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

Chapter 231, Why Yuzhou?

Gan Ning laughed loudly, "Gongtai, this is how things should be done. If we sneak into Xiangyang, Liu Biao won't be afraid of us. He might even send someone to intercept or assassinate us. But now, if we give him the guts, let him try to lay a finger on me!"

Gan Ning held his head high, looking disdainful, as if he had Liu Biao completely under his thumb.

Chen Gong pondered for a moment and nodded secretly. Gan Ning seemed to be as fierce as fire and a rough-around-the-edges tough guy, but he was also very quick-witted.

The soldiers behind him burst into laughter, and some of them jeered, "That's right! We are acting on His Majesty's orders. The Prefect of Xiangyang was appointed by His Majesty himself. If he dares to touch us, he is disrespecting the Emperor and betraying the court."

Chen Gong said, "That's true. Liu Biao cherishes his reputation very much, and he would never dare to openly defy the court."

Gan Ning said, "So the more we make a big fuss and the bigger the commotion, the safer we will be. I want to see how anxious Liu Biao will get, scratching his head and getting so angry that he'll lose his temper."

Chen Gong then asked, "So what do you plan to do after you take office?"

Gan Ning seemed to have already seen Liu Biao's furious and pathetic expression, and his laughter never stopped. "After I take office, I will make sweeping changes and thoroughly reorganize the government."

Gan Ning looked confident, clearly having already figured out what to do.

Before executing Man Chong, Cao Cao magnanimously allowed Man Chong to go home and visit his family. Then, in front of Man Chong, Cao Cao waved his hand, and Wang Bi led a group of personal guards to come closer.

Cao Cao instructed Wang Bi: "You must immediately escort Bo Ning's relatives away from Xudu. You must provide strict escort along the way and not be negligent."

Wang Bi quickly agreed, "I obey!"

Subsequently, Wang Bi left Xudu with Man Chong's family.

Cao Cao held Man Chong's hand and said, "Bo Ning, you can rest assured. I will find a secluded place for your family and ensure that they have enough to eat and wear and are not disturbed by others."

After seeing her family one last time, Manchong had no more worries and nodded with relief.

The departure of Man Chong's family from Xudu naturally attracted the attention of Jia Xu, the magistrate of Xudu, who immediately reported the matter to Liu Xie.

Jia Xu was somewhat dissatisfied and said, "Your Majesty, Man Chong rebelled, and his family members should have been punished and beheaded in Xuchang. However, Cao Cao deliberately sent his family members out of the city secretly. Although Cao Cao is very likely to send people to take action on the way, it is inevitable that some people who do not know the truth will think that Man Chong's family members have really been released."

Liu Xie remained calm, saying, "I have already handed over all the matters to Cao Cao. Let him do as he pleases. Perhaps his actions will allow Man Chong to leave in peace."

Xun Yu governed the country diligently and conscientiously, which greatly pleased Emperor Liu Xie. As a result, the White Horse Temple was soon completed and officially opened to the public.

The White Horse Temple covers a large area, more than ten acres in size, and is frequented by a constant stream of worshippers.

The tall pavilions are arranged in a well-organized manner, and the glazed tiles gleam in the sunlight. The words "White Horse" are carved on the mountain gate, and on both sides are two lifelike stone-carved horses.

Liu Xie was an atheist, and in his mind, Taoism and Buddhism were the same. However, he did not reject people using these methods to pray for blessings and fulfill vows.

While the group was visiting the White Horse Temple, Jia Xu said, "Cao Cao has already issued a notice that Man Chong will be publicly executed tomorrow at noon."

Liu Xie nodded. "I understand."

After a while, Liu Xie spotted Hua Xin in the crowd.

Hua Xin mingled in the crowd, taking advantage of the fact that the White Horse Temple had just been completed, he also wanted to light incense for himself to bring good luck.

As soon as he looked up, he saw Liu Xie standing on a high platform, accompanied by Jia Xu, with his gaze fixed on him.

Hua Xin paused for a moment, then quickly quickened her pace and jogged over.

Now that we've run into the emperor, we can't just slink away, can we?
Hua Xin hadn't expected that the emperor enjoyed strolling around the city so much; it felt like she could run into him anywhere.

Before coming to Xuchang, Hua Xin had a simple idea: the emperor was just a figurehead, and all he needed to do was follow Cao Cao wholeheartedly.

Hua Xin had already made up her mind: as long as she remained steadfast in her stance, acted proactively enough, and was loyal enough, wealth and honor would surely follow.

However, not long after arriving in Xudu, the Battle of Guandu broke out, and then Xudu changed hands.

Cao Cao gradually retreated from controlling everything to the second line.

Hua Xin came to Liu Xie's side and hurriedly bowed.

Liu Xie nodded to him, his attitude not cold at all, "Minister Hua, I didn't expect you to come to Baima Temple to offer incense."

