We agreed that you, a weak strategist, would fight against three heroes by yourself?

Xi Yu finally returned to Youzhou after a long journey.

As soon as he entered the mansion, he heard that Guan Yu and Liu Bei were also taken to prison.

At this moment, a servant hurriedly reported: "Prime Minister, Zhao Yun wants to see you!"

Xi Yu's eyes were stern, and he immediately said: "Hurry up and pass it!"

After a while, Zhao Yun strode into the hall, looking anxious.

Xi Yu looked at Zhao Yun and asked, "Zilong, what are you doing here?"

Zhao Yun knelt down in front of Xi Yu with a "thump". He lowered his head, clenched his teeth, and his face was full of deep regret and self-blame. His voice trembled and he cried, "Prime Minister, I have made a big mistake this time. I am unforgivable. I beg the Prime Minister to punish me! I am willing to bear all the consequences alone without any complaints!"

Xi Yu was shocked when he saw this. He hurriedly stepped forward and stretched out his hands to help Zhao Yun up. He said anxiously, "Zilong, get up quickly and don't be so impulsive!"

Zhao Yun shook his head stubbornly, with veins on his forehead bulging. He shouted painfully, "Prime Minister, if you don't forgive me, I will kneel here until you agree!" His eyes were full of determination, as if he had made up his mind.

Xiyu sighed helplessly, with a trace of helplessness and pity in his eyes, and slowly said: "Forget it, Zilong, I forgive you, get up quickly, don't be so stubborn."

So, Zhao Yun stood up, with a solemn look, and began to tell everything that happened along the way.

"Prime Minister, we were attacked by a group of mysterious people on the way to escort the treasure, and the treasure was looted. And I was trapped in the trap of Madam Huayue. What's worse is that Chen Shou and his son also disappeared in the chaos and their whereabouts are unknown." Zhao Yun became more and more angry as he spoke, and his hands unconsciously clenched his fists.

Xiyu listened to Zhao Yun's narration, and the expression on his face gradually changed from calm to astonishment, his eyes widened, and he never thought that it would be like this.

"This... How could it become like this?" Xiyu murmured to himself, his heart full of confusion and shock.

Zhao Yun stood there, tears welling up in his eyes, and cried, "Prime Minister, I really failed your kindness and made such a big mistake. I am ashamed to face you!"

His body was shaking slightly, and his voice was full of guilt and self-blame.

Xi Yu was so angry that his chest heaved violently, his face was ashen, his lips were tightly closed, and he didn't say a word.

His eyes were full of anger and disappointment, and he thought to himself: "The key is that Chen Shou, a talent, didn't come. This loss is too great!"

After a moment of silence, Xi Yu took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, waved his hand and said: "Forget it, it's already happened, there's no point in saying more. Zhao Yun, you go back."

Zhao Yun looked at Xi Yu firmly and said anxiously: "Prime Minister, I am willing to have a chance to make merit and make up for my mistakes. If there is such an opportunity, I beg the Prime Minister to arrange for me to do something! I will do my best and live up to the Prime Minister's high expectations!"

Xi Yu was silent for a moment, and finally nodded and said: "Okay, I promise you. You go back first."

Zhao Yun bowed and saluted, turned around and left.

After Zhao Yun went back, Xi Yu paced back and forth in the hall alone, sighing: "What's going on? All the good plans are messed up, alas."

Especially when thinking of Chen Shou, Xi Yu frowned tightly, his face was full of regret and annoyance, and he kept muttering: "Chen Shou, Chen Shou, it would be a pity if he didn't come. I thought he could be used by me, but now he has ended up in this situation."

After thinking for a while, Xi Yu decided to meet Liu Xie.

On the streets of Youzhou, people came and went, and the noise was endless. People gathered in groups of three or five, whispering to each other, talking about the capture of Liu Bei and Guan Yu.

"I heard that Liu Bei and Guan Yu were famous figures, and now they were captured in our Youzhou. I don't know whether it is a blessing or a curse." A middle-aged man in coarse cloth said, shaking his head.

