Chapter 46: Discussing Heroes Over Wine (fixed)

Seeing Guo Jia’s expression, Liu Xie knew this crafty advisor must be scheming something again and decided to inquire directly.

“Fengxiao, do you have any thoughts on this matter?”

Guo Jia composed his thoughts and looked up, saying, “Your Majesty, I believe that although Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor is highly treasonous, it could prove advantageous for you.”

“Yuan Shu, being the direct descendant of the Yuan clan, has essentially destroyed centuries of their accumulated reputation with this act. As his elder brother, Yuan Shao will inevitably suffer significant consequences.”

“At least, the once-reliable prestige of his lineage, boasting four generations of high-ranking officials, will no longer hold much weight.”

The aura surrounding Yuan Shao derived from three main sources:

First, his identity as a member of the prestigious Yuan family; Second, his achievements in leading the campaign against Dong Zhuo, the traitor; Third, his personal charisma.

These factors collectively shaped the image of “Role Model of the World,” Yuan Benchu.

However, with Yuan Shu proclaiming himself emperor, a substantial portion of Yuan Shao’s aura would shatter. Not only was he a member of the Yuan clan, but also Yuan Shu’s half-brother, which would leave an indelible stain on his reputation.

“I believe the impact on him might not be as severe,” countered Liu Xie.

Liu Xie stroked his smooth, beardless chin, feeling that Guo Jia might be exaggerating. “After all, it’s not Yuan Shao claiming the throne. Once he learns of this, he’ll surely distance himself from Yuan Shu immediately.”

“Moreover, even if his reputation takes a hit, it won’t diminish his actual power. Do you think his strategists and generals will abandon him just because of this?”

Reputation did not equate to strength; Yuan Shao would remain formidable regardless.

However, Guo Jia merely smiled, hands tucked within his sleeves, and calmly replied, “Your Majesty is correct. The damage to his reputation indeed does not weaken Yuan Shao’s power, nor will his advisors and generals abandon him.”

“But, he is no longer ‘perfect’.”

“As the paragon of the realm, nobody questioned his loyalty; but now, things may change. At least, soldiers in his army will begin to harbor doubts.”

What was the rallying cry under which Yuan Shao recruited troops? To uphold the Han Dynasty and punish traitors.

Now with his brother declaring himself emperor, how would these soldiers perceive it?

Would they suspect both brothers of harboring similar ambitions?

For most soldiers, joining the military meant either securing a means of sustenance or seeking opportunities for advancement through military achievements. They never entertained thoughts of rebellion.

“I see now.”

After listening to Guo Jia’s explanation, Liu Xie finally grasped the situation.

Initially, to most soldiers, Yuan Shao was seen as an unwavering loyalist. Thus, obeying Yuan Shao equaled following the Emperor’s command. The emergence of Liu Xie, the so-called Fake Emperor, further reinforced this perception.

However, with Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor, Yuan Shao’s image crumbled instantly, diminishing his previous authority and credibility.

Now, if Liu Xie were to rally the troops by denouncing Yuan Shao as a traitor, many soldiers would likely believe him and follow suit.

“Indeed, intelligence begets deeper insights.”

It became evident that a strategist sees farther than an ordinary time-traveler like Liu Xie.

As Liu Xie and Guo Jia conversed, a light drizzle began to fall from the sky. It was already March, marking the early spring season, when peach blossoms in the imperial gardens started blooming beautifully.

Liu Xie summoned a servant girl to bring some wine to ward off the chill, then he and Guo Jia enjoyed the flowers while chatting leisurely under a pavilion.

“It’s already March,” Liu Xie remarked wistfully, gazing at the peach blossoms blooming amidst the rain.

Unbeknownst to him, it had been five months since he arrived in this world.

Although Liu Xie had fully adapted to his new life, he occasionally missed his previous existence and the friends and family from his former world.

However, it seemed highly unlikely that he would ever have the chance to return.

With this thought, Liu Xie felt melancholic and silently downed another cup of wine.

