That also meant one fewer formidable enemy.
Liu Xie nodded. "You are quite right, Fengxiao... but what concerns me now is where the Pretender Emperor will flee after escaping Xu County."
"As long as the Pretender Emperor lives, I cannot rest easy."
Liu Xie's voice was filled with worry.
Although his legitimacy now completely eclipsed Emperor Xian of Han's, as long as Emperor Xian of Han remained alive, his own legitimacy as the Son of Heaven would remain flawed and stained.
Anyone could use that excuse to disobey the Son of Heaven's decrees, preventing him from exercising his authority to its fullest.
Otherwise, faced with Yuan Shao's threat, why would he have needed to go to such enormous lengths to scheme against Ma Teng and Han Sui using the "prisoner's dilemma"?
He could simply have issued an Imperial Edict ordering the various lords to rally to the king!
"I believe the Pretender Emperor will flee to Jing Province."
Guo Jia analyzed the situation for Liu Xie. "Jing Province is closest to Yu Province, and Liu Biao is also a Han House clansman. It is the best refuge for the Pretender Emperor."
"The only uncertainty is whether Liu Biao harbors rebellious intentions. If he uses the Pretender Emperor's name as a pretext, makes him abdicate, and then takes the opportunity to proclaim himself emperor, he would pose a far greater threat than the Pretender Emperor."
Guo Jia voiced his concerns without reservation.
Liu Xie's brow furrowed deeply at this.
He had to consider that possibility. If dealing with Emperor Xian of Han only brought forth a more troublesome, more powerful Liu Biao, the situation would turn ugly.
They both carried the blood of the Han Dynasty, and Liu Biao was stronger. Anyone with a little sense would go and support Liu