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

After finalizing the agreement with Cao Cao and his son regarding the expedition to the Western Regions, Liu Xie departed.

Zhuge Liang understood that the emperor had entrusted this matter to him so that he could finally settle things with Cao Cao and let go of his resentment.

Although Dong Zhao, Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, and others were unwilling to participate in the trial of Cao Cao, since they had already been pushed to the forefront, they had no choice but to grit their teeth and push forward.

A trial that would shake the court and the public was quietly unfolding. Emperor Liu Xie entrusted the important task of interrogating Cao Cao to Zhuge Liang, Dong Zhao, Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, and others.

This decision was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples and plunging the entire city of Luoyang into tension and anticipation.

After accepting this mission, Dong Zhao, Cui Jun, and Zhong Yao immediately began actively searching for evidence.

They knew that this trial was related to a reshuffling of power in the court, and even more so to their own future and destiny.

Therefore, they mobilized all available resources to thoroughly investigate Cao Cao's purge of aristocratic families, attempting to clarify every detail and make the case an ironclad one, ensuring that Cao Cao would never be able to recover.

Through their efforts, a series of shocking events were revealed. Those once powerful and influential families suffered annihilation under Cao Cao's ruthless methods. Dong Zhao and his associates meticulously compiled this evidence, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Cao Cao during the interrogation!
However, unlike Dong Zhao and the other two, Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun gradually saw another side of the story during their investigation.

They went deep into the countryside, listened to the voices of the people, and learned that Cao Cao's reforms were not out of personal motives, but were entirely in accordance with the emperor's will, for the long-term stability of the country.

Among the people who received land, Cao Cao's name became a symbol of hope and gratitude.

They once lived a life of hunger and cold under the oppression of powerful families. The land was monopolized by these families, and they could barely make ends meet despite their hard work.

Cao Cao's reforms broke the monopoly of powerful clans and redistributed land to the common people. Now, they had their own land, could be self-sufficient, and lived a peaceful life.

When the news of Cao Cao's arrest reached the people, their reaction was unusually strong. They couldn't understand it.

In the fields and along the roadsides, people whispered and discussed the matter. Some angrily accused the court of injustice, believing that Cao Cao had been wronged.

Some were worried that if Cao Cao were convicted, their hard-won happy life would once again vanish.

Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun saw the sincerity and anxiety in the people's eyes, and began to rethink Cao Cao's case. They knew that the people's wishes could not be ignored.

As the interrogation progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Dong Zhao and his two companions were full of confidence, ready to display their skills and bring Cao Cao down in one fell swoop.

In addition to considering the emperor's wishes, Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun also had to take into account the increasingly intense public opinion.

Regarding the dangers posed by powerful clans, Liu Xie had previously had an open and frank conversation with Zhuge Liang.

As for Cao Cao, who was in the eye of the storm, he remained remarkably calm, eating and sleeping as usual, and never admitting that he had done anything wrong.

The ancient and solemn capital city of Luoyang is currently shrouded in a tense and complex atmosphere.

Zhuge Liang, this wise man burdened with heavy responsibilities, was facing the most difficult choice of his life.

As the most important person in charge of investigating Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang was filled with inner turmoil.

The massacre Cao Cao committed in Xuzhou in the past forced his family to relocate. Although the emperor persuaded him to let go of that resentment, the shadow in his heart remained. This time, he was determined to settle things with Cao Cao once and for all.

At night, Zhuge Liang sat alone in his study, the flickering candlelight illuminating his solemn face. He recalled Cao Cao's actions in Xuzhou, the tragic scenes vividly before his eyes, the displacement of his family, the separation and death of his loved ones, all of which fueled his burning hatred for Cao Cao like a raging fire.

He rose and paced back and forth, his thoughts in turmoil. The powerful ministers had united against Cao Cao, and the various crimes they listed were all utterly heinous.

In the process of reforming the powerful clans, Cao Cao's methods were indeed decisive and ruthless. One after another, once prominent clans were shattered and wiped out under Cao Cao's iron fist.

"If I were to speak for myself, Cao Cao's crimes would be unforgivable."

Zhuge Liang muttered to himself, a resolute glint in his eyes.

But whenever he had such thoughts, the hopeful and grateful faces of the people who had been allocated land would appear in his mind.

Those people had once lived in dire straits, suffering from hunger and lacking proper clothing. It was Cao Cao's reforms that gave them land of their own, ending their dark and hopeless days. Now, they had become Cao Cao's most steadfast supporters.

