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

Chapter 60, First Meeting with Yang Xiu

Ji Ping still reminded him, "However, the distinction between ruler and subject must not be overstepped. The usurpation of power by ministers has always been a major taboo in the court. It is only because His Majesty is magnanimous that he did not hold Cao Cao accountable."

Like Ji Ping and Dong Cheng, they all felt that Cao Cao's power was too great. The Secretariat controlled everything, and the court was practically a facade. Even a fool could see that.

Liu Xie has plenty of patience; there's plenty of time. He will make Ji Ping understand his good intentions.

They bought some more gifts along the way, turned through several alleys, and arrived at the gate of Yang Biao's mansion.

This was a very simple two-courtyard house. Ji Ping took the initiative to speak well of Yang Biao, "Your Majesty, Lord Yang is an honest and upright man who has never liked luxurious enjoyment. Besides, houses in Xudu are extremely valuable these days. The houses in good locations are all in Cao Hong's hands. If you can't afford a high price, you are not qualified to live there."

All of this was because Cao Hong was too greedy and never had enough money.

If we're to be honest, Liu Xie also deserves credit for this. He's the one who transformed Cao Hong from a simple military general into the richest man in Xuchang.

Ji Ping stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a short while, the door opened to the left and right, and a teenager walked out from inside.

The boy had thick eyebrows and big eyes, and was dressed in a fine robe and belt. Although he was young, he was very handsome.

Liu Xie was always quite observant, and he noticed that the young man had an air of arrogance about him, a disdain for associating with others.

"You must be Yang Xiu, the son of Lord Yang?" Liu Xie said with a smile.

"Who are you?" Yang Xiu did not recognize the emperor.

Ji Ping gave Yang Xiu a reproachful look, "Why haven't you paid your respects to His Majesty yet? I heard that Lord Yang has just been released from prison, and His Majesty has come to visit him."

Yang Xiu paused for a moment, then glanced at Liu Xie a few times before hurriedly bowing, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Liu Xie waved his hand, smiled, and stepped onto the stairs. "No need to be so polite. Lead the way."

In fact, Liu Xie never quite understood why Yang Biao was so stubborn, even though he was falsely accused by Cao Cao and imprisoned and tortured, but Yang Xiu was willing to serve Cao Cao when he grew up.

Perhaps it was because Cao Cao's power was too great that Yang Xiu lost the will to resist.

In short, Yang Xiu possessed more talent than courage!
Upon meeting, Liu Xie observed him closely but did not detect any hint of hatred in Yang Xiu's eyes.

Anyone else would have been seething with hatred after their father was imprisoned and tortured so badly, but Yang Xiu was not.

Yang Xiu led the way. The courtyard was very quiet. In the center stood an ancient cypress tree, tall and straight with lush green leaves. Passing through an archway, there was a clear pond.

Beside the pond stands a small pavilion, surrounded by flowers and plants that sway gently in the breeze, filling the air with fragrance.

Yang Xiu said, "Father is in the study. Your Majesty, please come with me."

There is a bluestone path in front of the study, with several bonsai trees on the side. Before long, you will arrive at the door of the study.

Yang Xiu called out, "Father, His Majesty has come to see you."

With a creak, the door was quickly opened, revealing Yang Biao, who was unsteady on his feet.

Yang Biao was visibly agitated, his eyes brimming with tears. "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Before Yang Biao could even bow, Liu Xie helped him up, saying, "These are all formalities; you can skip them if you can. As long as you have me in your heart, that's enough."

Liu Xie smiled and stepped into the study, which was filled with shelves piled high with books and scrolls, making it seem like a small library.

Although paper was invented at this time, it was not convenient for writing and preservation.

Books were considered a luxury at the time, and only aristocratic families could afford them. Poor people rarely had the opportunity to even see books, let alone read them.

"Master Yang, how are you feeling? Shall we have Physician Ji examine you first?"

Seeing that Yang Biao's legs were weak and he was walking with difficulty, and that he looked somewhat pained, Liu Xie quickly helped him sit down.