"That's right. This matter has caused a lot of uproar. I don't know how it will develop in the future." The old man next to him stroked his beard, looking worried.

The teahouse was even more lively, and the tea drinkers were discussing it together.

"Liu Bei and Guan Yu have always been known for their benevolence and righteousness. How did they end up like this?" A young scholar put down his teacup and asked in confusion.

"Who knows? Maybe he offended the prime minister." Another person said.

Xi Yu rode his horse slowly on the street, looking a little tired.

Suddenly, several scholars hurried over and blocked his way.

One of the scholars bowed his hands, his face full of eagerness and curiosity, and asked: "May I ask, Prime Minister, why was Guan Yu arrested?"

Xi Yu frowned, looked at them, and said: "Many things happened in Fang County that you all don't know. So it's normal to have speculations. But I have important things to do now, and I will let everyone know the truth sooner or later. Please don't block my way."

He thought to himself: "These people are so anxious, it seems that this matter has a great impact. It must be handled as soon as possible and give everyone an explanation."

The scholars looked at each other, as if they were determined to get to the bottom of it. One of them stepped forward, bowed again and said: "Sir, please explain it to us now, so that we can have a bottom line in our hearts."

Xi Yu's face darkened, his eyes swept over them sharply, and he said: "I can't do this for no reason. Guan Yu and Liu Bei are guilty. This is a fact. I am going to see His Majesty to report this matter now. If anyone stops me, don't It’s my fault for being rude!”

He was secretly angry in his heart: "These people are really ignorant. They are so entangled. What can I do if they miss something important?"

Several scholars were frightened by Xi Yu's momentum, with fear on their faces, so they had to stop obediently and get out of the way.

Xi Yu snorted coldly, clamped the horse's belly with his legs, and flew away in a cloud of dust. The few scholars looked at his retreating back and looked at each other in confusion.

"What should we do? It seems that this matter is not that simple." A scholar frowned and said worriedly.

"Let's not make any wild guesses until we have definite information," another scholar advised.

"That's all we can do. I hope the truth can be revealed soon." Everyone nodded and dispersed helplessly.

Liu Xie was currently in the palace, having a great time with several young eunuchs.

Holding a wooden stick in his hand, he pretended to be a general and directed the eunuchs to assume various formations, with an innocent smile on his face. The laughter echoed in the empty palace.

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister wishes to see you." A servant hurried over to report, his voice breaking the cheerful atmosphere.

When Liu Xie heard this, his eyes instantly lit up like bright stars, and his excitement was palpable. He quickly dropped the wooden stick in his hand and said eagerly: "Quick, summon him! I haven't seen Mr. Xi for a long time. There must be someone there." There are many new things to share with me.”

Xi Yu quickly stepped into the palace, and saw him with a solemn expression and steady steps. He came to Liu Xie, knelt on his knees, clasped his fists with his hands, and touched his forehead to the ground. He performed the courtesy of a monarch and a minister with the utmost respect, and said loudly: " I, Xiyu, pay my respects to Your Majesty, may my Emperor live long, long live!”

When Liu Xie saw this, he rushed forward in three steps and two steps at a time. He held Xi Yu's hand tightly with both hands and lifted him up with strength. His eyes were full of eagerness and expectation, and he said excitedly: "Get down quickly. Dear Sir! I look forward to seeing you every day and every night in this palace. I miss you so much! It’s been a long time since I last saw you, and I have a lot to say to you.”

After Xi Yu stood up, he lowered his head slightly and said, "I am deeply grateful for your majesty's kindness. I always miss your majesty while I am away."

Liu Xie took Xi Yu to the side and sat down. He smiled and said, "Aiqing must have something important to discuss when you come here. Please tell me quickly."

Xi Yu looked around with hesitation on his face.

Liu Xie understood this, waved the people around him to leave, and said: "There is no one else here, I love you, but it doesn't matter."

Xi Yu looked solemnly, looked at Liu Xie sincerely, and said slowly: "Your Majesty, what I will say next may make your Majesty feel uncomfortable, so please be mentally prepared."

