After speaking, he kowtowed again, his head striking the floor with a series of thuds.
His acting had shed all its earlier exaggeration and reached the realm of returning to unadorned simplicity.
At the sight, Liu Xie and Jia Xu could not help exchanging a smile.
After declaring his loyalty to the Son of Heaven, Xu You began attending diligently to government affairs.
His attitude toward Yuan Shao changed as well. No longer did he put on airs as Yuan Shao's childhood friend; instead, he put Yuan Shao first in everything and considered his interests at every turn.
Occasionally, he even offered a perfectly timed bit of flattery.
When targeted by the Ji Province Faction, he responded with grace and composure rather than meeting every thrust with one of his own and leaving Yuan Shao unable to save face.
These changes delighted Yuan Shao, and their friendship seemed to return to what it had been in their youth.
During this time, Guo Jia and Jia Xu, who were devising the "Son Killing Father" plan, also secretly entered the palace for a final consultation with Liu Xie.
"Your Majesty, Xu You has once again become the man Yuan Shao trusts most. Should the plans Your Majesty and we have devised be exposed, everything can be pinned on Xu You."
"When that happens, whether to slaughter the entire Yuan Clan and head to Xu Province or continue lying low in Ye City to scheme for Ji Province will be entirely Your Majesty's choice."
"As for Xu You, he can take the opportunity to defect to Cao Cao's camp and serve as our man on the inside."
After more than a year of patient endurance and planning, a turning point had finally arrived.
Jia Xu and Guo Jia were in excellent spirits.