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

Chapter 222, Countermeasures

Yang Xiu is now Cao Cao's chief clerk. He went to Guandu with the army and stayed by Cao Cao's side.

In Yang Biao's study, everyone gathered together and could speak freely.

Jia Xu spoke first, “Your Majesty, Cao Cao is using a cage strategy, intending to surround us without attacking, trapping us in order to force Your Majesty to make concessions to him.”

Chen Gong snorted and said indignantly, "To resort to such methods, Cao Cao simply doesn't respect His Majesty at all. He's demonstrating his power to His Majesty."

Jia Xu smiled faintly and said, "Cao Cao's actions this time seem grand, but they are not practical. After all, he only wants His Majesty to make concessions and would never dare to openly defy the court. As for the issue of provisions, Chen's provisions are enough to support Xuchang for several months. During this period, we can take over the money shops and add the money to the national treasury, and purchase surplus grain from various places to solve the immediate problem."

"Your Majesty, since Cao Cao is trying to show his power, Your Majesty should respond in kind and not give in to him." Chen Gong was furious and very dissatisfied with Cao Cao's blatant provocation.

Liu Xie nodded: "I strongly agree with depositing the money shops into the national treasury."

Turning his gaze to Yang Biao, Liu Xie continued, "I was just about to ask Lord Yang to return to the court. From now on, you will serve as the Grand Minister of Agriculture."

Yang Biao had previously served as Grand Commandant, who was in charge of military affairs. Even if Liu Xie restored order to the court, Yang Biao was no longer suitable to serve as Grand Commandant.

Firstly, he was a bit older and not good at military affairs, so he lacked prestige in the army.

Yang Biao was a scholar with a steady temperament and enjoyed a good reputation among scholars. Liu Xie felt that he was more suitable for a civil service position.

The Grand Minister of Agriculture was equivalent to the Minister of Finance, in charge of money and grain, and responsible for the national treasury's income and expenditure.

It was equivalent to managing the imperial treasury, even more powerful than Kong Rong's position as the Minister of the Imperial Treasury, which only managed the royal treasury.

Liu Xie appointed his own people to manage both the imperial treasury and the court's national treasury.

Yang Biao was very excited. His passion finally had a chance to be put to use. He hurriedly bowed and said, "This old minister accepts the order!"

Although he went from being one of the Three Dukes to one of the Nine Ministers, Yang Biao didn't care about such things.

Besides, the Grand Commandant used to be a nominal position, while the current Minister of Agriculture is a real one! They are backed by the Emperor!

Jia Xu advised, "Your Majesty, I suggest that the bank must be taken over immediately; there should be no delay."

Liu Xie said, "Oh? Tell me about it."

Jia Xu hurriedly replied, "Since the upheaval in Xuchang, many powerful and influential families have felt uneasy. Yesterday, I discovered that many people wanted to withdraw large sums of money, but I temporarily sent people to stop them."

Liu Xie seemed to realize something and immediately called out, "Wang Kui."

Wang Kui, a personal guard of the Dragon Guard, rushed in from outside. "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

"Immediately order Lu Xun to send people to take over the bank."

"Yes, sir!" Wang Kui replied and ran out.

Lu Xun's execution was decisive and resolute. Upon receiving the order, he immediately led his men to take over the money shops in Xudu and sent people to notify other money shops in various places.

Jia Xu's reminder made Liu Xie realize a terrible problem.

At this point, the pro-Cao faction will definitely be scrambling to withdraw their money.

This will directly affect the stability of Xudu. Liu Xie instructed Yang Biao: "Lord Yang, you must pay more attention in the future. If anyone wants to withdraw a large amount of money from their savings account, you must carefully investigate them and not let them take the money away easily."

Yang Biao understood immediately and nodded, "I've got it."

Jia Xu agreed with Liu Xie's decisive reaction. He squinted and said, "Your Majesty, the reason those people support Cao Cao is simply for fame and fortune. Fame is now in Your Majesty's hands, and fortune is also in Your Majesty's control. Just based on the money deposited in the bank, plus the letters exchanged with Yuan Shao, it is enough to make many people dare not have any other thoughts."

The government will have the final say on money shops from now on. No matter how much money you have, it could be frozen at any time. Tell me, who wouldn't be afraid?
In recent years, the convenience of money shops has brought benefits to many people. In addition, in order to show their loyalty to Cao Cao, many ministers and nobles, along with their clansmen, have deposited large sums of money in money shops.

Now that the money shops have been taken over by the imperial court, Liu Xie has also seized control of the lives of these families.

Anyone who betrays the court or is not loyal enough to the emperor will never be able to withdraw a single copper coin from their money in the bank.

Liu Xie said, "Fortunately, Wenhe reminded us of this matter. Later, Lord Yang will come up with a plan as soon as possible to strictly screen and restrict those powerful and wealthy families."

