Chapter 97: Empty-handed Deception - Crown Prince Targets the Zhen Clan

The Zhen family was a prominent clan in Jizhou. Although Liu Xie had taken Zhen Mi as his noble consort, he hadn’t yet secured their allegiance.

Noble families rarely commit without seeing tangible benefits first.

Moreover, as Emperor, Liu Xie held little power beyond his title, being firmly under Yuan Shao’s control.

Without significant influence or value to offer, there was no incentive for the Zhen family to support him.

In fact, investing in Yuan Shao seemed more reliable than backing Liu Xie.

However, Guo Jia never intended to immediately sway the Zhen family towards Liu Xie from the start. The plan to divert Zhen Mi, originally destined for Yuan Xi, into the imperial harem was merely a preliminary step to establish a connection with the Zhen family;

Only after genuinely escaping Yuan Shao’s grip would this bond prove truly beneficial.

“Securing the Zhen family’s support early on could undoubtedly improve my current predicament, couldn’t it?” Liu Xie pondered inwardly while ordering attendants to fetch cloth and charcoal.

Zhen Mi served as the crucial link between him and the Zhen family, potentially playing a decisive role.

During their recent interactions, he found that despite her intelligence, perhaps due to her young age and being well-protected by her family, she lacked deep political cunning.

Perhaps she could serve as a leverage point to win over the Zhen family.

But what kind of stake would entice them enough to willingly support Liu Xie?

The Crown Prince title?

Liu Xie glanced at Zhen Mi’s abdomen, his heart suddenly racing.

A thought flashed through his mind: “Give me 50 V coins, and we’ll appoint you as Great General.”

If he promised the position of Crown Prince to the Zhen family, they would undoubtedly be swayed. They might even go to great lengths to protect Liu Xie’s imperial authority, becoming his most steadfast supporters.

As Liu Xie pondered how to secure the Zhen family without offering tangible benefits, the charcoal and cloth arrived.

Zhen Mi, standing nearby, promptly ground the charcoal and spread out the drawing cloth. With her bright, sparkling eyes, she looked at Liu Xie and asked, “Your Majesty, where should we start drawing? What shall we draw?”

Over these past few days, she had been trying to grasp sketching on her own but struggled to make progress, causing her considerable worry.

Liu Xie gathered his thoughts and smiled, “No rush to begin. First, let me explain the basics of sketching…the fundamental skills for this type of art.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Zhen Mi nodded obediently, sitting upright to attentively listen.

Liu Xie then proceeded to outline the foundational principles of sketching, covering topics such as space, structure, shading, and lines. To ensure clarity for Zhen Mi, he explained everything in simple terms.

As he explained, Liu Xie demonstrated each concept on the canvas.

Although Zhen Mi had never encountered theories like shading and lines before, her intelligence shone through. Coupled with Liu Xie’s clear explanations, she grasped most of the content within half a day.

“Trying to learn too much at once is counterproductive. Let’s stop here for today. Go practice diligently, and you’ll soon master these fundamentals.” Liu Xie set down the charcoal stick and sighed deeply.

Teaching during the scorching summer was truly exhausting work.

“Thank you for your hard efforts, Your Majesty,” Zhen Mi expressed sweetly, showing gratitude.

Unlike Liu Xie, she didn’t feel fatigued; instead, she appeared invigorated, her face radiant as if wishing he would continue teaching more.

Just as a palace maid approached with water to wash Liu Xie’s hands, Zhen Mi gently intervened.

“Allow me to cleanse Your Majesty’s hands.”

Zhen Mi took Liu Xie’s hand, carefully washing away the charcoal stains from his fingers.

Liu Xie, contemplating how to secure unwavering loyalty from the Zhen family, no longer treated Zhen Mi with previous coldness.

“We have heard that since childhood, you were known for your intellect, even being praised as a ‘scholaress’.”

Feeling slightly bashful, Zhen Mi responded, “Your Majesty flatters me. I merely enjoy reading; the title ‘scholaress’ is undeserved.”

“How so?” Liu Xie gazed into Zhen Mi’s eyes, and his pent-up emotions burst forth. “You are the most intelligent and beautiful woman I have ever met. Moreover, there is a unique aura about you that sets you apart from all others… You are truly special.”

As he spoke, he gently tickled her palm.

