Chapter Sixty-Seven: I Am the Emperor’s Brother at the End of the Han Dynasty

After issuing the command, Liu Xie’s tone shifted naturally as he gently asked, “What is your uncle’s name?”

“His surname is Liu, given name Bei, style name Xuande.”

“And do you know your maternal grandfather’s name?”

“I recall my mother once saying his surname was Liu, given name Hong.”

At this point, Liu Xie was nearly fully convinced, waiting only for the final confirmation.

Soon, the Minister of the Imperial Clan entered the small hall and, at Liu Xie’s instruction, began to recite: “Emperor Jing had fourteen sons, the seventh of whom was Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Sheng begat Liu Zhen, Marquis of Luccheng Pavilion; Zhen begat Liu Ang, Marquis of Pei; Ang begat Liu Lu, Marquis of Zhang; Liu Lu begat Liu Lian, Marquis of Yishui; ... Bu Yi begat Liu Hui, Marquis of Jichuan; Hui begat Liu Xiong, Prefect of Fan in Dongjun; Xiong begat Liu Hong. Hong did not serve in office, and had one daughter and one son; his son’s name was Bei.”

With the Minister’s confirmation, Liu Xie tried his best to suppress his joy, but could not help but smile at Zhang Yu, saying, “So everything your uncle said is true! Zhang Yu, by rank you are my cousin, and that Liu Bei, Liu Xuande who fought Lü Bu at Hulao Pass, is my imperial uncle!”

Success! The task was accomplished!

“Is this… true?!” Zhang Yu exclaimed in astonishment, his face full of disbelief.

Having spent some time with his actor uncle and read that book “The Self-Cultivation of Actors” by Master Xing, Zhang Yu’s acting wasn’t exceptional, but fooling a child of ten was easy.

“The Imperial Minister’s confirmation leaves no doubt,” Liu Xie laughed, rising to help Zhang Yu up. “From this day forward, you are my cousin!”

“Ding! Congratulations to the host, you have received the recognition of the Emperor, become the imperial cousin, and your reputation has greatly increased. Reputation points gained: 1500. Current reputation: 4500 (11800).”

“Ding! Congratulations to the host, you have successfully activated the badge: [Imperial Bloodline (Pseudo)] (The authenticity of your royal kinship is disputed, but you possess genuine official certification, making it easier to gain favor with those loyal to the Han.)”

“This… how can this be?” Zhang Yu hurriedly raised his hand in protest. “I am but a commoner—”

“No more talk of commoners! Now, cousin, you are counted among the imperial relatives!”

Wow, he’s even more eager than I am, Zhang Yu thought. He hadn’t expected Liu Xie to not only accept the kinship without resistance, but to embrace it wholeheartedly. Clearly, the groundwork laid for his uncle had moved him.

Zhang Yu also understood well: Liu Xie’s enthusiasm was because his words had given the young emperor hope of finding powerful support.

The title of cousin spoken aloud—no one in the world would believe it was from true familial affection. Zhang Yu and Liu Bei needed the name, and Liu Xie needed strong allies; they each took what they required.

It reminded Zhang Yu again that, despite his innocent appearance, this young emperor was anything but simple—his mind was sharp and calculating.

“Dong Zhuo proposed to grant you a marquisate, fearing I might object. Now, with this kinship between us, he never could have imagined such a connection. Not only will I agree, but I will bestow upon you a proper noble title!”

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Zhang Yu was briefly stunned; he did not understand Li Ru’s intentions or why Dong Zhuo wanted to grant him a marquisate—was it really for a few bottles of wine? But he quickly grinned, “Isn’t this a coincidence! A mere commoner, unexpectedly received by the Son of Heaven, only to discover we are family—now my kin have soared to the heavens in one step.”

“In such a moment, I am compelled to recite a poem!”

“Hahaha, excellent! I’ve long heard of cousin’s talent, and now to hear it myself is a joy.”

“Fame was nothing before,
Now thought stretches evermore.
Riding through the spring breeze,
Behold all the flowers of Chang’an!”

He adapted Meng Jiao’s “After Passing the Imperial Exam,” transforming it into a five-character verse more fitting for this era, earning Liu Xie’s applause.

