Chapter 7: Ju Shou's Concerns
Hearing the door open, Liu Xie rose and turned towards the entrance.
Yuan Shao and Ju Shou had arrived unexpectedly, pushing their way inside without knocking.
“I am…”
Liu Xie instinctively tried to assume the role of the Emperor, but before he could finish, something felt off.
Yuan Shao entered with Ju Shou, bypassing the customary knock and protocol expected from a subject addressing the Emperor.
In other words… Yuan Shao already knew he was an imposter!
Realizing this, Liu Xie wasted no time, swiftly descending from the bed and respectfully bowing to Yuan Shao. “This humble subject greets the Governor of Ji Province.”
Observing Liu Xie’s deferential demeanor, Yuan Shao raised an eyebrow, surprised even Ju Shou.
How…quick-witted is this kid? Just moments ago outside the Yuan Manor, he acted every bit the emperor, referring to himself as ‘this sovereign,’ yet now he immediately claims to be a humble subject.
Yuan Shao remained silent, scrutinizing Liu Xie closely.
At present, Liu Xie had been cleaned up and dressed in a dark black brocade robe, transforming his appearance dramatically, almost like a different person altogether. He now exuded an exceptional elegance, radiating an unmistakable nobility.
“Indeed, they’re identical,” Yuan Shao admitted to himself after scrutinizing Liu Xie closely. The imposter before him bore an exact resemblance to the true Emperor—aside from appearing somewhat pale and gaunt. From facial features to stature, everything matched perfectly.
It was indistinguishable from his memory of the Emperor.
All that was missing were the imperial robes and crown.
After observing for a moment, Yuan Shao shifted his gaze away and said mildly, “Recognizing your new identity is commendable.”
“However, this deception must remain known only among us three. In front of outsiders, you are the Emperor. Under no circumstances can our secret be revealed. Do you understand?”
Yuan Shao’s tone, though calm, exuded an unquestionable authority.
“I understand!” Liu Xie straightened up, passionately declaring, “From now on, this humble one will follow Governor Yuan’s every command! If you direct me east, I shall never go west! Whatever you ask, I shall do without hesitation!”
“This humble one has wandered aimlessly half my life, yet never encountered a wise leader.”
“To serve Governor Yuan is truly this humble one’s fortune!”
Liu Xie wasted no time in showering praise liberally. Flattery, it seemed, never went unappreciated. Facing Boss Yuan, the most powerful man in the realm today, Liu Xie dared not show even the slightest arrogance.
Liu Xie was merely a struggling transmigrator with no guaranteed future, devoid of any golden finger or overpowered system. His survival solely depended on his wits and charm. Displeasing Boss Yuan could cost him his life at any moment.
Preserving dignity and face came second; staying alive was paramount.
A true man knows when to yield and when to assert himself!
Initially, Yuan Shao intended to further pressure Liu Xie, but given his obedient response, it saved him the effort.
Yuan Shao nodded approvingly and said, “It’s good that you understand. Serve diligently, and I assure you will be well-rewarded.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Xie’s eyes lit up, and somewhat sheepishly, he asked, “Then… may I inquire, sir, how much money can I expect once the task is completed?”
“Money? Money is trivial.” Yuan Shao couldn’t help but smile, “As long as you obey me, I’ll guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and prosperity - houses, lands, beauties, gold, and jewels, all within your reach!”
Overjoyed by these words, Liu Xie exclaimed excitedly, “Many thanks, sir! This humble one will dedicate everything, even my very life, for your service!”
Seeing Liu Xie’s fervent reaction, a hint of disdain flickered in Yuan Shao’s eyes, yet his smile remained unchanged as he patted Liu Xie’s shoulder.
“Rest for now. For the next few days, claim illness and avoid showing yourself publicly. I’ll arrange for someone to teach you the etiquette befitting the Emperor; make sure you learn it all thoroughly.”
“Gongyu, let’s go,” Yuan Shao concluded, rising with Ju Shou to leave.
Liu Xie escorted them out of the courtyard, only returning to his room after their figures disappeared around the corner.
Once inside, he closed the door wearily, then collapsed onto the bed with a long sigh of relief.
“Did I manage to get through that…?”
Facing Yuan Shao had been incredibly stressful—not just due to fear for his life but also because he wanted to avoid arousing suspicion from Boss Yuan himself.
That’s why he put on such a sycophantic act, even deliberately asking for silver at the end, all to dispel any doubts or caution Yuan Shao might harbor towards him.
As a mere refugee, if he didn’t seek rewards, what else could he possibly aim for? If Boss Yuan perceived him as cunning or harboring deeper motives, his future would become precarious.
From now on, he essentially needed to play two roles. In front of outsiders, he must portray the Emperor of Great Han, while before Boss Yuan, he must continue acting like a greedy and shortsighted refugee.
“Surviving in these turbulent times is truly no easy feat,” Liu Xie murmured, burying his head into the soft pillow.
Liu Xie murmured to himself, burying his head beneath the soft blanket.
With the pressure of life and death no longer looming over him, his tense nerves finally relaxed. The exhaustion from recent days washed over him like a tide, swiftly lulling him into deep sleep.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
After leaving the courtyard, Yuan Shao and Ju Shou headed straight for the grand council hall.
“Gongyu, why do you look so troubled? What’s wrong?” Yuan Shao suddenly asked, turning to observe Ju Shou.
From the moment they left the courtyard, Ju Shou had been frowning deeply, clearly preoccupied with something.
Ju Shou hesitated before responding, “My lord, I was pondering about this fake Emperor matter, and I believe… we should tighten our control over him.”
“Oh? Why is that?” Yuan Shao, somewhat puzzled, couldn’t quite grasp Ju Shou’s sudden concern.
Ju Shou explained, “Initially, his imitation of the Emperor’s mannerisms was remarkably accurate. However, upon seeing you, my lord, he swiftly shifted into a groveling posture. The stark contrast between these two behaviors is astonishing.”
If Liu Xie’s initial mimicry resembled the Emperor by nine-tenths, merely surprising Ju Shou; then his transformation from entering Yecheng until now, especially when facing Yuan Shao, left Ju Shou genuinely unnerved.
However, Yuan Shao chuckled at Ju Shou’s assessment.
“Gongyu, you worry too much. He is merely a commoner. Such inconsistency from arrogance to obsequiousness among lowly folk is nothing unusual.”
Yuan Shao dismissed Ju Shou’s concerns lightly.
A man who only dared to ask for money as compensation clearly lacked ambition and foresight—what was there to worry about? Besides, Liu Xie was firmly within his grasp. If he so desired, eliminating him would be no more difficult than squashing an ant.
“But my lord…”
Ju Shou tried to continue, but Yuan Shao had lost interest in the discussion and waved him off. “Let’s first proceed to the council chamber for our deliberations. We can revisit this later.”
They had already reached the entrance to the grand council chamber.
Ju Shou reluctantly fell silent, fearing that further highlighting the irregularities with this fake Emperor might sway Yuan Shao’s plan to control the emperor and manipulate the nobles.
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