Disorder in the Palace, Love Blossoms

Chapter 41 - Cheng Yu's Predicament

"Cheng Yu, what is the meaning of this?" Cao Cao asked the man who quietly stood before him.

The man wore a dire expression on his face as he tried to hide his feelings beneath the surface. Cao Cao laid the document down on his desk and looked up at the man as he waited for an answer from him. A frown mirrored his true feelings, and he looked at his Lord with anger and uncertainty in his heart as he opened his mouth to speak.

"Tell me that none of the information in that document is true. A ruler cannot afford to be distracted or partake in such preposterous acts. Have you allowed your feelings to cloud your judgement?" Cheng Yu stated; his words were tinged with anger.

"Where did you get this document and how can you so easily be swayed by its content? You came here to accuse me of improper conduct, but you have failed to check the factuality of this document. Is this meant to be some kind of joke?" Cao Cao inquired without a trace of emotion on his face.

Cheng Yu took a few steps back. He could feel an ominous force slowly filling the atmosphere of the room; it was so overwhelming that it filled him with a strong sense of dread. Sweat trickled down his forehead and he immediately bowed down, hitting his forehead on the ground.

"Please forgive this humble servant, my Lord. I exist only to serve you. I should have known that these accusations had no basis to them. Please forgive!" Cheng Yu exclaimed with tears filling his eyes.

He was afraid of what could happen to him now that he showed dissatisfaction towards his Lord's actions. He could feel the man's eyes drilling holes in him, but he remained in his bowed position, not daring to move. A knock resounded from the door and Cheng Yu glanced over at it, sending a silent thank you to whoever knocked.

"Please wait a moment, I will be with you shortly!" Cao Cao stated loudly so that whoever knocked could hear.

"Cheng Yu, we are finished here. Please return to your post, but if I find out that you are spreading malicious rumors again then I won't hesitate to punish you."

Cheng Yu gulped nervously and thanked the man before quickly walking out the door. As he walked by, he saw Xun Yu and Xun You and gave them a fake smile before hurrying away.

"What was that about?" Xun You asked.

"I'm not sure." Xun Yu replied as he watched the retreating man with curiosity.

"Come in." Cao Cao said, desperately wanting to lay down and sleep. That last exchange unnerved him.

How did Cheng Yu manage to get that information? The ruler thought quietly to himself as his mind raced with numerous possibilities.

Xun You and Xun Yu walked into the room and the ruler immediately hid any stress, masking it behind a calm façade.

"Xun You, Xun Yu, you may state your business." Cao Cao stated blandly.

"My Lord, we have devised a plan for eliminating Liu Bei." Xun You stated calmly, trying to mask his nervousness.

Cao Cao looked at Xun Yu and waited for him to speak, but he just nodded and stood there in silence. Cao Cao was worried by Xun Yu's behavior and used his powers to telepathically communicate with him.

"Are you okay? You have been acting strange lately, and I'm worried about you. If something is wrong, please don't hold it in. I care about you." Cao Cao said softly.

Xun Yu looked down at the ground and frowned. He sounds so sincere... I wish that I didn't worry him or others around me, but I can't conceal my sadness. Why have my emotions become so hard to control? Xun Yu looked up at Cao Cao and decided that he just needed to rest.