Chapter 121: Subduing Jiaozhou

After entering, Liu Xie praised Shixie extensively regarding the situation in Jiaozhou.

Hearing this, Shixie's face instantly brightened with pride, feeling that his years of achievements had indeed been recognized by others.

Moreover, it was recognition from the current emperor himself.

However, Cheng Pu, who overheard the conversation, felt deeply uncomfortable.

"Your Majesty flatters me. What merit or ability do I have? It is only because of Your Majesty’s wisdom that we have today," Shixie said with a slight bow, speaking politely.

But his words were far from sincere.

Praising the emperor’s wisdom? Everyone knew the true nature of this emperor—there was no such thing as wisdom.

"Minister Shixie, that’s not right. I was never truly wise," Liu Xie replied.

"In the past, I was quite useless, controlled by Dong Zhuo, unable to do anything. Later, I was taken to Xuchang by Cao Cao."

"I became a mere tool in their hands to control the Han dynasty. Saying that, I am truly ashamed."

Liu Xie appeared sorrowful, reflecting on those past events with self-reproach.

"Your Majesty is too humble. Now, Your Majesty is deeply loved by the people in Jingzhou and Yizhou. And indeed, it is Your Majesty’s wisdom that has allowed their people to live peaceful and prosperous lives."

"In comparison, my Jiaozhou is truly lacking," Shixie continued to flatter Liu Xie, even adjusting his self-reference from "I" to the more humble "your servant."

Meanwhile, Cheng Pu, listening nearby, was far from calm.

"Minister Shixie, you jest. This time, I merely came to inspect the situation here," Liu Xie said.

"Oh, this is General Cheng Pu, isn’t it? How coincidental to meet you here," Liu Xie added, suddenly acting as if he had just spotted Cheng Pu.

"Ah, your servant greets Your Majesty," Cheng Pu replied, inwardly wishing he could slap himself twice.

Given the current situation between Jiangdong and Liu Xie, Cheng Pu wished he could draw his sword and kill Liu Xie on the spot.

Yet, no matter what, Liu Xie was still the nominal emperor of the Han dynasty.

Though Jiangdong had been developing independently, in name they still remained subjects of the Han.

So Cheng Pu could only obediently pay his respects.

"Your Majesty, please come inside," Shixie said.

"Bring in the feast," Liu Xie ordered.

Soon, a sumptuous banquet was laid out in the hall of the Governor’s Mansion.

Liu Xie sat in the seat of honor, with Shixie seated right next to him.

Among those present, Cheng Pu was the most uneasy.

He felt like sitting on pins and needles.

He was a general from Jiangdong, originally sent to pacify Jiaozhou.

But now, Jiaozhou was not subdued, and he was sitting here drinking and dining with their adversaries.

It was an unbearable frustration for Cheng Pu.

"Minister Shixie, you know that I escaped from Xuchang two years ago," Liu Xie began.

"My ambition is to restore the Han dynasty, to bring this land back under the Han’s embrace once more."

"Unfortunately, I lacked the ability and understanding before. Now the world is in turmoil."

"My return to power this time is for the restoration of the Han."

"Minister Shixie, you are a loyal subject of the Han, governing Jiaozhou, right by my side."

"Therefore, I have come to ascertain your stance."

"Minister Shixie, can you help me restore the Han dynasty?"

Liu Xie smiled as he revealed the purpose of his visit.

Hearing this, both Shixie and Cheng Pu were stunned.

Since Cheng Pu was present, Shixie did not know how to respond, and Cheng Pu was equally unsure of Shixie’s position.

Seeing Shixie hesitate, Liu Xie smiled again and continued.

"Our forces in Jingzhou and Yizhou, after more than a year of development, now number 1.4 million infantry."

"And that’s just the foot soldiers. Additionally, we have 200,000 naval troops."

"As for commanders, besides the original officers and soldiers from Jingzhou, Yizhou, and Hanzhong, we also have Lü Bu and his men."

"I am determined to restore the Han; this is a resolve I will never abandon."

"I have always adhered to the principle of peaceful development. If everyone submits, I will treat them as my own."

"However, if anyone becomes an obstacle on my path to restoring the Han—"

"Then I’m sorry, but my million-strong army will have to take action."

"Of course, I only intend to win the hearts of the people when taking these cities. As for territory—"

"Whoever governs should continue to do so, unless they fail to provide the people with a good life."

"Minister Shixie, I have great confidence in you."

"My purpose in coming is to know your attitude."

"Are you still a subject of our great Han dynasty?"

Within Liu Xie’s words was both threat and consolation.

By the end, Shixie gradually calmed down, and Cheng Pu dared not speak further.

"Your Majesty speaks wisely. Your servant has always been your subject," Shixie said, affirming his allegiance.

At this, Cheng Pu completely lost hope.

"Good. Since that is so, I am content with your attitude," Liu Xie said.

"Jiaozhou will remain under your governance. However, I have introduced some new inventions in Jingzhou and Yizhou—"

"These are beneficial things that enhance people’s livelihoods."

"Also, although Jiaozhou’s livelihood is decent, its military forces are severely lacking."

"Therefore, to ensure the people of Jiaozhou are not disturbed by war and can live in peace,"

"I plan to station some troops in Jiaozhou."

"Minister Shixie, rest assured, I am sending them to help you defend the city. They will not interfere in other matters."

"After all, the world is chaotic. Should any hostile forces attack and disrupt the peace of Jiaozhou’s people, that would be unacceptable."

Liu Xie explained.

Cheng Pu’s face darkened.

He could tell that when Liu Xie mentioned "hostile forces," he was referring to Jiangdong.

"Your Majesty is considerate. Your servant obeys your command," Shixie respectfully agreed.

He also understood clearly that Liu Xie’s words implied siding with him would offend Jiangdong.

It would be hard to ensure Jiangdong would not act against them.

Thus, having troops from Jingzhou or Yizhou stationed in Jiaozhou was necessary.

"Haha, very well, Minister Shixie. Jiaozhou will be in your capable hands from now on."

"Rest assured, if anything arises, you can always come to me. Together, we will strive to revive the Han dynasty."

Liu Xie laughed heartily.

With that, their visit to Jiaozhou concluded on a very satisfactory note.