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

Chapter 223, It's Time for Sikong to Change
Jia Xu's suggestion was strikingly similar to Cao Cao's approach to Ma Teng: invite Ma Teng to Xuchang to serve as an official, thereby using Ma Teng as a hostage to remotely control Ma Chao.

Liu Xie considered it for a moment and nodded in agreement.

If Ma Teng is sensible enough to come to Xudu, Liu Xie will naturally welcome him with open arms.

If Ma Teng refuses to come, it can only mean that the emperor doesn't hold enough weight in Ma Teng's heart.

With Liu Xie's current strength, he is indeed powerless to control Xiliang.

Whether Ma Teng comes to Xudu or not is entirely up to him.

Liu Xie glanced at Jia Xu and remembered something. "Man Chong used to work in the Imperial Secretariat. I can set aside a separate place for you as your official residence."

Jia Xu shook his head. "Your Majesty, there's no need. Everything can remain the same."

"Are you going to work at the Imperial Secretariat?"

Liu Xie was somewhat surprised. Ju Shou, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but laugh and said, "The Secretariat is full of Cao Cao's confidants. They are already in a state of panic. Once Wenhe goes there to do his work, there will be quite a show to watch."

Jia Xu smiled mysteriously, "Isn't this a good thing? It prevents anyone from having any ill intentions, and I can keep an eye on them from the sidelines."

Liu Xie also found this both interesting and effective, as the Ministry of Personnel was full of hidden talents, and those in office were all elite representatives of the pro-Cao faction.

Xu Yi, Ding Yi, Xun Yu, Huan Jie, Chen Qun, Wei Ji, Mao Jie... it's a veritable treasure trove of talent, all highly valued by Cao Cao. It would be quite interesting to place Jia Xu among them.

After the meeting ended, as he was leaving, Yang Biao stood up and saw him off for a few steps, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Lord Yang, I know you want to talk about your son, Dezhu."

Yang Biao nodded. "Your Majesty is wise. Your Majesty once said that my son's close relationship with Cao Cao could serve as a shield for the Yang family, allowing Cao Cao to lower his guard against them. But now that Your Majesty is revitalizing the court, this old minister wishes to have Dezu serve Your Majesty. What does Your Majesty think?"

Yang Biao was steadfast in his stance and upright in his character; naturally, he hoped that his son would be loyal to the Han Dynasty.

Liu Xie did not immediately agree. "I will not force you. Let's see what Emperor Dezu himself thinks."

"Your Majesty, I have an idea."

Jia Xu spoke up, "Wouldn't it be even better if Yang Xiu could help His Majesty monitor Cao Cao and transmit intelligence from there in a timely manner?"

Liu Xie shook his head and refused, "De Zu has grown up. He is the only son in the Yang family. Let De Zu make his own decision. My relationship with Cao Cao is not that bad. Whether De Zu stays with Cao Cao or returns to my side, a smart man like him will always have a chance to play a role."

Jia Xu's idea of ​​sending him as an undercover agent was indeed brilliant, but Yang Biao was old and only had this one son, so Liu Xie couldn't bear to let Yang Xiu take the risk.

Furthermore, based on Liu Xie's understanding of Yang Xiu, he was arrogant and liked to show off his talents. He was indeed intelligent, but too flamboyant. He needed to be thoroughly tempered and refined.

After leaving the Yang residence and parting ways with Jia Xu and the others, Liu Xie and Zhao Yun continued their stroll through the streets and unknowingly arrived at the Hongyun Restaurant.

Liu Xie smiled at Zhao Yun and said, "It's been a long time since I've been here. I'm a little out of practice."

Zhao Yun also felt as if it were a lifetime ago. "When His Majesty came before, he was very cautious, afraid of being recognized. There were always people following him."

Many past events flashed through Liu Xie's mind like a movie.

While Liu Xie was still in a daze, someone next to him called out, "Your Majesty."

Immediately afterwards, someone knelt down on the ground with a thud.

Liu Xie turned his head and saw Wang Cai, who was kneeling respectfully on the ground, his hands on the ground, bowing deeply.

Liu Xie quickly took two steps forward, helped him up, and asked with a smile, "How's business lately?"

Wang Cai, unable to hide his excitement, replied, "Thanks to His Majesty's good fortune, the restaurant is doing very well. When customers heard that His Majesty had dined here, they flocked to the restaurant, and it was packed every day."

As the two were talking, many pedestrians on the street recognized the emperor and bowed to him.

Liu Xie smiled and waved to everyone, "No need for formalities. I'm just out for a stroll to relax, so please don't stand on ceremony."

When the people saw the emperor, they were all very alarmed and spontaneously knelt on the ground.

This is a happy problem for Liu Xie.

He hoped that the people would support and respect him, but he also felt that having to bow every time and having people kneel down was too troublesome. Fortunately, Liu Xie had lived in Xudu for four years and had long been used to it.

