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

Chapter 125, Liu Bei was excited.
Cao Cao quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. This is all my duty to serve Your Majesty. I dare not take credit for it."

Liu Xie waved his hand, "Lord Cao is too modest. Merit should be rewarded and mistakes should be punished. Otherwise, how can we govern the country and win the hearts of the people?"

Putting down his brush for the moment, Liu Xie got off the stool.

"Your Majesty, I have something I wish to discuss with you today." As he spoke, Cao Cao glanced around.

Liu Xie understood immediately, "Very well, then Lord Cao, please accompany me for a walk alone."

The two left Lingyan Pavilion, while Yang Biao and the others remained where they were, watching the two departing figures and speculating amongst themselves.

Reaching a pavilion, Cao Cao stopped and looked at Liu Xie, saying, "Your Majesty, what will you do with Lü Bu next?"

"Lu Bu?" Liu Xie's face darkened, and he gave a cold snort.

"Oh?" Cao Cao was taken aback. He thought that Liu Bei had finally obtained such a fierce general and that he would have the confidence to do something and show some strength. But judging from this, it seemed that his anger had not subsided.

Liu Xie said irritably, "Although Lü Bu was severely punished with a hundred lashes, I think it will be difficult to quell the public's anger in a short time. Besides, Lü Bu also needs to reflect on his actions. I think it is not appropriate to assign him any tasks for the time being. Moreover, I will also take back his original military rank."

Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief. His biggest worry was that Liu Xie would give Lü Bu important positions. If Liu Xie insisted on giving Lü Bu military power, Cao Cao would be in a very passive position.

"Lord Cao, I was just about to discuss this matter with you. What do you think of my arrangement?"

Cao Cao nodded, "Lü Bu has repeatedly acted out of turn and committed grave sins. He should be made to reflect on his mistakes."

Lu Bu was always a threat to Cao Cao, and Liu Xie's initiative to temporarily not use Lu Bu naturally aligned with Cao Cao's thoughts.

What he feared most was that Liu Xie would give Lü Bu an important position. If Lü Bu were allowed to guard the imperial city, it would be like stabbing a sword into Cao Cao's heart.

Cao Cao then asked, "What about Gao Shun?"

Liu Xie smiled gently, "Gao Shun is loyal to Lü Bu and his heart is hard to change, so let him stay by Lü Bu's side."

Cao Cao hadn't really taken Gao Shun seriously; he had only asked casually.

Next, Cao Cao naturally brought up Chen Gong again, "Your Majesty, what are your plans for Chen Gong?"

Liu Xie was taken aback and looked at Cao Cao in surprise. "Lord Cao, Chen Gong is your close friend and has been kind to you. I only spoke up to persuade you because I saw you trying to retain him and win him over. Lord Cao, a gentleman does not take what others love."

"While I do have some appreciation for Chen Gong, you need not worry about it. You are free to do as you please. Whether you keep him by your side or let him join the Imperial Study, I have no objection."

"this?"

Many people witnessed Cao Cao's desperate attempts to persuade Chen Gong to surrender, but Chen Gong refused to agree.

Now that Liu Xie insists on saying this, Cao Cao has no way to explain it.

I can't exactly say, "I've changed my mind now, Chen Gong won't truly support me, and I want to get rid of him."

"Lord Cao, you have great courage and know how to use people well. I have always been very at ease with you. As you know, I have always preferred a leisurely life. I entrust all political and military affairs to you and I am very at ease with you."

After saying that, Liu Xie waved his hand and walked away.

Cao Cao's expression immediately turned serious. What should he do with Chen Gong?
Using it is definitely not an option, but not using it also seems unreasonable.

In the afternoon, Liu Xie met with Jia Xu and first briefly explained the situation of sending troops to Xuzhou.

Jia Xu listened intently, remaining motionless, and held that position for an entire hour.

This composure impressed Liu Xie greatly, and sometimes he even felt that if he remained still for a long time, he was talking to a dead person.

After listening, Jia Xu remained silent, deep in thought, as if in deep meditation.

Liu Xie glanced at Lu Xun and gave him a meaningful look. Lu Xun nodded secretly, understanding that His Majesty wanted him to learn this composure.

Who would have thought that before joining Liu Xie, Jia Xu was already thrown off balance and his defenses were breached?

But now, he has no more worries and no longer feels panicked. Jia Xu without worries is the most terrifying.

After an unknown amount of time, Jia Xu finally spoke slowly, “Your Majesty’s strategy of retreating to advance is excellent in my opinion. When Cao Cao left Xuchang, his enemies were outside, but once he returned to Xuchang, his enemies became Your Majesty. Even though Your Majesty has yielded, Cao Cao has only lowered his guard a little.”

"If I were to give Lü Bu an important position now, how would Cao Cao respond?" Liu Xie couldn't help but ask, still curious.

