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

Just then, Liu Xie stood up and waved his hand. The whole room immediately quieted down, and everyone's eyes were focused on him, on this 24-year-old emperor of the Han Dynasty.

Born in the fourth year of Guanghe (181 AD), and now in the eighth year of Jian'an (203 AD), Liu Xie is only one year older than Sun Quan, despite his young age.

However, he had already been emperor for 15 years, and in terms of seniority as emperor, he was definitely a veteran.

Liu Xie remained remarkably calm. He smiled at the crowd, displaying his usual extraordinary affability, and said, "Whether it's Liu Ye, Lü Bu, or Liu Cong, their abilities and prestige are all excellent. However, Jingzhou is not only currently the most important strategic location for the Han Dynasty, but its position will remain crucial for a long time to come. War is imminent, and this is related to whether the world can achieve stability as soon as possible. Therefore, I believe that only Cao Cao is the best candidate to serve as the Governor of Jingzhou!"

Everyone was shocked by Liu Xie's words, but there were only three people present, so they were not surprised.

They are Jia Xu, Ju Shou, and Guo Jia!

Guo Jia had been secretly observing the emperor since earlier. The emperor's appearance in Jingzhou was obviously significant. Since the governor of Jingzhou had not yet been appointed, Guo Jia guessed that the emperor would announce it personally.

Previously, Guo Jia had already foreseen that the emperor would keep Cao Cao firmly locked up in Jingzhou. So, making Cao Cao the governor of Jingzhou was like putting another lock on him.

Having become the governor of Jingzhou, Cao Cao had even less reason to leave. As for Jizhou, it had nothing to do with him anymore.

"..."

Cao Cao's eyes widened; he had never expected this.

Cao Cao thought that since he was the prime minister and the governor of Ji Province, the emperor would not easily touch him, and even if he were to, he would at least consult with him beforehand.

However, in front of so many people, Liu Xie made the announcement directly.

Guo Jia sighed, inwardly marveling at His Majesty's cunning and unpredictable counterattacks.

The first counterattack was the death of Xue Ti, who was then eliminated by the emperor, who had made this veteran and staunch supporter of the Cao family troupe his own.

The second counterattack was that, despite having plenty of capable men at his disposal to serve as governors of Youzhou, Liu Xie chose Zhang Liao, once again undermining Cao Cao's power.

The third counterattack was the handling of Xun You. First, they discussed it with Cao Cao. Cao Cao had just expressed his attitude when Liu Xie suddenly released Xun You and allowed him to return to Cao Cao's side. Xun You's return to Cao Cao's side made Cao Cao feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed!

The fourth counterattack was to force Cao Cao to advance into Jiangdong, thus preventing him from going anywhere else.

The fifth counterattack was to appoint Cao Cao as the governor of Jingzhou. This move was tantamount to declaring that the northern regions, especially Ji and Bing provinces, would have no further connection with Cao Cao.

Of course, Liu Xie did not push things to the extreme and left room for maneuver. He then looked at Cao Ang and said, "Zixiu, you will take over as the governor of Ji Province. You should return to Ji Province tomorrow. There are still a lot of things waiting for you to handle there."

Cao Ang was also very surprised; he was completely unprepared.

Cao Ang thought for a moment, then quickly shook his head. “Your Majesty, I am of humble status and lack experience. I am afraid I am not up to the task. I hope Your Majesty will rescind your order and choose another wise and capable person.”

Liu Xie smiled at him, full of trust, and said, "Zixiu, although I usually appreciate your humility and modesty, as a man of integrity, you must not underestimate yourself. You must be brave enough to take on responsibilities and shoulder heavy burdens. You have grown up, you are capable, you have prestige, and you are loyal to me. Not only do I think you are capable, but your father also has high hopes for you."

Liu Xie then looked at Cao Cao and asked in a consultative tone, "Lord Cao, when recommending worthy people, one should not avoid relatives. Do you think Zixiu is suitable?"

What else could Cao Cao say?

The emperor has already given his word, appointing Cao Cao as the governor of Jingzhou. This means that Cao Cao no longer needs to covet the governorship of Jizhou. It's clearly better for his son to take the position than someone else.

Cao Cao smiled bitterly to himself. The emperor's methods were indeed formidable. He had taken away Cao Cao's governorship of Ji Province and then handed it over to Cao Ang. Not only could Cao Cao not refuse, but he also felt as if he owed the emperor a favor.

Look how good I am to you! I made you the governor of Jingzhou and your son the governor of Jizhou. Both of you have become powerful regional officials. What a great favor this is!

In reality, Liu Xie dissuaded Cao Cao from returning to Ji Province.