Sometimes I think it would be quite interesting if everyone just nodded and greeted the emperor before walking past.

But rules are rules, so let's just stick to the old ways.

"Your Majesty, it's been a while since you've dined at our humble establishment." Wang Cai was excited, but clearly somewhat reserved.

The emperor was still the same emperor, but he seemed to have changed.

Liu Xie smiled and strode inside.

The patrons in the bar immediately erupted in excitement. Liu Xie smiled and waved, then went to the room by the window on the second floor, a place he knew exactly where to go.

This was a place he used to frequent; the house was spotless, and the furnishings were exactly as they had been.

As the emperor entered the restaurant, pedestrians flocked in, and it was immediately packed with customers.

Wang Cai delegated the tasks to others and continued to personally serve the emperor as usual.

"Your Majesty, do you think we should change the furnishings here?" Wang Cai hesitated for a moment before tentatively asking.

Liu Xie pretended to be angry and glared at him, "If you want me to come often in the future, then everything will remain the same. If you make it too lavish, I will not come anymore."

Wang Cai nodded quickly, "I've got it."

"Don't be so reserved. We've known each other for several years now. Over the years, you've been loyal to me. I remember everything you and Ma Kui have done for me."

Wang Cai nodded with tears in his eyes and immediately began preparing the meal.

After the food and wine were served, Liu Xie said, "Are your family members all here? Let them come over; I wish to see them."

Wang Cai said, "Yes, they have all moved to Xuchang. My wife is a country girl who has never seen the world. I am afraid that she will disturb His Majesty."

Zhao Yun said, "You are overthinking it. His Majesty is benevolent and loves his people. Even if he has been impolite, he will not blame him."

Wang Cai agreed and went out. After a while, he returned with a middle-aged woman and a teenager.

Wang Cai introduced, "Your Majesty, this is my wife, Dong, and this is my son, Wang Yi."

When Dong and Wang Yi met the emperor, they were suddenly at a loss. Although Liu Xie often came to Hongyun Restaurant, this was the first time they had met the emperor.

"Why aren't you paying your respects to His Majesty right now?" Wang Cai urged, while winking at the two men.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "No need."

Ms. Dong was a typical peasant woman, not yet thirty years old, with a slightly yellowish complexion.

Perhaps because she often does manual labor, her hands are rough and large, unlike those of a woman who has lived a life of luxury.

Liu Xie glanced at Wang Cai with a hint of reproach, "You've made quite a bit of money these past few years, and you don't have to worry about food or clothing. Why do you still make your wife do such menial work?" Wang Cai replied awkwardly, "Your Majesty, we are all destined to be busy. We can't stand being idle if we don't work for a day. I've also tried to persuade my wife, and she's just like me, always running to the kitchen in the back."

Wang Yisheng had a robust and chubby face, dark skin, and was more muscular than his peers.

Liu Xie beckoned to him, "Come here, come closer, how old are you?"

Wang Yi bravely walked over, though he was still somewhat unfamiliar with the person.

"She's fourteen years old."

Have you ever been to school?

Wang Yi shook his head, and Wang Cai showed a helpless expression. "Last year, we spent money to hire a tutor, who taught him for a few days, but he couldn't learn a single word. Your Majesty, don't be fooled by his quiet demeanor now; he's very stubborn."

Wang Yi didn't refute, but stubbornly held his neck, looking rather unconvinced.

Liu Xie disagreed and laughed, "He's only a teenager, the perfect age for playing around."

Liu Xie's childhood in this life was not very fun, but in his previous life, at such a young age, he was quite mischievous.

He climbed over walls, got into fights, raided bird nests, played hide-and-seek... He was like a wild child all day long, and his parents often spanked him with a broom handle.

"I have invited your family to dine with me today. Let's eat and chat."

Wang Cai was taken aback at first, then hurriedly shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, this is probably not in accordance with etiquette. How could I, a humble servant, be worthy of dining with Your Majesty?"

Liu Xie waved his hand and laughed, "If I say it's okay, then it's okay."

Wang Cai could only reply, "Then I thank Your Majesty in advance."

Wang Cai added two more small tables to the room. Normally, women shouldn't sit at the tables, but Liu Xie still let Dong Shi and Wang Yi sit down next to each other.

After everyone was seated, Liu Xie raised a cup of wine and said sincerely, "This cup of wine is for Wang Cai, and also for your whole family."

Wang Cai's hands trembled as he picked up the wine cup, tears welling in his eyes.

Lady Dong was also at a loss, but her heart was warmed. Although she didn't know much, she could tell that this was an emperor with affection and righteousness.

After drinking a cup of wine, Liu Xie said, "Wang Cai, you don't have a courtesy name yet. I will bestow one upon you today. Let's call you Bo Cai."

