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

Chapter 259 Lü Bu and Diao Chan's Infertility
Meng Da said with some worry, "I wonder what will happen to us then? Will we be given important responsibilities or sidelined?"

Zhang Song shook his head. "It's hard to say. The court might replace Liu Zhang. With a new emperor comes a new court, and there will probably be a lot of changes in Yizhou."

Fa Zheng frowned, his expression somewhat grave, so Zhang Song asked, "Xiaozhi, what do you think?"

Fa Zheng smiled bitterly and said, "I think my position as a military advisor is a joke that God is playing on me. It seems that I am destined to remain idle in this sinecure forever."

Zhang Song joked, "You're living a life of luxury, yet you're never satisfied. Countless people dream of having such an easy job, but you're always complaining."

Fa Zheng shook his head and sighed. Even when facing his close friend, there were some things he couldn't say out loud.

Others might think he's living a carefree life, getting generous treatment without having to work hard or worry—how wonderful!
But this kind of leisurely and comfortable life was not what Fazheng wanted.

This kind of life left him with no opportunity to realize his talents and ambitions.

Fa Zheng was a military officer; the battlefield was his stage, and military affairs were his forte.

But what kind of business are the military council officers discussing when they don't fight or use troops?
Fazheng was long tired of spending his days doing nothing.

Liu Xun wanted to go to Xudu, so he first took a mountain road and then a waterway.

The waterway followed the Yangtze River, passing Jiangzhou all the way to Jiangling, then landed on land, passed through Jingzhou and continued north.

When Liu Bei heard that Liu Xun was passing through his territory, he hurriedly put down everything he was doing and warmly received Liu Xun.

Liu Xun did not want to stay, but seeing Liu Bei's enthusiasm and considering his status as the emperor's uncle, he could not refuse.

Liu Bei had become the master of Jingzhou, and prepared a lavish banquet at the governor's mansion, where he ate and chatted with Liu Xun.

Liu Xun was straightforward and did not hide anything. He sighed and said, "Uncle, you are not an outsider, so I will tell you the truth. Before the court sent troops to attack Yuan Shao, His Majesty wrote a letter asking my father to send troops. However, my father had concerns and did not obey the order."

Liu Bei nodded and comforted him with concern: "Nephew, there is no need to worry. His Majesty is kind and tolerant. As long as you show your sincerity when you go to Xudu, His Majesty will not pursue the matter too much."

Liu Xun bowed and said, "I hope that you, my uncle, will have the time to say a few good words for my father before His Majesty."

Liu Bei nodded quickly, "I will write a letter right away, and you can take it directly to Xuchang and give it to His Majesty."

Liu Bei immediately ordered someone to bring him pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. After a moment's thought, he wrote a letter to the emperor in front of Liu Xun.

Liu Xun thanked him repeatedly and set off with Liu Bei's letter.

After seeing Liu Xun off, Liu Bei took Guan Yu and Zhang Fei to Longzhong. This time, Zhuge Liang was still at home, enjoying his newlywed bliss, and did not travel far.

Zhuge Liang was surprised that Liu Bei came again. When they parted last time, Liu Bei said he would visit again another day, and Zhuge Liang thought he was just being polite.

Liu Bei invited Zhuge Liang to come down the mountain again, but Zhuge Liang politely declined once more.

A few days later, Liu Bei came again. The story of Liu Huangshu visiting Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage three times became a popular tale in Jingzhou.

Although Zhuge Liang did not agree to come down the mountain to assist him, Liu Bei's reputation for valuing and respecting virtuous and capable men quickly spread throughout Jingxiang.

On this day, Zhuge Liang's good friend Xu Shu came to visit him at home, and the two talked about this matter.

Zhuge Liang praised, "Uncle Liu is benevolent and loves the people, and treats the virtuous with respect. He is truly a rare sight. Compared to Liu Biao, who was known as one of the Eight Steeds, he is worlds apart. Liu Biao also loves the virtuous, but he is just seeking fame and reputation to decorate his own image."

Xu Shu wholeheartedly agreed, “To be honest, when I first arrived in Jingzhou, I was also attracted by Liu Biao’s reputation for virtue. It is said that Liu Biao respects virtuous people, and his mansion is full of guests every day, much like Lord Mengchang’s style of recruiting virtuous people.”

Xu Shu paused for a moment, then let out a cold laugh, saying with great disappointment, "But soon, I saw through it. Liu Biao was just putting on an act. Unless they were sons of powerful families in Jingzhou and Xiangyang, no one else could catch his eye. But look at Liu Bei. Every time Liu Bei and his two companions arrived at the foot of the mountain, they would dismount early and walk up the mountain without any complaints. This shows their sincerity. When has Liu Biao ever shown such respect for the virtuous?"

