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

Liu Xie's voice echoed in the hall for a long time, and the ministers looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

Some people wanted to persuade him further, but Liu Xie waved his hand and said resolutely, "My mind is made up. I will personally lead the expedition against Zhang Lu! My beloved ministers, there is no need to persuade me any further. Quickly go and prepare for the expedition!"

Liu Xie's words were resounding, and the ministers knew that the emperor's mind was made up. They could only obey and begin to busy themselves with preparations for the personal expedition.

Liu Xie is only 28 years old this year, which is the best age for him to make achievements. No matter how many people try to dissuade him, they cannot stop his determination to send troops.

Besides, if I stay in Luoyang, I'll get annoyed to death by these people sooner or later.

Liu Xie was decisive and efficient. Soon, he ordered the troops to be assembled. Shi Xie finally found an opportunity and hurriedly came to pay his respects to him.

Otherwise, with the emperor going on another expedition, who knows how long he'd have to wait?

Upon meeting, Liu Xie looked Shi Xie up and down, and had to admit, Shi Xie did indeed have a very auspicious appearance.

Although his temples were slightly gray, Shi Xie had hardly experienced any stress because there had been no wars in Jiaozhi for many years, and he was well-maintained.

He was a man who knew how to seek advantage and avoid harm. Historical records show that he and Sun Quan never fought each other.

After Sun Quan's power grew, Shi Xie took the initiative to show weakness and chose to submit. Sun Quan then sent Bu Zhi to take over Jiaozhi.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Liu Xie waved his hand, "My dear minister, you have been diligent and hardworking in governing Jiaozhi for me all these years, and you have made great contributions, saving the people in the territory from the ravages of war. I am very gratified."

Liu Xie first praised him and affirmed his achievements. Shi Xie immediately breathed a sigh of relief and felt that waiting for these past few months was worthwhile.

Even Sun Quan had been subdued by the emperor, so Shi Xie dared not harbor any other thoughts. He only wanted to obediently submit and then return to Jiaozhi peacefully to continue serving as the governor of Jiaozhi.

Everyone has selfish desires, and Shi Xie is no exception!

Shi Xie hurriedly bowed and said earnestly, "Your Majesty, what I have done is all the duty of a subject. It is my honor to be able to serve the court and seek happiness for the people."

Liu Xie nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his face: "However, you are getting old now, and after all these years of hard work for the court, it's time for you to rest. I remember your achievements in governing the region, and the people also speak highly of you."

Upon hearing this, Shi Xie felt a pang of anxiety, and a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

Liu Xie seemed to see through his thoughts and continued, "Do not worry, I do not mean to forget your contributions. Jiaozhi still needs a trustworthy person to govern it, and I have decided to entrust this important task to your children. I believe they will inherit your ambition and keep the region at peace."

Shi Xie didn't know whether to be happy or sad; he was going to be left in Luoyang and could never leave again.

Although his children could take his place, he himself wanted to return to his own territory, where he had lived for decades.

Liu Xie was particularly averse to this. When a person stays in one place for too long, far from the emperor's reach, he will naturally start to regard that place as his own territory.

Although Shi Xie was old and frail and had no ambition to seize power, Liu Xie still wanted to keep him in Luoyang.

Shi Xie wanted to say something more, but Liu Xie waved his hand and said, "I am about to send out troops. We can talk about it when I return."

As Liu Xie spoke, he winked at Dian Man, who immediately understood and hurriedly came over. "Master Shi, please go back."

Dian Man was polite on the surface, but he was actually trying to get rid of him.

Shi Xie sighed helplessly and had no choice but to take his leave.

On the way to the expedition, Fa Zheng once again suggested, "Your Majesty, why not send someone to inform Liu Zhang and ask him to send a troop as well, so that we can launch a pincer attack? Even if Liu Zhang is just bluffing, it will still make Zhang Lu restless and fearful."

Liu Xie nodded, "As expected of Fa Xiaozhi, he really thought things through."

Liu Xie immediately dispatched messengers to Yizhou, while he himself led an army of 50,000, including Zhang He, Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, to Guanzhong.

Unexpectedly, this military expedition greatly frightened Han Sui of Xiliang, who hastily assembled tens of thousands of troops. Han Sui mistakenly believed that the imperial court was coming to attack him. His appeal was still very strong, and many people responded to his call.

On this day, when they were en route and camping, the brothers Ma Xiu and Ma Tie came together to Liu Xie's central command tent.

Ma Xiu looked somewhat anxious. "Your Majesty, my elder brother Ma Chao has sent a letter. He wants to ask if Your Majesty is targeting them."

Liu Xie was taken aback and asked, "I have only just set out with my troops, and they have already sensed the danger at the slightest movement. Let's put Han Sui aside for now. What is your brother Ma Chao thinking?"

