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

Chapter 150, Lü Bu's Army Deployment

"tomorrow?"

Cao Cao was somewhat surprised. Why did His Majesty seem to be even more anxious about this marriage than he was?

This time, Cao Cao took the initiative to propose marriage, but Liu Xie agreed so readily that the wedding was to be held the next day, which made Cao Cao feel inexplicably uneasy.

In fact, Cao Cao wanted to ease tensions, but Liu Xie wanted it even more!
Moreover, with this connection, it would be much more convenient for Liu Xie to enter and leave the Cao family's residence in the future.

With the dual identity of emperor and son-in-law, Liu Xie would have to treat Cao Cao's Minister of Works' residence as his own home from now on.

Despite their constant fighting and bickering, Liu Xie maintained a close relationship with Cao Cao, which was his strategy.

Liu Xie was more eager than Cao Cao to maintain harmony between the emperor and his ministers.

After the court session ended and they left Chengguang Hall, the ministers congratulated Cao Cao one after another. As Cao Cao walked, he kept returning the greetings with his hands clasped.

For anyone, their daughter marrying the emperor is the greatest honor.

But for Cao Cao, this was merely a means to ease tensions.

After returning to the Sikong Mansion, Cao Cao dismissed everyone else and kept only Guo Jia.

"Fengxiao, why is His Majesty so agreeable? It's as if he's been looking forward to marrying my daughter for a long time?"

Guo Jia said, "My lord, you are overthinking it. Matters between men and women are a matter of course. Don't always treat His Majesty as an adversary. Don't forget, His Majesty is also a man. Didn't he just take Lü Bu's daughter into his household in Xuzhou?"

Cao Cao snorted unhappily, "Lü Bu's daughter? If it weren't for her, I would have eliminated that tiger Lü Bu long ago."

Although Lü Bu only intercepted Yuan Shu this time and did not seize power, Cao Cao was still somewhat wary of Lü Bu.

Yesterday, Lü Bu killed Hou Cheng in front of Cao Cao at the hunting grounds, which was a blatant provocation to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was truly afraid that one day, Lü Bu would do the same to him.

Guo Jia advised, "Your Majesty's forces are now all out in the open, making them much easier to deal with."

“Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu and the like are all in the open. Once we go to war with Yuan Shao, even if you want their lives, I think it won’t be difficult! At that time, His Majesty’s life or death will be in your hands.”

When facing Yuan Shao in the decisive battle, Guo Jia felt there were too many opportunities to take advantage of.

The people around Liu Xie might be a threat in Xuchang, but on the battlefield of the decisive battle against Yuan Shao, they were utterly insignificant.

Guo Jia only believes in strength!
Even if Lü Bu and Zhao Yun were incredibly powerful, could they really withstand an army of thousands?

It should be noted that Yuan Shao's army numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Moreover, by then, Yuan Shao would not be the only opponent; Cao Cao could also do some things.

Cao Cao squinted at Guo Jia, saw that his eyes were wise and full of confidence, and nodded, "Alright, let them be smug for now."

…………

Having not seen Ma Kui for some time, Liu Xie took some time to visit Tianxiang Pavilion.

Seeing Liu Xie enter through the main gate, Ma Kui was somewhat surprised. He led Liu Xie to the third floor, dismissed the others, and hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, why didn't you take the secret passage? That would have been much more convenient."

Liu Xie drank a cup of wine, stood on the high platform and looked down at the lively crowd below, and said, "It is indeed convenient to have a secret passage, but many people know that I used to come here often, but suddenly I stopped. Do you think that makes sense? It's like you like to drink, but suddenly you give it up? Isn't that suspicious?"

Ma Kui suddenly realized what was happening and refilled Liu Xie's wine cup, saying, "Your Majesty is absolutely right."

"There's a man named Qin Qingtong in the Imperial Brother-in-law's residence. Send someone to keep an eye on him."

"Qin Qingtong, Your Majesty, I have remembered."

"Isn't that Cao Pi?" Liu Xie's eyes suddenly lit up as he saw a familiar figure.

“Indeed, Your Majesty has good eyesight. Cao Pi has come here secretly several times. Each time he enters and exits Tianxiang Pavilion through the back door and goes directly into a private room to avoid being recognized by anyone in the main hall.”

Cao Pi was wearing a dark robe and holding a folding fan in his hand. As he walked, he casually fanned himself with the fan, deliberately covering his face with it.

Ma Kui said, "He started coming here last year. I remember the first time, Cao Anmin brought him here at night. Cao Pi always told us not to reveal that he had come here."

Liu Xie smiled and said, "As expected of Cao Cao's son. Since he likes to play, have your girl take good care of him. Remember, make sure he has his fill. From now on, just take half of the money from him. Make him understand that he is Cao Cao's son and can be treated well here."

"understand!"

