My Three Kingdoms is not right

"The first thing is equipment and military supplies." Liu Xun straightened his expression. "The Imperial Guards have the rations and pay allocated by the Empress from the court's budget, so maintaining their daily expenses is not a problem. However, there is a serious shortage of armor and weapons."

"Although some noble ladies have their own weapons and armor, they are only a minority. They will be needed for training and combat in the future."

"At the very least, we need half of the weapons to ensure basic training."

"This is a bit difficult," Liu Xie slowly shook his head. "The imperial court's labor bureau and the Imperial Workshop have both fallen into disuse, and the capital's armory has long been empty. If we want military equipment, we can only ask Yang Feng, Dong Cheng, and Cao Cao."

She counted on her fingers: "Yang Feng, Dong Cheng... you've seen what they did before. They weren't even willing to allocate grain to the court, let alone provide military equipment."

"Although Cao Cao was willing to supply the court with provisions, allocating military equipment would affect the army's combat effectiveness. Would he be willing to do so?"

The siblings exchanged a glance, both knowing the answer.

"Let's discuss this matter further," Liu Xie waved his hand. "Let's talk about the second thing first."

"general."

Liu Xun sighed helplessly: "The Imperial Guards lack qualified generals. Although I have read some military books..."

He seemed a little guilty when he said that.

What military treatise? It was just military training before I transmigrated, plus some strategy games I played.

"...but he knew very little about leading troops into battle, setting up camp, and coordinated battle formations."

"The former Imperial Guards number less than a hundred, with the highest rank being Military Commander. They are capable of leading a small force to guard the palace, but they are ill-suited to building a fighting army of a thousand men."

He raised his head and looked at Liu Xie: "Does Your Majesty have any suitable military generals?"

Liu Xie thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "No."

"Almost all those who came from Chang'an were civil officials. In recent years, the military generals of Sili have mostly been former subordinates of Dong Zhuo from Xiliang, such as Dong Cheng, or people like Yang Feng and Han Xian who came from the White Wave bandits."

She smiled wryly and said, "If we hand over the Imperial Guards to them, wouldn't we be doing all the work for someone else, and all our previous efforts be in vain?"

Liu Xun also fell silent.

He had underestimated the situation.

They subconsciously believed that having manpower meant having combat power, and that being able to raise a thousand-strong imperial guard would give them ten times the combat power of a hundred-strong imperial guard.

Instead of seeing ten times the combat power, ten times the trouble did come to pass.

Yang Xiu is really capable, handles affairs in an orderly manner, and is extremely reliable.

Although rumors circulated that she was arrogant and conceited, Liu Xun felt that she behaved exceptionally well in front of him.

But leading troops into battle was not her forte.

The officers of the Imperial Guard under his command were originally only responsible for guarding the palace and maintaining ceremonial duties; their combat capabilities were not strong to begin with.

As for the newly recruited daughters of officials and nobles, even if they had basic archery and horsemanship skills, most of them were spoiled and dissolute, far from being qualified military officers.

"Actually, Ah Xun doesn't need to rush."

Liu Xie noticed his younger brother's anxiety and gently comforted him, "As the court gradually stabilizes, more and more officials will come to Luoyang, including many outstanding military officers. I can also issue an edict to seek out talented individuals; those with talent from all directions will surely come."

Liu Xun shook his head helplessly.

How can we possibly make it in time?

Now that Cao Cao has come to Luoyang, he will surely move the court to his own territory soon – relocating the capital to Xuchang.

They used the emperor to command the feudal lords.

Once I go to Xudu, I'm afraid I'll be even more restricted in what I do.

This matter must be handled as soon as possible to ensure its success.

Thinking of this, a sense of urgency arose: "Since there is no suitable candidate for the time being, and the matter of military equipment is urgent..."

"I want to ask Cao Cao for help."

"She is the only one who possesses military equipment. In military campaigns, neither Dong Cheng nor Yang Feng, nor Zhang Yang in the vicinity of Luoyang, are her match."

Liu Xun was not an indecisive person, and he had already made up his mind: "Since the key to the problem lies with her, I will go and find her directly."

"No way!" Liu Xie stamped his foot in frustration. "She asked you for your hand in marriage before! Although she hasn't mentioned it again, who knows if she still harbors any designs on you?"

"Try to have as little contact with her as possible."

Looking at his elder sister's anxious and angry expression, Liu Xun almost laughed:

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I know what I'm doing."

That girl who blushes easily?

It's still uncertain who will suffer a loss.

-----------------

The Cao family's old residence in Luoyang was not a grand mansion, as it had been damaged by war.

However, Cao Cao politely declined the emperor's offer of another residence and chose to stay here instead.

Inside the hall, the young girl leaned against a low table, toying with a jade pendant in her hand: "How is Yang Feng doing?"

Cheng Yu cupped his hands and smiled, "Our lord's strategy of 'causing the enemy to lose their confidence' has been very effective. Yang Feng has been completely misled by us."

"She already had a falling out with Han Xian. After Han Xian fled to Liang County, Yang Feng was quite pleased with himself and was dreaming of seizing power and having us as his ally."

"Hmm, prepare another generous gift today and send it along with my letter." Cao Cao nodded slightly: "Although Yang Feng is not resourceful, his troops are strong after all. Zixiao should be prepared for a tough battle."

"Yes, sir!" Cao Ren accepted the order.

"How are the preparations going in Xuchang?" Cao Cao asked again.

"Rest assured, my lord, Wenruo (Xun Yu's courtesy name) has sent word that everything is ready and troops can be dispatched to provide support at any time." Just as Cheng Yu finished speaking, hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

"My lord!" A guard knelt on one knee. "Princess Wannian has arrived."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Cheng Yu, Cao Ren, and the others looked at each other in surprise.

A princess visiting a minister is an extremely rare occurrence.

Moreover, this Princess Wannian had recently thwarted Cao Cao's attempt to interfere with the palace guards.

Cao Cao smiled slightly: "Please let him in."

She got up and straightened her robes, and only when she heard footsteps approaching did she quickly step out of the room:

"Greetings, Your Highness! Your Highness's visit to my residence was an unfortunate surprise due to my busy official duties. I apologize for any rudeness on your part."

Strictly according to etiquette, although Cao Cao held great power, he was still a subject and should have come out to greet and pay respects when the princess visited him.

Liu Xun had a favor to ask of her, so he wouldn't hold it against her: "General Cao, there's no need for such formalities. Now that my elder sister has appointed me to the court as a Grand Master of Ceremonies, we'll be serving as officials in the same court. We can just treat each other as colleagues, no need for such formalities."

The two entered the hall and took their seats, one as host and the other as guest. After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Xun finally spoke:

"I am visiting you today because I have a favor to ask of General Cao."

"Your Highness, please speak freely."

Liu Xun didn't beat around the bush: "I've been expanding the Imperial Guard these past few days, but I'm lacking two things. One is weapons and armor, and the other is generals who can lead troops."

"General Cao has a large and well-equipped army with many talented soldiers. I would like to borrow a batch of military equipment and a few generals from General Cao to help train the Imperial Guards."

Cao Cao chuckled lightly: "Your Highness is too kind. The Imperial Guards are the Emperor's personal guards, and their weapons and commanders should also be appointed by the Emperor himself. How dare I overstep my bounds and invite criticism?"

Liu Xun realized that these words were meant to be revenge against him.

Pshaw, what a petty woman!