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

Chapter 246, Sun Quan Shoots a Tiger

For Liu Xie, attending the morning court sessions in Xudu was like going to work at a company every day. He attended court five days a week and then rested for two days.

The ministers also had regular days off.

Liu Xie discovered that since Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, he rarely went out except when he came to court.

Liu Xie also discussed this matter with Jia Xu. Liu Xie jokingly said, "Could it be that Cao Cao is getting old and has started to enjoy his retirement? Is he beginning to enjoy the pleasures of family life?"

Jia Xu shook his head. "Your Majesty, that's because Cao Cao knows that he won't have much time left with his family. He will be sending troops to Hebei after the New Year, and Xuchang will no longer be his. Cao Cao has always been suspicious, so how could he dare to return to Xuchang so easily in the future?"

Despite being appointed prime minister, Cao Cao was actually quite worried.

Even if Cao Cao later conquered Ye City, he could not move his entire family away from Xuchang without the emperor's permission.

Because Cao Cao was different from others. When others took up a new post, they could bring their families with them, but Cao Cao could not.

Xu Du was taken back from him by the emperor, and Cao Cao knew very well that the emperor was already wary of him, so it was only right that his family members should remain in Xu Du as hostages.

Although Liu Xie did not say it explicitly, Cao Cao knew it perfectly well.

In the past two months, Cao Cao has lost all his former domineering demeanor; he only wants to spend more time with his family and children.

Unless Liu Xie allows him to take his family away, because everyone understands that Cao Cao's status as a powerful minister has not yet been removed.

Dong Cheng, Kong Rong, and their ilk thought they had completely defeated Cao Cao and that everything was fine. They even dared to show provocative expressions in front of Cao Cao.

But Liu Xie was not fooled by appearances; he knew that Cao Cao was lying in wait.

He is as quiet as he is now, and he will be just as crazy next.

Because he was Cao Cao, he was Cao Mengde!

Never underestimate him unless he completely admits defeat!
Cao Cao spent time with his family in Xuchang, while Liu Bei drilled his troops in Runan, busy training them every day.

Meanwhile, Sun Quan of Jiangdong was not idle either.

Despite being underestimated by everyone, Sun Quan quickly stabilized the situation in Jiangdong, bringing together civil and military officials who were older and more experienced than him, demonstrating exceptional skill and affability.

Sun Jian and Sun Ce were both fierce and brave generals who won the support of others by their invincible martial prowess. Sun Quan, on the other hand, respected virtuous talents and recruited heroes, demonstrating his magnanimity in embracing all rivers.

His father and brothers were men as steadfast as mountains, while Sun Quan possessed a heart as vast as rivers and seas.

Compared to his father and brothers, people would naturally overlook Sun Quan's martial prowess and courage, but in fact, Sun Quan's strength and bravery were also extraordinary.

On this day, Sun Quan, accompanied by a group of guards, arrived at Qingting (the ancient name for Lücheng in Jiangsu). Sun Quan took his bow and arrows and went into the mountains to hunt.

With high mountains and dense forests, Sun Quan rode his horse and hunted, and in no time he had already reaped a rich harvest.

Suddenly, with a roar, a striped tiger appeared. Sun Quan's guards were all startled and hurriedly shouted, "My lord, danger!"

Sun Quan, however, was not surprised but pleased. He waved his hand at them, signaling them to step back.

The tiger's appearance brought with it a terrifying atmosphere, and even the air itself seemed to carry a chilling aura.

Roar--

The tiger continued to roar, deafeningly loud, its imposing aura making it impossible to look directly at. Its face was filled with indescribable rage, and it quickly charged forward. One of the guards was unable to dodge in time and was knocked to the ground, letting out a heart-wrenching scream.

Sun Quan swiftly fired an arrow, but with the tiger's leap, the arrow missed its mark. The tiger turned its head, baring its teeth and staring at Sun Quan.

The tiger opened its blood-stained jaws, revealing its fangs stained with blood; it was a sinister and terrifying sight that sent chills down one's spine.

Before the guards could rush over to protect him, the tiger pounced, leaping several times until it was right in front of Sun Quan.

Sun Quan did not panic. He quickly took the double halberds off his horse, threw them out, and then jumped to the ground.

The tiger was hit by the thrown halberd, but it did not back down and pounced again.

With a whoosh, Sun Quan calmly and decisively fired another arrow, striking the tiger squarely in the neck. The tiger roared and fell to the ground.

The enormous body was still struggling, trying to stand up again. Sun Quan decisively drew his sword, pounced, and plunged the sword solidly into the tiger's neck.

