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

Beside Guo Jia's body was a letter addressed to His Majesty.

Liu Xie unfolded the letter and said: "Your Majesty, in fact, when we first met, I had already guessed that if Your Majesty wanted me dead, it would be by poisoning me with Five-Stone Powder. This is the best way!"

Over the years, I have never refused the Five-Stone Powder that His Majesty has given me. I have always thought that perhaps one day, poison will be added to the medicine.

Cheng Yu, Man Chong, and Cao Chun are all dead. I've always felt that I would also die at Your Majesty's hands, because I was a very important strategist by Cao Cao's side. However, after waiting for so many years, I still haven't received the poison Your Majesty bestowed.

The reason I chose to end my life in this way is because I felt that only in this way could I remember every moment I spent with Your Majesty. If you weren't the emperor, we could definitely have become great friends! Definitely!
My death will surely sadden Cao Cao greatly; Your Majesty must be understanding of Cao Cao's situation.

In addition, I have already chosen a name for my child, Guo Yi. I hope Your Majesty will take good care of him in the future so that he can grow up healthy. Even if he just lives as an ordinary person, I would be happy with that. When he grows up, I would like to trouble Your Majesty to bestow a courtesy name upon him.

I have long been prepared to die. Your Majesty, please do not blame anyone. This matter has little to do with Pang Tong.

If Your Majesty punishes Pang Tong, I will find it difficult to feel at ease. I also hope that Your Majesty can persuade Cao Cao not to take his anger out on anyone! This is my own choice!
Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, and Cao Zhen are all capable generals, strong enough to lead an army independently. Since Your Majesty has already established a harmonious relationship with Cao Cao, you should give them important positions.

Your Majesty has great ambitions, and I believe that the Han Dynasty will eventually stand at the pinnacle of the world, just as Your Majesty wishes. It is a pity that I will not be able to witness that day, but I have no doubt about it.

Finally, I would like to make one last request: Cao Cao must be allowed to die a peaceful death. Everything Your Majesty has achieved today was gained by standing on Cao Cao's shoulders.

Jizhou, Youzhou, Xuzhou... Jingzhou... Your Majesty has easily taken over these places, but they were all painstakingly conquered by Cao Cao.

Your Majesty is known to be compassionate and righteous, with a heart as vast as the sea, but I must still remind you that treating Cao Cao well will do you no harm!

In the Lingyan Pavilion, Cao Cao is listed first. I believe Your Majesty will not mistreat Cao Cao.

I wonder how Your Majesty will evaluate someone like me after I die? As for the Lingyan Pavilion, I dare not hope that there will be a place for me there.

Your Majesty, take care. May the Han Dynasty enjoy boundless blessings!
Guo Jia wept and bowed in reverence!

After reading it, Liu Xie remained silent for a long time, unable to calm down.

Who wouldn't like Guo Jia, a man like that?
Even though he was once his enemy, Liu Xie no longer harbored any hatred towards him at some point!
Pang Tong arrived rather late today because he is always unrestrained and had drunk himself into a stupor last night, so he slept very soundly.

Upon waking up and hearing that Guo Jia was dead, Pang Tong rushed over. He couldn't believe it was true, and when he saw Guo Jia's body with his own eyes, Pang Tong was completely stunned.

He stared blankly at Guo Jia. When Cao Cao noticed Pang Tong, he glared at him fiercely, his eyes filled with murderous intent. "Pang Tong, are you happy now?"

Cao Ren strode over in one stride, drew his sword with a clang, and shouted angrily, "You gossipy bastard, I'll kill you!"

That's Cao Ren, Cao Cao's staunch supporter. He would go through fire and water without batting an eye if Cao Cao gave the order.

Pang Tong was startled and had no time to dodge before Cao Ren grabbed him.

"stop!"

Liu Xie shouted to Cao Ren, rebuking him, "This matter has nothing to do with anyone else. This was Fengxiao's own choice. Don't let Fengxiao's death bring shame upon you!"

Cao Cao glared at Cao Ren, "Zixiao, you mustn't be rash!"

Cao Ren shoved Pang Tong angrily. The force was so great that Pang Tong's thin body staggered back a few steps and fell to the ground.

Liu Xie sighed, "Fengxiao's intentions are good, and I hope you can all understand that you should never again make unfounded criticisms or suspicions. If I hear such things, I will not let you off lightly!"

Although Liu Xie didn't say much, everyone could tell that the emperor was very angry.

Pang Tong sighed. Guo Jia's actions deeply shocked him. He couldn't believe that Guo Jia would end his life in such a way. Such a top-notch figure was willing to die for Cao Cao.

