The commoners talked among themselves, pointing at Yuan Shao in the prisoner cart, their expressions varying from anger to mockery, disgust to regret.
Even though Yuan Shao had prepared himself, the grating remarks reaching his ears still filled him with unparalleled humiliation.
In the past, wherever he went, he had been revered and respected by everyone. Yet now this mob of unruly commoners was pointing at him!
From the clouds, he had fallen into the mud!
Anyone could come and trample him!
Yuan Shao clenched his jaw and fists, his nails digging deep into his flesh. Even his once-straight back seemed to have grown somewhat hunched.
Yet he still forced himself to maintain his composure, sitting upright in the prisoner cart as he struggled to preserve that last shred of dignity and respectability.
And in stark contrast to him-
Was Yuan Xi, driving the carriage ahead.
Although the commoners hurled all manner of abuse at Yuan Shao, they gave Yuan Xi thumbs-ups, showering him with praise.
For the Great Han governed all under heaven through filial piety, and above filial piety stood family and country righteousness. Yet those who could put righteousness before family were far too few. Yuan Xi could truly be called a model of loyalty to his sovereign and devotion to his country!
At that very moment, Yuan Xi felt utterly refreshed from head to toe, even more so than if he had drunk a bowl of iced honey water in the height of summer!
So this is what it feels like to be revered by thousands!
No wonder Father cared so much about his reputation. He enjoyed the world's worship and praise for so many years. It is time for my turn!
I am Yuan Xianyi, Model of All Under Heaven!
Brimming with satisfaction, Yuan Xi