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

Chapter 279, Heading North to Youzhou

In Zhao Yun's view, even if there was a huge problem, it should be handed over to His Majesty to deal with. Why run away? Liu Bei had no need to run away at all. The more he ran, the worse things would get!
Jia Xu lowered his head in deep thought, repeatedly muttering "Jiangxia" to himself.

After a while, Jia Xu suddenly looked up and said, "My lord, Jiangxia is a dead end. Could it be that Liu Bei still wants to place his hopes on Sun Quan of Jiangdong?"

Jiangxia was definitely not going to hold out; with the limited manpower Liu Bei had, they were no match for Cao Cao.

When Jia Xu mentioned Sun Quan, Liu Xie's eyes lit up. "Wenhe, you've reminded me that Liu Bei might go to Jiangdong to avoid trouble. However, this would be a very bad idea for him."

Although Jiangdong did not openly oppose the imperial court, it was clear to everyone that Sun Quan's separatist rule was a fait accompli. If Liu Bei had not gone to Jiangdong, even with his bad reputation, he would still have been the true Liu Huangshu (Imperial Uncle Liu).

However, if Liu Bei were to go to Jiangdong, his position would be the same as Sun Quan's.

The nature of it changed all at once!
Even if Liu Bei committed a heinous crime, he would still be a Han official if he didn't go to Jiangdong. But once he went to Jiangdong, he would become a "traitor to Han".

Jia Xu sighed, "This was all forced by Cao Cao. Things happened too suddenly, and Liu Bei lost his composure. Faced with Cao Cao's army attack, he could only retreat again and again, and was forced into a desperate situation step by step."

Liu Bei was indeed flustered. Despite his previous wanderings and loss of everything, he still had a reputation for benevolence and righteousness.

But now, thanks to Guo Jia's actions and Cao Cao's pressure, Liu Bei has lost even the reputation he relied on for survival, so he is completely panicked.

Liu Bei did not want to fall into Cao Cao's hands. Even if he were taken back to Xuchang, Liu Bei believed that the emperor would find it difficult to forgive him in the face of overwhelmingly negative public opinion.

Liu Bei's mentality has completely collapsed!

It's just like a child who has done something terribly wrong, who is so scared that they've become like an ostrich, wanting to find a place to hide immediately and bury their head in the sand.

Zhao Yun was genuinely worried about Liu Bei and eager to do something for him. He looked at Liu Xie with hopeful eyes.

"Your Majesty, what should we do next?"

Zhao Yun believed that if there was anyone in this world who could save Liu Bei from his suffering, it could only be His Majesty.

Liu Xie looked in the direction of Jingzhou. He really wanted to give the order immediately to go to Jingzhou and take a good look at what Cao Cao had done, and also teach Cao Cao a lesson.

Jia Xu gently shook his head and advised, "Your Majesty, it's best if you don't go there for now. Even if you do go, you'll probably only be able to side with Cao Cao. Even if Cao Cao has gone too far, the deed is done, and you can only choose one between Cao Cao and Liu Bei this time. Obviously, it can't be Liu Bei."

Even if Liu Bei was innocent, the matter was too serious to be overturned.

If things really turn out differently, are we supposed to tell the whole world that Cao Cao framed Liu Bei?
Liu Xie gradually calmed down. "If we don't go to Jingzhou, am I supposed to do nothing?"

Jia Xu said, "Cao Cao is acting recklessly this time. In order to deal with Liu Bei, he has taken all his main forces to Jingzhou. Why doesn't Your Majesty take advantage of the north's vulnerability and send an army north to Youzhou under the pretext of attacking the Wuhuan, and take the opportunity to occupy Youzhou? This would also serve as a warning to Cao Cao."

Liu Xie nodded. If Cao Cao did the first thing, then he would do the fifteenth.

Didn't you frame Liu Bei and seize Jingzhou? Well then I'll seize your Youzhou first!
After making up his mind, Liu Xie sent people to keep a close eye on news from Jingzhou, and then decisively turned back to Xuchang.

Cao Cao had just pacified Youzhou, which was a perfect opportunity for Liu Xie.

Liu Xie ordered Lü Bu and Zhao Yun to quickly gather troops, and tens of thousands of soldiers responded swiftly. Such a large commotion naturally alerted Xun Yu.

Xun Yu was very worried and rushed to see the emperor. He already knew about the situation in Jingzhou and thought the emperor was furious and would send troops to deal with Cao Cao.

"Your Majesty, the north has just been pacified, why raise an army?"

Liu Xie looked at Xun Yu and said, "Wenruo, although the north has been pacified, the Wuhuan are still a major threat to the court. They often cross the border to plunder and commit atrocities in Youzhou. I have been preparing for war for a long time and must pacify the north as soon as possible."

Xun Yu's wisdom was no less than Guo Jia's, and his overall perspective was even stronger. Now that Cao Cao had gone to Jingzhou, Hebei was essentially open to the emperor.

