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

The smoke of battle gradually dissipated over Yangping Pass, and the banners of the Han army fluttered high on the city walls.

The heroic performances of generals such as Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, Ma Xiu, and Ma Tie were key to the victory in this battle. Their names will forever be etched in the glorious history of the Han army.

Yangping Pass was a scene of devastation after the battle. But the faces of the Han soldiers were filled with the joy of victory. They had won this hard-won victory with their blood and lives.

Then Guan Yu brought Zhang Wei to Liu Xie's presence. Guan Yu threw him to the ground. Looking at Zhang Wei, he was terrified, his face ashen and cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

He desperately prostrated himself on the ground, kowtowing to Liu Xie and begging for mercy, "Your Majesty, please don't kill me, I know I'm guilty."

"Confess your guilt? Zhang Wei, don't you think it's too late? If you had faced death with composure, I might have admired your courage. I never imagined you would be such a coward who clings to life."

Liu Xie shook his head in disappointment, then drew his Qinggang sword and, without any hesitation, beheaded Zhang Wei with a single stroke.

After capturing Yangping Pass, Liu Xie immediately ordered that, on the one hand, the prisoners of war be comforted, and on the other hand, the wounded soldiers in the battle be rescued immediately.

The smoke of the great victory at Yangping Pass had just cleared, leaving the battlefield devastated. The groans and cries of the wounded mingled together, a heartbreaking sight.

Before the joy of victory had even faded, Liu Xie immediately led everyone to the rescue of wounded soldiers.

Liu Xie looked solemn and anxious as he moved between the makeshift tents.

He personally directed the rescue team, systematically arranging the treatment work. "We must do everything in our power to save every wounded soldier!" His voice was firm and full of strength.

Inside a tent, a young soldier lay on a makeshift stretcher, his wounds so deep that the bone was almost visible, and blood stained the straw mat beneath him.

Liu Xie quickly walked to his side, his eyes filled with concern and worry. He gently held the soldier's trembling hand and comforted him, "Don't be afraid, the battle is over, everything will be alright."

Lin Tong led the rescue team in a tense but busy effort, with Liu Xie also participating. His earnestness and focus were truly moving. He personally treated the wounds of the seriously injured soldiers, without the slightest hint of disgust or annoyance in his eyes.

In another corner, a seriously wounded veteran lay unconscious from the pain. Liu Xie's eyes were filled with tenderness, as if the injured veteran were his own family member.

"You must hold on." Liu Xie's gentle voice was full of deep affection and inspiring power.

Liu Xie's actions inspired many people. So many years have passed, and many have even forgotten that Liu Xie did the same thing in his early years, and he has never changed.

He remained as approachable as ever, genuinely caring for every soldier at the grassroots level. Many soldiers had tears of emotion welling up in their eyes.

Who wouldn't be moved by the fact that a high and mighty emperor would be so close to them and care about their lives?

A soldier with minor injuries struggled to get up and salute, but Liu Xie quickly pressed him down and said, "Don't move, you must take good care of your injuries."

The soldier choked up and said, "Your Majesty, I have no regrets about dying for you and the Han Dynasty."

Liu Xie shook his head and said solemnly, "Every life deserves respect, and you should all live well."

Under Liu Xie's leadership, the entire rescue operation proceeded in a tense but orderly manner. More and more soldiers received timely treatment, their pain was alleviated, and their hearts were filled with hope.

Dian Man was also seriously injured, and Liu Xie personally removed the arrow and carefully treated his wound.

As night fell, Liu Xie still didn't rest. If the emperor was working so hard, Lin Tong and the other members of the rescue team naturally worked even harder; no one dared to slack off.

After several days of effort, the conditions of most of the wounded soldiers were brought under control. Liu Xie finally breathed a sigh of relief, but he did not stop caring for the soldiers.

On one occasion, he earnestly addressed his soldiers, saying, “In this Battle of Yangping Pass, you soldiers were brave and fearless, making outstanding contributions to the Han Dynasty. War is cruel, and pain and death are inevitable. But every life is precious, regardless of birth or achievement, and deserves respect and cherishing. I promise you that the Han Dynasty will not forget your contributions, nor will I forget your contributions.”

Liu Xie was a time traveler, and deep down, he didn't care about social status or wealth. He respected everyone and every life!
Even enemies are treated with the same respect, so when killing Zhang Wei, Liu Xie swiftly and decisively struck with his sword, not letting him suffer too much.