Guo Jia sighed helplessly. Originally, according to his plan, Cao Cao would control the north and fight against the emperor. At that time, Cao Cao would have more territory and more troops, and even the emperor would not dare to easily touch him.

Now look what happened! Liu Bei was forced to leave, and Cao Cao himself got himself mired in a quagmire. Only the emperor was the biggest winner!

Even if Cao Cao defeats Sun Quan, he will still be the governor of Jingzhou, and the emperor will probably send someone else to take over Jiangdong.

As always, Liu Xie showed Cao Cao far more trust than others in front of everyone, saying, "Lord Cao, pacifying Jiangdong is not something that can be done overnight, and you are the person I trust the most. Only by entrusting Jingzhou to you can I feel at ease."

Cao Cao forced a smile, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's high regard for me. I will do my utmost to defeat Sun Quan as soon as possible."

Madam Cai, who had initially felt very hopeful, now felt as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water, and her heart sank completely.

Liu Cong, however, was not disappointed; he had no intention of vying for power at all.

Liu Xie then left the banquet early, and Cao Cao also lost interest and left early. After the banquet was completely over, Liu Xie had Lady Cai summoned to him alone.

Madam Cai arrived at the back garden of the governor's mansion with a belly full of questions. In April or May, the garden was lush and green.

Lady Cai paid no attention to the scenery of the garden. Dragging her long dress, she went straight to a pavilion in the center of the courtyard. There were only two people in the pavilion: Zhao Yun stood quietly to one side, while Liu Xie sat leisurely, drinking tea and admiring the beautiful scenery of the courtyard.

"I have met your Majesty."

Madam Cai bowed gracefully, and a refreshing fragrance wafted out.

Liu Xie looked up at her, smiled, and waved his hand gently, "Madam, there's no need for formalities. Please stand up and speak."

Madam Cai stood up respectfully, took two steps back, and lowered her head slightly.

Liu Xie picked up his teacup and took a leisurely sip. "I am new to Jingzhou and there are many things I do not yet understand. The reason I summoned you here is that there are some things I would like to ask you."

"Your Majesty, whatever you wish to know, I will tell you the truth."

Liu Xie nodded. "Actually, it's nothing. As for how Liu Biao died, I believe no one knows better than you."

Lady Cai poisoned Liu Biao, and when questioned by the emperor, she was filled with fear and unease. However, she forced herself to remain calm, feigning innocence, and tearfully pleaded, "Your Majesty, my husband was murdered by Liu Huangshu (Liu Bei), and everyone in Jingzhou knows this..."

Madam Cai had a talent for acting; tears came easily to her eyes. She covered her face with her sleeve, her shoulders trembling, and she looked very sad.

Liu Xie coughed. "Stop. What I want to hear today is the truth. Do you want to deceive the emperor?"

Lady Cai looked up at Liu Xie and said, "Your Majesty, what I said is the truth..."

But before she could finish speaking, Madam Cai noticed that the emperor's face darkened, his expression turned unusually cold, and his gaze was fixed on her. His sharp eyes made Madam Cai feel as if she had no secrets left in front of the emperor, as if he had seen right through her.

Liu Xie was somewhat disappointed and said coldly, "Madam, I'm giving you one last chance. Think it over before you speak."

Lady Cai panicked immediately. Her face turned pale, her eyes darted around, and her breathing became rapid. Facing the emperor's gaze, she lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes, her heart filled with fear and unease.

Liu Xie just watched her quietly. In fact, Liu Bei had also said in his letter that Lady Cai had poisoned him.

Finally, Lady Cai could no longer hold back and knelt down before Liu Xie with a thud. "Your Majesty, my husband's death was caused by me..."

The pressure Liu Xie put on her was too great, and Madam Cai dared not harbor any more illusions. She immediately recounted the whole story in detail.

Liu Biao killed Cai Mao, causing the Cai family to decline rapidly. Liu Xie did not have much emotional reaction to hearing about this, because he had also played a role in it to some extent.

It was Liu Xie who sent Gan Ning to Jingzhou, and it was Liu Xie who caused the Cai family and Liu Biao to turn against each other.

So Liu Xie remained calm and asked again, "Then how did Liu Qi die?"

Lady Cai had expected the emperor to be furious, but he wasn't. Unsure of his thoughts, she could only continue, "Soon after my husband's death, I received a letter from the Prime Minister..."

Lady Cai hesitated for a moment, then revealed the names of Cao Cao and Guo Jia as well.

Zhao Yun stood to the side, and when he heard that Cao Cao and Guo Jia had plotted to frame Liu Bei, his eyes widened in anger, and his fists clenched so tightly that the veins on them bulged.

