Chapter 11: Cao Cao's Fury!

Yang Biao held no fear of Cao Cao.

His character matched his name—unyielding and upright—and he was among the most loyal supporters of the Great Han imperial family.

In the past, when Dong Zhuo attempted to relocate the capital with the Son of Heaven, Yang Biao had risked his life to vehemently oppose it on principle.

If he dared defy even Dong Zhuo, how could he be afraid of Cao Cao?

Similarly, when Cao Cao sought to move the Son of Heaven to Xu County, Yang Biao fiercely objected. However, overwhelmed by circumstances beyond his control, he ultimately had to acquiesce.

This incident further soured his perception of Cao Cao.

Now witnessing the Son of Heaven being denied even the authority to bestow rewards upon ministers, how could Yang Biao remain silent?

“Cao Cao, although you have served meritoriously by rescuing the Son of Heaven, do not forget that you are merely a subject!” Yang Biao looked sternly at Cao Cao, his gaze piercing. “As a subject, one must abide by their duty. The power to confer honors lies solely with the Son of Heaven; what concern is it of yours? Are you attempting to overstep your bounds?”

Yang Biao’s words struck deep, aiming directly at Cao Cao’s intentions.

Beside him, Yang Xiu was drenched in sweat. Pulling gently at Yang Biao’s sleeve, he whispered urgently, “Father, please stop…”

Everyone knew why Cao Cao had brought the Son of Heaven to Xu County—to control him and act under his name, just like Dong Zhuo did when he held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords.

But could such thoughts be spoken aloud?

Yang Biao ignored his son’s pleas completely. Straightening his back, he glared at Cao Cao with eyes sharp as daggers, intensifying the atmosphere within the Great Hall.

“Dear Minister Yang…”

Seeing the escalating tension between the two, the Son of Heaven felt momentarily alarmed and sought to intervene. However, before he could speak, Cao Cao took the initiative.

With a wine cup in hand, he squinted at Yang Biao and smiled. “I’ve long heard that Master Yang is fiercely principled; your reputation truly precedes you.”

Yang Biao responded mildly, “Not at all, I merely speak my mind without hesitation. As a loyal subject of Great Han, it is my duty to uphold Your Majesty’s dignity against Pei of Cao’s disrespect.”

“You insolent old man!” A burly general, enraged by these words, slammed his hands on the table and rose abruptly, placing one hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw.

“Xu Chu, show some respect,” Cao Cao intervened, stopping him. Then, turning to Yang Biao, he chuckled, “It seems there’s quite a bias against me, Master Yang.”

“The Son of Heaven wishes to reward his ministers; I merely seek to identify those deserving of commendation before His Majesty bestows honors. How is this disrespectful?”

Yang Biao sneered. “Who deserves recognition and who does not—all that will ultimately be decided by you, won’t it? With you drawing up the list, one can only fear for the future of our Great Han imperial court, as it may soon be filled entirely with your own subjects, members of House Cao!

“His Majesty has just established his capital, and the imperial court remains incomplete. Ministers scattered throughout the realm have yet to arrive for their audience with him. Yet here you are, attempting to seize key positions within the court. Do you truly believe no one sees through your intentions?!”

As Yang Biao finished speaking, Yang Xiu closed his eyes despairingly.

Undeterred, Cao Cao replied mildly, “Whether or not I harbor selfish motives, Yang-gong, is not for you to decide but for His Majesty alone.”

He looked up at the throne. “May I ask, Your Majesty, do you believe Cao harbors any ulterior motives?”

In an instant, all eyes in the Great Hall turned toward the Son of Heaven.

Under the weight of these gazes, the young emperor’s face paled. His eyes darted back and forth between Cao Cao and Yang Biao for several moments before he finally managed a forced laugh. “Mengde, naturally, acts with utmost impartiality…”

Upon hearing this, Yang Biao’s expression instantly darkened.

Cao Cao, on the other hand, couldn’t help but burst out laughing, prompting many civil officials and military generals in the hall to join him.

Yang Xiu stumbled to the center of the Great Hall and knelt before Cao Cao, pleading, “My father misspoke due to intoxication; please, Sikong, do not hold it against him!”

Cao Cao feigned indifference. “Dezu need not say more. Yang-gong has long served the Son of Heaven as a senior official of the imperial court, someone I have always held in high regard. How could I possibly blame him?”

As he spoke, he raised his wine cup once again, addressing everyone in the hall with a boisterous laugh, “Come, come, let’s drink! Tonight, we shall not leave until we’re thoroughly intoxicated!”

“Agreed—!”

The atmosphere in the Great Hall quickly became lively again, filled with clinking cups and merry conversation. Only Yang Biao sat dejectedly at his seat, uttering not a single word.

Witnessing his father’s despondency, Yang Xiu felt unsure how to comfort him and sighed helplessly. He understood his father’s unwavering loyalty to the Han Dynasty, but ever since establishing Xu County as their capital, its decline had been sealed. The Son of Heaven was now irrevocably reduced to Cao Cao’s puppet.

This was beyond their power to change.

Even the Son of Heaven, seated above, noticed Yang Biao’s expression. Though feeling guilty within, there was nothing he could do but drown his sorrows in alcohol.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from outside the Great Hall.

“Report—!”

The sound grew louder as a guard swiftly entered.

“What news do you bring?”

Cao Cao frowned; he was thoroughly enjoying himself, and this abrupt interruption naturally irked him.

The guard appeared troubled, glancing between the Son of Heaven above and Cao Cao, unsure how to respond. Eventually, he bowed his head and presented a written report with both hands.

“Give it here.”

During the feast, a middle-aged scholar stepped forward, accepted the document, and carefully examined its contents.

Soon, shock registered on his face.

“What is it, Wenruo?” Unable to ignore the expression, Cao Cao asked.

Xun Yu typically maintained composure, keeping his emotions hidden. What could have caused such a dramatic change in his demeanor?

“This…” Xun Yu opened his mouth but struggled to find words, ultimately handing the report to Cao Cao. “My lord, please read it yourself.”

Despite his doubts, Cao Cao took the document, unfolded it, and began reading attentively.

Shock swiftly spread across his face, accompanied by an indescribable fury!

“Impossible, absolutely impossible!”

“You traitorous scoundrel, Yuan Shao! Villain! Rebel! Insurgent!”

Cao Cao erupted with curses and violently slammed both the report and his wine cup onto the floor, then swept his hand to overturn the table before him! Still seething, he stomped ferociously on the report, his expression grotesquely furious.

This extreme reaction startled everyone present in the hall.

Xun You couldn’t help but ask, “My lord, what does this report say? Why are you so enraged?”

With a dark countenance, Cao Cao did not respond to Xun You’s question. Instead, he rose abruptly and strode out of the Great Hall, leaving behind a bewildered crowd.

As Cao Cao departed, Xun You turned his questioning gaze towards Xun Yu. After all, Xun Yu was the first to read the report.

Sighing, Xun Yu didn’t keep them waiting and explained directly, “The report states that Yuan Shao has issued a proclamation denouncing my lord as a traitorous usurper, claiming that bringing the Son of Heaven here mirrors Dong Zhuo’s intentions.”

“It also says the Son of Heaven has fled to Ji Province and plans to establish the capital at Yecheng. He is calling upon virtuous talents and Han officials worldwide to pay homage there.”

The Son of Heaven…in Ji Province?

Everyone was taken aback by this news, their eyes quickly turning towards the figure seated above, supposedly the Son of Heaven.

Then who exactly was this person before them?