Zhuge Liang ultimately made a decision to send people around to spread the news that Cao Cao would be punished.

He wanted to use the power of the people to exonerate Cao Cao.

Only in this way can this matter be resolved.

No one, whether the emperor or anyone else, could exonerate Cao Cao with just a few words.

The people's reaction far exceeded his expectations. People from all directions flocked to Luoyang in droves, carrying simple bags, their faces filled with determination and anxiety.

On the road to Luoyang, an old man led his young grandson by the hand, his steps faltering yet firm.

“Child, we must seek justice for Cao Cao. Without Cao Cao, where would we be today, with our land and our stomachs full?” Tears welled in the old man’s eyes.

The young couple supported each other, with the wife holding her newborn baby in her arms.

“Cao Cao cannot be wronged; he is our benefactor.” The husband’s voice was weary but full of strength.

Among the crowd were simple farmers, hardworking craftsmen, and young adults. They came from different places, but shared the same goal—to petition on behalf of Cao Cao.

The streets and alleys of Luoyang were instantly filled with people.

They gathered at the palace gate and shouted in unison, "Lord Cao is innocent! Lord Cao has been wronged!"

The sound was deafening, as if it were about to pierce the clouds.

More and more people arrived on the road, those who had received land during Cao Cao's campaign to reform the aristocratic families, and they felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Cao Cao.

They abandoned their farming tools, bid farewell to their newly established peaceful life, and resolutely embarked on the road to Luoyang. Along the way, they accompanied each other, constantly reminiscing about Cao Cao's kindness.

"If it weren't for Lord Cao, we would still be suffering under the oppression of those powerful clans!" said an old farmer with a weathered face, his eyes glistening with tears of emotion.

“Yes, Cao Cao gave us land and hope to survive. We can’t just stand by and watch him be wronged!” A young man next to him chimed in, clenching his fists.

As time went on, more and more people poured into Luoyang. The once spacious streets became extremely crowded, and shouts rose and fell.

"Release Lord Cao! Lord Cao is innocent!"

"Lord Cao is our benefactor; we cannot wrong an innocent person!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Cui Jun and the others panicked. They discussed the matter animatedly in the court, their faces filled with worry and fear.

"What should we do? The people are so agitated, the situation is about to get out of control!" Zhong Yao said anxiously.

"It's all Cao Cao's fault! Now look what's happened, how are we going to clean this up?" another minister complained. Upon learning of the situation, Liu Xie feigned panic, but inwardly he was overjoyed; this was a scenario he had long anticipated.

Jia Xu said to him, "Your Majesty, it was Zhuge Liang who sent people to spread the news of Cao Cao's capture. It seems that he has completely let go of his worries."

Liu Xie nodded. "Very well. Now, let those powerful families who opposed Cao Cao clean up the mess and show them the power of the people."

Soon, Liu Xie sent Dong Zhao, Cui Jun, and Zhong Yao to appease the people. The three of them reluctantly took on this hot potato.

They rushed to the palace gates, where a huge crowd had already gathered, a dense mass of people stretching as far as the eye could see.

"Don't get agitated, don't get agitated! His Majesty will make a wise judgment and give everyone an explanation!" Dong Zhao shouted loudly.

However, the people refused to listen. They ignored the officials' words and their anger grew even stronger.

"It's them! They're trying to frame Cao Cao!" a commoner shouted angrily, grabbing a vegetable basket and throwing it at Dong Zhao.

"We just want Cao Gong to be safe and sound!" the crowd shouted in unison.

Dong Zhao and his men were surrounded by the crowd, constantly being hit by objects thrown at them, leaving them in a sorry state. They tried to explain and persuade, but all their efforts were in vain.

The situation spiraled out of control, and Dong Zhao and his men didn't last long before they all ran back, looking disheveled.

When Liu Xie saw their miserable state, he almost couldn't help but laugh.

"Your Majesty, we are incompetent, and the people simply won't listen to our advice," Dong Zhao cried out, clutching his bleeding nose.

Jia Xu stepped forward at the opportune moment and said, "Your Majesty, it seems that only your personal intervention can resolve this matter."

Dong Zhao quickly echoed, "Yes, yes, only His Majesty can calm them down."

Liu Xie nodded and immediately got up and walked towards the palace gate.

Dong Zhao hurriedly reminded him, "Your Majesty, the people are in a state of uproar. You must be careful and bring more guards."

Liu Xie shook his head. "No need. The people outside are all subjects of my Han Dynasty. I believe they are here to petition on behalf of Cao Cao and have no intention of harming me."