Yang Biao nodded repeatedly, making sure he remembered it.

"As for Cao Cao's provocation, gentlemen, I must come up with a solution. Although Cao Cao does not dare to openly confront the court, I really dislike this kind of infighting between the emperor and his ministers, and there is no need to waste time and energy on it."

Ju Shou pondered for a moment and then said, “Your Majesty, you are kind-hearted and considerate of the court’s reputation, and you have repeatedly tolerated Cao Cao. In fact, Cao Cao is doing all this just to make Your Majesty back down. Why not send someone to sound out Cao Cao’s intentions and ask him what he really wants? If it’s not too outrageous, then we can agree to it for now.”

Whether it's a stalemate between the ruler and his ministers or an open war, it's a situation of mutual attrition, offering no benefit whatsoever to either side.

Jia Xu thought for a moment, then a strange smile appeared on his lips. "I think it would be better to let Xun Yu handle this."

As soon as Jia Xu finished speaking, Chen Gong and Ju Shou couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Liu Xie also laughed, "Wenhe, you're asking too much of me. Lord Xun has been in a bad mood these past two days, and I really can't bear to make him step forward."

Jia Xu said, "Your Majesty, that is precisely why I hope Xun Yu can find his footing as soon as possible. Should he assist Cao Cao or Your Majesty? He must make a decision quickly. Otherwise, continuing to waver like this will not benefit either him or the country."

Liu Xie nodded. "You're using poison to fight poison, a strong medicine for a serious illness."

Jia Xu did not deny it, saying, "The more he doesn't want to face Cao Cao now, the more he should be made to confront his own heart."

Ju Shou added, "Although the methods are somewhat harsh, there is indeed no one more suitable than Xun Yu."

The ministers in Xuchang were either on Cao Cao's side or on the emperor's side. Only Xun Yu managed to support both sides and was highly valued by both.

Liu Xie humbly accepted the suggestion, saying, "Alright then, let's leave this matter to Xun Yu."

Although Liu Xie was somewhat worried about Cao Cao's actions, he knew that it was at most just Cao Cao bluffing.

Cao Cao has made such a big show of things, but Liu Bei has yet to show up. Even Liu Xie, who is usually mild-mannered, is somewhat dissatisfied.

"Send someone to investigate and see if Liu Bei is indeed in Runan." Jia Xu nodded. "I will send someone to Runan immediately."

Chen Gong said, "Your Majesty, if Liu Bei really went to Runan, since Guan Yu is now in Xudu, why not give Guan Yu an important position? Let Guan Yu be the Governor of Yuzhou. Since Liu Bei disregards the safety of the court and cannot come to Your Majesty's side in time, punish him by making him the Prefect of Runan."

"Gongtai, you're not joking with me, are you?" Liu Xie laughed; this suggestion was too unexpected.

The mere thought of making Guan Yu Liu Bei's superior is enough to make anyone burst into laughter.

Jia Xu, who was usually stern and unsmiling, burst into laughter. He pointed at Chen Gong and said, "Gongtai, how could you come up with such a thing? Where will this put Liu Bei? Not to mention whether Guan Yu can agree, how will Liu Bei face anyone after this?"

Demoting Liu Bei from governor to prefect is one thing, but making Guan Yu his superior is a bit too cruel.

Chen Gong snorted coldly and said seriously, "I'm just stating the facts. Guan Yu did better than Liu Bei in both public and private matters. Shouldn't such a loyal hero be given an important position?"

"As for Liu Bei, although he is not entirely without fault, he often harbors selfish motives and cannot wholeheartedly serve the country. Guan Yu could draw his sword against Cao Cao without any hesitation in Xutian. Would Liu Bei do that? No! Guan Yu could stay alone in the enemy camp to kill Yuan Shao without fear of death. Would Liu Bei do that? Obviously not!"

“Gongtai, what you said does make some sense, but things shouldn’t be handled the way you do it.”

Ju Shou shook his head and objected, saying, "The oath of brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden is known to all. You want His Majesty to give Guan Yu an important position, but you want Liu Bei to be Guan Yu's subordinate. Where does that put Guan Yu? Guan Yu will never accept it. Besides, Liu Bei is a member of the Han imperial family and is an imperial uncle. This would also damage the face of the Han dynasty."

Liu Xie also advised, "Alright, Gongtai is straightforward and frank. I understand what he said. The court is in need of capable people right now. Even if Liu Bei has some shortcomings, at least he is still trustworthy."

We must unite everyone we can. Regardless of whether Liu Bei has ulterior motives, Liu Xie cannot punish him.

Politics is, in itself, the art of compromise!

Because Liu Bei was useful, and very useful!
Liu Xie couldn't hold Guan Yu's selfish motives against him.

If Liu Bei is dealt with, Guan Yu will be caught in the middle and in a very awkward position.

