After learning the reason, Yuan Shao shook his head and sighed. "I thought Zhang Xiu was a hero, but now it seems he is merely another shortsighted man."
"The Pretender Emperor Yuan Shu has committed a monstrous act of treason. All the heroes under heaven should join forces to destroy him. Since Zhang Xiu wishes to keep company with rebels, you were right to leave him, sir. As the saying goes, a worthy bird chooses its tree to roost in. That is precisely the principle here."
Jia Xu sighed as well. "Although General Zhang treated me generously, I am a subject of Han and draw a Han stipend. I truly cannot place myself in the service of traitors."
Everyone voiced their agreement.
By tacit understanding, none of them mentioned that Jia Xu had once served under Dong Zhuo or offered strategies to Li Jue and Guo Si.
Those who knew, knew.
"Then, sir."
Yuan Shao set down his wine cup and turned his gaze toward Jia Xu. "Have you come to Ye City to serve His Majesty and uphold the Han Dynasty?"
All that groundwork had been laid simply to ask why Jia Xu had come.
Jia Xu answered without hesitation. "Indeed. With the realm in turmoil, first Cao Cao falsely claimed to hold the Son of Heaven, and now Yuan Shu has proclaimed himself emperor. This grieves and troubles me deeply."
"Fortunately, His Majesty has the support of the Grand General and all you worthy ministers. In time, he will surely slay the traitors, rebuild the foundations of Great Han, and restore its glory!"
"Though I have little talent, I wish to contribute what modest strength I possess!"
Jia Xu's speech was righteous and forceful, perfectly in keeping with the political orthodoxy of the day and its central principle