Zhuge Liang then asked, "Yuanzhi, when His Majesty came to Longzhong last time, he openly recruited you all. What are your plans?"

Xu Shu thought for a moment and replied, "Kongming, you are my best friend, so I won't hide anything from you. Actually, after meeting His Majesty, I was moved and wanted to go to Xuchang as soon as possible. Alas, as you know, my mother has been living in Jingzhou for many years. I don't want to leave my elderly mother alone in Jingzhou, so I have been worrying about this matter recently."

Zhuge Liang nodded in understanding. Xu Shu was a famously filial son, and Xudu was not a short distance away, so it was understandable that Xu Shu couldn't bear to leave his mother behind.

"So what do you mean?" Zhuge Liang seemed to have already guessed.

Sure enough, Xu Shu said, "I have already thought it through. Since Liu Bei is currently in Jingzhou, isn't assisting him the same as assisting the court? Liu Bei is benevolent and loves the people, and he treats virtuous people with such courtesy. Following him, I shouldn't be treated unfairly."

Zhuge Liang forced a smile. "That's true. With your talent, Liu Bei will definitely value you."

However, Zhuge Liang still felt a little regretful. After all, Liu Bei was Liu Bei, and the emperor was the emperor. Even though Liu Bei was also a member of the court, there was still a difference.

Following the emperor was an unparalleled honor. Given the emperor's magnanimity, Zhuge Liang was not worried that Xu Shu would be overlooked; his talents would certainly be fully utilized.

Following the emperor, the entire world becomes a stage for one's talents. As long as one's abilities are outstanding enough, becoming a high-ranking official in the future is not difficult.

However, by following Liu Bei, Liu Bei now only holds the title of Left General, and he is not even the Governor of Jingzhou, which will greatly limit his future opportunities.

As a friend, Zhuge Liang couldn't help but advise, "Yuanzhi, I still hope you can reconsider carefully. You have met His Majesty, and I believe that just one meeting is enough for you to make up your mind to follow him."

Xu Shu sighed, "Yes, I admit that His Majesty is approachable and diligent in governing the country. Even just meeting him once would inspire one to want to follow and serve him. But I really can't bear to leave my elderly mother at home. Alas... it's fate, I guess this is my destiny."

Before leaving, Xu Shu said to Zhuge Liang, "If I had no worries, I would have set off for Xuchang long ago!"

…………

When are men happiest?

Some say it's when you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, some say it's when you get married, and some say it's when you become a father.

Today, the Empress's palace was bustling with activity, with palace maids constantly going in and out. Empress Fu was about to give birth; after ten months of pregnancy, she would give birth and Liu Xie would become a father.

Although Liu Xie himself was a doctor, he had to stand outside, pacing anxiously back and forth, his hands constantly rubbing together.

At this moment, he lost his usual composure, and his heart clenched in fear.

The inside was a mess, and you could hear urgent shouts. Several times, Liu Xie couldn't help but want to push the door open and rush in.

His mind kept replaying how painful childbirth must be, whether Fu Shou would be able to endure it, and whether she would be able to give birth smoothly.

As for whether the child would be a boy or a girl, Liu Xie ignored it. He was still young and had four women by his side, so he would have a boy or a girl sooner or later.

In the midst of anxious waiting, a loud cry of a baby suddenly rang out. Immediately afterward, someone in the room excitedly shouted, "It's born! It's a prince!"

Before the door was even opened, Liu Xie rushed inside, startling everyone inside.

Fu Shou lay on the bed, her face pale and covered in sweat, her body trembling slightly, looking as if she were in great pain. Beside her, a palace maid was holding an infant.

Liu Xie took two steps forward, gently took Fu Shou's hand, looked at her with concern, and asked, "Empress, how are you?"

Fu Shou propped herself up and forced a smile. "Your Majesty, I am unharmed. It is the prince...it is the prince."

Fu Shou was very excited and repeated it several times.

Liu Xie smiled too; he finally had a child!

People are in high spirits when they have good news, and everyone is happy for Liu Xie. When Lü Bu saw his daughter, he deliberately mentioned, "You have to make me proud and let me hold a grandson soon."

If his grandson were also a prince, Lü Bu would be laughing in his sleep.

Lu Lingqi rolled her eyes at her father and said reproachfully, "Father, you're all talk and no action. I've tried my best."

"How can you get pregnant so easily?" Lu Lingqi thought to herself, secretly competing with herself.

It's not about vying for favor. As a woman, especially the emperor's woman, who wouldn't want to have a son or daughter?

"Anyway, you should hurry up from now on. Spend more time with His Majesty whenever you have free time. If His Majesty comes to your place, try to let him stay overnight."

