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

Chapter 106, Jia Xu's Days Are Not Easy
Zhao Yun was startled. "How could Cao Cao be so magnanimous? He lost his own son, yet he still values ​​Jia Xu so highly?"

Liu Xie smiled. "What, you don't believe me? Let me put it this way: Cao Cao's magnanimity is rare in the world. Take Yuan Shao for example. If his son were sick, he could put aside everything he was doing to take care of his son. But Cao Cao is the exact opposite. Even if it's his own flesh and blood, he can decisively abandon it if necessary!"

Liu Xie's words truly shocked Zhao Yun.

Liu Xie continued, "Look, even now, Cao Cao still blames Cao Pi for fleeing alone that night in Wancheng. But as a father, when Cao Ang abandoned his warhorse, Cao Cao did not refuse. Why? Because at that moment, Cao Cao's identity was not that of a father, but that of a regional warlord. As long as he could survive, he was willing to give up everything!"

Zhao Yun sighed, "If it were someone else, they might have done things differently than Cao Cao."

Liu Xie's expression suddenly turned serious. "So, Zilong, you must understand how difficult our situation will be in the future. Cao Cao is born with the qualities of a hero. He is cunning, ruthless, and extremely resourceful and magnanimous. If he were an opponent, he would be a very formidable one. Therefore, I do not want to be his opponent."

…………

Liu Bei has been feeling down lately. Ever since Guan Yu was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Hanshou, Liu Bei has often felt sentimental when he is alone.

As a member of the Han imperial family, Liu Bei naturally possessed a bloodline advantage compared to many other warlords. Once recognized by the emperor, his fame would soar, and he would gain the approval and support of many people.

However, things did not develop as Liu Bei had imagined.

Although he had gained Liu Xie's approval, it was only in private and could not be made public. Even though Liu Xie addressed him as "Imperial Uncle" in his letters, Liu Bei could not boast about it.

At first, Liu Bei didn't feel anything was wrong, but after Liu Xie tried to win over Guan Yu on his own, Liu Bei felt somewhat disappointed.

Logically, as a member of the Han imperial family, he should enjoy this treatment even more. Liu Bei, in order to enhance his reputation and strength, also urgently needed to gain Liu Xie's positive recognition.

However, it was Guan Yu, not Liu Bei, who was being courted by Liu Xie.

After Guan Yu returned, he told Liu Bei about Liu Xie's intentions, and Liu Bei couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

This means that in the future, not only will he not receive positive recognition, but Liu Xie will also continue to distance himself from him.

Although Liu Bei was good at forbearance and had an amazing magnanimity, this matter ultimately made him unhappy.

How he wished that Liu Xie would hold his hand and publicly acknowledge him as "my imperial uncle"!

Of course, Liu Bei could understand Liu Xie's situation. If Liu Xie could win over whomever he wanted, it probably wouldn't be long before he was completely controlled by Cao Cao!
…………

Before we knew it, the year was drawing to a close, and for several days in a row, heavy snow fell, covering Xudu in a blanket of silver.

As soon as the snow stopped, Liu Xie, along with Consort Dong and Empress Fu, went out onto the street.

They didn't have the opportunity to leave the palace alone on weekdays, so they always longed for the outside world. Every now and then, Liu Xie would take them out to see it.

As soon as the snow stopped, more and more people began to walk on the streets. Adults and children alike went out in groups to enjoy the snow scenery. With the Lunar New Year approaching, the streets were filled with a festive atmosphere.

Although Liu Xie was the emperor, he didn't have many women around him. As a result, he had fewer worries about jealousy and rivalry. Consort Dong and Empress Fu also got along well.

The rooftops and the ground were covered in a thick blanket of snow, a silver-white wonderland, like a dream. Children chased each other happily, their little faces red from the cold.

Consort Dong, also seized by a playful impulse, trudged through the snow and ran off into the distance.

Wu Anguo and Zhao Yun followed at a distance, neither too close nor too far, both remaining silent as they went.

"It's your Majesty!"

After pedestrians recognized Liu Xie, some would shout out his name from time to time.

Liu Xie hurriedly waved his hand, telling anyone who was about to kneel to be stopped.

"It's freezing cold, and there's snow all over the ground. Let's skip it and be careful not to get our clothes wet."

Seeing the emperor on the streets of Xuchang was no longer a rare occurrence.

They hadn't walked far when they saw Guo Jia leading Xiao Qingfeng out of a restaurant.

Upon seeing Liu Xie, Guo Jia walked over with a smile.

After exchanging greetings, Guo Jia said with a smile, "Your Majesty's travels with beauties is truly a refined pleasure."

Liu Xie joked, "Fengxiao, going to a restaurant for drinks so early in the morning, that's quite a refined hobby."

"Hehe, I'm all alone, and I have nothing else to do anyway." Guo Jia tightened his fur robe; he was physically weak and somewhat afraid of the cold.

"Next, Your Majesty, who do you think should be targeted for military action?"

After walking for a while, Guo Jia asked with a smile.

"Fengxiao, why would you ask me this? Isn't this something you and Cao Cao should be planning?"

"Since we have nothing else to do, and we're enjoying the scenery after the snow, we need to find some fun to liven things up. Your Majesty, please speak up, and I'll listen to you."

