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

Chapter 216, Who Dares to Stop Us?
Jia Xu then said, "Cao Cao is not in Guandu now. If Your Majesty wants to leave at this time, Guo Jia may not dare to stop you. So the sooner the better. Quickly invite Your Majesty back to take charge of the overall situation."

"Let me go," Taishi Ci said, clasping his hands in a gesture of respect.

Jia Xu nodded and said, "Alright, you take five hundred elite soldiers to Guandu to welcome the Emperor, and the rest of the soldiers will stay to guard Xuchang. As long as Xuchang is in our hands, we will have the initiative, and no one will dare to make things difficult for His Majesty."

Taishi Ci immediately accepted the order and led his men on horseback to Guandu overnight.

Jia Xu then arrived at Xun Yu's residence. Upon seeing Jia Xu, Xun Yu was astonished, as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight; it was too bizarre.

Xun Yu stared at Jia Xu for a long time before saying in astonishment, "I never imagined that you were the one directing all of this behind the scenes."

Xun Yu had heard Cao Cao praise Jia Xu's talent many times, but Xun Yu never expected that Jia Xu would suddenly appear in front of him one day and transform into the emperor's man.

Jia Xu smiled and said, "Lord Xun, you flatter me. I merely assisted His Majesty and offered him some suggestions. It is His Majesty who truly controls and commands. His Majesty's abilities are beyond my reach."

"Weren't you forced away by His Majesty that day?"

After Xun Yu asked the question, he gave a wry smile before Jia Xu could answer.

Xun Yu looked at Jia Xu and muttered, "So it was His Majesty who deliberately forced you away and then secretly recruited you. I never imagined that His Majesty's mind was so meticulous and his methods so ingenious."

Jia Xu was quite frank, nodding, "That's right. At first, I was also unwilling, but His Majesty's magnanimity and methods have convinced me. Being able to follow His Majesty and assist a wise ruler is not a bad choice."

"Ugh…"

Upon learning that Xiahou Dun and Man Chong had been captured alive, Xun Yu sighed dejectedly. Even if he were to personally participate tonight, Xun Yu knew he couldn't change anything.

After a moment of silence, Xun Yu sighed, "His Majesty has been biding his time and preparing in secret, while Cao Cao has been fighting on the front lines. He thought that by keeping His Majesty away from Xuchang, Xuchang would be safe. But even the best plans can have flaws, and Cao Cao was ultimately outmaneuvered."

Xun Yu swayed, almost losing his balance, as if all his strength had been drained away.

Jia Xu shook his head. "Lord Xun, I'm afraid things aren't as simple as you think. Cao Cao has lost this round, and I'm sure he won't be willing to accept it."

"you…?"

Xun Yu wanted to immediately refute Jia Xu, but he hesitated when he thought of Cao Cao's methods.

Clearly, Cao Cao was unwilling to admit defeat so easily.

Liu Xie regained control of Xudu, which was only the first round of his contest with Cao Cao. There would be a second round, a third round, and so on. Their contest might last a long time.

Dressed in a dark robe, Jia Xu was illuminated by the flickering candlelight, making him appear mysterious, as if he might disappear into the night at any moment.

As for what Cao Cao would do in the future, Jia Xu did not intend to continue discussing this topic. He continued, "I have come here today hoping that Lord Xun can step forward and appease those people."

Jia Xu emphasized the words "those people," believing that Xun Yu knew what he was referring to.

"Do you think they'll be content with that?" Xun Yu asked.

Jia Xu smiled. "Tonight, enough people have died. His Majesty is benevolent and does not wish for excessive killing. But if anyone is restless and dares to disrupt His Majesty's plans, Lord Xun, do you think His Majesty will back down now that he has come this far?"

Xun Yu had already sensed the emperor's determination. He seemed to be staying obediently at Guandu, but what the emperor wanted was far more than simply maintaining a superficial harmony with Cao Cao.

Even if Cao Cao's army was almost completely wiped out at Wuchao, Liu Xie would not be satisfied.

Because he wanted to be an emperor who ruled the world, an emperor who truly controlled everything firmly in his own hands, rather than exchanging repeated concessions for temporary peace and comfort.

The mutiny in Xuchang is the best proof of this.

If anyone dares to stop him, even if many people bleed and die, Liu Xie will not stop his advance.

Seeing that Xun Yu had not spoken for a long time, Jia Xu was not in a hurry and gently advised, "His Majesty has always been benevolent. Tonight, only Man Chong caused trouble. If too many people are implicated, it will be a big blow to Cao Cao's reputation in the future. I'm sure Lord Xun is well aware of this."

Xun Yu sighed helplessly, "Alright, I'll step in and appease those people."

Jia Xu nodded with satisfaction. "That would be best. I hope that everything in Xuchang will remain peaceful and stable until His Majesty returns."

