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

Chapter 252, Che Zhou is in a dilemma.
Lu Xun explained, "Going to Xuzhou first may seem like a detour, but it will have a surprise effect. It will also be a good opportunity to test Xuzhou's reaction, making it easier for His Majesty to control Xuzhou in the future."

Liu Xie thought for a moment, and a thought suddenly came to him. He summoned a personal guard and sent him to Xuzhou to inform Che Zhou in advance that the imperial army would be passing through Xuzhou.

Upon receiving the news, Che Zhou was startled and paced back and forth in the room, wondering, "What should we do? Could the emperor be coming to attack Xuzhou?"

Che Zhou was completely flustered and scratched his head in anxiety. Soon, Liu Xie led his cavalry to Xuzhou.

The garrison was at a loss, and some of them rushed off to deliver a message to Che Zhou.

Che Zhou rushed over and climbed the city wall. He saw that a troop of cavalry had indeed come from outside the city. At the front, surrounded by several military officers, was a young man with an extraordinary bearing.

Che Zhou had the honor of meeting the emperor once and recognized him immediately.

Upon seeing the emperor, he immediately lost his confidence. No matter what the emperor's purpose was, he couldn't very well turn him away.

As Che Zhou looked down at the city walls, he secretly pondered what to do.

Are we just going to open the city gates like this?
However, Cao Cao had instructed him to take good care of Xuzhou.

Liu Xie looked over as well, and he recognized Che Zhou, even smiling and nodding at him.

Che Zhou was a burly man with broad shoulders and a strong build, his body covered in iron armor. His face was stern, his brows furrowed, and he leaned on the city wall, gazing at the disciplined and imposing troops below. Every nerve in his body seemed to tense up instantly.

Liu Xie immediately ordered his men to set up a temporary camp outside the city; he did not request to enter the city.

Chen Gong was somewhat puzzled and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, you are the supreme ruler, it is only right for you to enter the city. As long as Che Zhou welcomes Your Majesty into the city, Xuzhou will be in Your Majesty's hands."

Liu Xie shook his head. "I have led a large army here, and this is only to borrow a passage. It is not appropriate to disturb the people. Che Zhou is already uneasy, so let's not frighten him any further."

Liu Xie did not enter the city, but the more he did so, the more Che Zhou felt guilty.

After a while, Lü Bu and Guan Yu arrived with their large army. Tens of thousands of soldiers continuously gathered outside the city, a sea of ​​people, their armor gleaming with a frightening light, which greatly frightened Che Zhou.

To allay Che Zhou's concerns, Liu Xie sent someone to the city again to announce that the army was only passing through and that their destination was Qingzhou.

Liu Xie then ordered, "Pass on my order: no noise, no disturbance, and no harassment of the people!"

"Yes, sir." The messenger replied and rode away, and soon the order was relayed.

"His Majesty has decreed that no noise, no disturbances, and no harassment of the people are permitted!"

A campfire was lit at night, and Liu Xie and the others gathered around it, eating and chatting.

After a while, Chen Gong, accompanied by two strong soldiers, carried over a slaughtered wild deer.

Liu Xie originally refused. With so many soldiers around and not enough meat to go around, wouldn't it be tempting for everyone to eat the meat while he watched?
Chen Gong, however, was very stubborn and advised, "Your Majesty has been on this trip for several days in a row, and you are eating the same food as the soldiers. How can this be allowed? Taking good care of Your Majesty is also our duty as subjects."

Guan Yu also advised, "Your Majesty, your health is of utmost importance. How can you not eat meat? Gongtai is absolutely right."

Even if the emperor was willing to share weal and woe with everyone, he was still the emperor. If he only ate ordinary food for every meal, after a while, everyone would feel bad about it.

This wild deer was captured by several soldiers skilled in hunting, hired by Chen Gong.

In front of Liu Xie, they skillfully skinned and cut up the wild deer, then placed it on the fire and roasted it with a crackling sound.

Liu Xie smiled helplessly, then turned to look at Xuzhou City under the night sky.

Guan Yu said, "Your Majesty is too merciful. He should have made Che Zhou open the city gates voluntarily, or simply killed him and seized Xuzhou directly."

Zhou Cang looked at Guan Yu with admiration and nodded repeatedly.

Guan Yu was known for his loyalty, courage, and strength. In particular, during the Battle of Guandu, he single-handedly and bravely killed Yuan Shao in the enemy camp, which made him famous throughout the world.

Zhou Cang's fervent worship of Guan Yu seemed almost preordained.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Yun Chang, there's no need to rush. If I don't enter the city this time, I'll be forced into the position of Che Zhou. He's in a dilemma now. Opening the city gates is not an option, and not opening them is also not an option. If everyone in Xuzhou finds out about this, they will criticize him."

