Chapter 61: Acquiring the Imperial Seal

In truth, their current inaction did not mean they would remain idle forever.

“Master, when shall we make our move?”

“Why not infiltrate Yuan Shu’s quarters now and steal the Imperial Jade Seal from him?”

Some of his followers were becoming restless.

Liu Xie gently shook his head. “It’s not yet time to act.”

“If we try to take it now, we might very well succeed,” another argued.

“But if Yuan Shu discovers the seal is missing, he’ll surely seal the city and launch a massive search. Then, we would be in grave danger. We must obtain the seal and escape safely.”

“Patience. Let them fight it out first,” Liu Xie replied calmly.

He understood well—in history, Yuan Shu was defeated by Cao Cao and his allies. All Liu Xie needed was to wait until Cao Cao reached Shouchun. When chaos erupted throughout the city, even if Yuan Shu realized the seal was gone, he’d be too busy fleeing for his life to focus on anything else.

With this clear in his mind, they did nothing for some time. News of battles arrived one after another at Yuan Shu’s door. Liu Xie kept himself informed of the situation outside.

After more than a month, a Wolf Shadow squad member rushed in, visibly excited.

“Master, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Ce, and Lü Bu have all arrived in the Shouchun area. I suspect they will attack soon.”

Liu Xie raised his eyebrows. “Their efficiency is impressive. That means it’s our turn as well. Keep your eyes on Cao Cao; when he acts, so do we.”

Liu Xie’s spirits lifted. His opportunity was at hand.

Outside Shouchun, events unfolded as history had recorded. Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Ce, and Lü Bu each sent troops, and Yuan Shu’s armies suffered defeat after defeat. Now, most of the Runan region had fallen from his grasp; all that remained was Shouchun.

As Liu Xie anticipated, Shouchun plunged into turmoil.

Yet, in this moment, Liu Xie entertained other thoughts. “It seems we must redouble our efforts,” he mused.

Historically, when Shouchun fell, Yuan Shu had already escaped. This time, Liu Xie intended to prevent his flight.

“Head toward the city gate. As soon as Cao Cao begins his assault, open it and let them in. Afterwards, regroup at the imperial palace.”

He gave his orders swiftly.

Time crept by. Within days, Cao Cao and his allies began their advance, launching a fierce attack on Shouchun.

As city soldiers fought desperately to repel them, twenty men clad in black suddenly burst forth, throwing the gate area into chaos. Before anyone could react, several defenders were slain. The soldiers guarding the gate were distracted and drawn towards the commotion, many falling in the brief upheaval.

In those fleeting moments, the Cao army battering at the gate broke it open. As the gates swung wide, the black-clad figures vanished with astonishing speed.

Cao’s troops swept into Shouchun like a tide, seizing every vital passage.

Before long, at the entrance to the palace, Liu Xie had already regrouped with his twenty Wolf Shadow squad members.

“Master, as you ordered, the Cao army has entered the city. I estimate they’ll reach here within the hour,” reported one subordinate.

Liu Xie nodded lightly. Though chaos reigned throughout the city, he remained composed and calm.

“Very well. Let’s find Yuan Shu.”

Liu Xie wasted no words and strode toward the palace.

“Who goes there? Halt!”

As they approached the palace gates, a stern voice barked at them.

Liu Xie’s expression remained indifferent. He gestured to his followers.

The Wolf Shadow squad moved in, dispatching the gatekeepers in the blink of an eye.

With their path cleared, the squad led the way, Liu Xie close behind. They quickly reached the inner palace.

In truth, they encountered little resistance; with the Cao army inside, everyone was scrambling to escape, paying no heed to newcomers.

Within the inner palace, Yuan Shu was frantically preparing to flee Shouchun with his family. The sudden intrusion threw everyone into panic.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Yuan Shu instinctively shouted.

Liu Xie walked over with a smile, his Wolf Shadow squad at his back.

“Well? Don’t you know who I am?” Liu Xie revealed his formidable aura.

He no longer concealed his identity; Yuan Shu had met him before, knew exactly who he was.

“Your—Your Majesty?” Yuan Shu was stunned, and the others stood, bewildered.

Liu Xie took a seat, smiling as he looked at Yuan Shu and his family.

“You know why I’m here. Hand over the Imperial Jade Seal, and I’ll escort your family out of this place.”

