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

Chapter 22, Xu Huang Comes to Join Us

"Keeping accounts is fine, but if I send troops to their side, they'll definitely be unhappy and think I'm trying to spy on them. Besides, my soldiers are all rough and brutish warriors, good at fighting on the battlefield, they can't do this kind of thing," Cao Hong shook his head and said with difficulty.

Liu Xie laughed and said, "You're wrong. As long as your soldiers are loyal to you, that's enough. That way, they will be more cautious about what they do. Besides, if they think you're sending people to monitor them, you can tell them it's to protect their safety."

“After all, you’re in big business, and the safety of these people is very important. On the surface, we’re protecting their safety, but in reality, as long as your soldiers stay by their side and report to you at any time, no one will dare to tamper with the accounts. I can check the accounts for you when I have time.”

Cao Hong nodded repeatedly and breathed a sigh of relief, "With His Majesty's help, that would be the best."

Just as the two were talking, a burly man walked over.

He wore a coarse cloth robe, which was stretched taut by his strong physique, and every move he made exuded explosive power.

It was Xu Huang! Xu Gongming!

Liu Xie didn't care about Cao Hong standing next to him. Cao Hong had a very good impression of Liu Xie now, so he wouldn't cause him any trouble.

"Hmm? This person looks familiar?"

Liu Xie pointed at Xu Huang, pretending not to recognize him, and frowned as he thought for a while.

It took him a while to remember, "I think he was Yang Feng's subordinate before, named Xu Huang, right?"

Cao Hong looked at Xu Huang and asked, "Your Majesty, so you two know each other?"

Liu Xie nodded. "I have some recollection of him. Judging from the situation, he's here to join the army."

As he spoke, Liu Xie winked at Xu Huang, who understood immediately and nodded. "Yes, there's no future in following Yang Feng. I've come to join the army."

Cao Hong didn't take it too seriously. He was about to continue discussing the accounts with Liu Xie when he waved his hand and said, "The recruitment office is on the other side. I'll find someone to take you there."

Just as Cao Hong was about to beckon someone over, Liu Xie smiled and said, "I think he's quite good. He's honest and kind, and he's also strong and fit. Let him stay by my side as a guard."

Cao Hong glanced at Xu Huang, and without much thought, agreed.

Liu Xie had helped him earn so much money, so this small request was really nothing to Cao Hong; it was just a matter of talking to him.

Liu Xie politely said to Cao Hong, "Thank you!"

From this alone, Xu Huang was certain that the emperor was not having a good time with Cao Cao.

He is the ruler of the world. Does he need to ask others for permission to hire a guard?

Xu Huang consciously stood beside Liu Xie, who was in a great mood and continued to instruct Cao Hong.

Cao Hong's mind is now filled with nothing but business and money; the feeling of having money is just too good.

When chatting with Liu Xie, he also told Liu Xie without any hesitation that he had recently taken two more concubines.

After about half an hour, Liu Xie finally sent Cao Hong away and led Xu Huang back to his residence.

"Your Majesty, they actually let you stay in the barracks?" Xu Huang was greatly surprised.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Gongming, this is already very good. When we came from Chang'an to Luoyang, we stayed in remote and desolate places. I have endured all kinds of hardships. Xuchang is in ruins and the palace is still under construction. Cao Cao has temporarily allowed me to stay here for my safety."

Xu Huang looked around, gritted his teeth, and sneered, "It really is quite safe!"

"Gongming, just look around with your own eyes, and you'll understand everything. It's truly beyond my expectations that you'd give up fame and fortune to become my bodyguard."

If Liu Xie hadn't written to Xu Huang beforehand, following the original trajectory, Xu Huang would have chosen to submit to Cao Cao when Yang Feng was defeated. Xu Huang smiled, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his otherwise forthright demeanor.

“His Majesty personally wrote to summon me. I have received five letters from His Majesty so far. I am extremely honored by His Majesty’s sincerity. How could I bear to refuse? If I were to refuse His Majesty, wouldn’t I, Xu Gongming, become an unfaithful and unjust person?”

Information is wealth; Liu Xie took the initiative to summon Xu Huang, thus gaining the upper hand.

Because Liu Xie had already noticed Xu Huang on his way back east and gradually established a good relationship with him, he had now taken the lead over Cao Cao.

The three choices Liu Xie presented to Xu Huang were, in themselves, a test of his loyalty.

It depends on whether he chooses the immediate wealth or remains loyal to me and starts as an ordinary guard.

As it turns out, Liu Xie made the right bet!

Xu Huang decisively abandoned everything and came to Xudu alone.

Liu Xie deliberately sighed, "Don't you think it's a bit of a pity? Given how much Yang Feng values ​​you, you won't be mistreated whether you stay by his side or surrender to Cao Cao in the future."

Xu Huang shook his head. "His Majesty is in a dangerous situation, surrounded by wolves and tigers, yet he trusts me. This trust alone is enough for me."

Liu Xie suddenly remembered something. It is said that birds of a feather flock together. When Guan Yu was in Cao Cao's camp, he had two good friends.

One is Zhang Liao, and the other is Xu Huang!

It is clear that their ability to become close friends with Guan Yu was not solely due to their martial prowess.

Rather, they all valued loyalty and righteousness, and admired and respected those who were loyal and righteous! They were the same kind of people!

Xu Huang's betrayal of Yang Feng can be seen as an act of abandoning darkness and embracing light, just as Zhang Liao did not betray Lü Bu.

"I trust my judgment. Gongming is a loyal and righteous man, worthy of my trust!"

Xu Huang was deeply moved and lifted his robe to kneel down.

Liu Xie hurriedly helped him up, saying, "No need for formalities. I discovered this on my way back east. Gongming is a rare man of loyalty and righteousness."

Liu Xie first went to Dong Cheng and asked Dong Cheng to find him a set of armor to change into.

"Your Majesty, who is he?"

Dong Cheng did not know Xu Huang because he was Yang Feng's subordinate. Dong Cheng belonged to the Xiliang faction, which was at odds with the Baibo bandits. With so many people on the escape route, it was impossible for Dong Cheng to know everyone.

It just felt vaguely familiar.

Xu Huang recognized him at a glance. "I am Xu Huang. Greetings, General Wei."

Dong Cheng waved his hand and said resentfully, "No thanks. I'm no longer General Wei. Cao Cao made me General of Chariots and Cavalry."

Dong Cheng emphasized the name Cao Cao very much!
The General of Chariots and Cavalry looks quite good.

However, Dong Cheng was greatly dissatisfied because his former position as General of the Guards was genuine and on par with Cao Cao.

But now, he can only stay by the emperor's side and command some guards and attendants.

Dong Cheng pointed outside the barracks, "As the General of Chariots and Cavalry, I can only play a role inside the barracks. Outside the barracks, I can't command anyone. Besides, I can't even leave the barracks."

(End of this chapter)