Money, power, and women can all quickly corrupt a man.

Cao Pi was a lecherous scoundrel from a young age, and he often spent time with Cao Anmin. Over time, he became increasingly corrupted by his surroundings.

His desire for women, like a raging flood, quickly drove him mad.

"Your Majesty, shall we arrange for a few women to serve you as well?"

Ma Kui tried to curry favor, but his attempt backfired. Liu Xie stared at him coldly for a long time.

Ma Kui hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, Tianxiang Pavilion is the most famous in Xudu, and the girls here are all very beautiful. Letting them serve you is my way of showing my appreciation."

Liu Xie glared at him fiercely, "Others come here to seek pleasure, do you also want me to become like them, corrupted by beauty, and then become addicted to it, living a life of debauchery, is that what you want to see?"

Ma Kui shuddered and hurriedly apologized, "Your Majesty, I had no such intention. I only hoped to ease Your Majesty's mind. Since Your Majesty is not pleased, I will not mention it again."

Ma Kui sighed inwardly. So many beautiful women, all of them going to other people. What a pity.

From the very beginning, Tianxiang Pavilion has always focused on high-quality women. The women here are carefully selected from all over the country, and some are even poached from other brothels at great expense.

In Cao Pi's private room, he was served by a woman from the Western Regions.

The woman was exceptionally beautiful, with fair skin and a gentle smile in her eyes, like a blooming, vibrant flower, exuding a unique charm characteristic of the Western Regions.

Fourteen-year-old Cao Pi had grown very quickly and become very strong in the past few years due to sword practice. When he took off his clothes, his muscular build was beginning to take shape.

Cao Pi borrowed the money from Cao Anmin again. Cao Cao was always very strict in managing his household and rarely gave his children money to spend.

However, after enjoying it, even Cao Pi had to admit that it was damn expensive, but it was indeed worth the price.

Through many storms and many dreams, Cao Pi left very late.

Ma Kui personally escorted him out through the back door, and told him with a fawning expression, "From now on, all of Young Master Pi's expenses at Tianxiang Pavilion will be halved, and we will absolutely keep it a secret for you."

Cao Pi nodded with satisfaction, feigning composure on the surface, but secretly pleased with himself, thinking that this way he could come more often in the future.

…………

Guan Yu was imprisoned in the North Temple. After Cao Cao and Guo Jia finished their discussion, they rushed over. Upon seeing that Guan Yu was still bound with ropes, Cao Cao pretended to be angry and scolded the jailer next to him, "Nonsense! How can you treat General Guan so disrespectfully? Remove the ropes immediately!"

Man Chong understood immediately and quickly waved his hand. The jailer hurriedly opened the cell door and untied Guan Yu's ropes.

Guan Yu stood proudly upright, his phoenix eyes slightly widened, and he gave Cao Cao a cold glance.

Looking directly at Cao Cao, Guan Yu said expressionlessly, "Kill or spare, it's all up to you. Why go through all this trouble?"

Cao Cao was about to step into the prison cell when he frowned and stopped.

Now that Guan Yu is untied, killing Cao Cao with his bare hands would not be difficult.

Cao Cao was always suspicious, so he had to be on guard and simply stood outside the prison cell.

Cao Cao wouldn't dare to go in and stand with Guan Yu.

Guan Yu glanced at Cao Cao and let out a disdainful sneer.

"Yun Chang".

"Lord Cao, you should just call me by my name." Guan Yu didn't want to get close to Cao Cao.

Guan Yu could accept being called Yun Chang by others, but the thought of Cao Cao's disloyal behavior at the hunting grounds made him feel uneasy.

"General Guan, His Majesty has already forgiven me. The matter at the hunting grounds was purely a misunderstanding."

Cao Cao looked rather embarrassed as he faced Guan Yu, hoping that Guan Yu would not bring up the matter again.

Guan Yu snorted, "Well said, what a misunderstanding! Cao Sikong, you've got some skill. Such a big matter, yet you've so easily dismissed it as a misunderstanding. I admire you!"

Man Chong hurriedly advised, "General Guan, His Majesty has already decided not to pursue the matter. If it weren't for Cao Cao's leniency, how could you be alive? Cao Cao's mercy in sparing your life is truly remarkable."

Guan Yu gave Man Chong a cold look and retorted seriously, "If I remember correctly, it was His Majesty who gave the order not to kill me. If I were to be grateful, it should be His Majesty who is thanking me."

Guan Yu clasped his hands in a fist salute and bowed towards the direction of the imperial city, saying, "I thank Your Majesty for sparing my life!"

Man Chongqi's hand trembled slightly. "General Guan, it is Cao Cao's magnanimity that he is willing to give you a chance."

"Hmph! Enough with this useless nonsense. I am only grateful for His Majesty's mercy in sparing my life. Speak, what brings Minister Cao here? Are you here to release me? Or have you changed your mind and are now going to kill me?"

