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

Chapter 137, I Have Three Lu Bus by My Side

After a while, I adjusted it again and finally found the most suitable size, and the soil that was turned up was a little deeper.

Old Wang praised honestly, "It's much less strenuous than the plow I used before. Look at these two oxen, they're so happy, running around in the field with abandon."

Liu Xie brushed the dirt off his hands, nodded with satisfaction, and said to Xun Yu, "Lord Xun, now is the season for spring planting. Let's test this curved plow a few more times. If there are no problems, let's promote it in Xuchang first, and then spread it to other places."

Although Xun Yu was busy with government affairs all day, he realized the convenience that the invention of the curved plow brought to agriculture. He immediately nodded and said, "Your Majesty, I will do it immediately. This is all thanks to Your Majesty."

Liu Xie smiled, and the onlookers were even more excited when they recognized him, with many voluntarily kneeling on the ground.

Liu Xie quickly waved his hand and said with a friendly smile, "Everyone, please get up. I just want to do what I can for everyone. When I left Chang'an, I traveled all the way to Xuchang. What I saw and heard along the way made me feel the most deeply that the world was in turmoil, the fields were barren, and the people were suffering. It was truly a hardship for everyone. So many people had to leave their homes and flee everywhere, hoping that one day they would no longer have to suffer from hunger and thirst."

"How many of you are refugees from other places?"

"I'm."

"Me too."

People responded enthusiastically, some raising their hands and others answering loudly; most of them were refugees from other places.

Liu Xie waved his hand to quiet everyone down. “I am the Emperor of the Han Dynasty. You suffer and you flee from place to place. Your suffering is my suffering too. In my lifetime, I only hope to do more for this country and for the people, so that you won’t freeze when you’re cold and can fill your stomachs when you’re hungry.”

Liu Xie was completely unpretentious; he was full of sincerity.

Since we've come into this world, we should do something, leave something behind.

Liu Xie did everything he could—from developing land reclamation and building bellows to inventing the curved plow—hoping to improve people's lives with the little knowledge he had.

He didn't know much, and he wasn't a scientist in his previous life. Among all the protagonists who transmigrated, Liu Xie was one of the worst.

In his previous life, he was just an ordinary office worker, working himself to the bone every month, putting in extra hours, and only earning a few thousand dollars a month – a miserable existence.

But sincerity is always the most effective weapon. Liu Xie's heartfelt words deeply moved everyone, and many people shed tears.

Liu Xie couldn't bear the sight, so he quickly waved his hand and left.

After walking a long way, Liu Xie said with emotion, "In this world, the most honest and kind-hearted people are always these ordinary folks."

Xun Yu repeated it to himself, while Cao Ang occasionally turned to look at the common people, seemingly lost in thought.

In fact, at that time, the term "common people" was rarely used. The status of common people was very low. They were sometimes called farmers, sometimes people called people of humble origins, and the term "people of humble origins" was the most common.

The term "黔首" (Qianshou) was synonymous with slave, and from the Warring States period to the end of the Han Dynasty, it was the consistent term used by the upper class to refer to ordinary people.

Facing so many people from the lowest rungs of society, Liu Xie showed no contempt or impatience in his words or expression.

Xun Yu nodded secretly, his approval of Liu Xie growing even stronger without him realizing it.

From the first day Liu Xie arrived in Xudu until now, Xun Yu has not actually found anything about Liu Xie that he dislikes or is dissatisfied with.

Liu Xie was not lustful, not playful, not weak, and quite intelligent!
Everything Liu Xie did was done without provoking or angering Cao Cao, which made it all the more remarkable.

Even in the dead of night, Xun Yu had thought that if His Majesty were to rule in his own right and let him do things freely, he would definitely do more and do better than he does now!
Watching Liu Xie's departing figure, Xun Yu sighed helplessly again!
It's a pity that Xun Yu was torn between such an excellent emperor and the ambitious Cao Cao.

He even forgot that when Liu Xie first arrived in Xudu, he didn't feel conflicted at all.

…………

Sun Ce's advance was unstoppable. At the end of last year, he defeated Huang Zu and seized Jiangxia. The following year, Sun Ce immediately marched into Yuzhang.

Taishi Ci, who was following Sun Ce, saw that the Jiangdong soldiers were as fierce as wolves and tigers, and was willing to risk his life for Sun Ce. In an instant, Yuzhang was surrounded.

Taishi Ci felt both excited and deeply worried.

"Report! Prefect Hua Xin of Yuzhang has surrendered."

Sure enough, a white flag was raised on the city wall. Before long, the city gate slowly opened, and Hua Xin led a group of civil and military officials out of the city respectfully.