Ji Ping carried a wooden box with him, indicating he had come prepared. Yang Biao said gratefully, "Actually, they're just some superficial injuries, nothing serious. They'll recover after a period of rest."

Liu Xie shook his head. "I'm already here, so please sit down."

Yang Biao had no choice but to sit down obediently. Ji Ping carefully examined him, and several times when he touched him slightly, Yang Biao would wince in pain, his wrinkles furrowing tightly.

Ji Ping was the Imperial Physician, experienced and skilled in medicine. He had Yang Biao lie down and remove his outer robe.

Yang Biao had multiple bruises and external injuries, as well as two fractures in his chest.

Ji Ping said with a heavy heart, "Fortunately, His Majesty allowed me to come along. Lord Yang, you were still putting on a brave face. You must have suffered a lot of torture inside, right?"

Liu Xie advised, "Alright, Chengping, you've gone to so much trouble. Since you're here, you should take the trouble."

It's clear that Yang Biao is quite stubborn; when he suffers injustice, he grits his teeth and silently endures it.

Liu Xie looked at Yang Xiu and asked, "Young Master Yang, what do you think?"

"I?"

Yang Xiu was taken aback when Liu Xiehui suddenly asked him a question.

After a while, Yang Xiu replied, "Father was indeed wronged this time, but there's no need to be so stubborn about some things."

Yang Xiu's words were startling. As a son, he dared not directly criticize his father, but more or less, he still felt that Yang Biao was too stubborn.

Liu Xie asked with interest, "Oh? I'd like to hear what you would do if you were in my shoes?"

Yang Xiu raised his head and met Liu Xie's gaze. His eyes brightened noticeably, and he seemed to enjoy being asked questions.

Yang Xiu quickly replied, "If it were me, I would just accept it calmly. If Cao Cao says I have committed adultery, I would admit to it. Why should I suffer physical pain for no reason? Anyway, even if I admit to adultery, the Yang family has held high office for four generations, so Cao Cao will not take any drastic measures against me."

"You unfilial son, how could you say such a thing? You have disgraced the Yang family's ancestors!" Yang Biao was furious. His beard bristled, and he pointed at his son, unleashing a torrent of abuse.

Yang Xiu, however, retorted indignantly, "Father, you have indeed upheld your integrity, but what good has it done? You were still unjustly dismissed from your post, subjected to months of torture, and now all you can do is grumble a few meaningless complaints at home. What good does that do?"

Although Yang Xiu was young, he was very bold in his speech.

Not only did he dare to argue with Yang Biao, but he also quickly turned his attention to the emperor.

"It's no secret that all government decrees in Xuchang originate from the Secretariat. Isn't His Majesty's concession the same as my attitude?"

Liu Xie laughed, “You are indeed very smart, but smartness is not for showing off. A truly smart person knows how to conceal their abilities and keep their trump cards up their sleeve.”

Yang Xiu scoffed, “Of course you should show your talent. If you hide it, no one will see it. Why should I hide my abilities? I want everyone to admire and respect me!”

Liu Xie shook his head slightly. Perhaps some people's personalities are predetermined from birth!

Yang Biao was furious. He pointed at Yang Xiu and gave him a dressing down, eventually kicking Yang Xiu out.

Liu Xie comforted him, saying, "Lord Yang, this is actually quite good. What your son said makes some sense. Moreover, his approach can be considered a form of protection for the Yang family."

"Oh? What makes Your Majesty say that?" Yang Biao asked, somewhat puzzled.

Liu Xie countered, "Cao Cao subjected Yang Gong to torture and framed him. Will he then become wary of you?"

There were no outsiders here. Yang Biao nodded. "Cao Cao has always been suspicious. He will definitely send someone to keep a close watch on me."

Liu Xie said, "That's right. Cao Cao must be worried that Yang Gong will harbor resentment and oppose him. But your son's attitude is very obedient, which is exactly what Cao Cao wants to see. If this continues, when your son is a few years older, he will surely be summoned by Cao Cao and given an important position. In that case, wouldn't the Yang family be safe?"

(End of this chapter)