Chapter 29: Aristocratic Clans Are the True Parasites!

From a historical observer’s perspective, Liu Xie had always admired Liu Bei. After all, he was the only ruler in history who sacrificed his empire for the sake of his brothers—a testament to his exceptional character and integrity.

However, now Liu Xie was no longer just an observer but had jumped into the annals of history, becoming a character within its pages—the Emperor Xian of Han, albeit a counterfeit one at that.

To him, Liu Bei could potentially pose a significant threat. He couldn’t discern whether Liu Bei genuinely remained loyal to the Han Dynasty or if he merely used the guise of restoring Great Han to pursue his own ambitions.

Despite much debate by future generations, there was never a definitive conclusion.

Liu Xie dared not take such a gamble.

“Your Majesty possesses truly keen insight.” Guo Jia nodded, affirming Liu Xie’s judgment. “Indeed, Liu Xuande is not meant for obscurity; he exhibits qualities of a wise ruler, far surpassing Yuan Shao.”

“A leader like this naturally commands loyalty from fierce generals such as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Despite his current predicament, it’s inevitable that he will achieve great things in the future.”

Taken aback, Liu Xie couldn’t help but ask, perplexed, “How did you discern Liu Bei’s extraordinary nature?”

Liu Xie knew Liu Bei was exceptional because he had read the script and deduced it from historical knowledge. But how did Guo Jia come to this conclusion?

This seemed like their first meeting today.

Guo Jia responded, “I observed that Liu Xuande possesses an extraordinary appearance and demeanor. In Your Majesty’s presence, he remained composed, adhering strictly to etiquette, unflappable amidst change, and masking his emotions impeccably.”

“Such qualities clearly set him apart as no ordinary individual.”

Liu Xie fell silent, feeling rather inadequate. He couldn’t discern these traits at all.

“This must be what they call the legendary aura of a true ruler—destined blessings and a fortunate halo inherent to the protagonist,” Liu Xie mused.

“Pity I don’t have such attributes; otherwise, why would I need to exert effort in personally recruiting talents? A mere display of my might would suffice.” Liu Xie felt incredibly envious; having such abilities would truly be advantageous.

With a sigh, Liu Xie turned his gaze back to Guo Jia.

“From your words, it seems you hold Yuan Shao in low regard. So then, why did you choose to serve under him?”

“And currently, it appears he doesn’t highly value you either, does he?”

If advisors like Shen Pei or Xu You frequently visited the palace, Yuan Shao and Ju Shou would have noticed immediately.

However, Guo Jia’s visits went unnoticed.

Why was that? Because he was deemed insignificant, with no one paying him heed—much like Zhang He and Gao Lan.

Maintaining his composed demeanor, Guo Jia candidly stated, “When Yuan Shao led the expedition against Dong Zhuo, his name echoed throughout the land. I initially joined out of admiration.”

“However, Yuan Shao has truly disappointed me. He merely seeks to emulate Duke Zhou’s respect for talent but lacks understanding in effectively utilizing people. Consequently, despite numerous strategies, he often misses the crucial points, favoring plans yet failing to make decisive actions.”

“The refusal to accept Ju Shou’s suggestion to bring Your Majesty to Yecheng during Luo Yang’s peril clearly demonstrates Yuan Shao’s short-sightedness and inability to accommodate others—a sign of an unfit ruler.”

“I am already planning my departure from this place,” Guo Jia bluntly expressed his opinion about Yuan Shao.

In summary, it boiled down to these words: This is not a good boss; I don’t see a promising future for this enterprise, so I intend to leave.

Liu Xie asked, “Are you considering switching allegiance to Cao Cao?”

Historically, after leaving Yuan Shao, Guo Jia indeed defected to Cao Cao, prompting Liu Xie’s question.

Liu Xie wondered if Guo Jia would still consider joining Cao Cao now.

