With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Chapter 112, I, the Emperor, will execute Lord Cao.
Although Cao Cao was worried about the war and eager to march, he couldn't help but give an order when he saw the thriving wheat fields along the way: "Pass on my order that no one is allowed to trample on the wheat fields. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

The wheat seedlings swayed in the wind, creating waves of wheat that stretched as far as the eye could see, a vast expanse of green.

Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia and Xun You beside him and said with emotion, "Since the implementation of the military-agricultural system, the grain production in Yanzhou and Yuzhou has increased significantly, greatly alleviating the predicament of our army's food shortage."

Xun You nodded in approval and said, "This is all thanks to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty had not proposed the military farming system so early, it would have been difficult for us to raise enough provisions to send troops out now."

Cao Cao nodded, not forgetting to glance back at Liu Xie.

Seeing that Liu Xie was still scolding Liu Bei, Cao Cao even felt some sympathy for Liu Bei.

Being reprimanded in public is never a pleasant experience.

Even if Cao Cao was in a hurry, the army could not move much faster when it set out. Fortunately, scouts kept bringing back news.

I heard that Xiahou Dun was not seriously injured, and Gao Shun did not hold out for long before Xiahou Dun recaptured Xiaopei.

Cao Cao gradually breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Xie had finished his reprimand and waved his hand, "Alright, Xuande, this is the last time. You must remember the lesson of this battle and never act rashly again."

After Liu Bei left, Zhao Yun approached and whispered, "Your Majesty, wasn't it a bit too much for you to reprimand him in public?"

Liu Xie shook his head. "Don't worry, Xuande's magnanimity is no less than Cao Cao's. Zilong is overthinking it."

Sure enough, Liu Bei quickly returned to normal and was able to greet Cao Cao's civil and military officials in a friendly manner.

When Liu Bei returned to Cao Cao's side, he mentioned something: "My lord, I previously helped Yuan Shao's son, Yuan Tan, to be recommended as a candidate for the civil service examination. I hope you can understand my predicament. I really had no choice."

Because Liu Bei was nominally the governor of Yu Province, and the Yuan family's roots were in Runan, Yuan Tan's household registration was naturally also in Yu Province. Therefore, even though Yuan Shao dominated Hebei, he could not recommend his son for the civil service examination. This matter could only be handled by someone else.

Liu Bei had wanted to establish a relationship with Yuan Shao to some extent before, so he did him a favor.

Cao Cao waved his hand dismissively, "Xuande, how could I possibly take such a trivial matter to heart? What does it matter that you recommended Yuan Tan for the position of Filial and Incorruptible? My previous position as Governor of Yan Province was obtained by Yuan Shao petitioning the court for me."

Liu Xie called Lu Xun to his side and instructed him, "Boyan, going on a military expedition is not a sightseeing trip. You need to observe and think more about how Cao Cao commands his troops, how he manages his army, how he sets up camps, how he attacks cities, and even how he allocates provisions. These are all things you should carefully observe and learn from."

Lu Xun nodded seriously, "I've got it."

Lu Xun was never one for words. He was still young, and when he went out, he was more like Liu Xie's personal attendant, so he wouldn't attract anyone's attention.

No one could have imagined how far Lu Xun would grow in the future.

Liu Xie wasn't in a hurry. Anyway, there was still plenty of time, and he had enough patience to properly polish Lu Xun, this rough gem.

Lu Xun learned everything. He learned swordsmanship from Wang Yue and military strategy from Zhao Yun. Sometimes, Liu Xie would also send him to Jia Xu to learn strategy.

Lu Xun was like a thirsty sponge, full of intense curiosity about everything new, constantly absorbing knowledge and growing stronger.

The troops remained orderly, as Cao Cao always maintained strict discipline in his army. The soldiers kept a close eye on the wheat fields along the road as they marched.

However, by sheer coincidence, a sudden gust of wind startled a flock of birds in the fields. One of the birds, in its panic, flew towards Cao Cao without knowing which way to go.

Cao Cao didn't pay any attention, but a bird flew swiftly past the horse's head, its wing hitting the horse's head, startling Cao Cao's warhorse, which suddenly lost control and plunged into the field.

Cao Cao tried to rein in his horse, but it took a lot of effort, and it galloped quite a distance before he could barely stop.

The once neat wheat field was now trampled with a long mark, and many ears of wheat lay haphazardly on the ground.

This was originally just a trivial matter, but Cao Cao had given the order just half an hour earlier.

Trampling on the wheat fields is strictly prohibited; violators will be executed!

For a moment, the entire procession stopped, and everyone looked at Cao Cao with curiosity.

Cao Cao himself felt very embarrassed. He returned to the official road and looked around at everyone, observing their reactions and thinking about how to respond.

Liu Bei was also watching Cao Cao, wondering what kind of excuse he would come up with next.

Everyone here is a smart man; Liu Bei would never believe that Cao Cao would actually draw his sword and commit suicide.

Countless eyes turned to Cao Cao. Even the culprit bird perched on a nearby wheat seedling, blinking and looking at Cao Cao with schadenfreude.

The procession stopped, and Liu Xie's carriage also stopped.

Since he couldn't see clearly from behind, Liu Xie got out of the car and hurried forward.

Time seemed to stand still. After a while, Cao Cao looked at everyone sternly and shouted with great authority, "Where is the Chief Clerk of the Army?"

Wang Bi rushed over in a panic, and when he got close to Cao Cao, sweat was beading on his forehead.

