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

Chapter 205, The Genius Guo Jia

Cao Ang hurriedly asked, "Chancellor Guo, what brings you here?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "I'm here to see His Majesty as well. Young Master, please go ahead. I have something to say to His Majesty in private."

Cao Ang nodded and led his men to continue on their way.

Liu Xie also let Chen Gong, Gan Ning and others go forward, but left Zhao Yun behind.

After the group left, Guo Jia waved his hand, telling the soldiers who had come with him to stay where they were, while he walked towards the riverbank.

Liu Xie guessed that Zhao Yun must have something to say to him, so he followed him. Zhao Yun wanted to follow, but Liu Xie waved him off and left him where he was.

After a while, Guo Jia, with his back to Liu Xie, stopped and quietly looked at the flowing river in front of him without saying a word.

He didn't speak, and Liu Xie remained calm; the two of them remained silent in tacit agreement.

After a long while, Guo Jia finally spoke: "Your Majesty, what do you think is the most terrifying thing in this world?"

Liu Xie smiled but did not answer.

Guo Jia pointed to the river in front of him, "I believe that water is the most terrifying thing in the world. Water can be gentle, beneficial to all things, and nourishing to the earth. No one can live without it and everyone is nourished by it. But when water becomes terrifying, it can destroy everything. Floods can cause the deaths of tens of thousands of people. What exactly is hidden in the water? When will it unleash its power? When will it become docile? No one can accurately predict it. Water can be crystal clear, but it can also hide many, many secrets."

"Fengxiao, you must be implying something else?" Liu Xie said with a smile.

Guo Jia suddenly turned around, his eyes widening as he stared intently at Liu Xie. "Your Majesty, you watched as Cao Cao's army was almost completely annihilated at Wuchao. Cao Cao nearly died right before your eyes. Your Majesty is like this water; when you become terrifying, you truly command respect!"

Guo Jia's words were astonishing, as if they had instantly stripped away all of Liu Xie's pretense.

"Fengxiao, aren't you exaggerating a bit? Some things can't be said casually." Liu Xie barely managed to remain calm, but he was genuinely taken aback.

As expected of the genius Guo Jia, he not only suspected, but was already convinced that the incident at Wuchao was deliberately orchestrated by Liu Xie!
They deliberately watched as Cao Cao's army was almost completely annihilated!

Liu Xie did not admit it, and Guo Jia sighed, somewhat disappointed.

He forced a smile. "Your Majesty, we've known each other since you came to Xudu. To be honest, I've witnessed Your Majesty's growth. Your Majesty may not admit it, and I certainly have no evidence, but I believe that Your Majesty must have done this!"

Seeing that Liu Xie remained silent and vigilant, Guo Jia looked around to make sure no one was approaching, and then said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Cao Cao only suspects this matter, and he has no evidence."

“There are some things that you can’t hide from me even if you don’t say them. Although I have already advised Cao Cao, I believe that he will eventually realize that it was His Majesty who did it. Not only that, but he may even suspect me.”

"Guan Yu surrendered Baima City according to Your Majesty's plan. When Cao Cao wanted to kill Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei intervened to stop him. Now Guan Yu has killed Yuan Shao. All these things together, while not explicit evidence, are implicit evidence that Cao Cao's wisdom is no less than mine. What do you say, Your Majesty?"

Liu Xie's expression finally changed. Guo Jia shrugged. "Your Majesty, you don't need to thank me. Even if Cao Cao suspects me, I must stop him."

Liu Xie was quite surprised. Guo Jia had clearly guessed it, but he hadn't told Cao Cao the truth.

“Fengxiao, why are you doing this? You should know that Cao Cao is very suspicious. No matter how much he trusts you, he will not exclude you when he has reason to doubt you.”

Guo Jia smiled nonchalantly, “Cao Cao knows what kind of person I am, and so does His Majesty. Even if Cao Cao suspects me, I have a clear conscience. Once the harmonious relationship between the ruler and his ministers is broken, it will not benefit anyone. It is not easy for His Majesty to have reached this point step by step through his own efforts. The more so, the more we should cherish it. I have not underestimated you. On the contrary, His Majesty’s performance has already impressed me.”

Liu Xie smiled and nodded, "Very well, since Fengxiao treats me with sincerity, then I have nothing to hide. That's right, it was I who planned it. I deliberately did not take action and watched Cao Cao's army be almost completely wiped out."

Guo Jia looked at Liu Xie quietly, then nodded heavily, "Just as I thought."

"In fact, if it were Cao Cao, he would have done the same thing. He would have been even more decisive and thorough than Your Majesty. I know Your Majesty's predicament, and Your Majesty should also know Cao Cao's predicament."

Liu Xie sighed, "Yes, I've known this since the very first day I arrived in Xuchang."

With Guo Jia's question today, it's as if the cards have been laid bare.