Stepping outside and gazing at the densely packed crowd before him, Liu Xie was filled with a myriad of emotions.

Zhao Yun shouted loudly, "Calm down, everyone. His Majesty has something to say to you."

Zhuge Liang, Xun Yu, and others also looked at Liu Xie.

At this point, the number of people gathered outside the palace gates was at least seventy or eighty thousand, and more and more people were still joining.

Liu Xie cleared his throat and said loudly, "My people, if you have any requests, just tell me."

"Release Cao Cao, and he will be innocent!"

"Your Majesty, you have said more than once that Cao Cao is the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty."

The crowd was huge, and everyone joined in the shouting.

Xun Yu had to admire the emperor's ability to make Cao Cao, who aspired to control the world, willingly serve him.

Liu Xie quickly signaled everyone to quiet down. He raised his voice and shouted, "The will of the people is the will of the people. I understand that you are genuinely grateful to Cao Cao and believe that he has been wronged. To be honest, I also believe that he has been wronged. Since everyone is so firm in their opinion and shares my thoughts, then I will humbly accept your opinions and release Cao Cao now! Cao Cao is innocent!"

The people cheered upon hearing the emperor's words.

"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Emperor!"

Zhao Yun and the others also knelt on the ground, shouting "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" with all their might.

The cheers resounded through the sky, shaking heaven and earth!

Dong Zhao and the others looked at each other, completely dumbfounded.

Doesn't this mean all our efforts were in vain?

Cao Cao was completely unharmed, and this incident was destined to further enhance the prestige of both Cao Cao and the emperor.

And they not only became clowns, but also risked Cao Cao's revenge.

The thought of Cao Cao's methods sent shivers down Dong Zhao and Zhong Yao's spines.

They have decided to go to Cao Cao's place tonight to personally apologize.

Amidst the cheers of the people, Cao Cao was released without charge. As he walked out of the prison, gazing at the people and the emperor before him, his heart was filled with emotion.

This incident made Liu Xie deeply aware of the power of the people, and it also strengthened Cao Cao's determination to seek the well-being of the people.

After the matter was perfectly resolved, the following year, Liu Xie appointed Cao Cao as the vanguard, leading Cao Ang and a group of elite troops to the Western Regions!
Liu Xie personally saw Cao Cao off, and after Cao Cao's army left, Liu Xie remained standing in the same spot for a long time.

After more than three years, the Western Regions were completely pacified, but Cao Cao, though old and still eager to fight, refused to admit his age and once again volunteered to continue the western expedition.

In the meantime, Cao Pi rose to prominence. He was first recommended to Chang'an, but he was instigated by others and attempted to establish a separatist regime. He was captured alive by Xu Huang.

Cao Pi's separatist rule had a significant impact, and powerful clans once again seized the opportunity to attack Cao Cao, demanding severe punishment for Cao Pi. Cao Cao, with tears in his eyes, directly executed Cao Pi, personally sending his own son to the underworld.

Xun Yu witnessed the shocking scene of Cao Cao beheading Cao Pi and couldn't help but feel emotional. He couldn't believe that His Majesty's words to Cao Cao in Luoyang, "the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty," had really come true.

Another saying, "With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world!" has also come true!
Eight years later, Cao Cao died in battle on the way to the west, and the whole country mourned for him. Liu Xie was also deeply saddened.

Cao Ang inherited Cao Cao's mantle and continued to lead troops westward. In the once-glorious ancient Rome of later generations, during Liu Xie's lifetime, it was finally trampled underfoot by the iron cavalry of the Han army.

Gan Ning's navy has also been busy these past few years, conquering many islands of varying sizes in the surrounding area. Queen Himiko of Yamatai even became Gan Ning's concubine.

As for Sun Quan, he continued to diligently build up the islands. After Yizhou was finished, he moved on to Hainan Island, and then to other islands...

As for Liu Bei, he eventually became the Minister of the Imperial Clan, and he did so very well.

The book is finished!
PS: Originally, Xiaoyao wanted to write more and elaborate on the story of the Western Expedition, but the later plot was rather bland, and the audience's response was also rather lukewarm.

Since that's the case, let's be straightforward and hope that everyone will continue to support my new book, "Will Liu Bei Welcome Emperor Xian?"
Thank you all again for your support along the way. Without you, I wouldn't have had the motivation to keep going.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can't stress enough saying it three hundred times!
On August 4th, 2024, Xiaoyao offered his thanks! (End of Chapter)