Cao Ang was taken aback. He reached for his waist but realized, to show respect, he had already left his sword outside. Now, even if he wanted to fight back, he found himself unable to.
Acting decisively, Cao Ang lunged toward Liu Xie. After all his years of diligent practice, although due to his innate talent he hadn’t achieved Inner Qi Manifestation, he had reached a level of Qi Refining to Gang, which was no less than Cao Cao’s.
Between Liu Xie and Cao Ang was only a desk, and with a leap, Cao Ang was by Liu Xie’s side, placing his hand directly on Liu Xie’s shoulder.
"The Emperor and I are discussing state affairs. Are you entering with the intent to rebel?" Cao Ang coldly rebuked with a dignified voice, his hand pressed on Liu Xie’s shoulder, showing no sign of fear.
However, the heavily ard palace guards upon seeing this scene, rely stopped in their tracks, without retreating, maintaining an indifferent expression while pointing their spears at Cao Ang.
At this mont, Liu Xie felt a cold sweat soaking his back, his mind blank, completely unsure of what to say or do. He stood pale and motionless in front of Cao Ang, afraid of doing anything that might provoke Cao Ang to act.
"Leave!" Cao Ang commanded the palace guards coldly. But all the guards stood unwavering, making no move. Cao Ang felt a sense of unease, acknowledging the guards’ disciplined training, unsure of who trained them for Liu Xie.
"Imperial Guard Commander, present the Emperor’s seal." Seeing the guards unmoved, Cao Ang turned and ordered Fuu Wan coldly. After a mont’s hesitation, Fuu Wan spoke to Liu Xie, "Forgive , Your Majesty." Then he presented the seal, not the Imperial Jade Seal, but the seal of Liu Xie as the reigning emperor.
"I speak, you write." By now, Cao Ang had completely cald down, while Liu Xie still hadn’t regained his composure, his face colorless.
Fuu Wan hesitated slightly, thought for a mont, then said, "Alright, but Cao Zixiu, you must release the Emperor first."
"Release the Emperor?" Cao Ang chuckled disdainfully, glancing at the doorway where the steadfast, disciplined guards stood, their faces filled with resolute determination. Their level of discipline was on par with the elite troops of the Cao Army.
"You all leave, nothing happened today. Close the doors, and do not clash with the troops inside the city. If a conflict has already erupted within Chang’an’s Inner City..." Fuu Wan took a deep breath and instructed the palace guards, then cast a look at Cao Ang.
The leader of the incoming guards glanced at Cao Ang and Liu Xie’s direction, then silently retreated, leaving only one guard leader behind.
"Cao Zixiu..." At this mont, Fuu Wan’s expression was as cold as Cao Ang’s, showing an intensity that matched Cao Ang’s.
"This jade pendant is for you. And if chaos erupts in the city, tell Xiahou Shang that Arong from the Fragrance Pavilion is waiting for him and give him this jade pendant." Cao Ang calmly handed a jade pendant from his waist to the guard leader.
The guard leader clasped his fists in a salute to both, then promptly left.
"Wait a mont, no matter what sound you hear, do not enter." Fuu Wan instructed the guard leader, who stepped out as if he hadn’t heard anything.
"No need to write it now, right?" Fuu Wan turned his head to look at Cao Ang. At this mont, the small, seemingly dying old man was no longer trembling, bearing a deanor more akin to a general than a silent civil official.
"Write!" Cao Ang said, looking into Fuu Wan’s eyes without a hint of fear.
"Hmph!" Fuu Wan snorted coldly. Seeing Cao Ang holding the Emperor, he refrained from acting further. Although Fuu Wan was dissatisfied with the Emperor’s weak performance, Liu Xie was still the Emperor, so Fuu Wan remained loyal.
"What should I write?" Fuu Wan took out ink and brush. At this mont, Liu Xie, having co back to his senses, hoarsely asked, "Where are my guards?"
Cao Ang’s cold eyes glanced at Liu Xie, who shivered imdiately, his voice falling silent. Upon seeing this, Fuu Wan’s writing hand trembled slightly, dropping an ink spot on the silk cloth.
"Write that the Southern Huns defy royal authority, plundering the Northern Frontier, and must be punished for their cris! As for the rest, you can fill in yourself as the Father-in-law of the Country." Cao Ang said coldly.
"Alright." Fuu Wan couldn’t tolerate the Southern Huns moving south, so when Cao Ang spoke, he completed the edict accordingly. After finishing, he stamped Liu Xie’s seal on it and gestured, saying, "Release the Emperor."
"If I release him, I will die today." Cao Ang responded with a cold smile.
"If you don’t release him, you’ll die today." Fuu Wan replied solemnly, looking at Cao Ang.
Amid the previous chaos, Fuu Wan had been intimidated by Cao Ang, forgetting Wang Yue was in a corner of the study. Cao Ang had rely seized the Emperor, not used lethal force. Because of Wang Yue’s relation with Cao Cao, he might be lenient. However, once Cao Ang took aggressive action, Wang Yue could subdue him instantly.
"..." Cao Ang only now realized that without the level of Inner Qi Manifestation, holding a prominent figure hostage achieved little practical effect.
"Emperor, do you think I was wrong today?" Cao Ang asked with a faint smile, turning his head toward Liu Xie. Yet, at this mont, Cao Ang’s smile appeared terrifyingly sinister in Liu Xie’s eyes.
"No... no mistake..." Liu Xie replied fearfully, knowing his life was still in Cao Ang’s hands. He had long forgotten about Wang Yue.
"Since there’s no mistake, nothing happened today. You simply ordered to take troops to deliver an edict to the Southern Huns. If they refuse, I’ll capture them, right? You’ll ride in the sa carriage with out of the palace as a mark of favor." Cao Ang spoke with utmost gentleness.
Just feeling Cao Ang’s tone, Liu Xie already felt his hair stand on end, overwheld by the terrifying reality of his life in soone else’s hands, leaving his mind utterly blank.
"Alright... just as you said..." Liu Xie responded with difficulty, even as Cao Ang rely grasped his shoulder, fear rendered Liu Xie almost speechless.
"Where is Wang Yue!" Fuu Wan shouted angrily.
Wang Yue, who had been watching from a corner, stepped forward. Unaware individuals might ignore him, but he only needed to ensure Liu Xie’s safety. In his view, he could overpower Cao Ang the mont he took action. However, being called out, he had no choice but to appear.
"Royal Teacher, save !" Liu Xie cried out in alarm upon seeing Wang Yue.
Wang Yue had once taught swordsmanship to the princes, making the title of Imperial Tutor fitting. However, in the past, within the palace, Liu Xie regarded Wang Yue as a servant, displaying little respect.
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