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

Chapter 139, Cao Cao Returns to Xuchang

Guan Yu said, “We have already witnessed His Majesty’s abilities and his magnanimity. Even Gongsun Zan sincerely repented before his death and was willing to serve. Even Lu Bu, a fickle man, will honestly stay at home and grow vegetables and take the initiative to apologize to his brother. Brother, can’t you have more faith in His Majesty and more patience? Perhaps things will take a turn for the better soon.”

Guan Yu became more and more emotional as he spoke, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Liu Xie treated him with sincerity, and Guan Yu really hoped that all three brothers would stay by Liu Xie's side, protect him together, and restore the Han Dynasty!
Zhang Fei usually only listened to Liu Bei, but seeing Guan Yu so agitated today, he found it hard to understand.

Liu Bei picked up his wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and looked at Guan Yu, remaining silent for a long time.

In the end, Liu Bei's attitude remained unchanged: "Yun Chang, I do not object to His Majesty's choice, but I still feel that the vast world outside Xuchang is more suitable for us!"

Normally, Liu Bei was approachable and respected Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, but when it came to crucial moments, once he made a decision, he would not waver.

After Guan Yu and Zhang Fei left, Liu Bei walked into the courtyard, looked up at the dark night sky, and even though everything was quiet, his thoughts were still racing.

A gentle breeze blew by, caressing his face, and a surge of unwavering strength welled up in Liu Bei's heart, as if he had returned to his distant childhood.

At that time, he held a wooden sword and dreamed of becoming a true hero.

"When I grow up, I want to ride in a carriage with a feather canopy like this!" he once said to the big mulberry tree in his yard.

Liu Bei was unwilling to live under someone else's roof, and unwilling to continue to endure under Cao Cao's nose.

Despite a life of wandering, Liu Bei's dream never faded or changed.

He wanted to pursue his own glory and longed to win the respect of the world. Now he was the Imperial Uncle of the Han Dynasty, and he had a greater advantage than before in attracting talent and vying for supremacy.

If Liu Bei had to endure in Xuchang for three, five, or even longer years like Liu Xie, he really couldn't have.

As for growing vegetables, Liu Bei had long since had enough of it and was tired of it!

On this day, Guo Jia received news that Cao Cao was already on his way back to Xuchang, and Cao Cao told Guo Jia to go see him immediately.

Guo Jia had some doubts, but he still quickly left Xuchang. When they were still more than ten miles away from Xuchang, Cao Cao temporarily stopped his troops.

When Guo Jia met Cao Cao, after exchanging greetings, Cao Cao first gave a brief account of the Battle of Guandu.

Finally, Cao Cao said disdainfully, "Yuan Shao has always been indecisive. Even if I leave Guandu, I doubt he would dare to launch a large-scale attack. However, the war will probably not be long before it truly begins. Yuan Shao and I both know that our decisive battle is imminent."

"Fengxiao, how is Xudu? Is everything peaceful lately?"

Cao Cao sat down on a roadside stone, with Dian Wei and Xu Chu standing on either side of him. The two men were as still as statues, their imposing bodies radiating terrifying power.

Guo Jia reported on the recent situation in great detail.

Guo Jia mentioned Sun Ce's sneak attack, and Cao Cao was also greatly surprised by Liu Xie's astonishing remarks.

"Your Majesty's statement that Sun Ce will die in two months is truly absurd."

Guo Jia smiled and said, “My lord, I used to think that His Majesty was very smart and knew how to assess the situation. His Majesty had a good grasp of the balance between you and your subject. But recently, since the Gongsun Zan incident, and considering that he had predicted Yuan Shu’s ascension to the throne and also predicted that he would send troops to Xuzhou and that you would get another woman, all of these things have come true.”

"Your Majesty just invented the bellows before the New Year, and then improved the curved plow after the New Year. Your Majesty is not even of age yet, but what you have done is already astonishing enough."

Looking at Cao Cao, Guo Jia said with deep concern, "My lord, what His Majesty has done will gradually change many people's attitudes towards him, even if he doesn't recruit others. More and more people will be willing to follow him and recognize him. Therefore, in this duel between you and Yuan Shao, you must not only fight quickly but also win!"

Cao Cao nodded, his gaze becoming somewhat sharp. "His Majesty has indeed been too sharp lately. I think it would be necessary to give him a proper warning. What do you think? We are about to go to war with Yuan Shao, and Xuchang must be kept stable. I think it is quite necessary to give His Majesty a proper warning."

This was also Cao Cao's main purpose in summoning Guo Jia outside the city; he felt it was time to give the emperor a good talking-to.

Because of Liu Xie's recent actions, Cao Cao felt increasingly pressured.

In the words of Jiang, "to repel external enemies, one must first secure internal stability." Cao Cao had to first stabilize the rear and keep Xuchang peaceful.

