Chapter 84: Rebuilding the Yan Han Empire

Guo Jia’s response was intentionally ambiguous and utterly flawless.

Regardless of interpretation, it held truth.

This posed a conundrum for Jia Xu, as he couldn’t discern which meaning Guo Jia intended.

“Is he testing me?” Jia Xu sensed something subtle behind Guo Jia’s words.

His recent visit to the palace to pay respects to the Emperor had become widely known. On the surface, it appeared as loyalty to the Emperor, but in reality, his allegiance lay with Yuan Shao, who held true power while the Emperor remained powerless.

Now, Guo Jia suddenly probing him…

Could this be on Yuan Shao’s instruction?

As Jia Xu pondered the hidden implications of Guo Jia’s statement, the estate steward approached.

“My lord, lunch is prepared.”

Jia Xu gathered his thoughts and smiled at Guo Jia. “Fengxiao, let us have our meal first.”

Guo Jia nodded. “Agreed.”

Together, they proceeded to dine.

At the table, both tactfully avoided discussing their earlier conversation in the hall, instead engaging in talk about world affairs.

Their discussion soon turned to the issue of the two Emperors—one real, one impostor.

Jia Xu asked Guo Jia how Liu Xie managed to escape from the Xu Capital to Yecheng, and Guo Jia provided an honest account.

After listening, Jia Xu sighed, “Cao Cao’s ambition to control the Emperor and manipulate the nobles reveals his immense aspirations and disloyal intentions, evident long ago.”

“His Majesty’s escape from the Xu Capital is truly divine intervention,” Guo Jia said. “Those with virtue receive much support, while those without it stand alone. The heavenly mandate for Great Han remains unbroken—how could usurpers like Cao Cao and Yuan Shu possibly replace it? What does the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies think?”

Jia Xu’s eyes flickered slightly as he raised his wine cup, smiling. “Fengxiao speaks wisely. Even Dong Zhuo, once so rampant, met his end by being burned alive, left with no burial place.”

“Cao Cao and Yuan Shu pale in comparison to Dong Zhuo; how could they overthrow the Great Han realm? Now that Yuan Shu’s forces crumble like collapsing mountains, his downfall is only a matter of time.”

“As for Cao Cao, he is merely a dried skeleton awaiting his grave!”

Upon hearing Jia Xu’s assessment, Guo Jia nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Our current Emperor, though young, possesses the qualities of a wise ruler. With the assistance of the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies, we shall surely purge disloyalty and restore Yan Han’s glory!

“Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and their ilk may be temporarily rampant, but they cannot overturn the foundation of Great Han!”

Jia Xu clapped appreciatively. “Well said! Fengxiao, you are truly a loyal servant of the Great Han. I must toast to your devotion!” He drained his cup in one gulp.

Guo Jia reciprocated the gesture.

The meal concluded swiftly, with a pleasant atmosphere throughout. Jia Xu marveled at Guo Jia’s vast knowledge despite his youth, akin to possessing five carts full of wisdom. Conversely, Guo Jia admired Jia Xu’s quick wit and unparalleled eloquence.

By the end of their meal, they felt as if they had known each other for years and regarded one another as kindred spirits. They continued conversing well into the evening.

Guo Jia declined Jia Xu’s invitation to stay overnight at his residence. After agreeing to visit again soon, he climbed into his carriage, reeking of alcohol.

Jia Xu accompanied him outside, personally helping Guo Jia onto the carriage and watching it depart until it vanished from sight. Only then did he turn back into his estate.

Today’s encounter with Guo Jia felt peculiar. It didn’t seem like he was acting solely as an envoy for Third Prince Yuan Shang. Instead, he subtly brought up the Emperor multiple times, seemingly gauging Jia Xu’s stance through indirect probing.

It almost felt more like…he was here as an envoy for the Emperor himself.

“Wait.”

A realization dawned on Jia Xu, prompting him to recall what Yuan Xi had said during his previous visit:

“The last time I sought marriage with the Zhen family, it was due to Yuan Shang’s scheming, orchestrated by Fengxiao, that our union was sabotaged, causing great harm to me!”

Zhen family, Zhen family…

Wasn’t the maiden from the Zhen family now residing within the imperial palace?

With this connection made, Jia Xu sobered instantly, astonishment flashing across his chubby face, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Could it be that this Guo Fengxiao…

is truly an envoy for the Emperor?

Inside the carriage, Guo Jia, who had appeared intoxicated earlier, now sat upright with clear eyes—no trace of drunkenness remained.

He was known for his fondness for wine, but the few drinks at Jia Manor were insignificant to him and wouldn’t have made him tipsy. It was all an act.

“Phew…” Exhaling a breath laden with alcohol fumes, Guo Jia began recalling today’s subtle probing and strategic exchanges with Jia Xu at the manor, as well as the deliberate loopholes he left behind.

He trusted that given Jia Xu’s intellect, he would not fail to notice these hints. Connecting them with Guo Jia’s recent actions, Jia Xu should be able to draw certain conclusions.

However, it would only go so far.

Based on these clues and their conversation today, Jia Xu might deduce a possible connection between Guo Jia and the Emperor. But without concrete evidence, it couldn’t pose a significant threat.

“I hope he can be swayed.” Sighing, Guo Jia rubbed his temples, feeling somewhat drained.

Engaging in such mental sparring with someone like Jia Xu was indeed exhausting, both physically and mentally.

The carriage swiftly arrived at Guo Jia’s residence. Upon entering his home, he found Yuan Shang unexpectedly waiting there. As soon as he saw Guo Jia, Yuan Shang rose to greet him eagerly.

“Sir, did you manage to recruit the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies?” Yuan Shang asked, full of anticipation.

He had been here early, anxiously awaiting news on whether Guo Jia succeeded in persuading Jia Xu to join their cause.

Facing Yuan Shang’s anticipation, Guo Jia replied, “The Supervisor of Court Ceremonies accepted the gift but expressed his unwillingness to involve himself in the conflict between you and Second Prince.”

“He is prudent and cautious; having just arrived in Yecheng under the Great General’s command, such a response is understandable.”

Upon hearing this, disappointment flashed across Yuan Shang’s face momentarily. However, recalling that Jia Xu also declined Yuan Xi’s overtures, his mood brightened significantly, a smile returning to his lips.

Noticing the strong scent of alcohol on Guo Jia, he curiously asked, “Sir, did you dine at Jia Manor?”

“Yes,” Guo Jia confirmed without hesitation. “I felt an instant connection with the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies, and our conversation was most enjoyable.”

“Wonderful!” Yuan Shang exclaimed joyfully, giving Guo Jia a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Building rapport with the Supervisor of Court Ceremonies can only bring numerous benefits!”

“Sir, ensure frequent interactions with him in the future. Perhaps one day we might persuade him to join us as a valuable ally!”

With a smile, Guo Jia assured him, “Rest easy, Third Prince.”

Indeed, he would continue engaging with Jia Xu frequently—but not for Yuan Shang’s sake.

In his elation, Yuan Shang failed to notice the profound gaze in Guo Jia’s eyes.

As the sun slowly sank behind distant mountains, its fading rays stretched Guo Jia’s shadow long and wide, enveloping Yuan Shang entirely within it.