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

Chapter 217, Returning to Xudu

Guo Jia continued, "Now that His Majesty has taken control of Xuchang, he has more leverage and confidence, and he no longer needs to tolerate many things."

If Xu Du hadn't been under control, even if we had asked him to leave, he might not have actually done so.

But now it's the opposite; he wants to leave, and anyone who dares to stop him will be sentenced to death.

The camp originally had nearly two thousand soldiers, while Prince Chen's army numbered only two hundred. However, Taishi Ci has now brought five hundred elite soldiers, and even if Guo Jia were to try to stop him, he would not be confident of success.

Before long, Prince Chen arrived with his men to join him, bringing the total number of men to seven hundred, together with Taishi Ci's forces.

Liu Xie invited Guo Jia again, but Guo Jia shook his head, "Your Majesty, I will not return for now. Guandu still needs someone to stay and guard it."

Liu Xie smiled but didn't say anything more. He knew that this wasn't Guo Jia's real reason.

Guo Jia was waiting for Cao Cao. He wanted to tell Cao Cao everything and then discuss the next course of action with him.

Liu Xie mounted his horse, smiled at Guo Jia, and, under the protection of Taishi Ci and Zhao Yun, spurred his horse and galloped straight towards Xuchang.

At this moment, I truly felt relaxed and at ease, like a fish in water.

Liu Xie released the silken reins, letting the horse run freely on the road. The Guandu camp quickly disappeared behind them, and the scenery on both sides moved rapidly past. Liu Xie really wanted to burst into song.

In one word, cool!

Two words: Awesome!

Watching helplessly as the emperor led his entourage away, Xun You hurriedly said, "Fengxiao, once His Majesty returns to Xuchang, won't everything be over?"

Guo Jia shook his head. “His Majesty has always been very measured in his actions. The fact that he only believes that Man Chong is the one who caused the rebellion is enough to show that His Majesty does not want to push things to the extreme. Now, we must inform Lord Cao about this matter immediately.”

Guo Jia quickly turned back to his tent, wrote a letter to Cao Cao, and sent it to him with the utmost urgency.

At the end of the letter, Guo Jia solemnly reminded Cao Cao.

"Your Excellency must remain restrained and absolutely must not attack Lü Bu or Gan Ning."

Guo Jia worried that once Cao Cao learned that Xuchang had changed hands and was under the emperor's control, he would be furious and might immediately take action against Lü Bu and Gan Ning.

That was definitely not what Guo Jia wanted to see. If war really broke out, they might not be able to eliminate Lü Bu and Gan Ning, but the Cao family in Xuchang would be in immediate danger.

Liu Xie and his entourage rode their horses at full speed, in high spirits, eager to return to Xuchang as soon as possible.

The sky is high and the white clouds drift lazily, seemingly without end. The shadows of the trees are dappled, and sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light.

The people in the fields are busy with the autumn harvest, and their faces show the joy of a bountiful harvest.

In recent years, the widespread adoption of the military-agricultural system has led to a large influx of migrants settling in Xudu.

Although there is still a long way to go before people are truly well-fed and clothed, at least these people no longer have to wander and flee from place to place.

In the distance, there is a range of rolling mountains, dotted with flowers, grasses and trees, which gives people a sense of natural beauty and inevitably brings a sense of tranquility, as if they have come to a paradise.

Such idyllic scenery is like a dream to everyone at this moment, leaving them completely mesmerized.

Guan Yu, Chen Gong, Ju Shou, and the others were all genuinely happy, and they no longer concealed their smiles.

The journey of over a hundred miles took only a few hours, and as evening approached, the group returned safely to Xuchang.

As the towering city walls of Xuchang came into view, Liu Xie was about to enter the city directly when Chen Gong advised, "Your Majesty, I think we should have all the officials come out of the city to welcome you. Your Majesty has personally led the expedition and won one victory after another, even killing Yuan Shao. The pacification of the north is just around the corner. Such a great achievement deserves the respectful welcome of all the officials. In addition, there was a mutiny in the city last night. Making a grand display would also help stabilize the people's hearts."

Liu Xie waved his hand, "Why bother with such a large-scale mobilization?"

Liu Xie disliked grand gestures and preferred a low profile, but this time, Ju Shou also sided with Chen Gong.

Ju Shou said, “Gongtai is right. Now that Your Majesty has regained power, the Han Dynasty will regain its former glory. How can such an important matter be entered into the city quietly? The people’s hearts need to be appeased, and most of the officials are Cao’s faction, so they also need to be deterred. Your Majesty cannot just show favors; you must also be decisive when it is time to establish authority.”

Liu Xie sighed helplessly. Seeing that they were about to launch into another long-winded explanation, he had no choice but to nod and say, "Alright, I'll do as you say."