"My lord, I'm afraid this is inappropriate."

Guo Jia shook his head slightly, his face full of worry. "His Majesty may seem approachable, but he is quite stubborn. He is not someone who is easily subdued. Once a conflict is stirred up and the situation worsens, it may be difficult to end."

Guo Jia looked behind Cao Cao and saw that Cao Cao had led at least 10,000 soldiers back to the city. The soldiers were all wearing bright armor and exuded a fierce and murderous aura that only came from the battlefield.

Guo Jia sighed, "It seems that you have made up your mind."

If there was no intention to intimidate Liu Xie, there was no need to bring so many people back. There was no need to quell the rebellion. Bringing so many people had only one purpose: to target Liu Xie.

Cao Cao nodded. "Fengxiao understands me! If Your Majesty simply wants to do something that will benefit the country, the people, and me, take the Gongsun Zan incident for example. It has helped me a lot by hurting Yuan Shao and killing Yuan Xi, which has relieved me of a lot of pressure."

"But Lu Bu and Liu Bei are both by His Majesty's side. They can't just stay at home and grow vegetables all the time, can they? If I don't intimidate them, I really won't be able to eat or sleep in peace."

Seeing Liu Xie's reputation grow ever higher and his circle of powerful figures expand, and with war about to break out with Yuan Shao, Cao Cao was genuinely afraid that something might go wrong in Xuchang.

Cao Cao left his troops outside the city and entered the city with Guo Jia. After entering the city, Cao Cao did not go back to his own home first, nor did he go to the palace to see Liu Xie. Instead, he went straight to the gate of Liu Bei's mansion.

Liu Bei was watering his vegetable garden when Cao Cao knocked on the door, and Zhang Fei opened it.

Zhang Fei snorted in dissatisfaction when he saw Cao Cao, but Cao Cao ignored him, smiled, and walked straight in.

The courtyard was lush and green, like being in the countryside. Cao Cao nodded and said, "Not bad. I had heard that Xuande grew vegetables at home, but I never had the chance to come. Seeing it today, I realize that Xuande is not only skilled in both literature and martial arts, but also an expert in growing vegetables."

Hearing the two men talking, Liu Bei turned around and saw Cao Cao. He was startled, quickly put down his hoe, and greeted him with a smile, "Lord Cao, you're back."

Cao Cao stared at Liu Bei with a half-smile for a while, while Liu Bei remained expressionless, but felt somewhat uneasy.

"Xuande, you've done a great thing!" Cao Cao suddenly said.

Liu Bei was even more surprised and hurriedly said, "What are you saying, Lord Cao? I have been focusing on farming and cultivating my character at home."

Cao Cao smiled and said, "Is that so? Xuande grows vegetables at home, and Lü Bu also grows vegetables at home. I have also heard that the two of you have reconciled in private. Are you two planning to use growing vegetables as a cover to secretly plot something big?" It is not so suspicious if one person grows vegetables, but if both Lü Bu and Liu Bei grow vegetables at home, even if Cao Cao is slow to understand, he will feel that there is something mysterious about this.

Liu Bei sighed helplessly, remaining outwardly calm, but inwardly he was in a panic.

"Lord Cao, I grow vegetables at home, which is purely a personal hobby. I came from a poor family and am not unfamiliar with farming. Now that I'm in Xuchang, I have some free time, so I'm using this to pass the time. As for Lü Bu..."

Liu Bei shook his head, feeling a bit resentful. Lü Bu had actually become his neighbor and was even growing vegetables with him. How could this not arouse suspicion?

Liu Bei shook his head helplessly, "As for Lü Bu's thoughts, I really don't know."

It's not so bad if one person grows vegetables, but with Lu Bu added to the mix, anyone in Cao Cao's position would become suspicious.

Cao Cao approached, bent down, casually plucked a leaf from the vegetable patch, washed it, and chewed it. "Not bad, homegrown vegetables are so fresh. I'll take some back with me later."

Liu Bei nodded quickly, "Lord Cao, you're too kind. I'll gather some for you right away."

Liu Bei acted immediately, ordering Zhang Fei to bring a basket from the house. He then bent down and personally picked some fresh vegetables, placing them in the basket.

Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back, watching Liu Bei quietly. After a while, he asked, "Xuande, what are your plans for the future? You are the Imperial Uncle, you can't just stay at home growing vegetables forever, can you? Haven't you thought about doing something for His Majesty? His Majesty needs you very much right now."

Cao Cao's question was quite provocative.

Liu Bei secretly groaned, thinking he was doing something for His Majesty. Cao Cao was making veiled accusations, his words carrying a hidden dagger.

