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

Chapter 275, The Storm Has Finally Arrived
Liu Bei had prepared for the worst; he would never admit to poisoning Lady Cai, even if it meant his death.

At worst, we can tell everyone that Madam Cai did all of this.

However, Liu Bei did not want to do this unless absolutely necessary, because he had no evidence.

Who witnessed the poisoning by Madam Cai? Where are the witnesses? Where is the physical evidence?

Moreover, if the two were to publicly feud, not only would Liu Bei lose face, but his reputation would also be ruined.

Liu Bei's biggest worry was that his plan to prevent Liu Qi from going to Xudu would be revealed in public.

Liu Cong looked at Madam Cai with hopeful eyes, believing that she would definitely stand by his side.

However, to everyone's surprise, Lady Cai shook her head and said to everyone, "First of all, I am very grateful for everyone's recognition of the Second Prince, but he is shallow in virtue and talent and lacks experience. He is really not up to the task. Liu Bei is famous throughout the world and is the pillar of the Han Dynasty. In terms of both virtue and ability, Liu Bei is the only choice for the governor of Jingzhou. I hope that Prince Chen can consider this carefully and let Liu Bei be the governor of Jingzhou for the sake of Jingzhou and the country."

Lady Cai's initiative to recommend herself puzzled Liu Bei, but it also saved him from trouble.

Lady Cai did this entirely on Guo Jia's orders, by deliberately showing weakness and fully supporting Liu Bei.

Even Lady Cai supported Liu Bei, and those who supported Liu Cong gradually lost heart. More and more people turned to support Liu Bei, and their numbers far exceeded those of Liu Cong.

Before Chen Wang arrived, he had already received the emperor's instructions and immediately announced, "Since that's the case, then Xuande will take over as the governor of Jingzhou from now on!"

Liu Bei feigned a look of trepidation and tried to decline, saying, "King Chen, gentlemen, I am truly unworthy of such a position."

Prince Chen shook his head. “His Majesty instructed us beforehand that whoever is chosen, as long as the majority supports him, he will be the Governor of Jingzhou. Xuande, you should not refuse. The capable should be given more responsibilities. I hope you will bravely shoulder the heavy burden and not disappoint His Majesty’s expectations.”

Zhang Fei rubbed his two big, rough hands together, grinning so hard that his back teeth were showing. "I knew it! Big Brother is the most suitable candidate."

While laughing, Zhang Fei also planned to have a good drink and celebrate tonight.

Zhang Fei was always a heavy drinker and he always liked to find reasons to drink. For example, if something happy happened, he would definitely get drunk.

Liu Bei became the governor of Jingzhou as he wished. A few days later, Guo Jia personally met Lady Cai in a secluded suburb.

Upon meeting, Guo Jia couldn't help but praise her, saying, "I've long heard that you are a woman of unparalleled beauty, and seeing you today, I can confirm that the rumors are true."

Madam Cai was surprised to find that Guo Jia was so young. Guo Jia was not particularly handsome, and his thin face was pale and sickly.

Yet this seemingly weak man was actually a capable advisor to Prime Minister Cao.

The thought that everything in Jingzhou was orchestrated by this man made Lady Cai absolutely not dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

Madam Cai asked, "Chancellor Guo, is there anything else you need to do?"

Guo Jia smiled, his gaze frequently drifting to Lady Cai's graceful figure, but there was no hint of lewdness in his eyes, only admiration.

"Liu Bei has just taken over as governor of Jingzhou, and it is inevitable that many people do not support his work. My wife should help him as much as possible to help him stabilize the situation as soon as possible."

Madam Cai nodded, but still asked with doubt, "But I think he must already suspect me. If he wants to harm me in the future, how should I deal with it?"

Lady Cai was a clever woman; she had long suspected that Liu Bei had his eye on her.

Guo Jia was prepared and immediately replied, "If one day Liu Bei turns against you, no matter what he wants to do to you, just admit that you were the one who poisoned him. Just admit it frankly. Just say that you killed Liu Biao to avenge the Cai family."

"What if he suspects that I harmed Liu Qi?"

In fact, Liu Qi was poisoned by Guo Jia's men, and this matter had nothing to do with Madam Cai.

Guo Jia laughed and said, "You said that you harmed Liu Qi entirely for Liu Cong's sake, but later you realized that Liu Cong could not become the governor of Jingzhou. So you directly told Liu Bei that you had no ill intentions towards him and that you only wanted to protect yourself. As long as Liu Bei believed that you posed no threat to him, you would be safe for the time being."

