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

Chapter 265, Liu Bei and Cao Cao Target Each Other

On this day, when Liu Bei was discussing matters with Liu Qi, he suddenly noticed that Liu Qi seemed somewhat dazed and gave off a distinctly tired and weak feeling.

When Liu Bei inquired with concern, Liu Qi couldn't give a clear answer. He explained that he had been feeling dizzy and weak lately, and would feel sleepy even before it was time to rest at night.

Liu Bei didn't get any answers, so he sent Liu Qi back to rest early.

After Liu Qi left, Liu Bei frowned and fell into deep thought.

Zhang Fei stood to the side for a while, having noticed what had just happened, and said, "Brother, Liu Qi is so young, he shouldn't have any health problems. Should we call a doctor to take a look at him?"

Zhang Fei was rough around the edges but actually quite shrewd; he had a good heart. Liu Qi was well-educated, polite, and approachable, and Zhang Fei generally had a good impression of him.

Liu Bei nodded and sent someone to fetch a doctor to examine Liu Qi, but the doctor couldn't find anything wrong.

Liu Bei consulted several doctors, but none of them could diagnose Liu Qi's illness.

Liu Qi was given a slow-acting poison in a very small dose, which would not leave any obvious symptoms.

After numerous examinations, all the doctors concluded that Liu Qi was weak and lacked energy, and needed proper nourishment.

Guo Jia didn't need to know how the poison was prepared, because things didn't need to be that complicated.

Madam Cai strolled around the garden that day. She was graceful and beautiful, but she could only admire herself in solitude in the courtyard. She was widowed at such a young age.

When Madam Cai returned to her room, she found a letter that had inexplicably appeared on her desk.

She immediately looked around alertly, and even went back into the yard to observe for a long time, but there was no one around.

Back in the room, she opened the letter, and soon Mrs. Cai's expression changed.

Madam, everyone thought Liu Biao died of illness, but that's not true. He didn't die of illness; he was poisoned by you!
As long as you cooperate, no one will doubt you. I guarantee your safety. Perhaps in the future, Liu Cong will become the ruler of Jingzhou, and the Cai family can regain its former glory.

The signature is that of Prime Minister Cao.

The letter was indeed written by Cao Cao. Originally, Cao Cao wanted to keep a low profile and did not want to get involved himself. However, Guo Jia told him, "The power of the Cai family cannot be ignored, especially Lady Cai. This woman is very shrewd. What Lady Cai cares about most is Liu Cong. As long as you make her a promise, she will willingly obey your orders."

Concocting poison isn't actually that difficult; with a little patience and continuous experimentation, you'll eventually succeed.

But with Mrs. Cai's help, things went much more smoothly.

Lady Cai did not know how the secret had been discovered, but when she thought of Cao Cao's identity, she felt a deep sense of powerlessness. If she did not cooperate, the consequences would be very serious.

Madam Cai was a clever woman; she quickly made a decision and obediently handed over the formula.

She had tried many times to prepare this prescription herself, and unless a top-notch doctor is invited, ordinary doctors would not be able to tell the difference.

Liu Bei invited many people to treat Liu Qi, but none of them had any effect. Gradually, Liu Bei's thoughts changed.

On one occasion, Jian Yong suggested, "My lord, His Majesty's medical skills are superb. Why not send Liu Qi to Xudu and have His Majesty examine him?"

Liu Bei shook his head. "Forget it. Since so many doctors haven't been able to find anything, there's no need to trouble Your Majesty any further."

Liu Bei refused outright, and Jian Yong did not insist any further. Two more months passed, and as the year drew to a close, Liu Qi's health deteriorated day by day, and he became increasingly thin and haggard.

Whenever Liu Bei had time, he would visit him, always showing great concern and constantly asking about his well-being.

Liu Bei instructed Liu Qi to rest more, and he also collected a lot of various precious tonics.

In addition, Liu Bei took on all the political affairs, voluntarily handling them for Liu Qi. Not only was Liu Qi very grateful to Liu Bei, but others also praised him highly.

As the year drew to a close, Liu Bei, as usual, put aside his affairs and returned to Xuchang with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

At the annual meeting in Xudu, everyone has reached a tacit understanding that no matter how far away they are, they will try their best to come back to attend at the end of the year.

Cao Cao returned the latest this year. He had many things to do in Bingzhou, which was far from Xuchang. He didn't return to Xuchang until New Year's Eve.

The banquet was extremely lavish, featuring all kinds of wild animals from the mountains and cattle and sheep from the land.

Everyone gathered together, having worked hard all year, and all hoped to receive the emperor's reward and recognition.

