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

Chapter 24, Xun Yu's Kindness
"What?" Yang Biao had only been dismissed for a short time, and now he had been arrested.

He was also falsely accused of colluding with Yuan Shu.

Dong Cheng snorted coldly and angrily rebuked, "Is there any evidence that Lord Yang is colluding with Yuan Shu?"

Man Chong was clearly prepared and replied, "The case is of great importance, and we have already obtained some evidence."

"Where is the evidence? Show it to us."

Man Chong gave Dong Cheng a cold look. "Imperial Uncle, how can I just show you evidence like that?"

Dong Cheng persisted, "Even if you can't show it to me, can't you at least show it to His Majesty?"

Cao Cao coughed, interrupting Dong Cheng, "Your Majesty, Man Chong would not arbitrarily frame the Three Dukes without evidence. This matter is of great importance. Please grant Your Majesty permission to let Man Chong take full charge of this case."

If there were real evidence, Cao Cao would have revealed it long ago.

Liu Xie thought to himself: Cao Cao, you are really ruthless. You acted first and reported later, arresting Yang Biao without even asking a question, and now you are pretending to ask for instructions.

What are you asking for instructions on?
It's nothing more than using the emperor as a shield to shut others up, saying that the emperor ordered a thorough investigation.

After thinking for a while, Liu Xie said, "If there is evidence, it is useless for anyone to cover it up, but I hope that the case will be thoroughly investigated and the truth will be revealed."

Cao Cao nodded. "Of course, I don't want Yang Biao to be wronged either."

Liu Xie then looked at Man Chong.

Man Chong was short and stocky, with a round face, small, slightly squinting eyes, and a sharp gaze. Judging from his appearance, he didn't seem very friendly.

"Minister Man."

"Chen is here!"

"Since Cao Gong has entrusted you with the trial of this case, I have no objection. If the evidence is conclusive, proceed with the trial as appropriate. However, you must be mindful of the degree of discretion. After all, Lord Yang is an important minister of the court, and the Yang family of Hongnong is a family that has produced four generations of high-ranking officials. You must be cautious in this matter."

"Sir, obey the order!"

All Cao Cao wanted was for Liu Xie to nod in agreement; how the trial proceeded afterward was none of anyone else's business.

It is precisely because there is no evidence that a thorough investigation and trial are necessary.

Next, Cao Cao looked at Zhong Ji and proposed in front of everyone: "I suggest that Zhong Ji, the Attendant-in-Ordinary, be promoted to the position of Commandant of the Changshui Cavalry. Zhong Ji is loyal to Your Majesty and should be given an important position."

Zhong Ji understood that Cao Cao was trying to curry favor with him, on the one hand to win him over, and on the other hand to sow discord between him and the emperor.

However, he did not appreciate Cao Cao's favor.

Next, Fu Wan was transferred from Assistant General to Grand Master of the Palace, changing from a military to a civil official.

Then, Cao Cao promoted some of his own people, the most notable of whom was Dong Zhao. From a previously flamboyant subordinate and an unknown figure, he was transformed into the Governor of Henan, becoming a powerful regional official.

The ministers dared not speak out in anger, but Liu Xie readily agreed to everything. In the end, he even said, "Lord Cao, you can handle most things as you see fit. Is there anything else? If not, then let's adjourn the court. I need to go practice my sword."

Dong Cheng nearly vomited blood in anger. Wasn't His Majesty far too weak? He did whatever Cao Cao said.

If an emperor reaches this level, can he still be considered an emperor?
Cao Cao was a little embarrassed. "Your Majesty, I have done my best in handling state affairs. I dare not make decisions on my own. I hope Your Majesty will not joke with me like this."

Liu Xie nodded, "I understand!"

It's just a matter of cooperating, isn't it?

He couldn't let others say Cao Cao was a powerful minister. But Liu Xie secretly sneered, was it really necessary? Everyone's eyes were sharp.

Even if I cooperate with you, even a fool would understand that Cao Cao still calls the shots here.

Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction, then said with concern, "I have worked tirelessly day and night, daring not to slacken in the slightest, but some people have other opinions, feeling that I am abusing my power and being tyrannical..."

"Snapped!"

Before Cao Cao could finish speaking, Liu Xie suddenly stood up angrily, slammed his hand on the table, and sternly swept his gaze across the crowd.

"This is outrageous! Anyone who dares to speak nonsense and slander Lord Cao will be severely punished by me!"

Cao Cao was complaining, and Liu Xie naturally had to appease him. It was just an act, after all. This was no challenge for Liu Xie.

In any case, ever since Dong Zhuo seized power, Liu Xie's life could be summed up in two words: cooperation!
However, Liu Xie felt that doing so was actually meaningless, because everyone's eyes were sharp.

Even if Cao Cao felt wronged, everyone knew that he was the one in charge in Xuchang.

Liu Xie secretly despised him, but Cao Cao also needed a good reputation.

He wanted to be in charge, but he didn't want people to think he was too domineering.

A typical case of being both a hypocrite and a hypocrite!
Finally, to reassure everyone, Cao Cao said, "The palace is under construction at a rapid pace. In another half month, Your Majesty and everyone will no longer need to stay in the barracks."

The palace was built in just over a month; that speed is beyond imagination.

Of course, Liu Xie also understood that time was tight and the task was heavy, so Cao Cao had to take a shortcut: first, he fenced off a courtyard and then repaired and patched it up, just to get the palace erected temporarily, and then slowly renovate it later.

It's impossible to keep the emperor and his ministers living in military tents forever; if word got out, it wouldn't be good for Cao Cao's reputation.

At this critical moment, Liu Xie decisively sided with Cao Cao. Although this displeased Dong Cheng and others, Cao Cao's goodwill towards Liu Xie increased rapidly.

After the court assembly ended, Cao Cao took his leave first, while Xun Yu slowed his pace.

Seeing Liu Xie walk out of the tent, he followed.

"Your Majesty, please wait!"

"Oh? Lord Xun, do you have something to discuss with me?" Liu Xie stopped and looked at Xun Yu with a smile.

Xun Yu was dressed in a black court robe and wore a scholar's cap. His square and kind face showed concern, and his three long tufts of beard were neatly groomed, giving him an air of elegance.

Xun Yu hesitated for a moment before saying, “I have heard that Your Majesty often leaves the barracks to wander around. If Your Majesty finds the barracks too stifling, it is fine to go out for a walk occasionally. However, Your Majesty is the ruler of the country, and you should spend more time reading books and learning the ways of the sages to govern the country. This is the right path. Your Majesty is wise and should not indulge in pleasure and waste your time.”

After learning that Liu Xie had proposed the military agricultural system, Xun Yu felt that Liu Xie was quite talented and capable. He felt uncomfortable that Liu Xie wandered around all day, even going to brothels.

Liu Xie looked at Xun Yu seriously. As a subject, one cannot look the emperor in the eye as an equal. Xun Yu quickly lowered his head and said from the bottom of his heart, "Your Majesty, I sincerely hope that Your Majesty can restrain yourself and devote more energy to your studies."

Liu Xie sighed, "Lord Xun, this is your own idea, isn't it? This is not good, Cao Cao will be unhappy."

Xun Yu was immediately startled and raised his head in surprise.

Seeing Liu Xie's unusual calmness, Xun Yu suddenly realized that His Majesty knew everything.

He is more clear-headed than anyone else!

Xun Yu felt a lump in his throat, unsure how to comfort the emperor.

(End of this chapter)