Ma Xiu hurriedly replied, "Over the years, my father and I have been favored by His Majesty. We have privately written to my elder brother many times, urging him to surrender. My brother was somewhat tempted, but..."

Matthew suddenly stopped, his face showing a hesitant expression.

Zhuge Liang laughed and said, "You mean to say that your elder brother Ma Chao is reluctant to leave Xiliang and does not want to relinquish his military power."

Ma Xiu and Ma Tie were quite embarrassed when Zhuge Liang's words came true.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhuge Liang advised Liu Xie: "Your Majesty, why not give Ma Chao a chance to make a contribution and let him kill Han Sui? If he succeeds, Your Majesty may grant him the position of Governor of Xiliang."

Liu Xie's eyes lit up immediately. "That's a good idea."

Zhuge Liang was very thoughtful. He only offered him the position of governor. After all, the term of governorship is only five years. If Ma Chao performs well, he can continue to be given important responsibilities. If he performs poorly, the court can simply remove him.

Fa Zheng nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty, Han Sui is a fickle man who has long harbored rebellious intentions. We should simply have Ma Chao eliminate him."

Kill with a borrowed knife!
Even if Ma Chao fails to kill Han Sui, Ma Chao and Han Sui will still turn against each other.

Pang Tong agreed, saying, "Your Majesty only needs to issue an edict ordering Ma Chao to take action, and I don't think he will refuse."

"it is good!"

Liu Xie immediately wrote a letter and had Ma Xiu personally deliver it to Ma Chao.

Han Sui had assembled an army of 100,000 and was about to reach Tongguan when Ma Chao received a letter from Liu Xie.

On a night with the cold moon high in the sky, candlelight flickered in Ma Chao's tent. He frowned deeply, clutching the emperor's letter tightly in his hand.

The letter struck his heart like a hammer blow. The emperor's decree was clear and resolute: he was to eliminate Han Sui.

Ma Chao felt a mix of emotions. Han Sui had fought alongside him in this chaotic world and they had sworn to live and die together.

However, his father and two younger brothers were all by the emperor's side, and they frequently corresponded with Ma Chao. Ma Chao knew they were doing well and had not suffered any mistreatment. Killing Han Sui was indeed a difficult decision for Ma Chao, as his relationship with Han Sui was not ordinary.

Ma Xiu advised, "Brother, by killing Han Sui, you will have performed a great service to His Majesty. From now on, our whole family will serve the court, and you will be appointed as the governor of Xiliang. What is there to hesitate about?"

Ma Chao frowned and said, "But Han Sui has a large army. Even if I kill him, my situation will be very unfavorable."

Ma Xiu said, "The imperial army will arrive soon. As long as you are determined to take action, His Majesty will surely help you. If you resist the order, you will surely incur the Emperor's wrath. Should our Ma family continue to occupy a territory and be an enemy of the imperial court?"

Ma Chao's eyes gradually hardened, and he finally made up his mind, "Alright!"

Ma Chao and his brother discussed the matter and agreed to take action at midnight the following night. Knowing that his forces were limited, Ma Chao hoped that the emperor could lend a hand.

After Ma Xiu returned, he reported the truth to Liu Xie, who did not hesitate and granted Ma Chao's request.

Han Sui was completely kept in the dark. He never dreamed that his life was already on the countdown.

The appointed time arrived quickly. The night was quiet and profound, broken only by the occasional chirping of insects.

Ma Chao was dressed in armor and held a long spear, with a group of soldiers behind him who were equally solemn and ready to die.

Their footsteps sounded particularly heavy in the empty camp, like the drumbeats of fate urging them toward an unknown end.

When Ma Chao led his men to quietly approach Han Sui's camp, many guards were still sound asleep.

At Ma Chao's command, the soldiers charged into the camp like tigers, and the shouts of battle shook the heavens and the earth.

Han Sui was startled awake from his sleep. Before he could react, Ma Chao had already rushed into his tent.

"By imperial decree, Han Sui, eliminate the traitor! Today is your death day!"

Upon seeing Han Sui, Ma Chao roared angrily and thrust his spear straight at Han Sui.

Han Sui was terrified and, in a panic, grabbed the sword beside him to defend himself.

Ma Chao's spear technique was incredibly sharp, and he was determined to kill. This spear strike was powerful, fast, and ruthless. Han Sui barely managed to block it, but before he could regain his footing, Ma Chao flipped his wrist and attacked again.

Han Sui was no match for Ma Chao. He barely managed to hold out for a few rounds before Ma Chao pierced his chest with a spear.

With a soft thud, the spear pierced through solidly, and Han Sui let out a desperate scream, spitting out blood as his body slowly collapsed.

