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

Chapter 81, Taking Cao Pi to a Brothel

Zhao Yun rode the jade lion beside him. When he saw Cao Ren standing close to the carriage, Zhao Yun only glanced at him indifferently and did not pay any attention to him.

Liu Xie didn't keep everything a secret; sometimes, he would deliberately let those around him overhear.

Liu Xie's voice rang out again, "His name is Taishi Ci!"

"Taishi Ci?"

Cao Ang shook his head, not having a deep impression of it.

Liu Xie slowly put down the half-written letter and said, "Let me give you two examples. First, when Taishi Ci was young, he was a historian in the county's memorial office, responsible for reporting to the court on behalf of the local authorities."

"Once, the prefect and the state government disagreed and argued over a matter. The state government's report had already been sent to Luoyang, so the prefect entrusted the task to Taishi Ci... Taishi Ci lived up to expectations, traveled thousands of miles to Luoyang, and not only successfully destroyed the state government's report, but also successfully completed the prefect's entrustment. However, he offended the state government and was forced to flee to Liaodong."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ang couldn't help but give a thumbs up, saying, "This man is truly loyal and righteous."

Liu Xie nodded and continued, "We often say that if you are entrusted with something, you should be loyal to it. This is the same principle. Taishi Ci is trustworthy and keeps his promises. He is loyal and righteous. Although he is hated by the state government, he is still a chivalrous and courageous man."

"The second thing I have to mention is Minister Kong Rong. When Taishi Ci went to Liaodong to avoid trouble, Kong Rong took great care of Taishi Ci's mother. Taishi Ci kept this in mind after hearing about it."

"Later, when the Yellow Turban rebels besieged Beihai, Taishi Ci braved the siege alone, broke through the enemy lines, and escaped to bring reinforcements from Liu Bei to Kong Rong. Such a heroic act, Zixiu, don't you think such a talent should be recruited by the court?"

Cao Ang immediately became solemn and respectful. "Your Majesty, you are right. I really hope to meet this hero soon."

Liu Xie smiled faintly, "It depends on human effort. This is a chaotic world. It's not that I can recruit anyone and they will willingly come to Xuchang. I can only try my best."

Liu Xie was very confident in Xu Huang and Zhao Yun, but he admired Taishi Ci more and did not have high hopes for him.
"Then Your Majesty, please write it quickly. I will personally send someone to deliver the letter later." Cao Ang was somewhat anxious and began to urge him.

Liu Xie smiled, picked up his pen, and quickly finished writing the letter.

Cao Ang took a look and sincerely praised, "Your Majesty's calligraphy is truly beautiful, vigorous and powerful, elegant and unrestrained, truly eye-catching. Could you teach me?"

Liu Xie reached out and gently patted Cao Ang on the shoulder; Cao Ang was already used to it.

The emperor would only pat someone on the shoulder if he liked them or was close to them.

So far, Liu Xie has patted Guo Jia, Cao Ang, and even Cao Ying on the shoulder.

I hope that one day I can pat Cao Cao on the shoulder and say to him, "Old Cao, do a good job, I have high hopes for you!"

Liu Xie nodded, "As long as you want to learn, I will teach you!"

Cao Ang was delighted and wanted to send the letter out immediately, but Cao Ren stopped him.

"Zixiu, you just said His Majesty's handwriting is beautiful, let me take a look too."

Cao Ren took the letter under the pretense of reading it, carefully examined it, and after confirming that there was nothing unusual, he nodded and praised with feigned appreciation, "Your Majesty's handwriting is indeed beautiful."

Not long after, Cao Ren arrived at Cao Cao's side. Cao Cao was talking to Xu Huang and personally presented Xu Huang with a brocade robe.

Xu Huang thanked Cao Ren, smiled at him, and then left.

Since leaving Liu Xie's side, Xu Huang and Liu Xie have not taken the initiative to contact each other again. Even when they meet, they only nod and say a simple greeting.

Cao Cao was indeed very charismatic and treated Xu Huang well. He not only invited him to banquets but also gave him gifts and opportunities to make contributions. Cao Cao would even occasionally take the time to chat with him.

However, for Xu Huang, something was always missing.

"Does His Majesty intend to recruit Taishi Ci?"

After reading the letter, Cao Cao nodded but didn't take it too seriously.

For Cao Cao, Taishi Ci was not very famous; he had only done two commendable things, which were far less impressive than Guan Yu's performance at Hulao Pass.

Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia, "Fengxiao, what do you think?"

