Chapter 9: With Events Unfolding, Let's Eat First

While Yuan Shao was busy drafting proclamations to rally support and using the Emperor’s name to reorganize the imperial court, summoning Great Han officials for audience, Liu Xie remained blissfully unaware inside the Lodge, sound asleep.

When he finally woke up, it was already dark outside.

“How long have I been sleeping…” Rubbing his eyes as he sat up, Liu Xie felt slightly disoriented. It took him a moment to fully regain his senses.

He glanced at the pitch-black night outside, then looked around the empty room, feeling an indescribable sense of loneliness well up from within. This prompted a bitter smile to cross his face.

How fervently he wished this entire ordeal was just a peculiar dream, allowing him to wake up back in his own time.

Alas, it wasn’t a dream; everything was all too real.

“Well, since there’s no going back, I must make the best of my life in this era. At least it won’t be wasted.”

Liu Xie took a deep breath, determination gradually returning to his gaze.

He got out of bed, washed his face, and once more alert, began analyzing his current situation.

“Based on the information I have, it’s currently Jian’an year one, four years before the Battle of Guandu. Yuan Shao remains one of the most powerful warlords in the realm.”

“If history follows its original course, Cao Cao would seize Emperor Xian and rapidly expand his influence under the Emperor’s authority. However, with me impersonating the emperor now, there will be two ‘Sons of Heaven’ in this world.”

“Although I’m a fake, having Yuan Shao, a prominent figure from a lineage spanning four generations as ministers, who also led the campaign against Dong Zhuo, vouch for my authenticity, many people are likely to believe me.”

“In that case, Cao Cao won’t be able to manipulate the Emperor to command other nobles…”

As Liu Xie continued analyzing the situation, he felt increasingly alarmed.

If events unfolded this way, the Battle of Guandu might not occur, and Yuan Shao may avoid defeat, leading to a significant alteration of history!

And all of this… was because of his presence.

At this moment, Liu Xie finally comprehended the terrifying implications of the butterfly effect.

Had he remained just another ordinary person amidst the chaos, his life or death would have had no impact on the course of events. But from the instant Ju Shou discovered him and decided to make him impersonate Emperor Xian, the gears of fate began turning.

His existence inevitably altered the entire geopolitical landscape of the realm.

“Hopefully, it won’t trigger a historical correction process and bring divine retribution to erase me directly?” Liu Xie swallowed nervously, feeling somewhat frightened.

The last suspected reincarnator who tried to alter history was Wang Mang, ultimately defeated by the Chosen One, Liu Xiu, using a massive meteorite spell.

Liu Xie certainly didn’t want to meet the same fate.

However, given the current situation, he had no choice but to continue this charade. Refusing to impersonate the Emperor would lead to an even swifter death, as Boss Yuan would not spare him.

“Ah well, let’s not dwell on it too much. As long as I’m still alive now, I’ll deal with any impending doom when it actually arrives.”

After some internal struggle, Liu Xie decided to embrace the chaos, simply because he had no better options.

His immediate goal was survival, and concerns about the future could wait until they arose.

“Knock, knock, knock—”

Just then, a series of knocks at the door interrupted Liu Xie’s thoughts. A voice came from outside:

“Your Majesty, your humble servant Ju Shou requests an audience.”

Recognizing the familiar voice, Liu Xie quickly composed himself, adopting the dignified demeanor befitting the Emperor. He responded, “Enter.”

The door opened, and Ju Shou entered, followed by several maids carrying food trays. Each maid kept her head bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty.”

Upon entering, Ju Shou first bowed to Liu Xie before saying, “I have brought some meals for Your Majesty, please partake at your leisure.”

With that, Ju Shou gestured, and the serving maids stepped forward in succession. They carefully removed steaming, sumptuous dishes from their boxes and placed them on the table.

Liu Xie’s expression brightened with satisfaction, nodding he said, “My dear minister, you truly think of everything. Please join me and take a seat to share this meal.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness!” Surprised yet delighted, Ju Shou hastily bowed in gratitude.

Then Liu Xie waved his hand towards the maids, instructing, “All of you, withdraw now. Without our express permission, no one is allowed to enter the Lodge.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The serving maids respectfully acknowledged, carrying their empty boxes as they left.