Yuan Shu was still confused, unable to fathom Liu Xie’s presence.

“Aren’t you in Xuchang? How did you come here?” Yuan Shu asked, bewildered.

Liu Xie leaned back, relaxed.

“Do you really believe all those orders came from me? I haven’t been in Xuchang for half a year. I escaped. Now, I have my own power and will restore the Han dynasty. Simply put, I am still Emperor. You, Yuan Shu, have usurped the throne.”

His tone darkened.

Yuan Shu was momentarily speechless.

“Cao’s troops, Sun Ce, and the others have already entered the city. Within the hour, they’ll reach this very place. Even if I let you go now, you won’t escape Shouchun. But if you hand over the seal, I can take you out. Of course, I could just kill you all and take the seal myself. But I’d rather give you a chance—don’t squander it.”

His words were edged with threat.

“Hmph. How do you know I can’t escape? I’ll deal with you first!” Yuan Shu truly did not regard him as Emperor.

“Guards, kill them!”

At his command, several guards rushed in, charging at Liu Xie. But before they could approach, the Wolf Shadow squad dispatched them all.

Yuan Shu and his household were stunned by the squad’s ruthless efficiency, gazing at Liu Xie in disbelief.

“I told you: give me the seal, and I’ll take your family out. Even if you leave now, you won’t escape Shouchun. What use is the seal to you? Will you carry it into the underworld? Besides, as long as I live, do you still dream of becoming Emperor?”

Liu Xie stood, advancing step by step.

Yuan Shu retreated, clearly terrified.

“Your Majesty, the Cao army has reached the palace gates! We must kill him and escape with the seal before it’s too late!” urged a Wolf Shadow squad member.

Liu Xie smiled, unhurried and calm.

“You heard them—the Cao army is at the doors. Do you think you can still escape? I’ll give you one last chance: if you refuse to hand over the seal, I’ll kill you myself to take it.”

He called out, and his Wolf Shadow squad members brandished curved blades, eyes locked on Yuan Shu.

“Father, give it up. The seal belongs to His Majesty,” pleaded a young woman at Yuan Shu’s side.

Her words surprised Liu Xie; he hadn’t expected anyone decent to be among Yuan Shu’s household.

Yuan Shu clutched a box to his chest, glancing nervously at Liu Xie.

“Will you not surrender it?” Liu Xie’s gaze turned dangerous, and his squad radiated murderous intent.

“I—I’ll hand it over.” Yuan Shu dared not protest further, immediately offering the seal.

Liu Xie took the box and opened it. Inside, as expected, lay the Imperial Jade Seal.

Satisfied, he nodded; at last, he had it.

“Your Majesty, can you truly take us out of here?” Yuan Shu asked, fear written on his face.

Liu Xie looked up at him.

“Yuan Gonglu, remember this: I am alive, the Han dynasty endures. As long as I live, no one may act rashly. This time, I grant you mercy; follow me henceforth. If I ever learn you plot treason again, I will kill you.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shu dared not hesitate. He knelt abruptly.

“Yes, Your Majesty, I swear to serve you with all my strength.”

At such a time, he could only pledge loyalty.

“Good. Then I’ll take you out this time.”

Liu Xie turned to his Wolf Shadow squad.

“Follow the original plan. Everyone, do exactly as I say.”

With swift orders, the group disappeared from the palace.

Soon after, Cao Cao’s army arrived, but Yuan Shu was nowhere to be seen.

“Yuan Shu! Has anyone found Yuan Shu?” Cao Cao shouted as he strode in.

“Prime Minister, we’ve searched the palace thoroughly—Yuan Shu and his family are nowhere to be found,” reported his men.

“Oh? He escaped? We moved quickly enough. Seal the city! Capture Yuan Shu at all costs!”

Cao Cao immediately issued orders.

All throughout Shouchun, Cao’s troops continued fighting, slaughtering the city’s defenders and seizing every vital route.

Amidst the chaos, a group dressed as Cao’s soldiers moved rapidly toward the city gates.

When they arrived, they found the gates tightly shut and heavily guarded.

“It’s over—they’ve seized the gates. We can’t get out.”

Beneath a steel helmet, Yuan Shu’s face appeared, and beside him were Liu Xie and his twenty Wolf Shadow squad members. They wore Cao’s uniforms, blending in with the troops, and amid the confusion had fled all the way to the gates.