The longer Guo Jia knew Liu Xie, the more curious he became about him. "I think Cao Cao's next move will probably be to launch a military campaign against Lü Bu, won't it?"

Liu Xie waved his hand, and Fu Shou, understanding, chased after Consort Dong ahead, so that Liu Xie and Guo Jia's conversation would not be overheard.

"Indeed, Lü Bu is fickle and has no genuine loyalty to the court. Cao Cao has long intended to conquer him. Now that Nanyang has been pacified, it will be time to settle things with Lü Bu after the New Year."

Liu Xie nodded. "With the help of the Chen family, taking Xuzhou will not be difficult. I really have no objection."

Guo Jia let out a soft hiccup, then smiled and pulled out the Five-Stone Powder. Liu Xie immediately gave him a cold look.

Guo Jia smiled jokingly, "I know this thing shouldn't be used often, but I've gotten used to it over the years."

Seemingly to find a more favorable excuse for himself, Guo Jia quickly scanned the surrounding crowd, then excitedly pointed to the northwest, "Your Majesty, look, isn't there someone over there taking it too? Haha, it's clear that there are many who are fond of this stuff. Your Majesty, would you like to try it as well?"

Liu Xie turned his head and glanced at him. Sure enough, the person Guo Jia pointed to had probably drunk quite a bit of wine. He had just swallowed a large mouthful of Five-Stone Powder and was staggering away into the distance.

Upon arriving in this world, Liu Xie discovered that the humble Five-Stone Powder was actually quite popular.

Taking a small amount can make people very excited, while taking an excessive amount can lead to madness and greatly shorten lifespan.

Liu Xie shook his head. "I have no interest!"

In the morning, they enjoyed the snow, and in the afternoon, Liu Xie went to visit Cao Cao.

Liu Xie visited the Sikong Mansion more and more often, and passersby on the street praised the harmony between the emperor and his minister.

The gatekeepers, seeing Liu Xie, naturally did not stop him. Without waiting for an announcement, Liu Xie walked straight in.

Xu Chu and Dian Wei stood outside the front hall, one on the left and one on the right, like two guardian deities, their imposing bodies radiating astonishing power.

Dian Wei quickly greeted him, "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Liu Xie casually chuckled, "I was bored in the palace, so I came to chat with Lord Cao. It's almost the New Year, how is everyone at home?"

Dian Wei smiled and said, "All is well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

He glanced at Xu Chu again, nodded, and then Xu Chu went inside to report.

Dian Wei hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Jia Xu is inside. You'd better be prepared."

Liu Xie rolled his eyes at him and sneered, "Prepare what? Do you expect me to fawn over him?"

Cao Cao was consulting Jia Xu about launching a military campaign after the New Year.

This was a habit of Cao Cao's. For many important matters, he would consult his advisors, learn from their strengths and make up for his weaknesses, and finally make a decision by combining everyone's opinions.

Others might gather people together for public discussions, but Cao Cao preferred to discuss things with them individually.

Cao Cao felt that this showed more respect for the other party, created a better atmosphere, and allowed him to receive heartfelt advice from the other party.

If everyone is gathered together, it is inevitable that there will be disagreements and arguments. In such situations, some people may have something to say, but they may hold back their words because of consideration for others.

The two were engrossed in their conversation when they suddenly heard that Liu Xie had arrived. Both were taken aback. Seeing Jia Xu's embarrassed expression, Cao Cao smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll help you persuade His Majesty later."

Cao Cao and Jia Xu stood up together and welcomed Liu Xie inside, where they took their seats as host and guest.

Cao Cao pointed at Jia Xu and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, Wenhe just told me that he has admitted his guilt. Your Majesty is magnanimous, so please don't hold it against him anymore."

Cao Cao gave Jia Xu a wink, and Jia Xu immediately put on a smile, bowed and confessed, "Since Your Majesty reprimanded me, I have been extremely apprehensive and have been reflecting on my actions day and night. I do not ask for Your Majesty's forgiveness, but only hope that Your Majesty can give me a chance."

Jia Xu has indeed had a tough time these days. He is often recognized on the street. People don't dare to criticize him to his face, but they can't help criticizing him behind his back. Jia Xu has even overheard some of these criticisms himself.

What's even more infuriating is that while I was sleeping last night, someone suddenly threw in a brick, smashing a window.

This was quite a surprise to Jia Xu, who always preferred to keep a low profile; he would rather no one know him.

If things continue like this, it will be difficult to live a peaceful life in Xudu in the future.

Liu Xie glanced at Cao Cao and shook his head helplessly. "Lord Cao, everything else is negotiable, but this is the one thing I cannot compromise on. Allowing Jia Xu to submit to the court is already my bottom line. I admire Lord Cao's magnanimity, but I cannot completely forgive him."

Cao Cao advised again, "Your Majesty, you should prioritize the overall situation and the well-being of the people. Since Jia Xu has genuinely repented, Your Majesty should give him a chance."

Cao Cao naturally did not want Jia Xu to continue to be neglected like this.

In such a situation, Jia Xu would become hesitant and timid, unable to fully utilize his talents to serve Cao Cao.

(End of this chapter)