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

Chapter 26, Zhao Yun heads to Xuchang
Soon, Zhao Yun made up his mind to go to Xuchang!
It was as if Zhao Yun could already see the emperor gazing desperately in the direction of Changshan, longing for Zhao Yun to arrive and help him as soon as possible.

Although even Zhao Yun himself didn't know what he could have done to help him in the past, he couldn't remain indifferent to this letter.

The emperor wrote a letter pleading for help. I ask you, how many loyal and righteous people could refuse?

Unless he is not a loyal and righteous person!
Although Zhao Yun admired Liu Bei, Liu Xie was right. The emperor was the true ruler of the land. Even the emperor had written to him asking for help. Could Zhao Yun turn a blind eye and stand by and watch someone die?
Moreover, Zhao Yun was not stupid. Since the emperor was able to send someone to deliver the letter, it meant that the emperor still had some freedom.

As long as there is freedom, there is a chance to turn things around.

It was almost dark when Zhao Yun's mother and sister, Zhao Yu, returned home, covered in sweat.

Zhao Yun thought about it and then told his mother what had happened.

After hearing this, Zhao's mother's expression immediately turned very stern, and she scolded, "Yun'er, are you confused? You can't tell anyone such an important matter. It concerns His Majesty's safety. Even as your mother, you shouldn't have told him."

Zhao Yun knelt down with a thud. "Mother, I will never reveal this to anyone."

Looking at her son, Zhao's mother said earnestly, "I don't understand any grand principles, but the fact that His Majesty wrote this letter to you shows that he has entrusted you with the great responsibility of his own life and death, honor and disgrace, and the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty. It is unprecedented in history for the emperor to ask for someone's help. My son, what are you hesitating for? Quickly pack your bags and go down the mountain. The emperor's summons is an extremely urgent matter."

Zhao Yun nodded quickly, "I have already thought it through, which is why I discussed it with Mother and sought her opinion."

Zhao's mother said, "I have no objection. I am happy for you that my son has gained His Majesty's trust and can shoulder such an important responsibility. Go and pack your things. We will set off first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

Zhao's mother was reasonable and understanding; otherwise, she could not have raised such an outstanding son.

The next day, Zhao Yun bid farewell to his mother and sister, rode the Jade Lion, and galloped straight towards Xuchang.

Faced with the emperor's summons, Zhao Yun dared not delay for a moment.

They ate when hungry and drank when thirsty on the road, traveling by day and resting by night. Although the Jade Lion was a rare and precious steed, Zhao Yun still felt it was too slow.

If Liu Xie's letter had simply expressed admiration, Zhao Yun might not have gone to Xuchang.

However, the emperor himself humbled himself and begged him to save him, which Zhao Yun simply could not refuse!

…………

Soon, Liu Xie officially bid farewell to the military camp and moved into the palace.

The ministers were also granted some freedom, allowing them to settle down in Xuchang, acquire property, and bring their families over.

Although the palace was built in the style of the Luoyang Imperial Palace, it is not comparable at all. It is more like a temporary, haphazardly pieced-together structure, and a miniature version of the imperial palace at that.

The officials were full of complaints, but Liu Xie was surprisingly calm. He thought that since the capital had just been established, it was already good enough to have a place to live.

The palaces in Luoyang were not built in just one or two years.

Moreover, Cao Cao was indeed very dedicated, and the outer palaces were constantly being expanded.

If we look at this in five or ten years, it will definitely look completely different.

Officials from Chang'an were constantly divided and won over by Cao Cao; some were demoted, some were promoted, and some who were promoted were demoted again not long after.

Because Cao Cao was also observing them, constantly sending people to monitor these ministers. If, after being promoted, they could demonstrate loyalty to Cao Cao, everyone would be happy, and Cao Cao wouldn't mind rewarding them with wealth and honor.

But if, after being promoted, they are still like rocks in a latrine—stinky, hard, and unwilling to learn—then Cao Cao would decisively remove them and kick them aside!

On the surface, Cao Cao did a good job, setting up memorial tablets for the ancestors of the Han Dynasty, building ancestral temples, and holding regular sacrificial ceremonies.

He also took the lead in restoring the etiquette of court assemblies. In front of Liu Xie, Cao Cao showed great respect, and it seemed that there was a peaceful relationship between the emperor and his minister.

Previously, Cao Cao only held court assemblies when there were important matters to attend to, but now he allows the emperor and his ministers to hold court assemblies every day.

Many ministers were so excited that they forgot themselves, thinking Cao Cao was very magnanimous for wanting to return power to the emperor.

But Liu Xie had absolutely no interest in such court assemblies.

All matters of state and military affairs were firmly in Cao Cao's hands. The court meetings that Cao Cao allowed them to hold were nothing more than a way for these idle ministers to pass the time, and they talked about trivial matters.

Yang Feng plundered everywhere in Dingling, causing havoc in the area. Cao Cao finally had time to spare and personally led his troops, bypassing Dingling and heading straight for Yang Feng's stronghold, Liang County.

After his main camp was destroyed by Cao Cao, Yang Feng suffered heavy losses and was unable to resist Cao Cao. He had no choice but to lead the remaining troops to Shouchun to join Yuan Shu.

Cao Cao, taking advantage of the emperor's relocation of the capital, effortlessly connected Henan, Sili, Yuzhou, and Yanzhou into one region, and his territory expanded greatly without anyone noticing.

Cao Cao knew all this perfectly well; he relied on the emperor as his trump card!
While Cao Cao was away on campaigns, Liu Xie continued to practice swordsmanship every day, or simply wander around looking at things.

On this day, they were stopped as soon as they arrived at Duanmen, which is the south gate of Xudu.

Deng Zhan was responsible for guarding the city gate; he was Cao Hong's subordinate.

"Your Majesty, are you heading out of the city?"

"Look around!" Liu Xie said casually with a smile, and stepped outside.

He wanted to try and see if Cao Cao would allow him to leave the city. Sure enough, Deng Zhan frowned and shook his head. "Your Majesty, Minister Cao has instructed that you cannot leave the city without his order!"

Xu Huang was about to glare when Liu Xie waved his hand and said with a smile, "Alright, then I won't go out. I don't like to cause trouble for others."

With that, Liu Xie turned and walked back.

Although Deng Zhan also sympathized with Liu Xie, Liu Xie treated every soldier and guard with great kindness during the past month or two, and would chat with Deng Zhan and the others when he had nothing to do.

But no one dared to disobey Cao Cao's orders, not even Cao Hong.

On the way back, Xu Huang was very angry. "Your Majesty, although Cao Cao let you leave the barracks, it was just a bigger cage. You can't even leave the city. Isn't Cao Cao too arrogant?"

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Because he has soldiers and generals at his disposal. In this chaotic world, whoever has the strongest fist stands tall."

Xu Huang was so angry that he gritted his teeth and glared at her, silently fuming.

Liu Xie suddenly turned around and said, "Gongming, we've known each other for some time now. I want you to serve Cao Cao. Are you willing?"

(End of this chapter)