But in the end, Zhao Yun also realized that Liu Qi's death was indeed related to Liu Bei.

After Madam Cai finished speaking, she lowered her head sharply, prepared to be executed. Murdering a member of the imperial clan was no small matter.

Liu Xie stood up, looked at the spring scenery filling the courtyard, and sighed, "I have summoned you today only to find out the truth!"

"Your Majesty, you won't kill me?" Lady Cai asked incredulously.

Liu Xie glanced at her and said, "No matter what Cao Cao promised you, I am the current emperor!"

Lady Cai understood that her life, death, honor, and disgrace were all in the emperor's hands.

No matter what Cao Cao promised her, it was useless; only the emperor's word mattered!
Cao Cao used death to control Lady Cai, saying, "If you don't obey, I'll kill you."

Liu Xie cleverly won over Lady Cai, saying, "Only I can save your life!"

Liu Xie didn't care about Liu Biao's life or death. While Liu Biao was alive, he always maintained his own army and harbored the idea of ​​establishing a separatist regime.

Suddenly, Liu Xie glanced at her and said, "I want to choose a new husband for you."

"Your Majesty, you wouldn't possibly make me follow the Prime Minister, would you?"

Although she and Cao Cao had already been intimate, it was only because Lady Cai was coerced into it; she did not actually want to be Cao Cao's woman.

Liu Xie shook his head. "It's not Cao Cao, it's Liu Bei!"

"Ah? How could it be him?" Madam Cai was greatly surprised, she never expected it.

Moreover, although Liu Bei appeared to be honest and gentle, Lady Cai still felt that he was somewhat treacherous because of the incident with Liu Qi.

Zhao Yun also cast a puzzled look. Liu Bei had already gone to Jiangdong, so why was His Majesty still arranging a marriage for him?

Moreover, the woman he chose was the ruthless Madam Cai.

Lady Cai stared at the emperor with wide, surprised eyes, unsure whether she should refuse.

In reality, her life and death are now entirely in Liu Xie's hands. Just because she poisoned Liu Biao, Liu Xie can execute her right now.

Therefore, Lady Cai had no right to bargain with Liu Xie!

Liu Xie waved his hand at her, "Go back and think it over carefully. Tell me when you've thought it through. As for Liu Cong, don't worry, that boy is kind-hearted and I have high hopes for him."

The emperor praised Liu Cong in person, which sent a signal to Lady Cai that Liu Cong would definitely be given an important position in the future.

Lady Cai hurriedly got up to take her leave. She needed to go back and properly process the news that she was to marry Liu Bei.

No sooner had Lady Cai left than Zhao Yun couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, I don't understand. Lady Cai is a heartless viper, and this woman is not simple. Why did Your Majesty not only spare her life but also arrange for her to marry Liu Bei?"

Liu Xie looked at Zhao Yun and said, "Zilong, you are no outsider, so I might as well tell you that I am not satisfied with many of the things Liu Bei has done. Take the matter of Liu Qi this time, for example. Liu Bei, for his own selfish reasons, prevented Liu Qi from going to Xuchang for medical treatment and even killed him. However, his letter did not tell me the truth. Now, for the sake of the world's stability as soon as possible, I can tolerate some things, but I must also keep them under control. Keeping Lady Cai by Liu Bei's side is to remind him that I know everything."

Liu Bei's greatest fear right now is Lady Cai, not only because this woman is not simple, but more importantly, because Lady Cai knows the truth about Liu Qi's death.

It is conceivable that once Lady Cai and Liu Bei were together, especially since it was a marriage bestowed by the emperor, it would be a constant reminder to Liu Bei that nothing could be hidden from the emperor, and all he could do was obey orders and never have any disloyal thoughts.

Liu Xie continued, “As the emperor, I cannot blindly trust anyone. When I sent men to seize Xuchang, Liu Bei, who clearly had tens of thousands of troops, stationed them in Runan and ignored me and Xuchang. Even if he had a hundred reasons, from my perspective, a subject must always put the court first. I once tried to persuade Liu Bei to stay in Xuchang and make him the head of the Imperial Clan, but he was unwilling.”

Liu Xie sighed, saying with great disappointment, "If Liu Bei had stayed in Xuchang, this mess wouldn't have happened, and he wouldn't have been ruined by Cao Cao. Humph! He could have gone to Changsha to avoid disaster, but he insisted on running to Jiangdong. I made him an inside agent to give him a chance to atone for his sins, but that doesn't mean that everything he did is forgiven by me!" (End of Chapter)