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

Zhang Liao declared passionately, "No matter how much territory Gongsun Du has occupied, I am ordered to conquer Liaodong this time, and I will make him return it all intact. His Majesty's order to me is simple: take back Liaodong at all costs. I will plant the Han army's battle flag on the city wall of Xiangping!"

Zhang Liao made up his mind and had a clear goal. His army advanced all the way and soon reached the border of Liaodong. Gongsun Kang hurriedly divided his troops and sent generals to resist Zhang Liao.

Zhang Liao was fearless and advanced rapidly. In less than three days, his army captured Wulu City. Two days later, Yan Rou launched a surprise attack on Fang County.

The Han army was invincible wherever it went, and Gongsun Kang's million-strong army was quickly plunged into shock and panic.

Zhang Liao remained calm and steady, making steady progress. After taking Fang County, he made a bold statement that he would flatten Liaodong in two months!

When the news reached Xiangping, Gongsun Kang was both shocked and furious. He immediately ordered Liang Mao to lead 30,000 troops to Liaosui to resist Zhang Liao.

Chen Gong was puzzled and asked Zhang Liao, "Winter is just around the corner, and Liaodong is already cold. His Majesty has not given us a deadline, yet you insist on saying that you will conquer Liaodong in two months. Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

Zhang Liao shook his head and explained, "Gongtai, Gan Ning is training the navy in Donglai. This matter is highly classified. I am advancing north to attract Gongsun Kang's main force. I boasted that I would conquer Liaodong in two months to mislead Gongsun Kang and make him concentrate all his forces on my side."

In this way, once Gan Ning sends troops, it will have a surprise effect.

Chen Gong expressed his understanding, but still had some concerns. "Although this is a clever move, we don't know the exact strength of the troops in Liaodong. If they have too many troops, we will be under a lot of pressure. We should be cautious."

Zhang Liao said, "Don't worry, I know what to do."

Suddenly someone came to report, "General, Yang Xiu requests an audience."

"Yang Xiu?"

Zhang Liao paused for a moment, then said to Chen Gong, "It must have been sent by His Majesty."

Zhang Liao waved his hand, "Let him come see me."

Compared to before, Yang Xiu was noticeably thinner and his skin was darker. He had been busy ever since the Battle of Red Cliffs.

Previously, Yang Xiu was in charge of treating the sick soldiers. Just as that matter was coming to an end, Liu Xie put him in charge of running errands and conveying the imperial decrees.

After a brief greeting, Yang Xiu said to Zhang Liao, "His Majesty has instructed General Zhang to go ahead and do as he pleases, but there is one thing he must remember."

Zhang Liao cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the emperor, since Yang Xiu represented the emperor.

Yang Xiu said, "His Majesty said that we should underestimate the enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically!"

"Despise the enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically."

Although this was the first time Zhang Liao, a general in charge of troops, had heard such words, he quickly grasped their implied meaning.

After carefully considering these words, Zhang Liao nodded heavily. "Dezu, I've got it."

To put it bluntly, don't take Gongsun Kang too seriously, but in each and every battle, you must take it seriously.

Chen Gong stroked his beard and nodded in praise, "Although Your Majesty rarely leads troops into battle, you always have some surprising remarks."

Zhang Liao also laughed, "Gongtai, I haven't spent much time with His Majesty, so I'm not as good as you in that respect. But I can see that His Majesty is a man of great wisdom and resourcefulness. It's just that as the emperor, it's inconvenient for him to directly participate in military campaigns. If His Majesty were to truly lead the troops, he might not be any worse than us."

Zhang Liao was honest and straightforward. He said this entirely out of sincerity and had no intention of flattering or currying favor.

"Alright, immediately send the order to Yan Rou: from now on, no matter what method you use, whether it's delaying time or feigning defeat, every battle must be fought to wear down the enemy as much as possible."

The messenger agreed and rode away from the camp, while Zhang Liao personally led the main force, setting his sights on the next city—Liaosui!
…………

Liu Xie has been in a good mood lately, and Zhao Yun can clearly sense it; the emperor often has a smile on his face.

After Tang Ji arrived in Xudu, Liu Xie visited her a few times when he had time. Knowing that she preferred quiet, Liu Xie did not reveal Tang Ji's identity to the public.

However, women's affairs are sometimes indispensable.

Lady Cai and Liu Cong were also brought to Xudu. Liu Xie valued this woman quite a bit. It is said that women get along better with each other, but Liu Xie was not at ease letting Consort Fu Shou and Consort Dong associate with Lady Cai.

There's no way around it; this woman, in terms of both her intelligence and ruthlessness, is not someone an ordinary person can handle.

Every time she saw the emperor, Lady Cai would smile gently and show great respect. Liu Xie often came to visit her, and over time, they became quite familiar with each other.

After meeting, Liu Xie said to Lady Cai, "I have already examined Liu Cong's studies and plan to send him out to gain experience. Of course, you can forget about becoming the governor of Jingzhou."

Lady Cai bowed gracefully, "Your Majesty, I dare not bargain with you. I am deeply grateful that Your Majesty values ​​Cong'er's future."

This alluring and charming woman was now filled with joy.

