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

Chapter 140, Xutian Hunting

Lu Bu shook his head and said, "I am currently a criminal, and His Majesty has punished me by making me stay at home to reflect on my actions. I thank you for your kindness, Lord Cao, but I cannot accept it."

Lu Bu now only listens to Liu Xie. Even though Cao Cao promised him the title of Grand General, Lu Bu ultimately refused the temptation.

After Cao Cao left, his face immediately darkened.

He turned to Guo Jia and said, "Liu Bei is keeping a low profile at home, and Lü Bu is now following His Majesty's lead. It seems necessary to teach them a lesson."

Cao Cao's face darkened, as if he were about to unleash his fury, his eyes sharp as knives, piercing straight to the heart.

Guo Jia frowned immediately. Cao Cao was not someone who got angry easily, and his current anger indicated that the situation was serious and that Cao Cao had already felt threatened.

Looking back at Liu Bei and Lü Bu's courtyard once more, Cao Cao sneered, "If we don't warn His Majesty, these two vegetable growers might just turn their hoes into deadly weapons at any moment!"

Guo Jia advised, "My lord, with a major battle imminent between you and Yuan Shao, I think it would be better to maintain the status quo for the time being, so as not to damage the harmony and cause the situation to become unmanageable."

But Cao Cao made up his mind: "Fengxiao, I am not only targeting His Majesty, but also all those who secretly support His Majesty, especially Liu Bei and Lü Bu. Liu Bei is the Imperial Uncle, and Lü Bu is the Imperial Brother-in-law. If I don't intimidate them and make them feel fear, I will not be at ease!"

Guo Jia couldn't persuade him, and finally sighed helplessly.

After Cao Cao left, Lü Bu stood in the courtyard, still somewhat dazed.

Diao Chan asked softly, "Husband, are you somewhat tempted by the position of Grand General?"

Lu Bu sighed and did not refute Cao Cao's suggestion. It had really tempted Lu Bu.

In the end, he resisted the temptation because Lü Bu knew that he had to stand with Liu Xie, and could only stand with Liu Xie!
Gao Shun had overheard Lü Bu and Cao Cao's conversation.

Gao Shun usually stayed by Lü Bu's side, helping him with trivial matters.

Gao Shun walked over and said, “My lord, even if you become the Grand General, it will be difficult to win over the people. Cao Cao only wants to use the empty title of Grand General to take advantage of you. If you had become the Grand General after eliminating Dong Zhuo, perhaps people would have been more convinced. But now, even the generals around Cao Cao will not acknowledge your position, let alone the warlords in various regions.”

After thinking it over carefully, Lü Bu fell silent. Gao Shun was right. Even if he became a general, who could he command?
It sounds like the general is very powerful and glamorous, but in reality, he is just a figurehead!
Would Xiahou Dun listen to him? Would Cao Ren listen to him? He probably couldn't even command Zhang Liao, let alone Sun Ce, Ma Teng, Liu Biao, and the like.

Cao Cao's bestowal of the title of Grand General upon Lü Bu was like throwing a bone to a dog, merely to get the dog to guard the house and bite people for its master.

Cao Cao then entered the palace. Liu Xie was at the Secretariat. After Cao Cao found out where he was, he went straight to the Secretariat.

When Cao Cao entered, Liu Xie was playing chess with Ding Yi. Cao Cao glared coldly at Ding Yi, and Ding Yi, sensing the danger, hurriedly stood up.

When Liu Xie saw Cao Cao, he smiled and said, "Oh, Lord Cao, you're back. It's been almost a month since we last met. You've gotten quite thinner."

Cao Cao snorted inwardly, thinking: It's all because of you. I have to be distracted by the battles at the front, and you're not giving me any peace of mind at home either.

"Your Majesty, I have just returned. How are you?"

"Good, very good. With Cao Cao helping me pacify the world and Xun Yu governing the court, I don't have to worry about anything."

Xun Yu smiled modestly, walked over, and poured Liu Xie another cup of tea.

Every time Xun Yu met Liu Xie, he would try his best to show him some respect.

Pour yourself a glass of water, or temporarily put aside what you're doing and chat with Liu Xie for a few minutes.

We can't just leave the emperor standing there and ignore him, can we?

Cao Cao thought Xun Yu was pouring him water, and couldn't help but feel a little envious of Liu Xie.

Cao Cao said, “Your Majesty, now that spring is in full bloom and all things are reviving, the people are busy with farming. Your Majesty should also do something. Our Han Dynasty was founded on military strength, and the tradition of spring and autumn hunting has been passed down to this day without interruption. I would like to invite Your Majesty to hunt in Xutian tomorrow to boost the morale of our army.”

"Hunting in Xutian?"

Liu Xie picked up the teacup, about to drink it, when his movement suddenly froze. He glanced at Cao Cao, who was squinting at him, revealing no hidden agenda. But Liu Xie was clearly on guard.

