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

Chapter 206, Cao Cao is very angry
Cao Cao hurriedly kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Cao Ren for sparing his life. I will certainly punish him severely and show no leniency."

As Cao Cao spoke, he turned to look at Cao Ren, and the muscles on his face twitched slightly.

In fact, Cao Cao did not want to torture Cao Ren, but he had no choice.

After all, this matter had an extremely negative impact, and many soldiers in the army knew about it. If it was not dealt with seriously, it would be tantamount to admitting that they did not respect the emperor.

It seems that the emperor's face is worthless, and beating him is pointless.

Cao Ren remained motionless and made no comment.

Finally, Cao Cao hardened his heart, a fierce expression appearing on his face, and roared, "Cao Ren, although you have repeatedly made military achievements and contributed to the country, merit is merit and demerit is demerit. This time I will spare your life, but you will not escape death. Come, immediately give him a hundred lashes, and I will personally supervise the execution!"

If we want to spare Cao Ren from the death penalty, we must punish him severely. Otherwise, with so many people watching, a lenient punishment will inevitably invite criticism.

Cao Ren didn't argue for himself, but instead lay down on the ground and said dismissively, "Come on!"

Liu Xie gave Prince Chen a reassuring look, signaling him to stop there and let it go.

Liu Xie advised him to stop while he was ahead, and Prince Chen was quite sensible.

Liu Xie had no interest in staying any longer and went straight back to his tent.

Xun You watched Liu Xie's departing figure and whispered to Guo Jia, "His Majesty used a feigned retreat to advance, deliberately handing over the matter of punishing Cao Ren to Cao Gong, putting Cao Gong in a dilemma. Now His Majesty has taken the initiative to leave, making it seem as if he didn't want to see Cao Ren get beaten."

Guo Jia seemed to see the shadow of Cheng Yu in Xun You's radicalism.

“Gongda, His Majesty is not retreating in a strategic manner, but is truly making concessions. Just imagine, if His Majesty insists on killing Cao Ren, who can stop him?”

Xun You's eyes widened, his tone clearly questioning, "Does His Majesty really dare to lay a hand on General Cao Ren?"

Guo Jia gave him a meaningful smile, a smile that was somewhat cold. Although Guo Jia had not personally been to the battlefield at Wuchao, he could imagine it.

When Cao Cao was besieged, Liu Xie was remarkably calm and composed.

Liu Xie watched silently as his most trusted minister was besieged by tens of thousands of people, and remained indifferent—what a cold-blooded nature that was.

Would someone like that not dare to kill Cao Ren? Guo Jia clearly didn't believe it.

It wasn't that Liu Xie was afraid to kill Cao Ren, but rather that he didn't want to easily cross the red line between himself and Cao Cao.

The incident at Wuchao seemed like a ruthless act by Liu Xie, but Cao Cao ultimately lacked evidence, which meant that Cao Cao could only suspect and could not easily turn against him.

Whatever Liu Xie did, he tried his best to keep it within Cao Cao's tolerance.

No one understood the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the emperor and his ministers better than Guo Jia. This was crucial, as it preserved the dignity of the Han dynasty and also that of Cao Cao.

If a direct falling out occurs, it will not only be one person who suffers embarrassment, but it will inevitably be a lose-lose situation.

Liu Xie was indeed capable of killing Cao Ren, and it would have been difficult for Cao Cao to stop him in front of so many soldiers.

However, doing so would immediately force Cao Cao to the opposite side of Liu Xie.

Several soldiers came over, carrying execution sticks. They looked at Cao Cao hesitantly, wanting to ask him how they should fight.
Is it a real fight? Or a fake one? If it's a real fight, how much force will they use?
Three points? Five points? Ten points? Or twelve points?

After all, everyone knows that Cao Ren is Cao Cao's cousin and his right-hand man. If we beat him up without understanding the situation, what will happen if something goes wrong?
Cao Cao glared at them coldly, his voice almost squeezed out from between his teeth, "Fight! Give them a good beating!"

Cao Cao's voice was loud, and everyone around him could hear it.

Cao Cao was furious. He was not only angry at Cao Ren, but also at Liu Xie, and at himself.

The Battle of Guandu was intended to significantly reduce the emperor's power base, thus forcing the emperor to learn to restrain himself, while Cao Cao could use this battle to further enhance his prestige.

Unexpectedly, since the start of the war, Liu Xie has consistently delivered astonishing performances, further enhancing his strength and prestige. Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, and others have also shone brightly and become famous throughout the land.

The deaths of Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Yuan Shao, and others can all be attributed to Liu Xie. Judging solely from his performance in this battle, Liu Xie's performance had already surpassed that of Cao Cao.

