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

Liu Xie thought for a moment, then nodded to Jia Xu and said, "Very well, I have made my decision. I will entrust this matter to Zhuge Liang for investigation! Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, and others will also participate."

That night, in the inner palace, candlelight flickered as Liu Xie and Cao Ying sat facing each other.

The news about Cao Cao has spread throughout Luoyang recently, and even Cao Ying, though deep within the inner palace, has heard about it.

Her face was filled with worry; she had been unable to eat or sleep well lately. As Cao Cao's daughter, she was also concerned about her father's affairs.

Liu Xie comforted him, saying, "You don't need to worry. What Cao Cao did was entirely on my orders. I know that powerful clans are deeply entrenched and have great influence. If they are not controlled, they will become a major threat to the Han Dynasty in the future. It is thanks to your father that the situation has improved."

Cao Ying's eyes revealed gratitude: "Your Majesty's trust in my father is deeply appreciated. However, the court is in uproar. Does Your Majesty have a plan to deal with this?"

Liu Xie smiled, "Don't worry, I already have a plan."

So Liu Xie told Cao Ying about Jia Xu's plan.

At first, Cao Ying was startled when she heard that the matter would be investigated and dealt with strictly, but after hearing what was said next, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Your Majesty, my father is different now. He has no selfish motives towards Your Majesty and is doing his best to help you. I believe that Your Majesty will be able to handle this matter fairly and give my father justice.”

"Of course, I can tell who is truly working for me."

A few days later, Cao Cao returned to Luoyang, and all the officials who had tried to dissuade him immediately became obedient.

In the imperial court, no one dared to stand up in front of Cao Cao, and many even cast friendly glances at him.

Liu Xie disliked this internal strife, but he had to step in and play the bad cop in order to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

With a loud slam, Liu Xie angrily slammed his hand on the table in front of him, startling everyone.

Liu Xie coldly surveyed the crowd, his gaze filled with majesty, before finally settling on Cao Cao.

"Cao Cao, do you know your crime?" Liu Xie shouted.

Cao Cao shook his head, "Your subject does not know!"

"I have received numerous reports, and my ministers have also accused you of abusing your power and killing countless innocent people in various places. The evidence is irrefutable. Do you still dare to deny it?"

In life, everything depends on acting skills, and Liu Xie himself actually hates doing that.

Cao Cao stood tall and fearless, saying, "I am innocent. I killed only those who deserved to die; none of them were innocent. My reform of the officialdom was for the sake of the Han dynasty. Anyone who tried to obstruct me was an enemy of the court. I executed those who caused trouble to set an example for others. What crime have I committed?"

"Very well, I will not listen to one side or believe one side in this matter. I intend to entrust this matter to Zhuge Liang, Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, Dong Zhao, and Zhao Yun for joint investigation. If you have truly been wronged, I will certainly give you justice."

Cao Cao refused to admit his guilt, but Liu Xie was not angry.

There was nothing wrong with reforming the powerful clans, and since there was nothing wrong with that, there was no need to admit guilt.

Once you confess, it's tantamount to bowing down and admitting defeat to the powerful families.

Cao Cao's gaze quickly turned coldly to Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, and Dong Zhao. His gaze was terrifyingly cold, and the three of them immediately felt Cao Cao's intimidating aura.

The most surprised person among them was Zhuge Liang. He looked at the emperor with a puzzled expression, and Liu Xie nodded to him with eyes full of trust.

After deciding on the interrogators, Liu Xie dropped another bombshell: "This is a matter of great importance. Before a final decision is made, Cao Cao must be imprisoned, and no one is allowed to plead for him!"

This decision greatly surprised everyone. The court officials were somewhat stunned. Cui Jun and others, after regaining their senses, were secretly overjoyed. They felt that the emperor was finally going to take action against Cao Cao because of their pressure.

"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present." Cao Ren was the first to step forward.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he glared at Liu Xie in the court. "Your Majesty, this is unfair! The Prime Minister is loyal to the country and has always been devoted to you. He is working for the court to reform the officialdom and has no selfish motives whatsoever. How can you imprison the Prime Minister without even knowing the facts? I refuse to accept this!"

Cao Ren became more and more agitated as he spoke, and a faint murderous aura emanated from him.

As soon as Cao Ren finished speaking, Xiahou Dun also stepped forward.

Before Xiahou Dun could speak, Liu Xie's face darkened sharply. "Didn't you all hear what I just said? Before the matter is decided, no one is allowed to plead for him."

