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

Chapter 263, Liu Bei is being targeted by Guo Jia.

Cao Cao suddenly laughed, "If that's really the case, this woman is quite ruthless. It would be better if Liu Biao were dead; I never thought much of him anyway, but..."

Cao Cao's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he gritted his teeth and said, "It's just that Liu Bei got a good deal. Don't be fooled by Liu Qi's title of Governor of Jingzhou; he's just a naive kid. With Liu Bei's methods, even if Liu Qi is sold out, he'll be completely oblivious."

Cao Cao sighed as he said this, feeling sorry for Liu Qi.

Guo Jia squinted, then suddenly smiled. "My lord, what do you think Liu Bei wants most right now?"

"Is there any need to ask? Of course he wants to get Jingzhou, otherwise why would he have gone all the way from Yuzhou to Jingzhou?"

Cao Cao sneered; he had seen through Liu Bei.

Guo Jia's deep eyes suddenly lit up, and a mysterious smile appeared on his lips. "Since he wants Jingzhou, we will lend him a hand and grant him his wish."

Cao Cao immediately became interested and leaned closer, "Fengxiao, tell me quickly, how do we do it?"

Guo Jia's expression changed, and he said coldly, "Let Liu Qi disappear from this world, just like Liu Biao."

Cao Cao was taken aback at first, then pointed at Guo Jia and burst into laughter.

It turns out that Guo Jia was inspired by Liu Biao's death and planned to do the same to get rid of Liu Qi.

Guo Jia laughed and said, "If Liu Qi dies of illness, then Liu Bei can take over Jingzhou in a reasonable way. As for Liu Cong, he is too young and probably not many people will support him. In any case, it will be difficult for him to compete with Liu Bei. Besides, we have Cai Furen's weakness in our hands. If we want Liu Cong to withdraw, he must withdraw. Therefore, Jingzhou will definitely fall into Liu Bei's hands."

Cao Cao knew that Guo Jia was not so kind; he was not helping Liu Bei, but rather trying to harm him.

Sure enough, Guo Jia then said, "Let's first lift Liu Bei up high, and then let him fall heavily down."

"Alright, I'm leaving this matter to you. Be careful and make sure no one finds out," Cao Cao earnestly instructed.

Guo Jia nodded, and after a while, he said, "Actually, even if we don't take action, Liu Bei will probably still do something. After all, a dead Liu Qi is far more useful to Liu Bei than a living Liu Qi."

"You mean, even if we don't get rid of Liu Qi, Liu Bei might do the same thing in the future?"

Cao Cao was skeptical, after all, Liu Bei and Liu Qi were both members of the Han imperial family.

Guo Jia, however, said confidently, "It's not impossible. Once Liu Qi dies, Jingzhou will become Liu Bei's. However, Liu Bei must first establish a foothold in Jingzhou before he can take action against Liu Qi."

While Guo Jia was in Bingzhou, he began to make plans for Jingzhou. Cao Cao trusted Guo Jia completely and entrusted him with all the necessary authority.

Cao Cao, on the other hand, focused all his efforts on continuing his attack on Huguan.

Half a month later, Huguan was captured, and Cao Cao led his army straight in. Tens of thousands of troops swept through Bingzhou like a surging flood. Gao Gan was beheaded by his subordinates and presented to Cao Cao during his escape.

Cao Cao immediately ordered his men to sprinkle lime on the head, seal it in a wooden box, and send it to Xuchang.

Upon seeing Gao Gan's head, Liu Xie was delighted, but Ju Shou reminded him, "Your Majesty, by the end of the year, Cao Cao should be able to pacify the entire Bingzhou region. After the New Year, Cao Cao's target will shift to Youzhou. Cao Cao is destined to rise rapidly. In my opinion, Your Majesty should also take back Xuzhou as soon as possible."

Liu Xie had always had this plan. Xuzhou was sandwiched between Qingzhou and Yuzhou, and Liu Xie was always looking forward to eating this piece of fat meat.

"The last time we sent troops to Qingzhou, we passed through Xuzhou and caused great panic in Che Zhou. Your Majesty might as well spend a little time meeting with Chen Deng and his son and let them act as inside agents for the court. Xuzhou will be in your hands in no time."

Chen Gong also expressed his agreement, saying, "While Cao Cao is far away in Bingzhou, Your Majesty should make a decision quickly. Even if Cao Cao learns of the news later, he will have no choice but to accept the established fact."

Liu Xie agreed and immediately wrote a letter, which he sent to Chen Deng.

Chen Deng was the governor of Guangling. After receiving the letter, Liu Xie inquired about his health and asked him to come to Xudu so that he could have a check-up.

So Chen Deng put aside his work and set off for Xudu.

Without further ado, a few days later, Chen Deng arrived in Xudu. Xiahou Lan, the city gate captain, led him to a side hall.

