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

Xiao Qiao was gentle and charming, with a pair of bright eyes like autumn water. She wore a plain long dress and no makeup, but she was still radiant, making the originally somewhat dim tent brighter.

Zhang Fei walked quite a distance before turning back for another look, muttering, "Zhou Yu is really lucky to have married such a beautiful woman."

Although Liu Bei had already found a woman for Zhang Fei, Zhang Fei would still think of his "white moonlight," Xiahou Xue, from time to time.

Xiao Qiao is also very thin with fair skin. Her beauty is not only stunning on the outside, but also lies in the temperament that radiates from within. It is a temperament that blends gentleness and intelligence, elegance and resilience.

Zhou Yu wanted to reprimand Xiao Qiao, "This is a military camp. I told you before that this is not a place you should be."

Xiao Qiao did not argue, "My husband and I have been separated for more than half a year. I have only come to visit you. I will go back tomorrow."

No matter how much dissatisfaction Zhou Yu had, it all vanished instantly, replaced by a deep sense of guilt.

Soon, melodious and graceful music drifted from the tent, causing many soldiers to stop in their tracks.

Even Liu Bei stopped out of curiosity and listened quietly for a while.

Guan Yu habitually stood with Liu Bei, but his thoughts had already flown to the distant Xuchang. Few people noticed that he had changed his clothes today.

Guan Yu was genuinely grateful for the emperor's arrangement. Although he did not covet romantic love, sometimes he would long to see Cai Zhonglang's daughter as soon as possible.

Zhou Yu was riding high, with a beautiful woman by his side, which made Liu Bei somewhat envious. Moreover, Xiao Qiao was not only beautiful, but her zither playing was also truly exquisite.

Inside the large tent, Xiao Qiao sat gracefully before her zither, her jade-like fingers lightly lifting to pluck the strings. The music rose gently, like flowing water or drifting white clouds, flowing slowly through the air.

Zhou Yu stood quietly behind her, his gaze gentle and focused, listening intently to every note. His face was filled with rapture and enjoyment, as if the whole world had stood still, with only the beautiful music and the lovely woman before him.

Xiao Qiao's expression was serene and elegant. She was completely absorbed in playing the piano, and every movement was full of charm. Her nimble fingers danced on the keys, and the melodies she played were sometimes gentle and melodious, and sometimes passionate and surging, as if telling the story of their past, the beautiful memories and deep affection.

Zhou Yu turned his head slightly, looking at Xiao Qiao's profile, his eyes filled with love and tenderness.

They need no words; the music alone conveys their feelings. They are so perfectly matched, so complementary, a harmonious couple, as if made in heaven.

Zhou Yu felt very guilty towards his wife, as they rarely saw each other. In recent years, Zhou Yu had been fighting on the front lines and could only return home a few times a year. Moreover, as the Grand Commander of Jiangdong, he always had to set an example for his soldiers.

Xiao Qiao didn't complain about him, and she went back the next day.

After Zhou Yu saw Xiao Qiao off, Lu Su walked over with a smile. "Gongjin, the Spring Festival is just a month away, and the weather is getting colder every day. Do you think you should take some time to go back to Chaisang at the end of the year?"

Lu Su and Zhou Yu were not only colleagues, but also good friends of many years, and he truly cared for Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu gazed thoughtfully in the direction of Jiangling across the river.

The river surged and flowed ceaselessly. Zhou Yu stood tall and straight on the bank, the river breeze blowing and fluttering his white battle robe.

He seemed not to hear Lu Su's words, completely absorbed in thought.

He stood there for a long time, motionless, his gaze deep, occasionally flashing with a bright light.

Lu Su smiled and obediently shut his mouth, quietly keeping him company. The two had known each other for many years and still had a great understanding.

Suddenly, Zhou Yu's eyes lit up and a smile appeared on his face. "Zijing, you've reminded me. As far as I know, the emperor holds an annual meeting every year. It seems that it was interrupted once before, but now that His Majesty has returned to Xuchang, it is obvious that it will be held again this year."

Lu Su nodded. "That's right. Last year, the annual meeting was interrupted because Cao Cao forcibly led his troops into Jingzhou and forced Liu Bei to leave. It's no wonder. With such an incident, the court lost face, and the emperor was furious. How could he have the mind to hold the annual meeting?"

"Gongjin, has something come to mind?"

Zhou Yu nodded. "Currently, Cao Cao and the Emperor are at loggerheads. Even if they don't fight, it will be difficult to resolve the conflict in the short term. So, do you think Cao Cao will attend this year's annual meeting?"

Lu Su shook his head. "Probably not."

Zhou Yu decisively said, "Not only will it not happen, but the annual meeting will be held when Cao Cao is in the worst mood, and at that time, the defense of Jingzhou will be at its most lax. I will personally lead the troops to launch a surprise attack on Jiangling and catch him off guard!"

Zhou Yu was bold and decisive, and always had unexpected strategies.

Lu Su nodded. "What you say can indeed have a surprise effect. However, Jiangling is an important city in Jingxiang and a gateway to defend against us. If we launch a rash attack, it may not be easy to take it."