Furthermore, it's almost the end of the year, and the timing of this military action is quite intriguing.

"Your Majesty, who do you intend to send to conquer the Wuhuan?"

Liu Xie immediately replied, "I will personally lead the troops there!"

Xun Yu was taken aback and quickly advised, "Your Majesty, it's almost the end of the year. As the current emperor, you shouldn't leave Xuchang so easily."

Liu Xie laughed, “Wenruo, look, here we go again. Emperor Gaozu started his rebellion by slaying the snake and went through many battles to establish such a great foundation. Emperor Xiaowu was also an emperor on horseback, expanding the territory many times. I have the blood of the Han Dynasty flowing in my veins, how can I sit idly by and watch the Han Dynasty decline? I not only want to pacify the world and restore the former territory, but also to further expand the territory and show the glory of my Han Dynasty.”

Liu Xie's words did indeed inspire Xun Yu's admiration, but he still did not forget to offer some advice, "However, it is already late autumn and the end of the year is approaching. When the weather turns cold and the temperature drops sharply, it will be very unfavorable for advancing troops."

"Furthermore, if we send troops now, His Majesty will not be able to return before the end of the year. In previous years, His Majesty would sit in Xuchang and convene officials of all ranks from all over the country for the annual meeting. Is it possible that this year's meeting will be canceled?"

Liu Xie nodded. "Let's cancel the annual meeting for now."

With such a big incident, if we really have to hold an annual meeting, what should we do? Should we give Cao Cao a big commendation?

Cao Cao didn't even ask for permission before directly causing Liu Bei's utter ruin and even sent troops to occupy Jingzhou.

Liu Xie really didn't know what to say to him, so he simply decided not to hold the annual meeting this year.

Liu Xie's attitude was decisive: "Wenruo, my mind is made up. I will leave Xudu to you."

Jia Xu and Lu Xun were also left behind. Without Liu Xie's instructions, Jia Xu and Lu Xun understood that, on the surface, Xun Yu was in charge of the overall situation in Xudu, but in reality, Jia Xu and Lu Xun were responsible for guarding the home front.

Ever since Liu Xie recaptured Xuchang from Cao Cao, he has always valued it highly and would never allow it to be lost again or taken back by someone else.

The army set off smoothly, accompanied by strategists such as Chen Gong, Ju Shou, Tian Yu, and Sima Yi, and generals such as Lü Bu and Zhao Yun. Taishi Ci remained in Xuchang.

Gan Ning was in Changsha, and Zhang He and Gao Lan were in Qingzhou. Before the team set off, Liu Xie called Taishi Ci over and checked his health, which left Taishi Ci feeling a little dizzy.

"Your Majesty, I am only 36 years old this year. I can eat and sleep well, and I am in very good health."

Taishi Ci felt that His Majesty was making a fuss over nothing. Even if something were wrong, Taishi Ci was a tough guy, the kind who wouldn't leave the front line even with a minor injury. Liu Xie smiled and said, "Ziyi, not only you, but I will also check on everyone else regularly. You are all my trusted ministers. Since I am proficient in medicine, I naturally have to keep a close eye on you."

Taishi Ci didn't take this explanation to heart. "I see. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am truly fine."

Taishi Ci, ever the straightforward man, clenched his fists and threw a few powerful punches at Liu Xie. His punches were fierce and domineering, full of power, and every move he made exuded a violent force.

In the novel, Taishi Ci died from an arrow wound during the attack on Hefei.

According to official historical records, he died of illness.

Liu Xie dared not be careless. Taishi Ci died at the age of 43, leaving behind the famous saying, "A man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats!"

In short, since Liu Xie was quite skilled in medicine, it was his responsibility to be prepared in advance and not let this formidable man, who was on par with Sun Ce, the Little Conqueror, leave any regrets.

"Ziyi, after I leave, if there are any issues, you should consult with Wenhe and the others. Your only task is to keep a close watch on Xudu for me."

Taishi Ci's eyes were piercing, his hands clasped in a fist, and his reply was firm and resolute: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I guarantee that Xuchang will be safe and sound, unless the enemy steps over my dead body!"

Liu Xie patted Taishi Ci's broad shoulder with satisfaction, "Good, with Ziyi's words, Xu Du is safe!"

After setting off, Liu Xie also wrote a letter to Chen Deng in Xuzhou, reminding him to keep in touch with Jia Xu at all times.

Liu Xie may overlook small matters, but he is absolutely not confused when it comes to important things!

Although Cao Cao's actions this time were not directed at himself, his behavior precisely proved that Cao Cao was very restless.

Cao Cao arbitrarily intervened in Jingzhou. Such a major matter was done without consulting me first. He was incredibly audacious.

When passing through Qingzhou, Liu Xie summoned Zhang He again, and Zhang He provided another 10,000 troops as support.

The 40,000-strong army marched swiftly along the road, their first stop being Ji County, the capital of Youzhou.