Decisively killing the enemy is also a form of respect, at least that's what Liu Xie thought.

Yangping Pass, once considered an impregnable fortress, has now fallen to the fierce attack of the Han army. News of the defeat spread like wildfire throughout Zhang Lu's territory.

Zhang Lu sat in the main hall, his face grim. When he learned of the devastating news of his younger brother Zhang Wei's murder, it was as if he had been struck by lightning, and he was instantly gripped by extreme terror. His eyes widened, unable to believe this cruel reality.

"How could this be? My brother has died in battle..."

Zhang Lu muttered to himself, his voice trembling, and his body began to shudder involuntarily.

He had no time to grieve and reminisce about his brotherhood. Zhang Wei was dead, that was an indisputable fact. Zhang Lu's biggest worry was his own situation.

His gaze became vacant, his thoughts a jumbled mess. The surrounding officials were also in a state of panic, chattering amongst themselves about the situation. But Zhang Lu was deaf to everything they were saying; his heart was consumed by fear and despair.

"My lord, the Han army is advancing with unstoppable momentum. What should we do?" a general asked anxiously.

Zhang Lu came to his senses, his eyes filled with panic. He stammered, "This...this..." but couldn't come up with an effective solution for a long time.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense; everyone could feel the overwhelming pressure that threatened to crush everything. Looking at the anxious faces, Zhang Lu knew in his heart that the tide had turned, it was over, everything was finished!
"Leave Nanzheng immediately!" Zhang Lu suddenly stood up and shouted.

Without further hesitation, he hurriedly packed his things and led a group of people in a disheveled escape from Nanzheng.

Along the way, the wind howled and the grass seemed like a potential enemy. Zhang Lu kept looking back, as if the Han army's pursuers could appear behind him at any moment.

They traveled day and night, daring not to rest for a moment. Zhang Lu's face was haggard, and his eyes were bloodshot. He no longer cared about his appearance; he had only one thought in his mind—to escape to Bazhong as soon as possible and seek a chance to catch his breath.

The soldiers were exhausted and demoralized. But urged on by Zhang Lu, they could only muster their spirits and continue their journey.

Finally, Zhang Lu and his group arrived in Bazhong. He collapsed to the ground with a huge sigh of relief, panting heavily. However, the fear in his heart had not dissipated.

By this time, Zhang Lu had long lost his former prestige and confidence. He knew that his power had suffered a severe blow, and his future was full of unknowns and uncertainties.

He had no time to think further and could only hide in Bazhong to try to devise a new strategy.

Zhang Lu thought he had done a brilliant thing by finding a place to hide and avoid trouble. However, no sooner had he hidden himself in the mountains than Zhang Ren arrived with his army.

Since this was Yizhou territory, Zhang Ren was ordered to cooperate with the emperor in sending troops, and Zhang Lu's movements could not be kept secret from him.

After Zhang Ren arrived, he easily defeated the remnants of Zhang Lu's army, captured Zhang Lu alive, and escorted him to Nanzheng. After Liu Xie successfully occupied Hanzhong, the tense situation eased slightly, but a strange atmosphere permeated the city.

In the streets and alleys of the city, people gathered, whispering among themselves, their expressions revealing anxiety and unease.

It turned out that they were actually pleading for Zhang Lu. Zhang Lu had been governing Hanzhong for many years, and his gentle and people-friendly methods made Hanzhong a peaceful haven in this chaotic world.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, he was somewhat gratified by the swift capture of Hanzhong, a strategically important location; on the other hand, the people's support for Zhang Lu made him ponder deeply.

In the bustling city, an elderly man with white hair, his eyes filled with deep affection, recounted Zhang Lu's achievements to the people around him.

"When Zhang Tianshi was alive, taxes and levies were light, allowing us to live and work in peace. In years of famine, he opened granaries to distribute grain and help the people. He also established many schools so that children could have books to read." The old man's voice trembled, filled with nostalgia for the past.

A young farmer joined the discussion, saying, "Master Zhang encouraged farming and taught us advanced planting techniques, which resulted in bumper harvests in Hanzhong every year. We have never worried about food and clothing." His simple face was filled with gratitude for Zhang Lu.

Some people also said, "There is no torture in Hanzhong, and people will not starve to death. There is also free food by the roadside, and if you make a mistake, you can atone for it through labor."

People would occasionally report what they had heard to Liu Xie, but Liu Xie remained silent for a long time after hearing these reports.

