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

Chapter 115, Xun Yu's Reflections on Viewing the Lingyan Pavilion

"So, Your Majesty, what do you think will be the outcome of Cao Cao's campaign against Lü Bu this time?"

Faced with Zhao Yun's question, Liu Xie smiled and said, "Zilong, Lü Bu is bound to be defeated. Even if he doesn't, I hope he will be defeated. Cao Cao's power represents the power of the court, and I naturally hope that the court's power will become stronger and stronger!"

…………

Xun Yu was busy for two hours in a row. When he needed to relieve himself and no one was around, he secretly followed Liu Xie's demonstration, twisting his waist and lifting his legs to stretch his muscles and bones a little.

Xun Yu has been able to feel the effects in the past few days. After some exercise, he is not as tired when he is engrossed in his work.

On his way back, as he passed by the entrance of Lingyan Pavilion, Xun Yu stopped, his mood suddenly becoming much heavier.

The Lingyan Pavilion exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere, with wisps of incense smoke wafting out from within and the occasional sound of bells.

Because many dead people are enshrined here, there is incense and bells.

Xun Yu stepped inside. A row of murals hung prominently on the wall, depicting portraits of loyal and righteous people. Below the murals were records of their life achievements and commentary on their lives.

Both the portraits and the biographical descriptions were entirely written by Liu Xie himself.

In other words, who is qualified to enter the Lingyan Pavilion? Liu Xie decides!

Even if they are admitted to the Lingyan Pavilion, how they are evaluated and how their achievements are recorded are all up to Liu Xie!
The first painting closest to the main entrance is of Cao Cao, and the second is of Xun Yu!
Even Xun Yu had to admire the emperor's superb painting skills; the portraits he painted were lifelike and vivid.

Looking at himself, he felt as if he were looking in a mirror.

Because Cao Cao and Xun Yu were still alive, their achievements would continue to be updated.

Diligent and conscientious, he devoted himself to safeguarding the dignity of the Han Dynasty!
This is Liu Xie's comment on Xun Yu. Whenever Xun Yu sees this sentence, he is filled with mixed feelings, feeling both touched and guilty.

Liu Xie's assessment of Cao Cao was: "Loyal to the court, determined to restore the nation, the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty!"

Xun Yu still remembers that when Cao Cao saw this comment, he didn't say a word for a long time.

Guo Jia even advised, "If you feel it's inappropriate, you can consult His Majesty and make some minor changes."

Cao Cao immediately shook his head and refused. The emperor was trying to flatter him, so what reason did he have to refuse?

Besides, Cao Cao was also very happy to be the most loyal minister of the Han Dynasty.

Just like getting first place in an exam and being praised by the homeroom teacher, who would refuse?

Every time Xun Yu came to Lingyan Pavilion, he would linger for a long time in front of his own portrait and Cao Cao's portrait.

As for the portraits of others, including Wang Yun, Lü Bu, Shi Sunrui, and Lu Kang, many of them are still blank with no comments. After all, this was a lot of work, and Liu Xie was personally involved. They will definitely continue to be added later.

Standing before Huangfu Song's portrait, Xun Yu sighed with emotion. Liu Xie had praised Huangfu Song for pacifying Xiliang and suppressing the Yellow Turbans, and for his awe-inspiring achievements beyond the Great Wall. However, his final comment consisted of only eight words.

Loyal ministers and generals, blind loyalty can ruin a country!
Dong Zhuo feared Huangfu Song the most in his life. Even when Dong Zhuo occupied Luoyang and attempted to command the world, Huangfu Song still had tens of thousands of soldiers under his command.

Huangfu Song is a rare general throughout history, and his troops are all elite soldiers who are good at fighting. Xun Yu completely agrees with Liu Xie's assessment. If Huangfu Song does not bow down to Dong Zhuo, even if Dong Zhuo wants to move the capital, he will not be able to return to Chang'an smoothly. He will not be able to get past Huangfu Song!
Unfortunately, with a single order from Dong Zhuo, Huangfu Song obediently went to Luoyang, where he was dismissed and stripped of his military power!

As for Shi Sunrui, although he was not a big shot, Liu Xie had a very high opinion of him: "He swore to protect the emperor to the death, and his loyalty is evident!"
Shi Sunrui was killed while protecting Liu Xie during his journey back east, when he was pursued and killed by the chaotic troops of Li Jue and Guo Si.

Everyone in Lingyan Pavilion has a significant legacy and has made meritorious contributions to the Han Dynasty.

Compared to these people, Xun Yu felt increasingly ashamed. Although he had been doing things, he knew in his heart that he was working for Cao Cao.

Cao Cao also had the merit of assassinating Dong Zhuo and sending troops to welcome the emperor, but Xun Yu himself, after thinking for a long time, could not recall how much he had done for the Han Dynasty.

The words "to uphold the dignity of the Han Dynasty" made his face feel hot!
Lingyan Pavilion is open to the public free of charge, and anyone is qualified to enter. Liu Xie once instructed that everyone who enters the imperial city can go inside.

Even further, after most of the murals are completed, Liu Xie plans to set aside one day each month to allow the public to come and pay their respects.

"Isn't this Lord Xun?"

With a burst of loud laughter, someone else entered Lingyan Pavilion. Xun Yu turned around and frowned immediately. "So it's you, Mi Heng."

