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

Chapter 157, Lu Xun's Attitude
Lu Xun continued, "His Majesty has entrusted me with the avenging of the Lu family's blood feud, and now he has also entrusted Mangdang Mountain to me. I am only eighteen years old this year, but I will not make any excuses to say that I am not up to the task."

"You treat me as a national hero, and I will repay you as a national hero! Although I am still young and do not consider myself a national hero, Your Majesty has treated me so well, and I can only do my utmost to repay Your Majesty!"

Lu Xun was not an easily excitable person. Liu Xie had been training and tempering him, and very few things could make him lose his composure.

But when Liu Xie was mentioned, and as he recalled the events of the past few years, Lu Xun's eyes gradually welled up with tears.

Lu Xun's words moved Taishi Ci deeply. Although he had never met Liu Xie, Taishi Ci could sense something from Lu Xun's words and actions.

"There is another person who can also prove just how broad His Majesty's mind truly is."

Taishi Ci asked curiously, "Who is it?"

Lu Xun slowly uttered two words, "Cao Cao!"

"How could it be him?" Taishi Ci was greatly puzzled. It was Cao Cao who clearly held absolute power and suppressed His Majesty.

Even if Taishi Ci had never been to Xuchang, he could still guess some things.

Otherwise, why would Your Majesty have allowed him to remain in Mangdang Mountain? It is clear that Your Majesty has always been very wary of Cao Cao.

Seeing his disbelief, Lu Xun said, "This is a long story, but in short, it is His Majesty's will. No matter what Cao Cao has done, if His Majesty wants to bring peace to the world as soon as possible, His Majesty will still choose to value him and rely on him!"

Although Taishi Ci didn't quite understand, since it was His Majesty's will, he didn't ask any further questions.

With Liu Xie's personal letter, Taishi Ci felt at ease staying at Mangdang Mountain. Lu Xun was very meticulous and personally selected some female servants to take good care of the old lady.

These female servants were once maids serving Yuan Shu's family. When Lü Bu was ordered to eliminate all of Yuan Shu's family members, these maids were left behind on the mountain.

After settling the old lady in, Lu Xun went to see Xiahou Yuan's niece, Xiahou Xue!
Xiahou Xue's emotions have stabilized a lot, unlike when she first arrived when she cried all day long, but she is still very sad and looks much more haggard.

dong dong!

There was a knock on the door. Xiahou Xue hesitated for a moment, then walked over and opened the door.

Previously, Zhang Fei never knocked when he came in, and his terrifying aura and possessive gaze always filled Xiahou Xue with deep fear and despair.

Lu Xun walked in and asked with concern, "Miss Xiahou, are you getting used to it here? If you have any requests or needs, please let me know."

Xiahou Yuan had eight children. Despite being highly valued by Cao Cao, Xiahou Yuan's family was not wealthy.

Although Xiahou Xue was slender, she wasn't sickly thin; rather, she was incredibly thin, almost delicate. Her face was pretty, with exquisite features.

Being abducted here has given her bright eyes a look of panic and unease, making her appear even more pitiful and endearing.

Lu Xun was polite and courteous every time he came to see her, which lessened Xiahou Xue's fear and unease somewhat.

"Young Master Lu, when will you let me go home? I've been away from home for many days, and my family must be very worried about me." Xiahou Xue's voice choked with emotion as she thought of her loved ones.

Lu Xun shook his head, his eyes filled with a hint of apology and a touch of determination. "Miss Xiahou, I'm sorry, I can't let you go back right now."

"Why?" Xiahou Xue opened her clear, bright eyes and looked at Lu Xun with confusion.

Lu Xun was handsome with regular features. His white robe accentuated his tall and slender figure. He had a gentle face and exuded an air of refinement.

Xiahou Xue didn't dislike Lu Xun, but Lu Xun's answer puzzled her.

"Because you are Xiahou Yuan's niece, I cannot let you go back for that reason alone!"

"But I don't think you're a bad person. You clearly saved me and let me escape from that bastard's clutches, so why won't you let me go back?"

Lu Xun sighed, but his expression remained firm. "Perhaps one day you will understand. In any case, just stay here and let me know if you need anything."

Lu Xun then walked out, and Xiahou Xue heard Lu Xun's stern voice coming from outside the door again, "Pass on my order: no one is allowed to come here to harass Miss Xiahou. Anyone who dares to disobey will be severely punished!"

Because she is Xiahou Yuan's relative, if Lu Xun were to release her at this time, it is highly likely that everything about Mangdang Mountain would be completely exposed.

