Chapter 98: Without the Imperial Jade Seal, How Can You Claim to be Emperor?
“Where did you hear this news? Is it reliable?”
Despite knowing Zhang He’s cautious nature and that he wouldn’t spread unfounded rumors, Liu Xie still found it hard to believe. It had been mere weeks since the Battle of the Huai River.
Yuan Shu retreated to defend Shouchun, and even if a pig were left in charge, it could hold out for at least half a year. And yet, the city was guarded by none other than Zhang Xiu!
Zhang He confidently replied, “Your Majesty, this information is absolutely true. The news has already spread throughout Yecheng. It is said that Liu Bei single-handedly entered Shouchun, persuading Zhang Xiu to defect and surrender the city, leading to Yuan Shu’s capture alive. Moreover, within a few days, Wen Hou will arrive here.”
After hearing the rampant rumors, Zhang He personally visited acquaintances at Yuan Shao’s residence to verify the details, gaining clear insights into how Shouchun fell.
“No wonder,” Liu Xie realized with a sudden understanding. So, the defending general surrendered.
If Lu Bu truly captured Shouchun so swiftly, his prowess would indeed be unbelievably formidable.
“But… Liu Bei dared to enter the city alone to persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender. Could it be that he genuinely remains loyal to the Great Han? This suggests I might entrust him with significant responsibilities as a trusted confidant.”
Influenced by armchair historians from his previous era, Liu Xie had always harbored doubts about Liu Bei’s loyalty to the Han Dynasty. However, seeing Liu Bei risk his life to persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender demonstrated that he was not merely an ambitious usurper exploiting the Han banner.
“Junyi, if there is any more good news, inform us immediately!” Liu Xie instructed Zhang He, feeling quite uplifted.
With Lu Bu bringing the Imperial Jade Seal to Yecheng, it meant Liu Xie would surely meet him soon.
Historically, Lu Bu was portrayed as treacherous and unpredictable, a deceitful character. Yet, throughout his lifetime, aside from allying with Yuan Shu through marriage, he hadn’t truly acted against the interests of the Han Dynasty. Compared to other warlords, he could almost be considered a great loyalist.
If Liu Xie could win Lu Bu’s allegiance…
Hiss…
Liu Xie dared not even entertain such thoughts further.
Apart from the surprise of Lu Bu’s imminent arrival at Yecheng, another significant event loomed: the acquisition of the Imperial Jade Seal.
This sacred artifact had been passed down since Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s reign. Without the Imperial Jade Seal, one might claim the throne, but their legitimacy would remain questionable.
Possessing the Imperial Jade Seal would elevate Liu Xie’s status as Emperor, no longer relying solely on Yuan Shao’s endorsement. With this seal in hand, who could doubt our divine mandate bestowed by heaven?
As for the so-called Emperor in Xu County, well, without the Imperial Jade Seal, what kind of bogus ruler are you?!
In Yecheng at this time, the streets buzzed with discussions about Lu Bu capturing Yuan Shu.
“In the end, he was just a false emperor. The Mandate of Heaven lies with our Great Han; how could such a usurper ever challenge it?”
“How can a traitor like him compare to the true Son of Heaven!”
“Upon seizing the Imperial Jade Seal and capturing Yuan Shu, Marquis of Wen immediately brought them to Yecheng for presentation to the Emperor. This clearly proves that the Emperor in Xu County is a fraud.”
“That’s right. If the Emperor in Xu County were genuine, why wouldn’t Marquis of Wen offer the Imperial Jade Seal to him instead?”
“Now that Yuan Shu has been captured, the next target must be that imposter Emperor in Xu County!”
“Cao Cao is truly treacherous, daring to have someone impersonate the Emperor.”
“The chaos of the Ten Attendants’ Rebellion is still fresh in memory. Being descended from eunuchs, how could Caesar Cao possibly be a loyal subject?”
Under the guidance of certain individuals, the conversations among Yecheng’s citizens gradually shifted from Lu Bu’s capture of Yuan Shu towards implicating Cao Cao and the Emperor in Xu County.
Within a day, Cao Cao was denounced as a great traitor to the Han Dynasty, and the Emperor in Xu County branded as an impostor.
The foundation for this shift stemmed from Lu Bu’s impending arrival in Yecheng to pay homage to the Emperor, presenting both the Imperial Jade Seal and the usurping false emperor.
Despite his reputation for betraying three masters, to the common folk, Lu Bu remained the Marquis of Wen who had personally slain Dong Zhuo and earned the Emperor’s recognition—a staunchly loyal servant of the Great Han!
His subsequent capture of Yuan Shu further bolstered his prestige and renown.
Thus, his visit to Yecheng to pay respects to the Emperor signified an endorsement—affirming that the Emperor in Yecheng was indeed the true Emperor!
At Yuan Shao’s official residence…
Upon hearing about the sentiments spreading among Yecheng’s citizens, Yuan Shao couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!” He exclaimed joyously three times in quick succession.
“Now who can question me? Who will dare to doubt that the Emperor in Yecheng is not genuine?”
