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

Zhu Rong sneered and thrust the dagger forward a little more forcefully. Meng Huo's powerful body staggered back several steps, the immense pain making him unable to stand. Blood streamed down his chest. He asked again, "Who is it?"

Zhu Rong saw the deep resentment in Meng Huo's eyes, and smiled charmingly, "It is His Majesty the present, he is my man!"

"You...you...he..."

Meng Huo's eyes widened as his body slowly collapsed amidst the chaos and bloodshed.

He simply couldn't understand how his woman, who was clearly his own, had suddenly become someone else, especially since she was the emperor who had come to attack him.

Unfortunately, Meng Huo never understood this until his death.

After Meng Huo was killed, Ma Xiu couldn't help but sigh, "I thought only the women of Xiliang were capable, but I didn't expect the women of Nanzhong to be so decisive as well."

When a woman kills a man, especially one who almost became her husband, Matthew suddenly realizes that Zhu Rong is no ordinary woman.

With Meng Huo killed, the rebel army was leaderless and their morale collapsed even further. Guan Yu and his men swept through the enemy like a whirlwind, continuing to expand their gains. The enemy either surrendered or died, and could no longer form an effective defense.

The situation was completely under the control of the Han army. After Liu Xie entered the city, only a few sporadic battles remained. One after another, rebel prisoners of war were tied up and taken outside the city to await their fate.

Guan Yu quickly spotted Yong Kai, who was trying to escape under the protection of a group of people. Guan Yu's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he spurred his horse and charged towards Yong Kai.

Guan Yu's gaze was fixed on Yong Kai.

Yong Kai turned pale with fright, his eyes filled with terror. Knowing Guan Yu's formidable reputation, he frantically urged his soldiers to block Guan Yu.

"Stop him! Stop Guan Yu!" Yong Kai roared hoarsely, his voice trembling with despair.

The soldiers, steeling themselves, tried to stop Guan Yu. However, Guan Yu charged forward relentlessly, unstoppable. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand gleamed with a chilling light, as if thirsting for the blood of his enemies.

Guan Yu's eyes widened in fury, and he roared, "Those who block my way shall die!" His voice was like a thunderclap, exploding across the battlefield and making the enemy soldiers tremble.

The enemy soldiers who charged forward first were instantly cut down from their horses by Guan Yu's wielding broadsword before they even got close. Blood splattered everywhere, and the scene was extremely frightening. Under Yong Kai's coercion, the soldiers behind them had no choice but to continue to advance wave after wave.

Guan Yu wore a disdainful expression as his Green Dragon Crescent Blade flashed up and down. Each swing carried an unshakeable force, unleashing a storm of blood and gore, making their resistance seem utterly futile.

Yong Kai watched in terror from the rear, constantly retreating and urging more soldiers to advance.

"Quick! Stop him!" His voice grew increasingly shrill, filled with fear.

However, Guan Yu's bravery was unstoppable. Wherever he went, enemy soldiers fell one after another, forming a bloody path.

Guan Yu's roar echoed through the sky: "Yong Kai, today is your death day!"

Yong Kai's face grew even paler, and his body trembled uncontrollably. He tried to turn and run away, but his legs felt as heavy as lead.

Finally, Guan Yu broke through all obstacles and arrived before Yong Kai. Yong Kai desperately raised his sword, attempting a final struggle.

Guan Yu sneered and swung his Green Dragon Crescent Blade fiercely. A scream rang out as Yong Kai's sword was knocked away, and his arm fell to the ground.

Before Yong Kai could react, Guan Yu struck again. With a flash of his blade, Yong Kai's head flew off instantly. His wide eyes were filled with fear and resentment.

Guan Yu beheaded Yong Kai, held his head high, and shouted, "The bandit leader has been eliminated! Those who surrender will not be killed!" Seeing that their leader was dead, the enemy soldiers dropped their weapons and knelt down to surrender.

…………

In a corner of Luoyang, it was already dark, but a busy figure could still be seen in the vegetable garden of a small courtyard.

Liu Bei, wearing a straw hat, bent over, and holding a hoe, was working diligently in the vegetable garden. His clothes were soaked with sweat, and his face was covered in mud, making him look no different from an ordinary farmer.

Once, Liu Bei fought alongside Guan Yu and Zhang Fei on the battlefield. Now, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are actively fighting for the emperor, displaying their prowess and gaining widespread fame. Liu Bei, however, is left in Luoyang, busy every day growing vegetables.

To be honest, we're not short of money. If we want to buy fresh vegetables, there are plenty at the market.