Last time Cao Cao returned to Xuchang, he brought tens of thousands of troops. This time, however, the number was much smaller, with only a few thousand cavalry.

Cao Cao knew that he was generally safe and that the emperor would not harm him.

Bringing back several thousand troops served two purposes: firstly, to demonstrate Cao Cao's special status as second only to the emperor; and secondly, to prepare for any eventuality.

If Cao Cao were to return alone without a single soldier, perhaps he really wouldn't dare!

Che Zhou is the best example. He was lured out of the city by Chen Deng and was easily controlled. The vast city of Xuzhou was lost just like that.

Therefore, without troops around, anything could happen.

Standing behind Cao Cao, Che Zhou became very agitated upon seeing Chen Deng. He gritted his teeth, glared, and clenched his fists so tightly they cracked.

Chen Deng remained calm and even nodded to Che Zhou in a very friendly manner. However, when he saw Cao Cao, he frowned and became slightly uneasy.

However, Cao Cao smiled at him, displaying great composure. He said that all of this was His Majesty's doing, and he had no reason to get angry with Chen Deng.

Zhang He, the governor of Qingzhou; Chen Deng, the governor of Xuzhou; Xun Yu, the governor of Yuzhou; and now Liu Bei, who is stationed in Jingzhou—Cao Cao's gaze fell on these men one by one. He couldn't help but marvel at how quickly His Majesty's strength had changed. If Liu Zhang and his son from Yizhou were added to the mix, it would be even more terrifying.

Cao Cao's gaze fell on Liu Bei again. He stood up and walked towards Liu Bei.

Liu Xie, sitting on the platform, couldn't help but laugh when he saw this scene.

Cao Cao and Liu Bei were destined to be on different paths. Both were very capable and magnanimous, but they were hostile to each other and could not stand each other.

Upon arriving before Liu Bei, Cao Cao smiled and said, "Xuande, congratulations! I often hear people in Bingzhou talk about what you have done in Jingzhou. They all praise you for your benevolence, love for the people, and respect for the virtuous and talented. You have even done better than Liu Biao when he was alive."

Liu Bei was somewhat embarrassed. Unlike Cao Cao, he was not straightforward and easygoing. Liu Bei humbly said, "Lord Cao, you are too kind. Actually, I haven't done much. It's just that Liu Qi has just taken over and lacks experience, so I'm just helping him manage things." Cao Cao laughed loudly, "Xuande is too modest. Although Liu Qi is the governor of Jingzhou, how can he compare to you? In my opinion, the governorship of Jingzhou will be yours sooner or later."

Zhang Fei couldn't help but chime in, "In terms of ability and reputation, how can Liu Qi compare to my elder brother?"

Zhang Fei had never liked Cao Cao, but seeing him praise his elder brother today, he couldn't help but have a better impression of Cao Cao.

Guo Jia, standing beside Cao Cao, smiled and nodded, saying, "Uncle Liu, I've heard that Jingzhou has produced two great talents of our time, one is the Crouching Dragon, and the other is the Young Phoenix. If you could acquire either one, you could bring peace to the world. But I wonder if you, Uncle Liu, with your proximity to these two talents, have managed to win them over?"

Many people cast curious glances at him, and Liu Bei shook his head helplessly. This was indeed one of his great regrets.

Liu Bei was in Jingzhou, which was close and convenient, and he had accumulated a good reputation, but he failed to win over either Zhuge Liang or Pang Tong.

Thinking of Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei couldn't help but glance at the emperor. As for Fengchu (Phoenix Chick), his whereabouts were uncertain, and Liu Bei had never had the chance to meet him.

Even now, Liu Bei still doesn't know whether the Phoenix Chick is tall or short, fat or thin.

Guo Jia wasn't trying to undermine Liu Bei; he was just curious and found it interesting.

Isn't that a bit too much to ask? To think that getting even one of them would bring peace to the world?

If given the chance, Guo Jia would really like to see and learn from him.

Upon meeting Guan Yu, Cao Cao began to chat with him. Although Guan Yu did not particularly like Cao Cao, Cao Cao did not seem to mind.

"Yun Chang, Your Majesty's expedition to Qingzhou owes a great debt of gratitude to you. You personally killed Yuan Tan, which is another great achievement."

Guan Yu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Since Your Majesty has given me this order, I will do my utmost to obey Your Majesty's command. Isn't this the duty of a subject?"

Cao Cao nodded, "That's right, that's right. With Yun Chang's achievements, no reward is too much. Look, Zhang He has become the governor of Qingzhou. Yun Chang killed Yuan Shao and his son, and now he has even given up the position of governor of Runan. It's a real pity."