After all, it was a siege, so Lu Su was not very optimistic.

Zhou Yu smiled and said, "It's almost the end of the year, so there will be more merchants and travelers coming and going."

He blurted out those words out of nowhere, and Lu Su, being no fool, quickly understood: "Gongjin, are you planning to use this opportunity to send someone to infiltrate Jiangling beforehand?"

Zhou Yu smiled without saying a word, his wise eyes gleaming with unparalleled confidence!
...Xiangyang!

On this day, Guo Jia accompanied Cao Cao for a walk in the city. Unbeknownst to them, Cao Cao found himself inexplicably at the small courtyard where Lady Cai used to live.

"My lord, there are some thoughts you should abandon," Guo Jia reminded him with a smile.

The two had known each other for many years, and Guo Jia knew Cao Cao's temperament and character all too well.

His possessiveness towards women was far too strong. If he couldn't have one, he would find a way to get it, but once he did, Cao Cao would quickly tire of it. After all, he valued his career more, and women were merely a pastime for him to relax and unwind.

Cao Cao nodded and laughed self-deprecatingly, "Actually, I can probably understand why His Majesty took Lady Cai away from Xiangyang."

Guo Jia rolled his eyes. "Isn't that all because of you, my lord?"

Guo Jia has made it quite clear: the emperor is afraid that Cao Cao will covet her, harass her, and might even be tempted to use his power to force something between him and Lady Cai.

Therefore, it was too unsafe for Madam Cai to stay in Xiangyang, so she was quickly taken away.

Cao Cao laughed heartily, “Not only does Fengxiao understand me, but Your Majesty also understands me very well.”

Reluctantly glancing into the courtyard one last time, Cao Cao took a deep breath, as if the air still held Lady Cai's fragrance.

"Let's go."

After walking for a while, Cao Cao got to the point, "When do you think Zhou Yu will launch an attack on Jiangling?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "Of course, it was the most unexpected moment for us."

Cao Cao corrected him, "You shouldn't be included in this 'us' group."

Guo Jia skillfully took out the Five-Stone Powder and proudly waved his hand, "This was sent by His Majesty."

Guo Jia did not rush to answer Cao Cao's question directly, but instead said to the small bottle of Five-Stone Powder, "Actually, from the very beginning, I knew that I would die because of this."

Cao Cao snorted, "How many times have I reminded you? This stuff is no good for you. You should quit as soon as possible."

Guo Jia shook his head. "My lord, that's not what I meant. I mean, I am your most trusted strategist. If His Majesty wants to kill me, this is the best way to get rid of me."

Cao Cao understood. Guo Jia meant that if the emperor wanted to kill him, he would definitely poison him with Five-Stone Powder, since Guo Jia's Five-Stone Powder was basically sent by the emperor. This was the simplest and easiest way to harm him.

Cao Cao hurriedly advised, "Fengxiao, you are overthinking it. His Majesty and I are safe and sound. Why would he harm you?"

Guo Jia nodded and said with some emotion, "Actually, I know that His Majesty has always been reluctant to do it. In fact, I have been waiting and waiting. I thought I would die before Cheng Yu and Man Chong."

Cao Cao's face darkened, somewhat angry. "Stop thinking nonsense. Stop right now. Nobody wants to kill you. His Majesty can't bear to, and I can't bear to either."

Guo Jia was deeply moved to see Cao Cao getting impatient. He nodded, then turned his gaze towards Jiangling and said confidently, "As expected, Zhou Yu will make his move by the end of the year!"

"However, His Majesty has already said that Liu Bei is a member of the court, so let's not get rid of Zhou Yu yet. Instead, let's play the long game and catch a big fish."

A showdown between masters is something to look forward to.

However, Liu Xie still preferred to delegate power completely to Cao Cao and Guo Jia. As the end of the year approached, Xuchang became lively. Chen Qun, Zhong Yao, Zhang He and others returned to Xuchang one after another, and Zhang Liao also reported a series of victories. Liu Xie was very happy.

Taking some time, he brought gifts and came to the Cao residence with Cao Ying. As soon as Cao Chong, Cao Zhi and the others saw him, they all gathered around.

Some clamored for toys, some wanted candy, and others tugged at Liu Xie's clothes, begging him to tell them a story.

Cao Jie was already nine years old, a pretty and adorable girl. She wasn't shy around Liu Xie at all and insisted on listening to "Dream of the Red Chamber."

"Alright, let's listen to Dream of the Red Chamber."

After distributing the gifts he had brought, Liu Xie gathered the children around him and tried to keep them as close as possible.

Then she cleared her throat and began to speak. As always, Madam Bian was very considerate and generous, and had tea and snacks prepared. Her face was full of smiles.

Liu Xie didn't care whether her smile was genuine or not; as long as Cao Cao didn't want to fight anymore, nothing else mattered.

Lady Bian still doesn't know the truth. She has heard that the imperial court has begun to gather troops in Xudu, and she is very worried and angry.

But with so many people in the Cao family, and so many gossips, Liu Xie couldn't very well tell her the truth. (End of Chapter)