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

Chapter 167, Liu Xie persuades the surrendered soldiers

At the end of the Han Dynasty, many people were forced by poverty to make a living and could not survive.

The poor always pursue the most practical and useful things: filling their stomachs and living a good life.

Even if they die in battle, they would be willing to accept any compensation for their families!
For example, when listening to lectures or watching live streams, a phrase they often use is, "Let's get down to business and share some practical information!"

People always care about practical and useful things.

"There are always casualties in war, everyone understands that. Those who are willing to follow me can stay. As long as you stay, I will treat you all the same. From now on, you are no longer surrendered soldiers. You are all my soldiers, the soldiers of my great Han Dynasty, just like everyone else. Those who do not wish to stay can step forward now and go to Xuchang to farm tomorrow with the others."

“I’m willing to stay,” Li Fu was the first to say.

Others also spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I have a question," a burly man with a square face said, mustering his courage. "Your Majesty, we are surrendered soldiers. Will Yuan Shao kill our families because we have submitted to Your Majesty?"

"What's your name?"

“My name is Wang Er. I’m older than all of them and I look older, so they all call me Old Wang.”

Liu Xie couldn't help but laugh. "Wang Er, don't worry, absolutely not. Yuan Shao is a man who loves glory and is extremely concerned about his reputation. How could he possibly kill your families? If he really did that, it would surely cause panic and incite public anger. Would the hundreds of thousands of Yuan Shao's soldiers still be willing to follow him?"

"Besides, there's really no need for everyone to worry, because once we're on the battlefield, everyone will be wearing the same clothes, and it will be hard for others to recognize us."

However, after Liu Xie finished speaking, he pondered for a moment and then added, "If you are really uneasy and afraid of being recognized by your former comrades, you can cover your faces with a black cloth when you go into battle in the future."

"Cover your face with a black cloth?" Chen Gong laughed after hearing this, "Your Majesty's method is not only feasible, but may even have a miraculous effect."

Prince Chen asked, "Gongtai, isn't it just covering your face with a black cloth? Is there some deeper meaning behind it?"

Chen Gong looked around and, luckily, found a piece of black cloth. He beckoned and handed it to a soldier, saying, "Here, put this black cloth over your face."

The soldier immediately did as instructed, and soon his face was covered, leaving only his bright, dark eyes visible.

Chen Gong said, "King Chen, look closely, what do you feel?"

King Chen glanced at it, rested his chin on his hand and thought for a while, then nodded, "Being masked makes him look more imposing than not being masked."

Chen Gong praised, "Because black represents mystery and fear. For example, during the day, even if there is no one on the street, we will not feel scared. But at night, some people may not dare to go out."

"With this simple layer of black cloth, not only will everyone be less worried about being recognized, but their morale will also be higher, and they can even frighten the enemy. That's why I say Your Majesty's move will definitely have a miraculous effect."

Liu Xie looked over and smiled. Since masking was simple and effective, and everyone was worried about being recognized, they could simply cover their faces and take them off when there was no fighting.

As for why it has to be black, as Chen Gong explained, anyone who doesn't believe it can try it with other colors.

The effect is obvious.

After a while, seeing that no surrendered soldiers had left, Liu Xie nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. No one is willing to go to Xuchang to farm. I welcome you to join us. From now on, you will be the same as everyone else. Look, the celebratory wine and meat have been sent over, and naturally, you will have a share as well. I will be with you today."

"Huh? Is this true?" Just a moment ago they were prisoners of war, but now they can eat meat and drink together. Li Fu and Wang Er were all excited and showed expressions of disbelief.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "I am the current emperor, and my words are law."

"Come on, bring over the wine and meat. Ten people, form a circle. Yun Chang, you and Xing Ba will give the order."

Liu Xie then instructed Sun Qian, Tian Kai, and others to prepare food and drink for these people, and instructed Chen Gong to immediately have someone find some black cloth and make it into a uniform style.

Ten people sat in a circle with a bonfire in the middle. They chatted and laughed, and what was even more special was that the emperor was with them.

Everyone was very happy. Liu Xie would go here and there, trying to say a few words to each group of people.

After a brief assessment of these surrendered soldiers, Liu Xie temporarily selected some of them to serve as centurions.