What's meant to happen will happen eventually!

Even if Liu Xie hadn't subdued Lü Bu, the hunting trip at Xutian would still have taken place. Cao Cao's purpose was to frighten Liu Xie and teach him how to be a proper puppet emperor.

Of course, hunting also served as a deterrent to those around Liu Xie, especially figures like Liu Bei and Lü Bu.

This is similar to how, in later generations, the US would frequently conduct military exercises around our area. The purpose was to intimidate us and let us know that they are powerful and formidable, and that we should never provoke them!
Xun Yu seemed to realize something as well, and his expression froze, making the atmosphere in the room somewhat awkward.

"Your Majesty, what do you think?" Cao Cao asked again when Liu Xie did not respond for a long time.

Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao and slowly said, "I have always respected Lord Cao, and this time is no exception. I grant your permission!"

Liu Xie spoke very heavily and slowly, so that everyone in the Imperial Secretariat could hear him clearly.

Liu Xie's unspoken message was: Cao Cao, I have always respected you, so don't go too far!
I have always granted your requests, Cao Cao, as a sign of my respect and trust. However, your attempts to engage in underhanded tactics are a sign of disrespect.

Cao Cao smiled faintly and nodded, "Your Majesty, I naturally respect you as well."

In his heart, he thought, "His Majesty is indeed not simple. With just a little probing, he has become wary of me."

"Very well, Your Majesty, I will immediately issue the order to prepare. Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), I will personally come to welcome Your Majesty to go hunting together."

With Liu Xie's approval, Cao Cao was very satisfied. He glanced at Xun Yu again and then left contentedly.

After Liu Xie left the Imperial Secretariat, Zhao Yun noticed his serious expression and asked, puzzled, "What exactly is Cao Cao planning to do?"

"Let's go see Jia Xu and ask him to help me resolve my doubts."

Upon entering the secret passage, Liu Xie discovered that guards had been added to both the entrance and exit, all manned by Liu Biao.

After entering Jia Xu's secret chamber, Liu Xie also met Liu Biao, who had just returned from Wu Commandery.

"You're back? Everything went smoothly, right?" Liu Xie asked politely, shaking Liu Biao's hand with a smile.

Liu Biao nodded. "Your Majesty, rest assured, everything is going smoothly."

Liu Biao was straightforward and unassuming, rarely speaking, but extremely meticulous in his work. "Where does the secret passage we're digging lead?"

"Your Majesty, one road leads to the North Mountain outside the city, and the other leads to the Sikong Mansion. It is estimated that the Sikong Mansion road will be completed in about six months."

Liu Xie nodded. "Very good. Remember, I don't care about speed; secrecy is the most important thing!"

Liu Biao clasped his hands together and said with a serious expression, "Your Majesty, rest assured, every person who excavated the secret passage was personally selected by me. They are all trustworthy and loyal men."

Liu Xie nodded. "I am naturally at ease entrusting it to you."

Upon seeing Jia Xu, Liu Xie smiled and said, "Wenhe, Cao Cao has returned to Xuchang. He's already trying to intimidate me as soon as he gets back."

"Really?"

Jia Xu raised an eyebrow slightly and sat down quietly. Hearing that Cao Cao was going to hunt in Xutian, Jia Xu nodded. "Your Majesty need not worry too much. Cao Cao just wants to show off his power in front of Your Majesty. Hunting is just an excuse. However, in my opinion, he will inevitably have a contest with Your Majesty tomorrow."

Jia Xu suddenly looked at Liu Xie and asked, "Your Majesty, how is your archery skill?"

Liu Xie shook his head. "To be honest, my swordsmanship is passable, but as for my archery, I'm really making a fool of myself."

Jia Xu laughed, "That's good. Cao Cao wants to compete with His Majesty in archery, naturally he wants to show off. His Majesty's archery skills are not good, which just suits Cao Cao's wishes. His Majesty should back down."

"Wenhe wants me to lose to him?" Although Liu Xie had been holding back for so long, he was still somewhat displeased that Jia Xu was actually hoping he would lose.

Jia Xu explained, “Cao Cao has two purposes in taking advantage of the hunting opportunity. First, he wants to show off his military strength. Second, he wants to show off his archery skills. As far as I know, Cao Cao is excellent in both swordsmanship and archery. Since it is a hunting trip, an archery contest is inevitable. Since Cao Cao wants to show off and display his power, why doesn’t Your Majesty grant his wish?”

"Then what am I supposed to do? Am I just supposed to be a clown and help Cao Cao succeed?"

Jia Xu shook his head. “Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. Archery and martial prowess are not your forte. Your Majesty only needs to demonstrate the aura that an emperor should have.”

"Oh? Wenhe means that I may lose in archery, but I cannot lose in spirit!"