Suddenly, a change occurred in the camp. Han Sui's men were awakened and rushed over. They picked up their weapons and charged at Ma Chao and his men.

In an instant, the Xiliang army's camp descended into chaos. Swords clashed, shouts of battle and screams of agony filled the air.

Undeterred, Ma Chao engaged in a fierce battle with Han Sui's men. He wielded his spear with incredible speed, charging left and right through the crowd, and wherever he went, enemies fell one after another.

Although Ma Chao killed Han Sui, Han Sui still had many subordinates, and their strength still held the advantage. Ma Chao led his men in a fierce battle, hoping that the emperor's reinforcements would arrive in time.

Ma Chao wielded his spear, weaving through the enemy ranks like a god of war, leaving Han Sui's soldiers falling wherever he went. However, Han Sui's forces were simply too numerous, and the battle became a stalemate.

Suddenly, a rumble swept across the northern land, like rolling thunder, the sound of horses' hooves, rapid and dense! The earth trembled as it shook.

Everyone was startled and turned to look into the distance, where a powerful cavalry force swept in like a whirlwind.

In the firelight, a large, imposing character for "Han" was prominently displayed on the fluttering banner. Leading the banner were three fierce generals: Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Fei.

Guan Yu's phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, his silkworm eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and he held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, looking majestic and awe-inspiring, like a god descending to earth.

Zhao Yun's silver spear was as white as snow, his figure was agile and his heroic spirit was overwhelming, and his white horse galloped like the wind under his command.

Zhang Fei's eyes were wide open, his hair stood on end in anger, and he swung his eighteen-foot spear with a whooshing sound, roaring like thunder.

The Han cavalry, clad in fine armor and wielding sharp weapons, charged onto the battlefield with the thunderous roar of their hooves, a force as powerful as war drums. Their battle cries were deafening.

Guan Yu charged ahead, plunging into the enemy ranks. His Green Dragon Crescent Blade gleamed coldly in his hand, each swing bringing with it a storm of blood and gore.

Han Sui's soldiers tried to block his path, but they were no match for his overwhelming offensive.

Guan Yu roared, "I am Guan Yu, the Marquis of Hanshou! Anyone who stands in my way shall die!" His voice was like a booming bell, chilling the enemy to the bone.

Zhao Yun, like a white lightning bolt, charged left and right through the enemy ranks. Wherever his silver spear pointed, enemies fell from their horses.

His movements were light and agile, yet full of power, like a war god dancing on the battlefield.

Zhang Fei was exceptionally brave; his eighteen-foot spear moved like a dragon emerging from the sea, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies wherever it went. His roar was like thunder, terrifying the remnants of Han Sui's forces.

Han Sui's remaining troops, who had been fiercely fighting Ma Chao's forces, panicked upon seeing the arrival of the Han cavalry. Their eyes were filled with fear and despair, and their morale collapsed instantly.

"The Han army is here! We're finished!"

Panic-stricken cries spread through Han Sui's ranks.

The soldiers began to scatter and flee, pushing and trampling each other, and the once orderly formation instantly turned into chaos.

Some soldiers even forgot their weapons, only caring about escaping. But the Han cavalry gave them no chance, mercilessly slaughtering the fleeing enemy like harvesting rice.

Seeing Guan Yu, Zhao Yun, and Zhang Fei arrive with reinforcements, Ma Chao's spirits soared. He fiercely speared and killed an enemy general, shouting, "Soldiers, follow me!" With that cry, he charged into the enemy ranks once more.

Under the fierce charge of the Han cavalry and the valiant fighting of Ma Chao's troops, Han Sui's remnants suffered heavy casualties and retreated in disarray. The battlefield was a scene of carnage, with corpses piled up like mountains and blood staining the earth red.

However, the Han cavalry's offensive showed no signs of abating. They surged at the enemy wave after wave like a raging tide.

Guan Yu wielded his Green Dragon Crescent Blade with ever greater ferocity; with each strike, an enemy fell with a scream. His Red Hare swept through the enemy ranks as if they were nothing, and wherever it passed, the enemy scattered in all directions.

Zhao Yun displayed his superb spear skills, his silver spear moving like a dragon, thrusting, stabbing, sweeping, and slashing with fluid, seamless movements. His white horse stood out starkly on the battlefield of blood and fire, becoming a nightmare for his enemies.

Zhang Fei, caught up in the frenzy of battle, unleashed his eighteen-foot spear like a storm upon the enemy. His furious roar instilled terror in them, deterring them from approaching.

Under this immense pressure, Han Sui's remaining troops completely lost the will to resist. Some knelt and begged for mercy, while others abandoned their armor and fled in disarray. (End of Chapter)