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

Chapter 149, Marriage Alliance with Cao Cao
"Your Majesty, how are your injuries?" Upon seeing Liu Xie, Lü Lingqi waved her hand, dismissing everyone.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "It's just a minor injury, it's already much better."

"Let me see." Lü Lingqi was very worried and took Liu Xie's hand directly into the house.

Sure enough, not a single palace maid followed them in; they all stayed outside on their own initiative.

Lü Lingqi helped Liu Xie take off his outer garment and then unbuttoned his inner lining. Although she was a free spirit, Lü Lingqi couldn't help but feel a little shy.

Liu Xie was quite calm and composed. The wound on his waist was about an inch long, and the bleeding had stopped, but it still made Lü Lingqi extremely nervous.

"Your Majesty, Cao Cao is far too presumptuous."

"It's not as serious as you think."

Liu Xie shook his head and sat on the bed. Lü Lingqi hurriedly helped Liu Xie bandage his wound. In fact, the bleeding had already stopped. Liu Xie tried to persuade her a few times, but she insisted on bandaging it carefully again.

"Your Majesty, you are too indulgent and lenient towards Cao Cao." Even Lü Lingqi couldn't stand it anymore.

"He almost killed my father in Xiapi, and he also held absolute power in Xudu. Despite being a subject, he did not respect His Majesty, yet His Majesty still tolerated and forgave him."

Liu Xie smiled. It seems that women are naturally less perceptive of politics than men.

"I only want to say one thing: people should always go with the flow and never go against it. Today, Xuchang is not in my hands. All the troops are in Cao Cao's hands. What? Do you think he should just obey my orders without a care in the world? A person's ambition is commensurate with his strength."

"How much longer will Your Majesty tolerate him?"

Liu Xie glanced at Lü Lingqi and joked, "Probably after our child is born."

Lu Lingqi blushed instantly, her pure and pretty face turning incredibly shy. She lowered her head slightly, her voice almost inaudible, "Your Majesty, please stay with me tonight."

Ever since Liu Xie rescued Lü Bu in Xuzhou, although Liu Xie nominally kept Lü Lingqi by his side, the two have never crossed that line.

Liu Xie nodded. "If you are ready, I will stay tonight."

Lu Lingqi looked up at Liu Xie and nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty, I am willing to serve you."

What's meant to happen will happen. Lü Lingqi wasn't too coy. A newlywed couple, two red candles—it wasn't their wedding night, but it was still a heartwarming occasion, bringing a touch of warmth to this turbulent city.

Lu Lingqi slowly nestled into Liu Xie's embrace, a shy and happy smile spreading across her face. She felt his warmth and protection, and that night she truly became a woman.

Lu Lingqi cast aside all her worries and constraints, and without hesitation, gave herself to Liu Xie, becoming his woman. Their bodies pressed tightly together, they quietly poured out their deep affection.

From Liu Xie, Lü Lingqi felt a different kind of warmth, and she willingly transformed from a girl into a woman!

…………

It was late at night, and Cao Cao hadn't visited Lady Ding's place for a long time. Feeling troubled, he found himself there without realizing it.

Lady Ding always preferred quiet. There were only two maids in the courtyard. When they saw Cao Cao, they were about to say something, but Cao Cao waved his hand to stop them.

The lights were on inside, and Cao Ang was there, talking to his mother.

Curious, Cao Cao walked to the window and listened intently.

"Zixiu, did you just go to see His Majesty?" Madam Ding asked while doing her needlework.

Cao Ang nodded. "Yes, His Majesty took me to Lingyan Pavilion, and he talked to me a lot."

Cao Ang and his mother talked about everything, and Cao Ang immediately told Lady Ding everything that Liu Xie had said.

Lady Ding listened quietly, while Cao Cao became increasingly astonished.

At first, Cao Cao thought that Liu Xie was deliberately looking for a scapegoat to weaken Cao Cao's power.

But now he felt a surge of emotion.

"The blame for Xu Tian's actions should be borne by others. Is Your Majesty truly trying to protect my reputation?" Cao Cao was somewhat bewildered.

In fact, Cao Cao was unwilling and unable to take responsibility for this matter, so he could only try to downplay it.

Finding someone to take the blame is probably an acceptable outcome for both sides.

As for expecting Liu Xiequan to act as if nothing had happened, that's unrealistic.

Unless Liu Xie is as cowardly and incompetent as he was in his previous life, so terrified of Cao Cao that he doesn't dare to breathe.

Although Liu Xie in this life is not domineering, he definitely has his own bottom line.

Cao Ang continued, “His Majesty said that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. This time, he is willing to forgive my father. I am truly grateful to His Majesty. He has been doing his best to protect my father and the hope of the Han Dynasty.”