In fact, Hua Xin had been feeling uneasy lately, and his future seemed uncertain. He originally wanted to pray for good fortune for himself, but he couldn't say it openly in front of the emperor, so he changed his excuse.

"Yes, my mother is quite old and not in very good health. She even suffered a serious illness last year. I have come here to pray for her well-being, hoping that she will enjoy long and happy life."

During the late Han Dynasty, the country was governed by the principle of filial piety. Those who constantly talked about filial piety were sure to earn the respect of others.

Chen Qun became the Prefect of Yingchuan, Gan Ning became the Prefect of Xiangyang, Jia Xu became the Magistrate of Xudu, and Lü Bu became the General of the Cavalry... All the people around Liu Xie rose in rank and gained pride, and Hua Xin was truly envious.

He is currently only a minor official, which Hua Xin is very unwilling to accept. In the past, he was the powerful Prefect of Yuzhang. For someone with Hua Xin's big ambitions, the position of official is a dispensable role.

Hua Xin came to the temple to burn incense because he wanted to improve his career prospects and was eager to "advance".

Seeing that the emperor's gaze kept glancing at the pedestrians, Hua Xin hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, although I have not been in Xudu for long, I know a lot about what Your Majesty has done. In the streets and alleys of Xudu, from eighty-year-old old men to children as young as a few years old, everyone praises Your Majesty."

Hua Xin is quick-witted and can easily flatter people.

Hua Xin was very famous. He, Guan Ning, and Bing Yuan were known as the Dragon. Hua Xin was the dragon's head, Bing Yuan was the dragon's belly, and Guan Ning was the dragon's tail.

In terms of ability and reputation, he was definitely among the top in the Three Kingdoms period.

However, Liu Xie really didn't like Hua Xin's character. The more Hua Xin flattered him, the more Liu Xie wanted to put him on his blacklist.

However, Liu Xie naturally wouldn't show it on his face.

Without any evidence, even if Liu Xie were the emperor, he couldn't do anything to such a renowned person.

"You flatter me, my dear minister. You should go and offer incense first. There are so many people; if you go too late, you won't get a turn."

Hua Xin hurriedly shook his head, "It is my greatest blessing to meet Your Majesty today. Even if I offer incense another day, it will be fine." Zhao Yun glanced at Hua Xin, feeling a strong aversion to such sycophants.

Liu Xie does not easily show his dissatisfaction with a person. He has been emperor for 11 years since he ascended the throne at the age of 9. He is no longer the puppet emperor who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Liu Xie smiled and praised, "If it were a few years earlier, I would have had a great talent like Minister Hua by my side, and my life would have been much easier."

Hua Xin praised Liu Xie, and Liu Xie reciprocated by praising his talent.

"My dear minister, what is your opinion on the situation in Hebei?" Liu Xie asked, intending to test him.

After a moment's thought, Hua Xin replied, "Your Majesty, with Prime Minister Cao's voluntary withdrawal of troops, the conflict between Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang will inevitably erupt once they lose their external enemy. In my opinion, Yuan Tan will soon be forced to leave by Yuan Shang, leaving Ye City with resentment. Then he will return to Qingzhou to gather troops, and a major battle will be inevitable. The two will definitely have a major conflict."

Liu Xie couldn't help but glance at Hua Xin again, and nodded to him. Putting aside his character, Hua Xin did have ability and insight.

Liu Xie then asked, "When do you think Cao Cao will make his move?"

This question is a bit more in-depth.

Hua Xin mustered her courage and glanced at Liu Xie, then lowered her head and began to think seriously.

Hua Xin was very respectful in front of Liu Xie, and he didn't even glance at anything around him, whether it was the pilgrims or the scenery nearby.

Jia Xu also turned his gaze towards Hua Xin, looking at him curiously. He was also seriously considering this question in his mind.

Hua Xin pondered this question for a bit longer, after all, he was more adept at domestic affairs and not particularly outstanding in military strategy.

But this problem did not stump him. After a while, he raised his head again and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that when Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang decide the winner next spring, Prime Minister Cao will make his move."

"Next spring? According to you, the Yuan brothers have only recently fallen out, and Cao Cao will already be intervening?"

If the original course of history had been followed, the two brothers would have turned against each other, fighting intermittently for nearly two years.

Hua Xin nodded, her tone very certain, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Cao doesn't have that much time to wait patiently. Now that he has taken over as Governor of Ji Province, he will make his move on Hebei as soon as possible."

Hua Xin also realized that the secret struggle between Cao Cao and the emperor was continuing and intensifying.

Making Cao Cao wait for a year or two is not something he can afford to do, nor can he afford to waste time.

Liu Xie nodded and praised Hua Xin again.