Initially, Liu Bei was extremely reluctant to grow vegetables. He was still thinking about making great achievements, how could he be willing to waste his time in this vegetable garden?
However, he is well aware that he has made many mistakes in the past, which have led to his current predicament.

Liu Xie wanted Liu Bei to treat growing vegetables as a form of spiritual practice and a way of repentance.

Liu Bei sighed, hoeing the earth even harder. He knew he had to atone for his mistakes and repent for his sins by growing vegetables. This vegetable garden became his place of reflection and redemption.

He carefully turned the soil, sowed the seeds, watered, and fertilized, every movement filled with focus and seriousness. He was no longer the warlord commanding thousands of troops, but an ordinary farmer, caring for each seedling with his heart.

Although he had a beautiful woman like Lady Cai by his side, a woman that other men dreamed of having, Liu Bei did not feel very lucky. They rarely shared a room, and even when they were together, Liu Bei's masculinity was somewhat suppressed.

Liu Bei was serious about growing vegetables!
Liu Xie did not want to send Liu Bei away; he wanted him to stay in Luoyang and live a peaceful life.

To govern the country, he had people like Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Lu Xun, and Chen Gong.

If we need to fight a war, we have people like Lü Bu and Guan Yu.

As Prince Chen grew older, Liu Xie planned to have Liu Bei succeed him as the head of the Imperial Clan in a few years.

Furthermore, with Liu Bei in Luoyang and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei remaining by Liu Xie's side, Liu Xie could better utilize their abilities and it would be easier to build a closer relationship with them. After quelling the rebellion in the south, Liu Xie fell into deep thought. He knew that this victory was hard-won and understood that the special circumstances of the south required special treatment. Therefore, he summoned several trusted advisors to discuss policies for governing the south.

Liu Xie looked at Fa Zheng, Zhuge Liang, and the others, and slowly said, "My dear ministers, the rebellion in the south has now been quelled, but the subsequent governance is a crucial issue. I have an idea; let's discuss it."

Now no one dares to underestimate the emperor. An emperor who can subdue Cao Cao, Sun Quan, and Liu Bei must have extraordinary abilities and methods.

Everyone listened quietly. Liu Xie said, "The Nanzhong region has many ethnic minorities and a complex situation. If we can let the people of Nanzhong participate in governance, it may be twice as effective with half the effort. My idea is that Nanzhong can maintain a certain degree of autonomy and let them manage their internal affairs themselves. However, military power must be firmly controlled by the court. Nanzhong must never be allowed to have its own army to prevent further unrest."

The idea of ​​autonomy silenced everyone; it was far too advanced for its time. Zhuge Liang raised concerns: "Your Majesty, how can we ensure that the Nanzhong region truly follows the court's orders? And how can we balance autonomy with court control?"

After a moment's thought, Liu Xie replied, "I will send people familiar with the customs of the South to lead troops to garrison the area, such as Li Hui and Lü Kai of Yongchang County. These people are familiar with the local customs and culture, and with them leading the troops, the locals will naturally not have too much resistance. In addition, Wutugu, who surrendered in this battle, and the Vulcan tribe can also be used by us."

Zhuge Liang nodded. Although the emperor acted decisively, he was not tyrannical. Zhuge Liang appreciated this gentle approach.

He said, “Your Majesty, your idea is very good. In addition, we can strengthen communication and exchanges between the Han people and the locals, such as strengthening trade and sending people to teach them some advanced planting techniques.”

“There’s one more thing,” Liu Xie added, “We can send people to teach them Han Chinese culture.”

"culture?"

Fa Zheng and Zhuge Liang were both from aristocratic families. As members of such families, they valued culture highly. In fact, culture was considered private property among aristocratic families, and no matter how close the relationship, they would not pass it on to others.

"Although there are many ethnic minorities in the southern region, their culture is relatively backward. If we can spread the excellent culture of the Han people to them, they will surely benefit immensely." Liu Xie's eyes were full of expectation.

"Han culture has a long history and is profound and extensive. It contains the essence of wisdom, morality, etiquette, skills and many other aspects. If the people of Nanzhong can learn from it, it will surely broaden their horizons and increase their knowledge." Liu Xie stood up and took a few steps slowly.

“Take etiquette as an example. The etiquette of the Han people regulates people’s words and deeds, making society orderly. If the people of Nanzhong know etiquette, they will know how to respect others, live in harmony, and reduce disputes and conflicts. Furthermore, the inheritance of morality will enable them to distinguish right from wrong and cultivate kind and upright character.” Liu Xie’s voice echoed in the room.

