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

Chapter 155, His Majesty always carried Five-Stone Powder

Lu Bu was stunned for a moment, thinking he had gone to the wrong place. Was this Cao Cao's Sikong Mansion?

Not only was Lü Bu bewildered, but Cao Cao was also quite bewildered. Ever since Liu Xie married Cao Ying, he had been frequently visiting the Sikong Mansion, coming and going whenever he wanted, even more often than going out shopping.

Everyone in the city knew that Cao Cao's daughter had married the emperor. When the emperor's son-in-law came to visit, who dared to stop him? Who dared not to welcome him?
Cao Cao had been observing for the past few days and found that Liu Xie was not putting on an act. He treated everyone in the household very well, and the children in the family were all eager to ask him for stories.

Cao Cao was usually quite busy and didn't spend much time with his children. In just a few days, the children liked Liu Xie more than Cao Cao did.

Even if Cao Cao wanted to discuss how to deal with Liu Xie, it became very inconvenient, at least when Liu Xie came.

It wouldn't be right for Liu Xie to come to visit while he's plotting how to deal with him in the next room, would it?

This is the biggest advantage of Liu Xie and Cao Ying's marriage: they can fully utilize their emotional appeal.

"Fengxian is back." After seeing Lü Bu, Liu Xie said to four-year-old Cao Chong, "Alright, we'll talk about the Journey to the West story later."

Cao Ying also hurried over and took Cao Jie from Liu Xie's arms.

Cao Ying accompanied her mother and took the children to the yard.

The lively atmosphere inside the room finally quieted down.

Cao Cao glanced at Lü Bu and asked, "Have you encountered Yuan Shu?"

Ignoring Cao Cao's question, Lü Bu cupped his hands to Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, I have not failed in my mission. I have brought back Yuan Shu's head, and the remaining members of Yuan Shu's family have been completely exterminated!"

Liu Xie praised, "Good job, Fengxian, you've worked hard."

Liu Xie didn't ask Lu Xun any further questions, because he had already given instructions before setting off.

But Cao Cao was very curious, "How many people returned from this trip? Did they bring back the imperial seal?"

Lu Bu shook his head. "The Imperial Seal was not brought back. I only took three hundred men with me when I set out. Yuan Shu's troops numbered no less than three thousand. During the battle, some of them escaped with the Imperial Seal, and I was powerless to stop them. As for Lu Xun? He is a member of the Lu family. After Yuan Shu's death, his great revenge was fulfilled, and Lu Xun wanted to return to Lujiang to comfort his ancestors, so I allowed him to leave."

This military expedition also served as a cover, allowing Lu Xun to legitimately leave for a period of time, thus enabling him to stay outside and do some things for Liu Xie.

Lu Xun killed Yuan Shu and wanted to pay respects to his ancestors, a perfectly reasonable reason that Cao Cao could not refute.

Besides, Lu Xun had not yet shown any amazing talent in Cao Cao's eyes; Cao Cao was only concerned with people like Lü Bu and Zhao Yun.

If Zhao Yun were to suddenly leave for a period of time, Cao Cao would definitely become very suspicious. As for Lu Xun? Cao Cao simply had no interest in him.

The imperial seal was lost, but Cao Cao did not pursue the matter. Lü Bu insisted that he had brought too few men, and if the investigation continued, it would eventually lead back to Cao Cao.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "Alright, Fengxian has been away from home for many days, and your two wives must be very worried. You should go back now."

After Lü Bu left, Cao Chong ran in again. "Your Majesty, shall we continue the story?"

Liu Xie smiled. "Okay, where were we?"

"It's about Sun Wukong causing havoc in Heaven."

Liu Xie glanced apologetically at Cao Cao, "Lord Cao, I'll talk to the children a little longer. By the way, I won't be going back at noon."

Cao Cao nodded and said with a smile, "Then I will immediately have the cooks prepare wine and dishes."

Liu Xie went into the courtyard, and soon the children started playing happily again, while the smile on Cao Cao's face gradually disappeared.

It wasn't until almost dark that Liu Xie left with Cao Ying, and Cao Cao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He summoned Guo Jia and Man Chong, and the three of them discussed the matter in the study. Cao Cao rubbed his temples and sighed, "His Majesty is really difficult to deal with; his actions are always unpredictable."

Man Chong frowned deeply. He was always calm and serious, and he rarely smiled. If Cao Chun hadn't taken the blame last time, Man Chong might have been the one who died.

Man Chong was very wary of Liu Xie's methods. When Liu Xie took the initiative to abdicate for the first time, Man Chong almost died.

Liu Xie also mentioned his name during this hunting trip to Xutian.

After a moment of silence, Man Chong sighed and said, "His Majesty's actions are indeed unusual. Logically speaking, since his relationship with Lord Ming has been made clear, he should be on guard and actively cultivate his confidants. However, His Majesty is even more friendly to Lord Ming than before, which is truly unexpected."

