Chapter 99: Liu Bei Seeks Refuge

Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu, and Hu Cher were arguably the most trusted figures by Liu Xie’s side at present.

From the very beginning, they had remained loyal, accompanying him through every trial. Along the way, they had done much on his behalf, so entrusting them with important matters brought him a deep sense of reassurance.

Currently, Jia Xu mainly oversaw the livelihood of the people and the majority of political affairs. Hu Cher was responsible for the defense of various cities, while Zhang Xiu supervised the overall situation in the region.

All three had been appointed by Liu Xie to crucial positions, and he believed they would not disappoint him.

“By the way, gentlemen, there is one more matter,” said Liu Xie. “Before I formalize my reign, these tasks must be completed.”

“You all know I was once held hostage by Cao Cao in Xuchang. The reason I managed to escape was due to the help of many within the palace.”

“Now that I have regained my strength, I cannot turn a blind eye to them.”

“I have already discussed this with Gong Tai. Indeed, accomplishing this will be difficult, but I am determined to try.”

“As for how to proceed, I still need to give it careful thought.”

“From now on, generals, each of you shall fulfill your duties. If necessary, you may need to dispatch troops to assist.”

Regarding the palace maids in Xuchang, Liu Xie wished to bring them out. If he failed to do so, he felt as though he were abandoning them—a feeling he could not bear. He did not wish to be heartless.

“We shall obey the Emperor’s orders!” came the loud response.

One after another, many departed, leaving behind Zhang Xiu, Hu Cher, Jia Xu, and Chen Gong. Liu Xie wished to consult with these individuals about forthcoming plans.

“Gentlemen, now only the few of us remain. Speak freely—what are your suggestions?”

Upon hearing this, the group exchanged looks and fell silent for a moment before Jia Xu spoke first.

“Your Majesty, if you wish to bring them all out, the first step must be to send someone into the city to gather their families together.”

“First, their families must be secretly escorted out of Xuchang. Afterward, the maids themselves.”

“But they are currently surrounded by Cao Cao’s forces, which makes this difficult.”

What Jia Xu proposed was the most reasonable plan, yet implementing it would be no small feat.

If a large number of palace maids suddenly disappeared, Cao Cao would surely notice and might retaliate against their families.

Therefore, the families must be brought out first, then the maids—who numbered several hundred and were all in Cao Cao’s presence.

Extracting them all at once seemed nearly impossible.

“Enough, then. First, bring out their families,” Liu Xie resolved.

“As for the maids themselves, it seems we may have to create some sort of major disturbance.”

He took a deep breath, his mind gradually forming a plan.

“Your Majesty, do you already have a plan? Or are you preparing to deploy troops for some action?” Chen Gong asked again.

Liu Xie thought for a moment before replying, “I will arrange for this.”

“Currently, it is still relatively easy to enter and exit Xuchang. I shall send men to secretly and gradually escort their families out.”

“As for the maids themselves…”

“General Gao, where are you?”

At these words, Liu Xie summoned Gao Shun.

Gao Shun strode forward.

“I am at your service!”

“General Gao, dispatch the Wolf Shadow Guards disguised to enter Xuchang. Remember, it must be done in secret.”

“Rest assured, someone will receive you inside and inform you of the next steps.”

“And where are Lü Bu, Wei Yan, Huang Zhong, and Wen Pin?”

Liu Xie summoned Lü Bu once more.

Soon, Lü Bu, Wei Yan, Huang Zhong, and Wen Pin entered clad in armor.

“You four, return to your commands and dispatch troops. When necessary, be ready to send forces to Xuchang.”

“We obey!” they responded in unison before withdrawing.

Chen Gong and Jia Xu exchanged glances; they were beginning to understand Liu Xie’s intent.

“Your Majesty, you intend to sow chaos in Xuchang and then use the disorder to extract them?”

Chen Gong whispered.

Liu Xie nodded slightly. Indeed, that was his plan.

He knew it was risky, but he was willing to try.

After all, those palace maids had helped him greatly.

“Report!”

At that moment, a subordinate rushed in.

“Your Majesty, Liu Bei requests an audience!”

“What?” Liu Xie was momentarily stunned upon hearing Liu Bei’s name.

“Did you say Liu Bei has come?” he asked in disbelief.

