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

Chapter 220, Wenruo, you seem down.
As for the safety of his family, Cao Cao was somewhat concerned, but he did not take it too seriously.

Furthermore, as Guo Jia said, Cao Cao believed that the emperor would not easily deal with his family unless Cao Cao openly rebelled.

If it were Lü Bu instead, he might have panicked long ago if his family fell into someone else's hands.

Cao Cao was reorganizing and training his troops at Guandu, making it appear as if he was ready to attack Hebei again at any time. The truth behind this was known only to a handful of people in the core leadership.

Soon, Cao Cao met with the messenger sent by Liu Xie. Cao Cao did not reply; he was waiting for Che Zhou and the others to take action.

The messenger was merely fulfilling his mission. Before leaving, he took out several bottles of Five-Stone Powder from his pocket and handed them to Guo Jia.

The messenger said, "After many days of campaigning, His Majesty was worried that Guo Jijiu would run out of these items, so he specifically instructed me to make sure that these are delivered to you. These were all personally allocated by His Majesty."

Guo Jia smiled and accepted the medicine, bowing to the messenger and saying, "Please tell His Majesty that I thank you for the medicine."

The messenger did not linger and went back to report, agreeing to the mission.

Xun You walked over, pointed to the bottles of medicine in Guo Jia's hand, and said with a very wary expression, "Fengxiao, be careful. At times like these, His Majesty's intentions are unpredictable. We must be on guard."

Cao Cao was always suspicious. He stared at the medicine bottle in Guo Jia's hand, his eyes rolling around a few times. "Fengxiao, Gongda is right. Why don't you stop taking that medicine for the next few days?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "At a time like this, His Majesty has not forgotten to send me Five-Stone Powder. This just shows that His Majesty is still very sincere."

After Guo Jia finished speaking, he opened a bottle, took a sip in front of the two of them, and quickly squinted his eyes, revealing a self-satisfied expression as if he were floating on clouds.

Cao Cao and Xun You kept a close eye on him. At first, they were both very nervous and didn't dare to blink, fearing that Liu Xie had poisoned him.

But after a long time, Guo Jia showed no abnormalities other than an expression of blissful enjoyment, so the two were relieved.

At the artificial lake, Liu Xie and Chen Gong chatted for a long time, and he even gave the artificial lake a name: Junchen Lake (Lake of Ruler and Minister).

Ju Shou praised it highly, saying, "The Junchen Lake symbolizes harmony between the ruler and his ministers, a peaceful and harmonious scene. The ruler cannot do without his ministers, and the ministers cannot do without the ruler."

Chen Gong added: "In the future, whoever comes here will be cleansed in their hearts. They must always remember that there is a difference between the ruler and the subject. The ruler is the ruler and the subject is the subject. At any time, the subject must abide by his duty and not break the rules."

After spending so many days with Chen Gong, Liu Xie had come to know Chen Gong's temperament very well.

He was like both a flame and a block of ice, straightforward and unyielding; right was right and wrong was wrong, he made a very clear distinction.

Chen Gong's words and actions sometimes give the impression that he is not gentle or tactful enough in dealing with people.

But Liu Xie desperately needs such a sharp-tongued person in the workplace.

Chen Gong is intolerant of any wrongdoing and has very sound values.

As for Ju Shou, what has surprised Liu Xie even more so so far is that his overall perspective is very much in sync with his own.

He considers issues comprehensively.

Ju Shou also liked to speak frankly and offer advice, saying whatever came to mind.

They are very proactive and don't like to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Both of them are capable people.

But they are definitely not the type that leaders are most satisfied with.

But Liu Xie just happened to like such straightforward and capable people.

Back in the palace, it was already late at night. As Liu Xie walked along the road, he could clearly notice that the expressions of some of the eunuchs and palace maids were different from before.

They became somewhat flustered, rushing to greet each other from a distance, and it was even noticeable that some people were visibly trembling.

A mutiny broke out in Xudu. Although no one deliberately publicized it, among so many palace maids and eunuchs, some clever and quick-witted ones inevitably noticed something unusual.

Half of them were planted by Cao Cao. With Xuchang changing hands, these people were the most afraid.

Even high-ranking officials like Dong Zhaohua and Xin were filled with trepidation and cold sweat in the court, let alone these eunuchs and palace maids who had no background or status.

Liu Xie walked along with a faint smile on his face, and he did not deliberately target these people.

Liu Xie went to see Fu Shou first, but unexpectedly, Lü Lingqi and Consort Dong were also there.

As if they had planned it, they guessed that they would come here first.

Lu Lingqi and Consort Dong hurriedly greeted her. Just as Fu Shou was about to bow, Liu Xie took two quick steps and helped her up, saying, "You are pregnant, so you need to skip this."