With the title of imperial cousin, Zhang Yu’s status rose naturally; Liu Xie invited him to sit beside him at the dais.

“It is, after all, my fault. The imperial clan is weakened, not only unable to grant you and my uncle the honors you deserve, but dependent upon my uncle’s efforts for the restoration of the Han. Alas!”

“Your Majesty need not worry. Now that I and my uncle are part of the Han family, even as a commoner before, I would have resolved to aid the great Han, helping Your Majesty to render this realm picturesque anew!”

“Good! With such words from my cousin, I may now deal with Dong Zhuo’s schemes in peace, waiting patiently for the day our plans succeed.” As Liu Xie spoke, a eunuch entered to announce, “Your Majesty, Minister Wang Yun seeks audience.”

“Wang Yun!” Zhang Yu’s mind stirred. “He’s quite a director.”

“Let him in. It’s the perfect time for cousin and my uncle’s names to be spread!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhang Yu sensibly returned to his seat below.

A moment later, a skinny elder with grizzled beard and slightly whitened hair entered. Zhang Yu glanced at him, finding him remarkably similar to the infamous Wang Lang from the old Three Kingdoms dramas.

Wang Yun was startled to see Zhang Yu, first at the sight of such a striking man, and second at the fact that this person, without official rank, sat with the emperor—could it be… could it be this young emperor, like his ancestor Emperor Ai, had a penchant for male companionship?

Liu Xie, evidently aware of his cousin’s extraordinary looks, quickly explained to Wang Yun, “This is my cousin, Zhang Yu. His mother is descended from Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan; the clan records confirm it. He has an uncle, who is my imperial uncle—you surely know his name.”

Hearing this handsome man was of Han lineage, the staunchly pro-Han Wang Yun, as the badge predicted, instantly felt favor and, despite his lofty status, saluted, “Greetings, Imperial Cousin Zhang.”

Zhang Yu promptly rose and returned the salute, even more respectfully: “Greetings, Minister Wang.”

His demeanor impressed Wang Yun.

“Who could be so fortunate as to be recognized by Your Majesty?”

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“It is none other than Liu Bei, Liu Xuande, who fought valiantly against Lü Bu at Hulao Pass!”

“The imperial uncle’s valor is legendary—only Your Majesty’s mandate could win such support. Congratulations, Your Majesty.”

After a few more words, Wang Yun took his seat.

“Does the Minister have urgent business?”

“Your Majesty, I have nothing major, merely wished to speak with you.” Saying this, Wang Yun glanced at Zhang Yu.

What does that mean—he’s wary of me?

“If the Minister has anything to say, speak freely. My cousin will become my right hand; I trust him.”

Wang Yun pondered, then said, “It concerns Dong Zhuo’s villainy.”

“What has he done now? Is it about Mei Fortress?”

Not long ago, Dong Zhuo had constructed a fortress at his fief in Mei County, amassing huge stores of wealth and grain by ruthless means. The whole court was furious but dared not speak; several ministers frequently came to vent to the young emperor.

Recently, Dong Zhuo went to Mei Fortress. The nobility escorted him to the city gate of Chang’an. Dong Zhuo hosted a banquet, during which he massacred hundreds of surrendered rebel soldiers from the Northlands, terrifying all present, while he ate and drank unconcerned. He later executed several old families of Guanzhong on charges of treason—blood flowed like rivers.

Wang Yun had previously reported this, so Liu Xie thought he was bringing follow-up news. But Dong Zhuo was never content to ruin only one place.

“It is even more serious,” Wang Yun sighed. “Dong Zhuo has destroyed the five-zhu coin and used copper statues and wares from Luoyang and Chang’an to mint new small coins. These coins are crudely made, lacking even proper outlines; the people refuse to use them, and now the market in Chang’an is in chaos—ordinary trade cannot be guaranteed, and the economy is on the verge of collapse.”

“Villain!” Having just secured a powerful imperial uncle, Liu Xie felt emboldened, and he stood suddenly, angrily shouting, “The great Han will surely perish at his hands!”

“Your Majesty, I have a plan.”

“Cousin, do you know how to restore the order of the markets?”

“No, I have a plan to eliminate Dong Zhuo.”

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