This time, though it ended without serious harm, it terrified everyone. After returning to the city, Zhang Zhao rushed over upon hearing the news and earnestly tried to persuade Sun Quan.

“My lord, you are the ruler of Jiangdong and bear heavy responsibilities. How can you take such risks so easily? You must never do such a thing again.”

Sun Quan smiled and nodded, but he didn't take it to heart.

The tiger is the king of beasts and the ruler of the mountains, while Sun Quan, though he looks like a refined scholar, harbors a deep ambition to conquer the world.

When Sun Quan shot the tiger, he enjoyed the thrill of conquest.

Zhang Zhao was still rambling on when Huang Gai strode in from outside.

"My lord, news has just arrived from Xiangyang that Cai Mao was executed on the spot by Liu Biao in full view of everyone, and dozens of members of the Cai family were also implicated."

Sun Quan waved to Zhang Zhao, reminding him to rest for a while, saying that he must be tired after talking so much.

Sun Quan glanced at Huang Gai again and said, "Oh? That's quite strange. Everyone knows that Liu Biao and the Cai family formed a marriage alliance. He was able to gain a foothold in Jingzhou because of the Cai family. Liu Biao and the Cai family shared weal and woe and supported each other. The Cai family couldn't do without Liu Biao, and Liu Biao couldn't do without the Cai family. But it's really unexpected that it was Liu Biao who wielded the knife against the Cai family."

Sun Quan stood up, paced back and forth in the room a few times, and exclaimed repeatedly, "This is truly unbelievable!"

This shocking news forced Zhang Zhao to stop lecturing Sun Quan.

"Liu Biao actually managed to do this?" Zhang Zhao's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.

Sun Quan continued, "Last time, when a spy brought news that Liu Biao had killed Cai Mao, I didn't believe it. It seems that this time, it must be true." Huang Gai then said, "My lord, before he died, Cai Mao identified Liu Biao, saying that Liu Biao had let him go, but later he changed his story."

Sun Quan curled his lips into a sneer, "It's obvious that Liu Biao let Cai Mao go last time because he was soft-hearted, but this time, in order to protect himself, Liu Biao has no choice but to sever ties with the Cai family. Otherwise, Liu Biao would be committing the crime of deceiving the emperor."

Killing a fake Cai Mao to fool the world and deceive the emperor is a serious crime.

Huang Gai was puzzled. "My lord, I don't understand. The emperor is far away in Xuchang, yet Liu Biao is willing to take a knife against the Cai family. Isn't Liu Biao too cowardly? He is the lord of Jingzhou. If it were me, I wouldn't need to pay any attention to the court."

Zhang Zhao stared intently at Sun Quan, then suddenly sighed, "This is exactly what I'm worried about. Liu Biao is a Han official, and so are we. If one day the emperor sends someone to Jiangdong to assume a post, how should we respond?"

Sun Quan frowned; this was indeed a troublesome matter.

If you want to acknowledge yourself as a Han subject, you must obey the emperor's orders.

Just as Sun Quan was worrying, a voice drifted in from outside, “Jiangdong was won by us with our own blood and sweat, and by our lord’s father and brothers who risked their lives. Jiangdong belongs to the people of Jiangdong. The court’s desire to take over this place with just a single decree is wishful thinking!”

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying a power that penetrated people's hearts, which made everyone in the room feel a sense of awe.

Zhou Yu strode in with steady steps. He had a pair of bright, piercing eyes, and his every move exuded confidence and composure.

Zhou Yu was tall and imposing, dressed in magnificent clothes, and was quite particular about his attire. His choice of clothing reflected both his refined taste and his imposing presence. Silk robes and brocade armor exuded nobility and elegance, while the golden crown on his head and the sword at his waist showcased the aura of a valiant general.

"Gongjin"

Sun Quan hurriedly smiled and stepped down from the palace platform to greet him. Such a gesture of welcoming him down the steps was an honor that most people did not receive.

Zhou Yu returned the smile, then cupped his hands to Zhang Zhao and Huang Gai before saying, "I have ascertained that the emperor has regained power, and the court in Xuchang is now truly in power. The emperor has gathered a group of talented and fierce generals such as Lü Bu and Zhao Yun around him, which is indeed a bit troublesome for us. But if anyone is having a headache, it is Cao Cao and Liu Biao. The emperor's hand will not reach Jiangdong yet, and Jiangdong, with the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, is not a place that anyone can come to just because they want to."

Sun Quan breathed a sigh of relief, but he still felt a little worried.

He preferred to compete with warlords like Cao Cao and Liu Biao for supremacy, because they were all warlords, and they could fight based on their own abilities without any psychological burden.

If one day the emperor himself leads his troops, that would be very bad. Hopefully, that day will never come.