Lu Xun nodded. "Yes, that's why I asked His Majesty to pass through Xuzhou. Even if we don't do anything to Xuzhou this time, we can not only test Che Zhou's attitude but also put him on the defensive. His Majesty's order not to disturb the people will also greatly win him popular support."

Che Zhou was like an ant on a hot pan; every now and then, he couldn't resist coming up to the city wall to take a look, and he would come over every now and then.

Liu Xie was roasting venison outside the city, the aroma filling the air, and everyone was chatting and laughing. Che Zhou seemed to be roasting himself on the fire as well.

Should the city be opened or not?

Knowing that the emperor has arrived, are you really going to refuse to even see him?

Che Zhou was just a rough-around-the-edges military general who wasn't good at thinking. The more he thought about it, the more troubled he became. Chen Deng's father, Chen Gui, learned of this and rushed over overnight to see Che Zhou.

Upon meeting, Chen Gui immediately gave Che Zhou a cold shoulder and questioned him bluntly: "General, you are the governor of Xuzhou appointed by the imperial court. How can a subject turn a blind eye to his sovereign?"

Che Zhou cursed Chen Gui for meddling in his heart, but said aloud, "His Majesty has already sent word that this army is only passing through Xuzhou. His Majesty does not want to disturb the people. As the governor of Xuzhou, I naturally have to fulfill my duties and do my job."

Chen Gui snorted, his white beard bristling, and retorted sharply, "His Majesty's reluctance to disturb the people is an act of compassion for the common people, a display of the demeanor of a wise ruler. But he is the ruler, and you are the subject. There is a distinction between ruler and subject, and a proper order of rank. Doesn't the general know this? What harm would it do to welcome His Majesty in, even if it's just for a few words and a bow of respect?"

Che Zhou's face flushed slightly after being refuted, but he was still very worried. Cao Cao had instructed him that he must not lose Xuzhou.

Once the city gates are opened, there are 40,000 troops outside the city, and Xuzhou could change hands in the blink of an eye.

"Old sir, please stop talking. It's getting late, please go back." Che Zhou waved his hand, and two soldiers came over and, half-coaxing and half-helping, took Chen Gui away.

After daybreak, Liu Xie's troops left, merely passing through the city.

Along the way, the troops maintained strict military discipline and did not harm the people in any way, which was praised by the people of Xuzhou.

However, Che Zhou's "avoidance" quickly sparked heated discussions among the people of Xuzhou, and the discontent among scholars, led by Chen Gui, also increased rapidly.

Liu Xie's passage through Xuzhou this time seemed to have done nothing, but it planted a small seed of hope for the people of Xuzhou.

Given the right opportunity, a small flame can ignite into a raging inferno.

…………

Qingzhou, Beihai!
As the sun set, its afterglow bathed the city walls, gilding Beihai City with a golden hue. Crowds thronged the city gates, shoulder to shoulder. A curfew was in effect, and whether they were ordinary people who had toiled all day outside or merchants traveling to and from the city, everyone was anxious, their steps hurried, hoping to enter the city as soon as possible. No one wanted to be left outside, sleeping in the open.

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves rang out in the distance. At first, the sound was very soft and did not attract people's attention, but soon the sound became clear and rapid.

A troop of armored cavalry appeared on the horizon and galloped swiftly towards the city. Their armor gleamed and their cold light was dazzling. By the time the soldiers guarding the city realized that something was wrong, it was too late.

This cavalry unit numbered several hundred men, led by a man whose green battle robe fluttered in the wind. He held a large sword in his hand, shaped like a crescent moon, with a coiled and soaring blue dragon engraved on it.

Looking at his face, with his silkworm-shaped eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and five long strands of beard swaying in the wind, it was indeed Guan Yu.

Guan Yu rode his horse at breakneck speed, his eyes half-closed as if he were half asleep, but an astonishing killing intent had already gathered in his heart.

"Oh no! Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

"Get into the city quickly!"

Chaos erupted at the city gate as people jostled to get inside, and the soldiers on duty shouted in panic, trying to close the gate.

But in the blink of an eye, Guan Yu and his men rushed forward, their hooves thundering and their killing intent astonishing.

The outer guards were a little slower, and in an instant, Guan Yu wielded his blade and cut down several of them.

With the blood-dripping Green Dragon Crescent Blade raised high, Guan Yu shouted, "I am Guan Yu, Marquis of Hanshou! Surrender the city at once, or die!"

Upon hearing Guan Yu's name, the defending soldiers were terrified. Some ran desperately into the city, while others were completely stunned, standing there dumbfounded, only to be instantly cut down and killed by the onrushing iron cavalry.

"Close the city gates! Close the city gates!"

The garrison commander, Zhang Cheng, kept shouting and urging them on.

The panicked people simply dodged to the sides, abandoning their idea of ​​entering the city.