"Furthermore, the writing, literature, and art of the Han people are all crystallizations of human wisdom. The spread of writing allows the people of the South to better record history and pass on knowledge; the emotions and thoughts in literary works can touch their hearts and enrich their spiritual world; the beauty of art can cultivate their sentiments and improve their aesthetic level." Liu Xie stopped and glanced at the assembled officials.

“When the ethnic minorities in southern China understand Han Chinese culture, they will develop a sense of identity and belonging to the Han people. This identity is not forced, but stems from inner resonance and longing. They will see the beauty and progress in Han Chinese culture and thus be willing to integrate into it and become part of this big family.” A gratified smile appeared on Liu Xie’s face.

"The spread of culture is also a bridge to promote exchange and integration. Due to geographical and historical reasons, there are differences between the Southern Central Plains and the Central Plains. However, through cultural exchange, both sides can understand and learn from each other. The people of the Southern Central Plains can learn from the advanced production techniques and governance experience of the Han people, thereby improving their lives and developing their economy." Liu Xie said with his hands behind his back and a serious expression.

The aristocratic families regarded culture as their private property. Even their own people, such as Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, and Pang Tong, made Liu Xie realize the seriousness of the problem from their initial expressions.

However, Liu Xie will not stop his efforts to reform the aristocratic families and completely break their monopoly.

What Cao Cao is doing now is breaking the monopoly of aristocratic families over land.

Going forward, Liu Xie's important goal is to break the monopoly of aristocratic families over culture and officialdom.

As for the powerful families' monopoly on public opinion, Liu Xie was also full of confidence.

"Spreading culture is imperative. We all know that the South Central region is remote and backward. We need to teach them Han etiquette and advanced planting techniques... Everything is inseparable from culture."

Liu Xie's reasoning was sound and he completely convinced Zhuge Liang, Fa Zheng, and the others.

Fa Zheng wasn't too opposed to the spread of culture, since he was already on the emperor's blacklist and wouldn't dare to go against the emperor's wishes.

Although Zhuge Liang came from a prominent family, his family had declined considerably in recent years, so he was not particularly opposed to it.

As for Pang Tong, like Fa Zheng, he wasn't too opposed.

After the matter was settled, Liu Xie invited several tribal leaders who had followed Meng Huo in the rebellion, with Wutugu and Zhurong accompanying them.

Meng Huo and Yong Kai were dead. These people were already filled with fear and anxiety. When they heard that the court had not only pardoned them but also allowed them to govern the southern region on their own, they were overjoyed and all knelt on the ground.

Liu Xie smiled and helped them up, saying to them, "It was Yong Kai and Meng Huo who caused this rebellion. I know that you were forced into this situation and were misled by them. Therefore, I will keep my word and forgive your past mistakes."

"Someone, bring me pen and ink."

Before long, Xun Yun respectfully brought out a tray containing writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Xun Yun spread out paper on the table, and Liu Xie, after a moment's thought, wrote "The Agreement of the Southern Regions."

I, Liu Xie, have been ordained by Heaven to govern the realm. Now that the rebellion in the south has been quelled, considering the unique nature of the region and the customs of its people, I hereby establish this covenant to clarify the strategies for governance, and I hope that all ethnic groups in the south will abide by it.

The land of Nanzhong is blessed with beautiful mountains and rivers, and is home to many ethnic groups with diverse customs. I hereby grant them autonomy in order to respect their sentiments and preserve their traditions. However, autonomy is not absolutism; they must adhere to the regulations of the court and must not violate them.

Firstly, the various ethnic groups in the south shall elect their own leaders to manage internal affairs, but the elected leaders must be recognized and appointed by the imperial court. Leaders shall act with fairness and benevolence, ensuring peace and stability in their region and promoting harmony among the ethnic groups. Those who act unjustly, oppress the people, or engage in other unfair practices will be severely punished by the imperial court.

Secondly, in the southern regions, the laws of the imperial court shall apply. Theft, murder, adultery, and other heinous crimes shall be punished according to the law, without favoritism. Trade shall be conducted fairly, without fraud. All taxes shall be levied reasonably according to the imperial system for the use of the state.

Thirdly, all ethnic groups in the south should live in harmony and refrain from attacking each other. Any disputes should be reported to the imperial court, which will then send officials to mediate and adjudicate. No one may form factions, incite disturbances, or disrupt our peace.

Fourthly, although the Southern Regions are autonomous, military power rests with the imperial court. The court will station troops there to ensure border stability and prevent foreign invasion. All ethnic groups in the Southern Regions should assist the government forces in defending the territory. No one may train troops privately or amass power without the court's permission! (End of Chapter)