Upon seeing this, Sun Ce was filled with heroic spirit and burst into laughter.

In the year or so that Sun Ce swept across Jiangdong, his military might was invincible.

He's still young, only 26 years old this year. Youth is an asset, youth is power. Sun Ce has every reason to be proud and have reason to be arrogant!
Seeing that Taishi Ci hadn't followed, Sun Ce turned around and shouted, "Ziyi, what's wrong? Come into the city with me quickly! Can't you see? Hua Xin has surrendered."

It took Taishi Ci a while to come to his senses. He looked at Sun Ce, his feelings were very complicated.

Was it truly a case of heaven being jealous of talent, causing the young tyrant of Jiangdong to perish just a few months later?
Sun Ce wore a brocade purple robe and bright silver armor, displaying a heroic and extraordinary appearance.

His armor, embroidered with a fierce tiger, gleamed, reflecting his resolute gaze and handsome face. Sun Ce exuded an aura of authority and the imposing presence of a powerful figure with every gesture.

Sun Ce looked at Taishi Ci with a friendly and generous gaze. Taishi Ci forced a smile and followed him.

Having conquered so many cities and defeated so many large and small lords, Taishi Ci had no goodwill towards Hua Xin whatsoever.

Lacking even the courage to hold out and resist, Hua Xin chickened out as soon as he saw the Jiangdong troops about to attack the city, and immediately raised his flag to surrender.

Hua Xin was tall, dressed elegantly, and had a good appearance; at first glance, she seemed very refined.

However, his demeanor at this moment was not as noble and elegant as his attire. Upon seeing Sun Ce, Hua Xin knelt respectfully on the ground, holding the imperial seal in his hands, his face full of flattery.

Upon seeing his behavior, Taishi Ci snorted inwardly and quickly turned his head away.

Compared to Huang Zu, they were worlds apart. Although Taishi Ci didn't particularly like Huang Zu, as Huang Zu was arrogant and didn't know how to respect talent, he still showed admirable courage in the face of Sun Ce's fierce attack.

After capturing Yuzhang, Sun Ce immediately sent someone to report his achievements to the court. This was a common tactic among the various warlords; regardless of who was attacking whom, if they won, they would report to the court to claim credit for themselves, as if they had quelled a rebellion for the court.

In order to appease these people, Cao Cao would often reward them appropriately on behalf of the court.

Later, when Sun Ce heard that Liu Biao's nephew Liu Pan had frequently sent troops to invade the border of Raojiang, he said to Taishi Ci, "Ziyi, there are not many generals under Liu Biao's command that I can appreciate, but his nephew Liu Pan is extremely brave and difficult for ordinary people to resist. Only by sending you to deal with him can I feel at ease."

Although Liu Biao was a scholar, he had two very capable nephews, one named Liu Hu and the other Liu Pan. Liu Pan, in particular, was very brave and was highly valued by Liu Biao.

Sun Ce trusted Taishi Ci implicitly, which moved Taishi Ci deeply. When he left, he looked back at Sun Ce for a long time, full of reluctance.

He simply couldn't believe that Sun Ce, so young, would have his life end so soon.

After leaving, Taishi Ci shook his head vigorously, comforting himself, "His Majesty is not a god. Perhaps, this time, he miscalculated!"

In just one or two years, Sun Ce pacified Jiangdong, and his future was limitless.

Taishi Ci thought to himself, if Sun Ce could have ten more years, at least half of the world would belong to him!
Taishi Ci was appointed Commandant of Jianchang and concurrently governed Haihun. Facing Liu Pan and Huang Zhong, generals of Jingzhou, Taishi Ci performed exceptionally well, defeating them repeatedly and gaining great prestige. In the end, Liu Pan was wounded and returned to Xiangyang to recuperate.

While Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's forces were locked in a stalemate at Guandu, Sun Ce realized this was an opportunity and began to secretly plot to launch a surprise attack on Xuchang and welcome the emperor.

Sun Ce kept this plan very secret, only telling a few of his trusted subordinates, including Taishi Ci.

Taishi Ci was naturally delighted, thinking: "If I could bring His Majesty to Jiangdong, that would be wonderful."

…………

With Cao Cao away from Xuchang, Liu Xie was the most relaxed, wandering around every day, enjoying himself immensely. If Cao Cao could continue fighting outside like this and never return, that would be quite nice.

Guan Yu rarely went out on weekdays, but he never expected to run into someone like this today.

Liu Xie then invited him to go shopping together.

After walking for a while, Liu Xie asked, "Yun Chang, how is Xuande doing lately?"