In the past, there was at least a veil between us, and everyone tacitly understood each other, but today, they took the initiative to make it clear!
Guo Jia remained silent for a long time, his deep eyes fixed on Liu Xie.

After a while, he spoke again: "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, do you hate Cao Cao?"

Liu Xie smiled slightly, but it was a bitter smile. "What's the use of hatred? Hatred only makes people lose their composure. On the contrary, I am grateful to him. If Cao Cao had acted like Dong Zhuo and Li Jue from the beginning, I wouldn't be where I am today."

It was precisely because he developed a sense of crisis early on that Liu Xie was forced to constantly become stronger and maintain a constant sense of urgency.

Therefore, Liu Xie's current situation is undoubtedly due in no small part to Cao Cao's efforts.

Only through hardship can one grow and become stronger.

Cao Cao was the best test for Liu Xie on his path forward.

Guo Jia sighed, “Actually, it’s not that Cao Cao was wrong, but that the world has changed. The country is in chaos, and the warlords are all holding their own armies. Cao Cao is not only without fault, but he has also made contributions. It is because he adhered to the proper etiquette between ruler and subject and had a sense of awe for the Han Dynasty that Your Majesty has achieved what you have today. But I believe that Your Majesty is mindful of the big picture and will surely remember Cao Cao’s contributions to the Han Dynasty.”

At this moment, the two seemed to be negotiating, or chatting casually as friends; there was no tense confrontation.

Liu Xie did not show any hatred, because hatred would not solve any problems and would only make his situation worse.

"Without Lord Cao, I would not be where I am today. Fengxiao, you don't need to say more. I still respect and trust Lord Cao as before."

Liu Xie did not complain or grumble. He did not say that Cao Cao should not be arrogant and domineering, should not monopolize power, and should be a loyal minister.

These words are too naive and meaningless.

Guo Jia didn't say anything unnecessary. Their relationship seemed to remain the same as before. They stood side by side, enjoying the scenery and talking freely.

Although this thin veil has been lifted, nothing has changed. From now on, everyone will continue to do the same thing as before, each displaying their unique abilities.

Guo Jia walked towards the shore; he was going back. After a few steps, he stopped, turned back, and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Lord Cao will never harm you."

Liu Xie laughed, "I'll say the same thing back to him! I won't harm Cao Cao either!"

"What about Prince Chen?" Guo Jia had just casually mentioned it.

In fact, Liu Xie already knew; Cao Ang had told him.

Liu Xie said, "Your words today have saved Cao Ren's life!"

Liu Xie had no intention of killing Cao Ren in the first place, so he might as well take this opportunity to do Guo Jia a favor.

Guo Jia nodded and said with emotion, "Your Majesty, if you weren't the emperor, we might have become very good friends!"

After saying that, Guo Jia shook his head and walked away. He knew it was impossible; the two could never become friends.

Guo Jia was carefree and seemingly indifferent to everything, but it was precisely he who was constantly striving to maintain harmony between the emperor and his ministers.

After they resumed their journey, Liu Xie told Zhao Yun and Chen Gong what had happened. Chen Gong was somewhat incredulous. "Your Majesty, could this be Guo Jia's plan to stabilize the army? After all, he is Cao Cao's most trusted strategist. It's hard to believe that he would come to see Your Majesty behind Cao Cao's back."

Zhao Yun also found it somewhat suspicious. It was indeed hard to believe that Guo Jia was sincere when he suddenly came over and told Liu Xie all this.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "I know him. Guo Jia is different from others. In fact, Guo Jia's loyalty is no less than Cheng Yu's. He is just more gentle in his methods."

"Then why did he tell His Majesty all this?" Zhao Yun couldn't help but ask.

"Of course he had a purpose, and a very important one. He was reminding me not to think that he had done something flawlessly and that his methods were very clever. He was also warning me. In addition, he wanted to take the opportunity to show some goodwill and hoped that I would continue to maintain the current situation."

Liu Xie thought of Liu Bei. When Liu Bei fled to Cao Cao after his defeat in Xuzhou, Cao Cao asked several of his strategists for their opinions.

Some suggested killing him, others suggested keeping him, but Guo Jia advised treating Liu Bei well. However, when Liu Bei made an excuse to leave, Guo Jia immediately advised Cao Cao to kill him.

However, Cao Cao reacted too slowly, allowing Liu Bei to escape a calamity.

This is Guo Jia's style: seemingly gentle, but actually very opinionated.

His desire to maintain a harmonious relationship between the emperor and his ministers was not out of pity or compassion for Liu Xie, nor because he was unwilling to harm him, but because the time was not yet ripe and Cao Cao could not openly confront the emperor.

Just because it's not possible now doesn't mean it won't be possible in the future.

After thinking for a while, Chen Gong said, "In any case, Your Majesty's relationship with Cao Cao has now been completely made clear."

Liu Xie nodded. "That's good. Maintaining this balance will benefit both of us."

