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

Chapter 64, Cao Hong Refuses to Let Go (Please Read Further)
On the banks of the Wei River in the past, a saying rang out: "The world can live without Hong, but not without Gong!" This saying has been passed down through the ages!

Cao Cao never forgot Cao Hong's kindness, nor did he forget the bond of kinship; he always treated Cao Hong as a brother.

But now, Cao Hong's mind is increasingly focused on business.

Now, Cao Hong has made a lot of money; his real estate business alone has exceeded many people's expectations.

Guo Jia was in charge of intelligence both inside and outside Xuchang, and his secret agents were everywhere. He reminded Cao Cao more than once that Cao Hong's business had become too big.

Cao Hong had already made a fortune; to say he was making a fortune every day would be an understatement.

Many people have complained that the prices of the land owned by Cao Hong have been repeatedly raised, which has drawn considerable criticism.

Clearly, establishing a money exchange was a good thing; however, all that money ended up in Cao Hong's pocket.

How could Cao Cao be happy about this?
Cao Cao is short of money, but Cao Hong is very rich!
Cao Cao was constantly worried about money and supplies, while Cao Hong became the richest man in Xuchang, possessing mountains of gold and silver.

Cao Chun snorted angrily and said disdainfully, "My lord, I think Zilian's mind is no longer on military affairs. A man should fight on the battlefield and make achievements. How can we, the Cao family, be tainted by the smell of money?"

The sudden appearance of the money shop brightened Cao Cao's mind. He was anxious about raising money, and the money shop was like a timely help in his time of need.
Upon returning to his residence, he hurriedly summoned Xun Yu and Guo Jia.

Guo Jia, well-informed, entered the room and said with a smile, "My lord, the news about the money shop has spread throughout Xuchang City. It's unbelievable how enthusiastic everyone is. In just one day, the money shop has made an astonishing amount of money."

Xun Yu said, “My lord, do you think we should invite Cao Hong here and discuss this with him? Your empire is just beginning. We can ask Cao Hong to hand over the money shop to us for management. This will solve our immediate problem and allow us to use the money in the money shop for military and political purposes.”

Cao Cao nodded; he was indeed short of money.

Cao Cao has already invested tens of millions of dollars in the construction of the palace, and that is still far from enough.

It would take three to five years to finish building the palace. The city also needed to be expanded, grain and fodder needed to be collected, and military equipment needed to be increased. No amount of money would be enough for Cao Cao.

After thinking for a moment, Cao Cao said, "How about this, the business belongs to Zilian. I'll discuss it with him first and see if he's willing to give it up."

When Cao Hong returned home that night, he had a sumptuous meal prepared and even warmed himself a pot of wine to celebrate.

The money exchange was a resounding success from the moment it opened, bringing in over five million coins. The more Cao Hong thought about it, the happier he became. He drank and hummed incoherently.

Upon hearing Cao Cao's summons, Cao Hong quickly tidied himself up and rushed to the Sikong Mansion.

Upon seeing Cao Cao, Cao Hong smiled and asked, "My lord, it's so late, what brings you here?"

Cao Cao squinted and looked Cao Hong up and down for a while, making Cao Hong feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Having only been in Xuchang for a few months, Cao Cao noticed that Cao Hong had gained a lot of weight, his face was ruddy, and his belly was bulging.

After a while, Cao Cao finally spoke, "I heard you just opened a money exchange, and it's caused quite a stir. Everyone in Xuchang knows about it now." Cao Hong chuckled. The popularity of this business completely overturned Cao Hong's imagination. He never dreamed that on the first day, so many people would be lining up to deposit money.

"Unexpectedly, Zilian is not only brave in battle, but also quite shrewd in business."

Cao Cao first offered a few words of praise to ease the atmosphere, then had tea served and waved his hand, saying, "We're all brothers, have a seat."

After Cao Hong sat down, Cao Cao suddenly sighed, "Zilian, I can see that this money exchange is doing very well. I'm not interested in doing business, but as you probably know, there have been years of drought, and this year's situation has only slightly improved. Xuchang has only recently stabilized, and there are just too many places where we need money. What do you think? Could you give up this money exchange? Don't worry, the profits will still be yours. I'm just thinking that I can borrow some money from the money exchange to tide me over this urgent situation."

"Lord, this..."

The money shop had only been open for a day, and Cao Hong was still in high spirits when Cao Cao set his sights on it.

If it were any other business, Cao Hong would have agreed without hesitation as long as Cao Cao asked. However, the money shop was so popular that it was like picking up money from the ground, and Cao Hong was indeed reluctant to part with it.

Cao Hong frowned and grimaced, looking extremely uncomfortable. He said reluctantly, "My lord, I'll do anything you ask. This money exchange business is just the beginning. How about we wait a little longer?"

Despite being brothers of the same clan, Cao Hong couldn't bring himself to say anything too absolute.

Cao Cao sized him up, squinted, and smiled. "We're brothers, so I shouldn't interfere in your business. I was thinking that since the money in the bank is just sitting there anyway, I might as well use it for a short-term loan. Is that not acceptable?"

Although Cao Cao was not interested in doing business, his vision was second to none. He could see that more and more people would save money in the future, and this money shop would be like a gold mine.

Unfortunately, Cao Hong was always stingy with money. Once Cao Cao took over, Cao Hong knew in his heart that it would be difficult to get it back!
Don't be fooled by the fact that Cao Cao only mentioned misappropriating money from the bank; that was just a euphemism.

Seeing Cao Hong's reluctance, Cao Cao still smiled, but inwardly he grew increasingly dissatisfied.

Cao Hong monopolized the real estate in Xuchang and made so much money, Cao Cao tolerated it!
Others donated money, but Cao Hong refused to donate more to support Cao Cao, and Cao Cao tolerated it!

Now that they refuse to hand over the money shop, Cao Cao is naturally not happy.

This was Liu Xie's goal: the richer Cao Hong was, the happier Cao Cao would be!
Cao Cao took a sip of tea and said patiently, "Zilian, the money shop business is not like other businesses. It's better for me to take the lead than for you to do it. Think about it, isn't that the truth? If we want to ensure the flow of money in various places, relying on you is ultimately not enough."

"My lord, I'm just getting started, so of course I'll have to rely on you for support and guidance. If there's anything I don't understand or anything difficult, you'll help me deal with it. I'll also try to gain more experience. My lord, please let me give it a shot."

Seeing that Cao Hong was not getting it, Cao Cao nodded, "Alright, that's enough for today."

After Cao Hong left, Cao Cao clapped his hands, and a thin, handsome scholar emerged from behind the screen—it was Guo Jia!
"Fengxiao, it seems Zilian is unwilling to let go. No wonder, the money shop business is just too tempting!"

My skills are limited, but I will try my best. Please give me your support.

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(End of this chapter)