Chapter 15: The Crisis of the Zhou Family (1), Section 52

  In the study of Emperor Xian of Han, the lights were shining brightly. Liu Xie had just returned from Empress Fu's place and was now leaning back in his dragon chair with his eyes closed, deep in thought. This had become a habit of his, but in reality, he was thinking deeply. It was already the first month of the year, and in twenty days' time, it would be Chinese New Year, followed by the Lantern Festival. According to the solar calendar, it was now the year 197 AD, or the second year of Jian'an. Liu Xie carefully recalled that this year had seen three major events: firstly, Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor in Shouchun; secondly, Yuan Shao defeating Gongsun Zan and unifying the four provinces of Ji, You, Qing, and Bing. However, these events were now meaningless to him, whereas the third event was what he was most concerned about - Cao Cao's attack on Zhang Lu, which had ended in defeat, resulting in the loss of not only Dian Wei, a great general, but also his own eldest son Cao Ang and nephew Cao Anmin. Liu Xie played with the brush in his hand, thinking that if he were to launch a coup at this moment, the outcome would be... but he dared not think further. He had no money, no soldiers, and even if he relied on the thousand or so newly recruited infantrymen outside the city who had only been trained for two or three months, it would still be impossible. Moreover, there were no capable generals to lead the army into battle, nor any talented strategists to provide counsel. Liu Xie spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness - if he were to launch a coup at this moment, defeat was certain. It seemed that he had been too hasty.

  At this moment, Song Jiulai reported that Xiao Er had asked to see him. Liu Xie opened his eyes and wondered in his heart: "He should be guarding Liu Yuan's side at this time, isn't something wrong?" He hastily said: "Quickly announce!"

  Xiao Er took two big steps forward, but suddenly burst out laughing and said: "I have a report for Your Majesty, good news, good news!"

  Liu Xie listened in bewilderment, but Song Jiu solemnly said: "Xiao Er, you must not be presumptuous in front of the Emperor!"

  Xiao Er was taken aback, immediately came to his senses, and hastily bowed his head to apologize: "Your Majesty please forgive me, I was momentarily overjoyed and forgot my manners!"

  Liu Xie smiled slightly: "It doesn't matter, I didn't know you had such a careless personality, speak up!"

  Xiao Er's heart was filled with gratitude, and he hastily stood up and said: "Your Majesty, you ordered me and my brother to protect Liu Yuan, but as soon as we stepped onto the main street, we encountered a strange occurrence!"

  Liu Xie was listening carefully, but saw Xiao Er suddenly stop talking, with an obvious attitude of being displeased, and said: "Continue speaking!"

  Xiao Er laughed again: "You said how, someone actually invited me and Big Brother to kill Liu Yuan!"