Chapter 49: Unification of the World

  Yang Xiu shook his head and said, "Some things can't be changed overnight. I believe the Emperor wants to take a gradual approach. This time, showing weakness to Cao Cao means he plans to engage in a protracted war with him. Even if we can't deceive people like Guo Fengxiao and Xun Wenruo, as long as we can make Cao Cao slightly underestimate the Emperor, it's possible to create an absolute opportunity in the future. It's like hatred - once it takes root, it will grow and eventually become a towering tree. Now, Cao Cao has some contempt for the Emperor, but three to five years from now, he might not even take notice of him. After all, the Emperor is still young, and Cao Cao is a seasoned hero - why would he take a 15- or 16-year-old boy seriously?"

  Yang Biao nodded: "So, the Emperor will continue to pretend, letting Cao Cao do as he pleases. But if nothing is done, what can be used to counter Cao Cao in three to five years?" Before he finished speaking, he saw Yang Xiu smiling silently, his eyes narrowed and staring at the piece of silk on the table. His eyes lit up, and he suddenly understood. He hastily walked forward, opened the silk, and examined it carefully. On the white silk, a red brush had written a dense passage of text:

  Today's matter, I owe you an apology. Alas, all around are Cao Cao's eyes and ears, my mouth cannot speak, can only entrust the book to you. You are from a family of four generations of three dukes, serving our great Han dynasty for generations. I deeply know your loyal heart, and wish to entrust important matters to you!

  Now, as the emperor is weak and the vassals are rising together, Cao Cao has a wolfish ambition, establishing his capital in Xuchang, actually holding the Son of Heaven hostage to control the vassals. I want to plot against him, but unfortunately, I have no army and no power. Therefore, I request that you, as the Grand Commander, act on my behalf, raise horses and recruit soldiers for me, and gather wise men and scholars. I also deeply understand the difficulties in this matter. You can work with Cao Cao openly, while secretly working for me. Firstly, it will ensure your family's safety, secondly, it will allow you to be my internal response. As for financial support, I will do my best to provide it. I hope that you will not decline!

  At the very bottom there is a line of small characters: read and burn.

  After the two finished reading, Yang Xiu finally knew why Liu Xie would say "I owe you". Looking at his father's swollen face, he asked strangely: "Father, was this secret edict written after Father met with the Emperor?"

  Yang Biao shook his head: "In the imperial study, His Majesty didn't even move a brush, it must have been written before he saw me!"

  Yang Xiu was shocked and muttered: "It turns out that His Majesty had planned this long ago, just waiting for Father to play a role in his drama!"

  Yang Biao immediately came to his senses, touching his red and swollen cheek, secretly shocked, it turned out that Liu Xie had planned to slap him twice before seeing him.