My Three Kingdoms is not right

Xun You paused for a moment, then continued, "Second, transfer Liu Bei away."

"Our lord has placed the Left General in charge of the capital's defenses, showing Liu Bei the utmost courtesy. However, judging from Liu Bei's cooperation with Her Highness the Princess in suppressing the rebellion today, their closeness and understanding are even greater."

"We can't let this kind of person continue to control the defenses of Xudu."

"Third, reorganize the five Northern Army Schools."

Xun You didn't care about the gazes directed at him. His tone became increasingly calm. "The Yulin and Huben armies are under the control of Guanglu Xun, and we can't intervene. This cannot be changed in the short term, nor does it need to be. However, the five Northern Army schools—Changshui, Shesheng, Yueqi, Tunqi, and Bubing—must be firmly under the control of our lord to counterbalance Guanglu Xun."

"We can use the pretext of questioning the Commandant of the Changshui Army, Zhong Ji, to thoroughly reorganize all the battalions of the Northern Army, replace the commanders and officers of each battalion, and re-establish their organizational structure."

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Dun added, "Gongda is right. I think we should let Shi Huan take command of the Northern Army."

"Very good," Cao Cao nodded, then looked at Xun Yu: "Anything else?"

This time, Xun You glanced at Xun Yu before speaking again:

"Fourth, on the grounds of inadequate protection, replace the eunuch Mu Shun with a eunuch close to the emperor, and put him in charge in the palace. This way, we can ensure that the emperor will not be used by those with ulterior motives, and also allow the emperor to keep track of the situation in the palace at all times."

"If these four things can be accomplished, Xuchang will be as secure as a rock. At that time, no matter how long our lord travels north or how the war goes on, we will not have to worry about trouble in our rear."

Everyone looked on with admiration.

In a short period of time, he provided very comprehensive, specific, and actionable suggestions, which shows Xun You's accurate vision and meticulous thinking.

"My lord!" Xun Yu took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and bowed to Cao Cao, saying:

"Gongda's words are impeccable in terms of stabilizing the rear and ensuring that Your Excellency can go on the expedition without worry."

"However, if Your Excellency follows his advice, I fear the consequences will be dire!"

Cao Cao laughed and said, "Why is it so serious?"

Xun Yu, however, was unusually serious: "It is indeed this serious!"

"With your prestige and strength, and taking advantage of the opportunity to deal with Dong Cheng's rebellion, you are indeed capable of accomplishing these things."

"But from then on, the rift between the emperor and the wise ruler could never be mended."

"There is no room for further refutation of the fact that you, sir, have abused your power."

"How will the world criticize you, and how will history record you...? Don't you care at all?"

Her words were extremely harsh.

Xun Yu was a gentle and refined lady, and very few people had ever seen her so assertive. For a moment, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone nervously turned their gaze toward Cao Cao.

"What Wenruo said, how could I not understand?" Cao Cao shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Reputation, public sentiment, and the emperor's trust—these are all important matters. I dare not say that I don't care about them."

"But Yuan Shao's ambitions are obvious, and his military and financial resources far surpass mine. If we fight him, even the slightest misstep will lead to annihilation."

She looked into Xun Yu's eyes and said, "If we win this battle, there will always be a chance to gradually repair our relationship with the Emperor."

"But if the rear is unstable and defeat is inevitable, not only me, but I'm afraid the emperor and the court will cease to exist."

"Therefore, I cannot take that risk."

Xun Yu lowered his head and sighed softly, "I understand."

The hall fell silent for a moment before Cao Cao spoke: "Man Chong."

"Your subject is here."

"You will personally handle the Dong Cheng case. Report to me regularly."

"promise."

Cao Cao stood up and glanced at everyone: "It's getting late. Everyone should go back and get some rest."

Everyone stood up, bowed, and filed out.

"Fengxiao," Cao Cao called out to Guo Jia, who was walking at the back with a light step, "you haven't said much today."

Guo Jia sat back down with a grin, picked up the half-empty wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

"I drank... a bit too much."

Cao Cao shook his head helplessly: "What do you think of Liu Xun's situation?"

"Your Highness," Guo Jia said, leaning back on the armchair, "Your Highness is very capable. You actually managed to keep it from the Imperial Academy."

She glanced at Cao Cao and continued, "I plan to investigate this thoroughly. See if Your Highness has gained a highly skilled person by your side..."

"Fengxiao," Cao Cao interrupted her.

Guo Jia blinked: "My lord?"

That's not what I was asking.

The hall was quiet for a moment.

Guo Jia stood up, took an empty cup from the shelf, picked up the wine pot, and slowly filled it.

"My lord, you know the answer in your heart, why ask me?"

She placed the ear cups in front of Cao Cao with both hands:

"This wine is quite good, my lord, please have some!"

……

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

Dong Cheng's rebellion was like a thunderclap splitting the sky, shaking Xuchang.

The court, which had just become accustomed to stability, was suddenly dragged back into a familiar nightmare.

The heavy crimson of blood in the palaces of Luoyang, the ever-changing banners atop the walls of Chang'an.

The sounds of clashing swords and wailing echoing through the alleys late at night are not far away for them.

Fortunately, none of this happened again.

The rebellion flag had barely been raised when it was cleanly and decisively cut in half by a swift blade.

The imperial edict was swiftly delivered, and with the perfect coordination of General Liu Bei and Minister of Ceremonies Liu Xun, the long-brewing storm was nipped in the bud within a mere half-day.

Even in the evening, some of the bolder vendors were already cautiously pushing their carts out to set up their stalls.

As the smoke rose from the chimney and a bowl of wheat porridge was finished, the anxiety in my heart gradually subsided.

After all, as long as you're alive, you have to earn a living.

Those who have more are also more afraid of losing it.

That night, countless nobles, officials, and gentry were filled with anxiety and could not sleep.

However, they finally breathed a sigh of relief the next day when they saw that the Sima Gate was open as usual, the carriages and horses in front of the Sikong Mansion were still there, and they even learned that Wannian Villa had sent out banquet invitations again.

In the days that followed, the aftershocks began to spread.

Dong Cheng, imprisoned in the Court of Justice, confessed to several accomplices, and the order for reorganization of the five battalions of the Northern Army was issued...

However, these events were considered mild by the old ministers who had experienced Dong Zhuo burning the city, the conflict between Li and Guo, and the emperor's misfortune.

As if after a downpour, the puddles flowed quietly away, leaving only the washed bluestone pavement, glistening wetly in the autumn sun.

……

Under the eaves of the Left General's Mansion, a layer of freshly picked rush was laid in a bamboo sieve, each stalk even and exuding a slightly bitter smell.

The autumn wind swept in from outside the courtyard wall, swirled around in the courtyard, and then lazily dispersed.

These two heroes who had been praised for their wisdom and prowess in Xuchang these past few days were now weaving straw mats face to face, chatting casually for a few minutes.

They looked like a newlywed couple from the countryside, busy weaving several mats so they could sell them at the market to supplement their income.

Liu Bei sat cross-legged on the mat, his sleeves rolled up to the middle of his forearms, revealing his slender, white, and strong wrists. His fingers twisted, folded, interlaced, and pressed the grass stems together, each line as neat as if measured with a ruler.

Liu Xun was finishing the edges of a straw mat. She was quite skilled at it now, although the edges weren't straight in a few places, but they still looked nice with their undulations.

"Has Xuande set a departure date?" Liu Xun asked without looking up.