Apart from the morning court session, Liu Xie held meetings in a side hall next to Chengguang Hall at other times.

Upon seeing the emperor, Chen Deng hurriedly bowed, but Liu Xie scrutinized him closely. Although his complexion was much better than before, Liu Xie could still see that his face was somewhat dull. He couldn't help but ask, "Yuanlong, did you not heed my instructions and steal some raw fish again?"

Chen Deng was caught off guard and gave an embarrassed smile. "Your Majesty, I have always kept Your Majesty's instructions in mind. However, it is not easy to completely eradicate such a long-standing habit. I have loved eating sashimi since I was a child, but Your Majesty, please rest assured, I have been eating very little of it in the past two years."

Liu Xie sighed, "Yuanlong, what can I say to you? Should I praise you for following your heart, or for disregarding your own life? Do you know how Ding Chong, the former Commandant of the Capital, died?"

Chen Deng shook his head. "I do not know."

Liu Xie sneered, "He has always been addicted to alcohol, and as a result, he got what he wanted and died from a drunken, rotten intestine. If you can't completely get rid of your habit of eating raw fish, sooner or later you will end up like Ding Chong. I can still help you this time, but next time, if you still haven't changed your ways, I won't care about you anymore."

Liu Xie prescribed several more doses of medicine for Chen Deng. Chen Deng returned to the inn, but this time it was different from the last time. Last time, the worms came out of his mouth, but this time, they came out with diarrhea. He had diarrhea for half an hour, and Chen Deng was so weak from the diarrhea.

When Chen Deng saw the swarms of red crawling worms wriggling wildly in the feces, he almost fainted from fright. It was so disgusting and terrifying.

Fortunately, this time it wasn't as serious as the last time. After resting for a couple of days, Chen Deng basically recovered.

This time, Chen Deng was utterly terrified. Firstly, it was too disgusting, and secondly, the emperor was angry. If he didn't stop eating it, the emperor wouldn't care about his life or death next time.

Upon seeing the emperor again, Chen Deng first knelt down to express his gratitude, and then solemnly promised, "Your Majesty, this will not happen again. I will never eat sashimi again after I return."

Liu Xie looked directly at him and said, "Yuanlong, I regret your talent. You should have had a bright future. If you lose your life because of eating raw fish, not only will you be ridiculed by the world, but you yourself will probably not be willing to accept it."

Liu Xie beckoned Chen Deng to come closer and sit down.

After Chen Deng sat down, Liu Xie asked, "Che Zhou has been in Xuzhou for almost two years now. What do you think of him?"

"This……"

Chen Deng mustered his courage and glanced at the emperor. He was not stupid at all; the emperor's sudden question about Che Zhou was clearly not a good sign.

Liu Xie didn't urge him, but looked at him with a smile.

Chen Deng naturally wouldn't take Che Zhou seriously, but he knew that while Che Zhou was insignificant, Cao Cao stood behind him.

After a slight hesitation, Chen Deng quickly adjusted his attitude, remembering that His Majesty had saved him twice.

“Your Majesty, Che Zhou is a rough and uncultured warrior. He has no knowledge and no ability to govern. In the past two years, there has been widespread discontent throughout Xuzhou. He has turned Xuzhou into a complete mess.” Liu Xie nodded. “I have also heard about him. Che Zhou may be good at fighting, but he is far from satisfactory at governing and managing the people.”

Liu Xie didn't mince words and dropped a bombshell: "I intend to appoint you as the Governor of Xu Province. What do you think?"

On the one hand, Liu Xie needed Chen Deng and his son to act as inside agents; on the other hand, he also wanted to completely win them over to his side.

"this?"

The prospect of transforming from the Prefect of Guangling to the Governor of Xuzhou was so enticing that Chen Deng's eyes lit up with excitement.

He couldn't help but glance at the emperor a few more times, afraid that he might have misheard.

Liu Xie's strategy for Qingzhou is to attack!

They struck hard, sweeping away the situation swiftly like autumn leaves in the wind, and quickly brought it under control.

Liu Xie was terrified of Jingzhou!

Intimidate Liu Biao, first create chaos in Jingzhou, cause Liu Biao and the Cai family to turn against each other, and then profit from the chaos.

Liu Xie supported Yizhou!

They appease Liu Zhang and Liu Xun, ensuring they continue to serve the court obediently.

Liu Xie rewarded Xuzhou!

The reward offered to Chen Deng was the position of Governor of Xu Province. Faced with this temptation, Chen Deng was willing to risk offending not only Che Zhou but also Cao Cao.

During the late Han Dynasty, there was a "three-mutual rule" for officials. The most important rule was that people with local household registration could never hold important positions in the local area and had to recuse themselves.