Although Liu Xie only had a few thousand troops, no one dared to underestimate their fighting strength.

Previously, Cao Cao was unwilling to touch Liu Xie, but now that the two are almost equals, Cao Cao no longer dares to easily touch Liu Xie.

Seeing Cao Cao's terrifying face and chilling eyes, the executioners dared not disobey and had no choice but to raise their clubs and strike Cao Ren hard, one blow after another.

Snapped!Snapped!
Each strike was delivered with great force; you could tell just by listening to the sound.

The blows were merciless, each one drawing blood. Many soldiers nearby watched in horror, while the timid ones quickly turned their heads away.

Cao Ren gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Cao Ren knew he couldn't cry out in pain, because if he did, Cao Cao would feel even worse.

This attack wasn't just on Cao Ren, it was also on Cao Cao!

But this outcome was unavoidable. No matter how much Liu Xie tried to downplay the incident, he couldn't pretend it hadn't happened.

Cao Ren was the second most important military officer in the army, second only to Xiahou Dun. He had made numerous merits and was still wounded.

The soldiers were terrified by Cao Cao's harsh punishments. Those who didn't know better might have thought that Cao Cao was using this to establish his authority, as if anyone who dared to violate discipline would be severely punished.

But in reality, Cao Cao was forced into this situation; he never intended to establish his authority.

In short, Cao Ren was badly defeated. Even if he could hold out until the end, he would be unable to fight again for a month or two after the battle.

The punishment was the same as that given to Lü Bu. After Lü Bu surrendered to Liu Xie, the first thing he was done was to be beaten with one hundred lashes.

Ju Shou entered Cao Cao's camp very slowly. In fact, he was very curious about how much power the emperor actually held in his hands when facing Cao Cao.

So when he arrived at Cao Cao's camp, he had been observing carefully, and as a result, he saw Cao Cao kneeling down to Liu Xie to beg for forgiveness, and even went so far as to use severe torture on Cao Ren.

This shows that regardless of whether Cao Cao was truly willing to obey the emperor's orders, at least the emperor held considerable weight and was by no means a puppet to be manipulated.

This outcome further increased Ju Shou's approval of Liu Xie.

The first thing Liu Xie did after returning to his tent was to write a letter. Everyone consciously avoided getting close to him, not wanting to disturb him.

After the letter was written and sealed, Liu Xie handed it to Wu Anguo, saying, "Anguo, have someone send this letter back to Xudu immediately."

"Okay!" Wu Anguo agreed and strode out.

Xun You noticed a letter in Wu Anguo's hand and looked puzzled. He quickly went to Cao Cao's side, leaned down and whispered in his ear, "My lord, it seems His Majesty has written to Xuchang again."

Cao Cao glanced at Wu Anguo but ignored him.

At this time, Cao Cao would never intercept or inspect Liu Xie's letters.

Liu Xie had just conceded a step, and at this critical juncture, no matter what was written in the letter, Cao Cao was unlikely to stop it and inspect it.

The letter was successfully sent out. Liu Xie looked at Ju Shou and asked with a smile, "Gongyu, actually, I have quite a history with you."

"Your Majesty, what makes you say that?" Ju Shou was taken aback.

"When I mention a person's name to you, you'll understand."

Ju Shou looked at Liu Xie quietly, waiting for him to speak.

"Ju Jun!"

Ju Shou was immediately startled, then sighed heavily, "Your Majesty, Ju Jun and I are indeed from the same clan. In fact, he is my nephew."

Liu Xie was lost in memories of the past. After a while, he sincerely praised, "Ju Jun was originally the Colonel of the Archers in the Northern Army. On my way back east, he was captured by Li Jue in the chaos of battle. Not only did he not surrender, but he also cursed the traitor. He died at the young age of twenty-five. He died for the Han Dynasty and for me. I have his portrait enshrined in the Lingyan Pavilion in Xuchang."

Ju Shou's eyes were a little moist, and he immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you on behalf of Ju Jun. If he knew this in the afterlife, he would surely be grateful to Your Majesty."

Liu Xie shook his head. "If anyone should thank someone, it should be me. He died at the young age of twenty-five. Gongyu, the reason I mentioned Ju Jun is that I hope the Ju family can lend their full support to help me restore the Han Dynasty."

Liu Xie was not trying to persuade Ju Shou alone, but rather the entire Ju clan.

Because Ju Shou was not isolated; he was from a prominent family and represented the entire clan.

Just like Lu Xun, he had the entire Lu family standing behind him.

Aristocratic families are different from ordinary people. Ordinary people only represent themselves, while aristocratic families represent the honor, disgrace, rise and fall of the entire clan behind them.

