Volume 1, Chapter 4: The First Morning Court, Deliberations Renewed
Page 1/3
After Jia Xu left, Liu Xie returned to the back hall of the imperial chamber. Candlelight filtered through the mica screen, casting the delicate silhouette of Empress Fu Shou onto the silk gauze, like a flowing portrait of a noble lady. The fifteen-year-old Empress knelt before the table, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of a tea cup, the steam long since dissipated.
“Your Majesty.” Hearing footsteps, Fu Shou hurriedly rose and bowed. The hem of her pale yellow skirt brushed the green bricks, producing a faint rustle. When she looked up, Liu Xie noticed the faint bluish shadows under her eyes—this girl had likely waited the entire night. After all, ancient entertainment was scarce, confined within the palace walls, with no authority—like a caged bird unable to fly free.
“System, scan.” Liu Xie silently commanded.
Fu Shou, age 15
Leadership: 12
Martial Prowess: 18
Intelligence: 82
Politics: 77
Charm: 93
Special Skill: Supportive Consort (When husband and wife are harmonious, the host’s attributes increase by 1–5 points)
Current Intimacy: 65 (more respect than closeness)
“No need for formalities, Consort.” Liu Xie reached out as if to support her, but withdrew his fingers just before contact. Since entering the palace half a year ago, their closest interaction had been holding hands during rituals.
Suddenly, Fu Shou stepped forward slightly, her youthful breath sweet and low as she whispered, “I heard... Jia Wen He has entered the palace today?” Her eyelashes fluttered like startled butterfly wings. “I prepared a wakefulness potion...”
Behind the screen, Zheng Sen gripped his sword tightly. How could such confidential talk be known to Consort Fu? Was there a spy for Li Jue in the palace?
Liu Xie’s gaze sharpened.
“All attendants, withdraw.” He dismissed the servants and personally poured warm tea for Fu Shou. As the sound of water filling the cup mingled with silence, he spoke softly, “Consort, do you understand that if those words were to spread...”
“You would die.” Fu Shou took up the sentence, her pale fingers entwined tightly. “But I fear Your Majesty even more...” Her voice broke abruptly as a tear fell onto the table between them.
On impulse, Liu Xie grasped her hand.
The girl’s palm was cold and moist, reminding him of the fawn he saved during last winter’s hunt.
“Look at me.” He guided her hand to touch the jade beads hanging from his coronet. “Do you know why there are twelve strings of jade?”
Fu Shou shook her head in stunned silence, tears still clinging to her cheeks.
“Each string represents a chain that binds me.” Liu Xie guided her fingers to move the beads. “Li Jue, Guo Si, military power, finances...” Upon reaching the ninth string, Fu Shou suddenly clasped his hand in hers.
“The twelfth string should be unlocked by me.” Her eyes shone with a sudden brilliance as she produced a rolled silk map from her sleeve. “This is the deployment map of the Bingzhou garrison, obtained through my father’s connections.”
Liu Xie’s mind thundered.
Bingzhou military layout!
Currently occupied by the Heishan Army, the White Wave Army, and... the Zhang Yang Army?
The Heishan Army was relatively distant from Chang’an, while the White Wave Army was commanded by Han Xian, who seemed to have a past with Yang Feng. If possible, recruiting them and purging their dregs while retaining their best soldiers would be a fine reinforcement.
As for the Zhang Yang Army, there seemed to be no particularly formidable figures.
Wait!
Liu Xie recalled history: when he returned to Luoyang, who immediately defected upon hearing the news and suggested bringing in Cao Cao to rescue Emperor Xian?
Dong Zhao!
Could it be that Fu Wan had connections with Dong Zhao?
These were crucial aids in Liu Xie's reversal of fortune!
But why was this not recorded historically, yet it was happening now?
Unable to ponder further, Liu Xie warmly embraced the beauty before him.
“Thank you, Shou’er,” he said firmly, the warmth of his chest causing Fu Shou’s face to flush deeply.
[Notification: Fu Shou’s intimacy +15, now 80]
[Supportive Consort effect activated: Host’s Intelligence +1, Charm +1]
With the system’s prompt, Liu Xie gradually calmed.
