Xun Chen's heavily warning-laden words left the representatives of the great clans in the hall both frightened and conflicted.
Had this been an age of peace and prosperity, they would never have hesitated. They would have rushed to hitch themselves to the Son of Heaven's chariot.
But the world they lived in was an age of turmoil through and through.
"What should we do?"
After a long silence, Ju Zong was the first to ask. He had originally approved of his elder brother Ju Shou's choice and firmly supported Yuan Shao.
But now he was wavering.
If he did not join the Son of Heaven, his branch of the family would not escape the reckoning either, given his elder brother Ju Shou's relationship with Yuan Shao. Yuan Xi had long been eyeing their Ju Clan like a tiger watching its prey.
"It's simple." Xun Chen smiled, his eyes flickering. "In a month, the Son of Heaven will offer sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and a Heaven-Sacrifice Ceremony will also be held. Those of you with money should contribute money; those with strength should contribute your efforts. Afterward, show the Son of Heaven your sincerity."
He was more than happy to see them pledge themselves to the Son of Heaven.
Who would not want more people aboard their ship?
That would make its voyage steadier, too.
"But..."
After much hesitation, Shen Rong still could not help asking Xun Chen, "Can the Grand General really never return? Once he repels Gongsun Zan, it might not necessarily..."
"Abandon your fantasies!" Before Shen Rong could finish, Xun Chen impatiently interrupted him. Casting him a cold glance, he said:
"Leaving aside Ye City's formidable defenses, he cannot even find a legitimate justification."
"I know you want to suggest using a campaign against Yuan Xi