Guan Yu tried his best to prevent anyone from harming innocent civilians. Zhang Cheng was brandishing his broadsword and giving loud commands. Guan Yu's cold gaze locked onto him. He spurred his horse closer, his phoenix eyes suddenly snapping open, a torrent of killing intent surging forth from them.

Zhang Cheng only needed to exchange a glance with Guan Yu before he was so frightened that he was at a loss for what to do, as if he were being watched by the Grim Reaper.

The Azure Dragon Blade was suddenly raised, and Zhang Cheng's pupils widened in shock. With a soft thud, the blade came crashing down. Zhang Cheng tried to dodge, but his movements were too slow.

A spray of blood erupted, and Zhang Cheng's head was instantly severed from his body.

Guan Yu's blade was both fast and ruthless; killing people was as easy as chopping melons and vegetables.

When ordinary people face Guan Yu, their mere presence will crush them, leaving them with no courage to resist. Even if they manage to react, their movements will be extremely slow.

With Zhang Cheng killed, the defending troops were in even greater panic, leaderless, and scattered in all directions.

Guan Yu led his cavalry in a frenzied charge, unstoppable. Merciless swords and spears flashed across the sky, bringing down streaks of blood. The defending soldiers cried out in despair, suffering a gruesome slaughter.

Before the city gates could close, Guan Yu charged forward, wildly wielding his broadsword and repeatedly slashing down the enemies behind the gates.

The defending troops were few in number, and Beihai fell in a short time.

The news quickly reached Linzi, and some suggested that Beihai should be rescued immediately. Zhang He shook his head, "It's too late, it's too late."

While Zhang He reinforced the city's defenses, he also sent a messenger to Yuan Tan, urging him to withdraw his troops from Liyang immediately.

But bad news kept coming, shocking Zhang He time and time again.

Two days later, Lü Bu launched a surprise attack on Jinan, and Jinan fell.

Three days later, Donglai fell and was occupied by Taishi Ci.

Five days later, Le'an County was captured by Zhou Cang, and the State of Qi was also conquered by Zhao Yun.

In just a few days, taking advantage of the fact that Yuan Tan's army had not yet returned, Liu Xie's 40,000 troops launched attacks in all directions, and good news kept coming. Only Linzi and Pingyuan remained unconquered.

Linzi was Yuan Tan's stronghold. Zhang He was well-prepared, patrolling day and night. All kinds of weapons were piled up on the city walls. He was ready to fight Liu Xie to the bitter end.

However, no sign of the Han army appeared, no matter how long Zhang He waited.

Ten days later, news came again that Pingyuan had also fallen.

With only Linzi remaining and Zhang He commanding a mere 20,000 troops, he was even less inclined to launch a preemptive strike.

Zhang He thought that Liu Xie would concentrate his forces to besiege Linzi, but he miscalculated.

Liu Xie did not target him, but instead closely monitored the movements of Yuan Tan's army.

"Your Majesty, Yuan Tan has withdrawn his troops, which number approximately 30,000."

Lu Xun had just returned from gathering information, still holding a leather map in his hand. He spread the map on the ground, pointed to a spot, and said, "Yuan Tan's army is going to pass through Jinan, and Nanshan is a place they must pass through. We can set up an ambush here and catch them off guard."

Liu Xie nodded. "Compared to Zhang He, who is holding a fortified city, it is clear that dealing with Yuan Tan, who hastily withdrew his troops, is a better chance of success."

Lu Bu was somewhat unconvinced. "Your Majesty, Zhang He is nothing special. If he were to leave the city and fight me to the death, I would surely take his head."

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Zhang He is extremely skilled in military strategy; he will not fight you one-on-one."

Chen Gong also agreed, saying, "If we launch a strong attack on Linzi, Zhang He can simply hold his ground and rely on the city to resist us. It will be difficult for him to break through the city in a short period of time. Once Yuan Tan's army returns, the enemy can attack us from both sides, putting us on the defensive. But now we are in control. The cities around Linzi have already fallen into our hands. The more this is the case, the less Zhang He will dare to send troops out easily. We can ambush Yuan Tan on his way back."

Liu Xie nodded. He knew Zhang He was powerful, but no matter how powerful you are, it's useless because I'm not going to fight you.

Let Zhang He continue to guard Linzi.

Yuan Tan's 30,000-strong army returned very quickly. Fearing that Linzi would also fall, Yuan Tan marched hastily, and his troops appeared very scattered.

The defeat at Liyang, which resulted in heavy losses, had already dampened the morale of Yuan Tan's troops. The surprise attack on Qingzhou further intensified the atmosphere of panic among the soldiers, from top to bottom.

The weather in May and June was already quite hot and dry. Yuan's army had been traveling continuously, and most of them were covered in sweat. Their clothes felt sticky and uncomfortable, especially the soldiers wearing armor.

(End of this chapter)