Chapter 5: Benchu, Our Suffering is Great!

Liu Xie was utterly panicked.

Extremely panicked.

Although he had agreed to impersonate Emperor Xian of Han at Ju Shou’s suggestion, hoping to seize immense wealth and alter his miserable transmigrated life, now that he stood before everyone, fear gripped his heart.

Facing him were Yuan Shao, known as Yuan Benchu from a lineage of three generations serving four emperors, along with his formidable array of ministers and generals!

If his deception were exposed while pretending to be the emperor, it would spell disaster!

It must be noted that this plan to impersonate the emperor was merely a spontaneous idea by Ju Shou, and whether Yuan Shao agreed or not remained uncertain.

Should Yuan Shao disapprove, Liu Xie’s fate would undoubtedly be tragic, possibly even risking his very life.

How could he not feel anxious?

“What should I do now…?” Liu Xie felt cold sweat breaking out on his palms. He discreetly glanced at Ju Shou beside him, but the advisor kept his eyes lowered, avoiding any eye contact.

Damn! Don’t stay silent at a time like this! Liu Xie inwardly lamented.

Just as Liu Xie hesitated, contemplating whether to break the awkward silence himself, Yuan Shao suddenly made a move.

Yuan Shao swiftly approached and unexpectedly came right before Liu Xie, performing a deep bow of reverence.

“Subject, Governor Yuan Shao of Ji Province, greets Your Majesty!” Yuan Shao respectfully touched his forehead to the ground.

Upon hearing this, the others quickly realized their oversight and followed suit, kneeling down one after another.

“This subject pays homage to Your Majesty—!”

In truth, except for a few individuals present, most had never seen the Emperor nor knew what he looked like. They were only following Yuan Shao’s lead in offering their respects.

Their minds were filled with shock and confusion.

Why would the Emperor…appear here?

Liu Xie, having no experience with such situations, felt deeply anxious but forced himself to remain composed. Recalling scenes from historical dramas, he feigned authority and said, “Hm… all subjects may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty—”

The crowd slowly stood up.

However, Yuan Shao remained bowed, his face full of deference. “This humble servant was unaware of Your Majesty’s arrival at Yecheng, failing to extend a proper welcome. Please forgive my transgression, Your Majesty.”

By now, Liu Xie had regained his composure and began embodying his role as the Emperor. He replied, “No matter; our journey was intentionally low-key. It is understandable that you were not informed, dear minister.”

A low-profile journey? Yuan Shao was taken aback upon hearing this.

Suppressing his doubts, he cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, I heard that Luo Yang fell and you were escorted to Xu County by Cao Cao. Why have you suddenly arrived here?”

This question echoed the curiosity not just of Yuan Shao but also everyone present at the gathering.

Just moments ago, they had been discussing how Cao Cao took the Emperor to Xu County, all deeply concerned. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the Emperor appeared alone outside the Yuan Manor—a truly bizarre turn of events.

In response to Yuan Shao’s query, Liu Xie remained composed, having prepared his answer beforehand with Ju Shou.

“Ah, my dear minister, there is much you do not know,” Liu Xie sighed deeply before expressing indignantly, “Cao Cao’s claim of escorting us to Xu County was merely a facade; his true intent was to control us! We saw through his disloyal ambitions long ago—he sought to mimic the traitorous Dong Zhuo, using the Emperor as a puppet to command the nobles!”

“Unwilling to be manipulated by him, we managed to escape under the cover of our loyal attendants. After enduring numerous hardships, we finally reached this place…”

As Liu Xie spoke, he couldn’t hold back his tears and wept, covering his face with his hands. “For these past days, I’ve endured hunger and hardship, living in constant fear. Afraid of being captured by Cao Cao, I dared not reveal my true identity. I had no choice but to beg for food along the way, subsisting on wild vegetables, keeping company with stray dogs, and seeking shelter in dilapidated temples at night.”

“Only upon reaching Yecheng today and meeting you, Lord Yuan, could I finally dare to disclose who I am!”

