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

Chapter 55, Prophecy of Yuan Shu's Declaration of Emperor
Liu Xie looked at Mi Heng and said, "It's easy to go with the flow, but difficult to stay true to yourself, and even more difficult to stand up against it. Now that the world is collapsing and the Han dynasty is not thriving, my dear minister, your silent and indifferent attitude towards me is exactly the right attitude."

Liu Xie's words, on the contrary, left Mi Heng completely bewildered.

Mi Heng thought to himself: What's wrong with His Majesty? He's so cold to me, yet he still praises me?
Who's the one who's mentally unstable?

Liu Xie continued, “The decline of the Han Dynasty and the fact that the princes have different intentions are not my fault, but I bear the heavy responsibility of restoring the Han Dynasty. Before the world is at peace, everyone has the right to treat me coldly.”

Liu Xie walked up to Mi Heng, patted him lightly on the shoulder, and said, "If one day the Han Dynasty is revived in my hands, I believe you will look at me with new respect."

Mi Heng glanced at Liu Xie a few more times and said with some emotion, "Your Majesty has endured many hardships and been bullied by Dong Zhuo and others. May I ask, does Your Majesty still have your true heart?"

Liu Xie said, "I have already said that I will restore the Han Dynasty to its former glory! The four-hundred-year foundation of the Han Dynasty must not be destroyed in my hands!"

Mi Heng shook his head, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes. "But His Majesty has done nothing. Not only that, he allows certain powerful ministers to run rampant in the court and monopolize power. The court assemblies, which were originally for discussing important military and national affairs, have become a mere formality and a laughing stock..."

Mi Heng was heartbroken, but he didn't care that Cao Cao had spies in the palace.

Although he didn't name Cao Cao by name, everyone understood what he meant.

Seeing that Mi Heng was about to spout nonsense and target Cao Cao, Liu Xie hurriedly waved his hand, "Minister Mi, you must have drunk quite a bit today. With Lord Cao, the peace of the world is just around the corner. What powerful ministers are there in the court? If there were, would I still be so carefree?"

Liu Xie had only one attitude towards Cao Cao: to flatter him! To flatter him relentlessly!
"Sigh!" Mi Heng sighed heavily.

He was so anxious he gritted his teeth and so angry he stomped his feet!
Liu Xie saw Mi Heng's expression clearly, and he was truly delighted!
Although Mi Heng is very arrogant and proud!
He didn't leave behind any noteworthy achievements in history, but he was courageous and loyal!

Knowing full well that Cao Cao held absolute power, he still dared to speak frankly and offer advice. He was no fool; he genuinely hoped that Liu Xie would stand up for himself and that the Han Dynasty would improve.

Mi Heng's attitude towards others can serve as a benchmark for measuring the loyalty of others to the emperor.

Mi Heng was the most scathing critic of Cao Cao!
Secondly, there were Cao Cao's staunch followers, whom Mi Heng also despised, though he was slightly less harsh in his criticism than Cao Cao.

Next was Xun Yu, whom he also looked down upon, and he scolded him even less harshly.

Even when it came to Mi Heng's friends Yang Xiu and Kong Rong, he would not mince words, referring to them as "eldest son Kong Wenju" and "youngest son Yang Dezu."

Because, although Yang Xiu and Kong Rong sympathized with the Han Dynasty and the emperor, they did not take any substantial action.

Kong Rong was nothing more than someone who constantly complained and grumbled. He dared not criticize Cao Cao, much less rebel against him. In fact, Yang Xiu even worked for Cao Cao!
Inside and outside the palace, Cao Cao's spies were everywhere. If Liu Xie allowed Mi Heng to continue to speak his mind and curse Cao Cao, it would only harm Mi Heng.

There were some things that Liu Xie couldn't say outright.

Because this world has long been turned upside down.