When Liu Bei was mentioned, Ju Shou couldn't help but praise him, saying, "Both are members of the Han imperial family, but the Prince of Chen makes His Majesty feel more at ease. He has always been concerned about the country and worked hard without complaint. He was beaten by Cao Ren, and his health has not yet fully recovered."

Liu Xie fell silent, and everyone else stopped talking as well. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became much more tense.

After a while, everyone noticed that the emperor looked somber, and tears were welling up in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong...?"

Liu Xie shook his head heavily, but quickly regained his composure. He said with a sigh, "I know about Prince Chen's contributions. He has indeed been wronged all these years. I originally wanted to appoint him as the Minister of the Imperial Clan, but after thinking about it, I still think that Liu Bei should be the one to do it."

Yang Biao, Jia Xu, Ju Shou, and Chen Gong were all his own people, and Liu Xie spoke frankly and without reservation.

Chen Gong suddenly realized, "So that's why His Majesty didn't bestow any titles upon the Prince of Chen in court that day."

Ju Shou said, "From a moral and rational standpoint, and from both a public and private perspective, Prince Chen is more suitable than Liu Bei. However, I understand Your Majesty's predicament; you want to keep Liu Bei by your side."

Liu Xie nodded. "Yes, I've had this idea for a while now, and I've mentioned it to Liu Bei before. If Liu Bei were to become the Minister of the Imperial Clan, then Guan Yu and Zhang Fei could stay by my side and serve the court."

Zhao Yun stood behind Liu Xie the whole time, and he could fully verify Liu Xie's words.

Indeed, the emperor had sincerely tried to persuade Liu Bei to stay.

Even now, Liu Xie has not given up on this idea.

However, he did not want to force him, and if he appointed him directly, Liu Bei would not be able to refuse.

Liu Xie hoped that Liu Bei would stay by his side willingly, so that Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei could play their greatest role.

If Liu Bei is unwilling, even if he is forced to stay by Liu Xie's side, he will not put in any effort. If Liu Bei ends up just growing vegetables by Liu Xie's side, then it will be meaningless.

Ju Shou could fully sense that, for the sake of the overall situation, the emperor had been making concessions and yielding.

The Prince of Chen suffered injustice, but wasn't the Emperor also in a similar situation? The Emperor suffered quite a few injustices as well.

Chen Wang was clearly more suitable to be the Minister of the Imperial Clan, but the emperor actually reserved the position for Liu Bei.

Who would willingly keep giving in?

Ju Shou couldn't help but think of Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao may seem mild-mannered, but his temper can flare up at any moment; he can kill someone on a whim or imprison someone on a whim.

Not long ago, Tian Feng was imprisoned by Yuan Shao. Later, on the very night Yuan Shao fled back to Guandu from Wuchao, he ordered Tian Feng to be executed.

Anyone who disobeyed would often be met with a wave of Yuan Shao's hand and a furious shout of "Throw them out!"

However, as the emperor who ruled the world and was the supreme ruler, Liu Xie could not command his ministers at will.

Sometimes, you have to be patient and accommodating.

Ju Shou sighed, his mood becoming heavy. This strengthened his resolve to assist the emperor and completely change everything.

"Your Majesty, I have thought of someone who might be of assistance to deter Cao Cao."

"who is it?"

Ju Shou slowly spoke, "Ma Teng of Xiliang!"

"Although Ma Teng is far away in Xiliang, he has not yet nominally submitted to the court. Your Majesty may wish to send someone to appease him. Ma Teng is a descendant of General Ma Yuan, the pacification general, and is a descendant of loyal and virtuous officials. Whether it was the warlords' campaign against Dong Zhuo or the mutiny in Chang'an, Ma Teng participated in both. If Ma Teng and his son can be brought under your control, Your Majesty will be greatly enhanced, and Cao Cao will not dare to underestimate you."

Chen Gong, however, was somewhat uneasy. "Ma Teng and Han Sui have both rebelled before. Xiliang is located on the frontier, and Ma Teng has Qiang and Hu blood. I'm afraid he might be fickle and find it difficult to truly submit."

Ju Shou laughed and said, "Your Majesty only needs to send a messenger and appease him a little to gain an extra force. Why not do it? As for how loyal Ma Teng is to Your Majesty, that is not important. As long as he responds to Your Majesty now and is willing to be a Han subject, that is enough. Even if he develops disloyal thoughts in the future, Your Majesty will no longer be the same Your Majesty as you are today. How can you allow Ma Teng and his son to change their minds?"

Jia Xu said, "I am from Liangzhou and I know Ma Teng quite well. Ma Teng is getting old and his fighting spirit is not what it used to be. Why not reward him with a high-ranking official position and let him come to Xuchang to serve as an official and enjoy his old age? As for his son Ma Chao, he can be stationed in Xiliang and command Ma Teng's troops."

(End of this chapter)