Liu Xie was slightly startled, and the smile on his face faded a little, and he said seriously: "I love you, but it doesn't matter, I can bear it."

So, Xi Yu took a deep breath and told the story of Guan Yu and Liu Bei in detail with a serious expression.

"Your Majesty, I have demoted Guan Yu and Liu Bei to common people. And Fang County will elect a new leader after a vote. I wonder if your Majesty agrees with this treatment?" Xi Yu carefully observed Liu Xie's face.

When Liu Xie heard this, his eyes widened, his face was full of shock, and his mouth opened slightly. It took him a long time to recover.

"This thing... really shocked me! Uncle Liu Huang really did such a thing?" His voice was trembling, and his heart was full of disbelief.

Xi Yu nodded solemnly and said, "It's absolutely true. Liu Bei himself has admitted it." His eyes were firm and he didn't dodge at all.

Liu Xie was silent, his brows furrowed, and his eyes showed complicated emotions.

He thought over and over in his mind. Although this incident made him extremely shocked and surprised, he also believed in Xi Yu's character and knew that Xi Yu could not lie.

After a long time, Liu Xie sighed, with a look of regret on his face, and thought: "Liu Bei, Liu Bei, what you did is really regrettable to me. I originally had high hopes for you, but I never thought..."

Then, Liu Xie sighed deeply again, with a lonely look on his face, and said slowly: "Since you have investigated Xiyu clearly, I will leave this matter to you." There was helplessness and exhaustion in his eyes.

Xi Yu hurriedly raised his hand and said with sincerity and eagerness: "Your Majesty, please issue an imperial edict. Only in this way can this matter be justified and I will be more confident in my actions."

He secretly thought that with the imperial edict, there would be no more trouble in the subsequent handling.

Liu Xie immediately sat down at the table, picked up his pen, and prepared to draft an imperial edict.

His eyes were focused and serious, and every stroke he wrote was extremely careful.

In the process of writing, a happy smile suddenly appeared on Liu Xie's face, and he sighed secretly in his heart: "It turns out that I am still very useful. Writing this imperial edict actually made me find the value."

The imperial edict was written with flying colors: "I order Ouyang Lian to be the leader of Fangjun. I hope that he will work diligently in politics and benefit the whole country." After Liu Xie finished writing, he solemnly handed the imperial edict to Xi Yu.

Xi Yu took the imperial edict with both hands, bowed and said, "I will live up to your majesty's trust."

Liu Xie then said to the young eunuch beside him: "Go to Fangjun quickly to announce the decree."

The young eunuch accepted the order and left in a hurry.

Fang County, Xiaolian Ouyang Lian just returned home with a tired body. Before he stepped into the door, he heard his wife's sharp scolding: "You are a stubborn person. You only know how to be an honest official, and you don't care about our family at all! Look, our family is so poor that we can't even afford to eat!"

As she said that, his wife angrily threw some worn-out clothes at home at Ouyang Lian's face as he was about to enter the door. Ouyang Lian was embarrassed by this sudden "attack", and his face was full of helplessness and guilt.

The wife opened her eyes wide and shouted at the top of her lungs: "If this continues, we won't be able to live like this!"

Ouyang Lian frowned, walked up to his wife and gently held her hand, and comforted her softly: "Madam, how can I not be honest as an official? This is the duty of an official."

The wife couldn't help crying, and choked and said: "Then you can't give your salary to others!"

Ouyang Lian sighed and said: "Madam, they are a widow with a child, and their lives are so difficult. What's wrong with me helping them? How can I watch them suffer and do nothing?"

After hearing this, the wife cried even harder, sobbing and saying: "You are always so kind, but we can't even make a living on our own, what do you want us to do?"

Ouyang Lian hugged his wife in his arms, patted her back, and said firmly: "Madam, don't cry, the difficulties are only temporary. I believe that as long as I stick to the right path, our lives will get better one day."

At this time, there was a sudden and urgent knock on the door.

He hurriedly pulled his wife, who was still sobbing and with tears on her face, to kneel down to receive the decree.