Ju Shou could see that the emperor had a good impression of the Ju family and always remembered Ju Jun's contributions. For Ju Shou, this was at least a good start.

He doesn't need to worry about being neglected in the future, because Liu Xie is a grateful person.

Considering Liu Xie's demonstrated abilities, Ju Shou quickly made a decision and immediately knelt on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated. I am willing to assist Your Majesty and follow you closely."

Liu Xie hurriedly helped him up, saying, "Don't rush to make a statement. I must ensure the safety of your family first."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Liu Xie suddenly remembered someone and hurriedly had Yan Rou summoned. When Yan Rou and Ju Shou met, they were both somewhat surprised.

Liu Xie waved his hand, "Now we're all on the same side, so let's skip the formalities. Your families are all in Ye City, right?"

Ju Shou nodded. "Yes."

Liu Xie pondered for a moment and said, "For the time being, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang's main target is definitely Ye City. Based on the intelligence you have, who of the two is more likely to control Ye City?"

Ju Shou and Yan Rou replied almost in unison, "Third Young Master Yuan Shang!"

"Why?"

Ju Shou immediately offered an explanation: "Although Yuan Shao dotes on all his sons, his favorite is his third son, Yuan Shang. This time, Yuan Shao entrusted all matters, big and small, in Ye City to Shen Pei. And it is no secret that Shen Pei openly and secretly supports Yuan Shang. Yuan Shao's decision to entrust Shen Pei with the overall situation in Ye City is naturally for another reason."

Ju Shou spoke eloquently, demonstrating his thorough understanding of Yuan Shao's situation. He continued, "Besides Shen Pei, there's also Yuan Shao's principal wife, Lady Liu. Although Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan are both her sons, she favors the third son, Yuan Shang, and many prominent families in Hebei also support him. Compared to Yuan Shang, Yuan Tan has no advantage. Between Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, whoever controls Ye City will naturally become Yuan Shao's successor and control Hebei. Yuan Shang has a very high chance of winning."

"Regarding the matter of Ye City, I still need to discuss it with Cao Cao again, but rest assured, I will make sure your families are safe."

Ju Shou and Yan Rou were both very excited. It was rare for the emperor to consider their families so highly.

"Alright, I heard that Yun Chang is seriously injured. I must go and see him immediately."

Liu Xie immediately stood up and walked quickly outside while speaking.

Someone led the way, taking Liu Xie directly to Guan Yu's tent. As soon as he stepped inside, a strong smell of blood hit him, and Liu Xie immediately saw Guan Yu.

Guan Yu sat on a stool with bandages wrapped around his chest, clearly indicating that he had been bandaged. However, the wounds were numerous and severe, forcing him to expose his body. Yet, Guan Yu was very mindful of his demeanor, so he still wore a long robe, appearing very dignified.

When Liu Xie came in, he was reading a book, holding a copy of "The Spring and Autumn Annals". Hearing footsteps, he raised his eyebrows slightly in displeasure, as if he was engrossed in reading and did not like to be disturbed.

Looking up, Guan Yu's face lit up with joy. He hurriedly put down the Spring and Autumn Annals and gritted his teeth as he struggled to his feet.

Because his injuries were so severe, any movement caused excruciating pain, but Guan Yu still endured it, bowed, and said, "Your subject Guan Yu greets Your Majesty."

Liu Xie quickly stepped forward and supported Guan Yu. "Yun Chang, I heard you were injured. How is your wound? Has it been treated?"

Before Guan Yu could speak, Prince Chen walked over and said, "Your Majesty, all the wounds from swords and spears have been treated, but Guan Yu has been hit in the left arm by a poisoned arrow, and the army doctors in the camp are helpless."

"Poisoned arrow?"

Liu Xie's face immediately showed worry and anxiety. He carefully examined Guan Yu's left arm and found that the skin in one place had changed color drastically, turning purplish-black, with pus and blood oozing out. The wound was swollen and raised significantly.

Liu Xie hurriedly summoned Lin Tong from the medical team to inquire. Lin Tong shook his head and replied helplessly, "Your Majesty, although the poisoned arrow has been removed, the poison has already seeped into the bone. We really don't have a good solution. I wanted to persuade General Guan to remove his left arm, but General Guan scolded me severely."

"Alas, if only we had treated it immediately from the beginning, the poison has already spread, and the wound has become much more rotten." Liu Xie sighed. "Leave it to me, we can't delay any longer."

In this situation, the only option was to scrape the bone to remove the poison. Fortunately, Liu Xie was a skilled physician and knew what to do.

(End of this chapter)