Madam Ding nodded gently. "Then when we go to the temple to fulfill our vows tomorrow, I will definitely ask Buddha to bless His Majesty. Zixiu, loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness are the foundation of being a person. You must always keep these in mind."

"Mother, rest assured. His Majesty often teaches me the same thing. He says that the people of the world are suffering too much. Only by bringing peace to the world as soon as possible can the people be spared from the ravages of war and have a better life. He hopes that I can learn from my father and be a person who is loyal to the emperor and serves the people."

Cao Cao listened for a while, then shook his head and walked away.

Only after leaving the courtyard did Cao Cao coldly snort, "Your Majesty, I must say, you are indeed formidable, truly unmatched in your open strategies."

But Cao Cao was not angry, because Liu Xie wanted him to be a loyal minister and Cao Ang to be a good person, which left Cao Cao with no choice.

Because, deep down, Cao Cao did not reject or dislike it. Who in this world would refuse to be a good person?

Cao Cao naturally attended the court assembly the next day, also wanting to see how Liu Xie would respond.

After the court assembly began, Liu Xie did not mention the hunting trip to Xutian at all.

They gave Cao Cao plenty of face, as if the incident had never happened.

Cao Cao was sensible enough to keep quiet as long as Liu Xie didn't bring it up.

Everyone carries the sedan chair, and everyone offers each other steps.

Liu Xie gave Cao Cao face, so Cao Cao naturally had to reciprocate in kind.

As for Cao Chun's death, he was already seriously injured and difficult to treat. Even if Cao Chun didn't take the blame for Cao Cao, someone else would have to be killed.

It might have been Man Chong, or it might have been someone else; in that case, Cao Cao's losses would have been even greater. Political maneuvering has always been accompanied by a bloody price.

Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao, then at Xun Yu, and asked, "Lord Xun, are there any temples in Xuchang?"

Xun Yu was taken aback and shook his head. "There isn't one inside the city, but there is a small temple about fifteen miles outside the city."

Cao Cao was also completely baffled, not knowing what Liu Xie was up to.

Liu Xie shook his head. "I think it is necessary, and immediately, to build a decent temple in Xuchang. When people are suffering, they need to go to the temple to burn incense and pray to the gods. When there is a happy occasion in the family, everyone is willing to go to the temple to fulfill their vows. The dead also need to be worshipped. How can we do without a temple? Lady Ding, the wife of Cao Cao, is kind-hearted. She likes to chant scriptures and worship Buddha. I have met her a few times on the road. It is really too hard for her to go so far out of the city to burn incense and worship Buddha."

No one objected to Liu Xie's proposal, and Liu Xie gave Cao Cao a reason that he could not refuse.

Because Madam Ding herself was very fond of Buddhism.

Cao Cao nodded. "Your Majesty is benevolent and compassionate, which is a blessing for all people. I also agree to build a temple in Xuchang."

Since the establishment of the money shop, Cao Cao has become much wealthier. With the popularization of the military-agricultural system, building a temple was a piece of cake for him.

Liu Xie then looked at Xun Yu, who hurriedly nodded. He was hoping for harmony between the emperor and his ministers, so Liu Xie's small request was really nothing.

"Alright, it's settled then!"

Liu Xie then said, "By the way, let's build it in the style of the White Horse Temple in Luoyang. Emperor Ming of Han built the White Horse Temple to commemorate the eminent monk who carried the scriptures on a white horse. However, unfortunately, Dong Zhuo caused chaos in Luoyang and burned it all to ruins. Since the capital is now in Xuchang, let's name the newly built temple the White Horse Temple."

It's not so bad to imitate the appearance of the White Horse Temple, but naming it the White Horse Temple has made many people ponder.

Guo Jia and Xun Yu exchanged a glance, both understanding the profound meaning behind it.

Before his death, Emperor Gaozu killed a white horse and swore an oath that no one other than the Liu family could be king, and that if anyone broke the oath, the whole world would punish him.

When Liu Xie built a temple in Xudu, he named it White Horse Temple, which was tantamount to rebuilding White Horse Temple.

However, Cao Cao and Xun Yu have already agreed to build the temple.

"Lord Xun, what do you think?"

Xun Yu naturally did not want anyone to claim the title of king, so he quickly nodded, "Your Majesty is sincere and builds temples, which not only provide convenience for the people, but also allow them to remember and worship their ancestors. The White Horse Temple in Luoyang was destroyed by war, but it has been reborn in Xuchang, which has profound significance. It also shows Your Majesty's determination and hope for the world to be stable and harmonious as soon as possible. I have no objection!"

Liu Xie nodded. "Very good, Lord Cao. What do you think about rebuilding the White Horse Temple in Xuchang?"

The capital city of Luoyang was already abandoned, and the White Horse Temple had been burned down. Cao Cao could find no reason to object.

