Chapter 32: At Seventeen, Seated Like a Sidekick

Liu Xie’s life did not change significantly after securing Guo Jia’s allegiance; days continued to pass as usual.

The only difference was that Guo Jia occasionally visited the palace to chat with him, helping to alleviate Liu Xie’s boredom.

A month swiftly went by.

As winter arrived, the year-end festivities approached.

During this period, regional warlords settled down, recognizing the importance of peacefully celebrating New Year’s Eve—the most significant holiday of the year. Moreover, winter was unfavorable for warfare. Initiating conflict at such a time would yield few benefits and demoralize soldiers due to harsh conditions.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Yuan Shao, using Liu Xie’s name, convened civil officials and military officers for a New Year’s Eve feast within the imperial palace.

Nightfall descended like a grand curtain lowering.

Yecheng remained vibrant and illuminated, thousands of lanterns twinkling alongside the stars, creating a lively atmosphere for the New Year festivities.

The imperial palace was aglow with lights, bustling with carriages streaming in and out.

Tonight, the imperial court would host a New Year’s Eve feast. Officials, generals, and their families under Yuan Shao’s command had all rushed to attend, resulting in a dense array of horse-drawn carriages parked outside the palace gates.

The banquet took place within one of the side halls of the palace.

Despite being a side hall, its construction was no less impressive - grandiose and resplendent, reflecting the immense effort Yuan Shao had invested when building this imperial residence.

Guests were seated on both sides of the hall, mixed according to their status.

Although not all attendees had arrived yet, the banquet preparations were complete. The guests present engaged in jovial conversation, creating a lively ambiance.

At the far ends of both seating arrangements stood the Emperor’s throne, reserved for the ruler.

Liu Xie, dressed in elaborate attire, sat regally upon it. Adorned in crimson-black imperial robes, wearing a purple-gold crown, and with jade pendants at his waist, his naturally good looks were further enhanced by these garments, exuding the majestic aura befitting an emperor.

However, few people at the feast paid him any attention.

Apart from occasional scrutinizing glances mixed with disdain, no one approached to offer greetings or congratulations. Liu Xie was well aware of the reason behind this indifference.

“Am I just their lucky charm now?” Liu Xie inwardly grimaced; these nobles weren’t even pretending anymore.

While it was true that his position as Emperor held little power, serving merely as a title and symbol, they were being overly blatant about their disregard.

He had been sitting there for nearly an hour since entering, yet not a single person came forward to greet him—a truly disheartening experience.

Guo Jia was also present in the Great Hall, but he sat closer to the entrance, making it barely possible for Liu Xie to spot him. As for Zhang He and Gao Lan, their situation was even more pitiful—they didn’t qualify to enter the hall at all and were still guarding the imperial palace gates.

It’s no wonder they eventually defected to Cao Cao, given such neglect.

Yuan Benchu’s downfall seemed genuinely inevitable.

As Liu Xie’s thoughts wandered, the Great Hall suddenly fell silent, drawing his gaze towards the entrance.

Yuan Shao strode into the hall, followed by Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and advisors such as Ju Shou, Shen Pei, Tian Feng, and Guo Tu.

“He’s here.”

Liu Xie felt a slight chill, straightening his posture.

Yuan Shao led the group to the center of the Great Hall and promptly apologized to Liu Xie, “We apologize for our tardiness, Your Majesty. Please forgive us.”

What a master of pretense…, Liu Xie silently cursed, but maintained a smile on his face. “No matter, we have arrived only recently ourselves. Minister Yuan, please take your seat swiftly. We have prepared a place for you.”

A designated spot awaited Yuan Shao just below Liu Xie’s right side.

In the Han Dynasty, the right was considered more prestigious, positioning Yuan Shao higher than other civil and military officials, second only to Liu Xie himself.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Yuan Shao nodded slightly before confidently walking towards his seat.

Liu Xie then turned to Liu Bei, saying, “Imperial Uncle, please be seated as well.”

Although Liu Bei’s official rank couldn’t compare with Yuan Shao’s, as the Emperor’s uncle, he too earned a prominent seat. Positioned just below Liu Xie’s left side, opposite Yuan Shao’s place.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Liu Bei respectfully bowed before leading Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to their designated seats.

As sworn brothers, it was acceptable for all three of them to share the same seating area.

“Now, let us declare the New Year’s Eve feast officially begins!”

With everyone gathered, Liu Xie raised his wine cup, stood up, and announced loudly.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, silence fell over the hall.

All eyes turned towards Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao raised an eyebrow, slightly irritated, and said, “What are you looking at me for? Didn’t you hear His Majesty? The banquet shall commence!”

“Yes—!” Everyone responded collectively, and music began to fill the air.

Feeling awkward, Liu Xie smiled faintly and quietly took his seat.

Damn, I went too far, almost believing myself to be the true Emperor.

Not only is my claim to the throne false, but even if it were genuine, I still hold no real authority.

He glanced down at the wine cup on the table, its slightly murky liquid reflecting his still somewhat youthful face, finding it strangely comical.

“Tsk, now I’ve become a clown.”

Liu Xie pursed his lips and glanced down at the bustling Great Hall.

Being constantly addressed as “Your Majesty” had inflated his ego, which was not a good sign—it could lead to one’s downfall.

The atmosphere in the hall gradually grew livelier.

Ministers raised their cups in toast, forming a steady stream of well-wishers offering libations to Yuan Shao. Even Liu Bei received numerous gestures of goodwill.

Yet, by Liu Xie’s side, it remained utterly empty.

Sitting alone on the Emperor’s throne amidst the clamor, he felt almost invisible, with no one paying him any attention. It was like being an insignificant extra in a place where he didn’t belong.

However, Liu Xie did not care. He knew he was merely a puppet, even this title of Emperor was a facade. And even if it were genuine, few present would truly value it; Yuan Shao was the real protagonist here.

After all, Liu Xie was just a downtrodden reincarnator. If not for sheer luck that made him resemble the Emperor, he wouldn’t have even stepped foot inside the imperial palace.

Just being able to sit here was both a massive blessing and stroke of fortune.

But…why did he feel so discontent?

Lacking control over his actions and words, even his life was not truly his own, making him feel as insignificant as an ant, with no one caring for his plight.

These influential figures could casually decide his fate with just a word, rendering him utterly powerless.

From across the Great Hall, Guo Jia quietly observed Liu Xie’s demeanor. Witnessing his predicament, he smiled faintly to himself.

“Your Majesty, being elevated yet powerless must be unbearable,” Guo Jia thought, sipping his wine.

In their interactions thus far, Guo Jia had noticed that despite this young Emperor possessing extraordinary intellect and ambitious aspirations, he exhibited excessive laziness, lacking the necessary drive.

Guo Jia understood; after all, His Majesty was merely a youth, still maturing. He needed external pressure to guide him, and humiliation coupled with anger served as potent catalysts.

“It seems I must find ways for Your Majesty to experience more of these trials, fostering his desire for power and ambition.”

Guo Jia resolved firmly within himself, his gaze deepening.

The world at present was marked by fierce competition; those who did not strive risked extinction. As the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie had an even greater imperative to contend!