Liu Xie sent Wu Anguo into the city ahead of time to deliver the news. Xun Yu, upon learning the news, naturally dared not delay and immediately summoned all civil and military officials to wait for the emperor outside the south gate.

Xiahou Lan was in charge of guarding the south gate, and at this moment, he was more excited than anyone else.

He had now gloriously become a member of the emperor's side and was about to meet the emperor. Xiahou Lan's blood was boiling, and it felt as if every pore on his body was excited.

Although he had met the emperor more than once or twice, this time was clearly different.

Outside the South Gate, the road was swept clean. Xun Yu was very serious about his work, splashing clean water on the street, and he almost brought out drums and music.

Hundreds of officials, both high and low-ranking, gathered together, their expressions varied, some unable to hide their joy as they eagerly awaited their arrival.

These people, led by Dong Cheng and Kong Rong, were still in high spirits from the previous night. Dong Cheng hadn't even changed his blood-stained clothes; he deliberately wanted others to see that these blood-stained clothes were the greatest honor for loyalty to the emperor.

Xun Yu remained calm, showing neither joy nor sorrow, but felt a profound emptiness in his heart. Having followed Cao Cao for so many years, Xun Yu truly had not anticipated such an ending.

Xun Yu couldn't guess what would happen next; he only felt that the emperor's actions were too mysterious and always unexpected.

Mao Jie, Wang Lang, Wang Su, Dong Zhao, Hua Xin, Sima Lang, Jiang Ji, and others were all in low spirits, their faces filled with worry. They looked at each other from time to time, sighing repeatedly. Their dejection seemed contagious, making everyone listless.

Previously, they all supported Cao Cao, but now, Xuchang has a new master, and everyone is on tenterhooks, their future uncertain.

As the sun set, the sound of horses' hooves approached from afar, sending a shiver down everyone's spine.

The emperor finally arrived.

Xun Yu led all the civil and military officials to kneel down and pay their respects. Everyone knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

"We respectfully welcome Your Majesty's triumphant return."

"Long live! Long live!"

Liu Xie, mounted on his horse, looked down at the people with a somber expression.

Liu Xie did not immediately dismount, and naturally no one dared to get up. They all knelt respectfully on the ground, as if they could hear their own heartbeats.

Many people became even more panicked, their hearts pounding, fearing that the emperor would immediately settle scores with them.

Throughout history, the transfer of supreme power has always been accompanied by bloody massacres. After a while, Liu Xie waved his hand and dismounted.

Liu Xie said slowly and kindly, "All of you, rise."

Everyone stood up. Some mustered their courage to look at Liu Xie, while others were uneasy and could only steal a few glances, not daring to meet the emperor's eyes.

Liu Xie smiled, his voice as kind as ever, "Last night, bandits caused trouble in Xuchang, and you were all frightened. Many officials braved danger and risked their lives to quell the rebellion, which greatly comforted me. Heaven blesses our Han Dynasty, and everything has been pacified. Imperial Uncle, Lord Xun, and Minister Kong, you all deserve our gratitude."

Dong Cheng and Kong Rong were praised by name, and naturally they were beaming with pride and very pleased with themselves.

However, Xun Yu was not happy at all. The gazes of Dong Zhao and the others towards him were clearly mixed with doubt and suspicion.

Everyone knows that Xun Yu was Cao Cao's most trusted confidant, but he was praised by the emperor, as if Xun Yu had already sided with the emperor.

Xun Yu felt somewhat uneasy, inwardly smiling bitterly. He naturally understood the emperor's intentions.

The emperor openly praised him, but in reality, he was trying to win him over.

Liu Xie smiled calmly at Xun Yu and continued, "Although the Han Dynasty has declined, its fortune remains. With the strong support of my colleagues, I believe that the Han Dynasty will surely regain its former glory, and the world will soon be at peace."

After a pause, Liu Xie's voice became somewhat serious, "I do not wish for a second or third Man Chong to appear. All of you ministers must take this as a warning, reflect on yourselves, and not become enemies of the Han Dynasty!"

Everyone nodded hurriedly, "We will keep Your Majesty's teachings in mind!"

This immediately elevated Man Chong to the level of an enemy of the Han Dynasty. Clearly, everyone understood that even if a celestial being were to arrive, Man Chong was doomed.

In the power struggle between the emperor and Cao Cao, Man Chong was destined to become an insignificant sacrifice.

Man Chong's death also served as a reminder to everyone that anyone who stands on the side opposing the emperor is an enemy of the Han Dynasty!

Doesn't this mean that Man Chong is a cautionary tale for anyone who supports Cao Cao?
The timid ones didn't dare to breathe loudly, and when faced with the emperor's gaze, they hurriedly and frantically lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact.

