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

Chapter 12, Speculating on Houses and Land
Wang Cai nodded repeatedly, "That's right, I will keep it in mind, thank you for your guidance."

Liu Xie stood up and looked out the window. “Your location is good. Before others find out, you can buy all the shops nearby. Then, after some renovations, try to connect them into one area. In the future, you can just wait to count the money.”

Wang Cai had some savings, so taking over several shops in the vicinity wasn't difficult for him.

Because ordinary people have no idea that this place is going to become the capital, the price is very cheap.

Dian Wei had no interest in this at all. When he was about to leave after eating and drinking his fill, Wang Cai chased after him, saying, "Honored guest, if the news is true, I will definitely thank you handsomely in the future."

"We'll talk about it after you make some money."

Liu Xie smiled and waved his hand, then left with Dian Wei.

Over the next few days, Liu Xie, accompanied by Dian Wei, continued to stroll around, pointing out good locations and suitable places for doing business. Liu Xie had a keen eye and recommended several shops to them.

Liu Xie spent his days strolling around the city, eating and drinking. Every day, someone would report news to Cao Cao, but Cao Cao, instead of being angry, would just laugh it off.

Cao Cao only cared about one thing: as long as Liu Xie had no intention of seizing power, Cao Cao could rest assured!
As for the rest, Liu Xie can do whatever he wants.

It's just playing around, isn't it? The more it's like this, the less of a threat it poses to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao naturally greatly admired a puppet emperor who loved eating, drinking, and having fun.

Whenever he returned to the barracks, Liu Xie would bring many gifts, as no one else was allowed to leave the barracks at will.

The money will definitely come from Boss Cao!
Cao Cao didn't care about spending money. How much could a mere emperor spend? Even if Cao Cao was poor, he wouldn't be short of money to pay for Liu Xie's expenses.

For Consort Dong and Empress Fu, Liu Xie bought jewelry and ornaments that women liked, as well as some novel accessories.

Even Cao Hong, who guarded the barracks, would receive several jugs of fine wine from Liu Xie each time.

Over time, Cao Hong's attitude towards Liu Xie changed considerably.

That night, while Cao Hong was on his inspection tour, Liu Xie encountered him. Liu Xie approached with a smile and said to Cao Hong in a low voice, "General Cao Hong, I have a great fortune to bestow upon you."

"What kind of immense wealth?"

Cao Hong had always loved money more than anything, and his eyes lit up instantly when he heard the words "great wealth and honor".

"Your Majesty, are you joking with me? There's no wealth or honor to be found here."

Xuchang was just a small county town; in later generations, it would be considered a fifth or sixth-tier city, lacking everything. Cao Hong couldn't think of any way to make money.

Liu Xie's expression was very serious. While talking to Cao Hong, he kept looking around, as if afraid that someone might get close and overhear.

The more mysterious Liu Xie was, the more curious Cao Hong became.

Unable to resist pressing further, he asked, "Your Majesty, what exactly do you mean by wealth and status?"

"estate!"

"estate?"

Cao Hong was taken aback, still not quite understanding. After all, people in this era hadn't yet grasped the concept of land and housing speculation.

Liu Xie asked in a low voice, "Is Xuchang going to be the capital?"

"Of course, Cao Gong is making preparations as soon as possible. The city's defenses have not yet been reinforced, and a large force still needs to be transferred from Yanzhou. So this matter has not been announced to the public yet!" Recently, Liu Xie has been behaving very well, often sending wine to Cao Hong. Now he is also arranging a grand plan for Cao Hong to make a fortune. Therefore, Cao Hong opened up and told him what he knew.

Liu Xie understood that Cao Cao was always cautious and that he had to make full preparations before announcing the matter to the outside world. He couldn't just hastily announce the establishment of the capital as soon as the emperor arrived in Xuchang, could he?
In that case, if someone attacks, Cao Cao might not be able to hold out with his current city defenses and troop strength.

Liu Xie continued, "Once the capital is established, Xuchang will be renamed Xudu. At that time, talented people and representatives of prominent families from all over the country will flock here. With so many people coming, what is the most important thing?"

Cao Hong's eyes suddenly lit up. "Of course, I want to buy a house and settle down."

“That’s right, General Cao Hong is indeed insightful. But there are only so many houses and so much land. Even if we hurry up and expand, it won’t be enough in a short time. So, the housing prices in Xuchang will conservatively double, and in good locations, they could even be five or ten times higher.”

Cao Hong was completely stunned by Liu Xie's reminder. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He couldn't help but rub his hands together. "Your Majesty, you're right. This is indeed a great opportunity to make a fortune."

Liu Xie then said, "General Cao Hong, others are unaware of this matter yet. The fewer people who know, the more advantageous it is for you. You should do everything you can to buy up the best locations and houses as soon as possible. The more you buy, the better. You won't have to worry about selling them later."

"Yes! Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty!"

Cao Hong had virtually no resistance to the temptation of money.

That very night, Cao Hong handed over military affairs to his deputy and hurriedly went back to make arrangements.

Although Cao Hong couldn't come up with so much money to buy houses and land all at once, he had his own tricks: he used his power to seize the best locations for himself.

As long as Cao Hong had his eye on a house, he could obtain the deed quickly and easily through a combination of threats and deception.

By the time this news reached Cao Cao's ears, it was too late; Cao Hong already possessed a vast number of houses.

Cao Cao's ambition to establish his hegemony was just beginning, and even if he was dissatisfied with Cao Hong, he would only give him a severe scolding.

Soon, Cao Cao sent someone to Ye City, intending to appoint Yuan Shao as Grand Commandant. Yuan Shao was greatly dissatisfied and pointed at the envoy, cursing him.

Yuan Shao angrily said, "Cao Cao did a good job. He was rewarded and given important positions by His Majesty, became a Grand General, and became the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty."

Yuan Shao appeared amiable but was actually very narrow-minded.

Cao Cao is now enjoying immense prestige and has become a highly sought-after figure in the Han Dynasty, especially as he has become the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty!

Whenever Yuan Shao thought about this, he felt an indescribable discomfort all over his body, as if he had eaten something terrible.

In the past, he commanded the world and was the supreme leader of the eighteen warlords. Even Cao Cao had to treat him with utmost respect and dared not raise his voice.

But now, Cao Cao has risen from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure, which greatly displeases Yuan Shao.

The envoy returned and told Cao Cao the truth. Cao Cao had no choice but to back down and give the position of Grand General to Yuan Shao, considering that Yuan Shao's strength far surpassed his own and that it was not advisable to provoke him for the time being.

To appease Yuan Shao, Cao Cao even wrote him a polite letter.

They managed to appease Yuan Shao for the time being.

Yuan Shao, having regained face, stopped causing trouble.

However, Cao Cao also urgently needed a new position, so one night he went to find Liu Xie.

(End of this chapter)