However, Cao Cao was somewhat uneasy, as Liu Xie had placed another shackle on him.

Building the White Horse Temple in Xuchang was tantamount to constantly reminding Cao Cao not to have any disloyal thoughts.

Don't even mention becoming emperor, you can't even become king!

Anyone who is not surnamed Liu and claims the title of king shall be punished by all under heaven!
"I agree!" Cao Cao could only nod.

Cao Cao and Liu Xie exchanged a glance. Liu Xie's smile was gentle, showing no malice whatsoever, but Cao Cao was very displeased. He had to admire Liu Xie's methods; they were indeed impossible to guard against.

He could make a big deal out of a mere temple. If it were a Black Horse Temple, Black Mountain Temple, or even a Great Bear Temple, Cao Cao wouldn't have cared. He insisted on building the White Horse Temple.

Since Emperor Gaozu made the oath by killing a white horse, the oath on the white horse has been deeply rooted in people's hearts, and the words "white horse" have also taken on a different meaning.

Liu Xie's refusal to mention yesterday's hunting trip in Xutian was a concession, while the construction of the White Horse Temple was the beginning of his move to gain benefits for himself.

A balance of tension and relaxation, of advance and retreat, is the way to achieve true success.

The matter wasn't over yet; Liu Xie then mentioned Yuan Shu.

"I have received news that Yuan Shu intends to cross Xuzhou to join Yuan Shao. Such a traitor deserves to be killed by everyone. How can we give him any more chance to breathe? I have decided to appoint Lü Bu as General Who Conquers the East and order him to intercept and kill Yuan Shu."

Lu Bu had been hoping for this for a long time. He immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "This humble general obeys!"

Cao Cao clicked his tongue in surprise. The emperor had finally begun to fight back. Before the hunt in Xutian, Lü Bu was still at home obediently growing vegetables. Now, however, he had been put to use.

Although it was just a small mission to intercept and kill Yuan Shu, it was at least not a good sign.

Immediately following was the appointment of Dong Cheng: "Effective immediately, General of Chariots and Cavalry Dong Cheng shall take over the defense of the Imperial City."

The Northern Palace remained under Cao Anmin's control, and Liu Xie did not transfer Cao Anmin away, which also indicated that Liu Xie had no intention of turning against Cao Cao.

However, Liu Xie's decision to give power to Lü Bu and Dong Cheng also signaled his intention to expand his forces.

Cao Cao did not object; all of this was still within his acceptable range. If Liu Xie had given Lü Bu real power, or allowed Dong Cheng to take full control of the defense of Xuchang, then Cao Cao would have stood up to stop it.

Everyone here is a smart man. If Cao Cao takes a step back and Liu Xie takes a step forward, both sides can accept it. Taking another step forward would be crossing the line!

As expected, Liu Xie stopped there and did not make any further requests.

Cao Cao then glanced at Guo Jia, who understood immediately and stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, Cao Cao's eldest daughter, Princess Qinghe, is of marriageable age. Princess Qinghe is of exceptional beauty and character, and would be a perfect match for Your Majesty. Moreover, Cao Cao is devoted to the country and is an important minister of the court. I suggest that Your Majesty marry Princess Qinghe, which would make the relationship between the ruler and his ministers even closer and would surely become a beautiful story."

Guo Jia took the lead, followed closely by Man Chong, Mao Jie, Xiahou Yuan, and others, who all echoed his opinion, clearly indicating that they had reached a consensus.

Liu Xie glanced at Cao Cao and gradually understood.

Although the relationship between Cao Cao and Liu Xie had been made clear during the hunting incident at Xutian, Cao Cao still wanted to rebuild the illusion of harmony between the emperor and his ministers. Before defeating Yuan Shao, he could not afford to escalate the conflict with Liu Xie, so he simply offered his daughter as a political sacrifice.

Judging solely from Cao Cao's motives, Princess Qinghe was indeed quite pitiful.

But how many women of this era, especially those from aristocratic families, could escape the fate of political marriages?

Considering that the two were already familiar with each other, and that Princess Qinghe was Cao Ang's younger sister, Liu Xie readily agreed.

In fact, Cao Cao did not have a strong desire to marry off his daughter at the beginning, but now he had to ease his relationship with Liu Xie, and marriage was obviously the simplest and most effective way!
Moreover, by making the emperor his son-in-law, Cao Cao could feel a sense of superiority, as he had become the emperor's father-in-law, a generation above him in status.

"Lord Cao, when do you think would be a good time to hold the wedding?"

Cao Cao smiled and said, "With a great battle imminent, the sooner the better. Your Majesty is not one to be bound by conventions."

Liu Xie nodded, "That's true. Since that's the case, there's no time like the present. Let's do it tomorrow. Cao Cao has never liked extravagance, so let's keep everything simple."

(End of this chapter)