An Emperor on Thin Ice: Can I Reach the Other Shore?

This world has never lacked impostors.

Some pose as wealthy merchants, some as gifted scholars, and some as beggars.

But few dare to impersonate the emperor.

In Xuchang sits Emperor Xian of Han, brought back by Cao Cao. In Ji Province, there is another Liu Xie who looks exactly like him.

Yuan Shao proclaims to the world that the emperor in Ji Province is genuine, while the one in Xuchang is an impostor installed by Cao Cao.

At first, Liu Xie agrees to impersonate the emperor who shares his name and appearance simply to keep himself fed in this age of chaos.

But after gradually hollowing out Yuan Shao's power base, he begins to feel that he wasn't transported to this world merely to scrape together his next meal.

On the eve of the Battle of Guandu, Liu Xie sits upon the imperial throne in Ji Province, looking down at Yuan Shao, bound with hemp rope below him.

"All my life, I have walked on thin ice. Benchu, tell me-can I reach the other shore?"

Yuan Shao snarls, "You treacherous scoundrel! You stole another's nest and seized everything I built! You will die a violent death!"

Liu Xie replies, "Benchu, you won't even call me 'Your Majesty.'"

Yuan Shao says, "I should never have listened to Ju Shou and let you impersonate the emperor. Now you've stolen everything I built."

Liu Xie's expression turns cold and stern. With a wave of his hand, he gives the order.

"Issue my decree! The army marches! In this battle, we shall destroy the traitor Cao Cao and capture the false emperor!"