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

Torn between the bonds of brotherhood in the Peach Garden and the greater good of the nation, Guan Yu was deeply conflicted about following Liu Bei to Jiangdong.

Even now, he still can't forgive himself for having to come to Jiangdong.
There were clearly better options back then; Liu Bei could have gone directly to the emperor or sought refuge in Changsha.

Even when facing Cao Cao's massive army, he neither fled nor hid, and Cao Cao dared not kill him easily.

However, Liu Bei made a choice that was most unacceptable to Guan Yu.

He chose to come to Jiangdong to seek refuge with Sun Quan.

Even though so many days have passed, this incident still feels like a poisonous thorn in Guan Yu's heart.

When Guan Yu followed Liu Bei to Jiangdong, his heart was actually tipped towards brotherhood when he made his choice. Therefore, he felt very guilty and remorseful.

Zhang Fei didn't think about so many things. Every day, besides being loud and boisterous, eating and drinking, he was always fighting and making a ruckus. Zhang Fei lived a very simple and carefree life.

Guan Yu was quite worried, and he said to Liu Bei, "Brother, although we are separated by a river, I am not at ease in Jiangdong for a moment, because every inch of this land under my feet feels very unfamiliar!"

"Your Majesty is not what you used to be. Cao Cao's power is not what it used to be. At least we feel at ease north of the Yangtze River."

Although Guan Yu disapproved of Cao Cao's arrogance, he could also clearly sense that the emperor now had the upper hand and that the era of Cao Cao wielding absolute power and making all the decisions was over!
No matter how arrogant Cao Cao was, at least he would not defy the imperial court, and every inch of land he acquired had to be acknowledged as the land of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Bei said, “Yun Chang, Sun Quan is indeed very ambitious and wants to establish his own independent regime. However, he does not know that we are His Majesty’s men. So you can rest assured that we will first help His Majesty deal with Cao Cao, and then turn around and deal with Sun Quan. His Majesty is wise and powerful, and his methods are superb. The Han Dynasty will surely be restored and revitalized in His Majesty’s hands.”

When Liu Bei faced Guan Yu, he felt some pressure. He said with self-reproach, "I was confused about the Jingzhou matter. I do have an inescapable responsibility for Liu Qi's death. I should not have come to Jiangdong without consulting His Majesty. This is the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life."

As Liu Bei spoke, tears streamed down his face.

Guan Yu was upright and loyal, and when facing Guan Yu, Liu Bei would involuntarily think of the emperor.

When Liu Bei cried like that, Guan Yu's heart softened immediately.

Guan Yu sighed, “Brother, I’m just reminding you that you are the imperial uncle of the Han Dynasty. No matter what, you must not betray His Majesty. Haven’t you always wanted to help His Majesty restore the Han Dynasty? Cao Cao is usurping power, and Sun Quan is carving up the country. It is precisely at times like these that you should be even more loyal to His Majesty and never abandon him.”

Liu Bei, forgetting to wipe away his tears, nodded repeatedly, "Second brother is absolutely right. I have already made a mistake once, and I will always remember to reflect on myself and never make the same mistake again."

Liu Bei realized his mistake, and Guan Yu naturally did not pursue the matter further. He then said, "The world has been in turmoil for many years. Your Majesty has endured humiliation and hardship for so many years. It is truly not easy for the Han Dynasty to have the situation it has today. It is said that serving a ruler is like serving a tiger, but Your Majesty has been serving Cao Cao like serving a tiger for many years."

Just then, Guan Ping walked over, carrying a brocade robe and a letter. As he approached, Guan Ping first bowed to Liu Bei, saying, "Guan Ping greets Uncle."

When no one else is around, Guan Ping usually addresses Liu Bei as his uncle.

When there are outsiders present, in public settings, one should address the lord as the same as everyone else.

"Father, there is a letter from you, from Jiangbei. Also, Zhanfei gave me this brocade robe."

The robe was exactly the same as the one Guan Yu was wearing; it was soft, well-made, and dark green all over. Liu Bei didn't need to guess to know that it was sent by the emperor.

Guan Yu, who was not usually one to smile, suddenly relaxed his brows and a smile appeared on his face.

Seeing this, Liu Bei was happy for Guan Yu, but in his happiness, he couldn't help but feel a little envious.

In his letter, Liu Xie wrote: "Yun Chang, it has been several months since we last met. How have you been? I know that you have always been frugal and loyal. I imagine you are still wearing the robe I gave you and are reluctant to change it. I have had another one made for you. The wind is strong and the humidity is high in the south. Many soldiers in the north have recently caught colds. Yun Chang, you must take good care of yourself."

Guan Yu held the letter in both hands, his strong and upright body standing there motionless. He read it very slowly and carefully.

