Chapter 37: That Is Exactly What I Have Been Waiting For

The most fortunate thing was that Liu Xie and his companions were all riding swiftly, and though their bodies suffered nothing more than a sore backside, they managed quite well. People could eat and drink on horseback, sleep for only two hours a day, but the warhorses could not endure such strain. Just when Liu Xie thought they would have to slow down after exhausting a horse, in an inconspicuous mountain village, one of the guards from Jiangdong brought out five fresh warhorses.

With this, they maintained their high speed, mixing shortcuts with main roads and side paths, sometimes even doubling back. After several days, Liu Xie was almost certain that no matter whom Cao Cao sent after him, they would be unable to catch up.

One night, deep into the darkness, Liu Xie and Fu Shou, though on the verge of falling from their mounts in exhaustion, pressed on, driven by sheer will. Liu Xie understood that at his age, a little hardship would not kill him, and he had spent his days in the palace at Xuchang preparing for exactly this—so that his strength would serve him well in flight.

“Your Majesty, the guard behind reports that Cao Ren’s pursuers have reached the fork in the road. They should not be able to catch up to us now.”

After disappearing for a short while, Zhang Hong rejoined Liu Xie’s horse, uttering words that brought Liu Xie rare cheer these days.

“Very well, let us rest for a few hours in that grove ahead tonight.”

Zhang Hong, no longer in his youth and not a warrior, was not as robust as Liu Xie. Since Liu Xie decided to rest, Zhang Hong was happy to oblige.

Inside the woods, conditions were still harsh, but compared to the saddle, it was a vast improvement. Liu Xie, Fu Shou, and Zhang Hong pitched a few small tents and lay down fully clothed. This was the longest sleep Liu Xie had managed in days, for having chosen a secluded spot deep within the forest, with three guards at the entrance and the place rarely visited, it was quite safe.

Several hours later, Liu Xie opened his eyes unconsciously. Outside, dawn was just beginning to glimmer; the moon had not yet set. Turning back, he saw Fu Shou, dusty and worn, breathing evenly, soundly asleep. Yet Liu Xie himself was completely awake, contrary to his habit.

He slipped out quietly and stood at the edge of the woods, gazing at the pale light rising in the distance. His eyes grew brighter.

Was this not his realm?

Indeed, the empire belonged to the Han, or rather, to Liu Xie—but only in name. At present, apart from the title of emperor, he could not make any decisions his predecessors could have made.

Cao Cao held the emperor hostage to command the lords; was Sun Ce any different in his ambition?

Liu Xie looked at the distant sunrise, exhaling a breath of stale air. His weathered face broke into a slight smile.

“Your Majesty, why not rest a bit longer? For days, Cao Ren’s army pursued us from behind. Though they do not know which path we took, there was still risk. But today is different—they grow ever more distant. As long as we are careful not to reveal our identity, once we reach Jiangdong, Your Majesty will be safe.”

Zhang Hong emerged from the tent, smiling at Liu Xie. Having survived the days with pursuers, he too felt his burden eased.

“Your words, sir, may not be entirely fitting. Cao Cao holds me as his captive; when we reach Wu Commandery, can you guarantee Sun Ce will not do the same?”

Liu Xie’s expression suddenly grew serious, his gaze sharp as he questioned Zhang Hong.

Zhang Hong had not expected Liu Xie to ask such a pointed question and was momentarily at a loss for words, though his mind raced.

“Sun Ce is young and accomplished; at twenty-five he has made himself master of Jiangdong. It is understandable he wishes to expand further. But, sir, have you told him that even if he controls me, he cannot rival the victors between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao? How does Jiangdong’s strength compare with Liu Biao’s?”

Before Zhang Hong could reply, Liu Xie shifted the topic, turning the conversation to Sun Ce himself, leaving Zhang Hong momentarily speechless.

This time, however, Liu Xie gave Zhang Hong ample time to compose his thoughts.

“Bo Fu is indeed young and ardent, determined to establish himself in the Central Plains. Both Zhang Zhao and I believe now is not the time. Your Majesty’s intent to move the capital to Wu Commandery made this possible. Once Your Majesty arrives, at least you will not be confined to the deep palace. Bo Fu would not do such a thing.”

Zhang Hong’s answer, in truth, affirmed Liu Xie’s earlier suspicion: while he might enjoy greater freedom than in Xuchang, Sun Ce’s purpose in bringing him to Wu was still to become the lord among the lords. Ultimately, Liu Xie would remain a tool in Sun Ce’s hands.

“May I ask, sir, are you loyal to the Han or to Sun Ce?”

Liu Xie was not dissuaded by the previous answer, pressing on with a question that might be humiliating for himself.

“I am, of course, a servant of the Han, as is Bo Fu. But today’s Han is not the Han of old. Your Majesty is one who hides his talents; I know this. That is why Your Majesty chose Bo Fu—perhaps Your Majesty has seen his character. If Your Majesty can win Bo Fu’s respect, not only I, but all the sons of Jiangdong will become Your Majesty’s subjects.”

Hearing this, Liu Xie thought to himself that Zhang Hong truly had a way with words—he deftly shifted the responsibility back to Liu Xie himself.

Zhang Hong’s meaning was clear: winning his loyalty alone was pointless; if Liu Xie had the ability to win over Sun Ce, the whole of Jiangdong would be his. If not, his fate would be little different from returning to Xuchang.

“This is the very answer I awaited from you, sir!”