Fearing that the emperor would punish Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao hurriedly spoke up, "Zixiao, Yuanrang, you may step down. You will follow His Majesty's arrangements."

"But...this?" Cao Ren was both anxious and angry, extremely unwilling.

"Get out of here!" Cao Cao said, feigning anger.

Cao Ren had no choice but to retreat, and Xiahou Dun followed suit.

Cao Cao glanced at the emperor, bowed, and said, "Since it is Your Majesty's order, I will obey!"

Liu Xie nodded to him, and then several soldiers came over and took Cao Cao away.

This incident quickly caused a sensation in Luoyang, as Cao Cao, the greatest contributor to the Han Dynasty, was arrested.

After the court session ended, the members of the powerful families were overjoyed, feeling that they were about to overthrow Cao Cao. So they gathered in small groups to have a few drinks to celebrate.

Many people also took the initiative to approach Cui Jun, Zhong Yao, and others to encourage them, offer suggestions, and some even volunteered to help collect evidence of Cao Cao's crimes. In short, this time, Cao Cao must be completely defeated!
Liu Xie arrived on the very night Cao Cao was imprisoned.

Outside Cao Cao's prison stood a burly man. As soon as Dian Man approached, he recognized him. "Father, what are you doing here?"

Dian Wei's gaze passed directly over his son and landed on Liu Xie. "Your Majesty, I know the Prime Minister is innocent. He did nothing to wrong you. I was worried that there would be villains harming the Prime Minister in prison, so I came here voluntarily. As long as the Prime Minister stays, I will stay with him."

A hearty laugh rang out from the cell. "Dian Wei, even if I get out, you'll still be by my side every day, won't you? Don't worry, His Majesty will naturally give me justice."

It was Cao Cao who spoke. Liu Xie nodded and walked over. The jailer, without saying a word, quickly opened the cell door.

The cell was very clean, as it was specially prepared for Cao Cao. Cao Cao was not in shackles or chains, which clearly showed that the jailers knew he was the prime minister and dared not be careless.

Liu Xie strode straight into the prison cell. He looked at Cao Cao, his gaze filled with complex emotions.

"Your subject Cao Cao greets Your Majesty!" Cao Cao's voice rang out again. Liu Xie gently raised his hand, gesturing for Cao Cao to rise, and slowly said, "Mengde, I imprisoned you; do you harbor any resentment towards me?"

Cao Cao shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty is wise, and I dare not harbor any resentment. It's just that I don't quite understand."

Liu Xie sighed, looked around to make sure no outsiders were approaching, and then his gaze returned to Cao Cao.

"Mengde, I know you are loyal and devoted. Imprisoning you this time is a last resort. The noble families have repeatedly knelt down to plead with me. If I do not act in this way, it will be difficult to quell their anger."

Cao Cao sneered, "Your Majesty, this outcome was exactly what I expected. The purge of the aristocratic families was bound to provoke their anger. So, Your Majesty arrested me to appease their rage?"

"Mengde, my temporary imprisonment of you is merely a stopgap measure to show them. I will definitely find an opportunity to clear your name."

Cao Cao cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's intentions are profound, and I am deeply grateful."

From the very beginning, Cao Cao did not believe that he would become a scapegoat that the emperor could arbitrarily sacrifice.

Liu Xie walked to the window, looked at the darkness outside, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Mengde, you have not disappointed me. The rectification of the aristocratic families has been remarkably effective. The fact that these people are resisting so fiercely is the best proof. My determination will not waver. It's just that you will have to suffer for the time being."

Cao Cao said firmly, "What does it matter if I suffer some grievances for Your Majesty and for the sake of the Han Dynasty?"

Liu Xie turned around, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes: "I will always remember Mengde's loyalty. I have come here today to let you know my intentions, so that you will not have any doubts because of this matter."

Cao Cao immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty's great kindness is something I will never forget. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations. When I regain my freedom, I will serve Your Majesty with all my heart and soul until my dying breath."

Liu Xie personally helped Cao Cao up, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Mengde, I believe in you. I have many, many things to entrust to you in the future."

Liu Xie sat down calmly, and the two sat facing each other, cross-legged on the ground, and talked for a long time. They told each other frankly about what they had experienced in the past year or so, without any secrets.

It was the end of the year, and Cao Ang had just returned from Jizhou. Upon hearing that his father had been arrested, he rushed over.

Cao Ang arrived outside the prison cell, where Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, and others were standing quietly, listening to the conversation inside.