Guo Jia laughed, “General Cao Ren is overthinking things. No matter who His Majesty recruits, isn’t he helping you recruit talent? Whoever comes to Xuchang will serve you. Sometimes, His Majesty’s personal recruitment letters are more effective than yours. I think this is a good thing.”

Although Cao Cao was somewhat displeased that the emperor was more capable than himself, he understood that it was a fact.
Even if he conscripts others, he will do so in the name of the imperial court!
Cheng Yu shook his head and said worriedly, "My lord, I feel something is amiss. If the talents are recruited by His Majesty, it would be bad if these people only recognize His Majesty and only obey His Majesty's orders in the future."

Guo Jia retorted, "Zhongde, you're exaggerating. Even if it's you, my lord, who is recruiting, isn't it an imperial edict issued in the name of the court? What's the difference between that and His Majesty recruiting personally? Besides, His Majesty doesn't personally manage military and political affairs, so ultimately, the talents recruited will be placed by our lord, won't they?"

Guo Jia smiled and looked at Cao Ren, saying, "A letter is enough to win people's hearts? Zixiao, you are underestimating your greatness. Your great talent and strategy are praised by all. Compared with His Majesty, you have a better chance to win people's hearts."

Cao Cao was naturally very confident in his own charisma.

Just like with Xu Huang, Cao Cao was completely confident that he could make Xu Huang completely devoted to him.

Cao Cao concluded, "Zixiao, Zhongde, from now on, you should not concern yourselves with such matters. No matter who His Majesty recruits, let him be. If he can be of use to me, I will use him; if he cannot be of use to me, I will not use him. Isn't that simple?"

After entering the city, Liu Xie immediately gathered the medical personnel together and summoned Hua Tuo and Ji Ping to teach them how to bandage external wounds.

Not only that, Liu Xie recruited more people. Of course, the more medical personnel the better, so as not to be caught off guard and unable to handle everything.

At first, Hua Tuo and Ji Ping both thought Liu Xie was being a bit ridiculous.

Liu Xie said to Hua Tuo, “Sir, no matter how skilled you are, you can only save one person at a time. The people I have recruited, even if they do not know medicine, can save hundreds or thousands of people. For many wounded soldiers, even just bandaging them up may save their lives. Therefore, you must not hesitate to teach me.”

“If you teach them your medical skills, you can save many lives. I plan to build a medical academy in Xudu so that you can teach more disciples. In your spare time, you can also write down your life's medical knowledge and pass it on to more people. This is a meritorious deed that saves all living beings. The more disciples you have, the greater your merit will be.”

Hua Tuo did not strive for fame or fortune, but he always felt a sense of urgency to pass on his knowledge to more people. Now, Liu Xie's suggestion seemed to have suddenly opened a window for him.

Teaching apprentices and writing books to pass on to future generations were all things that Hua Tuo desired.

Of course, no matter how many disciples there are, the best disciple among them is still Liu Xie. Liu Xie is talented, kind-hearted, and always learns the fastest and best!

Before leaving, Liu Xie urged, "Sir, that anesthetic powder is a valuable thing. You must hurry up. If you need anything, just tell me, and I will grant it." Hua Tuo nodded, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. In two more months, it should be successful."

With more and more things to do, Liu Xie didn't feel tired at all; on the contrary, he felt very fulfilled, and the medical center was soon established.

Although treating the sick and saving lives was a minor matter in Cao Cao's eyes, and not as appealing as talents who could govern the country, he never stopped anything that was useful.

Once things were back on track, Liu Xie resumed his usual routine of eating, drinking, and wandering around.

As for Cao Pi, he was indeed very persevering, and Lady Bian played a significant role behind the scenes. Whenever Cao Pi wanted to give up, Lady Bian would remind him, urge him on, and encourage him to strive for success.

Therefore, during this period, Cao Pi persevered through gritted teeth and did not back down.

Zhao Yun couldn't help but say to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, it seems you have miscalculated. Cao Pi has not been intimidated."

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Yes, he has a powerful father and a powerful mother. Since we can't get him to back out on his own, let's try another way."

So, sometimes Liu Xie would take Cao Pi out of the palace. As long as they weren't practicing swordsmanship, Liu Xie didn't mind letting Cao Pi experience the outside world beforehand.

Soon, Cao Pi was taken to Tianxiang Pavilion for the first time!
Cao Cao hoped that Liu Xie would devote more attention to eating, drinking, and having fun. Liu Xie, in turn, decided to use the same tactic on Cao Pi.

Upon entering Tianxiang Pavilion, Cao Pi was immediately stunned by the unprecedented visual impact, leaving him completely bewildered.

