Chapter 31: We Are Comrades Now!

Originally, Guo Jia had no intention of following Liu Xie.

As Liu Xie accurately stated, Guo Jia did not pledge allegiance to the Han Dynasty or any individual; he merely sought a place where he could realize his ambitions. To him, it mattered little who that person was.

Currently, Liu Xie lacked the capability needed for support. As a puppet Emperor, controlled by others and facing constant peril, even the downtrodden Liu Bei held more promise than him. Thus, Liu Xie seemed an unsuitable choice for loyalty.

However, something different caught Guo Jia’s eye in Liu Xie - something he never saw in Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, Liu Bei, Gongsun Zan, or their ilk. It was hope.

Hope for the common scholars and civilians, a chance to alter their destiny despite humble origins.

Even if he helped Yuan Shao or these other leaders conquer the realm, all they would create is another version of the Han Dynasty. He could indeed fulfill his personal ambitions, but…

What about everyone else?

Those tireless learners, pouring their blood, sweat, and tears daily, striving for success yet held back by their lack of background and lineage, destined to remain hidden gems amidst the dust?

This world should not be like this.

He vowed to fight for every underprivileged scholar, creating opportunities for them to rise above their circumstances! He aimed to show those privileged nobles just how their humble counterparts were equal, if not superior, despite their lowly birth!

Despite Liu Xie currently having nothing, Guo Jia was willing to bet on this hope. Even if it led to failure and his own demise, he would harbor no regrets.

“Having been caught in the rain, one wishes to offer shelter for others.”

Liu Xie understood the reason behind Guo Jia’s loyalty, and these words resonated deeply with their current situation.

The once-powerful Guo Clan had fallen from grace. It was likely that throughout Guo Jia’s upbringing, he witnessed numerous injustices against commoner scholars and those from humble backgrounds.

“I grant your request,” Liu Xie solemnly declared. “If there comes a day when we truly restore the Han Dynasty and regain control of the realm, I will wholeheartedly support you in reforming the imperial examination system and implementing these changes.”

His commitment to Guo Jia’s plea was genuine.

Unlike Zhang He, whom he had managed to sway through deception, Guo Jia was astute enough to recognize Liu Xie’s current lack of resources and understand the immense risk involved in supporting him. Despite better alternatives available, Guo Jia chose to forsake them and follow Liu Xie instead.

This demonstrated immense trust.

Though Liu Xie could sometimes be carefree, he knew the difference between right and wrong. Feeling the weight of such responsibility, he sensed a heaviness on his shoulders - perhaps…this is what duty feels like.

For the first time, Liu Xie felt less alone in this world. Stepping forward, he grasped Guo Jia’s hand and said with deep sincerity, “We are comrades now!”

“Com…rades?” Guo Jia hesitated momentarily. The term ‘comrade’ was explained by Zuo Qiuming during the Spring and Autumn period in Discourses of the States: “Those who share virtue align their hearts; those whose hearts align become comrades.”

In essence, comrades refer to individuals with shared aspirations and values.

What virtues or abilities did Guo Fengxiao possess that would make him a comrade with the Emperor?

Liu Xie waved his hand, sidestepping the topic. He continued, “Since you’ve chosen to follow us, we shall not hide anything from you. In truth, while our heart is filled with fervor, we currently lack any concrete plans or strategies. We’re merely taking things step by step.”

“Fengxiao, do you have any suggestions? How should we alter our current situation?”

Liu Xie had always sought a strategist to provide counsel, as relying solely on himself proved insufficient. With Guo Jia now present, he could confidently delegate these matters to him.

After some thought, Guo Jia responded, “Your Majesty, for now, it would be best to remain patient and wait for the opportune moment. As you rightly pointed out earlier, although Yuan Shao holds great power, this very fact ensures your safety. Yuan Shao needs your imperial authority to legitimize his actions, so he dare not harm you.”

“The chaos engulfing the realm intensifies each day, and future conflicts will only grow more fierce. Yuan Shao, having taken you hostage, inevitably becomes the target of other warlords’ expeditions.”

“Especially Cao Cao, who claims to have the true Emperor and labels you as an imposter. To prove his legitimacy, he will undoubtedly unite with other feudal lords to jointly attack Yuan Shao.”

“When that moment arrives, your opportunity will present itself.”

Guo Jia succinctly analyzed the current situation for Liu Xie, concluding that lying low was the best course of action.

Liu Xie nodded, “Very well, let’s proceed as you suggest.”

It must be said, having a strategist by one’s side truly made a difference. Although Liu Xie had initially planned something similar—waiting until Yuan Shao engaged others in battle before taking advantage amidst the turmoil—he always felt uneasy about it.

However, hearing these same words from Guo Jia instilled a newfound confidence. The endorsement of such a brilliant mind was indeed reassuring!

After giving Liu Xie further advice on being cautious with his words and actions, Guo Jia took his leave voluntarily. Outside, darkness had fallen; staying within the imperial palace wasn’t feasible, as it would attract too much attention.

Liu Xie escorted Guo Jia to the palace gates, watching him gradually disappear down the grand avenue until his figure vanished at the horizon, yet Liu Xie continued gazing long after.

“Your Majesty, may I inquire who that person just was?”

Just then, Zhang He arrived with his patrol troops and couldn’t help but inquire upon witnessing this scene.

He didn’t have much impression of Guo Jia, only recalling him as one of Yuan Shao’s strategists with a rather low profile.

“Our new comrade,” Liu Xie remarked sentimentally, patting Zhang He on the shoulder before turning around, humming a tune, and entering the imperial palace.

Zhang He was left standing there, utterly bewildered.

What did he mean?

By the time Guo Jia reached home, it was completely dark.

He entered his study alone, lit an oil lamp, and retrieved a letter from a hidden compartment within the bookshelf.

For Fengxiao’s Eyes Only.

The wax seal remained intact, indicating the letter had yet to be opened. It was sent from Xu County by his close friend, Xun Yu.

Guo Jia silently stared at the letter for a moment but chose not to open it. Instead, he held it over the nearby oil lamp.

Flames licked at the envelope, quickly engulfing it. As it fell to the ground, it burned slowly, eventually turning into a pile of ashes.

After burning the letter, Guo Jia walked to the window and gazed outside.

In the hazy moonlight, shadows danced across the small bamboo grove beyond, creating an ethereal scene of beauty.

However, Guo Jia’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“Wenruo is fiercely loyal to the Han Dynasty. Should I try to sway him to our side? Although I’m currently undervalued, if he joined us, Yuan Shao would undoubtedly trust him greatly.”

“Then, working together, we could sow discord between Yuan Shao and Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and others, gradually weakening his influence. This would provide His Majesty with an opportunity to seize control of Jizhou…”

Guo Jia mentally crafted this plan, but soon dismissed it.

Firstly, since Cao Cao dared to publicly claim he had kidnapped the Emperor, it suggested that he possessed a convincing impersonator who might even deceive Xun Yu, making it difficult to convince him of the true Emperor’s identity here.

Secondly, Xun Yu wasn’t just an individual; he represented several influential aristocratic families. It was uncertain whether they would willingly support his defection to Yuan Shao.

“This matter requires careful consideration…”