Guan Yu shook his head, his mood somewhat low. "Brother is still the same as always. The vegetables in the yard have been growing well lately, and I'm planning to pick some and send them to His Majesty when they're ripe."

Liu Xie smiled and praised, "Xuande is very thoughtful."

"If it were someone else, growing vegetables would just be a passing fancy, a way to relax. But I really admire Xuande. From the end of last year until now, he has been busy for half a year, spending all his time in the vegetable garden without interruption. I can't match his perseverance and patience!"

Guan Yu fell silent. Even now, he still didn't understand why Liu Bei had been growing vegetables at home all this time, but he didn't stop him, after all, Liu Bei was his elder brother.

Guan Yu's attitude was neither supportive nor opposed; he could only helplessly remain silent.

But Zhang Fei was different; he kept complaining without ever stopping.

"Yun Chang, what's your opinion on this matter?" After finding a quiet place, Liu Xie started talking.

Guan Yu sighed, “Your Majesty, since you have asked, I will speak frankly. In fact, I do not agree with it. I understand that my brother wants to keep a low profile by growing vegetables at home all day. But Cao Cao is not stupid. There are many people in Xuchang. Someone will surely see through my brother’s intentions. Didn’t Your Majesty see it long ago?”

Liu Xie nodded, and Zhao Yun and Wu Anguo stood on either side, preventing others from getting close easily.

Guan Yu glanced at Liu Xie again, "Besides, I've also thought that what my brother is doing might benefit him, but it won't benefit His Majesty at all."

Guan Yu couldn't understand why growing vegetables at home all day could really help the emperor.
Liu Bei has repeatedly stated that he wants to find an opportunity to leave.

Now that they've left, all that's left is freedom for Liu Bei and his two companions, but what about the emperor?
If we could leave with the emperor, that would be better.

Liu Xie said, "Yun Chang, staying here doesn't necessarily mean you can't get things done, and leaving won't prevent you from helping me either. No matter what Xuande does, I will understand."

Guan Yu said with self-reproach, "In theory, whatever His Majesty wants us to do, we should do it without hesitation. Instead, we have to ask His Majesty to understand us. I am truly ashamed."

Liu Xie comforted him, saying, "Yun Chang, you're overthinking it. In my opinion, you should stay in Xuchang. With the three of you plus Lü Bu and Zhao Yun, even if I don't have any soldiers, Cao Cao will be very wary. You three brothers are all brave and resourceful talents. If the three of you join forces at Hulao Pass, even Lü Bu will not be a match for you."

"Now, with Lü Bu and Zilong added, it's no exaggeration to say that I have three men with Lü Bu's martial prowess by my side. Tell me, would Cao Cao still dare to be presumptuous in front of me?"

Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Lü Bu, and Zhao Yun = three Lü Bus, which is basically true!
Guan Yu fell silent again. After a while, he spoke up: "Actually, I really want to stay by Your Majesty's side. That way, Cao Cao won't dare to act recklessly, and Your Majesty can send us to serve you at any time if there is an imperial edict."

Liu Xie said with emotion, "Yes, but once you leave, you will no longer be by my side. The world is vast, and if I need anything, it will be difficult to rely on you again. However, having territory and troops will actually be of some help to me. I can understand Xuande's thoughts."

Liu Xie valued Xuchang, so he wanted to keep Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei by his side. Liu Xie wanted to control Xuchang from within, and thus control Cao Cao.

However, Liu Bei wanted to confront Cao Cao from the outside, after gaining military power and territory, to attack him and restore the Han Dynasty.

"Take some time to discuss it with Xuande again. If he can stay, then try to keep him. Of course, whatever decision Xuande ultimately makes, I will understand."

After a while, Liu Xie asked, "Yun Chang, if Cao Cao were to disrespect me, what would you do?"

Liu Xie cared deeply about this issue because it concerned Guan Yu's loyalty to him and his attitude towards the Han Dynasty.

Without a second thought, Guan Yu blurted out, "If Cao Cao dares to disrespect His Majesty, even if I can spare him, my Green Dragon Crescent Blade will not!"

"Well said, well said! You truly deserve to be called the Marquis of Hanshou!"

"Your Majesty, if you had the opportunity to leave Xudu, would you leave?"

In fact, Guan Yu really wanted to protect Liu Xie and leave together.

Liu Xie shook his head. "I understand what Yun Chang means. You feel that Cao Cao is not respectful enough to me and are afraid that he will follow in the footsteps of Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo. In fact, the future situation may not be out of my control. Whether Cao Cao becomes Wang Mang or the Duke of Zhou depends on him and also on me!"

(End of this chapter)