”
Ju Shou had come seeking Liu Xie, but upon seeing Guo Jia standing beside him, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
Ju Shou’s sudden appearance startled Liu Xie, causing his gaze to involuntarily dart towards the dagger lying on the floor.
If Ju Shou discovered the dagger, it would be difficult to explain.
Just as Liu Xie was unsure of what to do, Guo Jia stepped forward discreetly, using his robe’s hem to cover the blade. With a faint smile, he said to Ju Shou, “Nothing much, I just happened to pass by the imperial palace and thought to pay my respects to His Majesty.”
“Is that so?” Ju Shou found it somewhat abrupt but didn’t suspect anything sinister. Many individuals had been visiting Liu Xie recently, including civil servants and military generals from Yuan Shao’s ranks, all seeking audience one after another.
Their purpose…was naturally to determine the true Emperor amidst the rumors. The debate over the genuine ruler had become intense, with no clarity on whether the Emperor in Xu County or Ji Province was authentic.
Yuan Shao did not hinder these visits, intending to reassure his subordinates through their direct observations.
“Minister Ju, why have you come to the palace?” Liu Xie promptly asked, changing the subject.
Ju Shou responded with a bow, saying, “Your Majesty, Governor of Floria, Liu Bei, along with his brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, have arrived at Yecheng and wish to meet you. They are currently at the Great General’s residence. He has sent me to inquire if Your Majesty wishes to receive them?”
Liu Xie was utterly taken aback upon hearing this.
Liu Bei? Guan Yu? Zhang Fei?!
What brought them here too?
Liu Xie felt puzzled; since when had Yecheng become a gathering place for heroes? The appearances of Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Guo Jia made sense to him, as they were indeed stationed in Yecheng at this point in history.
But why would Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei come here?
In historical records, these three never visited Yecheng seeking Yuan Shao!
“Something seems off…” Liu Xie swallowed nervously, realizing that the course of history was already diverging from what he knew. This indicated that his presence was beginning to have significant impacts.
Suppressing his concerns, Liu Xie thought to himself, “Liu Bei? Could it be the descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan? He’s actually come to Yecheng?” Aloud, he said, “Let them enter the palace!”
Liu Xie understood Ju Shou’s intent - to arrange an audience with Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. If not granted permission, Yuan Shao would undoubtedly reject their request outright, so there was no need for Ju Shou to seek his opinion otherwise. However, with Guo Jia present, Ju Shou couldn’t state it directly.
“As you command, I shall inform the Great General immediately,” Ju Shou responded respectfully. Then, turning to Guo Jia, he asked, “Fengxiao, will you not accompany me?”
Guo Jia shook his head. “Not yet. Having heard much about the trio Liu, Guan, and Zhang, I’d like to meet them when they arrive at the palace.”
“Very well.”
Ju Shou nodded and turned to leave.
His interactions with Guo Jia were limited, leaving little impression on him. All he knew was that Guo Jia had voluntarily joined their ranks but remained quiet and inconspicuous most of the time.
After Ju Shou departed, Guo Jia bent down, picked up the dagger from the ground, and respectfully handed it back to Liu Xie with both hands.
“Your Majesty, please be more cautious next time,” Guo Jia earnestly advised, his expression sincere. “Within the imperial palace, every word and action should be carefully considered.”
Liu Xie silently accepted the dagger from Guo Jia, suddenly feeling that this individual wasn’t as irritating as he initially thought.
Oh no, is this what they call falling for someone…?
“I’ve been unexpectedly charmed by him?” Liu Xie felt somewhat perplexed.
Regardless, Guo Jia’s spontaneous act of covering for him was genuinely touching. It seemed this man wasn’t inherently bad after all.
Tucking the dagger back into his sleeve, Liu Xie said, “Let’s go. Accompany us as we change attire, then receive our fellow clansman.”
With that, Liu Xie abandoned his fishing rod and headed towards the sleeping quarters.
Smiling slightly, Guo Jia followed closely behind.
At the Yuan Manor’s grand hall, Yuan Shao was receiving Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.
“Xuande, I never expected you to seek me out here in Yecheng. It truly comes as a surprise.”
Yuan Shao’s face beamed with joy, his tone filled with warmth.
Liu Bei’s arrival genuinely astonished him but also brought immense delight. After all, who was Liu Bei? The esteemed descendant of Jing Wang of Zhongshan, a blood relative of the Han imperial family! This lineage directly connected him to the authentic Han Dynasty heritage!
If word spread that Liu Bei had come to Yecheng to pay respects to the Emperor, there would be no doubt about which Emperor—the one in Xu County or Yecheng—was the legitimate ruler.
Liu Bei clasped his hands together and smiled, “It has been long since we last met, Brother Yuan. Your stature and achievements have only grown more impressive. Now, as both Great General and Grand Marshal, you stand among the Three Excellencies.”
“This extraordinary honor brings great glory to your ancestors, heralding the rise of the Yuan clan.”
Everyone enjoys compliments, especially when they come from someone like Liu Bei; Yuan Shao found these words particularly gratifying.
“Xuande exaggerates; it’s solely due to His Majesty’s trust,” Yuan Shao modestly replied, though his grin could not be suppressed.
After exchanging pleasantries, he inquired, “Speaking of which, Xuande, weren’t you stationed at Pei County? What brings you here so suddenly?”
While pleased by刘备’s visit, Yuan Shao felt slightly puzzled. With only three riders accompanying him, it seemed unlikely that they had traveled this far just to pay respects to the Emperor. He doubted Shen Pei would undertake such a journey without a more compelling reason.
“This matter is somewhat embarrassing,“刘备 sighed, setting down his teacup. “Firstly, upon hearing that the Emperor resides here, as a relative of the Han Dynasty, both duty and sentiment compelled me to come and pay my respects.”
“The second reason…is to request some troops from Brother Yuan.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao’s smile instantly froze on his face.
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