"Minister of Works, I was wrong about that matter. I should never have believed Dong Cheng's slander. Can't I apologize to you?"
"I have no troops at my disposal, nor any capable generals under my command. How am I supposed to kill Liu Cong and Cai Mao alone?"
Emperor Xian of Han spoke in a low, submissive voice.
Cao Cao said indifferently, "You needn't worry about troops. I will prepare them for you."
"The Mid-Autumn Banquet is only a few days away. Liu Cong, Cai Mao, and the others will all attend. When the time comes, you need only board a carriage in armor, sword in hand, and lead the troops against the banquet, publicly declaring Cai Mao and Liu Cong rebellious ministers."
"Leave the rest to me."
That day, Emperor Xian of Han had publicly exposed Cai Mao's murder of Liu Biao. The incident had caused considerable repercussions, and Cao Cao had also been secretly encouraging the news to spread.
Liu Biao had been virtuous and wise, enjoying a fine reputation among the people of Jing Province, so many commoners deeply regretted his death.
As long as Emperor Xian of Han, the "Son of Heaven," stepped forward once more to expose Cai Mao's crimes and stirred up a great enough commotion, Cao Cao could seize the opportunity to kill Cai Mao and Liu Cong and take control of Jing Province with full justification!
This method was far cleverer than his earlier seizure of Jiangdong by stabbing Sun Quan in the back, and no one could find the slightest fault with it!
"I..."
Emperor Xian of Han understood what Cao Cao intended.
Yet he still felt hesitant.
He had lived in comfort for too long and had already lost the fire he once possessed. Now, he only wanted to live