This time, Pang Tong was completely convinced of Guo Jia's abilities.

Zhuge Liang nodded secretly. Guo Jia's death had affected many people. Although he died young and it was a pity, the effect of his actions was immeasurable.

It is said that Cao Cao was arrogant and domineering, bullied the emperor, killed and massacred cities, and murdered many famous scholars, yet so many people were still willing to die for Cao Cao.

This made Zhuge Liang deeply sigh that it was Cao Cao's good fortune to have a strategist like Guo Jia by his side, and similarly, it was Guo Jia's good fortune to meet Cao Cao!
Guo Jia not only met his mentor but also gained a kindred spirit!

Zhuge Liang looked at Pang Tong and couldn't help but sigh. The reason why Pang Tong acted so extremely was because he was jealous of others. For so many years, he had never met someone who truly appreciated him.

Thinking this way, Zhuge Liang actually felt sorry for Pang Tong.

Liu Xie stepped forward to Cao Cao and handed him Guo Jia's letter.

Cao Cao then stopped his grief. He held the letter in his hand with trembling hands, and as he read it, tears once again streamed down his face.

At this moment, Cao Cao was deeply moved. Guo Jia had truly gone to great lengths for him, arranging the entire letter perfectly and repeatedly urging the emperor to treat Cao Cao well.

"Prime Minister, let's not fail Fengxiao's kindness!"

As Liu Xie spoke, he extended his right hand toward Cao Cao. Cao Cao glanced at Liu Xie, nodded, and also extended his right hand.

At this moment, the two most influential people in the Han Dynasty, the Emperor and the Prime Minister, clasped hands tightly together.

This scene attracted the attention of many. Liu Xie looked at Guo Jia lying on the bed and silently said in his heart, "Fengxiao, go in peace. I promise you, I will treat Cao Cao well!"

Then, Liu Xie took Cao Cao's hand and turned to the others, saying, "If it weren't for the Prime Minister, who knows how many people would have claimed the title of emperor or king? The Han Dynasty we have today did not come easily. I hope you all understand that none of you can compare to the Prime Minister's contributions!"

"When I fled Luoyang, I endured immense hardship and bitterness on my escape. There were countless lords in the land, but only the Prime Minister went to Luoyang to welcome me. Half of the territory of the Han Dynasty was pacified with the help of the Prime Minister. This is an indisputable fact."

As for Cao Cao's previous wielding of power and his arrogance, Liu Xie didn't mention it at all, as there was no need to bring up those unpleasant things now.

Rubbing salt into the wound is pointless. Liu Xie's words in public deeply moved Cao Cao and also made others realize that they should no longer speak carelessly about such things.

Constantly bringing up Cao Cao's past is just stirring up trouble.
Guo Jia's death made Pang Tong realize that he had made a mistake. He both admired and envied Guo Jia.

Because Guo Jia had met someone he was willing to follow with his life: Cao Cao!
Cao Cao personally handled Guo Jia's funeral arrangements, giving his close friend and confidant a grand burial. On the day of the funeral, the banks of the Wulin River were packed with people who came to bid farewell to Guo Jia.

Liu Xie wisely handed over the entire responsibility of presiding over the funeral to Cao Cao.

Because Cao Cao was Guo Jia's lord, Liu Xie could only be envious of this.

Cao Cao stood before the coffin, tears glistening in his eyes, his voice choked yet resolute as he offered a memorial prayer: "My Fengxiao, Heaven is jealous of your talent! We fought side by side, working together to build a great cause, but I never imagined that today I would have to part with you forever. Your ingenious strategies helped me defeat countless enemies; I am by nature suspicious, but I have never doubted your sincere loyalty."

"May you rest in peace in the afterlife. I will forever remember everything you did for me and will live up to your expectations!"

Everyone present was deeply moved by Cao Cao's heartfelt words, and many shed tears. Guo Jia, this wise man of a chaotic era, finally rests on the banks of the Wulin River; his illustrious name and achievements are destined to be forever recorded in history!
On the other side of the river, Lü Meng was completely bewildered. He had also learned of Guo Jia's death, but Lü Meng could never have imagined that Guo Jia had voluntarily sought death.

At the same time, Mi Heng, who was sent on a mission to Jiangdong, also arrived in Chaisang.

Sun Quan was discussing matters with someone when he heard that Mi Heng had arrived. Sun Quan sneered, "Let him in. I want to see what he's here for."

Mi Heng strode confidently into the main hall, head held high and without fear.

Mi Heng was upright and righteous, with piercing eyes and no fear. He strode confidently toward Sun Quan.

All the officials were stunned by his sudden action, and for a moment the hall was completely silent.