Hearing Liu Xie’s harrowing tale, many present couldn’t help but tear up.

The esteemed Emperor, once revered as a ruler, reduced to living like a beggar—it was unimaginable how much suffering he must have endured on this journey!

Yuan Shao erupted in fury, cursing loudly, “Curse that Cao traitor! Villain! Rebel! Scoundrel!”

Standing behind Liu Xie, Ju Shou observed his performance out of the corner of his eye, his lips twitching slightly.

“This fellow’s acting skills are truly remarkable…”

Had Ju Shou not known the truth, even he might have believed Liu Xie’s story.

Little did Ju Shou realize, Liu Xie’s performance was entirely genuine, pouring all the hardships and injustices he faced since his transmigration into it. Although his claimed identity was false, the suffering he experienced was undeniably real!

“Wait!” A sudden realization sent a shiver through Ju Shou; something wasn’t right!

“Those words just spoken could not have come from a common rural vagrant. He even accurately addressed both me and my lord by our courtesy names. Moreover, despite his disheveled appearance, his skin is remarkably fair, clearly indicating he was pampered all his life.”

“Could it be…could he truly be the rightful Emperor?”

Unaware of Ju Shou’s thoughts, Liu Xie continued wiping away tears while clutching Yuan Shao’s hand, sobbing, “Benchu, as a distinguished minister of Great Han, you are now the only one upon whom we can rely!”

Feeling the weight of Liu Xie’s hopeful gaze, Yuan Shao suddenly felt an immense sense of duty and responsibility pressing down on his shoulders.

To save the crumbling Great Han, who else but I shall step forward?

Yuan Shao took a deep breath, firmly grasping Liu Xie’s hand. With a determined look, he declared solemnly, “Fear not, Your Majesty! This humble servant will surely bring retribution against those traitors for Your Majesty! We shall uphold the greatness of the Han Dynasty!”

“One day, I will present Cao Cao’s head to Your Majesty, washing away the humiliation you’ve endured!” Yuan Shao’s words were forceful and resolute, filled with unparalleled killing intent!

Having once dared to challenge the traitor Dong Zhuo, what fear could there be now in confronting the villainous Cao Cao?

“Defeat the traitors! Execute Cao Cao!”

One among the ministers behind Yuan Shao began shouting, and soon everyone joined in, their voices thunderous.

“Benchu is truly the pillar that holds up the Great Han!”

Liu Xie grew even more emotional, tears streaming uncontrollably down his face.

Standing behind Liu Xie, Ju Shou couldn’t quite gauge the emperor’s state. He cleared his throat softly and stepped forward to address Yuan Shao. “My lord, His Majesty must be weary from the journey. Let us first escort him inside the manor.”

Yuan Shao nodded slightly upon hearing this and turned to Liu Xie. “Please, Your Majesty, rest within the manor while I prepare a banquet. Tonight, we shall celebrate your arrival and wash away any hardships you’ve endured.”

“Indeed… Thank you for your efforts, my loyal subject.”

Liu Xie wiped away his tears and entered the Yuan Manor, surrounded by the crowd.

Yuan Shao intended to follow but was held back by Ju Shou.

“My lord, please wait; there is something I need to discuss with you,” Ju Shou whispered cautiously after glancing around.

Yuan Shao frowned slightly, looking puzzled at Ju Shou. “What seems to be the matter, Gongyu?”

Ju Shou surveyed their surroundings again before lowering his voice. “It concerns His Majesty. My lord, do you not find it peculiar that he suddenly arrived in Yecheng?”

“Did His Majesty not explain? He fled…” Yuan Shao responded instinctively, then paused, realizing something amiss, causing his heart to skip a beat.

He narrowed his eyes, pondered briefly, glanced at Ju Shou, and with a sweep of his sleeves, turned towards the manor interior.

“This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go to the study.”

Ju Shou said no more, bowing respectfully as he swiftly followed Yuan Shao.