Fu Shou's belly was already slightly protruding, and her eyes held the tenderness that only a woman about to become a mother could have.

Liu Xie gently touched her belly, feeling the joy of the impending arrival of a new life.

Fu Shou blushed and her face turned red. She wanted to hide, but when she thought that the emperor had been gone for almost three months, she couldn't bear to.

Lu Lingqi chuckled, while Consort Dong blinked, her face full of envy.

After chatting with them for a while and inquiring about the recent situation in the palace, Liu Xie finally asked, "Why is one person missing? Where is Consort Cao?"

Lu Lingqi, being straightforward, quickly replied, "She went home this morning and has been sullen ever since. She's locked herself in her room and won't see anyone."

Liu Xie nodded, presumably she already knew something.

Since he knew it was bound to be known sooner or later anyway, Liu Xie hugged Empress Fu and the others one by one, and then got up and walked towards Wenxiu Palace.

As they walked, Liu Xie instructed Zhang Yu, "Immediately tell the imperial kitchen to prepare a bowl of lotus seed soup for Consort Cao and send it over as soon as possible."

Zhang Yu hurriedly smiled and said, "Your Majesty is so considerate of Consort Cao. This servant will do as you say immediately."

Upon arriving at Wenxiu Palace, a palace maid opened the door, and Liu Xie stepped inside.

Cao Ying was sitting on the edge of the bed when she saw Liu Xie and rushed over to him.

Liu Xie smiled helplessly and reached out to catch her.

No matter what a woman's status is, she is still a woman at heart.

She needs a man to coax her and pamper her.

"Your Majesty, can you tell me what happened?"

Last night, a mutiny broke out in Xuchang, and the palace naturally heard the commotion. Early this morning, Cao Ying was worried and took some time to go back and check on the situation.

They discovered that many armored soldiers were standing outside the Cao family's residence. Although the rebellion had been quelled, the soldiers outside the Cao family's residence had not been removed.

Liu Xie smiled and comforted her, "Nothing happened. It was just Man Chong causing trouble. I strengthened the defenses of the Sikong Mansion, that's all!"

Cao Ying looked up, tears welling in her eyes. "But why would Man Chong suddenly cause trouble?"

Liu Xie shook his head. "I don't know about that. I will leave this matter to Cao Gong to handle." Cao Ying was not interested in politics, and she did not doubt what Liu Xie said. However, with a woman's unique intuition, she vaguely felt that things were not so simple.

But as the emperor's woman, she wouldn't press the matter further.

After a while, Zhang Yu brought over the lotus seed soup he had made. Liu Xie personally took it and placed it in front of Cao Ying, urging, "You haven't eaten all day, have you? Eat up."

Liu Xie watched her eat the porridge until she finished it all, then smiled with satisfaction.

Women need to be coaxed, and women who are reunited after a long separation need to be coaxed even more.

The two were intimate that night. After Cao Ying fell into a deep sleep, Liu Xie was still thinking about how to appease Cao Cao.
Cao Cao is bound to make a big move. He is a ruthless warlord in a chaotic era, and Liu Xie will never let his guard down against him.

Even when he sleeps with his daughter, it's no exception!

The next morning, the court assembly, which had been held inactive for four years, was finally held. All the civil and military officials who were supposed to come and who could come were present.

Liu Xie felt he had gotten up very early, but when he arrived at the main hall, everyone was already there.

Dong Cheng, Kong Rong, and others were still in a state of high excitement, rushing to report and offer advice on one matter after another, big and small. They all wanted to reorganize the court, dismiss officials, and so on, hoping to give the emperor more power and further replace Cao Cao's people.

Liu Xie listened patiently, deep in thought, but he did not agree immediately.

After a while, Dong Cheng said, "Your Majesty, someone has reported that Cao Cheng, the Prefect of Qiao Commandery, is corrupt, abuses his power, and bullies men and women. His behavior is extremely heinous. I suggest that Cao Cheng be arrested immediately and brought to Xuchang for a thorough investigation and punishment. In addition, I recommend Lu Ji to serve as the Prefect of Qiao Commandery."

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Qiao Commandery was the foundation of Cao Cao's clan, the root of the Cao and Xiahou families.

Xun Yu immediately realized that Dong Cheng was deliberately framing Cao Cheng in order to replace the governor of Qiao Commandery with one of the emperor's own people and take control of Cao Cao's clan.

Dong Zhao also secretly felt a chill for Cao Cao.

Dong Zhao was actually very unlucky this time; he shouldn't have stayed in Xudu in the first place.

After the Battle of Guandu began, Cao Cao took Dong Zhao with him. Before even advancing into Ye City, Cao Cao appointed Dong Zhao as the governor of Wei Commandery.