Guo Jia frowned and brought up the matter of Five-Stone Powder, "Even now, His Majesty carries Five-Stone Powder with him every time he goes shopping. What does this mean? His Majesty's friendliness towards people is not just for show. This is his most brilliant and also most terrifying quality."

Man Chong's eyes widened immediately. "Fengxiao, if I remember correctly, His Majesty only gave the Five-Stone Powder to you."

Guo Jia nodded. "Yes, from the time I met His Majesty until now, he has only ever given Five-Stone Powder to me. In fact, the entire process of improving Five-Stone Powder was for my sake. His Majesty said that this substance was harmful, but seeing how addicted I was to it, he was determined to improve it. As you have all seen, His Majesty not only said it, but he also really did it."

"Does this mean that His Majesty carries a bottle of Five-Stone Powder with him whenever he leaves the palace, regardless of whether he will encounter Fengxiao?"

Guo Jia nodded.

Man Chong was increasingly shocked, and even Cao Cao realized just how meticulous Liu Xie's mind was and just how terrifying it was.

Guo Jia spread his hands and stood up. "But His Majesty knows that I am loyal to Lord Ming, so why is he still so devoted to me? The answer is simple: even if I am not loyal to His Majesty, his actions will only bring benefits and no harm. At least, he can win my approval and further ease the relationship with Lord Ming."

Cao Cao sighed, “No matter the situation, Your Majesty always remains calm and composed. The fact that you can be ruthless in secret but friendly on the surface is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Don’t forget how Zhongde and Zihe died. It was all thanks to Your Majesty.”

Guo Jia said, "Yes, perhaps at this moment His Majesty is holding your hand, but if you turn around, His Majesty will decisively draw his sword and stab you in the heart!"

Man Chong was not a coward, but after hearing Guo Jia's words, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

Man Chong felt that perhaps he was the next one to be eliminated by Liu Xie!
"I didn't want to go to war with Yuan Shao so soon before, but now I'm looking forward to it, because His Majesty's rise to power is just too fast!"

Cao Cao stood up, his expression becoming very solemn. "Take Liu Bei for example. Liu Bei is biding his time and keeping a low profile, as is Your Majesty. But Liu Bei does nothing, hoping to keep a low profile and not attract attention. But Your Majesty, you keep a low profile while killing people, silently and quietly, and have already severed two of my arms."

"My lord, the decisive battle with Yuan Shao is imminent. Just now, our spies brought news that Yuan Shao has secretly conspired with Liu Biao, attempting to join forces and attack us from both the north and south."

Guo Jia was in charge of intelligence gathering, so he was able to get news about many things immediately.

"Yuan Shao already controlled four provinces, yet he still wanted to join forces with Liu Biao. It's laughable."

Cao Cao let out a disdainful sneer. He had known Yuan Shao for so many years and knew him all too well. The alliance with Liu Biao did not mean that Yuan Shao had any profound strategies. On the contrary, he made a very simple matter complicated.

“If Yuan Shao makes up his mind, his hundreds of thousands of troops will sweep across Guandu with unstoppable momentum. If it were me, with such a large force and no worries about supplies, I could conquer the world in less than two years.” “Your words are reasonable. Yuan Shao is good at planning but indecisive and hesitant. He always hesitates before acting. However, you don’t need to worry. Liu Biao is unable to send troops because Zhang Xian in Changsha has already rebelled.”

"Liu Biao and Yuan Shao have always had a good relationship. The death of Sun Jian in his early years was secretly orchestrated by Yuan Shao at the instigation of Liu Biao."

Cao Cao looked down on Yuan Shao, who clearly had the strength and reputation but insisted on doing things that were beneath him.

…………

Liu Xie returned to the palace, first sending Cao Ying back, then went to the Ministry of Personnel. Seeing that Ding Yi was not there, Liu Xie asked curiously, "What happened? Where is Ding Yi?"

Xun Yu shook his head. "Your Majesty, Ding Yi's father, Ding Chong, died while drunk, and Ding Yi has not come these past few days."

"Oh? I see."

Ding Chong had a good relationship with Cao Cao and served as the Commandant of the Capital Region for a period of time. He played a part in welcoming Cao Cao to Xuchang.

Ding Chong was so addicted to alcohol that he drank himself to death. It is said that his intestines rotted away, and even though Liu Xie was a skilled physician, he said he was powerless to help.

It's hard to imagine how terrifying a person can be when drunk. Liu Xie had heard of people who drank too much and whose entire stomachs were completely destroyed by alcohol.

Liu Xie sighed and instructed Xun Yu, "Ding Chong has also rendered meritorious service to the state. By imperial decree, reward him with three hundred bolts of silk and one hundred catties of gold. Make sure he is given a proper burial."

