Chapter 99: Emperor Xian of Han: Oh No, I'm About to Become a Scapegoat

Yuan Shao had long decided how to handle Yuan Shu. Without hesitation, he declared, “The traitor Yuan Shu usurped the throne; his execution is warranted.”

What else could be done with such a treasonous usurper besides executing him?

If Yuan Shao spared Yuan Shu, he would immediately become the target of all criticism and risk being labeled as his accomplice.

By killing him, however, Yuan Shao would demonstrate justice over familial ties.

Wait, what? Shouldn’t I consider our brotherhood since Yuan Shu is my younger brother?

Sorry, we don’t share the same mother, so there’s no real bond.

Not only that, even if they were full brothers, under these circumstances, Yuan Shu still had to die without any hesitation!

“If it were me rebelling and falling into Yuan Shu’s hands, he would undoubtedly execute me to uphold his reputation.”

Yuan Shao’s stance was clear-cut.

However, throughout the discussion, he avoided mentioning exterminating the entire clan or wiping out three generations.

He didn’t even bring up the possibility of executing every member of their family.

There was no choice; as Yuan Shu’s blood sibling, any mention of mass executions would inevitably implicate him as well.

Ju Shou sighed in relief internally. He knew Yuan Shao often struggled with indecision, fearing earlier that Yuan Shao might spare Yuan Shu’s life. This outcome saved him from further persuasion.

Now, they simply awaited Lu Bu’s arrival at Yecheng.

In Yingchuan, Xu Capital.

As news of Lu Bu’s decisive victory over Yuan Shu spread, even the Emperor deep within his palace at Xu Capital learned of it.

“Has Marquis of Wen crushed Shouchun?” The Emperor’s face lit up with delight upon hearing Yang Biao’s report.

“Your Majesty, Shouchun has indeed fallen, and Yuan Shu was captured alive by Lu Bu. However…” Contrary to the Emperor’s joy, Yang Biao wore a worried expression.

“I knew we hadn’t misjudged the Marquis of Wen!” Before Yang Biao could finish, the excited Emperor interrupted him.

“When the treacherous Dong Zhuo fell by the Marquis’s blade, and now capturing the rebel Yuan Shu, he truly sets an example for all subjects under heaven. We must bestow upon him a great reward!” The Emperor felt utterly elated.

With the Han Dynasty weakened and warlords dividing the land, he understood that his position as Emperor held more title than power. Yet, Lu Bu had willingly taken up arms against Yuan Shu, who dared to proclaim himself emperor, how could this not deeply move him?

Here stood one of the rarest loyal subjects in the realm!

After calming down, the Emperor turned to Yang Biao and Fu Wan, brimming with enthusiasm. “Mr. Yang, Imperial Father-in-law, what rewards do you suggest we grant to the Marquis of Wen? What titles and positions should be bestowed upon him?”

Lu Bu’s unwavering loyalty and extraordinary achievements demanded significant recognition from the Emperor.

However, both Yang Biao and Fu Wan wore somber expressions and remained silent.

“My dear ministers, why do you not speak?” The Emperor noticed their unease, perplexed. With Yuan Shu captured, this should have been momentous news; why did they look so troubled?

“Your Majesty…” Fu Wan sighed deeply, his face filled with sorrow. “It is true that Lu Bu has apprehended Yuan Shu, but…but he is now escorting him to Yecheng, intending to pay homage to the Emperor there.”

“To Yecheng? To pay homage to the Emperor?” The Emperor was taken aback, confusion written across his face. “We reside here in Xu County. Why would Marquis of Wen go to Yecheng?”

Yang Biao cautiously reminded him, “Has Your Majesty forgotten? That treacherous Yuan Shao orchestrated a deception in Yecheng, finding someone to impersonate the Emperor. The ‘Emperor’ Lu Bu seeks to honor is that imposter.”

The Emperor shuddered involuntarily, his pupils contracting sharply. How could he have forgotten such a crucial detail?!

There was another Emperor in Yecheng!

In disbelief, the Emperor protested, “That Emperor is merely an impostor chosen by Yuan Shao. We alone are the rightful Emperor! Given the deep bond between us as sovereign and subject, how could Marquis of Wen fall for Yuan Shao’s deceit?”

Panic set in.

Originally, he had paid no heed to the imposter at Yecheng, believing that falsehood could never replace truth. With loyal ministers by his side and his family in the imperial harem, there was ample proof of his rightful identity. Yuan Shao might deceive some for a time, but not forever; it was only a matter of when the lie would be exposed.

