My Three Kingdoms is not right

"Your Highness," Cao Cao sighed, looking at the young man before him with a complex expression.

"I am where I am today because I have learned a lesson."

"In this chaotic world, the only things you can rely on are the sword in your hand, the soldiers under your command, and the strategies in your mind."

"I will not entrust my life and aspirations to the hands of others."

She paused for a moment, then gave a forced smile: "Even His Highness won't do."

In that instant, even the wind stopped.

The surroundings were completely silent, as if you could hear a person's heartbeat.

Liu Xun looked into her beautiful eyes and felt a slight tremor in his heart.

Cao Cao's reaction was not quite what he had expected.

Before he could figure out how to respond, the deep, thunderous sound of horses' hooves came from the direction of the valley entrance.

Looking up, they saw Xiahou Dun leading hundreds of cavalrymen, rushing wildly into the valley.

The chilling atmosphere instantly shattered the previous tranquility.

Cao Cao stood up, straightened his robes, and his face regained its usual composure.

"I came with high spirits today and will leave with a very pleasant experience. Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness."

"These are turbulent times; let's hurry back to Xuchang!"

Liu Xun nodded, took the reins from Sun Shangxiang, and mounted his horse.

The cool autumn breeze couldn't dispel the faint sorrow in his heart.

Today's actions were undoubtedly successful.

The case of the imperial edict hidden in a belt was wiped out without a trace.

The ambitious Dong Cheng was captured and executed, the emperor's authority was not damaged, and Cao Cao was spared the trouble of being attacked from both sides.

Everything seemed to be heading towards the "happy ending" he had hoped for.

But it seems that things are not over yet.

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

into the night.

The council hall of the Sikong Mansion was brightly lit.

Cao Cao sat in the main seat, one hand supporting his chin, his phoenix eyes slightly closed, seemingly lost in thought.

The hall was full of people.

On the side of the strategists, Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Guo Jia, Xun You, Dong Zhao, Zhong Yao, Liu Ye, and others sat in order. On the side of the military generals, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and others were still in their armor, clearly having come directly from the military camp.

After reviewing the events that unfolded in Xuchang today, everyone was filled with emotion.

Xun Yu was the first to speak, his tone calm and steady, "Dong Cheng and his cronies have all been captured this time. The swift and clean suppression of this rebellion is truly remarkable."

"Her actions were swift and decisive."

A chorus of agreement rang out in the hall.

"Indeed." Cao Ren nodded. "From Wu Shuo's detention to the Battle of Kaiyang Gate, everything was interconnected. In just half a day, Dong Cheng was given almost no chance to react."

"Liu Bei's performance was also extremely impressive," Dong Zhao remarked. "She coordinated perfectly with the Imperial Guards. Otherwise, if Dong Cheng's three thousand troops had left the city, even if they had failed, they might have been able to escape."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Although Dong Cheng wasn't exactly a woman of great talent and strategy, Liu Xun's ability to lay a trap before she could even make a move, resulting in her defeat before she could even lift a finger, was truly astonishing.

However, Cao Cao remained silent amidst the discussions.

She listened quietly, her phoenix eyes lowered, lost in thought.

Cheng Yu, who had remained silent, seemed to draw strength from his lord's silence.

When the voices in the hall gradually subsided, she slowly spoke: "What everyone just said is correct."

"Dong Cheng harbored treacherous intentions, and this plot has been thwarted, turning the tide for Xuchang. This is indeed a good thing."

She met everyone's gazes and changed the subject:

"But I believe that the crisis hidden behind this matter is far more terrifying than the Dong Cheng rebels."

"Is that so? Tell me about it." Cao Cao raised his eyes and finally spoke.

"Although Dong Cheng has been executed, who can guarantee that there won't be a second or third Dong Cheng?" Cheng Yu looked around and spoke faster: "And the reason why Dong Cheng has the power he has today is inseparable from the support of the emperor."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu gently interrupted her: "Zhongde, His Majesty did not support her, and upon learning of Dong Cheng's rebellion, he decisively issued an edict to quell it."

"What Lord Xun said is true," Cheng Yu nodded slightly, but continued, "But if the Emperor hadn't appointed her as General of Chariots and Cavalry, giving her military power and a title, how could she, a mere former general of Xiliang, have stirred up trouble in Xuchang?"

Xun Yu glanced at Cao Cao, but said nothing more.

Cheng Yu continued, "Soon, we will face a decisive battle with Yuan Shao. This battle will not end in a short time; it may even last for several years like the battle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan. Moreover, given the disparity in strength between the two sides, it is inevitable that our army will experience short-term setbacks."

Her voice grew increasingly grave: "If, amidst widespread unrest and political instability, a figure like Dong Cheng were to seize the opportunity to rise up, I ask you, Your Highness, could you prevent it a second time? Could you prevent it a third time?"

That's a very straightforward statement.

Yuan Shao controlled four provinces in Hebei, with well-trained troops and ample supplies. While their own forces had won consecutive victories, the disparity in strength was undeniable.

Once the decisive battle begins, no one can guarantee that there won't be any setbacks.

Zhong Yao retorted, "Judging from the methods Your Highness has used to quell the rebellion today, I believe no one can challenge you. You can lead your troops into battle with peace of mind."

"That's what worries me more." Cheng Yu's gaze swept over everyone present. "The control that Her Highness the Princess displayed during this suppression of the rebellion was truly terrifying."

"With His Highness in charge of the Imperial Guards and Liu Bei in control of the city's defenses, the two of them can seal off Xuchang and suppress any rebellion at any time."

She paused, then looked at Cao Cao: "Such power exists in Xuchang, yet it is not under your control, my lord. I feel that from tonight onwards, I will not be able to sleep peacefully!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Liu Xun was the emperor's younger brother, so his stance naturally leaned towards the imperial family.

This time he sided with Cao Cao in dealing with Dong Cheng, but what about next time?

If one day a conflict breaks out between the emperor and Cao Cao, which side will Liu Xun stand on?

The answer is self-evident.

Cao Cao remained silent for a long time this time.

When he raised his eyes and spoke, his voice betrayed no emotion: "Gongda (Xun You's courtesy name), tell me how to deal with this."

Her direct response was already a perfectly clear stance.

Guo Jia took a big gulp of wine, the sound of him swallowing somewhat jarring in the quiet room.

Xun You had been listening quietly, and when he was called upon, he only thought for a moment before answering.

"First, expand the scope of the Dong Cheng case."

"Dong Cheng has held a high position in the court for many years and has been in contact with almost all the major court officials. Dong Cheng has a mouth to speak, and now that he is in your prison, Your Excellency, it is up to you to decide who in the court has ulterior motives and who is secretly colluding with you."

Xun Yu, usually so good-tempered, frowned and interrupted Xun You: "Gongda, what are you saying?"

"Wenruo," Cao Cao said with a smile, waving his hand at Xun Yu, "please listen to Gongda finish speaking."

Xun Yu sighed and pursed his lips.