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

At first, the weather was just overcast and didn't look like it was going to rain, so Xun Yu didn't take it seriously. He turned around and walked back, wanting to continue to persuade the ministers to go back first.

These days, Xun Yu's reactions are not as intense as before. Even a fool can see that Cao Cao is serious; killing and exterminating clans is no joke.

Moreover, Xun Yu had already guessed that the emperor was supporting him, and since he was already quite old, Xun Yu thought it through and decided not to be the first to stick his neck out.

On the way, he met his son Xun Yun, who had just come out of the palace and was going out to take care of some things.

Xun Yu felt even more gratified to see that his son had grown taller and stronger.

"Tell your father quickly, what have you been doing for the past year?" Xun Yu asked with concern as he walked side by side with his son.

"There were so many things to do. Almost no matter what it was, His Majesty had me by his side. First, we fought Zhang Lu, then we pacified Nanzhong, and then we reformed the officialdom in Yizhou. His Majesty broadened my horizons a lot."

Xun Yun became more and more excited as he spoke. As a son, which one wouldn't want to gain his parents' approval?
Xun Yun looked up to his father from a young age, taking Xun Yu as his role model and source of pride.

"And... His Majesty said I was too weak, and whenever he had free time, he would urge me to ride horses and practice swordsmanship. Father, look how tanned I am. His Majesty is sometimes very strict with me."

Xun Yu listened quietly, patiently and attentively. Although his son had been gone for a year and rarely by his side, Xun Yu was very relieved.

Serving the emperor is not just about being a gofer or errand boy.

Xun Yu glared at his son with a stern expression and scolded, "His Majesty is strict with you because he wants to cultivate you and help you succeed. You've always been physically weak, so more exercise will only benefit you!"

Xun Yun nodded, "I was just telling Father the truth; I dare not complain to His Majesty."

Xun Yu turned his head to look south and suddenly asked, "His Majesty's time is so precious, yet he is willing to spend time and energy on you. You must not let His Majesty down. Do you know who the last person was so devoted to cultivating by His Majesty?"

“It’s Lu Xun!” Xun Yun replied.

Xun Yu nodded, "Then follow His Majesty closely. Do whatever His Majesty asks you to do, and be sure to do your best in everything His Majesty instructs you to do well!"

Xun Yun nodded vigorously, "I've remembered!"

After a while, the two parted ways. Xun Yu watched his son's strong back as he left, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips.

He knew that when his son was very young, the emperor had taken good care of him, often telling him stories, making him fun toys, and urging him to develop a habit of diligent reading from an early age.

Xun Yu had seen everything Liu Xie had done.

Before they knew it, they arrived at the square. Cui Jun and the others were still kneeling there, some of them swaying, sweat rolling down their faces, showing signs of exhaustion.

Kneeling is very physically demanding, let alone kneeling for an extended period of time.

Most of those kneeling were civil officials; kneeling for too long would take a toll on their bodies.

Xun Yu hurriedly advised, "Everyone, please go back first. His Majesty has just returned to the palace. We should all be more understanding. Is there any need to rush things?"

Cui Jun raised his head and said stubbornly, "We want His Majesty to know our determination. We support the reform of the officialdom, but we must not abuse violence or kill innocent people indiscriminately. So many blood debts, so many innocent people who have died, are we just going to let it go like this?"

“Cui Jun is right. His Majesty has always been benevolent and righteous. How can such a thing be allowed? Cao Cao slaughtered so many people in Xuzhou back then. How can His Majesty still value him so much?” Xun Yu’s persuasion only made everyone more enthusiastic. They stood tall and proud, full of righteous indignation, and no longer seemed to feel uncomfortable kneeling.

Xun Yu tried to persuade him to no avail, and left in despair.

A gentle breeze blew by, bringing a touch of coolness. Soon, the wind grew stronger, and dark clouds gathered in the sky, creating an atmosphere of impending doom.

Finally, the first raindrop fell, landing on a minister's shoulder. He frowned slightly but didn't move an inch. In his view, this light rain was not enough to make them back down.

However, the rain gradually intensified, turning from sporadic raindrops into a fine drizzle. The courtiers' robes were gradually soaked, and water droplets began to drip from their hair.

But they gritted their teeth, endured the discomfort, and continued to kneel there.

"The abuse of violence against powerful families and the bloody massacres will shake the very foundation of the nation!"

An old minister shouted hoarsely, rain streaming down his face, looking utterly disheveled.

After a while, the rain intensified, pouring down like a torrential downpour. Puddles formed in the square, and the knees of the officials were submerged in the water, a chill rising from their feet and quickly spreading throughout their bodies.

At this point, some ministers had begun to tremble slightly, but they were still struggling to hold on.

"When will this rain stop? Should we leave?" someone muttered, but their voice was quickly drowned out by the sound of the rain.

The rain soaked their clothes, and the heavy garments clung to their bodies, making their movements slow and difficult.

It's winter now. Although it rarely rains in winter, it does rain sometimes, but this rain, carrying a chilling intensity, is quite heavy.

Gradually, Cui Jun's face turned pale and his lips turned blue, but under the watchful eyes of his seniors, he dared not back down in the slightest and continued to grit his teeth and persevere.

The rain soaked his clothes, which clung to his body, and the biting cold made him shiver after only a short while.

If even someone his age is like this, one can only imagine how miserable those elderly ministers must be.

"For the sake of the Han Dynasty and the glory of our noble families, we must persevere to the end!" Cui Jun shouted again, trying to boost morale.

But as time went on, more and more ministers began to feel their strength failing. The rain blurred their vision, and the cold eroded their will. The once orderly ranks began to break down; some began to sway, and others couldn't help but cough.

"I can't take it anymore, I really can't hold on any longer!" Finally, Zhong Yao couldn't help but stand up and run away into the distance without regard for anything else.

His actions acted as a fuse, triggering a chain reaction. More and more ministers rose and scattered, some seeking shelter from the rain, others simply running home.

The originally solemn and serious scene instantly turned into chaos.

"Come back! All of you, come back here!" Cui Jun roared angrily, but no one obeyed his orders.

Only a few die-hards remained in the square, still kneeling in the rain, their bodies trembling, yet still trying to hold on.

The rain continued to fall, as if trying to wash away all the filth in the palace. The remaining ministers, however, did not hold out for long and slunk away one after another. (End of Chapter)