Light and Shadow

Chapter 19 - Yang Xiu's Plot, Pt. 1

The streets of the city bustled with life. Several people were out, some were chatting amicably with others while some were purchasing goods from one of the many merchants. Overall, it appeared to be relatively peaceful and prosperous. As Xun Yu walked up the steps to the palace, he happened to see Guo Jia, who jubilantly greeted him and began to talk to him about various things. While they were mid conversation, Guo Jia began to cough hysterically and doubled over in pain.

"Fengxiao, you are unwell. Perhaps you should rest." Xun Yu stated.

Guo Jia stood up straight and looked at Xun Yu, shaking his head.

"I can't rest. I need to help our Lord unify the north. Besides, you also look like you need to rest." Guo Jia replied.

Xun Yu averted his gaze. He felt somewhat embarrassed by the man's comment.

"I'm fine." Xun Yu answered.

Guo Jia gave him a sad look and grabbed the man's elbow as they walked together to their Lord's chambers, where the meeting was to take place. As they entered the room and took their place amidst the people that were already gathered, Yang Xiu looked at Xun Yu with a devious smirk on his face from across the crowd of people. Xun Yu kept his eyes focused on the floor and took his place in front of Cheng Yu, who gently tapped his shoulder. Xun Yu turned to face him.

"Xun Yu, I wanted to thank you for warning me," Cheng Yu whispered. "It was very considerate of you. Thank you."

"There is no need to thank me. There is already countless bloodshed and hostility in the land, I simply do not desire to see anymore, especially not among our own," Xun Yu replied softly. "Don't worry, Cheng Yu, I will do my best to keep you safe."

Cheng Yu nodded and affectionately touched the man's arm to show his appreciation. Xun Yu then turned back around to face forward, and, after a few more minutes of waiting, the meeting began. Cao Cao opened by asking the Ministers for suggestions and improvements that they could make in government and civilian life, and Jia Xu stepped forward, bowing as he gave his proposal.

"My Lord, I think that the city could benefit from the construction of a library or educational institution. Since we regularly conduct searches for those with talent, establishments like these could attract intelligent individuals who you could then recruit to your cause. It could also provide the civilians with a form of enjoyment." Jia Xu said.

"That's a great idea, Jia Xu," Cao Cao replied. "Minister Xun, is there room in the budget to construct a building such as this?"

"At this moment in time, all of the areas under your rule are flourishing and basking in financial wealth. There is enough money left in the budget to construct one of these buildings." Xun Yu answered, bowing as he said so.

"Excellent! We're off to a great start. Does anyone else have any proposals?" Cao Cao inquired.

The room was filled with silence.

"No? Minister Xun," Cao Cao said as he motioned for him to come and stand next to him. "It's time to read the report."

Xun Yu moved the scroll from the chest of his paofu to the end of his sleeve. He nervously and cautiously approached their Lord. He bowed, then turned to face the ministers and generals that were gathered in the room and gazing at him with expectant faces. Xun Yu took the scroll out of his sleeve and carefully unrolled it before reading its contents. As he gave his report, Cao Cao listened to the gentleness of the man's voice and felt feelings of serenity and peace wash over his entire being. His favorite part of these meetings was listening to Xun Yu's voice.

Once Xun Yu finished reading the report, Cao Cao thanked him and Xun Yu handed him the report using both hands. Cao Cao accepted it with both hands, then placed it on the desk that was located behind Xun Yu and grabbed the edict that he had written from the desk. He then handed it to Xun Yu and moved to stand next to him, trying his best to conceal a smile. Xun Yu gingerly opened the scroll and read over its contents as he prepared to read it aloud. He then slightly turned to his left to look at the man.

"My Lord," Xun Yu whispered.

"Oh, sorry," Cao Cao replied softly and took a few steps back. "Go on, read it."

Xun Yu then read the edict out loud. It mostly dealt with what generals were going to Guandu, who was staying behind, the number of troops that they would take with them, how he desired the city to be ran while he was gone, and towards the end he added a few promotions, as well as his thanks to everyone who has and continues to faithfully serve him. As soon as Xun Yu finished and closed the scroll, he adamantly refused to accept the title that their Lord attempted to give him while returning the scroll to him with both hands.

"Minister Xun, why do you always deny my attempts to promote you? I have offered you the same title four times now. You are more than worthy of it. Please accept it." Cao Cao stated.

"My Lord, I do not desire a raise, higher status, or other extravagant things. I simply desire to bring an end to this chaos, and, to that end, I live to serve you. I apologize, but I cannot accept your generous offer." Xun Yu replied.

Cao Cao sighed.

"Okay Wenruo, I will relent for now, but only you are capable of filling the role of Imperial Counselor." Cao Cao said softly.

Xun Yu thanked him, then bowed again and returned to his position in front of Cheng Yu. Yang Xiu sensed this as his opportunity and he stepped out of the crowd, bowing as he stated his name and addressed their Lord.