Liu Xie's gaze was as keen as a sword. He turned and sat on the imperial throne, looking down at Yuan Shao, who was bound with hemp rope.
"All my life, I have walked on thin ice."
"Benchu, do you think I can reach the other shore?"
Yuan Shao had recovered from his shock by now. Although the ambition Liu Xie had revealed stirred admiration in him, his proud nature still refused to let him bow his head.
Thus, upon hearing Liu Xie's question, he opened his mouth and cursed, "You treacherous wretch! You occupied the magpie's nest and stole my foundations! You will die a violent death!"
Liu Xie sighed. "Benchu, even now, you refuse to address me as Your Majesty?"
Yuan Shao gritted his teeth. "You only have all this because you were lucky! It wasn't you I lost to!"
"I should never have listened to Ju Shou and let you impersonate the Son of Heaven, only for you to steal my foundations!"
Seeing how obstinate Yuan Shao was, Liu Xie said no more to him and summoned Gao Lan, who was waiting far outside the Xuan Room.
"We depart for the Southern Suburbs."
After giving Yuan Shao a long look, Liu Xie strode out of the Xuan Room.
It was time to send Yuan Shao to his death.
Today, as the army prepared to march, Ye City's streets emptied of their households.
Countless commoners gathered in the streets, forming a sea of people, all there to watch the army's oath-taking ceremony.
"I heard Duke Wen will personally lead the troops against the rebels this time!"
"Duke Wen is leading them? Then victory is certain!"
"Ah, I wanted to enlist and fight the rebels too, but I'm too old. I could only send my two sons."
"His