As Jia Xu turned to leave, Xun Yu couldn't help but ask again, "I'm very curious, what benefits did His Majesty promise you?"

Jia Xu smiled and said meaningfully, "His Majesty lets me know and believe that he wants to become a better person, a wise and virtuous ruler. He wants the world to become better, the country to be stable as soon as possible, and the people to be well-fed and clothed and no longer suffer from hunger. His Majesty also wants us to become better people and to become loyal ministers who will help restore the Han Dynasty."

The implication is that opposing the emperor is tantamount to not wanting things to get better.

They didn't want the emperor to be a wise ruler.

He didn't want peace in the land, he didn't want the people to live well, and he didn't want to be a loyal minister.

After speaking, Jia Xu looked at Xun Yu with a half-smile. The two stared at each other for a long time. Jia Xu didn't say anything more, but Xun Yu already sensed that Jia Xu was warning him.

Wouldn't it be better to just be a loyal and peaceful subject?

When masters clash, every word and action is like a sword clashing, capable of killing without a trace.

Xun Yu smiled bitterly, secretly sweating for Cao Cao's future.

…………

Guo Jia has been feeling unusually relaxed these past few days, with frequent reports of victories from the front lines. Cao Cao has successfully recaptured Baima and Yanjin.

Cao Cao has now led his army across the Yellow River and is rapidly advancing towards Ye City.

Along the way, Cao's army encountered almost no significant resistance from Yuan's army, and captured a great deal of spoils, gradually gathering more surrendered soldiers.

Cao Cao also wrote to inquire about the emperor's condition, and Guo Jia truthfully replied that the emperor was very cooperative.

On a chilly autumn morning, dew dampened the blades of grass, which rustled softly in the breeze. In the sky, a force was awakening, and a bright red sun began to rise between the mountain peaks.

A rapid sound of galloping hooves approached from afar, quickly breaking the silence of Cao Cao's camp and waking all the soldiers guarding the camp.

The approaching force was a cavalry unit, all clad in armor, the attire of the Han army, their bright red plumes fluttering in the wind, making them exceptionally conspicuous.

As these people approached, the soldiers guarding the camp shouted, "Who are you?"

It was Taishi Ci who arrived. Upon reaching the gate, Taishi Ci reined in his silk robe and loudly replied, "I am Taishi Ci from Donglai, and I have come to respectfully welcome Your Majesty's move to Xuchang."

As Taishi Ci spoke, he leaped off his mount, and the five hundred knights behind him also dismounted in an orderly fashion.

They came openly and honestly to welcome the emperor, not to abduct him, so there was no need for a major conflict. Jia Xu had already given instructions before they arrived.

Try your best to restrain yourself; the more you do this, the easier things will be to handle.

Someone hurriedly ran to report to Xun You and Guo Jia.

Xun You was the closest to this place, and after receiving the news, he quickly led his men over.

Xun You was completely unfamiliar with Tai Shici and his ilk, and upon seeing them, he couldn't help but feel wary.

Upon approaching, Xun You hurriedly asked, "Who are you? Who sent you? What are you doing here?" He asked a series of questions, showing great vigilance.

Taishi Ci replied truthfully, "I am Taishi Ci. I was ordered by His Majesty to return to Xuchang to quell the rebellion. Now that the rebels have been pacified, I have come to report to His Majesty and request that His Majesty move his carriage to Xuchang."

"Ordered to quell the rebellion?"

Xun You caught the key information, his eyes widened, and he asked in confusion, "Xu Du is perfectly fine, where are the thieves causing trouble? Explain yourself clearly."

Taishi Ci smiled and said, "I shouldn't be telling you this, I only need to report back to His Majesty. But since you asked, I might as well tell you that the one who caused the rebellion is Man Chong, the magistrate of Xudu."

"what?"

Xun You was startled and immediately drew his sword.

The claim that Man Chong is causing trouble is absurd. There is only one truth: something terrible has happened in Xuchang, and it's a major disaster.

The Cao soldiers behind Xun You immediately felt as if they were facing a formidable enemy. They quickly gathered around, drawing their swords and blades, and a blinding glint of cold light flashed in front of the gate.

The air suddenly became tense, and Xun You asked again, "How is Xuchang now?"

Taishi Ci laughed loudly, "Didn't I just tell you? The situation has been stabilized. Xuchang has returned to normal. Last night, Magistrate Xun even helped to calm people's hearts. How could Man Chong, a mere magistrate of Xuchang, possibly succeed in causing a rebellion?"

Faced with Xun You's alarmed demeanor, Taishi Ci remained calm and showed no fear.

Taishi Ci laughed and said, "It is Man Chong who is causing the trouble. I am here to quell the rebellion. Don't try to confuse friend with foe."

Xun You was now very eager to know what had become of Xudu. Xiahou Dun had a full 10,000 troops by his side, how could the situation have gotten out of control?

