Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 76 Cao Cao: I am a loyal subject of the Han Dynasty; someone must be spreading rumors.
The emperor's camp.

Since being brought here by Cao Cao, at least in terms of food, clothing, housing, and transportation, the emperor and his officials have seen a significant improvement.

Now they gathered there, no longer weeping, but arguing amongst themselves.

"Quiet!"

When Cao Cao strode in with an imposing presence, meeting his eyes which were even more somber than usual, the assembled officials fell silent.

"In front of the emperor, they make such a racket; where is the decorum of the officials and ministers?"

Rebuked by Cao Cao, who was now imposing and had a livid face, none of the ministers dared to speak, fearing that they would incur his wrath.

The emperor, still looking ill, forced himself to speak, "Minister Cao has come in such haste, but has Yuan Shao's troops already caught up with us?"

When the emperor asked him a question, Cao Cao still bowed.

"Your Majesty, Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu are birds of a feather, both deceiving the emperor and daring to rob the imperial carriage. They are simply lawless."

Your Majesty need not worry, I have a plan in place and will certainly protect Your Majesty's safety.

The emperor nodded slightly, as if he truly had no worries simply because Cao Cao said so.

In fact, he wasn't too worried about Yuan Shao, since Yuan Shao was using the pretext of protecting him to rob him, not to kill him.

Are they really going to send troops to intercept and kill the emperor? Does he not want the reputation of being a high-ranking official for four generations, or does he want to be killed by all the feudal lords in the world?

In the end, how different is Yuan Shao from Cao Cao in front of him?
The emperor had no illusions about him, who dared to openly hijack the emperor under the guise of protecting him. He might even be doing better in Cao Cao's camp than in Yuan Shao's camp, where he was needed more.

Therefore, Cao Cao said he already had a plan, and the emperor said no more, instead addressing him as follows:

"Minister Cao, you complained about the arguing among the officials just now, but the matter being discussed is actually related to you."

"You have rendered meritorious service in protecting the Emperor and defending me. The officials have discussed how you should be rewarded."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Cao Cao, meaningfully asking, "Does Minister Cao have any thoughts of his own?"

What are your thoughts? According to Cao Cao, now is not the time to consider these things. Once he brings the emperor back safely and keeps him firmly under his control, what kind of reward can't he get?
However, since the emperor brought it up himself, Cao Cao bowed again.

"As a subject, how dare Cao Cao ask for rewards on his own? How is such behavior any different from that of the traitor Dong Zhuo?"

The so-called act of protecting the emperor is merely a matter of duty for a subject; how can it be considered meritorious?

"is it?"

Looking at Cao Cao, who appeared submissive below the hall, the emperor chuckled softly.

"But how come I heard that Minister Cao wants the position of Chancellor, and even readily promised the Three Dukes of the court? With such monopolization of state affairs, should I also address you as Grand Tutor?"

"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation!"

This must be a malicious rumor spread by a villain. Your Majesty, please be discerning and do not believe such slander.

"I have never said such a thing. Where did Your Majesty hear this from? I request to be confronted in court!"

He claimed to be terrified, but in reality, he was not terrified at all. Instead, he stood ramrod straight, his cold eyes sweeping over the assembled officials, none daring to meet his gaze.

Liu Yao, who was among the officials, quickly looked away and frowned at Yang Biao. He had only whispered the message to Yang Biao, but who knew that a Grand Commandant of the court would be so big-mouthed?

Meeting Liu Yao's gaze, Yang Biao was speechless. It was all because of Liu Yao's matter. He had contacted a few trusted colleagues, but who knew they would have such big mouths?
Those colleagues and officials who were being targeted by Yang Biao also avoided his gaze, keeping their eyes down and acting as if nothing was wrong.

Seeing the fear and panic among his ministers, the emperor sighed and tried to smooth things over.

"I naturally trust Minister Cao, but the rumors have already spread among the officials, and I have also heard about them. If we investigate now, it may be too late."