For example, people from Yuzhou can be assigned to official positions in Xuzhou, but people from Xuzhou cannot be given important positions in Xuzhou itself.

However, since the rise of feudal lords, few people have followed this system.

It was nothing new for various warlords to maintain their own armies and appoint local officials to their posts.

Chen Deng quickly replied, "Your Majesty, please give your orders. I am willing to go through fire and water to serve you."

Chen Deng knew that fortune and honor were found in danger, and if he wanted to become the governor of Xuzhou, he had to get rid of Che Zhou, this stumbling block, first.

Liu Xie nodded to him, "Actually, it's not that difficult. You just need to lure Che Zhou out of the city, and that will be a great achievement."

Chen Deng readily agreed, “Your Majesty, please rest assured. After I return, I will invite Che Zhou to go hunting outside the city. At that time, Your Majesty can send your capable subordinates to capture him alive.”

"I will return to Xuzhou with you."

Liu Xie was very decisive and immediately told Chen Deng about his plan. Chen Deng did not expect the emperor to be so bold. Considering that the emperor had many powerful generals around him, Chen Deng agreed.

Liu Xie traveled to Xuzhou with only a hundred or so men in plain clothes, accompanied by Chen Deng. Just in case, Lü Bu led a large force to Xuzhou as well, preparing to provide support.

Chen Deng returned to his home in Xuzhou and first visited his father, Chen Gui, to explain his plan.

Chen Gui also agreed, saying, "Yuanlong, you did a great job. Times have changed. Cao Cao used to control everything, but now His Majesty has taken over the reins of government. No matter what, His Majesty will take back Xuzhou sooner or later."

"His Majesty has cured your illness twice, which has saved the Chen family's life. He has also promised to make you the governor of Xuzhou. This is an immense favor. My Chen family should do everything in our power to assist His Majesty."

Chen Deng nodded. Although he had made up his mind, he still couldn't help feeling uneasy when he thought of Cao Cao.

"What should we do if Cao Cao retaliates in the future?"

Chen Gui stroked his white beard and said confidently, "Yuanlong, do you think that day will come? His Majesty already controls Yuzhou and Qingzhou. If he takes back Xuzhou, with just these three provinces, no one can rival His Majesty's strength. As long as we stand firmly on His Majesty's side, His Majesty will definitely protect our Chen family."

Compared to Chen Gui, Chen Deng, although capable, still appears somewhat immature.

Reassured by his father's words, Chen Deng visited Che Zhou that very night.

When Che Zhou heard that Chen Deng had arrived, he was overjoyed and pinched his thigh hard to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

He was a rough and uncultured man, and after arriving in Xuzhou, he was not well received by the local scholars.

It can't be entirely his fault. Even when Lü Bu was here, he wasn't well-regarded by the aristocratic families.

Scholars are naturally prejudiced against military men, and Che Zhou did not know how to lower his stance and respect virtuous men. Over time, the scholars of Xuzhou united and kept their distance from him, becoming extremely estranged.

Che Zhou was surprised that Chen Deng would come to visit him, so he hurriedly went out to greet him personally. Upon meeting, Chen Deng bowed and said politely, "General Che, I have been serving in Guangling and rarely come back. But I have heard a lot about your name, and I have long wanted to pay you a visit."

Throughout history, flattery has always been effective.

Although he had argued with Chen Deng's father because he did not leave the city to meet the emperor last time, Chen Deng was surprisingly magnanimous and took the initiative to visit the mansion.

Che Zhou was delighted and hurriedly shouted, "Come on, serve tea!"

Che Zhou brought up the matter apologetically, "Prefect Chen, what happened last time was a misunderstanding... I really couldn't leave the city at the time..."

"General, there's no need to be so polite. Just call me Yuanlong. I completely understand. My father doesn't know the deeper meaning behind Prime Minister Cao's entrustment of you with such an important task. I have always admired Prime Minister Cao. General Che, please don't forget that it was my Chen family who voluntarily offered Xuzhou to the Prime Minister."

"Yes, yes, that's right. When the Prime Minister came to attack Xuzhou, if it weren't for your help, Lü Bu wouldn't have been so easy to deal with."

With this relationship established, Che Zhou naturally became much closer to Chen Deng, and Chen Deng also kept praising Cao Cao and trying to curry favor with Che Zhou.

After chatting for a while, seeing that the time was right, Chen Deng extended an invitation.

"Since you've come back, I'd like to invite General Che to go hunting outside the city. We should get to know each other better. It's autumn now, the weather is perfect for hunting. General Che is skilled in archery and horsemanship, so you must be very good at hunting. This is a good opportunity for me to learn from you."

"To be honest, my archery skills are really bad. When I hunt with others, I am often ridiculed. So this time, General Che, please do not refuse and trouble you to give me some pointers."

(End of this chapter)