"Cao Cao wouldn't directly turn against His Majesty, but he would find an opportunity to send Lü Bu away to fight and weaken Lü Bu's strength. He might even send someone to kill Lü Bu, causing him to die mysteriously outside. Even if he can't openly break ties with His Majesty, Cao Cao will still have to retaliate."

"Would he really do that?"

Jia Xu said firmly, "Your Majesty, even a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty like Wang Yun is unwilling to relinquish his power and allow Your Majesty to rule personally, let alone a warlord like Cao Cao in this chaotic era. Wang Yun is ignorant of politics and not good at strategy. In this respect, Cao Cao is at least ten times better than Wang Yun."

Jia Xu stood up. "If Xu is unstable, would Cao Cao still dare to go out and wage war with peace of mind?"

“If Your Majesty appoints Lü Bu to a high position now, Cao Cao will immediately turn his attention to you. He can kill even Cheng Yu, who is loyal to him, without hesitation. How can he sit idly by and watch Lü Bu be appointed to a high position?”

"So, Wenhe, what do you think the next step should be?"

Jia Xu thought for a while, and soon his eyes lit up. He said, "We must try our best to divert Cao Cao's attention and prevent him from focusing all his attention on His Majesty. For example, we can make a fuss about external pressure or the people around him. Before His Majesty is ready, we must not let Cao Cao treat His Majesty as a major enemy."

Liu Xie understood, and nodded with a smile, "Wenhe's words are truly profound; I have learned a great deal."

We must find as many new enemies as possible for Cao Cao as quickly as possible; if there are no enemies, we must create them.

We can't let Cao Cao be idle; if he is, his attention will fall on Liu Xie.

When Liu Xie was leaving, he kept Lu Xun behind. Jia Xu knew Liu Xie's intentions and did not hold back, willing to carefully instruct Lu Xun.

After a long separation, Fu Shou and Consort Dong were very happy to be reunited. The three of them had dinner together, and Liu Xie stayed in Fu Shou's palace that night.

It's been three years since Liu Xie came into this world, and he's gradually adapted to everything.

The next morning, Liu Xie arrived at Chengguang Hall early for the morning court session.

After all the civil and military officials paid their respects, Liu Xie announced the punishment for Lü Bu.

Being dismissed from his military post in front of the entire court of officials, Lü Bu was somewhat embarrassed.

Lu Bu thought that after being beaten with a hundred lashes in Xiapi, the matter would be over, and he even thought that he would be able to turn his life around and be given an important position as soon as he returned to Xuchang.

He even dreamt last night, while embracing Diaochan, that he had been promoted to General of the Cavalry, bestowed with a title and honors, and was incredibly powerful, with everyone looking at him with envy. Cao Cao was very satisfied with the handling of Lü Bu, and Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and others had also reached a consensus last night.

Guo Jia suggested that Lü Bu should be dealt with calmly, and that Cao Cao should take the opportunity to appease Zhang Liao and try to control Lü Bu's Bingzhou army first.

Lu Bu has now been dismissed from his military post and punished to reflect on his mistakes. This is an opportunity for Cao Cao to take control of the Bingzhou army.

Lu Bu was stubborn and very unhappy, but he couldn't argue in public, so he could only suppress his anger.

Liu Xie then looked at Liu Bei, who was taken aback, wondering what Liu Xie's intentions were.

Liu Xie nodded to Liu Bei, "This time, I am not only pleased with Cao Cao's military strategy, but also with Xuande's benevolent actions. I have already learned that Xuande has not harmed the people in Xuzhou and has implemented many benevolent policies. No wonder so many local gentry and elders tried to persuade him to stay when he was about to leave."

Being praised by Liu Xie in public surprised Liu Bei and made him a little excited.

It should be noted that on the way to Xuzhou, he had just been severely reprimanded by Liu Xie, who also made it clear that he would not be too close to him in public.

Liu Bei was somewhat disappointed by this.

But now, the situation has suddenly changed, so Liu Xie must adapt to the changing circumstances.

He had to divert Cao Cao's attention as much as possible, give Cao Cao more formidable opponents, and draw fire away from Liu Xie.

Liu Xie beckoned to Zhao Yun, "Zilong, bring over the Han dynasty's genealogy."

"What do you need the family genealogy for?" Liu Bei's mind immediately started working, and his eyes lit up considerably.

Cao Cao was also unaware that Liu Xie would suddenly pull such a stunt. Yesterday, Cao Cao's main concern was Lü Bu, but today, Liu Xie's actions greatly surprised Cao Cao.

After the genealogy was brought, Liu Xie looked at Liu Bei and asked, "Xuande, today in front of all the civil and military officials, I want to update your genealogy and tell you about your origins."

Liu Bei was so excited that he didn't even notice Cao Cao's expression beside him.

He had been waiting for this day for so long, and it had finally arrived. Liu Bei clenched his fist tightly in his sleeve.