Now only Ju Shou and Liu Xie remained in the room.

With no outsiders present, Ju Shou could drop the pretense of servitude, regaining his usual demeanor. He found a chair, sat down, and turned his gaze towards Liu Xie, smiling.

“You’re quite perceptive, knowing I wanted to speak with you privately.”

Ju Shou had initially anticipated needing an excuse to linger, but unexpectedly, Liu Xie invited him to stay and dismissed the servants himself.

Liu Xie chuckled, “If there wasn’t something important, why would you personally bring me food? My observation skills aren’t that lacking.”

“Ah,” Ju Shou chuckled insincerely, giving Liu Xie a penetrating look.

Under his gaze, Liu Xie felt slightly unnerved. What was going on? Had he said something wrong? Was being perceptive now a mistake?

As Liu Xie pondered internally, Ju Shou spoke up, “The lord instructed me to find someone to teach you imperial etiquette. However, upon careful consideration, involving others could risk exposing your identity. Therefore, from now on, I will personally oversee your education.”

“Today, the lord announced to the public that the Emperor has arrived in Yecheng. Using the Emperor’s authority, he declared the relocation of the capital to Yecheng and the reorganization of the imperial court. Currently, the lord has ordered the drafting of a proclamation, which will soon be broadcasted nationwide.”

“When this news reaches all corners, every loyal Han official and minister across the realm will flock here.”

“You have only one month to perfect your mannerisms and speech, ensuring they align with those of the true Emperor.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie felt an immense weight of pressure.

He wasn’t a professional actor, after all! He might manage to sit and maintain appearances, but mimicking the exact words and actions of the Emperor perfectly? How was that even possible?

“This seems far too difficult. I’ve never met the Emperor myself; how can I replicate his demeanor accurately?” Liu Xie expressed, clearly overwhelmed.

Ju Shou smiled and retrieved a bamboo scroll from his sleeve, placing it on the table. Under the dim candlelight, Liu Xie clearly read its title:

The Imperial Chronicle.

“Wow, you managed to get your hands on this?”

Liu Xie was genuinely astonished; Ju Shou’s efficiency was remarkable, securing such a document so swiftly.

The Imperial Chronicle recorded the daily activities and utterances of the Emperor. With this, comprehending Emperor Xian of Han’s mannerisms and speech would be significantly easier.

“This is just one among many imperial chronicles. I have already ordered others to search for additional copies. Study it carefully, memorizing every word and action attributed to the Emperor.”

“Soon, there will be a grand ceremony for relocating the capital and offering sacrifices to heaven. At that time, not only will you face numerous officials of Great Han, but you must also perform the rituals before everyone without any mistakes!” Ju Shou cautioned Liu Xie, handing him the bamboo scroll.

Liu Xie accepted the Imperial Chronicle, glanced at it briefly, then put it away, nodding confidently. “Alright, I understand.”

Puzzled by Liu Xie’s calm reaction, Ju Shou asked, “Why don’t you seem even slightly nervous? Are you that confident in impersonating the Emperor?”

Just as Liu Xie picked up his chopsticks to grab some food, he shrugged and replied naturally, “Why would I need to pretend? I am Liu Xie; that one in Xu County is the imposter.”

Ju Shou’s mouth opened slightly, eyes fixed intently on Liu Xie. He said, “With your smooth skin, you hardly resemble a peasant or vagrant from the countryside. Your speech is refined, and you effortlessly mentioned my lord’s and my courtesy names. Holding the imperial chronicle also suggests literacy. Can you reveal your true background?”

Liu Xie felt a chill at Ju Shou’s words, his hand holding the chopsticks stiffening.

After a moment, he slowly responded, “Let us focus on mutual benefit; together we can achieve more. My origins are not important; what matters is that We are the Emperor.”

Ju Shou’s pupils contracted sharply, his gaze becoming increasingly cautious towards Liu Xie. “Indeed, your origins do not matter; what counts is that you are now the Emperor of Great Han.”

“Well, since things have reached this point, let’s eat first,” Liu Xie suggested while taking a bite. Confused, he looked at Ju Shou and mumbled through a mouthful of food, “Aren’t you going to eat?”