Can I get to the other side?.

Chapter 344 Cao Cao enters Xiangyang and meets Emperor Xian of Han again!
The discussion once again reached a deadlock.

The questions raised by Guo Jia were like a basin of cold water poured on the heads of Liu Xie and Jia Xu, destroying their good mood of finding a way to solve the problem of external relatives interfering in politics.

If Lu Bu and Zhen Shi could not be appeased, it would be impossible to select a woman from the common people as the queen, and even the civil and military officials in the court would not agree.

Because choosing a queen from the common people means that the women sent into the palace by aristocratic families like them will have no chance of becoming queen, so how could they be willing?
By then, Zhen, Lu Bu, and all the civil and military officials in the court would oppose him together, and he would be truly isolated and helpless.

"Does Wenhe have any good ideas?"

After a moment's silence, Liu Xie turned an inquiring look to Jia Xu, hoping that this trusted adviser could step forward and offer a solution at this critical moment.

At the same time, he also reminded her: "Don't hide it like before, just say whatever you want to say. With the relationship between you and me, what else do you have to worry about?"

Jia Xu believed in keeping a low profile and protecting himself, and most of the time he was unwilling to speak out even if he had a solution. Just like what happened just now, he had an idea in his mind a long time ago, but because he didn't want to take the responsibility of making the emperor break his promise, he chose to hint at it indirectly and was reluctant to speak it out.

"Your Majesty, I really have no other choice this time."

Jia Xu looked helpless, shook his head and sighed, "Breaking my promise will certainly lead to dissatisfaction between Lord Wen and Lady Zhen, but it is really inappropriate to make two nobles queens."

"It's really a dilemma."

Before, he had a way to deliberately suppress it.

There is really nothing we can do now.

So Liu Xie had no choice but to look at Guo Jia. Seeing that Guo Jia didn't say anything, he couldn't help but say with a complicated expression: "This matter... let's discuss it in the long run."

Now that Empress Fu is still alive, he doesn't have to worry about who to make queen in the short term. He can slowly look for ways to solve the problem.

"Your Majesty, it's getting late. You should go back and rest. You should take care of your body first."

When Guo Jia saw that Liu Xie looked tired, he couldn't help but persuade him - he finally understood the emperor's feelings when he advised him to take care of his health.

"You guys should go back early too."

Liu Xie nodded, stood up and left the Xuanshi.

Guo Jia and Jia Xu also withdrew.

……

Jingzhou, outside Xiangyang city.

Liu Cong led Cai Mao, Kuai Liang and other advisers to wait here. There were also ceremonial guards of up to a hundred people on both sides of the road. The scene was very grand.

Besides them there was another person.

That was Emperor Xian of Han.

It was now summer, and the sun was scorching in the sky. Even though Emperor Xian of Han had a canopy over his head to provide shade, he was still sweating profusely.

However, he did not show any dissatisfaction or impatience, but looked at the official road in the distance with anticipation, as if he was looking forward to it.

The reason why he had this expression was because the person who would arrive in Xiangyang City today was Cao Cao!
Not long ago, after Liu Cong agreed to an alliance with Cao Cao, he invited Cao Cao to Xiangyang to discuss how to fight against the "false emperor of Yecheng".

And today is the day Cao Cao will arrive.

In order to show respect for this loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Xian of Han asked to go out of the city to welcome him personally with Liu Cong and others.

"Why hasn't Sikong arrived yet?"

"Did something happen on the way?"

Emperor Xian of Han raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and couldn't help but feel worried, because it was almost noon and Cao Cao had not yet arrived in Xiangyang City.

Next to the dragon chariot.

Liu Cong also complained to Cai Mao quietly: "Uncle, is it necessary for us to make such a big show to welcome Cao Cao?"

"And why did you invite him to Xiangyang? Isn't it a temporary solution to form an alliance with him? Does my uncle want to take this opportunity to kill him?"

Before, they were still at war with Liu Bei and did not want to make enemies with Cao Cao, so they chose to agree to Cao Cao's request for an alliance.

But now they have withdrawn their troops from Yizhou. They don't have to be afraid of Cao Cao anymore, and there is no need to be coy with him.

"My nephew doesn't know."

Cai Mao glanced at Emperor Xian of Han and said in a low voice: "Cao Mengde is actually a loyal minister. He has always been loyal to the emperor, so he has always been fighting against the false emperor of Yecheng."

"Now that the emperor is in our hands, we can use Cao Mengde to help us fight against the false emperor of Yecheng."

"Otherwise, it would be quite difficult for us, Jingzhou alone, to fight against the false emperor. But if Cao Mengde helps, it will be much easier."

"Besides, we in Jingzhou have a favorable geographical location, so it is easy for us to attack Jiangdong. We don't have to worry about Cao Mengde having any evil intentions."