Xiahou Xue seems kind, but Lu Xun cannot take any risks, not even the slightest possibility of leaking information!

There are priorities and urgency in everything. Some things are far more important than ten or a hundred Xiahou Xues!
…………

A fast horse arrived in Xuchang early in the morning and went straight to the Sikong Mansion. Soon, Cao Cao received some very shocking news.

Cao Cao immediately summoned Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and others.

Cao Cao said coldly, "My spies just sent word that Sun Ce is dead!"

"What? Sun Ce is really dead?"

Everyone was taken aback, then looked at each other, and the room fell into a long silence.

After a while, Xun Yu said in disbelief, "Just as His Majesty predicted, His Majesty and Fengxiao said last time that Sun Ce would pass away in two months. Sure enough, it came true!"

Guo Jia sighed, "I really don't want to believe that Your Majesty can even predict a person's lifespan."

Guo Jia suddenly remembered that Liu Xie had once told him that he would only live to be thirty-seven.

Fortunately, he has been taking the improved Five-Stone Powder by Liu Xie, which will greatly extend his lifespan.

Although they are sold in the market, they are always limited in quantity and sales, and you may not be able to buy them even if you want to. The one that Liu Xie carries is not only free, but it is also the latest model, which Tianwu Pavilion has been constantly improving.

Besides, Guo Jia has known Liu Xie for so long, and Liu Xie has never harmed him.

"To be able to predict even a person's lifespan is simply unbelievable," Cao Cao sighed, his sense of urgency growing stronger.

If I had given His Majesty more time, I would not have been able to control him. Fortunately, I will soon be able to use Yuan Shao to deal with His Majesty.

Guo Jia remained silent for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up. He advised, "Yuan Shu has now been eliminated, and Liu Biao is facing Zhang Xian's rebellion within his territory. Furthermore, Jiangdong is undergoing a power transition and has no time to spare. My lord, we only need to focus on dealing with Yuan Shao from now on."

"Indeed, a battle between me and Yuan Shao is inevitable."

“My lord.” Chief Clerk Wang Bi rushed over, “His Majesty said that a foundation stone laying ceremony for Baima Temple will be held. Many ministers have gone there. His Majesty specifically asked me to come and inform you, my lord.”

"A foundation-laying ceremony?" Cao Cao was curious, so he led his men over.

The location of Baima Temple was personally chosen by Liu Xie. When Cao Cao arrived, he found a large crowd gathered there, including officials, merchants, and ordinary people.

Liu Xie stood at the front of the crowd, with a long offering table beside him, on which many sacrificial offerings were laid out.

"Lord Cao, you've arrived." Upon seeing Cao Cao, Liu Xie quickly smiled and waved to him.

Cao Cao forced a smile and walked over, immediately eliciting cheers from the crowd.

"It's Minister Cao!"

"Minister Cao is here!"

Cao Cao disliked ostentation; he was a down-to-earth pragmatist. While he didn't exactly hate such scenes, he never really liked them.

But Liu Xie was very good at getting close to the people. He said loudly, "Gentlemen, Cao Cao deserves much credit for the Han Dynasty's success today. He also highly praised the construction of the White Horse Temple. Once the White Horse Temple is completed, you will no longer need to travel far to pray for blessings and fulfill your vows."

The crowd cheered and applauded again. Cao Cao arrived at the scene and quickly understood what the foundation laying ceremony was. It was actually the same as the Jitian ceremony.

After the location for construction was selected, Liu Xie took the lead in breaking ground. To put it bluntly, it was just for show and to create an atmosphere.

The White Horse Temple is located in the west of the city, facing south. It was built on a very large scale. Although Liu Xie himself was an atheist, he had to pay attention to the customs of the ancients.

The more backward a society is, and the more turbulent the times, the more people need spiritual sustenance.

People pray for the safety of their families, for the stability of the nation, for the safety of their loved ones who have joined the army, for the loss of their families, for the serious illness of a family member, or for the lack of children after many years of marriage. There are so many things that people need to have something to hold onto, something to find some comfort in.

The practice of praying to gods and Buddhas naturally arose.

Liu Xie took Cao Cao's hand and together they broke ground, wielding shovels to complete the foundation laying ceremony.

Looking at Liu Xie's friendly smile, Guo Jia exclaimed, "Your Majesty is truly kind-hearted! He's willing to share all the credit with Cao Cao!"

Next, Liu Xie took Cao Cao's hand and walked towards the crowd, chatting warmly with everyone and asking for their opinions on building the White Horse Temple.