Lady Cai was still uneasy. "But this can only delay things for a while. What if Liu Bei decides to kill us again later? Besides, Prime Minister Cao has already promised to make Liu Cong the governor of Jingzhou. Who knows when he will actually deliver on that promise?"

Guo Jia's gaze fell on Lady Cai's high, firm breasts, staring greedily for a long time. He smiled and advised, "Don't worry, Cao Cao will definitely keep his promise. You just need to be patient."

In June, Cao Cao pacified Youzhou. In August, Zhong Yao captured Pingyang. In October, Cao Ren personally led a large army to Nanyang.

Cao Ren was appointed by the emperor as the governor of Nanyang. Although he had been fighting alongside Cao Cao, Nanyang was the place where Cao Ren should have stayed the most.

For the past few months, Guo Jia has remained in Xiangyang, maintaining contact with the Cai family and patiently waiting.

At first, Liu Bei was indeed very worried, fearing that any negative rumors might leak out.

Therefore, he never let his guard down and always sent people to keep an eye on Madam Cai, not letting her every move slip by.

Later, Liu Bei even questioned Lady Cai, and Lady Cai, following Guo Jia's instructions, voluntarily confessed.

After that, although Liu Bei felt relieved, he became even more wary of Lady Cai. This venomous woman was so ruthless that she even killed her own man. Liu Bei had thought about getting rid of her countless times.

However, Lady Cai did indeed continue to help him, actively persuading those who supported Liu Cong to support Liu Bei's work, which prevented Liu Bei from finding a suitable opportunity.

In short, Lady Cai's performance was good for the time being, which gradually made Liu Bei lower his guard.

As autumn turned to winter, a distinguished guest arrived in Jingzhou: Zhang Song, an envoy from Yizhou.

Liu Bei received Zhang Song warmly and treated him to a grand feast. During the meal, Liu Bei inquired about the purpose of Zhang Song's visit.

Zhang Song didn't hide anything, cupping his hands in greeting, "To be honest, Uncle, I'm going to Xuchang to present the 'Topographical Map of Western Sichuan' to the court."

Liu Bei nodded without giving it much thought. At this time, Liu Bei had no intention of establishing his own independent regime.

Liu Bei's occupation of Jingzhou was purely driven by selfish motives; he simply wanted to have a piece of land of his own, nothing more.

However, he did not have the idea of ​​establishing a separatist regime and breaking away from the imperial court.

Zhang Song also had a good impression of Liu Bei. He was well-mannered, had an honest face, and was so enthusiastic. No wonder Liu Xun praised Liu Bei highly after returning home.

However, in just one day, the situation changed dramatically, and rumors about Liu Bei's misfortune spread across Jingzhou without warning.

In a bustling tavern, one of the patrons suddenly asked his companions, "Do you know how the eldest son, Liu Qi, died?"

The others shook their heads, "We don't know."

Someone said, "Wasn't it said he died of illness?"

"Died of illness? You're kidding me! I'm telling you, he didn't die of illness, he was poisoned." This topic was very sensational and immediately attracted a lot of people, who gathered around curiously.

"Who poisoned me?"

"He was poisoned to death by Liu Bei."

"What? You're kidding me? Liu Bei is such a benevolent person, he would never do such a thing."

At first, naturally no one believed it. However, Guo Jia spent a lot of money to hire many people to spread the news simultaneously in Xiangyang, Jiangling, Yiling, Dangyang and other places in Jingzhou.

Guo Jia prepared for two months, and countless people from all walks of life were hired by him. Rumors spread and became more and more outrageous. Some even claimed to have seen Liu Bei send men to intercept and kill the messenger Liu Qi sent to Xuchang.

What Liu Bei had always feared had not only happened, but happened in the most outrageous way!

In just a few days, the news spread to almost every street and alley in Jingzhou.

The story was told in great detail, especially the part about Liu Bei's efforts to prevent Liu Qi from going to Xuchang for medical treatment, which was tantamount to a death sentence for Liu Bei.

"My lord, something terrible has happened."

On this day, Jian Yong rushed over and, upon seeing Liu Bei, said to him, "Zhang Fei has killed someone."

"What? How could this happen?"

Liu Bei was already annoyed enough. He had received news that he was being talked about everywhere. Even though he knew it was a conspiracy, Liu Bei couldn't stop it. The situation was so serious that Liu Bei had no idea where to start.

"Yide was drinking at a tavern when he overheard people talking about his lord. He flew into a rage and accidentally beat the man to death."

Zhang Fei had a violent temper, his temper was like a raging fire, and his fists and feet were fierce. With a swing of his arms, he could exert the force of hundreds of pounds. Who among ordinary people could withstand his iron fists?