He deeply understood the principle that those who win the hearts of the people win the world, and he also realized that Zhang Lu's position in the hearts of the people of Hanzhong was deeply rooted.

Zhang Lu ruled Hanzhong for decades by relying on Taoism, and he was indeed exceptional in winning people's hearts.

Furthermore, after entering the city, the treasury and granary were all sealed and intact, which earned Liu Xie a lot of goodwill.

After Zhang Lu was escorted back to Nanzheng, the people's petitions reached their peak, with people taking to the streets and gathering at the prefectural government office where Liu Xie was located.

"Release Zhang Tianshi, Zhang Tianshi is innocent."

"We want to see His Majesty, and we must release the Celestial Master."

In no time, the area in front of the prefect's mansion was packed with people. Ma Xiu, Ma Tie, and others tried to persuade and stop them, but the crowd kept growing, like a tidal wave, and they could hardly hold them back.

Someone came in to report, "Your Majesty, there are too many people. They're coming in quickly."

Liu Xie remained expressionless, his gaze fixed on Zhang Lu kneeling on the ground. "Master Zhang, you are so imposing! Even I cannot compare to you. In your opinion, how should this matter be resolved?"

Zhang Lu shook his head, "This humble subject does not know."

Although he was brought back, Zhang Lu still felt confident because so many people were petitioning on his behalf.

Zhuge Liang was somewhat worried and advised, "Your Majesty, the will of the people cannot be defied. I think it would be better to step in and appease them first."

Liu Xie nodded, but Zhuge Liang returned not long after he left.

He kept shaking his head and sighing, "I couldn't persuade them at all; they insisted on releasing Zhang Lu."

Fa Zheng scrutinized Zhang Lu for a few moments, then stepped over to Liu Xie's side and whispered a few words.

Liu Xie immediately stood up and personally helped Zhang Lu up from the ground. "Come, come, since so many people are pleading for you, it's clear that you have made great contributions in Hanzhong over the years. Let's go together to see the people."

As he spoke, a smile appeared on Liu Xie's face. He took Zhang Lu's arm and pulled him along, and the two walked side by side toward the door.

Upon seeing Zhang Lu, most people ignored Liu Xie and excitedly shouted, "The Celestial Master is here! The Celestial Master has come out!"

Ma Xiu and Ma Tie desperately tried to stop everyone, while Zhao Yun stayed close to Liu Xie to prevent any unexpected situations from arising.

The crowd surged, with people jostling to get closer. Liu Xie could clearly see the flow of people rising and falling like a surging tide, a truly magnificent sight.

Zhang Lu was very pleased with himself; this scene gave him even more confidence.

He became increasingly convinced that the emperor could not possibly kill him; otherwise, the people of Hanzhong would never have agreed to it.

Liu Xie stretched out his hands, made a downward pressing gesture, and shouted, "Everyone, please be quiet and listen to me."

Liu Xie did not refer to himself as "朕" (zhen, the imperial "I"), but instead used the more approachable "我" (wo, the "I").

Liu Xie knew that when dealing with ordinary people, one must never put on airs.

Unfortunately, many powerful and influential people simply don't pay attention to this.

The crowd gradually quieted down, and someone recognized the emperor and shouted.

"Your Majesty, I beg you, release the Celestial Master! He is not only innocent, but has actually rendered meritorious service."

"That's right, the Celestial Master is innocent. He is very good to us common people. He often prays for us and distributes talisman water to us."

Upon hearing "talisman water," no one noticed that the muscles on Liu Xie's face twitched slightly.

This is exactly the same tactic Zhang Jiao used back then; it's all about bewitching people.

Liu Xie said, "Listen to me, everyone. I have no intention of killing him or punishing him. It was Zhang Lu who had some concerns and left Nanzheng for Bazhong. Now, I have sent someone to invite him back."

Zhang Ren pushed Zhang Lu forward, and Liu Xie asked him with a smile, "Minister Zhang, in front of everyone, tell me, was it I who sent someone to invite you back?"

At this moment, Liu Xie's expression was as friendly as could be, with a smile on his face, and even his voice sounded like a gentle breeze.

But in reality, the anger in his heart was constantly gathering and rising!

Zhang Lu hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement with Liu Xie, "That's right, His Majesty sent people to bring me back."

He had to say that Zhang Lu was not stupid at all.

Regardless, one's life and death are in the emperor's hands; one must be pragmatic. (End of Chapter)