After chatting for a while, Liu Xie and Hua Xin parted ways. Hua Xin was sensible and didn't keep chatting like a persistent leech.

When Liu Xie said he was leaving, Hua Xin immediately stopped talking and respectfully bid farewell to the emperor.

After walking for a while, the White Horse Temple was no longer in sight. Liu Xie said to Jia Xu, "Wenhe, what do you think of Hua Xin?"

Jia Xu's answer was very fair: "In terms of ability alone, he is more than qualified to be the governor of a prefecture. Hua Xin is insightful, resourceful, and has an excellent ability to get along with people."

Liu Xie did not deny it, and smiled, "Yes, he is indeed very capable."

"Your Majesty, I have just thought about it. Cao Cao is very likely to make his move next April. He is determined to take Ye City. Once he takes Ye City, he will deal a heavy blow to the Yuan family and allow Cao Cao to rightfully take control of Hebei as the governor of Ji Province."

Liu Xie agreed, “Yes, otherwise Cao Cao, the governor of Ji Province, would become a laughing stock. Ye City is Yuan Shao’s base. The city is strong and impregnable. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang are both in Ye City now, but as long as the brothers turn against each other or even go to war, Ye City will become weak in terms of troops. This will be a good opportunity for Cao Cao.”

Jia Xu advised, "Your Majesty, Cao Cao is about to advance into Hebei and is determined to take Ji Province. This is also an excellent opportunity for Your Majesty."

The two men exchanged glances, and Liu Xie's eyes lit up as he vaguely guessed what was going on.

Jia Xu pointed northeast towards Xudu.

Liu Xie praised, "That's right, I've thought of that too. Next, let Cao Cao take over Ji Province, and I will send troops to conquer Qing Province."

Jia Xu then said, "Your Majesty need not be anxious. It is Cao Cao who should be anxious now. We can wait until Cao Cao captures Ye City before we make our move."

Jia Xu narrowed his eyes again and said mysteriously, "Although His Majesty has not yet assigned Ju Shou a position, he has already rendered a great service to His Majesty."

Liu Xie was very clever and understood immediately. He hurriedly asked, "Wenhe is referring to Yuzhou?"

Jia Xu countered, "Has Your Majesty considered why Ju Shou didn't suggest Cao Cao cede Yan Province or Xu Province, but instead insisted on Yu Province?"

Jia Xu's eyes were like a bottomless pool, making it difficult for anyone to see through his thoughts.

Zhao Yun said, "Since Xu Du is in Yu Province, and Runan and Chen are also in Yu Province, and Liu Bei is still the governor of Yu Province, I think it would be more convenient and advantageous for us to obtain Yu Province compared to Xu Province and Yan Province."

Jia Xu said, "Zilong, you are only half right. You haven't mentioned the most advantageous point."

Jia Xu continued, "Yuzhou is like a long line, separating Yanzhou and Xuzhou. This is Ju Shou's original intention. If Your Majesty obtains Yuzhou, it will be fatal to Cao Cao."

Because acquiring Yuzhou meant that Xuzhou was also inevitable.

"I see." Liu Xie was enlightened by Jia Xu's words and instantly understood.

He originally thought that since Chen and Runan were both in Yuzhou, and the capital was also in Yuzhou, it was reasonable for him to demand control of the entire Yuzhou. However, he did not expect that Ju Shou wanted to divide Cao Cao's territory in two.

Jia Xu pointed to Hebei again, "Cao Cao took the position of Governor of Ji Province. It was both a proactive and a forced choice. No matter which angle you look at it from, he can only place his base in Hebei from now on."

"If Cao Cao had become the governor of Xu Province or the governor of Yan Province, it would have been a demotion for him. Before welcoming the emperor, he was already the governor of Yan Province, and now both Yan Province and Xu Province were held by Cao Cao's subordinates. After years of hard work, Cao Cao ended up back where he started, and he even had to leave a position vacant for his subordinates. This was an unbearable humiliation for Cao Cao."

Cao Cao served as the Governor of Yan Province. Later, Yuan Shao praised him for his achievements, and his official position was promoted from Governor of Yan Province to Prefect of Yan Province.

However, after Cao Cao became the governor of Yan Province, the highest-ranking official in Yan Province reverted to his original position, becoming the governor of Yan Province again.

However, being the governor of Ji Province has a different meaning.

Jia Xu continued, "Ji Province is vast and rich in resources, and Yan and Zhao are home to many brave and valiant men. It is the foundation of Yuan Shao's power. If Cao Cao were to become the governor of Ji Province, he could not only establish merits but also rapidly expand his power. He could also unite Ji, Qing, You, and Bing provinces and make them his own territory. However, if Cao Cao remained in Yan Province and Xu Province, he would be tying his own hands, and it would be difficult for him to continue to improve his reputation and strength."

(End of this chapter)