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

Chapter 91, It's Time for the Emperor to Go to Work

Cheng Yu bit his lip tightly, his whole body trembling with anger. If he had been killed with a single blow before Liu Xie arrived, it wouldn't have been a big deal.

However, after the emperor's public incitement, Cheng Yu's reputation was now thoroughly tarnished.

Liu Xie then elevated Cao Cao's reputation to the highest level!
Not only that, but by using Cheng Yu as a warning, it sets an example for everyone. Anyone who dares to try to control the emperor in the future will suffer the same fate as Cheng Yu.

After Cheng Yu fully understood Liu Xie's series of actions, he had to admit that this young emperor was indeed not simple.

However, Liu Xie didn't give him a chance to speak. He looked at the executioners beside him and said expressionlessly, "Do it!"

The executioner glanced at Cao Ren instinctively, but Cao Ren waved his hand, saying that whether Liu Xie appeared or not, the outcome was unchangeable.

"Execution!"

Cheng Yu glared fiercely at Liu Xie, and before he died, he quickly looked at Man Chong.

Man Chong nodded to him, and with just a glance, the two seemed to have completed some kind of handover ceremony.

When Cao Cao and Guo Jia arrived, they were too late. The much-anticipated greatsword, gleaming with a chilling light, suddenly slashed through the air, and Cheng Yu's head flew off.

The crowd cheered again.

"Good kill!"

"Cao Sikong was a loyal minister."

"Cheng Yu deserved to die!"

Some people shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and everyone was celebrating. This scene made Cao Cao feel very strange, as if a great traitor who had brought disaster to the country had been suddenly eliminated and the people were cheering.

But in reality, Cao Cao really wanted to shout, "That's not how it is!"
When Liu Xie saw Cao Cao appear last, he waved to him from the high platform.

Cao Cao, naturally, could not turn a blind eye, so he quickened his pace and had Dian Wei part the crowd to come to Liu Xie.

"His Majesty."

Just as Cao Cao was about to bow, Liu Xie grabbed his right hand and raised it high above his head, leaving Cao Cao with no choice but to comply.

This gesture of two people standing side by side with their hands raised is very popular in later generations. It is usually done when the heads of state of two countries meet. But at this moment, Liu Xie did it very naturally.

While Cao Cao was still in a daze, Liu Xie turned to the surroundings and shouted loudly, "With the ruler and his ministers of one mind, the Han Dynasty will surely prosper!"

Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant and could only shout, "With the ruler and his ministers of one mind, the Han Dynasty will surely prosper!"

Cao Hong, Cao Ren, Man Chong, and others also responded, and soon, waves of cheers rang out from the crowd.

"With the ruler and his ministers of one mind, the Han Dynasty will surely prosper!"

"With the ruler and his ministers of one mind, the Han Dynasty will surely prosper!"

Cao Cao's blood was boiling uncontrollably. He longed to be admired by thousands and to become a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty whose name would be known throughout the world.

However, after a while, Cao Cao felt something was off. He was happy, but something seemed amiss.

Liu Xie's words came from the bottom of his heart, because making Cao Cao a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty was his original goal! This would never change, no matter what.

Cao Cao threatened the emperor, while Liu Xie threatened Cao Cao. Let's see who can prevail.

Guo Jia stood in the crowd, looking at the two with a half-smile, and after a long while said, "This is getting more and more interesting."

It was destined that the story of harmony between the emperor and his ministers would be widely circulated throughout Xuchang.

As for Cheng Yu, people inevitably hurl insults or mockery at him when they talk about him during their leisure time.

…………

Mi Heng brought a wine pot to see Kong Rong. The two drank together in a pavilion by the lake. Mi Heng talked incessantly about the killing of Cheng Yu. At the end, he sighed, "Killing Cheng Yu is certainly something to celebrate, but His Majesty ended up with a show of harmony between the ruler and his ministers. I really don't understand it."

"Wenju, why aren't you saying anything? You're usually the most talkative one."

Mi Heng talked on and on for a long time before suddenly realizing that something was wrong with Kong Rong.

Kong Rong raised his wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and slowly said, "What should I say? I don't want to say anything right now."

“Something’s not right. In the past, you would have given a long speech about such a big event, and maybe even composed a poem. Today is really unusual.”

Mi Heng stood up, took several steps back, and looked Kong Rong up and down as if he suddenly didn't recognize him.

Kong Rong rolled his eyes. "Zhengping, Cheng Yu's death is certainly exhilarating, but what have you and I done in it? Nothing. We are merely strangers who are just bystanders."

Kong Rong stood up with his hands behind his back, looked at the distant lake, and suddenly said, "I want to do something practical for His Majesty, even if it's a trivial matter, I'm willing to do it."

Liu Xie's words last time had left Kong Rong utterly humiliated. He calmed himself down and thought about it for a long time. There was no point in venting his frustrations anymore; he just wanted the emperor's approval. Finally, Kong Rong said to Mi Heng with a serious expression, "If you want to come and drink with me in the future, I'll be happy to oblige. I'm not interested in anything else."

Liu Xie had already given him an ultimatum: if he continued to complain, he would be completely ignored.

Mi Heng stared at Kong Rong for a long time, making sure he wasn't joking, before asking, "What's wrong with you?"