In terms of loyalty and achievements, Guan Yu far surpassed Liu Bei, and no reward would be too much.

However, because of Liu Bei, Liu Xie had concerns. If Guan Yu's position surpassed Liu Bei's, neither Guan Yu nor Liu Bei would be happy.

When Cao Cao said this, Guan Yu thought he was trying to sow discord between him and Liu Bei, so he coldly replied, "I serve the court, not for high office and riches."

Cao Cao pointed to the green robe he was wearing, "I naturally believe that. Yun Chang did it for the sake of loyalty and righteousness. If I'm not mistaken, this robe you're wearing was a gift from His Majesty, wasn't it?"

Guan Yu puffed out his chest and replied proudly, "Indeed, it was a gift from His Majesty."

Cao Cao nodded appreciatively, "I admire that about you, but I suddenly have a question, and I hope you can help me answer it."

Guan Yu just stared at him, waiting for him to continue. Cao Cao glanced at Liu Bei, seemingly casually, and asked, "On one side are brothers, on the other is the court. If the two sides disagree in the future, Yun Chang, which side will you stand on? Will you be loyal to brotherhood or to the greater good of the state?"

Guan Yu's expression immediately changed, his phoenix eyes narrowed, and he looked coldly at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao laughed, "Yun Chang, I was just asking casually, you don't have to take it seriously."

Liu Bei, who was standing nearby, heard it too. His face immediately darkened, and he couldn't help but say, "Lord Cao, your joke has gone a bit too far. What do you mean by 'brotherly loyalty and the greater good of the state are not compatible'? You're clearly implying something."

Guo Jia quickly smoothed things over, saying, "This can't be blamed on Lord Cao. In life, it's inevitable to have to make choices sometimes. There's an old saying that loyalty and filial piety are hard to reconcile. It's perfectly normal to have disagreements and make choices. Why should Uncle Liu be so concerned?"

Liu Bei gave Cao Cao a displeased look, "Since you have asked this question today, I will answer it on behalf of my second brother. The three of us brothers will always be loyal to the court and at His Majesty's beck and call.

"well said!"

Cao Cao led the applause, and Guo Jia, Xun You, and others followed suit.

As Guo Jia clapped his hands, he squinted at Liu Bei, his smile growing increasingly smug and mysterious.

But Liu Bei seized the opportunity to turn the tables on Cao Cao, asking, "Lord Cao, as the current prime minister and the head of all officials, will you set an example by being loyal to the country and His Majesty to the death?"

"..." Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei, smiled, and smiled through gritted teeth.

Liu Bei is truly cunning; he doesn't let go of even the slightest opportunity.

This question immediately drew everyone's attention to Cao Cao.

Zhang Fei's eyes widened with excitement. Seeing Cao Cao hesitate, he teased, "Prime Minister Cao, is this question difficult to answer? Do you still need to consider it?"

Liu Xie also looked over curiously from the platform. Lu Xun came over and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, it would be best if the two of them swore an oath in the main hall. They are both vying to show their loyalty, which will put another shackle on themselves. Your Majesty can then reap the benefits."

Liu Xie nodded, thinking to himself: This suits me just fine. Let them all rush to pledge their loyalty, since you're all loyal to me anyway.

When Liu Bei questioned him in public, the more Cao Cao hesitated, the more Liu Bei smiled and looked at him with amusement.

Cao Cao suddenly snorted, "I have followed Your Majesty for many years, fighting in the east and west, defending the south and killing in the north, always serving the court. Naturally, I will never have any disloyalty. Listen carefully, I will be loyal to the country and Your Majesty until my death."

Cao Cao was getting anxious. Publicly pledging loyalty in front of so many people was practically the same as making an oath.

Liu Bei led the applause, saying, "Having such a loyal minister as Cao Cao is truly a blessing for the world and for the Han Dynasty."

In his heart, Liu Bei couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, hoping that Cao Cao would be true to his word and do what he said.

"Everyone."

After a while, Liu Xie came over and approached Liu Bei and Cao Cao. He took Cao Cao's hand with one hand and Liu Bei's hand with the other, and said to everyone with a smile, "You two are my right and left arms. I hope you can get along well and work together to support the country."

In front of the emperor, the two men smiled and nodded, saying in unison, "We will obey Your Majesty's orders."

Liu Xie offered some words of comfort with a smile, and then proceeded to the formal part of the annual meeting, which naturally involved summarizing the major events that had occurred this year.

The one who made the most significant contributions was naturally Cao Cao, who successively pacified Ji Province and Bing Province.

(End of this chapter)