"Where is General Xiahou?" Xun You asked again.

Taishi Ci shook his head. "I am not your subordinate. I have already told you too much. I want to see His Majesty."

Xun You gritted his teeth in anger, "You..."

Soon, Guo Jia and Liu Xie arrived together. The two had been enjoying the sunrise on the riverbank early that morning when they heard the news and came over.

To be honest, Liu Xie felt somewhat ashamed.

Taishi Ci has done so much for him, yet he has never even met Taishi Ci once.

Today is the first time the two of them have met!
Seeing Liu Xie approach, Xun You remained vigilant, gripping his sword tightly.

Zhao Yun rebuked, "You must not hold a sharp weapon before His Majesty. Do you wish to disturb His Majesty's presence?"

Zhao Yun looked around and shouted at the Cao soldiers, "There are no enemies here. Put away your weapons. What do you want to do?"

The soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment and put away their swords.

From Zhao Yun's tone of voice, Taishi Ci quickly recognized which one was the emperor. He hurriedly bowed and greeted Liu Xie, "This humble general Taishi Ci greets Your Majesty."

Liu Xie smiled with satisfaction and hurriedly walked towards Taishi Ci. Xun You tried to stop him, but found Zhao Yun staring coldly at him.

Despite his usual refined and scholarly demeanor, Zhao Yun can also be quite menacing when he gets serious.

Guo Jia, puzzled, quickly approached Xun You and asked, "Gongda, what's wrong?"

"Alas, Fengxiao, all is lost." Xun You sighed, then quickly lowered his voice and said to him, "A terrible thing has happened in Xuchang..."

Xun You immediately repeated what Taishi Ci had just said to him.

At this moment, Liu Xie had already arrived in front of Taishi Ci. Seeing that Taishi Ci had an impressive appearance, a burly physique, and a chivalrous air, Liu Xie was very pleased. He patted Taishi Ci on the shoulder twice and laughed heartily, "Ziyi, I have finally met you! Haha, I am so happy today. When we, as ruler and subject, meet, let us drink a big cup of wine!"

Upon seeing Taishi Ci, Liu Xie knew without asking that things had been successfully resolved in Xuchang.

"His Majesty!"

Taishi Ci was also very excited and was about to give a detailed report on the situation in Xudu when Liu Xie waved his hand, "We'll talk about it when we get back."

Liu Xie turned to Zhao Yun and instructed him, "Zilong, quickly issue the order to return to Xuchang!"

Zhao Yun deliberately raised his voice and loudly replied in front of Xun You, "I obey!"

Wang Kui was soon dispatched by Zhao Yun to relay orders to Chen Wang Guan Yu and the others.

Liu Xie then turned to Guo Jia and said with a smile, "Fengxiao, a mutiny broke out in Xudu. Although it has been quelled, I am still very concerned. Would you like to come back with me?"

Liu Xie smiled genuinely, a truly heartfelt smile. Four years had passed; he had waited a full four years, and finally, he could breathe a sigh of relief.

Although they only controlled a small part of Xudu, this was enough to show that it was a good start.

Guo Jia shook his head, forcing a bitter smile onto his face.

All of this happened so suddenly that Guo Jia was completely unprepared.

But Guo Jia knew very well that the situation in Xuchang was already settled, and he had no reason to stop the emperor from returning to Xuchang.

At this time, whoever dares to stop the emperor is considered a rebel.

Besides, what reason could he possibly have to stop the car?

Xun You reached out and nudged Guo Jia, whispering, "Fengxiao, are we just going to let His Majesty go back like this?"

Xun You was extremely anxious. Seeing that Guo Jia did not make any move, Xun You was about to order his men to forcibly stop Liu Xie.

"Come on, stop them..." Xun You had only spoken half a sentence when Guo Jia quickly reached out and covered his mouth.

Zhao Yun let out a shout, quickly drew his sword, and glared angrily at Xun You.

As long as Liu Xie gives the order, Zhao Yun will surely kill Xun You on the spot.

To dare obstruct the Emperor's procession is simply courting death!

Guo Jia hurriedly shook his head at Zhao Yun, then awkwardly smiled at Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, please don't be offended. Gongda was just being impulsive and meant no harm."

Liu Xie glanced at Xun You indifferently, then waved his hand at Zhao Yun, "Zilong, forget it."

Xun You came to his senses, his face turning pale, but his actions had clearly aroused Liu Xie's displeasure.

Seeing Liu Xie turn around and chat with Taishi Ci, Xun You hurriedly asked in a low voice, "Fengxiao, why...didn't you stop them?"

Guo Jia shook his head, his voice filled with deep helplessness. "If His Majesty wants to leave today, no one can stop him. Why create trouble for ourselves? To obstruct His Majesty's journey is tantamount to treason, and the consequences are something neither of us can bear. His Majesty is different now than before; we should not provoke him so easily."

(End of this chapter)