“Is something troubling Your Majesty?” Guo Jia noticed Liu Xie’s somber mood and asked.

Liu Xie waved his hand dismissively. “It’s nothing, just reminiscing about my homeland and old acquaintances. Come, come, let’s drink together.” As he spoke, he poured more wine for Guo Jia.

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia pondered briefly before setting down his cup and asking Liu Xie, “Your Majesty, are you familiar with the transformations of dragons?”

“Hmm?” Liu Xie paused mid-pour, looking up at Guo Jia with confusion written all over his face.

What was Guo Jia talking about? Dragons? What did that mean?

Guo Jia raised his cup towards the sky, pointing at the swirling dark clouds overhead, and spoke leisurely, “Dragons can grow large or small, ascend or conceal themselves; when vast, they create clouds and mist, and when diminutive, they hide their form. They soar through the cosmos when ascending, yet remain submerged within waves when concealed.”

“As spring arrives, dragons undergo transformation, much like how humans achieve their ambitions and navigate the world freely.” Guo Jia’s tone gradually grew impassioned as he turned to look at Liu Xie and declared emphatically, “Your Majesty is akin to a true dragon. Currently hidden here, awaiting the right moment - once the winds rise and clouds gather, you shall take flight and ascend to greatness!”

“When that time comes, the dragon’s roar will echo across the Nine Provinces, and none shall defy its might!”

After hearing Guo Jia’s impassioned speech, Liu Xie was momentarily stunned before comprehending his intent.

Guo Jia had mistaken Liu Xie’s homesickness-induced melancholy for a lack of determination and delivered this inspiring message to encourage him.

Is this how intellectuals speak? Yet, why does it sound so familiar?

Liu Xie pondered internally but displayed a convincingly moved expression on his face, responding, “Fengxiao speaks truly! Bearing the heavy responsibility of restoring the Great Han, we must not show weakness like a timid child. Instead, we should remain steadfast!”

“Understanding is all that matters, Your Majesty.”

Satisfied, Guo Jia nodded and continued, “In truth, there is no need for excessive worry about the future. Although the world appears divided among numerous powerful factions, they are largely insignificant entities.

“Yuan Shu in Huainan, despite having ample resources, vast territories, and many generals, is overly ambitious and prone to seeking glory. His reckless declaration of emperorship now makes him akin to a withered skeleton in a grave.

“Yuan Shao in Jizhou, though born into a lineage boasting three generations of high-ranking officials and supported by a network of loyal followers, holds a formidable position in Jizhou with capable subordinates aplenty. However, he lacks courage beneath his stern facade and hesitates despite strategic planning. He cherishes his own safety over accomplishing great deeds and forgets caution for minor gains. Thus, he poses little significant threat and is not worth undue concern.”

“Furthermore, Yizhou’s Liu Biao is all facade with no substance; Jiangdong’s Sun Ce relies solely on his father’s reputation; and although Liu Zhang hails from the imperial family, he is merely a watchdog guarding its door, certain to submit upon meeting Your Majesty.”

“As for Zhang Xiu, Zhang Lu, Han Sui, and their ilk, they are insignificant nobodies, hardly worth mentioning.”

Guo Jia critiqued each of the warlords dividing the nation, his words filled with disdain and contempt, clearly holding them in low regard.

His arrogance knew no bounds!

After evaluating these individuals, Guo Jia paused momentarily before solemnly addressing Liu Xie, “A true hero possesses grand ambitions and profound strategies, harboring cosmic insights and aspirations vast enough to swallow the heavens.”

“Observing the current state of affairs, aside from Your Majesty, there are only three who fit this description:

First, Liu Bei; second, Cao Cao; third, Sun Ce. These three are whom Your Majesty must truly beware and closely monitor. The remaining warlords pose no significant threat!”

Guo Jia spoke with unwavering conviction.

On the other side, Liu Xie was utterly bewildered.

What game was being played here?!

Moreover, Liu Bei had been so thoroughly defeated by Lu Bu that he sought aid from Yuan Shao. Why did Guo Jia hold him in such high regard?