Chapter 3: A Life of Luxury

Liu Xie’s words left Cao Cao feeling stifled and uneasy.

Yet, the final remarks from Liu Xie gave Cao Cao a measure of reassurance. It was clear as day: Liu Xie intended to hand over the reins of power to him. Beyond that, Cao Cao dared not do anything further to the emperor. If Liu Xie died, there would be no benefit to Cao Cao at all.

“Beloved minister Cao, I know all that you do is for my sake,” Liu Xie said, laying aside his sword, his expression sincere as he began to speak. “You see that I’m unfamiliar with state affairs and wholeheartedly assist me in governance. You are truly a loyal subject. To be frank, Minister Cao, with you here, I am at ease. The affairs of the court are yours to manage in full. As for me, I have no grand ambitions; I only wish to live quietly in the palace with the empress. As for those twenty, they merely attend to me on occasion. Minister Cao, you command tens of thousands of soldiers—do you truly fear these few?”

Gradually, Cao Cao’s demeanor softened. Even Liu Xie found himself impressed by his own rhetoric; his eloquence had left Cao Cao thoroughly bewildered.

Cao Cao departed once more, saying nothing. Leaving the palace, he returned to the camp with his officers, sighing heavily.

“Master, the emperor’s behavior is intolerable. He actually contradicted you. I believe he intends to rebel. Why not simply kill him? Then we can take the throne ourselves,” suggested Cao Hong, following beside Cao Cao, his tone brimming with indignation.

Cao Cao shot him an irritated glance. “Kill? That’s all you ever think of. Hmph. Though the Han is weakened, its prestige remains. If I kill him, I’ll become a true traitor to the dynasty. He’s right: I, Cao Mengde, command tens of thousands of troops—how could I fear a mere twenty men? Besides, he’s just declared that I will govern on his behalf. This is preferable to seizing power by force. This young emperor at least has some sense of his own situation.”

In Cao Cao’s view, Liu Xie’s decision to entrust him with the government was an act of self-preservation—an attempt to safeguard his own life and quell Cao Cao’s suspicions.

Within the inner palace, over twenty people stood before Liu Xie with grim faces. Empress Fu Shou stood quietly to the side. At that moment, a palace maid approached carefully, carrying two cups of tea.

“Your Majesty, please have some tea,” the maid said softly.

Liu Xie frowned. “I never asked for tea.” The maid said nothing, retreating quietly.

At the same time, Liu Xie noticed that many palace maids and eunuchs were watching him closely. He had learned about this back in the twenty-first century: after arriving in Xuchang, every maid and eunuch in the palace belonged to Cao Cao. His every move was monitored.

Now, he truly understood what all-encompassing surveillance meant. It was suffocating.

“From now on, you are to serve me here in the palace. Also, since Minister Cao will be managing state affairs, make sure you do not cause him any trouble—do you understand?” Liu Xie adopted a considerate tone, earnestly advising the twenty before him. “Remember, you must foster good relations with others and avoid giving Minister Cao any cause for suspicion.”

“We obey, Your Majesty,” everyone responded in unison.

Afterward, Liu Xie entered his chambers with the empress.

“Your Majesty, the entire palace is filled with Cao Cao’s spies. How can you secretly train these twenty?” the empress whispered her concerns.

Liu Xie took a deep breath. The matter was indeed thorny. Training these twenty would require dealing with the palace maids and eunuchs—a task that would take considerable time.

No matter; Liu Xie had plenty of time.

“Zitong, write to the imperial uncle. Have him send some people to Xuchang, but make sure they come in secret. As always, they must be skilled.”

In the days that followed, Liu Xie remained domineering and rude, ordering the imperial kitchen to prepare the finest foods and drinks, indulging daily in wine and meat.

At first, Cao Cao objected, for he never saw Liu Xie as a true emperor. But after several rebukes from Liu Xie, Cao Cao relented and complied.

Though Liu Xie behaved rudely, Cao Cao felt increasingly at ease, even triumphant. For Liu Xie’s performance was that of a living, breathing wastrel—spending his days eating, drinking, and seeking entertainment from the palace maids. He never mentioned state affairs, nor did he participate. For Cao Cao, all he desired was Liu Xie’s authority; the rest—wine, food, and keeping the emperor alive—was inconsequential. After all, Liu Xie was just one man; how much could he possibly consume?

Thus, Cao Cao grew ever less concerned about the emperor, who spent his days in revelry.

One day, Liu Xie was half-reclined on the couch as a dozen palace maids sang and danced before him. Musicians played on either side, creating a scene of lavish indulgence. Two maids knelt by the couch, massaging his legs.

“You two are called Xiaoyun and Xiaoli, aren’t you?” Liu Xie asked, sipping his wine and speaking softly.

“It is an honor that Your Majesty remembers our names,” the two quickly replied.

“Come here.” He beckoned them closer.

They stood carefully and stepped forward, nervous and unsure of his intentions.

Without a word, Liu Xie pulled them onto the couch, one in each arm.

The two maids panicked, not knowing what to do.

“Xiaoyun, Xiaoli, have you received any news from your families lately?” Liu Xie lowered his voice.

Both nodded carefully.

“Xiaoyun, did your father recently break his leg after being struck by a rider?”

“Your Majesty!” Xiaoyun cried out in alarm.

“Hush,” Liu Xie gestured for silence.

Beside him, Xiaoli grew restless.

“Xiaoli, your situation needs no explanation. Your mother is a fine woman, yet she’s gravely ill and has no money to see a physician. I suspect, before long, you’ll have to return home for her funeral.”

His words unsettled both maids deeply.

“I know you were sent by Cao Cao to watch me. Of course, you can report what I’ve said to him—see if he believes you. As for your families’ troubles, do you think Cao Cao will help you?”

Slowly, the two maids fell silent.

Indeed, they were sent by Cao Cao to monitor Liu Xie. But their family situations, as Liu Xie said, were dire. Even if Cao Cao knew of their hardships, he would never help them.