Kong Rong looked directly at him and laughed self-deprecatingly, "Zhengping, we both consider ourselves learned scholars and think we are very talented, but what have we done for His Majesty?"

One sentence was enough to stump Mi Heng.

Kong Rong sighed, poured himself another cup of wine, drank it all in one gulp, and then got up and left.

Mi Heng stared blankly at Kong Rong's departing figure, then suddenly smiled, "My eldest son, Kong Wenju, seems to have finally seen the light!"

…………

The day after executing Cheng Yu, Liu Xie did not disappoint Cao Cao and arrived at Chengguang Hall early in the morning.

Now that Cheng Yu has finished his business, it's time for the Emperor to go to work!

There are so many people today, even Cao Cao is here.

As long as Cao Cao appeared here, no civil or military official dared not to come; those who should have come and those who shouldn't have all came.

Cao Cao stood at the head of the civil officials, Xiahou Dun at the head of the military generals, and Liu Xie looked down at everyone. Cao Cao led the way in bowing. In a daze, Liu Xie suddenly thought how wonderful it would be if everyone were willing to respect and support him like this.

The long march had only just begun, and Liu Xie knew that his clashes with Cao Cao were destined to continue.

Liu Xie was calm, and Cao Cao was also calm, as if Cheng Yu's death yesterday was just a passing breeze.

Many ministers are now daring to glance at Liu Xie from time to time. Cheng Yu's death means that many people will no longer regard Liu Xie as a child who is only a teenager.

Liu Xie was the first to speak, "My dear ministers, I must first apologize. I was unwell a few days ago and caught a cold, which delayed the affairs of state. I hope you can understand."

Cao Cao hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty must take care of your health. You have not attended court for many days, and we are all truly worried about you. Many state affairs have also been neglected."

Liu Xie nodded humbly, "Don't worry, Lord Cao, I will definitely pay attention from now on. I have decided to extend my sword practice by half an hour every day and make sure I get my body in good shape."

No one objected to the sword practice, and Cao Cao then said, "Your Majesty, Lü Bu sent Chen Deng to Xudu, who has been waiting at the inn for many days. He is currently outside the palace. If it is convenient for Your Majesty, please summon him as soon as possible."

Liu Xie nodded repeatedly, "That's only right, announce it!"

Zhang Yu immediately announced loudly, "Summon Chen Deng, the envoy from Xuzhou, to an audience!"

Chen Deng had been waiting impatiently for a long time. He hurriedly lifted his robe and entered the main hall. This was his first time meeting the emperor, and he was slightly nervous. He stepped to the center of the hall, bowed, and said, "Your subject Chen Deng greets Your Majesty!"

"Flat body."

After Liu Xie waited for him to stand up, he carefully examined Chen Deng for a few moments. Chen Deng was handsome and slender, with a dignified face and bright, piercing eyes. He wore a light red robe with a dark black belt, which made him look capable and elegant.

However, his face was slightly flushed. Liu Xie had been studying under Hua Tuo for many days, so he could still see some clues.

However, business is of the essence. First, let Chen Deng explain his purpose. Chen Deng had already met with Cao Cao in private, and the matter had been settled long ago. Today, Cao Cao was only granting him a favor in front of everyone, through the emperor's words.

As expected, after Chen Deng explained his purpose, Cao Cao stepped forward and said, "Chen Deng and his son are loyal to the court and deserve to be rewarded."

Liu Xie nodded. "Lord Cao is right. He deserves a generous reward."

Next, naturally, came the familiar part: Cao Cao suggested what should be rewarded, and the emperor only needed to say "approved."

Cao Cao had already prepared himself and was about to speak when Liu Xie spoke first.

"Although Chen Deng's father, Chen Gui, has retired and is now at home in leisure, he is highly respected for his virtue and outstanding abilities, and he is devoted to the court. I intend to increase his salary by two thousand shi. Chen Deng is young and promising, and he is determined to support the Han Dynasty and serve the court. I have decided to appoint him as the Prefect of Guangling!"

After Liu Xie finished speaking, he looked at Cao Cao and asked in a consultative tone, "Lord Cao, what do you think of my reward?"

Cao Cao was somewhat bewildered. He glanced at Liu Xie subconsciously and muttered to himself, "Wait a minute, this is what I should have said."

Cao Cao looked at Liu Xie suspiciously, wondering if His Majesty had guessed his thoughts.
After all, Liu Xie was only seventeen years old this year. Cao Cao quickly dismissed the idea. Could it be a coincidence that the two of them had the same idea?
In short, Cao Cao couldn't understand it.

Seeing his stunned expression, Liu Xie repeated, "Lord Cao, is there something wrong with my bestowing such a reward upon you?"

Cao Cao shook his head, feeling a sudden sense of disappointment. It wasn't a big deal that his lines had been taken away.

If Cao Cao had proposed the official position, Chen Deng would naturally have accepted Cao Cao's kindness. But now that Liu Xie had proposed it himself, even if the emperor was only in name, Chen Deng still had to express his deep gratitude.

After Liu Xie successfully secured the first blood against Cheng Yu, he was well aware that the situation in his struggle against Cao Cao had escalated from 1.0 to 2.0, and Cao Cao would inevitably be more vigilant and cautious towards him in the future.

Therefore, Liu Xie also needs to make changes!
He must firmly grasp the power to bestow rewards!

(End of this chapter)