“The subject indeed had such intentions,” Guo Jia admitted with a nod. “When news reached me that Cao Cao welcomed Your Majesty to Xu Capital, I planned to leave Yuan Shao and pledge allegiance to him.”

“However, I did not anticipate Your Majesty’s escape from Cao Cao and arrival at Yecheng. Thus, I needed to reconsider my options.”

Liu Xie raised an eyebrow. “Then there is indeed a question I wish to ask you.”

“Please proceed, Your Majesty.”

“Do you seek to join Cao Cao for My sake or his own? Are you truly a minister of Han, or do you aspire to be an advisor to a new dynasty?”

The Great Hall fell silent.

Guo Jia remained quiet, while Liu Xie sat upright on the throne, his gaze sharp, patiently awaiting Guo Jia’s response.

This question directly probed Guo Jia’s loyalties.

“What does Your Majesty believe?” After a long pause, Guo Jia finally spoke, lifting his eyes towards Liu Xie. With a gaze like tranquil deep waters, he tossed the question back.

“You’re asking Us?” Liu Xie smiled. “We think you are neither. In Our view, you are simply a scholar seeking to fulfill your ambitions.”

“You’re not loyal to the Han Dynasty nor anyone else. You’ve merely mastered the art of slaying dragons and seek out true ones to hunt—it’s as simple as that.

“To put it more plainly, you are a blade—a versatile weapon. However, a blade cannot kill on its own; it requires the right wielder. Even if this person uses the blade to slay the dragon representing our Han Dynasty.”

“Are we correct?” Liu Xie’s words were bold and unyielding.

Guo Jia’s pupils contracted slightly, his heart pounding with shock. Despite his quick wit and eloquence, facing such heretical statements from Liu Xie left him utterly speechless.

“Does Your Majesty not hold any resentment towards me?” After much hesitation, Guo Jia finally asked.

Liu Xie shook his head. “Why should we resent you? You simply wish to fulfill your ambitions. With the Han Dynasty weakened, there is no place for you to showcase your talents. Choosing a new enlightened ruler—what fault can be found in that?

“Moreover, being born into humble origins, you have received no favors from the Han Dynasty. On what grounds could we demand your unwavering loyalty?

“It is truly those like Cao Cao and Yuan Shao who are most detestable. They come from families indebted to Great Han, yet amidst its decline, they harbor disloyal intentions! Absolutely despicable!

“If one day we regain absolute power, these aristocratic clans shall face a thorough purge!”

“A bunch of parasites!” Liu Xie snorted coldly, his face filled with disdain.

Objectively speaking, Guo Jia didn’t find fault with individuals like himself pursuing their ambitions. The real culprits were those from prestigious clans like Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

At least Liu Bei was of imperial kin, considered part of the same family, making his ambition somewhat acceptable. However, figures like Cao Cao, born into nobility, enjoyed privileges and the grace of the Great Han yet harbored intentions to usurp its power! It was utterly shameless!

“Does Your Majesty deeply detest these aristocratic families?” Guo Jia couldn’t help but feel moved by Liu Xie’s words, yet simultaneously, some questions arose, prompting him to inquire further.

It was evident from Liu Xie’s statements that he held significant disdain for these influential clans, bordering on hatred. This level of animosity struck Guo Jia as peculiar.

Fortunately, his own family no longer counted among the elite aristocracy; they had become a declining, humble lineage.

“How could we not hate them? The current state of our Great Han is directly due to these aristocratic families!” Liu Xie spoke gravely, his face filled with deep resentment.

“They monopolize official positions, blocking any advancement for commoners; they control local regions, hoarding food while indulging in excessive luxury!”

“As the saying goes: ‘In mansions rich, reeking meat and wine; On roads poor, frozen bones lie strewn.’”

“Their very existence makes life unbearable for the common people, leading to rebellions like the Yellow Turbans!”

“They are the true masterminds behind the downfall of our Great Han!”

Whether viewed from the perspective of an emperor or as an individual, Liu Xie harbored no fondness towards these aristocratic families, only genuine loathing.