However, some points in this rumor are quite valid. Cao Qing has rendered such great service; if he is not rewarded, it will inevitably cause unrest and lead to the spread of rumors.

Cao Cao was preoccupied with another matter and was too lazy to dwell on the mere reward. He figured he could just reissue it once he got to his own territory, so he simply paid his respects.

"Your Majesty, I will obey your commands." "Very well."

The emperor had been waiting for these words, and nodded as he issued an edict.

"I have inherited the weighty responsibility of the ancestral temple, but my virtue is meager and I am still young. In this time of great turmoil for the Han dynasty, the world is not at peace, and the people are suffering."

Fortunately, Cao Cao, the governor of Yanzhou, protected me and saved me from danger, stabilizing the Han Dynasty from collapse and making great contributions to the country.

"I now appoint you as Chancellor and enfeoff you as Marquis of Wuping. I hope you will devote yourself wholeheartedly to this task, live up to my trust, ensure the safety of the ancestral temples, and care for the common people, so that you may achieve great things and be remembered in history."

Prime Minister?

This was indeed unexpected by Cao Cao. He thought he would have to bring the emperor back to his own territory so that he could appoint officials without restraint.

Unexpectedly, the emperor would willingly hand over this position of overseeing all officials.
In fact, the emperor was already very experienced in this matter, whether it was Dong Zhuo, Li, Guo, or anyone else.

After they control him, it's only a matter of time before he becomes Chancellor, Grand Marshal, or Grand General; Cao Cao is just a matter of time anyway.

These kinds of official positions that control the government and oversee all officials, whether or not they are officially granted, are what these top-ranking officials actually do.

In that case, the emperor, who had extensive experience in being manipulated, discussed the matter with his ministers.

Therefore, he decided to take the advice of his trusted and confidant, the newly appointed Grand Tutor Liu, and seize the initiative.

As the emperor, although he could not decide which powerful ministers controlled the government, he could decide what official positions they held to control the government.

Prime Minister!

Cao Cao, who bowed deeply in reverence, quickly understood the profound meaning and murderous intent behind the title "Prime Minister."

The Han Dynasty already had a prime minister.

It was Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu, who was hot on his heels!
Although he took the position himself, if I were to take a real prime minister and make him a fake one, Yuan Shao would definitely hunt me down relentlessly, even if he were to kill his way into Yanzhou.

This was practically pointing fingers at Yuan Shao and accusing him of being a fake prime minister, implying that as long as he remained prime minister, he would undermine Yuan Shao's rule.

The emperor has become addicted to watching the power struggles among the feudal lords. This move is clearly intended to make him and Yuan Shao a life-or-death enemy!
With his family still locked in a life-or-death struggle with Yuan Gonglu, how could Cao Cao dare to obey this edict at the moment?

"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation!"

"Your Majesty, I am but a man of shallow talent and meager virtue; how dare I assume the high position of Prime Minister? I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree. The merit of saving the Emperor was due to the bravery of the soldiers and the unwavering support of all officials; how could I presume to act on my own?"

"The Prime Minister is too modest."

"His Majesty!!!
Your Majesty, I am deeply apprehensive! I have no experience serving in the central government; how dare I assume such a high position upon my arrival?

"I am well aware of the Prime Minister's talent."

"Stop being modest, I believe in you."

"Your Majesty's favor is beyond my ability to accept."

Seeing Cao Cao bow deeply and not daring to rise, the emperor secretly thought that it was just as Liu Taifu had said; with just the position of prime minister, he had Cao Cao under his control.

Relatives of the Han imperial family, family members, are reliable.

He then got up to help him up and personally handed the prepared imperial edict to Cao Cao.

"During the escape, keep everything simple; the Prime Minister need not decline three times."

I declined three times? How did you figure that out?!

Cao Cao dared not accept it and continued to refuse.

"Your Majesty is putting me in a very difficult position."

(End of this chapter)