"Your Majesty's kindness is greatly appreciated. I thank you on behalf of Ding Chong." Xun Yu immediately complied.

"By the way, now is a time when we need capable people. I recommend someone who I guarantee will satisfy Lord Cao."

Xun Yu frowned deeply. The relationship between the two had now been completely exposed. The emperor actually wanted to recommend talents to Cao Cao's side. Xun Yu felt troubled. Did His Majesty want to plant spies around Cao Cao?
"Lord Xun, there is no need to worry. I am merely making a recommendation. Whether Lord Cao is willing to employ you is entirely up to him."

"May I ask, Your Majesty, who is the person you have recommended?"

"Yang Xiu, son of Yang Biao!"

As expected, Xun Yu frowned immediately. Yang Biao was a staunch Han official. Would Cao Cao dare to use his son?
Liu Xie smiled and said, "Lord Xun, just tell Cao Cao about this. I believe that Cao Cao will not turn away anyone who is useful."

“Yang Xiu has just come of age. He is exceptionally intelligent and handsome. He will certainly not disappoint Lord Cao.”

Xun Yu forced a smile. "Alright then, I will report the truth to Lord Cao."

Liu Xie inadvertently glanced at the imperial edict of recruitment on Xun Yu's desk, which clearly bore the name Hua Xin.

Liu Xie smiled. Cao Cao really did recruit talent without being bound by convention.

Hua Xin was a very bad person. Historically, he did many things for Cao Cao that caused resentment. For example, he participated in the matter of deposing the empress. At that time, Empress Fu was so frightened that she hid in a hidden wall, but Hua Xin grabbed her hair and dragged her out.

Xun Yu buried himself in his documents and wrote down Yang Xiu's name.

Liu Xie nodded, his smile quickly fading as he secretly added Hua Xin to his blacklist.

Even though Hua Xin hasn't come to Xudu yet, Liu Xie doesn't have any good feelings towards him.

He chatted with Xun Yu for a while about everyday matters: How is your family? How is your wife? How is Xun Yun?

Although it was all just everyday talk, Xun Yu was still very touched.

In this era, few people truly care about your family; most meetings are just casual chats. But Xun Yu felt sincerity from Liu Xie.

Every so often, Liu Xie would visit Xun Yu's home, and both Tang Shi and Xun Yun spoke highly of him.

This kind of impression cannot be formed simply by exchanging a few polite words.

"Xun Yun is already eleven years old. I made a kite for him myself. After you finish your duties, take it back and see if he likes it. If he doesn't, I will make another one."

Mao Jie and the others nearby cast envious glances.

Xun Yu quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for remembering my son, Your Majesty."

Liu Xie remained silent for a while, and seeing that it was about time, he stood up and said, "Alright, it's time for me to practice my sword. Let's talk another day."

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

Xun Yu and the others hurriedly bowed in greeting, and Liu Xie waved his hand and left gracefully.

The sword practice continued every day, rain or shine. Today, while practicing, Liu Xie noticed that Cao Pi beside him seemed a little dazed, as if he hadn't slept enough and his eyelids were barely open.

Liu Xie smiled, and after a while, Lü Lingqi also came over.

Lu Lingqi disliked red dresses and preferred military uniforms. She was most interested in guns and clubs. After arriving, she casually sat down to the side and began to watch with great interest.

Lu Lingqi had clear eyes and a pair of bright, captivating eyes. She often rode horses and wielded swords, exuding an unruly and heroic spirit. Cao Pi secretly glanced at her a few times and immediately became more alert.

"Women are the best aphrodisiac for men," Cao Pi shouted, his sword-wielding movements suddenly becoming much more swift and fierce. His figure flashed and the sword gleamed, making Wang Yue, who was initially somewhat impatient, take things a little more seriously.

Although Lü Lingqi had a wild temper, she wasn't unlikeable; she simply watched quietly from the sidelines.

After a while, Liu Xie was covered in sweat, and Lü Lingqi quickly got up, took out a handkerchief and came over with concern.

Liu Xie wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued practicing his swordsmanship.

Practicing swordsmanship is the most tedious and boring thing, day after day, year after year, but Liu Xie's sense of urgency is still very strong. He knows very well that if he wants to break this damned cage, not only must the forces around him become stronger, but he must also become stronger.

In recent years, Liu Xie has felt most deeply that through sword practice, his body has become stronger, his temperament has become more composed, and he has become much bolder.

Even when facing Cao Cao, Liu Xie could rival him in terms of momentum!

In his previous life, Liu Xie was weak-willed and lacked the courage to even draw his sword in front of Cao Cao. Liu Xie admired Cao Cao's descendant, Cao Mao, more.

If Liu Xie in his previous life had possessed the same courage as Cao Mao, and dared to draw his sword against Cao Cao in the street, he could have scared Cao Cao to death with sheer fright.

(End of this chapter)