Before Guo Jia could return to the camp, someone had already informed Cao Cao.

The dim light in the tent illuminated Cao Cao's pale face.

Because of his injuries, Cao Cao's face was pale and he was still very weak. This pale face, coupled with his serious expression, made his expression even more gloomy.

"Are you sure? He really went to see His Majesty without permission?"

"Yes, I saw it for sure."

Cao Cao was silent for a moment, then waved his hand, his voice weak, "You may leave. Remember, this matter must never be mentioned to outsiders."

The armored soldier quickly bowed and said, "I understand!"

After the armored soldiers left, Cao Cao lay on his back on the bed, staring blankly, somewhat lost in thought.

Even Cao Cao believed the emperor was doing it on purpose, so how could Guo Jia not have thought of it? Cao Cao had already figured it out; Guo Jia must be hiding something from him.

After a long while, Cao Cao sighed and murmured, "Fengxiao... what can I say about you?"

"Report!"

Not long after Guo Jia returned to camp, someone came to report to Cao Cao, "His Majesty has returned!"

Cao Cao hurriedly sat up in bed and was helped down. Cao Pi and Cao Anmin kept trying to dissuade him, but Cao Cao insisted on going to greet him personally.

Upon seeing Liu Xie from afar, Cao Cao pushed aside the person supporting him and walked with difficulty toward Liu Xie.

As soon as he got close, Cao Cao lost his footing and fell to the ground with a thud.

Liu Xie hurried a few steps forward and helped Cao Cao up, saying, "Lord Cao, you are injured, why did you have to come out to greet me personally?"

Cao Cao, however, was filled with remorse, saying, "I have failed in my duties of disciplining and managing my subordinates, and the matter of Prince Chen being beaten..."

Cao Cao decided to admit his mistake first, so that His Majesty wouldn't be too angry since he had just returned.

Perhaps, without fully understanding the details of the matter, His Majesty will pardon Cao Ren.

However, Cao Cao was unaware that Cao Ang had already informed Liu Xie of everything before him.

Since many people in the camp already knew that Prince Chen had been beaten, Cao Cao was quite magnanimous and knelt down to admit his mistake in front of so many soldiers.

Liu Xie sighed, and Prince Chen also came over with his men from a distance.

Liu Xie smiled and waved to Prince Chen, who quickly walked over.

As they drew closer, Liu Xie grabbed Prince Chen's hand and asked with concern, "Prince Chen, how are you?"

King Chen glanced at Cao Cao beside him, snorted, and replied in a cold voice, "The beating wasn't severe; he only received a few dozen lashes."

King Chen was straightforward and stubborn; he was not a pushover and acted as if nothing had happened afterward. At this moment, he was seething with anger.

Pfft!
Cao Cao knelt on the ground again and prostrated himself to confess his guilt once more.

Cao Ren pushed through the crowd, strode over, went straight to Cao Cao's side, and knelt down as well.

Cao Ren was quite frank, saying, "Your Majesty, one should take responsibility for one's actions. I was the one who attacked Prince Chen. If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, please do so. There is no need to make things difficult for you, Lord Cao."

Everyone else stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

In the past, Cao Cao would kneel down and apologize to Liu Xie in private. It was quite rare to see him do this in front of so many soldiers.

Liu Xie sighed, looked around, and slowly said, "A country has its laws, and an army has its discipline. Cao Ren's act of disobeying his superior and striking Prince Chen was indeed wrong and should be severely punished."

Cao Cao's heart sank immediately, and Guo Jia looked at Liu Xie with doubt in his eyes.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xie paused only briefly before changing the subject, "However, Cao Ren was also worried about my whereabouts and in a moment of panic, he accidentally struck Prince Chen. Prince Chen is extremely loyal to me and will not reveal my whereabouts without my permission. Cao Ren's concern for my safety and his desire to find out my whereabouts as soon as possible are indeed understandable. However, a mistake is a mistake, and a mistake must be severely punished. Therefore, I have decided to entrust this matter to Lord Cao for personal handling. I believe that Lord Cao will handle it fairly."

Guo Jia immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and the corners of his mouth subtly turned up. Your Majesty is truly brilliant.

It seems that Cao Ren was spared, and Cao Cao was given a huge favor.

But in reality, this also put Cao Cao in a difficult and awkward situation.

First of all, Cao Cao had to accept this favor. Since Liu Xie entrusted Cao Ren to his disposal, Cao Cao naturally couldn't kill Cao Ren, thus saving Cao Ren's life.

However, in return, it would be unreasonable to punish him too leniently; Cao Cao had to be ruthless.

Furthermore, wasn't Cao Cao already suspecting that Liu Xie's actions at Wuchao were intentional? Now that Liu Xie has conceded, Cao Cao can no longer dwell on the Wuchao matter; Cao Cao has to concede as well!
(End of this chapter)