Chapter 49: Unification of the World
Yang Biao had always wanted to get close to Cao Cao, but he couldn't be too enthusiastic, or Cao Cao would see through him and it wouldn't end well. So when they first met, Yang Biao didn't even acknowledge him, but Cao Cao still greeted him with a smile, as the saying goes "don't hit someone who's smiling at you". Yang Biao could only bow his head and say: "Indeed, I have urgent business to discuss with Your Majesty!"
Cao Cao muttered to himself, "This Yang Biao is really a stubborn fool. He was humiliated and had his face slapped last night, yet he still comes to see me this early in the morning. It seems that he has sworn to be my enemy." With this thought, his intention to win him over diminished, and he coldly said: "Since you have urgent business to discuss, why are you standing outside the palace gate?"
Yang Biao's face was filled with helplessness as he muttered: "The palace has spread the word that His Majesty is still resting and will not see officials at this hour!"
Cao Cao sneered inwardly, thinking that Emperor Xian was clearly unwilling to see him and had kicked him away. He casually asked, "I wonder if Your Majesty has any important matters to discuss? If I, Mengde, can be of assistance, I will certainly do my best!"
Yang Biao let out a deep sigh, shook his head again, and swallowed the words that were about to come out of his mouth. How could Cao Cao not see Yang Biao's despondent expression? Today's Yang Biao was vastly different from the former Yang Taizai, as if he had aged ten years overnight. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy, and said in a warm voice: "Sir, please speak your mind!"
Yang Biao let out another sigh and said dejectedly, "I came to see the emperor today with the intention of submitting my resignation and returning to my hometown!" He spoke to this point and then said sorrowfully, "It seems that the Yang family's four generations of loyalty and three public officials will be destroyed by my own hands!"
Cao Cao was shocked. Yang Biao wants to retire and return to his hometown? It seems that Liu Xie's child has thoroughly done the deed last night, without Yang Biao as a pillar, what will he have to worry about in the future? It seems that after all, he is just a child, filial and obedient, Wen Ruo overestimated him. Looking at Yang Biao now, if he doesn't win him over, when will he do it? Although he was delighted in his heart, Cao Cao's facial expression remained heavy, and he asked in surprise: "Lord Yang wants to resign? Why is that?"
Yang Biao secretly felt pleased with himself, and he couldn't help but admire his own acting skills. Cao Cao was so cooperative with him that although the two of them had their own ulterior motives, Yang Biao couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. He quickly returned to his role, waving his hand and sighing: "Let's not mention it, let's not mention it!"
Cao Cao, despite his inquiries, was well aware of the previous night's events, which had been detailed by insiders. Yang Biao had fallen out with Emperor Xian over the issue of yielding power, and Cao Cao secretly gloated at this turn of events, thinking that he could use this opportunity to remove Yang Biao from office and eliminate a thorn in his side. However, Emperor Xian had unexpectedly taken action on behalf of Yang Biao, who had now voluntarily resigned.
Cao Cao pondered for a moment before speaking: "How can the Grand Marshal have such thoughts? Today, the world is divided into four or five parts, with various warlords rising up and vying for power. The Han dynasty's fate hangs in the balance, and with His Majesty still young, he needs wise and able assistance. This is a time when we should be united in our efforts as ruler and subject. How can Yang Biao think of abandoning his post at this critical juncture? It is said that one retires after achieving success, but now is the time for great men to achieve greatness! I implore you, Grand Marshal, to reconsider."