Host: Liu Xie
Leadership: 60
Martial Prowess: 60
Intelligence: 81 (80+1)
Politics: 62
Charm: 81 (80+1)
Remaining National Fortune: 100
[Mandate of Heaven]:
Effect 1: When in danger, 50% chance to trigger “Survival Against Odds,” randomly granting a temporary buff.
Effect 2: Gains 1 national fortune point daily.
Seeing the increase in intelligence and charm, Liu Xie felt joy but also concern.
“System, can the Supportive Consort skill only trigger once?”
[Triggered based on intimacy and harmony level, unlimited triggers allowed but attribute increases have caps.]
Relieved, Liu Xie settled his mind.
—
Year 194 AD, First Month, Weiyang Palace, Chang’an.
Morning mist still lingered, the palace’s flying eaves faintly visible like a dormant beast. Before the palace gates, armored imperial guards stood solemn, their eyes coldly scanning the officials filing in.
Today was the first morning court after the emperor’s crowning ceremony. Though Li Jue and Guo Si were arrogant, they dared not be too reckless; the Han dynasty was weak, but the court’s dignity must be upheld.
Liu Xie sat upright on the dragon throne, the jade beads of his coronet swinging gently, obscuring his sharp gaze.
He slowly scanned the ministers and silently ordered, “System, scan.”
Instantly, data appeared before his eyes:
Li Jue: Leadership 89, Martial 87, Intelligence 68, Politics 52, Han Loyalty 10
Guo Si: Leadership 84, Martial 85, Intelligence 62, Politics 48, Han Loyalty 18
Yang Biao: Leadership 45, Martial 30, Intelligence 85, Politics 90, Han Loyalty 75
Jia Xu: Leadership 72, Martial 65, Intelligence 100, Politics 89, Loyalty 92
Liu Xie’s heart stirred. Jia Xu’s intelligence reached 100, and loyalty had risen to 92. Did last night’s conversation truly work—had he pledged allegiance?
He quickly queried the system:
[Jia Xu has pledged allegiance to host; skill activated; Intelligence +2; loyalty displayed only toward the host.]
Jia Xu pledged allegiance after just one night? A pleasant surprise!
[Detection: Jia Xu pledged allegiance; host successfully weakened Li Jue’s faction; gained 50 national fortune points; current fortune: 151.]
Was 50 points a lot? Without reference, Liu Xie couldn’t say.
He continued scanning.
Zhong Yao: Leadership 60, Martial 45, Intelligence 85, Politics 88, Han Loyalty 82
Zhong Yao? The current Yellow Gate Attendant? With loyalty at 82, a slight push, and he’d be a major asset.
Dong Cheng: Leadership 75, Martial 68, Intelligence 72, Politics 65, Han Loyalty 95
Dong Guojiu remained trustworthy, though less capable. Compared to the outstanding Cao Cao, a noble defeat.
Dong Cheng’s daughter had entered the palace a few days ago; Liu Xie had yet to meet her. She was still a noble lady.
The Guojiu faction was a notable force to control.
Fan Chou: Leadership 80, Martial 84, Intelligence 58, Politics 40, Charm 60, Han Loyalty 45
Zhang Ji: Leadership 80, Martial 78, Intelligence 65, Politics 60, Charm 50, Han Loyalty 50
The four generals of Liangzhou—Fan Chou and Zhang Ji—might still be swayed. But Fan Chou was reportedly killed by Li Jue at a banquet after being recalled to attack Chang’an. His military command was given to Zhang Ji, who then moved away from court to garrison Hongnong.
However, when his gaze swept over the old officials who had followed him from Luoyang to Chang’an, his heart sank—
Eunuch Wang De: Han Loyalty 25, Li Jue Loyalty 85
Palace Maid Liao Shi: Han Loyalty 20, Guo Si Loyalty 80
Commander of Guards Zhang Fang: Han Loyalty 15, Li Jue Loyalty 90
“Hah, all bribed...” Liu Xie sneered coldly, a chill flashing in his eyes.
Page 2/3
The morning court ended swiftly. Li Jue and Guo Si reported a few trivial matters and then dismissed the assembly.
Liu Xie rose without expression, already plotting his next move.
Back in his chamber, he dismissed all attendants except Zheng Sen.
“Your Majesty, they...” Zheng Sen hesitated.
“I know.” Liu Xie sneered, “These so-called ‘old servants’ have long been spies for Li Jue and Guo Si.”