Mi Heng wanted to criticize Cao Cao, but Liu Xie stopped him, saying, "I trust Cao Cao. He is loyal to the Han Dynasty and to me. My dear minister, you've probably had too much to drink today. You should go back now."

Before Mi Heng could speak again, Liu Xie turned around and walked away!
Mi Heng was furious. He angrily dragged Kong Rong out of the palace, feeling that the emperor was too weak and willing to be manipulated by Cao Cao.

The next day, when the court assembly was held, Mi Heng was also invited, but apart from Xun Yu, none of the other members of the Cao family attended.

This has become the norm. Xun Yu now serves as a bridge between Cao Cao and the imperial court, coordinating both the affairs of the palace and other matters. He attends every court assembly.

Although the court assemblies were not of great significance, Xun Yu never missed one. He maintained the last vestige of dignity for the Han Dynasty through his actions.

"Let's begin!" Liu Xie came in, sat down, and then waved his hand, like an insignificant bystander.

Dong Cheng, Wang Zifu, and others began their discussion one after another.

The topics of conversation were nothing more than where repairs were needed and where disaster relief was required... Although the matters were not major, everyone could always find something to talk about every day.

Mi Heng stood in the crowd, looking rather bored, occasionally shaking his head and appearing quite out of place.

After a long while, Liu Xie said, "The issues that you gentlemen have discussed will certainly be handled properly by Lord Xun. Today, there is something I want to say."

Everyone looked at Liu Xie, but no one took it seriously. The emperor was always wandering around; what important things could he possibly say?

Liu Xie stood up, his expression suddenly becoming very serious. "I observed the stars last night and discovered an ominous star in the southeast, which I fear indicates impending disaster. Yuan Shu, residing in Huainan, has been plotting against us. Sun Jian once obtained the Imperial Seal of the State in Luoyang, and the seal is now in Yuan Shu's hands. I predict that Yuan Shu will soon attempt to declare himself emperor."

After Liu Xie finished speaking, the hall fell silent. Everyone stared at Liu Xie with wide eyes in astonishment.

Liu Xie wants to leverage his time travel advantage to enhance his influence.

Liu Xie may not participate in major military and political affairs, but he must make it clear to everyone that the emperor is not an incompetent fool, but still has some skills!

Everyone was astonished. Xun Yu asked with some doubt, "Your Majesty, could it be that you have studied divination?"

Liu Xie nodded, needing to find a reasonable excuse for his speculation.

Being a prophet has its advantages; once the prophecy comes true, it greatly enhances one's prestige.

Just like Xun Yu, who made many accurate predictions.

Xun Yu was arguably the top prophet in the early Three Kingdoms period, far superior to figures like Paul the Octopus or Squid Liu.

Long ago, Xun Yu advised his family to move to Ji Province, saying that Yingchuan was a place of constant warfare and they should leave as soon as possible, and this soon came true.

Upon arriving in Ji Province, Xun Yu followed Yuan Shao. However, he quickly realized that Yuan Shao was too self-serving and not a wise ruler, so he decisively withdrew from Yuan Shao's service.

During the decisive battle between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, many people in Cao Cao's camp were afraid of the enemy. However, Xun Yu pointed out Yuan Shao's weaknesses incisively and analyzed them for Cao Cao one by one, thus encouraging Cao Cao.

There are many more examples like this. Based on the current situation and the people's sentiments, Xun Yu was always able to make accurate predictions.

Even he was startled when he suddenly heard that Yuan Shu would declare himself emperor.

"Gentlemen, I believe that Yuan Shu will soon usurp the throne and declare himself emperor. If you don't believe me, just wait and see."

No one believed it, but not long after the New Year, a fast horse arrived in Xuchang. Guo Jia received the message from the spy and hurriedly came to see Cao Cao.

"My lord, Yuan Shu has declared himself emperor!"

"Yuan Shu has actually declared himself emperor without authorization. His Majesty was right after all." Cao Cao was stunned when he heard this news.

(End of this chapter)