Chapter 4: First Cut Down Liu Bei, Then Slay Yuan Shao

Page (1/3)

He had originally intended for Cao Cao to seize Dong Cheng, since Dong Cheng had little regard for him as emperor. If Cao Cao could have apprehended Dong Cheng directly in the court, he would have protected those who truly served the Han and himself, such as Wang Zifu, and at the same time, established a reputation for being decisive and autocratic. This would have laid a fine groundwork for his next plans. Yet, Cao Cao handed the authority to deal with the matter back to him, which showed that Cao Cao was far from simple.

Liu Xie knew perfectly well he was playing with fire. If he played well, he could burn away the trash around him; if not, he would get scorched himself.

"Guards! Escort the General of Chariots and Cavalry to the prison. The Minister of Works has given his all for our Han dynasty; how could I chill his heart? Now that the Minister of Works is about to go on campaign, I shall keep the General confined for now, and when the Minister returns victorious, he may deal with him as he sees fit!"

Dong Cheng was like a ball, kicked back and forth between Liu Xie and Cao Cao, as though neither wanted to be tainted by his ill fate. In the end, he was kicked straight into the prison. Poor Dong Cheng had barely realized what was happening, and before he could beg for mercy, the guards had already seized him and dragged him away.

"Thus, Your Majesty consents to my campaign at Guandu?"

Though the troops were his, Cao Cao still had to act under the banner of the Han. He was not yet at the point where he could act entirely on his own, so he had to treat the emperor with some respect.

"The Yuan brothers are of course mortal enemies of our Han, but before them, there is another. I believe the Minister of Works should first pursue this man!"

On past occasions, Liu Xie rarely voiced such opinions in court. At most, he would sulk when Cao Cao failed to show him respect in minor matters. But today, Liu Xie seemed to have acquired a touch of imperial authority.

"Oh? May I ask whom Your Majesty refers to?"

If Wang Zifu had inadvertently revealed Dong Cheng's plot to Liu Xie, Cao Cao could understand it. Yet, regarding the campaign, he doubted Liu Xie could comprehend its nuances. However, since the emperor had spoken, it would be improper not to respond.

"In this scheme plotted by the General of Chariots and Cavalry, others may be unaware, but there is one who certainly knows I would never issue such an edict. That person must not be spared!"

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

"Who is the one Your Majesty refers to?"

"My imperial uncle, Liu Bei. Whether he is truly my uncle, or how much Han imperial blood he carries, is uncertain, yet he flaunts this identity to deceive others. Now he has left Xuchang, likely upon hearing news unfavorable to him. If the Minister of Works doubts me, summon him back, and see if my imperial uncle will return to aid the Han as he claims!"

At the mention of Liu Bei, not only did Cao Cao’s expression grow grave, but Guo Jia beside him widened his eyes. Liu Bei, who had only recently left Xuchang, ostensibly to lead troops against Yuan Shu, now stirred Cao Cao’s suspicions and unease.

"Your Majesty, allow me to discuss this matter further in private. I will report the campaign to Your Majesty separately."

With so many eyes and ears in the court, and spies from all factions scattered throughout Xuchang, Cao Cao felt some matters could no longer be discussed openly. With these words, he bowed and returned to his seat.

"In that case, let us adjourn for today."

Liu Xie spoke as if at ease, then rose and walked off towards the palace. No one knew that his back and seat were soaked with sweat. Although he appeared relaxed and in control, his first court session since arriving in this era felt like a battlefield.

Liu Xie knew that if Cao Cao began to suspect him in this affair, the blame for the emperor’s secret edict would fall squarely upon him. His life in the palace would never be free as before.

For now, however, things seemed to be proceeding smoothly.

As for raising the matter of Liu Bei, it was clear that Liu Bei’s proclaimed devotion to restoring the Han was ultimately self-serving. If Liu Xie had made him serve loyally as Dong Cheng had, Liu Bei would likely have fared no better.

In this age of warlords, anyone deemed a hero saw the emperor either as a ladder to prestige or a stumbling block in their path to power—never anything else.

More importantly, Liu Xie knew that whether or not he spoke, Cao Cao would soon learn Liu Bei was involved in the secret edict.

It was only logical that Liu Bei, eager to leave Xuchang and campaign against Yuan Shu, had ulterior motives. Eliminating Liu Bei first was natural, so Liu Xie simply took the initiative.

As for Cao Cao, since Liu Xie was on his turf, he had to let Cao Cao believe he was obedient and aligned with him.

Page (2/3)

Page (3/3)

Otherwise, even if Liu Xie possessed boundless cunning, he would merely become a caged bird for Cao Cao. The more Cao Cao realized he had ambitions, the less freedom he would enjoy.

Returning to his chambers, Liu Xie found his other father-in-law, Fu Wan, already waiting at the door. Clearly, Fu Shou had taken his instructions to heart.

"Your Majesty, what happened in court today—"

"There are matters best learned late. Do not ask now. For the moment, I shall bear the risks. Go send word and carry a letter for me. If this succeeds, I will lead you all out of this prison!"

Fu Wan was a scholar, not particularly bold. He sensed Liu Xie had changed somehow, but knew asking too much would do no good.

He had witnessed the pitiful spectacle of Dong Cheng and Wang Zifu in court, and he certainly did not wish to become another Dong Cheng.

Fu Wan tucked Liu Xie’s letter into his inner garments and left the palace in haste. Fu Shou, too, had heard of the upheaval in the court.

"Your Majesty, though the General of Chariots and Cavalry sometimes acted improperly, he still wielded some influence in court, at least enough to balance Cao Cao. If Your Majesty acts thus, once Cao Cao returns victorious from his campaign against Yuan Shao, he will care even less for Your Majesty's authority—"

Fu Shou was a woman of strong character, and dared say what Fu Wan would not. She knew Liu Xie better than anyone. Ever since his illness a few days ago, he seemed a changed man; formerly, he had some temper and wit, but never made decisions in great matters. In Xuchang, the sky belonged to Cao.

"Whether fighting Liu Bei or Yuan Shao—though Cao Cao’s army is small now—it is only a matter of time. But his campaign against Yuan Shao is not truly for the sake of the Han. Therefore... I need not guard Xuchang for him!"

"Your Majesty plans to—"

Page (3/3)