Liu Xie then walked up to Dong Cheng and the others, and chatted with them warmly and kindly, praising their performance the previous night.

Liu Xie knew Dong Cheng and his ilk all too well.

They are capable, loyal, and energetic, but they lack composure and patience.

Therefore, Liu Xie rarely consulted with them about anything before.

For example, Dong Cheng couldn't even handle a household servant, so how could Liu Xie entrust him with important responsibilities?

As for Kong Rong, he was also a big mouth who would talk at length at the drop of a hat. Fortunately, in recent years, he was kept away from the court and put in charge of building an artificial lake, which has somewhat tempered his temperament.

After meeting everyone, Liu Xie finally took Xun Yu's hand, and the two walked and talked side by side into the city.

Xun Yu secretly groaned, yet he could not refuse.

The emperor appreciates him and wants him to be a loyal minister. Isn't that a good thing? Isn't that appealing?

Countless officials dreamed of enjoying such treatment.

But Xun Yu was not one to waver in his principles. Having followed Cao Cao for many years, how could he easily change his stance?
Therefore, the more Liu Xie valued him, the more uncomfortable he felt.

After entering the city, Liu Xie went directly to Chengguang Hall, and the ministers followed closely behind, none of them daring to leave without permission.

Everyone felt that the emperor was bound to make a big move next.

As soon as I entered the main hall, a high-pitched voice rang in my ears, and someone shouted, "Your Majesty!"

Zhang Yu rushed over from the inner palace. Upon seeing Liu Xie, he knelt down excitedly, prostrating himself on the ground and bursting into tears.

Liu Xie was also somewhat moved. He quickly took a few steps and helped him up, saying, "Why are you crying? I'm perfectly fine."

Zhang Yu alternated between crying and laughing, nodding repeatedly, "Your Majesty is absolutely right, yes, Your Majesty is doing well."

Liu Xie said, "Alright, wipe away your tears and go to court."

Zhang Yu nodded vigorously, quickly wiping away his tears with his sleeve. He flicked his whisk forcefully, and today he stood tall and proud, shouting in the loudest voice, "Speak your mind if you have anything to say, or the court is adjourned!"

Dong Cheng glanced at Kong Rong and instantly understood the emperor's intention: some things needed to be raised by them, the ministers.

Dong Cheng immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Xuchang is the capital of the Han Dynasty, and its importance is self-evident. However, in such a crucial place, there are thieves who have set fires and caused chaos, attempting to overthrow the imperial throne. Although Your Majesty is wise and insightful, and has promptly sent men to control the thieves, the defenses of Xuchang must be strengthened. I suggest that the Northern Army and the Imperial Guard be reorganized, with the Northern Army on the outside and the Imperial Guard on the inside, to protect the capital and eliminate such hidden dangers."

Kong Rong quickly responded, "I second that suggestion."

Wu Shuo, Wang Zifu, Zhong Ji, Ji Ping, Wu Zilan and others echoed his sentiments. Even Fu Wan, the father-in-law who disliked getting involved, decisively expressed his support for his son-in-law.

Dong Zhao and his men all knew perfectly well that the claims of arson and banditry were all false.

However, Man Chong unfortunately became the scapegoat.

Liu Xie could not afford to neglect the defense of Xudu, because it was his only city, and Xudu had to be impregnable and firmly under his control.

Looking at Xun Yu, Liu Xie asked, "Lord Xun, the safety of Xudu cannot be compromised. I also agree with the formation of the Northern Army and the Imperial Guard. What do you think?"

Xun Yu was in dire straits, unable to escape or hide, as the emperor was determined to pull him away from Cao Cao and onto his side.

In just a short while, no fewer than dozens of eyes were fixed on Xun Yu's face, and Xun Yu really wanted to leave immediately.

Xun Yu felt as if he were being roasted over a fire, and in the end, he could only say, "Your Majesty, I have no objection."

"Alright! Since Lord Xun also agrees, then this matter is settled."

Liu Xie looked at Dong Cheng and instructed him, "Imperial Brother-in-law, you must recruit soldiers as soon as possible, reorganize the original guards, and quickly form the Northern Army and the Imperial Guard."

"Wu Shuo was appointed as the General of the Northern Army, and Wang Zifu was appointed as the General of the Imperial Guard."

The Northern Army and the Imperial Guard still existed in Chang'an, but they were completely eliminated by Cao Cao after Liu Xie came to Xuchang.

Dong Cheng is a General of Chariots and Cavalry, and his official rank can no longer be promoted. However, Liu Xie should give Wu Shuo, Wang Zifu, and others appropriate opportunities. As for their abilities, they can be further examined later.

Since everyone has made contributions, the emperor has to show his appreciation.

(End of this chapter)