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

Chapter 2, First Encounter with Cao Cao

Upon hearing that Cao Cao had arrived, many high-ranking officials and ministers burst into tears of excitement, as if they had seen a savior, before Liu Xie could even express his opinion.

These days, everyone is living in fear and anxiety, unable to eat or sleep properly, living under the oppression of Yang Feng and others.

Everyone had a good impression of Cao Cao, believing him to be a loyal minister who would save the Han Dynasty and help everyone escape their suffering!

Liu Xie was not surprised. He straightened his sleeves, sat up straight, and nodded to Dong Cheng, "Summon General Cao Cao to an audience!"

Dong Cheng looked at Liu Xie with surprise. What's wrong with His Majesty?
Why did you suddenly become so serious?

When facing Zhang Yang and others, he never acted like an emperor. But now that Cao Cao is leading troops to defend the emperor, he should be lowered to greet him. Even if the emperor were to run out barefoot to greet him, it wouldn't be excessive.

Liu Xie knew very well that putting on airs of the emperor in front of Zhang Yang and others would not only be useless, but might even get him beaten up.

Even when facing Cao Cao, timing matters, and now is the perfect time!
If Liu Xie does not make any changes, his path as a puppet ruler will be the same as in history, and his status and dignity will decline rapidly along with Cao Cao's rapid rise.

In Cao Cao's eyes, he would gradually become useful, then dispensable, and finally useless, and then be completely replaced by Cao Pi after Cao Cao's death.

Therefore, from the very beginning, this was the opportunity that Liu Xie should cherish most.

At this point, it was a time when he and Cao Cao each got what they wanted.

Cao Cao needed Liu Xie to quickly enhance his strength and prestige, so as to command the world.

At present, Cao Cao only has the territory of Yan Province and is in the midst of the struggle for power among warlords. In terms of strength, he does not have the advantage.

Cao Cao was surrounded by powerful enemies, including Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Gongsun Zan, and Liu Biao.

Cao Cao was struggling to survive in a precarious situation. If he had the emperor in his hands, his situation would have turned around instantly.

The appeal and influence of the Han Dynasty would soon be combined with Cao Cao's, transforming him into a staunch protector of the Han Dynasty.

Talented people flock to him. Cao Cao can command others and attack others, but it is difficult for others to deal with Cao Cao because wherever the emperor is, that place represents the righteousness of the world.

If Liu Xie doesn't try his best to secure some benefits for himself at this point, he will only become more and more passive in the future.

Once you miss this opportunity, it's gone forever!

Once Cao Cao had consolidated his power, he could manipulate Liu Xie at will.

Liu Xie, after all, knew a bit about history. He had no use putting on airs in front of Zhang Yang and others, so he simply did nothing. But in front of Cao Cao, this approach was effective.

Liu Xie's change surprised not only Dong Cheng, but also Yang Biao, Dong Zhao and others.

Upon hearing the summons, Cao Hong almost burst out laughing again, but seeing that Cao Cao was about to get angry, he quickly covered his mouth with his hand.

Cao Hong snorted, thinking to himself: Does he really think he's something?
Cao Cao symbolically dusted off his sleeves and stepped into the main hall.

Liu Xie sat in the center, trying his best to appear serious, though he was still somewhat nervous. After all, the person walking towards him was none other than Cao Cao, the infamous warlord of the chaotic era.

His status and influence are comparable to those of founding emperors such as Li Shimin, Zhao Kuangyin, and Zhu Yuanzhang.

Cao Cao wore a long black robe, his face was pale gold, he had a square face, thick eyebrows and narrow eyes. Although his eyes were small, they were bright and piercing, and he exuded an aura of authority without anger.

Cao Cao did not bow his head, but met Liu Xie's gaze directly as he slowly approached, step by step.

With every move, Cao Cao moved with composure and exuded a calm and powerful aura.

Liu Xie was startled. He knew that the contest between the two had begun the moment Cao Cao entered the room.

As Cao Cao walked, he observed and probed. Before coming, he had already discussed with Xun Yu, Mao Jie, and others the plan: to welcome the emperor to Xuchang, then seize the emperor's hand and command the world!

Therefore, it is of utmost importance whether one can easily control the emperor's temperament and disposition.

While observing Liu Xie, Cao Cao was also making plans.

If Liu Xie is timid and cowardly, and trembles with fear at the sight of him, then things will be much easier.

Although Cao Cao had no intention of usurping the throne at this time, as a regional warlord, the more obedient and compliant the emperor was, the easier it would be for him.

Just like Wang Yun, after eliminating Dong Zhuo, he did not want Liu Xie to rise to prominence.

Cao Cao merely glanced at the officials and then ignored them.

Cao Cao imagined them wagging their tails and begging for his mercy, waiting for some food, and then they would be grateful to him and even kneel down in worship.

Many people were so hungry that they were emaciated, their faces were pale and their eyes were pitiful. Their stomachs were even growling loudly in front of Cao Cao.

The more this happened, the more disdainful Cao Cao became.

However, Cao Cao noticed that Liu Xie was staring at him intently, though somewhat reluctantly and with a tense look in his eyes, but he did not show any fear.

Cao Cao drew closer and stood facing him. Their eyes met, and it was as if a war without gunpowder was being waged in the air.

Rather than saying he was looking at Liu Xie, it would be more accurate to say that Cao Cao was scrutinizing and observing him!
Cao Cao thought that the emperor, having been wandering for so long and being bullied and manipulated by so many people, must be terrified and would be terrified of anyone who led troops. But he did not expect that the emperor could remain calm in front of him.

Although he was a little nervous, that was normal, Cao Cao thought to himself, after all, the emperor was only a teenager.

Over the years, Cao Cao frequently went to the battlefield to kill enemies. If not a thousand, then several hundred people died at his hands. Every move he made naturally exuded a murderous aura that made people dare not look him in the eye.

Cao Cao intentionally or unintentionally released this imposing aura, hoping to intimidate the emperor.

Liu Xie forced himself to remain calm and gave Cao Cao a weak smile, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, but his palms gradually became sweaty.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds. Cao Cao then withdrew his imposing manner, shook his long sleeves, and made as if to kneel down.

He was only pretending; he wasn't really willing to kneel down to Liu Xie.

Since Dong Zhuo seized power, the ministers' respect for the emperor had become increasingly weak, and Cao Cao was no exception.

Liu Xie hurriedly waved his hand and advised, "Lord Cao has traveled thousands of miles and risked his life to rescue the emperor. He must have had a long and arduous journey. There is no need for such formalities."

Liu Xie addressed everyone else as "my beloved minister," but addressed Cao Cao as "Lord Cao," which brought a smile of satisfaction to Cao Cao's face, and he was very pleased.

Cao Cao cupped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. This is my duty."

After a few simple pleasantries, Cao Cao waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, gentlemen, I heard that Luoyang is short of food and clothing. I have brought a lot of rice and flour, and also slaughtered some cattle and sheep. The food is ready. Come, bring it up."

Before meeting Liu Xie, Cao Cao had already ordered his soldiers to stew meat and cook rice.

Liu Xie quickly praised, "Lord Cao is so thoughtful. With you by my side, I have no worries and nothing to fear."

Liu Xie immediately stood up and announced to the crowd: "Of all the warlords in Guandong, only Cao Cao risked his life to come to my rescue. Cao Cao is loyal to me and is the most loyal minister of our Han Dynasty! From this moment on, I hereby appoint Cao Cao as Grand General of the Court, concurrently as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Commandant of the Capital Region, and Marquis of Wuping!"

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(End of this chapter)