Jia Xu nodded. "Cao Cao wants to intimidate Your Majesty, but Your Majesty can also intimidate him. No matter how many troops Cao Cao has, or how skilled he is at archery, he is merely Your Majesty's subject. Now that a formidable enemy is at hand, I believe Cao Cao will certainly not turn against Your Majesty."

"Does Wenhe mean that he hopes I will not yield to him?"

"Your Majesty and Cao Cao are both intelligent men. Your Majesty is aware of your situation, and so is Cao Cao. If Your Majesty weakens your resolve, those who truly support you will be greatly disappointed, and Cao Cao will inevitably become more demanding and will no longer take Your Majesty seriously. Your Majesty must not give in on this step!"

Jia Xu raised his voice and said, word by word, "Your Majesty wants Cao Cao to know, and wants the whole world to know, that you do not interfere in military and political affairs because you trust him, not because you are afraid of him!"

"In this way, Your Majesty will entrust all political affairs to Cao Cao. At any time, the greater good will be on Your Majesty's side, while Cao Cao will always be in shackles. Everyone in the world will think that Your Majesty trusts and values ​​Cao Cao too much. As long as he does something disloyal, he will be condemned, and he himself will feel deeply guilty."

"Most importantly, Your Majesty's maintenance of the dignity due to an emperor will greatly boost the morale of the loyal ministers of the Han Dynasty. If Your Majesty is humiliated, these people will naturally be filled with righteous indignation and willing to fight against Cao Cao."

Liu Xie understood: he was the emperor; he could lose, but he could never back down!
You may be mediocre at archery, unable to lead troops, or incapable of fighting, but you must never let Cao Cao ride roughshod over you.

If he backs down and gets scared, Cao Cao will become even more emboldened and continue to humiliate and punish him!
Liu Xie nodded vigorously and said, "Good, with Wenhe's words, I know what to do!"

As Liu Xie was leaving, he patted Jia Xu on the shoulder twice, which startled Jia Xu.

After Liu Xie left, Liu Biao smiled and said, "Mr. Jia Xu, His Majesty has already recognized you. He would only treat someone like this if they were one of his own."

After returning home that night, Liu Xie was no longer confused. He believed what Jia Xu had said: as an emperor, one can make concessions, but one must also stand up for oneself when necessary.

Besides, Cao Cao would never dare to turn against him!

If Cao Cao were to place him under house arrest and control, the good reputation Cao Cao had built up over so many years would vanish in an instant.

"You lot, watch yourselves." Liu Xie heard Lü Lingqi's clear voice from afar as she reprimanded several palace maids.

Because Liu Xie had told her that there were many of Cao Cao's spies in the palace.

The actions of Consort Dong and Lady Fu were generally ignored.

Liu Xie only became vigilant when he was resting in the training ground or his palace to avoid being monitored; otherwise, he treated those people as if they were invisible.

However, Lü Lingqi was different. Like Sun Shangxiang, she had practiced martial arts since childhood, was skilled, and had a strong personality.

If anyone sneaks around or secretly spyes on her, she won't be polite at all if she finds out.

Liu Xie smiled but didn't ask any questions. Lü Lingqi said coldly, "From now on, you will all stand here. No one is allowed to move an inch. Stand here until midnight."

Turning around and seeing Liu Xie, Lü Lingqi quickly walked over with a smile.

Nothing happened overnight. The next day, the weather was clear and sunny with a gentle breeze—a rare and beautiful day.

Cao Cao washed up early and went to the palace to see Liu Xie.

Liu Xie had changed his clothes early and, along with Zhao Yun, Wang Yue, and others, left the city with Cao Cao.

As soon as they left the city, they saw dust billowing in the distance, and squads of Cao Cao's soldiers were rapidly approaching them.

Cao Cao's army was well-disciplined, and his tens of thousands of soldiers moved swiftly, with clear formations including infantry, cavalry, archers, swordsmen, and more, constantly changing their formations.

Cao's soldiers were all tall and proud, their helmets and armor gleaming, their imposing presence undiminished.

Liu Xie sat on his horse, watching quietly.

Lü Bu, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei also came at the invitation. Lü Bu soon spotted Zhang Liao in Cao Cao's army. Zhang Liao was riding a horse, carrying a sword, wearing gleaming iron armor, and leading the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry.

Lu Bu clenched his fists tightly, somewhat annoyed. These were all his soldiers, but now they had all fallen into Cao Cao's hands.

Lu Bu harbored no hatred towards Zhang Liao; he knew that it was all Cao Cao's arrangement.

Cao Cao recruited Zhang Liao and handed over all of Lü Bu's former troops to Zhang Liao, including Gao Shun's elite Trapped Camp.

Cao Cao's decision to have Zhang Liao lead troops there was also intended to humiliate Lü Bu.

Cao Cao was reminding Lü Bu that his life, death, wealth, and power were in his hands, as were his troops!
(End of this chapter)