Chapter 28: Liu Bei's Ambitions

After establishing their familial relationship, Liu Xie exchanged pleasantries with Liu Bei before delving into the true purpose of his visit.

“Imperial Uncle, what brings you here so suddenly? Did you see the proclamation against traitors and come specifically to assist us and the Great General in our campaign?” Liu Xie inquired, genuinely curious about Liu Bei’s intentions.

Yuan Shao was quite pleased with this question from Liu Xie.

Well asked! Ideally, let’s keep all three… no, just two of them! He wanted only Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, not Liu Bei.

“Your Majesty, indeed, upon learning of your whereabouts, I made it my priority to pay respects,” Liu Bei responded candidly without hiding his intent. “However, there is another matter at hand - I seek permission to borrow troops from the Great General.”

“My jurisdiction over Pei County has been unexpectedly attacked by Lu Bu, leading to its fall. The civilians now suffer under captivity amidst great hardship,” he explained. “Hearing that Your Majesty appointed the Great General to command all military forces nationwide for the purpose of subduing traitors, I have come specifically to request troops. Our aim is to repel Lu Bu and reclaim the lost territory!”

Upon finishing, Liu Bei bowed deeply.

His words were carefully crafted, emphasizing his primary purpose of paying respects to the Emperor before mentioning the request for troops. Furthermore, he framed the need for soldiers as answering the Emperor’s call to punish traitors—specifically, repelling Lu Bu, reclaiming lost territories, and rescuing the suffering people.

In just a few sentences, Liu Bei firmly established himself on morally righteous ground, leaving no room for criticism.

Yuan Shao listened with a deep frown, a hint of displeasure flashing across his eyes.

This Liu Bei sure has some thick skin.

“So, Pei County was taken by Lu Bu, prompting him to seek military aid. I recall something similar happening in history,” Liu Xie quickly remembered from his past knowledge.

Indeed, historically, Lu Bu had seized Pei County from Liu Bei, leading Liu Bei to seek help from Cao Cao. At that time, the Emperor was under Cao Cao’s control, who held the title of Great General and led the campaign against rebels.

However, since Liu Xie’s arrival altered events, Yuan Shao became the Great General instead, and Liu Bei, originally destined to ally with Cao Cao, now sought support from Yuan Shao.

Everything had changed course.

But these historical details were secondary; the immediate concern was how to respond to Liu Bei. The decision to lend troops wasn’t solely within Liu Xie’s power—it depended on Boss Yuan’s stance.

Before Liu Xie could respond, Ju Shou stepped forward.

“Since you seek to punish traitors, why not stay and serve His Majesty directly, Envoy Liu? With your assistance, the punishment of these traitors and the restoration of the Han Dynasty would be within reach.”

“The mere loss or gain of Pei County is hardly worth mentioning,” Ju Shou said with a smile.

Seeing that Liu Bei invoked the righteous cause of punishing traitors, he countered using the same argument.

Punish traitors? Sure, but why not just stay here and help? Is Jizhou’s vastness less important than tiny Pei County?

“You impudent—”

Zhang Fei bristled with anger at Ju Shou’s words, ready to lash out verbally. However, Guan Yu firmly held his shoulder, face grim, and shook his head.

“Third Brother, we’re before the Emperor; maintain your composure!” Guan Yu whispered quietly.

He understood the gravity of the situation; disregarding etiquette before Yuan Shao might pass, but showing disrespect before the Emperor could give others leverage against their elder brother, causing unnecessary trouble.

“Hmph!”

Zhang Fei gritted his teeth, shrugged off Guan Yu’s hand, and sulked silently, though not at his brother. He was infuriated by Ju Shou daring to suggest they remain behind.

Of course, Zhang Fei wasn’t angry with Guan Yu; his frustration stemmed from Ju Shou daring to suggest they remain behind. Though impulsive, he was not foolish.

Staying in Jizhou might ostensibly be serving the Emperor, but in reality, it meant working under Yuan Shao’s command! Who did Yuan Shao think he was, worthy of their brothers’ loyalty? Their own Dage was the true hero!

Liu Bei maintained a composed expression, masking his emotions. Smiling, he responded, “To serve Your Majesty would indeed be my utmost desire, Your Majesty. However, the people of Pei County await my rescue, and my wife and children are still held captive by Lu Bu.

“Once I repel Lu Bu and reclaim Pei County, I shall undoubtedly come forth to offer my humble services to Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing this, Ju Shou intended to press further, but Yuan Shao signaled him with a discreet glance. Ju Shou swallowed his words and stepped back.

Noticing the tense atmosphere, Liu Xie interjected, “As our beloved Minister Yuan oversees military affairs, everything should follow his guidance. Imperial Uncle, any matters can be discussed directly with Minister Yuan.”

“I am feeling somewhat weary now. You may all withdraw for the day.”

The disputes between Liu Bei and Yuan Shao were their business. As a puppet emperor, Liu Xie had no intention of getting entangled in such conflicts.

“May we take our leave—?”

Everyone bowed and took their leave, gradually exiting the Great Hall.

Guo Jia initially followed suit but soon returned.

“Why have you come back?” Liu Xie asked, perplexed.

Smiling, Guo Jia replied, “They’re heading to the Yuan Manor for discussions. My presence isn’t crucial, so I found an excuse to depart early. However, there are some matters I wish to discuss with Your Majesty.”

His influence within Yuan Shao’s camp was minimal; whether he attended meetings or not made little difference, and no one paid much attention to his whereabouts.

Liu Xie nearly rolled his eyes, ready to sarcastically comment.

More questions again? Are you a curious toddler?

However, knowing that Guo Jia harbored no ill intent, Liu Xie didn’t mind having someone to converse with. He asked, “What do you want to know this time?”

Guo Jia spoke candidly, “I’ve noticed, Your Majesty seems reluctant to get close to Envoy Liu despite appearing enthusiastic on the surface. In reality, it appears as if you remain guarded. Why is that?”

“Envoy Liu is indeed a relative of the Han Dynasty, and his sworn brothers are exceptional, formidable generals.”

“Given that Your Majesty is currently under Yuan Shao’s control, sending a secret decree seeking their assistance might improve your current situation, wouldn’t it?”

This was what Guo Jia couldn’t quite understand. He discerned that Liu Xie’s excitement and enthusiasm upon meeting Liu Bei were feigned, not genuine.

“Seek their assistance? Like with the ‘Silk Ribbon Imperial Decree’?”

Liu Xie finally couldn’t resist mocking this familiar trope.

In real history, after Liu Bei joined Cao Cao, Emperor Xian indeed sought his help through such a decree. However, it was discovered, leading to Liu Bei hastily fleeing with his men.

If Liu Xie attempted something similar now, he suspected the outcome wouldn’t be much better. Why repeat past mistakes?

Moreover, he wasn’t even the legitimate Emperor.

“The ‘Silk Ribbon Imperial Decree’?” Guo Jia frowned, unsure of its meaning.

Liu Xie had no intention of explaining further, stating, “Liu Bei is barely managing himself; he’s here seeking aid from Yuan Shao. He cannot assist Your Majesty.”

“Besides, human hearts are unpredictable; there’s no guarantee of Liu Bei’s unwavering loyalty.”

Understanding someone’s intentions is the most challenging task in the world. Even though Liu Xie had thoroughly studied history, relying solely on historical accounts to judge a person’s character and motives was too simplistic. He dared not bet on Liu Bei being truly loyal to the Emperor.

If he won the bet, he’d gain Zhang Fei and Guan Yu. But if he lost…