Cao Cao often did this: before even conquering the enemy's territory, he would appoint his own people as officials in the enemy's domain.

This demonstrates Cao Cao's absolute confidence and his determination to win.

On the other hand, they hoped to boost morale and bring themselves good luck.

Dong Zhao was ordered to escort the 40,000 surrendered soldiers back to Xuchang. However, before he could leave, a mutiny broke out in Xuchang.

Now, Dong Zhao can't leave even if he wants to.

The emperor had just assumed power, and whether the officials were sincere or not, everyone was vying to show their loyalty, and no one dared to sneak away.

Lu Ji was a member of the Lu family of Lujiang. He was only five years older than Lu Xun, but he was a generation older and was Lu Xun's uncle.

Liu Xie glanced at Dong Cheng and said, "Let Xun Lingjun send someone to investigate Cao Cheng's matter. If the situation is true, I will deal with it seriously. As for the position of Prefect of Qiao Commandery, we will discuss it after the matter is clarified."

Dong Cheng was met with a rebuff. He never expected that his brilliant plan, which he had devised after staying up all night, would be rejected.

Both Chen Gong and Ju Shou could see that the emperor no longer wanted to provoke Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was already very sensitive. Ever since Liu Xie nearly wiped out Cao Cao's entire army at Wuchao, Cao Cao had been extremely dissatisfied.

Now, Xuchang has been lost again, and his family members have become hostages. If he were to take control of his clansmen in Qiao County as well, it would surely push Cao Cao to the brink.

Liu Xie entrusted the matter to Xun Yu, who was relieved.

He also did not want the conflict to escalate further.

After the court session ended, Xun Yu had just stepped out of the main hall when Zhao Yun chased after him, saying, "Lord Xun, please wait. His Majesty wishes to accompany you."

A short while later, Liu Xie came over.

The other officials were all curious, but none of them dared to step forward and ask. They could only leave quietly, each with their own doubts.

Xun Yu asked, puzzled, "Your Majesty, is there something else you wish to instruct this old minister?"

Liu Xie smiled and said, "I am going to visit your cousin, Attendant Xun, and the former Grand Commandant, Lord Yang. It would be good if we, as ruler and subject, could travel together."

Xun Yu nodded. Xun Yue was old and had been bedridden for the past few days, not attending court. Xun Yu had previously received a letter from Liu Xie in which Xun Yue was mentioned.

Xun Yu realized that the emperor intended to give Xun Yue an important position, and he was genuinely happy for his cousin.

On the other hand, seeing the emperor constantly recruiting talented people and having a wealth of talent around him, making his power stronger and stronger, Xun Yu became increasingly worried about Cao Cao.

Liu Xie suddenly said, "Wenruo, you seem to be in low spirits. What's wrong? Is there anything you want to say to me?"

"Your Majesty, you..." Xun Yu was taken aback.

Having known each other for so long, this was the first time Xun Yu had ever heard the emperor address him by his courtesy name.

Liu Xie would only address people by their courtesy name if they were very familiar with them or had a very close relationship with him.

Although Xun Yu paid great attention to the etiquette between the emperor and his subjects, he was somewhat envious when he often heard the emperor address others by their courtesy names.

Which subject doesn't hope to get closer to the emperor?

Xun Yu shook his head. "Your Majesty, I am fine."

"is it?"

Liu Xie strode forward, smiled, and said to Xun Yu, "Wenruo is a gentleman of impeccable character. There's no need for us, ruler and subject, to hide anything from each other. You are my man, and you are also Cao Cao's man. Now that I have regained imperial power, Cao Cao will certainly not be too happy. I'm afraid you feel the same way, don't you?"

Xun Yu immediately stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening as he looked at Liu Xie in a panic. "Your Majesty, what makes you say such a thing?"

Liu Xie continued to walk forward, his steps steady and powerful, exuding the aura of an emperor. "Let's talk as we walk. I've grown up now. After spending four years with you, don't we all know some things very well?"

Xun Yu swayed and staggered to catch up. He felt as if his legs were filled with lead, extremely heavy, and every step he took was difficult.

Liu Xie continued, "Just recently, I had a frank talk with Fengxiao at Guandu. In fact, whether we talked or not, we both knew the truth about many things, didn't we?"

Xun Yu's mood grew heavier. In recent years, Cao Cao and the emperor had been engaged in open and covert struggles, and Xun Yu was not only a participant but also a witness. Of course, he knew everything.

However, he never expected that the emperor would say these things to him today.

Liu Xie turned to look at Xun Yu and said calmly, "My long-cherished wish has always been that we, as ruler and minister, can live in harmony forever, work together to restore order to the world and rebuild the nation. This wish of mine has never changed."

Xun Yu remained silent, but did not stop walking, and always kept a distance of one body length from Liu Xie.

(End of this chapter)