Ju Shou also wore a delighted smile. “My lord, once news spreads of Lu Bu entering Yecheng to pay homage to the Emperor and presenting both the Imperial Jade Seal and the false emperor, everyone across the land will believe that the Emperor under Cao Cao’s control is an imposter.”
Yuan Shao nodded repeatedly, his laughter deepening the wrinkles on his face.
“Lü Fengxian! What a tremendous favor he has done for me!”
“Cao Aman, oh Cao Aman, how can you now claim the Emperor in Yecheng is fake?”
“Hahahaha—!”
It had been a long time since Yuan Shao felt such unbridled happiness. The accumulated frustration and discontent from recent events seemed to dissipate, leaving him immensely relieved!
With the endorsement of Yuan Benchu, descendant of four generations of nobles, the recognition of Liu Bei, a relative of the Han imperial family, and the approval of Lu Bu, a loyal subject of Great Han who captured the false emperor, along with the divine mandate embodied by the Imperial Jade Seal, even if this Emperor were initially a fraud, it would now be accepted as true!
Yuan Shao couldn’t help but imagine the expressions of Cao Cao and the Emperor along with his ministers in Xu County when they received this news.
Most importantly, from now on, edicts issued under the Emperor’s name would no longer be easily dismissed by other feudal lords.
Previously, they could argue that with one Emperor in Yecheng and another in Xu County, it was unclear which was legitimate, thus evading compliance.
But things were different now.
With the Imperial Jade Seal affixed, these decrees became unquestionable Imperial Edicts!
This thought lifted Yuan Shao’s spirits immensely. Turning to Ju Shou, he exclaimed, “Gongyu, we truly owe much to your foresight in bringing back the Emperor. Our current position is greatly due to your efforts!”
Without Ju Shou taking matters into his own hands, their situation today would not have been possible. As time passed, Yuan Shao increasingly recognized the immense benefits of having the Emperor under his control, especially since this particular Emperor was entirely pliable at his whim.
Ju Shou humbly responded, “Shou dares not claim such credit. Without my lord’s esteemed reputation, the world might indeed have fallen for Caesar’s deceit. My lord stands as the pillar holding up the skies of Great Han.”
Hearing this, Yuan Shao’s joy swelled further, and he heartily patted Ju Shou on the shoulder.
Yuan Shao couldn’t help but think, “If only Tian Feng possessed half of Ju Shou’s eloquence; I wouldn’t feel so infuriated every time he speaks.”
It wasn’t that Yuan Shao doubted Tian Feng’s absolute loyalty, but for some reason, he simply could not warm up to him. In contrast, Ju Shou, with his equally exceptional strategies and more likable demeanor, was far more favored.
“Gongyu, why do you think Lu Bu personally came to Yecheng? What might be his objective?” Yuan Shao felt both surprised and puzzled by Lu Bu’s arrival.
Why would this man abandon Yangzhou, where territories were at stake, just to come to Yecheng? Even if it was to present the Imperial Jade Seal, there seemed no need for him to make the journey himself.
Ju Shou pondered briefly before responding, “My lord, Lu Bu is not overly ambitious but highly covets fame and rewards. His personal visit likely means he seeks recognition and honors from the Emperor. It would be wise for my lord to extend goodwill by submitting a memorial requesting rewards on his behalf.”
At this moment, securing Lu Bu’s allegiance was crucial. As long as they both pledged loyalty to the Emperor in Yecheng, they would become allies on the same front.
“Gongyu makes an excellent point,” Yuan Shao nodded in agreement with Ju Shou’s analysis. “Lu Bu’s valor is unmatched across the land. If we can win him over, he could become a formidable blade in our future campaigns against other feudal lords!”
“Gongyu, immediately draft a memorial requesting His Majesty appoint Lu Bu as Protector-General of Chariots and Cavalry and confer upon him the title of County Duke!”
The rank of Protector-General was equivalent to that of the Three Ministers, just below Great General.
As for County Duke, it surpassed Lu Bu’s former title, Marquis of Wen, directly elevating him to the prestigious “Duke” level.
Currently, among the noble ranks in the Great Han, County Duke was the highest, followed by Ducal Marquis, then Marquis, Ducal Township Marquis, and finally Township Marquis at the lowest tier.
Lu Bu’s previous title, Marquis of Wen, corresponded to County Marquis. The term “Wen” referred to the location of his fiefdom, specifically Wen County. However, compared to County Duke? Any lesser nobility titles simply paled in comparison!
Yuan Shao not only intended to have the Emperor appoint Lu Bu as Protector-General but also elevate him to County Duke. This combination of high office and noble rank demonstrated immense sincerity.
It’s worth noting that historically, even Guan Yu was only conferred the lowest rank of Township Marquis.
Ju Shou nodded and asked, “Once Yuan Shu is brought here, my lord, what do you plan to do with him?”
Yuan Shu, having usurped power to declare himself emperor, was also Yuan Shao’s half-brother. Mishandling this situation could easily invite unwarranted criticism.
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