"My lord, what are your orders?"

Cao Cao deliberately raised his voice and asked, "What should be done with those who trample the wheat fields?"

Wang Bi was speechless and dared not answer. Cao Cao glared at him and said sternly, "In broad daylight, all the soldiers have seen it. You don't need to cover for me. Speak freely."

Wang Bi swallowed hard, gritted his teeth, and mustered his courage to reply, "My lord has decreed that anyone who tramples on the wheat fields shall be executed!"

"Very well, I trampled the wheat field, I should be beheaded according to military law, you carry out the execution!"

Wang Bi's eyes widened in terror, and he stumbled back three steps. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to kill Cao Cao.

Guo Jia, Xun You, and others also realized the seriousness of the problem and hurriedly came over.

Guo Jia advised, “My lord, according to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, the law should not be disrespected. You are the commander of the three armies, the Minister of Works of the court, and in charge of the world. If you were to punish yourself, it would be a case of losing the greater for the lesser. If you did this, where would you place the world, where would you place the Han dynasty? I hope you will reconsider and withdraw your order.”

Cao Cao shook his head: "In the past, Xiao He formulated laws and decrees, Han Xin enacted military laws, Zhang Cang established regulations, and Shusun Tong established etiquette, which were followed throughout the land. If you formulate military orders and then violate them yourself, how can you lead your generals and soldiers?"

As he spoke, Cao Cao suddenly drew the Qinggang sword from his waist, glared at Wang Bi, and said, "Since you refuse to use torture on me, I will suffer the torture myself."

Cao Cao certainly didn't really want to get rid of himself; he just needed a way out.

Cao Cao was already somewhat tempted by Guo Jia's words. Just then, Liu Xie walked over, cheering and clapping before he even arrived.

"What Cao Gong said is well said, that's excellent!" Liu Xie clapped as he walked over.

Everyone was stunned, and Guo Jia raised an eyebrow in displeasure.

I've already given you enough advice. What should Your Majesty call me? I don't want to make things worse.

Liu Xie approached, glanced at Cao Cao, and smiled with satisfaction.

Liu Xie then looked at the others and said loudly, "The reason I applauded is because I saw hope for the restoration of the Han Dynasty. Cao Cao is one of the Three Dukes of the court. Normally, no one would investigate or care about such a trivial matter. However, Cao Cao kept his word and set an example. With the Three Dukes of the court having such a sense of responsibility, how can we worry about the restoration of the Han Dynasty? How can we worry about the stability of the world?"

"I believe that with Cao Cao's example, all the generals and soldiers will understand his good intentions and will be able to be strict with themselves, obey military orders, and be loyal to the court to the death in the future."

Liu Xie's impassioned speech left Cao Cao somewhat bewildered. Cao Cao had originally intended to make a show of it and then cut off his hair as a substitute for his head.

After hearing Liu Xie's words, Cao Cao realized he had no way to save face.

He could only hold the sword across his neck, looking resolutely at Liu Xie and the soldiers, putting on the most righteous and awe-inspiring appearance.

"This... Your Majesty is right. I have violated the military orders I set, so I must... set an example!"

Cao Cao wasn't pausing on purpose; he genuinely couldn't understand Liu Xie.

Your Majesty, you didn't do this on purpose, did you? Aren't you trying to force me to commit suicide?
The thought of having usurped the emperor's power made Cao Cao realize that it was indeed a possibility.

Cao Cao looked at Liu Xie, his mind a little confused. He subconsciously glanced at Guo Jia and said, "Fengxiao, please help me!"

Steps, steps! Boss Cao is calling for more steps, otherwise we really won't be able to get down!

That's not fair.

Guo Jia understood Cao Cao's intention and quickly advised, "Your Majesty, the army is currently on a campaign and will soon be attacking Lü Bu. How can you punish the commander-in-chief at such a time? Cao Cao's safety is tied to the court, and he is a powerful ally for Your Majesty in restoring the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty, you have often said that Cao Cao is the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty. I hope Your Majesty will consider the overall situation and show leniency."

Xun You also advised, "Your Majesty, Your Excellency has rendered great service to the state and is a pillar of the court. The law should not be applied to you. Please reconsider."

If Liu Xie hadn't come, Cao Cao would have been fine long ago.

But in front of all the generals and soldiers, everyone was afraid that Liu Xie would really kill Cao Cao, so they all pleaded for his life.

Cao Cao couldn't say a word; he could only maintain his righteous and awe-inspiring posture.

To be honest, this posture is tiring. Holding a sword across your neck for a long time is not a pleasant experience!

Cao Cao couldn't very well plead for himself, so he could only look at Liu Xie suspiciously, wondering what he was up to.

If Liu Xie really wanted to take the opportunity to kill Cao Cao, Cao Cao naturally couldn't just sit idly by and wait to die.

However, Cao Cao really didn't want to take that step unless absolutely necessary.

It's just that I stepped on some wheat fields, and it's turned into this mess.

"Your Majesty, please be lenient and pardon Cao Cao!" Xu Huang shouted, kneeling on the ground.

Dian Wei also knelt down, and many soldiers followed suit. Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan glared at Liu Xie, their emotions running high.

Liu Xie looked around and saw that most people were kneeling on the ground begging for mercy.

Liu Xie took in everyone's expressions, took a step forward, and took the Qinggang Sword from Cao Cao's hand.

"Lord Cao, the country has its laws, and the army has its regulations. Let me personally carry out the execution for you!"

(End of this chapter)