Cao Ang also curiously came over and saw the emperor and his father sitting cross-legged on the ground, discussing the world and laughing happily. Cao Ang was very excited. All his worries and doubts disappeared without a trace at this moment.

Soon, their conversation turned to the Western Regions.

Liu Xie said, "After much deliberation, I have decided to send troops to the Western Regions to restart the Silk Road. This move will not only restore the prestige of our Han Dynasty, but also promote trade and prosperity, and bring back the glorious era of the Han Dynasty."

A glint of excitement flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, and he said excitedly, "Your Majesty is wise. The Western Regions are rich in resources and have enormous commercial potential. If we can control them, it will truly be a blessing for the Han Dynasty."

Liu Xie sighed, “Back then, the Silk Road was prosperous and the Han Dynasty was renowned far and wide. Since Dong Zhuo’s chaos, not to mention the Western Regions, even Liangzhou has been in turmoil for decades. Now that the country has been pacified, it is time to put the Western Regions on the agenda.”

Cao Cao cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's ambition is lofty, and I admire it greatly. If Your Majesty trusts me, even if I am only allowed to be a vanguard, I am willing to charge into battle and expand the territory of the Han Dynasty!"

Liu Xie smiled and looked at Cao Cao, saying, "Mengde's loyalty and bravery are commendable, and I naturally trust you. However, this expedition will not be easy. The mountains are high and the roads are long, so I'm afraid we will suffer some hardships."

Sending troops into battle has always been a very arduous task, from ancient times to the present. They have to endure wind and sun, long-distance marches, and sleep in the wilderness. Sometimes, even food and water are problems, not to mention the serious diseases and casualties they face.

Cao Cao said very seriously, "Your Majesty, although the Western Regions are far away and the environment is complex, and the forces of various states are intertwined, I believe that as long as we make thorough preparations and select good generals and elite troops, we will surely succeed. Although I am old, I am still in good health. An old horse in its stall still aspires to gallop a thousand miles. Your Majesty should not underestimate me."

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Mengde, I promise you, once you've settled things here, I'll make you the vanguard."

"Your Majesty, I am also willing to go!" The two were chatting enthusiastically when Cao Ang couldn't help but step in.

Upon entering, he immediately knelt before Liu Xie, saying, "Your Majesty, you have appointed me as General Who Conquers the West to conquer the Western Regions. How could I be left out?"

Cao Ang's words amused Liu Xie.

When he was appointed General Who Conquers the West, it was originally intended to serve as a warning to Cao Cao.

When Cao Cao saw his son, his eyes instantly lit up with surprise.

Cao Ang appeared even more robust, his brows revealing composure and determination, while Cao Cao wore a gratified smile.

"Okay, I promise you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Cao Ang hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Then, he looked at Cao Cao, quickly bowed respectfully, and said, "Your son greets Father."

Cao Cao nodded, his eyes full of praise: "Good, good! As your father, I see you now, your steps are steady and your gaze is firm. You must have experienced a lot of trials and tribulations and grown a lot."

He took Cao Ang's hand and made him sit down beside him, and continued, "Of all my sons, you are the one I am most satisfied with and proud of."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ang's eyes flashed with emotion: "Father values ​​me so much, I will certainly work harder and live up to your expectations."

Cao Cao said with emotion, "You have been intelligent and sensible since childhood, kind-hearted, and hardworking. Now you are even more mature, steady, and responsible. As your father, I am very pleased."

“Back then, during the Battle of Wancheng, you abandoned your warhorse and willingly covered the rear. I knew then that you were the most responsible person in the Cao family.”

Cao Ang lowered his head slightly and said humbly, "Father, you flatter me. I still have many shortcomings."

Cao Cao laughed heartily, "Zixiu, there's no need to be so modest. I believe that given time, you will surely achieve great things."

Cao Cao’s eyes were full of love and expectation: “But you must also remember that the road of life is rugged and bumpy, so you must never be arrogant or complacent, and you must always be vigilant.”

Cao Ang nodded solemnly: "Father's teachings will be remembered by your mind."

Having not seen each other for so long, Cao Cao became increasingly excited, as if he had endless things to say. Liu Xie was not in a hurry and listened patiently from the side.

Looking at Cao Ang growing up strong and healthy, Liu Xie was filled with emotion. It was really hard to believe that Cao Cao would have such an outstanding son in every aspect.

Every time I see Cao Ang, he's a sight to behold. (End of Chapter)