Liu Bei was so shocked that he swayed and almost fell to the ground.

"How could this happen? How could this happen?" Liu Bei murmured to himself over and over again.

Everything happened so suddenly that Liu Bei was completely unprepared.

Rumors spread that Liu Bei had prevented Liu Qi from going to Xudu for medical treatment, which led to the deaths of Liu Biao and his son. Zhang Fei then beat someone to death.

Even Liu Bei, who was always strong-willed and unfazed by the collapse of Mount Tai, couldn't help but panic and completely lost his composure.

Xu Shu also rushed over, his face grim. "My lord, this must be a huge conspiracy. Someone is deliberately targeting you."

Liu Bei nodded. These rumors hadn't come earlier or later, but they suddenly broke out and spread throughout the streets and alleys.

Liu Bei would never have believed it if no one had secretly instigated or fanned the flames from behind.

Xu Shu couldn't help but ask, "My lord, if I may be so bold, did you actually participate in the affairs of Liu Biao and his son?"

Logically, Liu Bei was the lord and Xu Shu was the subject, so he shouldn't have asked this question, but the rumors were just too outrageous.

Even if he were to retaliate, Xu Shu first needed to confirm whether Liu Bei had truly done nothing. If so, Xu Shu would have a better understanding of the situation.

Liu Bei hurriedly shook his head, "Yuanzhi, how could you ask such an absurd question? This matter is obviously a frame-up. I did nothing. Liu Jingsheng is my brother, and Liu Qi is my nephew. How could I possibly harm them?"

"What about stopping Liu Qi from going to Xudu?"

"Absolutely not! This is pure slander!" Liu Bei denied the matter without any hesitation, feigning anger.

Once a person tells one lie, they will use more lies to cover it up.

To increase credibility, Liu Bei added with a tone of grief and indignation: "I regarded Liu Qi as my own son and nephew. Seeing that he was seriously ill, I once advised him to go to Xuchang. It is common knowledge that His Majesty's medical skills are superb, and perhaps if he went, he could really cure him. However, Liu Qi's body was too weak, and he was worried that the bumpy journey would worsen his condition, so he kept delaying his trip. Alas... I should have been more forceful at the time and sent someone directly to Xuchang."

Xu Shu naturally believed whatever Liu Bei said.

"If that's the case, then who does Your Majesty suspect is responsible?"

Liu Bei thought for a moment, "I don't know the specifics, but this matter is definitely related to Lady Cai."

At this point, Liu Bei couldn't think of anyone else besides Lady Cai.

…………

After Cao Cao pacified Zhang Xiu, Cao Ren became the governor of Nanyang.

He suddenly returned to Nanyang a few days ago, bringing back a full 50,000 troops.

On this day, Guo Jia also arrived in Nanyang. Upon seeing Cao Ren, Guo Jia smiled and said, "Zixiao, everything is ready. The Cai family has agreed to act as inside agents and cooperate with you to seize Jingzhou."

Cao Ren nodded, clenching his fist excitedly. However, despite his joy, Cao Ren was still somewhat worried.

“Fengxiao, if we do this, Liu Bei will soon fully understand what’s going on, and he will surely guess that all of this was arranged by the Prime Minister.”

Guo Jia laughed, "So what if he guessed? It's a fact that he prevented Liu Qi from going to Xudu, and it's also a fact that he killed Liu Qi. This time, Liu Bei is destined for utter ruin!"

"As for the imperial court, His Majesty has no shortage of capable people around him, so he probably guessed it too."

Although Cao Ren was a military general, he was not only good at fighting and killing, but also had some strategic skills.

Guo Jia laughed, "I never thought we could hide it from His Majesty. But what's done is done. As long as we take Jingzhou and ruin Liu Bei's reputation, even if His Majesty is unhappy, he will have no choice but to accept this fait accompli. Don't forget, the Prime Minister is the number one loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, personally appointed by His Majesty."

The most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty—this was Cao Cao's best protection!
Guo Jia advised, "The situation in Jingzhou is unstable right now. Liu Bei has poisoned his relatives and is in danger of seizing power. We are sending troops to eliminate this hidden danger for the court and to safeguard the overall situation."

Cao Ren nodded vigorously, "Now that you've said that, I'm completely relieved!"

Cao Ren immediately summoned the mid-level and above generals together to assign combat tasks.

Guo Jia looked towards Xiangyang, a strange smile playing on his lips. "Liu Bei, it's almost the end of the year. Will you still have a chance to attend this year's annual meeting?"

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Guo Jia added, "Zixiao, we must act quickly to prevent Xuchang from receiving the news and reacting!"

(End of this chapter)