The young eunuch cleared his throat, unfolded the imperial decree, and read aloud: "In compliance with the will of heaven, the emperor decrees that Ouyang Lian be appointed as the leader of Fang County, hoping that he will live up to the emperor's grace and benefit the people. This is the decree!"

Ouyang Lian's eyes widened, his mouth slightly open, his face full of disbelief, as if he was frozen, he simply couldn't believe his ears.

His wife beside him also stopped crying, with a look of astonishment on her face, as if she had not yet recovered from the sadness just now.

The young eunuch frowned at the stunned Ouyang Lian and his wife, raised his voice and said: "Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and thank the emperor!"

Ouyang Lian woke up as if from a dream, and kowtowed to thank the emperor, saying in a trembling voice: "Thank you for your grace, long live the emperor."

After getting up, Ouyang Lian was still a little dazed, and couldn't help asking: "The court is not joking again, right?"

When the young eunuch heard this, his face darkened, and he scolded angrily: "How dare you! This is an imperial decree, how can it be a joke? You are disrespectful to the emperor!"

Ouyang Lian waved his hands and said in panic "No, no, I have no intention of offending you."

Then he looked puzzled again, "I'm just wondering, hasn't Liu Bei always been the leader?"

The young eunuch snorted and explained, "Liu Bei has been arrested for making a mistake."

Ouyang Lian was surprised, "I didn't know about this, but even if it was so, how could I be the leader with my low status?"

The young eunuch said impatiently, "This is recommended by everyone, so don't refuse. Get ready to take office as soon as possible!"

After that, the young eunuch left without looking back.

The couple stood there, staring blankly at the young eunuch's back, still not coming out of this sudden surprise.

After a long while, Ouyang Lian seemed to have just woken up from a dream, and murmured to himself: "It seems that I am right to be dedicated to benefiting the people."

The wife nodded repeatedly, and her face had long lost the previous complaint. Now she was full of joy, and her eyes were shining with excitement. She said: "Master, this is really a great thing!"

Ouyang Lian looked at his wife's joyful look, and his heart was full of emotion. He said: "Madam, we must be more diligent in the future and live up to the expectations of the emperor and the people."

The wife held Ouyang Lian's hand tightly, with a firm look: "Husband, don't worry, I will fully support you."

On the other side, Liu Xie frowned, looked at Xi Yu and asked: "Just throw Liu Bei and the other two into prison?" There was doubt and exploration in his eyes. He secretly guessed Xi Yu's thoughts and believed that Xi Yu might have other punishment measures.

Xi Yu bowed his head slightly, thinking quickly in his heart, thinking that he had to give the emperor face anyway, and then said: "Your Majesty, I plan to lock them up for a few days first, and then release them to the people, and let them fend for themselves from now on."

When Liu Xie heard this answer, his tense expression finally relaxed and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Liu Xie sat down slowly, and said in a slightly relaxed tone: "This is a good way to deal with it, as long as they don't make trouble again."

Xi Yu bowed his hands and replied: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will pay attention to it and make sure it's safe."

Liu Xie nodded, looking into the distance, as if thinking about something.

After a while, Xi Yu looked respectful, clasped his hands, bowed slightly and said: "Your Majesty, now everything has been reported. If Your Majesty has no other important instructions for the time being, I will take my leave first and go back to handle the follow-up matters."

Go back to handle the follow-up matters. "Liu Xie sat on the dragon chair, waved his hand gently, and said in a slightly low voice: "Well, you go. "

Xi Yu got his permission, took a few steps back, then turned around and left the palace with steady steps.

When Xi Yu's figure completely disappeared from his sight, Liu Xie sighed, and the sigh seemed to carry endless sorrow and fatigue.

His eyes became empty, looking at the dome of the palace, his thoughts seemed to drift to a distant place.

Liu Xie's body trembled slightly, and his heart was full of mixed feelings. Thinking of Liu Bei, he felt extremely heavy and helpless.

These sighs were both a sigh for the past disappointments and a worry about the uncertain future. (End of this chapter)