Chapter 50: So You Noticed Even That

Although the display was convincing, many still doubted its authenticity.

Thus, some cautiously approached to inquire.

“Yes, today we are indeed opening the granaries to distribute food.”

“However, I hope you all understand one thing.”

“Though we have grain in our hands now, it is limited.”

“If we wish to be fed forever, we must rely on our own labor.”

“But do not worry—from tomorrow onward, I will lead you in farming.”

“Though this year’s drought is severe, please believe me.”

“As long as you follow me, I promise you will see hope.”

“Today, collect your rations, go home, eat and drink well.”

“Tomorrow, all the men gather here again, and I will take you to the fields.”

Liu Xie was rallying the people.

But hearing this, Zhang Xiu and the others could only shake their heads helplessly.

At such a time, to talk of farming…

They did not believe Liu Xie could truly farm.

Moreover, they were certain that it would not be long before Cao Cao returned with his forces.

By then, they would have only a little over three thousand soldiers.

How could they withstand Cao Cao’s assault?

“Now, line up for your grain.”

Liu Xie summoned the crowd and began distributing the food.

Watching the large sacks empty one after another, Zhang Xiu felt a pang in his heart.

“Master Liu, might I have a word with you in private?” Jia Xu approached, speaking softly to Liu Xie.

“Certainly, Master Jia.” Liu Xie smiled.

He followed Jia Xu into a room in the governor’s residence.

But as soon as the door closed behind them, Jia Xu suddenly knelt, his forehead touching the floor.

“Jia Xu pays homage to Your Majesty!” His reverence was absolute.

Liu Xie was momentarily stunned, curiosity sparked within him.

How did he know his true identity?

“Master Jia, how did you discover this?”

Liu Xie helped him up, asking gently.

“Your Majesty, your name is Liu Shi Ban—but if you combine the characters for ‘Shi’ and ‘Ban,’ it forms ‘Xie.’ Liu Xie, which is your name, Your Majesty.”

Jia Xu truly lived up to his reputation as one of the famed strategists of the Three Kingdoms.

His intellect was remarkable.

To deduce Liu Xie’s identity merely from his name.

---

“Master Jia, you are indeed a man of great insight. Even this could not escape your notice.”

“So, is there something you wish to discuss privately?”

Though Jia Xu had guessed his identity, Liu Xie remained calm, without airs of superiority.

“Your Majesty, I am curious—what is your intention behind opening the granaries today?”

Jia Xu asked carefully.

Liu Xie smiled lightly, “Master Jia, I imagine you already have some suspicion.”

Indeed, though he asked, Liu Xie believed Jia Xu had already discerned his purpose.

“Your Majesty, you intend to win the hearts of the people of Wan City with this grain?”

As expected, Jia Xu voiced his thoughts.

Liu Xie nodded, “Yes, but this is only the beginning.”

“For more than a year now, the land has endured drought. The people, driven by hunger, long only for a full meal.”

“I give them food so they might trust us—yet this is far from enough.”

“To truly win the people’s hearts, I must give them hope.”

“And that hope begins tomorrow, with the farming.”

Liu Xie explained his plan simply.

“What? Your Majesty, you truly intend to farm?”

When Liu Xie had spoken earlier of farming, Jia Xu had thought it a jest.

Now it seemed he meant it in earnest.

“Yes, only when the people see that the land can yield crops, and their future is secured, will their loyalty become unwavering.”

Liu Xie spoke as much to Jia Xu as to himself.

He knew, in this era, he held no advantages.

Though he possessed advanced ideas and knowledge of history, in this age of warlords, he had neither troops nor generals.

All he could do was gain the people’s support as much as possible.

After all, as the saying goes, whoever wins the hearts of the people, wins the world.

“But Your Majesty, this is a drought—farming is impossible without water.”

Jia Xu remained anxious.

“I have already considered this.”

“Yes, farming requires water—but rain is not the only source.”

Indeed, Liu Xie hailed from the twenty-first century.

There was a method to obtain water: digging wells.

Especially in the region around Wan City, the soil was fertile, and water resources abundant.

---

Wells could be dug almost anywhere—hardly a difficult task.

“It seems Your Majesty has made preparations.”

“Your Majesty, there is something I hesitate to say…”

Jia Xu pondered, then asked softly.

Liu Xie smiled, “You wish to ask why I am here.”

“As an emperor, should I not be in the palace at Xuchang?”

Jia Xu nodded.

That was precisely his question.

Now he was certain that Liu Shi Ban was in truth their Han Emperor, Liu Xie.

But he could not fathom why Liu Xie was here.

At this, Liu Xie sighed deeply.

“To be frank, I escaped.”

“Perhaps you do not know, but relocating the capital from Luoyang to Xuchang was Cao Cao’s idea.”

“He wanted the court near his doorstep.”

“He holds me captive, controls the government, and uses my name to command the warlords of the realm.”

“I could not accept this, so I escaped.”

Liu Xie summarized the situation.

Jia Xu’s heart shifted; evidently, he had not expected such misfortune.

That the Son of Heaven could be so destitute…

“Master Jia, from now on I remain Liu Shi Ban; my identity must stay concealed.”

“Cao Cao is searching for me everywhere, so hiding my identity is essential.”

Jia Xu nodded silently. He understood well the importance of secrecy.

“Rest assured, Master Liu—from now on, Jia Xu will devote himself to assisting you.”

Jia Xu’s attitude had changed considerably—a clear sign of his commitment.

Liu Xie smiled, sensing Jia Xu’s thoughts.

Now was a time of hardship for the Han, and a crossroads for Liu Xie, the emperor.

If Jia Xu could help Liu Xie reclaim the throne and rule the land,

Then he would become the emperor’s most trusted minister.

At that time, his status and position would soar.

Of course, Jia Xu cared little for such things.

He simply believed that, in this way, his sense of accomplishment would be greater.

For a strategist, serving the right master was the most important thing.

“Well then, from today onward, much remains for us to do.”

“But for now, our most urgent task is to consolidate our territory.”