Only Cai Mao and Kuai Liang and a few other people knew that the emperor of Xiangyang City was a fake emperor. The rest, including Liu Cong, were unaware of this.

Of course, the fewer people who know about this kind of thing, the better.

"I see."

Liu Cong suddenly realized what was going on, and then said to Cai Mao with great admiration: "With my uncle assisting me, I have nothing to worry about."

Cai Mao smiled slightly, feeling proud in his heart.

And just as the two of them were talking in a low voice.

Suddenly, smoke and dust rolled up in the distance.

I saw a cavalry team appear at the end of the road. When everyone looked closely, they found that there were thousands of cavalrymen in this team. They were wearing majestic armor and had a strong momentum. They were holding flags with the word "Cao" on them.

It’s Cao Cao’s army!
When Emperor Xian of Han saw this scene, he instantly perked up and became extremely excited. He pointed at the cavalry and said excitedly: "The Sikong is here! My Sikong is here!"

Unfortunately, no one paid any attention to him.

Because everyone was shocked by the momentum of the Cao army in front of them. They had never seen such elite cavalry!
As the army got closer, the sense of oppression it brought to the crowd became stronger and stronger. Some cowardly people were even trembling and wanted to escape.

Fortunately, this cavalry was not coming for them and stopped when it was within an arrow's distance from Xiangyang City.

The formation remains neat.

There is no sign of disorder.

After the army stopped, Cao Cao led several generals including Cao Ren and Xu Chu out of the formation and rode out slowly.

At this time, Liu Cong also came to his senses, and hurriedly went forward with Cai Mao and others to greet him, saying politely: "Sikong has come from afar, and we are sorry for not welcoming you in person. It is rude and impolite."

Liu Cong was still young after all. After seeing the power of Cao Cao's army, he put away his previous disdain and even his attitude became much more respectful.

In fact, it was not just him, even Cai Mao and others also paid more attention to Cao Cao.

"The words of Jingzhou Mu are too harsh."

After seeing the expressions of Liu Cong and others, Cao Cao curled up the corners of his mouth into an imperceptible smile, and felt very satisfied.

This time he brought the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.

The reason why he brought the most elite cavalry under his command was, firstly, for safety, and secondly, to show his strength to Liu Cong and others.

Apparently it works well.

Cao Cao showed a trace of apology on his face, and said with a cupped hand: "The road was rough, so it took some time." "I should be the one to apologize for not arriving earlier and making Your Majesty and you wait here for so long."

Liu Cong waved his hands and said, "No, no, I haven't been waiting for long. I'll just wait..."

"Sikong! Sikong!"

"I'm here!"

Before Liu Cong could finish his words, an excited voice sounded from behind, and Emperor Xian of Han actually stood up from the dragon chariot and waved to Cao Cao.

Everyone's attention was immediately drawn over, and then they all looked at Cao Cao, each with a look of surprise.

"This idiot!"

Seeing Emperor Xian of Han with an excited look on his face on the dragon chariot, Cao Cao couldn't help but curse in his heart, and even his smile became a little stiff.

"I was so busy chatting with you that I forgot to meet your Majesty. This is my disrespect as a subject."

Cao Cao apologized and then walked quickly towards the dragon chariot.

He trotted to the front of the dragon chariot, bowed with great respect and said: "Your Majesty, I am Cao Cao, your Highness!"

"Sikong!"

Emperor Xian of Han jumped down from the dragon chariot, then helped Cao Cao up in front of the shocked gazes of the people around him, grabbed his sleeve and burst into tears.

"I miss Sikong day and night in Jingzhou. Why didn't Sikong come to see me earlier?"

"I miss you so much, Sikong!"

Emperor Xian of Han was crying and snotting, grabbing Cao Cao's sleeve tightly and crying so sadly that even Cao Cao could not help but be moved.

He didn't expect that Emperor Xian of Han would think of him this way.

Could it be that he was mistreated in Jingzhou?
But Emperor Xian of Han was plump and white, and did not look like he had been abused. Besides, Liu Cong, Cai Mao and others would not have the courage to do so.

Even if he is a fake emperor, they need to use the title of the emperor to act, so they must be treated as the real emperor.

Fine clothes and delicious food, and the emperor's ceremonial guard.

Not one can be missing.

Could it be that this fake emperor really missed him?

Cao Cao was puzzled, then he knelt down before Emperor Xian of Han, and said with a heavy expression: "Your Majesty, Dong Cheng kidnapped Your Majesty and fled from Xu County. I miss Your Majesty day and night."

"But I had to fight against the false emperor at that time, so after learning that Liu Jingsheng had welcomed His Majesty to Xiangyang, I temporarily gave up this idea."

"But I was incompetent and failed to defend Yuzhou and Yanzhou, allowing these two states to be seized by the false emperor. Your Majesty, please punish me!"

