Chapter 29, Chapter Thirteen: Open and Frank

Although Liu Jun had already guessed that Liu Kun would be rewarded in order to stabilize the situation, he did not expect it to happen so quickly. After all, although Bingzhou's strength had greatly increased due to the military settlements, it was still much weaker than Wang Jun's powerful army.

It is unclear why Sima Ye valued Liu Kun so highly.

Liu Jun's mind raced for a moment, but he still managed to offer his usual polite refusals almost without pausing. After all, he didn't know what was wrong with the Great Jin Dynasty, where one couldn't accept recruitment or rewards immediately. One had to decline three times before one could demonstrate noble character.

However, remembering the story of his grandfather, Emperor Wen, Liu Jun silently swallowed his inner grumbling.

"What about the others?" Wen Qiao asked with concern.

Sima Ye shook his head. "I don't recognize any of the other names, and I can't remember them."

Liu Jun couldn't help but glance at him again—this way, he neither revealed the secrets of the palace nor failed to subtly flatter Liu Kun. This Prince of Qin was not only handsome but also eloquent, reminding him of the clever and obedient child he once knew.

Noticing his gaze, Sima Ye forced a smile. "What? Am I no longer the ignorant fool I once was?"

Remembering that he had just lost his biological father, Liu Jun was even more gentle than usual, and said softly, "A scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days of separation, that is exactly what Your Highness is like."

"Yesterday you used a false name to deceive me," Sima Ye turned his head, "How come you've suddenly become such a humble bodhisattva today?"

Although Liu Jun was the one who introduced them back then, Wen Qiao never expected that after so many years, there would be something strange between the two of them. They were not exactly familiar, but at first they were quite distant. Yet, there was also a strange undercurrent between them, making him feel like he couldn't get a word in edgewise.

So Wen Qiao, preoccupied with state affairs, took his leave, leaving the two young men staring at each other in bewilderment.

"Why don't you wear the sword I gave you?" Sima Ye asked, glancing at his waist.

I reckon he noticed it a long time ago; it's a wonder he held back until now to ask.

"The Flying Sword is a divine weapon, but in this perilous situation, how can I carry it with me at all times? The Ring-Pommel Saber is sufficient."

Sima Ye said unhappily, "What use are the best weapons if they are kept in the treasury and rust over the years?"

Liu Jun was taken aback. He had always cherished this sword as a relic of Emperor Wen, and he would never want it to be stained with blood and filth.

Liu Jun sincerely said, "I usually hang this sword on my bed and admire it every day, only occasionally wearing it during sacrifices. I never thought about Emperor Wen's original intention in forging this sword. It seems that I was too attached to it. When I return, I will carry it with me at all times and never let it leave my side."

Sima Ye's expression softened slightly, but his face was still full of worry. "My uncle wants to recommend the Prince of Langya as the leader of the alliance, and appoint Xun Song as the Prefect of Xiangcheng and Li Ju as the Prefect of Xingyang. In addition, Yan Ding once served as the Governor of Yuzhou and is quite capable. My uncle originally intended to appoint him as the Governor of Yuzhou, but now that Liu Qiao is still alive, it is no longer appropriate in terms of both sentiment and reason. I wonder if you, Yanshi, have any ideas?"

Now that the emperor has been captured, it's unclear whose authority these people are under, as they're all appointing their own officials, creating utter chaos.

Liu Jun frowned. "Right now, we should first find out His Majesty's situation. Otherwise, we will have no legitimate reason to fight. In my opinion, these officials are not important. We should first establish His Highness as the Crown Prince before issuing orders to the world. Only then will we have a legitimate reason to fight."

The Xun brothers were busy making contacts all day long. Whether they didn't want to openly recommend their nephew or were just too busy to think straight, they put aside what should have been their first priority.

Sima Ye looked at him and couldn't help but smile. "I can't hide it from you."

Then the smile on his face quickly faded. "My father is in disgrace, my biological father has passed away, yet I cannot help but plot for the throne. Can I be considered a disobedient and unfilial beast?"

"Dwelling on the past only adds to our sorrow. The weight of the entire nation now rests on Your Highness's shoulders. It is not that Your Highness is unfilial, but that you bear a heavy burden and cannot afford to be weak. At this moment, what the world needs is an iron will and swift action, not blind filial piety, blind loyalty, or womanly compassion."

"If I didn't know you were such a filial son who never forgot to honor your grandfather even in the midst of chaos, I might have believed you." Sima Ye finally couldn't hold back his tears. "So many uncles and brothers are gone... I wonder when it will be my turn..."

His crying was unlike any other; while most people shed tears, large, glistening drops rolled down his fair cheeks.

Although he is only twelve years old, his features are exceptionally beautiful. He will surely grow into an unparalleled handsome man in the future. If it were a peaceful year, given the Great Jin's fondness for beauties, he would undoubtedly live a very comfortable and carefree life.

It's a pity he was born in this chaotic world, and he just happened to be a Sima.

Liu Jun handed him his handkerchief, saying, "Once Your Highness arrives in Chang'an, I will return to Bingzhou, at which time my father will submit a memorial urging you to ascend the throne."

Since Sima Ye did not refer to himself as "I am alone" or "I am widowed," he would not humbly refer to himself as "servant."

Sima Ye felt that the handkerchief was made of ordinary hemp cloth and was not scented, much inferior to his usual handkerchief. However, it seemed to have a refreshing fragrance that made him feel at ease. "I can offer you the position of Crown Prince's tutor. Why don't you stay in Chang'an..."

Liu Jun remained noncommittal, saying, "I am in Bingzhou, awaiting good news."

The news finally arrived: Sima Chi was sent to Pingyang, and Emperor Liu Cong of Han appointed him as Yitong Sansi and Duke of Kuaiji.

Everyone knows that the once mighty Jin Dynasty, which had conquered three kingdoms, is now merely clinging to life and enduring its days in a state of decline.

Finally, Liu Qiao and his entourage arrived hastily with Liu Kun's memorial. He gladly accepted the position of Governor of Yuzhou and resolved to escort Prince Qin, Sima Ye, into Guanzhong.

Liu Jun subtly observed him for several moments, and only when he saw no displeasure did he feel relieved—his father, though a heroic figure, also possessed the capricious nature of a scholar who disregarded the bigger picture and acted recklessly. He feared that his father might humiliate Liu Qiao over those old grievances, ruining their grand plan. Fortunately, Liu Qiao and his companions encountered the fleeing Liu Fan on the road and rescued him. Furthermore, Lu Jing delivered his letter explaining the situation, allowing them to reconcile and enjoy themselves immensely.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. Apart from Minister Lu's family falling into the hands of the thieves, all other family members are safe and sound." Liu Qiao had been deeply impressed by this boy back then, and after this encounter, he found him more and more pleasing to the eye. He couldn't help but ask meaningfully, "When does Your Highness plan to return?"

He was not an ordinary scholar like Wang Yan who only knew how to talk big, but a high-ranking official who had once held great military power and experienced countless storms. His words were full of profound meaning. After a moment's thought, Liu Jun said, "I promised His Highness Prince Qin that I would escort him into Guanzhong, and I cannot go back on my word. Once this matter is settled, I will return to Bingzhou immediately."

Seeing that Liu Qiao still seemed hesitant to speak, Liu Jun had a sudden thought and smiled, "Tomorrow I plan to host a small banquet to bid farewell to His Highness the Prince of Qin. I wonder if you would be willing to take the time to attend?"

"I'd be honored to accept your offer," Liu Qiao replied with a smile.