Wang Cai thanked him profusely, rubbing his hands together and grinning broadly.

At that time, many people did not have courtesy names. Despite making a lot of money, Wang Cai still felt very inferior to the core.

At the end of the Han Dynasty, the social hierarchy was scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Merchants did not have a high social status. Wang Cai had no background whatsoever; he was simply lucky to meet the emperor and have good fortune.

Wang Yi also clamored, "Your Majesty, please grant me a courtesy name as well."

Liu Xie shook his head. "You are still young. When you grow up and become sensible, I will bestow a courtesy name upon you."

Wang Yi muttered softly, "But I don't want to stay in the shop and serve the customers. I want to join the army."

Wang Yi was stubborn and rebellious. Wang Cai wanted to groom him to take over the restaurant business when he grew up, but he had no interest at all.

Wang Cai said with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, I have absolutely no way to deal with him either."

Liu Xie glanced at Wang Yi and deliberately tried to scare him, "Joining the army means you'll inevitably go to the battlefield, which is a very dangerous thing. Aren't you afraid?"

Wang Yi shook his head. "I'm not afraid."

Liu Xie smiled, then suddenly his face darkened, and he pulled the sword from his waist with a sharp motion.

A flash of cold light, and a chilling aura.

Everyone was startled, including Wang Yi. Although Liu Xie had only pulled out a section, Wang Yi was still young and fell down with a thud.

Liu Xie sheathed his sword and said to him, "Joining the army is dangerous; people can die. If you really want to join the army, then come back to me after you prove that you have the courage to face death."

Zhao Yun understood that Liu Xie meant well.

He was grateful for Wang Cai's kindness and did not want Wang Yi to join the army.

I deliberately drew my sword to scare him and make the little guy back down.

Wang Yi was indeed quite frightened; sweat beaded on his forehead.

Seeing that the emperor had only slightly frightened his son, Wang Cai and his wife breathed a sigh of relief.

…………

Guo Jia accompanied Cao Cao on a tour of the military camp. The soldiers were training enthusiastically, and the surrendered soldiers were gradually appeased. They all hoped to return to Hebei as soon as possible and reunite with their families.

Before long, they arrived at the riverbank. Guo Jia couldn't help but smile. "My lord, that morning, His Majesty and I were watching the sunrise by this river. His Majesty said something to me then, and thinking about it now, it's really quite interesting."

"What did he say?"

"His Majesty said that it's almost dawn! It turns out His Majesty had something else in mind."

Cao Cao's facial muscles twitched a few times, and he sneered, "Now I finally understand. I always thought we were hiding in the shadows, but I never expected that it was His Majesty who was truly hiding in the shadows. He has been plotting all along, and even though I was on guard the whole time, he still managed to find a loophole."

Losing is losing, and Cao Cao didn't complain. He quickly burst into laughter, "I've said it before, Your Majesty is qualified to be my opponent. Now, Fengxiao, do you think Your Majesty will back down?"

The stream flows gently, its waters ripple, and a gust of wind blows, stirring up many fallen leaves.

Guo Jia looked quietly at the river in front of him and nodded. "His Majesty will definitely make concessions. Perhaps he has already sent people on their way."

"So, what should we do next?"

Guo Jia pointed towards Hebei and said, “Originally, I wanted to wait until you took over Hebei before I took the position of Governor of Ji Province, but now it seems that this matter can only be brought forward. Not only should you take the position of Governor of Ji Province, but the position of Minister of Works should also be changed.”

Cao Cao stroked his beard and listened quietly.

Guo Jia continued, "The fact that the Minister of Works was in charge of military affairs was originally a stopgap measure after you handed over the position of Grand General to Yuan Shao. Now that the court has been restored, it is not appropriate for the Minister of Works to continue to be in charge of military affairs."

Previously, the imperial court was merely a figurehead, the emperor was just a decoration, and the Minister of Works was in charge of military affairs, so no one cared. But now, things are different.

The Sikong's primary duty was to oversee water conservancy and civil engineering construction, essentially serving as the imperial court's logistics manager.

Where is the flood? Where do roads need repair? Where do irrigation canals need dredging? Where do palaces need to be built? These are the things that the Minister of Works should be doing.

If his official position remained unchanged, Cao Cao would no longer be able to lead troops.

"Furthermore, with the upheaval in Xuchang, people are now in a state of panic and are all watching and waiting. Therefore, not only should your position not be lowered, but it should be further enhanced. Only in this way will people regain their confidence and believe that your position will remain strong."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "So what do you mean?"

Guo Jia's eyes gleamed as he spoke, "Your Excellency should abolish the Three Dukes and restore the Qin Dynasty's system of prime ministers, making yourself the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, and also the governor of Ji Province. Only in this way can we inspire the people and create a tripartite balance of power with His Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)