Liu Bei feigned panic, swaying as if he had almost fallen, and said, "Lord Cao, please don't joke. Thanks to you, half of the world is now at peace. I believe Yuan Shao is no match for you. I am but a humble man with little influence and limited ability. I only hope to stay in Xuchang and by Your Majesty's side. That would be enough for me."

Liu Bei knew Cao Cao wouldn't believe him, but that was all he could say.

I can't exactly say, "I don't want to be idle, I want to leave Xudu as soon as possible and take over some territory," can I?
It's not that they wanted to become high-ranking officials in Xuchang or wield real power; they could only say that being idle and growing vegetables at home was fine, in order to minimize Cao Cao's hostility.

"Alright." Cao Cao didn't point it out, smiled, and left with Guo Jia. Before leaving, he naturally didn't forget to take the basket of freshly picked vegetables with him.

"Fengxiao, what do you think?"

As Cao Cao left Liu Bei's house, he gave a cold snort.

Guo Jia smiled and said, "Why ask a question you already know the answer to? Liu Bei growing vegetables at home is clearly a strategy of concealing his abilities and biding his time."

Passing by Lü Bu's house, Cao Cao hesitated for a moment, then turned around and stepped inside.

Lu Bu was in the backyard. He couldn't do farm work as well as Liu Bei. Liu Bei had finished planting in both the front and back yards and had a bountiful harvest. Lu Bu had only finished planting in the front yard and was busy in the backyard.

Diao Chan was in the front yard. When she saw Cao Cao, she walked over gracefully. Her every move exuded a serene beauty, which made Cao Cao momentarily stunned.

Her red lips parted slightly, her eyes filled with shyness. Cao Cao had always had a fondness for married women and mature women. Diao Chan was exceptionally beautiful. Back in Luoyang, Cao Cao had the good fortune to have met her once at Wang Yun's residence.

"Greetings, Minister Cao." Diao Chan approached, smiled shyly, and bowed gracefully.

Cao Cao waved his hand, "No need for formalities, where is Fengxian?"

"Is my husband in the backyard?"

Diao Chan's voice was as sweet and captivating as a nightingale's.

Cao Cao secretly praised Lü Bu, thinking, "He's really lucky with women! How hateful, how utterly hateful!"

Cao Cao went to the backyard and saw Lü Bu bending over and hoeing the ground from afar.

Lu Bu was burly and wore dark clothes. Although his movements were a little clumsy, he did it very carefully. Cao Cao watched quietly for a while, seemingly lost in thought.

This is incredible! Cao Cao had only heard that Lü Bu liked beautiful women and fine wine, but now he was honestly hoeing the ground and planting vegetables, and doing it so seriously.

This is clearly unusual.

Cao Cao couldn't help but think of Liu Xie; Lü Bu must have been influenced by the emperor.

"My lord, Minister Cao is here," Diao Chan called out as she walked over.

Lu Bu raised his head and looked at Cao Cao, who was walking towards him, with a surprised expression. His face gradually darkened.

"Greetings, Minister Cao." Putting down the hoe in his hand, Lü Bu reluctantly gave a greeting.

Cao Cao didn't mind, "Fengxian, Liu Bei grows vegetables at home, and you grow vegetables at home too. Could it be that you are so young, and you intend to retire to Linquan and no longer want to fight on the battlefield?"

Lu Bu looked at him with annoyance and said, "Minister Cao is wise and brave, and his military strategy is brilliant. With you leading His Majesty to quell the rebellion, it is enough to pacify the world. Why would His Majesty need me?"

"Fengxian, you are too kind. You ride the Red Hare and wield the Fangtian Halberd. Your skills are unparalleled and you are hard to beat. If you are interested, I can recommend you to be a general and lead the campaign against Yuan Shao."

"Grand General? Isn't Yuan Shao the Grand General now?" Lu Bu's eyes lit up immediately. The title of Grand General was still very attractive to Lu Bu.

Cao Cao took in Lü Bu's expression and was secretly delighted. He laughed and said, "That's right, Yuan Shao is indeed a Grand General, but he disobeys the court's orders, rebels against his superiors, and attempts to defy the court. Now, 100,000 of Yuan's troops are stirring on the north bank of Guandu. If you are willing, I can immediately petition His Majesty to dismiss Yuan Shao from his position as Grand General. In my opinion, no one is more suitable for the position of Grand General than you, Fengxian!"

Cao Cao simply wanted to test Lü Bu, and sure enough, Lü Bu was somewhat tempted.

Guo Jia also curled the corners of his mouth into a meaningful smile.

Unexpectedly, after hesitating for a while, Lü Bu shook his head and refused again, "Thank you for your kind offer, Minister Cao, but unless His Majesty personally appoints me as Grand General, I will not accept it."

“Oh? Fengxian, isn’t it the same as His Majesty appointing you? If you are willing, I will go to the palace to see His Majesty now, and you can go to Guandu tomorrow.”

(End of this chapter)