Cao Cao did not expect Guan Yu to be so tough. He thought that not killing him would at least ease the tension, but Guan Yu still showed no kindness.

"General Guan, your life and death are entirely in Cao Cao's hands. Killing you is just a matter of Cao Cao saying a word."

Man Chong tried to threaten Guan Yu, but Guan Yu snorted and said, "Kill me if you want, no need for further words."

Seeing that Guan Yu was so angry, Cao Cao waved to Man Chong and could only leave for the time being, hoping to visit Guan Yu again after he calmed down.

From the moment Guan Yu brandished his sword at the hunting grounds, his relationship with Cao Cao became increasingly strained.

The fact that Guan Yu brandished his sword was enough to show that he had completely sided with Liu Xie!
…………

When Lü Bu was about to depart, Liu Xie asked him how many soldiers he wanted to take. Lü Bu thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, three hundred men will suffice."

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Fengxian, I have no doubt about your abilities. You are known to all as Lü Bu among men. As you know, I can't spare too many troops for you now."

"I can only temporarily allocate three hundred men from the Emperor's brother-in-law."

Cao Cao was very stingy this time, not sending a single soldier, but Liu Xie didn't take it seriously.

There are always more solutions than problems. Cao Cao thought he could control everything, but Liu Xie, by taking advantage of the situation, gradually turned the tide.

Liu Xie then instructed Lu Xun, "Boyan, I am entrusting you with the opportunity for revenge. You must personally behead Yuan Shu!"

Lu Xun's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty, I will definitely kill Yuan Shu with my own hands!"

When Lujiang fell, Lu Kang was killed, and nearly half of the Lu family members were killed or wounded. Although Sun Ce led the troops to capture Lujiang, the real culprit was Yuan Shu.

The main purpose of Liu Xie having Lü Bu bring Lu Xun along was to allow Lu Xun to take revenge personally.

As for Sun Ce, there's no need for Lu Xun to avenge him, because Sun Ce's lifespan will soon come to an end.

Liu Xie then called Lu Xun aside and gave him a few words of advice.

Afterwards, Liu Xie personally saw Lü Bu off. Lü Bu mounted his horse, halberd in hand, and his whole demeanor became radiant. He really wanted to shout excitedly, "Finally, I don't have to grow vegetables anymore!"

On the way back to the city, Liu Xie encountered Guo Jia. From a distance, Liu Xie waved to him, just as warmly as before.

Guo Jia also walked over with a smile, "Your Majesty, Cao Cao left most of his troops at Guandu, and the others are on standby at any time to protect Xuchang. So Cao Cao was indeed in a difficult position when Lü Bu intercepted Yuan Shu. However, with Lü Bu's martial prowess, even if he were alone, it would not be difficult for him to take Yuan Shu's head from among thousands of horses."

Upon meeting, Guo Jia immediately began to speak well of Cao Cao.

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Fengxiao, you are overthinking it. How could I not know Cao Gong's difficulties? You are right, Lü Bu will not disappoint me. I still remember yesterday at the hunting grounds, Hou Cheng died under Lü Bu's halberd."

Guo Jia dared not touch on this topic; Hou Cheng was simply an unlucky fellow.

But Hou Cheng's death was clearly a huge shock to many people.

It seems to be reminding everyone that Liu Xie is no longer the same as before. Even without troops, with just Lu Bu and Zhao Yun, no one can underestimate him!

"Does Fengxiao have anything to do today?"

Guo Jia shook his head. "Your Majesty, please feel free to send someone if you need anything."

"I have inquired, and Guan Yu has not yet returned home. It is likely that Lord Cao was too busy yesterday and forgot about this matter. I would like to go and fetch Guan Yu. Why don't you accompany me, Fengxiao?"

"This?" Guo Jia's expression immediately turned somewhat awkward.

It wasn't that Cao Cao didn't want to release Guan Yu; Cao Cao had personally tried to persuade him the night before. He wanted to win Guan Yu over and even had someone subtly hint at it by mentioning Liu Bei's family members, but to no avail, and Guan Yu remained unmoved.

This isn't Tushan, so no amount of persuasion will work. There's no way Guan Yu will surrender!
Guo Jia had no choice but to sigh, "In that case, Your Majesty, I will accompany you there."

"By the way, His Majesty is marrying Princess Qinghe today. Aren't you going back to make preparations?"

Liu Xie waved his hand, "I and Cao Gong are not outsiders. Besides, didn't I say that everything should be kept simple? We can just gather everyone together to celebrate this afternoon."

Normally, there are many rules for emperors to marry, but Cao Cao didn't care about the rules, and Liu Xie didn't need to follow them either.

Look at how efficiently and effectively Boss Cao treated the Zou and Du families. He took a liking to them and got things done on the same day.

(End of this chapter)