Liu Xie might not remember everyone else's name, but he kept the names of these centurions firmly in his heart.

Just like the centurions around Cao Cao, Liu Xie had gotten to know many of them over the years.

From governing a country to managing a small company, leaders must remember the names of their subordinates.

This is something a qualified leader must do!
If you remember other people's names, it's easier to get closer to them and make your subordinates feel a sense of belonging.

Someone's been hanging out with you for ages, and you can't even remember their name? What's the point of hanging out with them? What's the point of all that effort?

Although Li Fu and Wang Er were the first names Liu Xie asked for, neither of them were among the centurions selected.

Appointing centurions is based on ability; either one must be physically imposing and possess considerable martial prowess, or quick-witted and resourceful.

…………

"Has His Majesty arrived?" Cao Cao asked Dian Wei again.

Dian Wei shook his head. "My lord, you've asked four times already. His Majesty probably won't be coming here tonight. I heard he's at Prince Chen's place, feasting with Prince Chen's men."

Feeling a bit bored staying indoors, Cao Cao took Dian Wei for a walk around the city to see what was going on.

Upon seeing Liu Yan and Guo Jia inspecting the city together, Cao Cao went over to inquire about the city's defenses and reassured Liu Yan.

Liu Yan worked diligently, and as usual, he led his men on a city patrol while everyone was drinking and celebrating their victory, which pleased Cao Cao greatly.

"Fengxiao, I heard that Prince Chen has recruited quite a few surrendered soldiers?"

Guo Jia said with some concern, "Yes, I also feel that this is somewhat unexpected. The prisoners of war were captured just today, and it hasn't even been a day yet. It's too fast. This is probably His Majesty's idea."

"Let's go take a look," Cao Cao said, quickening his pace.

Guo Jia couldn't help but laugh, "My lord, I don't know when it started, but you've become so concerned about His Majesty."

Cao Cao turned and glanced at him, then smiled, "I don't remember either!"

Guo Jia hurriedly followed, and the two walked side by side, while Dian Wei followed behind them, always keeping a certain distance.

This is the duty of a qualified bodyguard! If a bodyguard walks side by side with his master, it will be ridiculed and give the impression that the master and servant are not distinguishable.

Too close is no good, too far is even worse!

Going too far away shows a lack of responsibility; if danger arises, there won't be enough time to protect them.

As Guo Jia walked, he said, "I remember when His Majesty first came to Xudu, none of us paid much attention. Even if His Majesty wanted to leave the barracks and wander around the city, no one would think it was a problem. At most, we would think that His Majesty was just having fun and didn't like being restrained."

Cao Cao nodded. "Yes, but what about now? Today, Your Majesty made a move and ambushed Chunyu Qiong, killing more than 3,000 enemies and capturing more than 2,000 prisoners of war. Although Prince Chen's soldiers are brave enough, this is also inseparable from Your Majesty's planning."

"So, you, my lord, like me, also believe that the strategy for this battle was devised by His Majesty?"

Cao Cao said with absolute certainty, "It must be him!"

"Although Your Majesty has many capable people around you, I still believe that this battle was entirely planned by Your Majesty alone. First, you lured Chunyu Qiong into pursuit, then you set up an ambush halfway, and then you chased and killed him all the way back. At first glance, it seems very simple and anyone could do it, but others could not achieve such an effect."

Guo Jia nodded. "What you say makes sense, my lord. Moreover, His Majesty is perfectly capable of coming up with such a plan on his own. He doesn't rely on others for everything. His Majesty is not only resourceful but also always very decisive!"

Both men agreed that the ambush was Liu Xie's idea all along.

That's right, Liu Xie only consults others when he encounters a problem he can't solve.

It's just an ambush; that's not a problem for him.

"what?"

After walking for a while, Cao Cao suddenly spotted two figures acting suspiciously, quickly heading towards a small alley ahead.

Cao Cao recognized one of them and quickly shouted, "Cao Anmin, stop right there!"

Cao Anmin shuddered and stopped in his tracks. The other thin figure, seeing Cao Cao walking towards them, quickly ran into the depths of the alley.

Cao Cao was quite far away, and in the pitch-black night, he couldn't see the other person clearly.

Cao Cao approached and, noticing one person was missing, demanded, "Who were you with just now? Where is he?"