"Your Majesty, with the White Horse Temple, we no longer need to travel far outside the city to offer incense. You have truly done a great service for everyone," an elderly man with gray hair said excitedly to Liu Xie.

Liu Xie grabbed the old man's hand, smiled, and pointed at Cao Cao, "Old man, this is not just my achievement. You should thank Lord Cao."

The old man looked at Cao Cao gratefully again, and Cao Cao waved his hand reluctantly, "No need to be so polite, this is what I should do as a subject."

"Don't worry, everyone. Good days are just around the corner. With Lord Cao helping me to stabilize the world, all rebels will be wiped out soon. Look, Yuan Shu has already been eliminated."

While praising Cao Cao, Liu Xie reassured everyone. Cao Cao really wanted to leave immediately, but Liu Xie kept holding his hand, so he could only try his best to stay.

Finally, Liu Xie and Cao Cao left together, and Cao Cao only breathed a sigh of relief after they had walked a long way.

Cao Cao noticed that Liu Xie also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty, what... what is this?" Cao Cao asked, somewhat puzzled.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Lord Cao, I don't really like this kind of scene either."

Cao Cao almost couldn't help but curse, thinking to himself: "Come on, you don't like it, yet you dragged me through the crowd for half a day, are you kidding me?"
Liu Xie showed a hint of helplessness on his face and said, "I have no choice but to do this. When Qin lost its throne, everyone in the world chased after it. The state was in disarray, and the feudal lords each had their own ambitions. Therefore, if we want to stabilize the world, we must first appease the people. Only when the people support us can the Han Dynasty be restored. Lord Cao, am I right?"

After Liu Xie's righteous and awe-inspiring words, Cao Cao had no reason to refute them and could only nod perfunctorily.

He now only hopes to start a war with Yuan Shao as soon as possible, so that Liu Xie can no longer cause trouble in Xuchang.

Liu Xie appeased the people and sang praises to Cao Cao. Cao Cao had no reason to oppose anything he did, and he even benefited from it. However, the more Liu Xie did this, the stronger Cao Cao's unease became.

Although Cao Cao was in charge of everything, Liu Xie's influence was growing, and Cao Cao's unease was intensifying. If things continued like this, it wouldn't be long before his word was no longer valid.

Liu Xie followed Cao Cao all the way to the Sikong Mansion. Cao Cao wanted to discuss matters with Guo Jia and others, but he couldn't very well send Liu Xie away.

Guo Jia and the others were about to leave when Liu Xie stopped them, saying, "Gentlemen, I have something to discuss with you later."

After Cao Cao returned to his residence, he sat down with Liu Xie and couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, is there anything else?"

Guo Jia and the others also looked at Liu Xie with curiosity.

"I think it won't be long before we go to war with Yuan Shao. If you are prepared, you will succeed; if you are not prepared, you will fail. So we need to discuss this in advance."

Cao Cao had always been concerned about dealing with Yuan Shao, and when Liu Xie brought it up, Cao Cao became interested and wanted to hear what the emperor would say.

Cao Cao ordered someone to serve him tea, then waved his hand to dismiss the servants.

Liu Xie glanced at everyone and said seriously, "You are all important officials of the court. Although we have had many discussions before and believe that Cao Cao has many advantages over Yuan Shao, we must admit that Yuan Shao has a well-trained army and ample supplies, and his troop strength and provisions are far superior to ours."

Cao Cao also suppressed his impatience and had to admit that Liu Xie had indeed helped him on many occasions.

"Your Majesty, what are your thoughts?" Cao Cao asked curiously.

Liu Xie said, “I think that although the gap in troop strength and food supplies is huge, we should try our best to make up for it. In the next few months, I suggest that we recruit soldiers from all over the country and actively recruit new soldiers and train them. Even if these people cannot fight on the battlefield in a short period of time, they can boost the morale of our army. The outcome of a war cannot be determined overnight. These new soldiers will be useful sooner or later.”

"In addition, we now have money shops, which can be allocated to purchase grain and fodder in various places in advance to prepare for emergencies and avoid the predicament of food shortage due to prolonged war."

Cao Cao subconsciously looked at Guo Jia, who nodded. "Your Majesty is right. We have banks, so we can indeed use some of the funds first."

So many noble families deposited their money in money shops, since it was just sitting idle anyway. With something as important as fighting a war, there was no need to let that money sit idle.

The greatest advantage of money shops to the imperial court was that the money in the money shops could be withdrawn and borrowed at any time as needed!

In future generations, money in banks will not always stay there obediently.

Money is inanimate; the most important thing is to use it where it's needed and to make it work for you!
(End of this chapter)