"Furthermore, without your permission, I have already sent people to bring Guan Xing and Guan Feng from your hometown of Jieliang to Xudu. The children are all very sensible and excellent. I believe that they will all become pillars of the Han Dynasty when they grow up. Speaking of which, there is one thing that I have always felt I owe Yun Chang. For so many years you have been all alone, wholeheartedly loyal to the country. It has truly wronged you."

"Back when we were conquering Xuzhou, you found someone you liked, but Cao Cao snatched her away. I've always kept this in mind. Now I've chosen a good match for you. She's in Xuchang, waiting for the day we can marry. She is Cai Yong's daughter, Cai Yan, Cai Wenji..."

When Cai Wenji was mentioned, Liu Xie naturally gave a brief introduction to her story, and finally said: "This woman has had a difficult life. I hope that Yun Chang will not look down on her because she has been married before. You should know that life is full of unpredictable events. Although she was unfortunately captured and taken to the border, she is kind-hearted, talented and beautiful, and is a good match for you."

Liu Xie did not domineeringly and directly arrange the marriage; instead, he adopted a consultative attitude and patiently explained things to Guan Yu.

Although Cai Wenji's life was full of hardships, she was indeed a good woman. She was beautiful, talented, and most importantly, kind-hearted, gentle, and magnanimous, possessing inner beauty that far surpassed those vulgar and glamorous women.

Lady Du was taken by Cao Cao, so Liu Xie always wanted to choose a good woman for Guan Yu. He originally thought Zhen Mi was a good choice, but Cao Pi acted too quickly and they missed their chance.

When Cai Wenji was brought from Pingyang to Xudu, Cao Cao originally wanted to give her away to someone else, but Liu Xie stopped him.

Guan Yu naturally had no objections. The emperor was so thoughtful and explained so much about the cause and effect, which moved Guan Yu deeply.

His children, Guan Xing and Guan Feng, were brought to Xudu, which was also good news for Guan Yu.

Guan Yu had no secrets from Liu Bei. After reading the letter, he handed it to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei took it and read it through, nodding repeatedly, "I didn't expect Your Majesty to be so meticulous and to have made such thoughtful arrangements."

Meanwhile, in the Jiangbei camp, Liu Xie was chatting with Zhuge Liang, Lu Xun, and others. Everyone enjoyed this way of discussing matters while chatting. The atmosphere was harmonious as everyone sat together, and they could speak freely.

"Your Majesty, you wrote a letter to Guan Yu and sent him a brocade robe. Aren't you afraid that Liu Bei will be displeased?" Lu Xun asked curiously.

Liu Xie couldn't help but laugh. "Boyan, my kindness to Guan Yu is not because I intend to neglect Liu Bei. I have no other intentions this time. Guan Yu is not like you, who can often be by my side. It is not easy for me to see him."

Liu Xie was telling the truth; his kindness towards Guan Yu came from the bottom of his heart, and there was no ulterior motive involved.

Zhuge Liang nodded. Sometimes you can't overcomplicate things. Liu Xie treats Guan Yu well because Guan Yu is loyal enough to be admirable.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Although Your Majesty did not mean it, I think what you did is actually a good thing for Liu Bei."

Liu Xie found it quite interesting to hear Zhuge Liang talk about Liu Bei, especially since he addressed him by his given name directly.

If Liu Bei were in his presence, Zhuge Liang would naturally not address him by his given name.

"Kongming, what's so good about this? I don't see it at all. In my opinion, Liu Bei will think that His Majesty is intentionally favoring Guan Yu." Chen Gong always spoke frankly and said what he meant.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said, "Mr. Gongtai, even if it is favoritism, Liu Bei understands why His Majesty treats Guan Yu so well. It is because Guan Yu is loyal and righteous, and devoted to His Majesty. Guan Yu is Liu Bei's sworn brother, and Guan Yu's stance will in turn affect Liu Bei's stance."

Chen Gong nodded. "That's true. Kongming really hit the nail on the head. His Majesty trusts and values ​​Guan Yu, and Guan Yu is also loyal to His Majesty. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei are as close as one person, and their bond is stronger than gold. Therefore, Guan Yu's attitude towards His Majesty can also determine Liu Bei's attitude towards His Majesty."

Even if Liu Bei had some selfish motives, if he betrayed the court and the emperor, he would undoubtedly be at odds with Guan Yu. Liu Bei would never dream of his brothers turning against each other.

Therefore, Guan Yu's stance will inevitably determine Liu Bei's stance.

Lu Xun nodded and said, "Liu Bei will probably be restless for the next few days. He should have received more of His Majesty's care and attention. His Majesty's favoritism towards Guan Yu will make Liu Bei reflect on his actions. If he wants to be like Guan Yu, he must be wholeheartedly loyal to His Majesty."

Lu Xun's guess was correct. That night, Liu Bei lay in bed unable to sleep, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what he did.