Women of all kinds, like fairies descending to earth, were graceful and charming. Their voluptuous figures, enchanting dances, and the long, beautiful legs that were occasionally revealed made Cao Pi unable to move his legs if Liu Xie hadn't been leading him.

Someone discovered that Cao Pi had entered the Tianxiang Pavilion and hurriedly reported it to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was discussing matters with Guo Jia when Guo Jia couldn't help but laugh after hearing this. "What's wrong with Your Majesty? Young Master Pi is so young, yet you take him to such a sensual place."

Cao Cao was also somewhat angry, "How can Your Majesty be so reckless? Places of pleasure are the best at eroding one's will."

Guo Jia cautioned, "My lord, you mustn't say this to His Majesty."

Cao Cao angrily asked, "Why can't I tell you?"

Guo Jia retorted, "Does Your Majesty wish for His Majesty to be diligent and hardworking in governing the country? If we prevent His Majesty from going to brothels, it would be tantamount to telling him that we are not allowing him to eat, drink, and have fun, and not allowing him to do things that erode his will. If His Majesty does not do these things, wouldn't that be troublesome if he becomes interested in state affairs?"

Guo Jia's words left Cao Cao speechless.

“But Pi’er is still young, and that kind of place is not for him.”

Guo Jia sighed, "This is difficult. If you don't want Prince Pi to learn things he shouldn't, you'll have to take him away from His Majesty. His Majesty's fondness for beautiful women and his love of traveling around are no secret."

Cao Cao instructed, "Fengxiao, you should go and persuade His Majesty not to take Cao Pi to brothels anymore."

"Okay, I'll give it a try."

Guo Jia then left the Situ residence and went to Tianxiang Pavilion in person. After finding Liu Xie, Guo Jia breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Liu Xie did not find women for Cao Pi. Cao Pi stood on the railing on the third floor, just looking around curiously.

When Ma Kui saw Guo Jia, he smiled, stood up, nodded, and tactfully withdrew.

Seeing that Cao Pi's eyes were fixed straight ahead, Guo Jia secretly shook his head and ordered someone to send Cao Pi back first.

Cao Pi kept turning back as he took a step, constantly looking at the exposed thighs that were swaying in front of him.

Suddenly, Guo Jia spoke up: "Your Majesty, Lord Cao is angry."

"Oh?" Liu Xie did not react much. "Fengxiao, we are not strangers, so you might as well speak frankly."

“Young Master Pi is still young. It’s best not to let him come to places like this again,” Guo Jia said, trying to soften his tone.

"What is it?" Liu Xie smiled. "I just felt that he had worked hard practicing swordsmanship these past few days, so I brought him out to relax. Since Lord Cao doesn't like it, then forget it."

Guo Jia, fearing that Liu Xie would be angry, quickly advised, "I know that Your Majesty means well. Come, let me treat you to a meal today. I must make sure Your Majesty has a good time. As for Prince Pi, he is just a child. Let him come to this kind of place when he is a few years older."

Liu Xie nodded. "Alright, since you're treating, I won't stand on ceremony."

Liu Xie directly chose the most beautiful courtesan to keep him company, which made Guo Jia feel quite pained.

At Tianxiang Pavilion, no one is allowed to pay on credit. After a while, a great commotion broke out downstairs, as Cao Anmin was being escorted out by Ma Kui.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Fengxiao, you've gone to so much trouble. Cao Anmin seems to come over often, and he's almost emptied the house of all his money."

Guo Jia nodded. "I have to admit, Tianxiang Pavilion is very good at business. The beauties here are all top-notch. I've spent a lot of money here, but for me, it's all worth it!"

Liu Xie asked curiously, "So how much did you spend in total?"

Guo Jia sighed, “You can come to my house when you have time. I’m almost penniless. In just this month, I’ve spent 20,000 coins. I’ve thrown all of Cao Cao’s rewards here.”

Guo Jia paused for a moment, then looked at Liu Xie and said, "However, thanks to Your Majesty's guidance, Tianxiang Pavilion often donates money to Cao Cao, so no one, regardless of who they are, can cause trouble or run up debts here!"

From the very beginning, Liu Xie found the best backer for Ma Kui and his men: Cao Cao himself!

You can never earn enough money, but your backing must be rock solid.

No one dared to cause trouble at Tianxiang Pavilion, because it was also Cao Cao's cash cow.

After leaving Tianxiang Pavilion, Guo Jia was quite carefree, spending money to treat everyone without complaining, and even told Liu Xie some good news: "Lu Kang's clansmen will be arriving in Xudu in the next few days."

Liu Xie nodded. "Lord Cao is very kind."

(End of this chapter)