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

Chapter 255, The Emperor Attends Zhuge Liang's Wedding

After taking Qingzhou, Liu Xie appointed Zhang He as the governor of Qingzhou.

Many people found this approach unbelievable, as Zhang He was, after all, a surrendered general who had only recently submitted. However, Liu Xie disregarded public opinion and did not hesitate at all.

Zhang He was the principal commander, Gao Lan was his assistant, and Tian Kai, who had served as the governor of Qingzhou, also stayed in Qingzhou to assist Zhang He.

Zhang He and Gao Lan were deeply moved. As surrendered generals, they never dared to dream of being so highly regarded.

The original troops in Qingzhou will remain unchanged and continue to be under Zhang He's command.

In the following days, Zhang He and others were busy posting notices to reassure the people and stabilize public sentiment. Liu Xie also gathered officials from all over Qingzhou together to appease them.

On this day, Jia Xu came to see Liu Xie. As soon as they met, he smiled and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, good news has come from Jingzhou."

"Oh? What's the good news?"

Liu Xie was in a good mood. Things quickly stabilized in Qingzhou, and everything went smoothly.

"Zhuge Liang is getting married, and the date is set for half a month from now."

Liu Xie said with a hint of reproach, "Zhuge Liang didn't even send me a letter to report the good news about this matter."

The message came from Liu Biao's subordinates. These wandering knights-errant were very adept at gathering intelligence.

Jia Xu explained, "Zhuge Liang is a low-key person and does not plan to hold a grand wedding. He only invited a few close friends and relatives to attend. We have a member of the Dragon Guard on the periphery who knows Xu Shu. He got the information from Xu Shu."

"In two weeks?"

Liu Xie estimated the time, and Jia Xu immediately understood his meaning, "Your Majesty, you're not going to attend Zhuge Liang's wedding, are you?"

Liu Xie nodded. "You make the arrangements."

"Your Majesty, is this necessary? Zhuge Liang has only recently come of age. Even if he has some talent, it is not worth Your Majesty risking your life to go to Jingzhou."

Jia Xu was always cautious, and he felt there was really no need to go.

Liu Xie, however, had no intention of changing his mind. "It's decided then."

Unable to dissuade him, Jia Xu had no choice but to say, "Since that's the case, then this matter should not be publicized. Your Majesty may leave now. I will keep the news under wraps in Qingzhou. As for Jingzhou, there is no need to tell Liu Bei. The less people know, the safer it will be."

Liu Xie readily accepted, saying, "I will take Zilong and Fengxian with me, and after the wedding, I will return directly to Xuchang."

Liu Xie left Qingzhou quietly, while Jia Xu ordered his men to guard the emperor's temporary palace closely, creating the illusion that the emperor was in Qingzhou.

Turning our attention to Ye City, Cao Cao's battle strategy differed somewhat from Liu Xie's.

Liu Xie first cleared the outer perimeter, and then besieged Linzi, the core city of Qingzhou. He tackled the easy problems first, and then the difficult ones, and conquered Qingzhou quickly with the momentum of an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.

Cao Cao, on the other hand, concentrated his forces and went straight for the heart of Ji Province. Tens of thousands of men, like a sharp knife, pierced the heart of Ji Province—Ye City—from the very beginning.

Then, they would besiege the city and attack any reinforcements, cutting off Ye City's connection with the surrounding areas and completely isolating it.

Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun both put in their best efforts and led their troops to participate in the siege, while Cao Cao personally supervised the battle outside the city.

Sunlight slanted across the dust-filled battlefield. The Cao army's war drums thundered, their heavy and rapid beats echoing as battle flags fluttered, armor clad in iron, and countless Cao soldiers roared as they surged toward Ye City like a torrent.

"Fire arrows!"

On the city wall, Shen Pei shouted the order, and arrows rained down, densely shooting at Cao Cao's army.

Arrows fell, spraying blood everywhere, but Cao's army showed no weakness. Facing the impregnable defenses of Ye City, Cao's army pressed forward, shouting as they climbed the city walls using siege ladders.

Cao's archers also launched a continuous counterattack, with arrows soaring into the sky and falling on the city walls like raindrops and hail.

The defenders screamed and cried out in agony as they fell one after another, struck by arrows. Shen Pei, disregarding the danger, calmly gave orders.

Cao's soldiers, as numerous as ants, climbed up the city wall. Led by generals like Cao Ren, more and more soldiers reached the top, and a fierce hand-to-hand battle quickly broke out on the wall, with flashing swords and spears and deafening shouts of battle.

"Crash!"

With a command given, Cao Cao's chariots, pushing massive battering rams, repeatedly and violently crashed into the city gates of Ye.