Liu Xie's tolerance and forgiveness of him truly moved Liu Bei, but the relationship between Guan Yu and Liu Xie made Liu Bei even more envious.

This was far more than just writing a letter and bestowing a piece of clothing; it was about making Guan Yu feel warm and cared for wherever he was, and that the one who cared for him was the emperor.

This special care aroused a strong desire in Liu Bei's heart.

The next day, Cao Cao gathered his civil and military officials together. He wanted to send someone to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender, so that at least in terms of momentum, he could make Jiangdong understand that Cao Cao was absolutely confident of victory.

The group included military generals such as Xu Huang, Dian Wei, Yu Jin, Yue Jin, Wen Pin, and Huang Zu, as well as strategists such as Guo Jia, Mao Jie, Dong Zhao, Xu Yi, and Sima Lang.

Cao Cao sat on the high platform, his hands resting on the table, his eyes narrowed as he looked down at the crowd, his deep eyes flashing with an unusually sharp gaze.

Wearing a fiery red brocade robe, he appeared even more majestic. Only Cao Cao could exude the same domineering aura of a sovereign as the emperor!

Cao Cao's aura seemed to be innate, something that others couldn't imitate.

Even a single glance from him can create an inexplicable and irresistible sense of oppression.

Guo Jia sighed inwardly. Cao Cao possessed all the qualities to dominate the world: ambition, magnanimity, the ability to use people, and the charisma to make people willingly submit.

Unfortunately, he had an emperor by his side who was no less capable than him.

Guo Jia witnessed firsthand how the emperor gradually grew stronger over the years and eventually turned the tide against all odds. It can be summarized in four words: "The benevolent are invincible!"
The emperor seemed to have done nothing, yet he managed to draw one person after another to his side willingly.

Xun Yu is the best example.

The emperor is genuinely kind to you, openly and unpretentiously kind to you, without any pretense or tricks!

To be honest, Guo Jia also admitted that His Majesty treated him very well, and sometimes, Guo Jia's heart would waver.

Given the emperor's goodwill and sincerity, how many people in the world could refuse?
Cao Cao spoke up: "Gentlemen, I have led an army of 200,000 and have been stationed at Wulin for ten days. I have heard that Zhou Yu has also begun to reinforce his troops on the other side. I have been ordered by the Emperor to attack Jiangdong. Zhou Yu is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; he is courting his own destruction. His Majesty is benevolent and righteous, and I also greatly admire Zhou Yu's talent. I wonder if any of you are willing to share my burden and go to Jiangdong to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender?"

Jiang Gan, relying on his old acquaintance with Zhou Yu and eager to make a contribution, stepped forward with a shrill voice.

"Prime Minister, I am willing to go to Jiangdong and use my silver tongue to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender."

"Oh? Jiang Gan, are you confident?"

Jiang Gan puffed out his chest and nodded confidently, "Prime Minister, rest assured, with just a small boat and a servant to row it, I, Jiang Gan, will surely be able to persuade Zhou Yu."

Guo Jia glanced at Jiang Gan and shook his head. "Ziyi, Zhou Yu is the Grand Admiral of the Jiangdong Navy. He is highly valued by Sun Quan and can be considered Sun Quan's right-hand man. You haven't even met him yet, and you're already making such a boast. Isn't that a bit too much?"

Jiang Gan had been by Cao Cao's side for many years without any opportunity to show his face, so this was a rare chance for him.

Jiang Gan said, “Chief Advisor Guo, I’m not bragging, but Zhou Yu and I are old acquaintances. If someone else went to see him, it might not be successful, but if I go to see him, Zhou Yu will definitely not treat me badly. I will appeal to his emotions and reason with him. The Prime Minister has 200,000 troops and is acting on the orders of Heaven to punish the rebels. How can Zhou Yu resist? He will definitely be persuaded by me.”

Guo Jia glanced at Cao Cao and shook his head slightly. Reminded by Guo Jia, Cao Cao also felt that Jiang Gan was being a bit too arrogant. However, looking around at everyone, apart from Jiang Gan, no one else was willing to accept this mission.

Cao Cao simply nodded in agreement.

No sooner had Jiang Gan left than Xun You reported the matter to Liu Xie.

After hearing this, Liu Xie couldn't help but laugh. "Fengxiao is right. Zhou Yu is not so easy to persuade. I'm afraid even if I went to see Zhou Yu in person, I might not be able to convince him."

However, Liu Xie had a question: Zhou Yu had tricked Jiang Gan, causing Cao Cao to kill Cai Mao and Zhang Yun in a fit of rage.

But Cai Mao and Zhang Yun were already dead. Did Zhou Yu want Cao Cao to kill Huang Zu and Wen Pin?

Perhaps that's really possible, after all, they're the two of them currently in charge of training the naval forces! (End of Chapter)