Zheng Sen frowned deeply and whispered, “Then Your Majesty’s next step...?”
Liu Xie’s gaze deepened. “Tonight, secretly bring Yang Biao to see me. Also, notify Jia Xu that I wish to meet him.”
Zheng Sen bowed and quietly withdrew.
Night fell, shrouding Chang’an in silence.
In Liu Xie’s chamber, candle flames flickered, casting shadows over his pale face.
Outside, the cold wind howled like ghostly whispers, chilling the soul.
Suddenly, the door opened softly. Zheng Sen led in an elderly man with white hair.
“Old servant Yang Biao pays respects to Your Majesty.” Yang Biao knelt unsteadily, his voice low and respectful.
Liu Xie hurried forward to support him. “Rise, Lord Yang. Summoning you this late is out of necessity.”
Yang Biao looked up, his cloudy eyes reflecting sorrow. “Your Majesty suffers greatly...”
Liu Xie forced a bitter smile. “Lord Yang, I summoned you to ask—how many loyal ministers remain in court?”
Yang Biao was silent for a moment before sighing. “Li Jue and Guo Si’s power is vast; officials fear them, and few dare speak frankly. Only old generals like Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun remain loyal, but they are sidelined, barred from court.”
A cold light flashed in Liu Xie’s eyes. “Lord Yang, will you assist me?”
Yang Biao took a deep breath and solemnly replied, “Though aged, if Your Majesty commands, I would die a thousand deaths without complaint!”
Liu Xie nodded slightly, heart eased.
At that moment, faint footsteps sounded outside.
“Your Majesty, Lord Jia has arrived.” Zheng Sen whispered.
Liu Xie’s gaze sharpened. “Let him in.”
Jia Xu entered with measured steps, his eyes briefly resting on Yang Biao before bowing to Liu Xie. “Minister Jia Xu pays respects, Your Majesty.”
Liu Xie gestured for him to rise and spoke directly. “Minister Jia, I summoned you to hear your opinion on Li Jue and Guo Si.”
Jia Xu smiled faintly, eyes gleaming. “Your Majesty asks how to make them... destroy each other?”
Liu Xie’s pupils contracted, secretly shocked. “Indeed.”
Jia Xu stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Though Li Jue, Guo Si, Fan Chou, and Zhang Ji share power, their personalities differ greatly—Li Jue is stubborn and suspicious; Guo Si greedy and lustful; Fan Chou and Zhang Ji command troops but lack decisiveness. A little provocation from Your Majesty would certainly sow discord.”
Liu Xie pondered. “How specifically?”
A sharp light sparked in Jia Xu’s eyes. “Guo Si’s wife is very jealous. A counterintelligence scheme targeting her could turn Guo Si against Li Jue, who already looks down on him. If they quarrel...”
Liu Xie raised an eyebrow. “You mean, make Guo Si suspect Li Jue?”
Jia Xu nodded. “More than that, I will arrange for rumors that Guo Si seeks sole power and plots to eliminate Li Jue.”
Yang Biao couldn’t help but say, “Excellent plan. My wife knows Guo Si’s wife and could be enlisted to carry it out.”
Jia Xu smiled calmly. “With Lord Yang’s presence, I feel much at ease.”
After a moment’s thought, Liu Xie suddenly asked, “Minister Jia, if this succeeds, what do I gain?”
Jia Xu’s gaze deepened. “Once Li Jue and Guo Si clash, Chang’an will be thrown into chaos. Then, Your Majesty can rally Fan Chou, Zhang Ji, and other old Liangzhou troops, as well as seize control of the Imperial Guard!”
Liu Xie’s eyes blazed with excitement. He slammed the table. “Excellent! We proceed with this plan!”
Late at night, Yang Biao and Jia Xu departed quietly.
Liu Xie stood by the window, gazing into the black sky, his heart stirred.
“Your Majesty, is this plan too risky?” Zheng Sen whispered.
Liu Xie shook his head slowly. “In turbulent times, without risk, one is merely prey.”
He turned to Zheng Sen with resolve. “Tomorrow, secretly contact Hu Che’er and tell him... I wish to see him!”
Zheng Sen solemnly cupped his fist. “Your servant obeys!”
Outside, the cold wind howled as if heralding a coming storm of blood and chaos over Chang’an...
Page 3/3