Cao Cao left Xue Ti, Li Dian, and Zhang Liao in Youzhou. Liu Xie led his cavalry at full speed, and before they even arrived, he had already shocked the three of them.

After the scouts brought the news, Xue Ti frowned anxiously and paced back and forth in the room several times.

"Wen Yuan, Man Cheng, His Majesty's army is about to arrive. What are your thoughts on this?"

Li Dian was not tall, but he was muscular and very imposing. His eyes were not large, but his gaze was sharp, and his face always wore a cold expression, as if he were not easy to approach.

Li Dian said in a deep voice, "I think His Majesty's intentions are not good. We must not repeat the mistakes of Che Zhou."

Li Dian and Liu Xie didn't have much interaction. Li Dian was promoted by Cao Cao. People like Yu Jin, Dian Wei, Zhang Liao, and Xu Huang all had good relationships with Liu Xie, except for Li Dian.

Li Dian's words reminded Xue Ti that although Xue Ti held a civil post, he was highly valued by Cao Cao.

In the Battle of Hefei during the Three Kingdoms period, although Zhang Liao was the most prominent and Li Dian and Yue Jin also made significant contributions, the supreme commander of Hefei was Xue Ti!
Meanwhile, Liu Xie received intelligence on the way: "Xue Ti? It's him."

Ju Shou said, "Although Cao Cao has not yet consulted the court, Xue Ti's duties are undoubtedly to temporarily serve as the governor of Youzhou. Cao Cao values ​​him highly."

Hua Xin and Sima Yi also came with the army. It had been quite a while since then. Liu Xie didn't like Hua Xin much, but seeing that he had nothing to do in Xudu, he let him come along.

Although Liu Xie did not give him an important position, he did not completely abandon him either. It would be unfair to completely reject someone based on preconceived notions from his previous life. If that were the case, then Liu Xie should have killed Sima Yi directly.

The previous life is over. In this life, Liu Xie will rely on his own efforts to completely change the trajectory of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Xie is confident that he can change the original trajectory of many people as well.

"Hua Xin!"

Liu Xie called out, and Hua Xin hurriedly urged her horse forward, looking at the emperor obsequiously, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

"You go ahead and deliver a message to Xue Ti, telling him to prepare to receive the emperor and not to delay!"

"Here!"

Hua Xin agreed and left quickly. On the way, Hua Xin was a little nervous. Xue Ti was Cao Cao's man, and the emperor had sent him to Ji County alone. Hua Xin himself did not believe that there was no danger at all.

But Hua Xin also knew that this was her chance to prove herself, so she had to go even if she had to grit her teeth!

After Hua Xin left, Liu Xie's troops continued their advance. Sima Yi said, "Your Majesty, as early as when Cao Cao first attacked Tao Qian in Xuzhou, Xue Ti was entrusted with an important task and stayed in Yanzhou with Xun Yu, Cheng Yu and others. Just then, General Lü Bu launched a surprise attack on Yanzhou, and many cities and counties fell one after another. Many people even surrendered to General Lü Bu. However, Xue Ti was fearless and actively defended the city, thus protecting Cao Cao's foundation."

Sima Yi spoke very carefully, addressing Cao Cao by his given name to show his stance. Lü Bu was nearby, so he addressed him as General Lü Bu.

Lu Bu's expression shifted between light and dark. Although he had a clear advantage in the attack on Yanzhou, he ultimately lost.

Lu Bu clearly had two major advantages. First, Cao Cao was not in Yanzhou at the beginning, and he had taken his main force with him. Second, there was an inside ally in Yanzhou. Cao Cao's good friend Zhang Miao took the initiative to welcome Lu Bu and acted very cooperatively.

Even so, Lü Bu still failed to destroy Cao Cao's stronghold.

After Cao Cao recovered, he turned around and drove Lü Bu out of Yanzhou.

Liu Xie noticed Lü Bu's expression, but he ignored it. These disgraceful things were just what he wanted to teach Lü Bu a lesson.

Liu Xie nodded to Sima Yi, signaling him to continue.

Sima Yi had clearly done a lot of preparation in private, and continued, "Helping Cao Cao defend Yanzhou was Xue Ti's greatest achievement. Later, Ying Shao, the governor of Taishan, fled to Yuan Shao's side because he was afraid of being held accountable by Cao Cao after Cao Song's death. However, Cao Cao overruled the objections and made Xue Ti the governor of Taishan. In that year, Xue Ti was only 22 years old! To become governor at such a young age shows Cao Cao's trust and high regard for him."

"Since taking office, Xue Ti has been fair in rewarding and punishing, and has achieved outstanding political results. Many of his practices have the shadow of Cao Cao. He is extremely strict in his dealings and does not shy away from powerful people. He can be called one of the most ruthless officials around Cao Cao. Now Xue Ti has become the chief secretary of the prime minister, a very important position."

(End of this chapter)