“Calling me by my given name, Lord Xun, isn’t that rather impolite? Oh well, the people around Cao Sikong are always good at getting things done, but they don’t care much about etiquette and moral principles. I just went to the Imperial Study and couldn’t find you. I happen to have something to tell you.” Mi Heng spoke sarcastically to Xun Yu, his words utterly impolite. Xun Yu was too lazy to argue with him, after all, Mi Heng was renowned for his talent, and arguing with him would only bring unnecessary trouble.

"What do you want with me?" Xun Yu asked patiently, displaying his excellent self-control.

"That's right. Before His Majesty set off on his campaign, he instructed me to go to Youzhou to meet with Gongsun Zan."

Xun Yu was somewhat surprised, then said with concern, "But Yuan Shao is currently at war with Gongsun Zan. This journey is extremely dangerous. Even if you want to go to Youzhou, you may not be able to get through."

Mi Heng rolled his eyes at him and sneered, "So that's why I say no one is willing to do dangerous things. Since I've accepted the mission, I'm naturally confident that I can meet Gongsun Zan."

"What is the purpose of His Majesty's summons to Gongsun Zan?"

Mi Heng took out a letter from his bosom and waved it casually. "The letter is right here. Would you like Lord Xun to open it and take a look?"

Mi Heng was clearly provoking Xun Yu, who shook his head. "His Majesty's personal letter cannot be opened or read without permission."

Mi Heng nodded and repeated in a teasing tone, "Yes, His Majesty's personal letter cannot be opened or read without permission. Well said! The reason I came to greet you is that I don't want anyone to stop me from opening the letter without my permission."

Xun Yu's face immediately stiffened. What Mi Heng said was absolutely correct. As long as he left the city, this letter would definitely be dug out and examined.

Mi Heng smiled and said, "Your Majesty knows that Gongsun Zan is fighting against Yuan Shao, and Your Majesty has already predicted that Gongsun Zan will be defeated. However, Your Majesty hopes that Gongsun Zan can cheer up a little and weaken Yuan Shao's strength as much as possible. Doesn't Lord Xun understand Your Majesty's good intentions? In the future, when Cao Sikong fights against Yuan Shao, he can save some energy."

Xun Yu asked doubtfully, "Since His Majesty has already determined that Gongsun Zan will inevitably be defeated, if Gongsun Zan knew about this, he would surely be furious and might even kill you. How could he possibly listen to His Majesty's advice?"

"His Majesty's words to Gongsun Zan are all in this letter. His Majesty's intentions are entirely good. I believe that after reading this letter, Gongsun Zan will do something about it."

"I'm giving you this heads-up because I don't want this letter to be opened by anyone else on its way. Surely Lord Xun wouldn't suspect that His Majesty would contact a dying man to bring troops to Xuchang?"

Mi Heng's single sentence left Xun Yu speechless.

He might suspect the emperor of scheming, but he would never doubt that Liu Xie was plotting something with Gongsun Zan.

Because Gongsun Zan is now in dire straits, he is no match for Yuan Shao at all. Mi Heng's statement that he is a dying man is not an exaggeration at all.

Mi Heng pointed in the direction of Xuzhou and said, “Your Majesty has been working hard to pacify the world. The pacification of Nanyang and the subjugation of Zhang Xiu are inseparable from Your Majesty’s contributions. I believe that even if Your Majesty cannot personally go to the battlefield, this expedition to Xuzhou will be of help to Cao Sikong. As for sending me to see Gongsun Zan, Your Majesty is also planning for the next step. Your Majesty’s good intentions make us ashamed.”

Mi Heng turned and left. Sure enough, when he reached the city gate, he was stopped by the guards. Mi Heng then brought up Xun Yu, and this time the letter was not opened for inspection.

…………

Outside Xiapi City, amidst the clash of swords and the thunder of horses, the two armies faced off. After many days apart, Cao Cao, riding his horse, stroked his long beard and secretly admired Lü Bu upon seeing him again.

What a fine example! Among men, Lü Bu; among horses, Red Hare!
Lu Bu, clad in golden armor and wearing a purple-gold crown, wielding a halberd, was still the same Lu Bu despite having just lost Xuzhou. He rode his horse, wielding his halberd, exuding an imposing aura.

That majestic and awe-inspiring figure, with its sharp and intimidating aura, reminded Cao Cao of the scene at Hulao Pass years ago.

"Fengxian, how have you been?" Cao Cao spurred his horse forward, greeting him with a smile.

Lu Bu remained as imposing as ever. Although he resented Cao Cao, he couldn't help but feel a little smug when Cao Cao took the initiative to greet him.

"Cao Mengde, it's a pity you escaped this calamity in Puyang. If I had killed you earlier, would I, Lü Bu, have suffered this misfortune today?"

Cao Cao didn't care about his embarrassing past. Back then, in Puyang City, Lü Bu stormed into the city and searched everywhere for Cao Cao. He even hit Cao Cao with his halberd. At that time, Cao Cao had changed his clothes and mingled in the crowd, afraid of being recognized by Lü Bu.

Lü Bu asked him, "Where is Cao Cao?"

Cao Cao then mustered his courage and pointed to a man in front of him, shouting, "The man in the red robe in front of me is Cao Cao."

Cao Cao lied and deceived people without even thinking, and successfully fooled Lü Bu, thus narrowly escaping disaster.

"Lu Bu, your skills are unparalleled in the world. The person I respect and fear the most in my life is you, Lu Bu, Lu Fengxian!"

Upon meeting, Cao Cao flattered Lü Bu without batting an eye. Lü Bu was pleased and somewhat intoxicated by the praise when Cao Cao suddenly waved his hand, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and immediately ordered, "Armymen, kill!"

(End of this chapter)