The thunderous roar shook the heavens, and the city gate groaned in pain as it was struck by the chariots, as if it were about to collapse at any moment.

The situation became increasingly unfavorable. Shen Pei held Ye City for nearly a month, using every possible method, including rolling logs, burning oil, and crossbows, inflicting heavy casualties on Cao Cao's army.

However, before nightfall, the south gate was breached, and Cao Ang led a cavalry unit to be the first to storm into the city.

Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhen, and a group of young generals followed closely behind, roaring and charging in.

Cao's army was in high spirits and everyone was bloodthirsty.

With people protecting Shen Pei, they tried to break through the encirclement, but Shen Pei sighed resolutely and jumped off the city wall.

Upon seeing this, Cao Cao sighed repeatedly, "Alas... what a pity. I originally wanted to persuade Shen Pei to surrender, but I never expected him to be so resolute."

Just as Cao Cao was about to enter the city, Xun You hurriedly came to Cao Cao's side and said with a serious expression, "My lord, news has just come that Qingzhou has been captured by His Majesty, Yuan Tan has been killed, and Zhang He and Gao Lan have surrendered."

Cao Cao's joy at having just captured the city instantly turned cold.

Cao Cao felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water from head to toe.

Cao Cao gritted his teeth, his eyes turning cold. "I never imagined that His Majesty would seize Qingzhou before us."

But then he burst into laughter, "If it were me, I wouldn't miss such an opportunity either. Our attack on Ye City indirectly helped His Majesty, allowing him to take advantage of the situation and launch a surprise attack on Qingzhou."

Cao Cao shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions, and then strode toward the city gate.

As he walked, he said, "After conquering Ye City, I originally wanted to let the soldiers rest. It seems there is no time. We must pacify Ji Province as soon as possible, and we cannot let His Majesty find another opportunity in Bing Province and You Province."

Liu Xie's performance aroused Cao Cao's fighting spirit, and this healthy competition was something Liu Xie was happy to see.

The city was in chaos. Cao Ang led his men and quickly broke through Yuan Shao's general's mansion. He ordered his men to guard the mansion and wait for Cao Cao's arrival.

After all, Yuan Shao was once a regional warlord, so the decision of what to do with his family was ultimately up to Cao Cao.

Then, Cao Ang continued to lead his men to deal with the remaining resistance in the city, and gathered the surrendered soldiers. He posted notices to reassure the people. Influenced by the emperor, Cao Ang always remembered that he must never disturb the people.

Cao Ang always kept the saying "Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it" firmly in mind.

Cao Ang was a disciplined and exemplary soldier. Whenever he saw people running around in panic in the city, he would take the initiative to comfort them.

However, Cao Pi, in his haste, led his men to the backyard of the Yuan family, his true intentions not what they seemed.

Yuan Shao's family must have included many beautiful women, and Cao Pi rushed in first, wanting to see if there was any woman he could fancy.

The Yuan household was in complete chaos. Men fled, women wept, and everyone was terrified. Seeing Cao Pi leading a troop of armored soldiers in a menacing manner, the Yuan family members panicked like lambs to the slaughter, kneeling on the ground without even the slightest courage to resist. Cao Pi first encountered Lady Liu, Yuan Shao's principal wife. Cao Pi stared at Lady Liu, sizing her up and down.

Although he was well-preserved, Cao Pi still shook his head; he was simply too old.

Cao Pi continued his search, one woman after another, but he never met a woman he liked. The women of the Yuan family were terrified, crying and sobbing, their faces streaked with tears, their beauty faded, and even their most beautiful appearances were diminished.

It wasn't until he rushed into a room and encountered Zhen Mi, Yuan Xi's woman, that Cao Pi's eyes lit up.

Although Zhen Mi looked flustered, her beautiful face was still undeniable.

Her graceful figure, delicate eyebrows, soft hair, and rosy lips were so beautiful that one could forget the changing seasons. Although she appeared flustered at this moment, Cao Pi was even more captivated.

Upon seeing Zhen Mi, Cao Pi was immediately captivated by her beauty. Learning that she was Yuan Xi's woman, Cao Pi felt even more smug.

Cao Pi reached out and lifted Zhen Mi's chin, saying domineeringly, "From now on, you are my woman."

When Cao Cao arrived, he was also attracted by Zhen Mi's beauty, but since his son had already beaten him to it, Cao Cao could only laugh it off.

You can't expect a father and son to fight over a woman, can you?
If Cao Pi hadn't acted first, things would have been very different.

Some people say that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were contemporaries, and Zhen Mi was Yuan Xi's woman, making her Cao Cao's junior. They argue that no matter how lustful Cao Cao was, he wouldn't do such a thing, but that's a big mistake.