Lu Lingqi suddenly retorted, "Father, your second mother has been married to you for so many years, and there's still no sign of a child, hasn't there?"

Lu Bu's face flushed red instantly, and he glared at him angrily, "Mind your own business, you have no manners. My affairs are none of your concern."

Strangely enough, Diao Chan has been married to Lü Bu for almost ten years, but there has been no news of a relationship between them.

Leaving his daughter's residence, Lü Bu walked along the road, constantly frowning and scratching his head.

"Fengxian".

Lu Bu was walking with his head down when someone suddenly called out to him. Lu Bu was startled and looked in the direction of the voice. He saw a familiar person standing not far away, none other than Emperor Liu Xie.

Lu Bu hurried over, and Liu Xie looked at him with a smile, his gentle gaze possessing a magic that could penetrate everything.

"Fengxian, I noticed you seemed distracted just now, as if something was on your mind. Why don't you tell me?"

Lu Bu hesitated, not wanting to speak, but suddenly he remembered that His Majesty was a famous doctor. He had saved Dian Wei, Yu Jin, helped Chen Deng, and treated Guan Yu by scraping away the poison.

So Lu Bu's hope was rekindled, and he mustered his courage to say, "Your Majesty, there is something I would like to tell you. I wonder if Your Majesty can help me."

Liu Xie nodded, signaling him to speak slowly.

Lu Bu's face turned as red as a cloth, and he stammered, "I have been married to Diao Chan for nearly ten years... but until now, Diao Chan has not borne me a child. Your Majesty... tell me, why is that?"

A man and a woman have been together for ten years, sharing the same bed, but there's still no sign of pregnancy?

Liu Xie didn't need to guess; he knew it was highly likely that the problem was infertility.

However, medical conditions in ancient times were extremely backward, and people's thinking was relatively feudal and conservative, so no one would admit that they were incapable.

Even if it's truly the man's fault, he'll still shift all the blame for not being able to have children onto the woman.

Of course, sometimes it could be a problem with the woman's body.

Liu Xie glanced at Lü Bu and pondered for a while; this was indeed a troublesome matter.

If the problem lies within the body, such as blocked vas deferens, blocked fallopian tubes, or any congenital malformation of a woman's internal organs, Liu Xie is powerless to help.

Because wanting to have an X-ray or surgery was completely unrealistic under the rudimentary medical conditions at the time.

However, some people's infertility can be improved or even completely cured through physical conditioning.

For example, men are more prone to kidney problems. Lu Bu was fond of women and alcohol, and his excessive indulgence in these habits could easily affect his kidneys.

Even if Lü Bu had children and had a daughter, Lü Lingqi, his health would still suffer. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that Diao Chan might have had problems.

Liu Xie then advised, "Alright, then I'll take some time to help you get proper treatment."

The thought that Diao Chan, such a stunning beauty, had never had a child filled Liu Xie with a pang of pity.

If you can help, then help her. If it helps her achieve her goal, then it will be a good deed.

"Then I'll have to trouble Your Majesty," Lü Bu quickly thanked him.

Just then, someone ran up from a distance to report, "Your Majesty, Liu Xun, the eldest son of Liu Zhang, the Governor of Yi Province, requests an audience!"

Liu Xie was not surprised. After living in fear for so long, it was time for Liu Zhang to take some action.

"Alright, let him wait in the side hall."

Liu Xie gave an order, chatted with Lü Bu for a while, and then hurried over.

Upon seeing the emperor, Liu Xun immediately knelt down on the ground with a thud.

Liu Xie scrutinized him carefully; the name Liu Xun was still quite familiar to him.

When Liu Bei seized Yizhou, facing Liu Bei's stellar lineup, Liu Xun stubbornly defended Luocheng for more than a year, holding his own against Liu Bei.

What was Liu Bei's lineup at that time?
It's absolutely top-tier, all-star level.

When Liu Bei first entered Sichuan, he had advisors Pang Tong and Fa Zheng, and generals Huang Zhong and Wei Yan. Later, even Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun joined him.

Despite facing such a formidable lineup, Liu Xun stubbornly held on for over a year.

But Liu Xun, the most principled man, was now respectfully kneeling and admitting his mistake before Liu Xie.

Liu Xie waved his hand, his tone softening, "Get up. You've come from afar; you must be tired from your journey."

Liu Xun stood up, shook his head and said with self-reproach, "Thank you, Your Majesty. This little bit of hardship is nothing. My father has already realized his mistake and has been worried day and night for days, unable to eat or sleep. I hope Your Majesty can forgive him."

Liu Xun was burly, but his heavy iron armor could not conceal his honest and kind nature.

(End of this chapter)