…………

News of Cai Mao's murder quickly reached Xuchang, and when people heard the news at the morning court, it was like a massive earthquake.

Cao Cao looked up at Liu Xie and was greatly surprised. He had not expected that the emperor would not only extend his reach to Jingzhou, but also turn Liu Biao and the Cai family against each other, turning them from blood relatives into blood enemies.

Cao Cao then looked at Guo Jia, and their eyes met. Guo Jia gave him a wry smile.

Cai Mao was Cao Cao's childhood friend. Cao Cao was somewhat disappointed by Cai Mao's death, but he was more worried that Jingzhou would fall into the hands of the emperor.

Dong Cheng, beaming with excitement, said loudly, "Your Majesty, Liu Biao and the Cai family have become enemies. This is a golden opportunity for us. Although Liu Biao has not admitted that he switched Cai Mao's body and let him go, he is probably the one who did it. Your Majesty should use this as a pretext to order Liu Biao to come to Xuchang to apologize, then detain him in Xuchang and appoint someone else to replace him."

Liu Xie shook his head and let out a contemptuous sneer. "Liu Biao will not come to Xudu. He didn't dare to come last time, and he's even less likely to come this time."

Looking at Cao Cao again, Liu Xie asked with a smile, "Lord Cao, do you think what I said is right?"

Cao Cao nodded. "Not bad."

"Then, in Cao Gong's opinion, what should I do?"

Cao Cao's lips twitched in displeasure. He thought to himself, "Why are you asking me about this? I'm trying to seize Jingzhou myself, and you're asking me for advice? You really know how to boss people around."

Despite his reluctance, Cao Cao still offered a tactful suggestion: "Your Majesty, the Cai family and Liu Biao have turned against each other. The Cai family is destined to no longer support Liu Biao in the future, and other powerful clans in Jingzhou will also be disheartened and withdraw. Your Majesty can rest assured to transfer Gan Ning away. Without external forces, the internal conflicts in Jingzhou will only intensify. Your Majesty only needs to observe quietly."

Liu Xie nodded and praised, "Lord Cao and I are of the same mind; we, ruler and subject, are of the same mind."

Cao Cao remained silent, as if in deep meditation. In the past, if the emperor had praised him like this, Cao Cao would have stroked his beard and smiled, revealing a hint of pride.

But now, seeing the emperor rapidly rising to power and extending his reach to Jingzhou, Cao Cao could only watch helplessly and anxiously.

Because he hadn't even settled into his post as Governor of Ji Province yet, how could he possibly have time to attend to matters concerning Jing Province?
Liu Xie turned his gaze to Prince Chen and said, "Prince Chen, please make another trip and urge Liu Biao to quickly transport the troops and provisions of 20,000 men to Xuchang. If he makes excuses to delay, just tell him directly that he should mobilize as many troops as he has, and then you can leave Xiangyang only after all the supplies have been delivered."

Cao Cao couldn't help but feel envious. Look, the emperor's orders are still the most effective. He could just ask Liu Biao to provide troops and supplies, and he did so with such confidence.

Prince Chen nodded hastily, "Your Majesty, rest assured, this old minister is still in good health, this little bit of hardship is nothing."

Liu Xie sighed and said with deep emotion, "If Liu Biao were as loyal to the state as Prince Chen, why would I need to ask him for troops and provisions? He would bring his troops to my side without hesitation and obey my orders."

"I am clearly the current emperor, yet I have to ask my subjects for things. Haha, isn't that shameful, my lords?"

Dong Cheng and the others were all furious. "When the emperor is in distress, the ministers are disgraced; when the emperor is disgraced, the ministers die." The emperor had been wronged, so naturally everyone felt bad.

Cao Cao remained expressionless, but he was also slightly moved. Seeing his son glaring with his eyes wide open and clenching his fists, looking as if he was about to fight to the death, Cao Cao couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Cao Ang is now capable of handling matters independently, serving as the General Who Conquers the West, and is also qualified to discuss matters with the court officials.

He used to always follow Cao Cao around, but now Cao Cao rarely sees him.

Cao Ang was very busy every day, busy training troops, busy patrolling, and even taking time to go down to the grassroots to inspect and experience the living conditions of ordinary people.

"General Who Conquers the West".

Liu Xie called out, and Cao Ang hurriedly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat. He used to love the title of "General Who Conquers the West" so much, but now he hated it just as much.

Whenever he heard the words "General Who Conquers the West," Cao Cao's youthful ambitions would suddenly pop into his mind.

It was a reminder of how much he had hoped to be a loyal minister and a stalwart general who conquered the west.

(End of this chapter)