With no man left and the family in decline, Liu Cong became Lady Cai's only hope as a woman.

"Don't worry, as I said, Liu Cong is of pure character and kind heart. I will not treat him poorly. As for you, you are still young and have a long road ahead of you. I have chosen Liu Bei for you. Although you cannot be together for the time being, it shouldn't be long before you are." Lady Cai raised her beautiful eyes, a hint of doubt flashing in them.

She is a woman who knows how to dress up, and she always makes herself look beautiful, and today is no exception.

Her fair and slender neck resembled an exquisite work of art. Although the dresses of the Han Dynasty were relatively loose, the chest area was still clearly defined, leaving much to the imagination.

After a while, Lady Cai spoke up: "Your Majesty's arrangements are something I would naturally not dare to object to. However, now everyone knows that Liu Bei murdered Liu Biao and his son. Under such circumstances, if I were to be with Liu Bei, wouldn't that invite criticism?"

Liu Xie smiled and said, "You and I both know that Liu Bei was wronged. When the time comes, I will clear his name."

Lady Cai shook her head. "The rumors have already spread throughout the land. Although His Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler, it will probably not be easy for him to reverse this situation."

After a pause, Lady Cai continued, "However, Your Majesty need not worry. I am not against Your Majesty's arrangement. Even without a title, I am willing to be with Liu Bei."

Liu Xie thought about it and realized it was indeed a difficult situation. So much time had passed since the deaths of Liu Biao and Liu Qi that it would be too difficult to defend Liu Bei now.

If they had stood up from the beginning and said a few good words for Liu Bei, it might have had some effect.

Now, four or five months have passed, and this matter has long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Lady Cai was quite sensible. She knew that she was guilty of grave sins and had no right to bargain, so even without a formal title, she was willing to accept whatever arrangements the emperor made for her.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "We'll talk about this later. There's no rush. After all, Liu Bei is still on Sun Quan's side. As for Liu Cong's placement, let's send him to Xiaopei for now. He'll be promoted to General of the Vanguard and Marquis of Xiangyang."

Madam Cai's face immediately lit up with a smile, a smile as bright and beautiful as a blooming flower.

The title of General of the Vanguard is not a mere honorary title; Dong Zhuo was once appointed General of the Vanguard.

The title of Marquis of Xiangyang carries considerable weight, seemingly indicating that as long as Liu Cong performs well and achieves outstanding political results, he may be able to return to Jingzhou.

Lady Cai hurriedly knelt down, "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Cong'er. Your Majesty's kindness will never be forgotten."

"Let's skip the pleasantries. Everything will be judged by performance. If you disappoint me, let me be frank: I will show no mercy."

Lady Cai hurriedly called Liu Cong from the study and happily told him what had happened, "Cong'er, why don't you quickly express your opinion to His Majesty? Don't disappoint him."

Liu Cong straightened his robe and knelt respectfully before Liu Xie.

"Thanks to Your Majesty's grace, Liu Cong will never fail Your Majesty's trust."

Liu Xie patted Liu Cong on the shoulder twice and instructed him, "Get up. You decide what to do. I will only look at the results."

Liu Cong has many strengths, but also quite a few weaknesses.

His strengths can be seen in inheriting Liu Biao's refined and gentle nature; he was not a bad person at heart.

Historically, when faced with Cao Cao's overwhelming army, Liu Cong did not actually want to surrender immediately; he also wanted to do something through his own efforts.

Unfortunately, Cai Mao betrayed him; without fighting Cao Cao with a single sword or soldier, he handed over Jingzhou.

If there's anything wrong with Liu Cong, it's that he's too mild-mannered, lacks experience, isn't magnanimous enough, and isn't decisive enough.

However, Liu Xie wanted him to explore and learn these things step by step on his own. No matter how much he was told, it was not as effective as real-world testing.

After giving a few brief instructions, Liu Xie ordered Liu Cong to take up his post immediately. Liu Cong was somewhat reluctant and asked, "Your Majesty, may I bring my family with me?"

As he spoke, Liu Cong glanced at Madam Cai and then at the backyard, clearly intending to take his wife and Madam Cai with him to Xiaopei.

Liu Xie flatly refused, saying, "You can take office by yourself. Remember, you're all grown up now. You have to learn to face and solve any problems on your own."

"this?"

Liu Cong grew up in luxury, pampered by his parents. He never imagined that one day he would have to face everything on his own.

Liu Cong felt wronged and reluctant, and looked at Madam Cai with hopeful eyes, hoping that Madam Cai could plead for him.

Liu Xie stood up abruptly and said in an unquestionable tone, "This matter is settled. You will leave Xudu first thing tomorrow morning."

After saying this, Liu Xie turned and walked towards the gate of the mansion. Even if Lady Cai wanted to plead for him, she would have no chance.

Lady Cai sighed, and after the emperor left, she turned to Liu Cong and instructed him, "His Majesty is right. You have grown up now, and from now on, you will have to learn to face things on your own."

As a man, one must experience trials and tribulations. Just like Liu Xie, only he himself knows best how much hardship he endured along the way.

Even if Liu Cong is a rough gem, he still needs to be properly polished. (End of Chapter)