However, even Lu Bu now believed the impostor to be genuine! This realization brought home the gravity of the situation.

If Lu Bu trusted the fake, how many others did as well? Once enough people accepted the deception, the false would become true.

Instantly, the Emperor’s hands and feet went cold, his face drained of color, terror flickering in his eyes.

“Could it be…that we will become the imposter?” His voice trembled, barely holding back tears.

Yang Biao and Fu Wan wore expressions of deep anguish, their faces grim.

Like the Emperor, they initially thought Yuan Shao’s counterfeit ruler posed little threat. Without their endorsement, no pretender could deceive the world indefinitely. Yet, events had unfolded far beyond their expectations.

At this rate, the false might soon supplant the true, rendering the authentic a sham instead!

“Speak, Mr. Yang, Imperial Father-in-Law,” the Emperor sobbed. “We are terribly frightened when you remain silent.”

A profound sense of injustice and fury welled within him.

How had such a dignified Emperor come to this fate?

His southern lands, his throne, his Marquis of Wen—all threatened by that imposter!

Fu Wan felt compelled to speak up first, turning to Yang Biao. “Do you have any plans, Mr. Yang? If the false Emperor acquires the jade seal from Yuan Shu, it will spell disaster.”

Yang Biao sighed deeply. “This matter is grave; allow me time to consider our options.”

Having lived through both the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Dong Zhuo’s tyranny, he understood all too well that notions of true or false were largely irrelevant.

Whether the Emperor before him or the one in Yecheng, they were mere puppets in the hands of traitors.

The Emperor in Yecheng was indeed a fraud; Fu Wan and Yang Biao knew it, and so did Yuan Shao.

But did it truly matter?

Clearly not.

What Yuan Shao needed was legitimacy—a pretext to rally the feudal lords under the Emperor’s banner.

At their core, both Emperors—real and fake—were merely tools for those in power.

Yet these truths could never be spoken aloud to the Emperor himself.

“Mr. Yang, you must aid us; we cannot let that false dragon usurp the throne of Great Han! How could I face our ancestors otherwise?” The Emperor was utterly distraught.

“I shall do my utmost to assist Your Majesty,” Yang Biao solemnly replied.

After his two ministers left, the Emperor remained alone in his palace chambers, wiping away tears as he muttered, “It is clear that I am the true Son of Heaven!”

“Fengxian, how could you fall for Yuan Shao’s deception and believe in their fake Emperor?”

“Oh Fengxian, please open your eyes and don’t abandon us!”

Over thirty kilometers away from Yecheng…

Lu Bu, astride his Red Hare mount, wore a radiant expression.

These recent days had been filled with triumph for him. As they drew closer to Yecheng, his excitement grew. He couldn’t wait to meet the Emperor and recount his achievements.

“Xuande, is the Great General often busy with official duties? Does he find time for his beautiful concubines at home? And wouldn’t indulging in alcohol while in military service be inappropriate?”

Upon hearing Lu Bu’s sudden peculiar questions, Liu Bei pondered briefly before realizing that “the Great General” referred to someone other than Yuan Shao.

“The position of Great General carries great authority and responsibility, naturally leading to a busy schedule. Regarding alcohol, it’s best to abstain during military service.”

Lu Bu nodded slightly, thinking to himself, “As the Great General, I must set an example for others and lead by personal conduct. It’s not ideal to delegate all official duties to Gongtai, and I should also refrain from drinking while in the army.”

Not wanting to disturb Lu Bu’s deep thoughts, Liu Bei remained silent until eventually pointing ahead and saying, “After crossing this creek, Yecheng will be just twenty li away.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Bu’s spirits lifted immediately. “Excellent!” he exclaimed. “Pass the order—quickly advance! We must reach Yecheng before sunset!”

Just as his voice trailed off, they heard Yuan Shu shouting from afar.

“Honey water! I demand honey water; bring it quickly!”

In a heavily guarded prisoner’s cart nearby, Yuan Shu gripped the bars with both hands, bellowing indignantly. The scorching heat had parched him so much that smoke seemed ready to rise from his throat, yet these brutish soldiers wouldn’t even provide him a bowl of honey water.

Despite being captured, he was still the Emperor. Who dared treat an Emperor like this? It was utterly blasphemous!