Although Cao Cao's face remained calm, his eyes were noticeably colder.

Liu Bei bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan and a great-great-grandson of Emperor Jing of Han."

Zhao Yun opened the imperial family genealogy in front of everyone and read aloud: "Emperor Jing of Han had fourteen sons. The seventh son was Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Sheng begat Liu Zhen, Marquis of Lucheng. Zhen begat Liu Ang, Marquis of Pei. Ang begat Liu Lu, Marquis of Zhang. Lu begat Liu Lian, Marquis of Yishui. Lian begat Liu Ying, Marquis of Qinyang... Yi begat Liu Bi, Marquis of Yuanze. Bi begat Liu Da, Marquis of Yingchuan. Da begat Liu Buyi, Marquis of Fengling. Buyi begat Liu Hui, Marquis of Jichuan. Hui begat Liu Xiong, Magistrate of Fan County in Dongjun. Xiong begat Liu Hong. Hong did not serve in the government. Liu Bei is the son of Liu Hong."

Liu Xie nodded. "Good, very good. According to the family genealogy, I should still address Xuande as Imperial Uncle."

As he spoke, Liu Xie stood up, bowed slightly to Liu Bei, and paid his respects.

"Now that the world is in distress and the Han dynasty is in decline, Imperial Uncle should sincerely assist me and help me restore the Han dynasty and bring peace to the world as soon as possible. From this day forward, Imperial Uncle shall be granted the titles of General of the Left, Governor of Yu Province, and Marquis of Anping!"

"Your subject kowtows to express his gratitude for the Emperor's grace."

Overjoyed that his identity had finally been recognized by the emperor, Liu Bei immediately knelt on the ground.

Both his official rank and his noble title have been significantly improved compared to before.

He went from being the General Who Guards the East to becoming the General on the Left.

He went from being the Marquis of Yicheng to the Marquis of Anping, and from the Marquis of Yicheng to the Marquis of Anping.

"Although you are my imperial uncle in terms of seniority, I am the emperor, and we should treat each other with the respect due to a ruler and his subjects. However, I believe that it will not be long before the whole world knows about your status as my imperial uncle."

Liu Bei nodded hastily. What Liu Xie called him was not important; what mattered was that his status as the Imperial Uncle would now be legitimate.

With Liu Xie's approval, the title of "Imperial Uncle" would become Liu Bei's unique and prestigious asset.

Cao Cao's expression grew colder and colder. He didn't say a word, just stared coldly at Liu Bei.

He was already wary of Liu Bei, and now that Liu Bei had become Liu Huangshu, Cao Cao naturally knew what that meant.

Once Liu Bei leaves Xuchang, many people will flock to him and be willing to assist him.

"Alright, rise. From now on, I'll still call you Xuande; it sounds more intimate that way."

Liu Bei quickly stood up. He didn't care how the emperor addressed him. "It's all up to Your Majesty."

After a moment of excitement, Liu Bei finally realized that someone was staring at him. He turned slightly to the side, and Liu Bei and Cao Cao's eyes met. Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away, thinking to himself that something was wrong.

How could Cao Cao be happy that Liu Xie was so affectionate with him, even recognizing him from the family genealogy and calling him "Imperial Uncle"?
The more Liu Bei thought about it, the colder he felt.

Cao Cao remained motionless, his gaze as sharp as a knife, fixed on Liu Bei for a long time.

"Lord Cao, what do you think of my arrangement?"

Finally, Liu Xie never forgot to seek Cao Cao's opinion, which seemed to have become a habit; he would consult Cao Cao on everything.

Cao Cao was furious. "You've already announced it in public, why are you asking me?"
If I express my opposition now, will it still have any effect?
Fortunately, Liu Xie did not send Liu Bei away, otherwise Cao Cao would have been in a real predicament.

Cao Cao suppressed his dissatisfaction, forced a smile, and nodded to Liu Xie, "Your subject has no objection."

Liu Xie laughed and said, "Cao Cao and I are always so in sync. I knew that Cao Cao would not object."

"Furthermore, regarding the selection of the governor of Xuzhou, I believe..."

Cao Cao was startled, and Guo Jia and the others also stared in surprise, their eyes all turning to Liu Xie.

Cao Cao felt that Liu Xie should not interfere in such an important matter, but it was too late to stop him.

"I think that General Che Zhou is quite good in both literary and military affairs. If Cao Cao has no objection, let Che Zhou temporarily serve as the governor of Xu Province."

Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Your subject has no objection."

Then, Liu Xie asked, "Lord Cao, what do you think is the best way to settle Chen Gong? He is exceptionally capable and has been kind to Lord Cao. I have been thinking about this very carefully."

Cao Cao hadn't figured out this problem yet; he planned to put the Chen Gong matter aside for now and observe the situation before making a decision.

Unexpectedly, in the imperial court, Liu Xie questioned him in front of everyone.

(End of this chapter)