Sun Quan sat there quietly, coldly watching Mi Heng. He wanted to see what Mi Heng would do and say.

After Mi Heng stood still, he glanced coldly at Sun Quan without bowing or greeting him.

Mi Heng turned to look at Zhang Hong and Yu Fan, and said in a loud voice, "Sun Quan, with his army on his own, has seized Jiangdong and is attempting to establish himself as emperor. This is utterly rebellious! The Emperor is wise and has specially ordered me to come here to announce the removal of Sun Quan's official position and title! Such a rebellious person should reflect on his mistakes!" Mi Heng's words were resounding and echoed in the hall.

After Mi Heng finished speaking, the entire hall fell completely silent, deathly still.

Everyone was stunned. Sun Quan had been dismissed and completely demoted.

Without his official position and title, Sun Quan has now become an ordinary commoner.

Sun Quan's face was gloomy, and his suppressed anger was rising in his heart. The ministers looked at each other, not knowing what to do. The whole hall fell into a tense silence.

Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the world has been in turmoil, with many warlords successively ruling their own territories, but never has a warlord been dismissed from his official post and title by the imperial court.

Because everyone tacitly understands that if war is to be fought, then war will be fought, and everything will be decided by strength. No one will be removed from their official position so easily.

Even when Cao Cao was in charge, he never did this.

But now, Liu Xie no longer indulges Sun Quan.

Mi Heng glanced at Sun Quan and urged, "What are you still doing here? You are now a commoner. This is His Majesty's decree. Effective immediately, Zhang Hong is hereby appointed Governor of Yangzhou and Marquis of Wu!"

In an instant, all eyes were on Zhang Hong. After Zhang Zhao's death, Zhang Hong succeeded him, and now that Zhou Yu was also dead, it could be said that Zhang Hong had risen to become the undisputed number two figure in the entire Jiangdong region.

Zhang Hong was both surprised and embarrassed, feeling an indescribable discomfort all over his body. The gazes directed at him felt like knives piercing his entire being.

Sun Quan was furious and about to explode, but Mi Heng didn't care at all. He spoke passionately to the crowd: "All the land under heaven belongs to the king, and all the people on the shores of the land are the king's subjects. In fact, you all understand that Jiangdong belongs to the court and the Han Dynasty. There is only one master here, and that is His Majesty."

With a clang, Sun Quan stood up angrily, drew his sword, glared at Mi Heng, and coldly questioned, "Mi Heng, if you dare to spout nonsense again, I will kill you immediately."

The atmosphere in the main hall was heavy and oppressive; everyone was stunned.

Everyone admired Mi Heng's courage, but was also worried about Sun Quan's rage.

Sun Quan had already killed Wang Kui, so people couldn't help but wonder if he was determined to maintain his separatist rule and go down a dead-end path.

Mi Heng stood solemnly in the hall, head held high. His gaze was sharp, and his voice was impassioned as he spoke on behalf of the court, denouncing Sun Quan: "Sun Quan, you hold military power and control Jiangdong, ignoring the court and His Majesty. This is an act of disloyalty and injustice! You, a traitor, are a scourge to the country and a source of suffering for the people! You will only become a stumbling block to the stability of the world."

Sun Quan was furious, his face ashen, and his eyes burning with rage. He slammed his fist on the table and roared, "How dare you, Mi Heng, speak so disrespectfully! Do you think I wouldn't dare to kill you?"

Gu Yong hurriedly advised, "My lord, please calm down. Do not act rashly. Killing Mi Heng would be inappropriate."

Yu Fan and others also tried to dissuade him, but Sun Quan was blinded by rage and completely ignored the objections of his ministers. He gritted his teeth and shouted, "How dare this man be so insolent! Killing him is the only way to quell my hatred!"

Mi Heng showed no fear and sneered, "If I were afraid of death, I wouldn't have come to Jiangdong. If you kill me, you will be confirmed as a traitor to the Han, and the civil and military officials of Jiangdong will be able to see your true colors even more clearly. Come on, my head is right here."

As Mi Heng spoke, he took a step forward, deliberately exposing his neck to Sun Quan.

Gu Yong shouted again, "My lord, no!"

But Sun Quan was already enraged. With a flash of cold light, he beheaded Mi Heng with a single sword stroke.

For a moment, a tense and sorrowful atmosphere filled the imperial court, and everyone stared wide-eyed.

Completely suffocated, Sun Quan was also somewhat dazed after killing the people. He looked at everyone, and they all stared at him blankly, as if they were looking at a monster.

At this moment, Sun Quan seemed so unfamiliar and so terrifying to everyone. (End of Chapter)