Cao Anmin forced a smile and said ingratiatingly, "Uncle, that was someone in charge of logistics. He just happened to be walking with me, but he has already left because of other matters."

"You have no manners at all. How many times have I told you? This isn't home. How should you address me?"

Cao Anmin nodded and bowed, agreeing more readily than anyone else, "Minister Cao, I've got it."

Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "Tell me, in what way do you resemble your father? Why are you sneaking around outside at night instead of sleeping? Tell me! What are you doing?"

After his younger brother Cao De and father died, Cao Cao kept Cao Anmin by his side and raised him personally. Although Cao Cao was very strict with others, he was willing to beat and scold even his own son.

However, Cao Cao doted on his younger brother's only remaining bloodline and could not bear to scold or beat him.

Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings? The deaths of Cao De and Cao Song filled Cao Cao with guilt, and he had been trying his best to make amends.

As a result, Cao Anmin, like a tree, gradually grew crooked due to excessive pampering.

"Hehe, Uncle, I was just looking around. Everyone's drinking and not sleepy at all. I can't sleep either."

He had just called out "Cao Sikong" when he immediately changed back to his original form. Cao Cao glared at him and said, "Are you going to find another woman? Don't I know you?"

“Uncle, this time it’s definitely not about finding a woman, it’s really just a casual stroll. However, if you’re interested, I will do my best to find you a beautiful woman who suits your taste.”

At this moment, Cao Cao had no interest in finding women. He kicked Cao Anmin and cursed, "Get out of here! If you don't behave and break the rules when I catch you, I will not let you off easily."

"Uncle, don't worry, I'll go back to sleep now."

Cao Anmin agreed and quickly ran away.

After running quite a distance, seeing that Cao Cao and Guo Jia had already turned and walked away in another direction, Cao Anmin stopped and whistled into the distance. A short while later, the person who had left returned.

"Well? You didn't betray me, did you?" The newcomer looked wary, glancing around repeatedly. It was Cao Pi.

Cao Anmin patted his chest proudly and said, "Zihuan, we're family, we're brothers. How could I betray you? Good brother, I'm loyal!"

"You mentioned before that there's a widowed woman nearby who's very beautiful and quite young. Is that true?"

"Of course, would I lie to you? Come with me, I've already found out everything."

Because Baima City had not been captured by Yuan's army, and many people still lived there, Cao Anmin focused his attention on women. As soon as he entered the city, he inquired everywhere.

Cao Anmin had drunk quite a bit at the banquet, and the effects of the alcohol were gradually kicking in, making him increasingly excited.

Under the cover of night, the two men navigated through several alleys before finally finding the young widow's house.

The knocking startled the young woman inside. Who wouldn't be afraid of someone knocking on the door in the middle of the night, especially a widow?
After knocking for a while and seeing no one answer the door, Cao Anmin chuckled, "This young lady is shy, isn't she? I've already inquired, her husband has been dead for several years, I don't believe she doesn't miss her man."

Seeing that the courtyard wall wasn't very high, Cao Anmin had a sudden inspiration. "Come on, Zihuan, step on my shoulders to get up."

Cao Anmin voluntarily squatted in the corner of the wall, acting as a human ladder for Cao Pi. Cao Pi was somewhat moved, and nimbly climbed the wall, then leaped over it.

After a while, Cao Pi opened the door for Cao Anmin from the inside, and then the two of them crept into the room.

Cao Anmin was already very experienced in this kind of thing. Although he did things in a rather unethical way, he was indeed very loyal and took the initiative to keep watch for Cao Pi, willingly helping Cao Pi to achieve his goal.

When Cao Cao arrived at Liu Xie's place, the banquet was at its most lively.

People gathered in circles, some performing and showcasing their talents—all of them farmers.

Some were doing somersaults; some were competing in strength by shoving each other; some were practicing swordsmanship in pairs. The soldiers were all eager to participate, and applause and cheers rang out from time to time.

Cao Cao found it increasingly amusing. The soldiers in Cao Cao's camp did nothing but drink, boast, and chat idly. It was the same old routine year after year. Whenever there was a victory celebration, it was all about boasting, drinking, and eating meat. There was nothing fancy about it.

However, Liu Xie's side caught Cao Cao's eye, and he was involuntarily drawn to it.

(End of this chapter)