Liu Bei’s arrival was a surprise beyond his expectations.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Besides Liu Bei, there are three others.”

The others could only be guessed: Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—no one else accompanied Liu Bei at this juncture.

“Very well, let them in.”

Liu Xie prepared to meet them.

Shortly after, led by a retainer, Liu Bei and his sworn brothers entered briskly.

As Liu Xie expected, the four were Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun.

“Liu Bei pays respects to Your Majesty!” Liu Bei knelt immediately, followed by the others.

“Uncle Liu needn’t be so formal,” Liu Xie said.

“It has been nearly two years since we parted in Xuchang.”

Recalling two years prior, when Liu Xie had just transmigrated into this world and was held hostage by Cao Cao, Liu Bei had come to join Cao Cao, leading to a candid conversation in the palace.

Now, Liu Xie held Jing and Yi provinces, his power vastly expanded.

Liu Bei remained much the same.

“Your Majesty speaks truly,” Liu Bei responded.

“Since parting in Xuchang, I have never ceased yearning to restore the Han dynasty. Fortunate indeed that Your Majesty escaped.”

“I am a loyal subject of the Han. I pledge to serve Your Majesty with all my might.”

He then kowtowed deeply.

Liu Xie understood immediately: Liu Bei had come to pledge allegiance.

It made sense—amid the stabilized power struggles among the warlords, Liu Bei had lost Xu Province and had nowhere else to turn.

As a scion of the Han royal family, joining Liu Xie was his best option.

Liu Xie welcomed him, for Liu Bei was no ordinary man.

Moreover, his retainers—Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—were renowned generals.

“Excellent. Henceforth, Uncle Liu shall assist me in restoring the Han dynasty.”

“I believe that with his support, our cause will advance more smoothly.”

Liu Bei’s arrival was both expected and surprising.

Expected because Liu Bei was desperate and, as a Han descendant, would naturally come.

Surprising because it happened so quickly, revealing the sincerity behind Liu Bei’s dedication to the Han cause.

“Uncle Liu,” Liu Xie said, “I am presently discussing affairs with these gentlemen.”

“Perhaps you are unaware, but my escape from Xuchang was thanks to the palace maids’ assistance.”

“Now, I wish to bring them and their families out of Xuchang.”

“Do you have any good suggestions or plans?”

Again, Liu Xie posed this question to Liu Bei.

Bowing, Liu Bei clasped his fists.

“Your Majesty’s benevolence commands respect. Whatever Your Majesty decides, I shall carry out fully.”

Liu Bei was wise—he said nothing else but conveyed his unwavering commitment to follow orders.

“Very well, Uncle Liu,” Liu Xie continued.

“If we must deploy troops, I hope you will join Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, and the others in the campaign.”

Mentioning Lü Bu caused Liu Bei’s expression to darken slightly.

During their time in Xu Province, they had clashed bitterly.

Lü Bu had ambushed Liu Bei unexpectedly, leaving him like a stray dog.

The enmity between them was deep, especially for Zhang Fei, who held a strong disdain for Lü Bu.

“Your Majesty, in my opinion,” Zhang Fei said fiercely, “why not entrust us with the troops?”

“As long as we have soldiers, we can surely defeat Cao Cao!”

“Third brother, do not speak rashly,” Liu Bei hastily rebuked him.

“Your Majesty, we will obey your orders in all things.”

Liu Bei’s attitude was commendable, though Liu Xie could sense his reluctance.

“Uncle Liu, I hope you understand something,” Liu Xie said.

“Since you have come to my side, you must be more amicable.”

“Indeed, Lü Bu has his flaws, but Uncle Liu, can you dismiss a man entirely for a few shortcomings?”

“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. For example, you, Zhang Yide, are without fault?”

“If you despise Lü Bu, I ask, does no one despise you?”

Liu Xie addressed them with a psychological appeal.

They stood silently, listening attentively.

“In short, as far as I am concerned, I do not care about a person’s past.”

“If they sincerely come to serve me, I shall treat them well.”

“No exceptions.”

“Of course, if anyone dares to cause disorder under my rule, I shall not spare them.”

“My meaning is simple: once here, it is a fresh start.”

“The past shall not be mentioned.”

“But if anyone dares to act destructively from this new beginning, I will ensure their ruin beyond redemption.”