These clichéd lines from the future were devastatingly effective in this era. Zhen Mi had never heard such sweet words before. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably, and two delicate blushes quickly appeared on her cheeks. She lowered her head, unable to meet Liu Xie’s deeply affectionate gaze.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind praise,” she murmured softly.

Liu Xie understood well the art of flirtation - it required both pulling away and drawing closer. Instead of pressing further, he casually changed the subject, pretending nonchalance as he asked, “With the Zhen family involved in ice storage and trade, their business interests must span across various industries?”

Still caught between joy and shyness, Zhen Mi responded instinctively without much thought. “My ancestors were highly esteemed, enjoying considerable renown in Jizhou. Additionally, our clan has always treated the people generously, earning us a favorable reputation. Our enterprises encompass salt, iron, tea, silk, ceramics, and more. We even engage in commerce beyond the pass, with Zhen family establishments present in each province.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie was genuinely astonished.

“Wow! Salt, iron, tea, silk, and porcelain—all highly profitable industries during this era. The Zhen family has their hands in all of them, plus trading beyond the pass? No wonder Yuan Shao sought to ally with them. They’re practically a walking money tree!”

Liu Xie fully understood the immense value of trade beyond the pass.

Trading beyond the border meant engaging in commerce with foreign tribes. Goods from the Central Plains were highly prized among these tribes, allowing for easy acquisition of vast resources.

For instance, a single bolt of ordinary silk could be exchanged with tribal leaders beyond the pass for at least twenty sheep. Bringing those sheep back within the borders and selling them would yield enough money to purchase five or six more bolts of silk—a testament to the enormous profit potential through such trade!

“Wait…this might be an opportunity!” A bold idea began forming in Liu Xie’s mind.

In any era, scarcity determines value—the rarer an item, the higher its worth. And he had the means to exploit this principle by creating objects that did not yet exist in this time!

Take glass, for example!

Ancient natural glass was incredibly valuable, and glass is essentially the same material, with a remarkably simple manufacturing process.

Creating glass during this era would yield unimaginable profits.

“But even if I manage to produce it, how could I sell it? Moreover, having money now wouldn’t benefit me at all. My wealth is essentially Yuan Shao’s.”

Liu Xie’s newfound enthusiasm quickly fizzled out.

Being completely under someone else’s control!

He was merely a puppet without even basic freedom.

If only he were independent, he could share his knowledge of glassmaking with the Zhen family and let them accumulate wealth on his behalf.

Unfortunately, he lacked autonomy, and there wasn’t much incentive for the Zhen family to align with him.

“Is Your Majesty feeling unwell?” Observing Liu Xie’s shifting expressions from excitement to dejection, Zhen Mi couldn’t help but express her concern.

“I’m fine.” Liu Xie shook his head.

During this period, Guo Jia had been working diligently to intensify the rivalry between Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang, achieving remarkably pleasing results.

Now, whenever they met in public, their mutual disdain was palpable. Liu Xie made a mental note to ask Guo Jia when these advisors might start openly feuding.

The internal competition within Yuan Shao’s camp was fierce, appearing calm on the surface but seething beneath with hidden tensions.

By inciting conflict among their advisors and stirring up factional battles, the internal strife within Yuan Shao’s ranks would escalate uncontrollably.

When that moment arrived, Liu Xie would seize his chance amidst the chaos.

After helping Liu Xie wash his hands, Zhen Mi excused herself, eager to return and practice her newly learned sketching skills.

Watching her depart, Liu Xie thought to himself, “The plan to win over the Zhen family without spending resources seems highly feasible. I should discuss it thoroughly with Guo Jia. If Lady Zhen succumbs to the Crown Prince’s allure and goes all-in, our prospects will skyrocket.”

Upon leaving the side hall, Liu Xie encountered Zhang He, who rushed towards him with excitement on his way back to his quarters.

“Junyi, what brings you such joy?”

“Your Majesty, tremendous news!” Zhang He exclaimed, visibly thrilled. “As soon as this general returned from outside the palace, I heard astonishing tidings. Marquis of Wen, Lu Bu, has decisively defeated Shouchun and captured the traitor Yuan Shu alive. Currently, he is bringing the Imperial Jade Seal and escorting the captive traitor to Yecheng to present them to Your Majesty!”

Liu Xie was left speechless and wide-eyed.

In history, Lu Bu indeed crushed Yuan Shu, but there was no mention of him capturing the Imperial Jade Seal or taking Yuan Shu prisoner.

What’s going on here?