Cao Cao cried as he spoke.

Looks extremely remorseful.

Emperor Xian of Han wiped his tears and said, "It's good that Sikong is here, it's good that he is here! It's not too late to welcome me back to Jiangdong now. I will return to Jiangdong with Sikong!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao’s expression froze.

Liu Cong's face was also filled with shock. If the emperor returned to Jiangdong with Cao Cao, then he would not have the emperor in his hands. How could he plan his great cause in the future?

"Damn you fake emperor!"

Cai Mao was extremely angry. He didn't expect that this fake emperor would actually say such words to Cao Cao. It was simply outrageous!

He forced himself to suppress the anger in his heart, forced a smile on his face, and stepped forward to Emperor Xian of Han and said, "Your Majesty, Sikong must be very tired after coming from a far distance. Let's talk about this later."

"For now, let Sikong enter the city. I have prepared a banquet in the city to welcome him."

He made up his mind to lock up this fake emperor in his mansion and never let him meet Cao Cao again!

"Don't come here!"

When Emperor Xian of Han saw Cai Mao, he was as frightened as if he had seen a ghost. He quickly hid behind Cao Cao and said to him anxiously, "Sikong, I saw with my own eyes that this guy poisoned my uncle and his son. He is a traitor!"

"And the counselors behind him, they are all the murderers who killed my uncle. I was also coerced by them in Xiangyang. Sikong, kill them all!"

The death of Liu Biao and his son was confusing and ended with sudden death from illness, but everyone knew that it was not that simple.

Now the emperor said in public that it was Cai Mao and others who poisoned Liu Biao and his son. He also said that he was coerced and accused them of being traitors. These words were simply earth-shattering!
Therefore, when these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked, and everyone's eyes were turned to Cai Mao!
"I-I didn't!"

Cai Mao was completely panicked, and he explained with a difficult tone: "Mr. Liu died of a sudden illness, it has nothing to do with me, I definitely didn't poison him!"

"Your Majesty must have misunderstood!"

At this moment, his back was covered in cold sweat, because he never expected that Emperor Xian of Han would expose this matter at this time!
If it is proven that he poisoned Liu Biao and his son, then he will have no place to stay in Jingzhou or the whole world!
Anyone who kills his master has the right to kill him.

Liu Cong will also kill him!

Cao Cao did not expect that Emperor Xian of Han would say such shocking words. He had long guessed that Liu Biao and his son were killed by Cai Mao, but how could he say such words in public?

With that being said, he had to take Emperor Xian of Han away even if he didn't want to, and his alliance with Liu Cong would surely be shattered!
"You dog, I've misled you!"

Veins on Cao Cao's forehead were throbbing, and he wished he could draw the sword at his waist and kill Emperor Xian of Han.

His mind raced as he pondered over a countermeasure.

How can we resolve this situation?
Beside Liu Cong, Kuai Liang was the first to recover from his shock. He immediately stepped out and said, "It has long been determined that Liu Gong and his son died of a sudden illness. Even the coroner has examined the bodies. How could they have been poisoned by us?"

"Your Majesty must have been bewitched by a traitor, so he mistakenly believed that we were traitors. Anyone who said this deserves death!"

As he spoke, he winked at Pang Ji frantically.

Pang Ji also came back to his senses. He didn't even bother to wipe the sweat off his forehead and said hurriedly, "Yes! I will take people to arrest the palace servants and guards who serve Your Majesty. The traitor must be hiding among them!"

After saying this, he hurried back to Xiangyang City.

Emperor Xian of Han flushed red, and anxiously said to Cao Cao: "No, Sikong, they were the ones who killed my uncle and his son! You must believe me!"

"Xiangyang City is a den of thieves. Sikong, quickly lead the troops to kill them all. I will let you be the governor of Jingzhou!"

When Cao Cao heard this, his eyes moved slightly.

Cai Mao could no longer bear it, and he stepped forward and said to Cao Cao, "Sikong, your Majesty has been bewitched. Sikong, please do not believe your Majesty's words!"

Cao Cao looked at Emperor Xian of Han who had a worried look on his face, then looked at Cai Mao who had a gloomy expression. He lowered his eyes slightly and finally spoke slowly.

"Military Advisor Cai is Lord Liu's brother-in-law and has always been loyal to Lord Liu. How could he poison Lord Liu?"

"It seems that your majesty has really been bewitched by the traitor."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xian of Han turned pale instantly and looked at Cao Cao in disbelief.

Cai Mao breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he said to Cao Cao with admiration: "Sikong has a keen eye for distinguishing loyalty from treachery. I admire you... Come, please take His Majesty back to the city and take good care of him!"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone came forward, carried Emperor Xian of Han away from Cao Cao, and forced him onto the dragon chariot.

(End of this chapter)