No rules apply to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao accepted Yuan Shu's daughter-in-law as a concubine, so why couldn't he accept Yuan Shao's daughter-in-law?

Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were also Cao Cao's successors, but Cao Cao would still have his eyes on Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.

…………

Xiangyang, Longzhong!
The mountains are lush and green, like a green ocean. Although it is the hot month of June, the mountains are not hot. Birds sing and flowers bloom, making for a pleasant place.

Birds flew by from time to time, and today there were two magpies on Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage, chirping happily as if to remind passersby that something joyful was happening here.

The seemingly simple thatched cottage has attracted several distinguished guests today, including Huang Chengyan, Xu Shu, Shi Guangyuan, Meng Gongwei, and even Pang Degong from the Pang family.

There weren't many people, but the atmosphere was very harmonious. The Pang family had married Zhuge Liang's second sister, and with the marriage alliance between Zhuge Liang and the Huang family, Zhuge Liang's status became extremely important.

Zhuge Liang was Huang Chengyan's son-in-law, so everyone who met him in the future would have to look at him with more respect.

There was no singing or dancing, no drumming or music in the room, yet it was still quite charming.

Suddenly, a child rushed in from outside, "Sir, sir..."

The young boy approached Zhuge Liang, looking extremely flustered. He pointed to the door and said, "Three guests have arrived outside, one of whom is..."

"What's wrong? Speak slowly."

Seeing his expression, Zhuge Liang also showed a look of doubt in his eyes.

The child's expression also drew the attention of Huang Chengyan and the others.

The boy stammered, "Someone said he is... His Majesty the present, the Son of Heaven!"

Zhuge Liang was stunned for a moment, and everyone else was also stunned.

Xu Shu muttered to himself, "The Emperor? How could he possibly come to Longzhong?"

This was something no one would believe under any circumstances, but just as everyone was puzzled, they heard footsteps and then three people walked in.

Two tall men entered first, one on the left and one on the right. Although they were not wearing armor and were dressed in plain robes, their imposing aura made everyone immediately aware of them.

These two are not simple people; they have definitely killed people.

Ordinary people don't possess this kind of sharp, suffocating aura.

Zhuge Liang's gaze bypassed the two people and landed directly on the person at the very back.

Although he was wearing an ordinary robe and looked no different from an ordinary person at first glance, Zhuge Liang immediately recognized Liu Xie because of his calm and composed demeanor.

Liu Xie approached slowly, a friendly smile on his face. His long robe swayed gently in the wind, and his movements were composed and confident. Although Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong were both famous figures in Jingzhou, Liu Xie's demeanor immediately overshadowed them.

His indifferent gaze casually swept over the people in the room; though his gaze wasn't sharp, it seemed to pierce right through their hearts.

The air of someone who has long held a high position naturally emanated from Liu Xie.

Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong also sensed something unusual about Liu Xie.

This person is no ordinary individual.

After glancing at Liu Xie a few times, Zhuge Liang was certain that he was the emperor. He quickly bowed and said, "This humble subject, Zhuge Liang, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong were also taken aback for a moment, then stood up from their seats and bowed to Liu Xiezuo.

They did not kneel. Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong were both influential figures in Jingzhou, unlike ordinary people.

While they respected the emperor, they would never place themselves in a humble position.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "I apologize for coming so abruptly, and I hope I have not disturbed your enjoyment."

Zhao Yun, carrying a gift box, walked up to Zhuge Liang and handed it over.

Zhuge Liang quickly took it and asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Liu Xie smiled faintly, "We had a pleasant conversation across the distance. I heard you were getting married, so I came to see you."

Zhuge Liang still found it unbelievable; this was the emperor, after all.

After barely calming his excitement and surprise, Zhuge Liang quickly led Liu Xie to the seat of honor and introduced Huang Chengyan and the others one by one.

Liu Xie nodded to everyone and shook hands with each of them to greet them.

Liu Xie also introduced the two people beside him, "This is Zhao Yun, and that is Lü Bu."

Upon hearing the names Zhao Yun and Lü Bu, everyone was startled again. Even great sages like Huang Chengyan and Pang Degong were somewhat unsettled.

"Your Majesty, did you inform Liu Qi, the Governor of Jingzhou, of your arrival?" Zhuge Liang asked curiously.

Such a big matter required Zhuge Liang to find out the truth. Although it was a great honor for the emperor to come to his home, Zhuge Liang could not afford to take responsibility if anything went wrong.

When the emperor travels, safety is always the most important thing. Even with Lü Bu and Zhao Yun by his side, Zhuge Liang was still worried. He felt that the governor of Jingzhou should immediately send someone to protect the emperor.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "I don't like to be ostentatious, so I'll trouble you all to keep this a secret for me."

(End of this chapter)