My Three Kingdoms is not right

"This lady," Liu Xun thought to himself, "is she trying to tell the court who's in charge?"

Although he knew in his heart that this was Cao Cao's intimidation tactic, the oppressive feeling of seeing thousands of elite armored soldiers lined up to greet him still made his back break out in a thin layer of sweat.

He took a deep breath and straightened his back.

We can't back down.

He was the emperor's younger brother, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, and the commander of the Imperial Guards.

Even if you're panicking inside, you have to keep a calm and collected demeanor on the surface.

The convoy slowly passed through the military formation and entered the city gate.

As Liu Xun walked through the "human corridor" made up of those cold armored figures, he could clearly feel countless gazes falling on him.

Curiosity, scrutiny, observation, evaluation...

He kept his eyes straight ahead, his face calm, and even nodded slightly to the soldiers on both sides.

With their commander in such a posture, Yang Xiu and Xu Huang behind him also straightened their backs.

Generals are the courage of the soldiers. Although the Tiger Warriors and Feathered Forest Guards were few in number, they withstood the pressure from Cao Cao's army and maintained the dignity of the imperial court.

Walking through the city's clean streets and arriving at the government office area, one sees a group of officials already waiting for a long time.

The leader, dressed in a dark purple official robe and wearing a scholar's cap, had a refined face and a gentle demeanor. He stood gracefully, calmly watching the convoy.

Although Liu Xun had never met her before, he could guess her identity at a glance.

Xun Yu.

Cao Cao's chief strategist, a man of exceptional talent, and the jewel of the Xun family of Yingchuan.

He was also a tragic figure in history who was forced to commit suicide for opposing Cao Cao's claim to the title of Duke.

Of course, in this dimension, she is a woman.

and--

very nice.

Unlike Cao Cao's bright and flamboyant personality, or Yang Xiu's delicate and arrogant literary girl persona, she was not like Cao Cao.

Xun Yu possessed a dignified, gentle, and refined beauty. He was like a secluded orchid in a deep valley, or like the warm winter sun.

Those eyes were especially beautiful, clear and bright, with a touch of gentle aloofness.

"Your subject Xun Yu, along with officials from Yan and Yu provinces, respectfully welcomes Your Majesty's arrival!"

Xun Yu led the officials in kneeling and bowing, his voice clear and elegant, his demeanor dignified.

The Emperor raised his hand: "No need for formalities. Thank you for your hard work, my lords."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Xun Yu stood up and looked respectfully at the emperor's carriage. "I have ordered people to clean the palace, and all food and supplies have been prepared."

Xun Yu then turned to Cao Cao, cupped his hands, and said, "My lord, the palace and government offices have been prepared as instructed. However... the number of imperial guards has exceeded expectations, and some accommodations will need some time to be adjusted."

This isn't her fault; the Imperial Guards did indeed only number a thousand when they left Luoyang. However, because they recruited Xu Huang along the way, they gained several hundred more cavalrymen.

Cao Cao looked at Liu Xun and said, "Your Highness, please don't take offense."

How could Liu Xun possibly blame Xun Yu? Not only was she incredibly beautiful, but Liu Xun also knew that Xun Yu was loyal to the Han Dynasty. In history, she was executed by Cao Cao for refusing to support his granting of a dukedom.

Now that the imperial court has moved into Cao Cao's territory, he must win over Xun Yu to counterbalance Cao Cao.

Liu Xun smiled, dismounted, approached Xun Yu, and said gently, "It was my oversight that I failed to inform you in time. I apologize."

Xun Yu was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting this princess of noble status to personally dismount and apologize to him.

She quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. This is merely my duty."

She had long seen Liu Xun's name in letters from Cao Cao, Zhong Yao, and others. She knew of this extraordinary man who bravely protected the emperor and personally led troops.

Upon seeing him today, I was struck by his exquisite features, extraordinary temperament, and dashing appearance. He was both beautiful and cool, and I was momentarily stunned.

Liu Xun returned the greeting: "Please take good care of the Imperial Guards in the future."

"Your Highness is too kind. I will do my best." Xun Yu lowered his eyes slightly, avoiding his gaze.

Seeing her like this, Liu Xun chuckled inwardly.

"I have long heard of the profound scholarship of the Xun family of Yingchuan, and Wenruo is a great talent of our time. Meeting him today feels like meeting an old friend."

Yang Xiu, standing nearby, twitched his lips and muttered under his breath, "His Highness claims to feel an instant connection with everyone he meets..."

Liu Xun pretended not to hear.

"Xunzi's study of the Book of Changes is profound and comprehensive, encompassing a vast range of ideas and refined thought. Once I am settled, I would like to pay him a visit and seek his guidance. Is that alright?"

Actually, Liu Xun didn't understand anything about the I Ching. This was a comment he heard from Yang Xiu during a conversation, which he wrote down and used here.

Xun Yu was slightly moved.

She had initially thought the princess was a spoiled man who loved playing with weapons.

After all, none of the things he did according to those rumors seemed like something a "proper royal man" would do.

But standing before her now was a young man who was humble, polite, refined, and learned.

Xun Yu, who came from a prominent family, always valued etiquette and rules, and naturally held the imperial family in high esteem.

At this moment, her favorability towards Liu Xun is growing stronger.

"If Your Highness wishes to grace my humble abode with your presence, I would certainly welcome you," Xun Yu replied with a smile.

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Liu Xun secretly gave himself a thumbs up.

First impression strategy, a success!

Cao Cao, who was standing to the side, watched this scene with his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

As she rode her horse, looking down at Liu Xun and Xun Yu as they "talked happily," a strange feeling welled up inside her.

That genuine sincerity...

That enthusiasm...

This prince has never been so close to me before.

"General Cao, there's no need for such formalities."

"Thank you for your kindness, General, but I'll find a way myself."

……

"Wenruo," she interrupted their flirtatious exchange, "the arrangements in the city are complete. Shall we invite His Majesty to rest in the palace first?"

Xun Yu snapped out of his daze and quickly nodded, "Your Majesty is right. I will lead the way now."

The procession moved forward slowly once again.

As Liu Xun rode his horse, he looked at Xun Yu's elegant figure ahead, a look of determination flashing in his eyes.

Xun Wenruo, oh Xun Wenruo.

Don't even think about trying to balance between the emperor and Cao Cao, or walking a tightrope.

You'll fall really hard.

Prepare properly.

Become a member of the imperial court!

As Cao Cao rode alongside Liu Xun, he caught a glimpse of Liu Xun's pensive profile out of the corner of his eye, and the inexplicable irritation in his heart became even clearer.

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

In August of the first year of Jian'an, Cao Cao welcomed the emperor to Xu County and made Xu his capital.

In September, the emperor appointed Cao Cao as Grand General and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wuping. Later, in order to appease Yuan Shao, Cao Cao relinquished his position as Grand General and was appointed Minister of Works instead.

In October, Cao Cao launched an attack and captured Liang County, completely defeating Yang Feng and Han Xian. Losing their foothold, the two hastily fled east to join Yuan Shu.

Thus, just as Liu Xun knew in history, the balance envisioned by the emperor—"Yang Feng, Han Xian, Dong Cheng, and Cao Cao checking and balancing each other"—vanished into nothingness.

The girl in red became the controlling shareholder of the Xudu court without any doubt.

However, with the decline of the Han dynasty, women across the land only glanced at this and did not react much.

Qin lost his deer, and the world chased it.

In these chaotic times, military strength, territory, wealth, and people are the only real things.

So what if we serve the emperor?

How many teachers does the emperor have?