They never expected that Yuan Shao, who was always gentle and kind, would suddenly get so angry.
"Uh~, what's wrong with you, Benchu?"
"Hmph~, what do you mean, 'what's wrong'?"
Yuan Shao couldn't help but snort coldly, then stood up, glanced around at everyone, and glared at Wen Chou and Dian Chi, saying:
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, how could you possibly be fond of a woman from a foreign land...?"
His Majesty's intention in having them offer women was merely to demonstrate the might of the Han Dynasty to all surrounding nations and to subjugate them.
But how did you turn it into robbery? And what's with the "try it"? If word gets out, wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of our Imperial Guard?
Hearing Yuan Shao's reprimand, everyone lowered their heads in shame.
Wen Chou scratched his head and said awkwardly, "Uh~, Benchu, don't be angry, we were just joking!"
"Yes, yes, we were just joking, Benchu, please don't be angry..."
The others quickly echoed his sentiments. They had known Yuan Shao for so long, but this was the first time they had ever seen him get angry at them. So they all looked at Yuan Shao, who had an angry expression, with a guilty conscience.
Seeing everyone bowing their heads and admitting their mistakes, Yuan Shao's expression softened considerably.
Then Yuan Shao looked at everyone and said earnestly:
"As Mr. Xi once said, we are all His Majesty's students, and our every word and action represents His Majesty's reputation."
His Majesty values us so highly, we should always be mindful, no matter when or where, and never let His Majesty lose face because of us.
But you misunderstand His Majesty's intentions and speak nonsense here. If others see this, wouldn't it be an insult to His Majesty's holy name?
"Benchu's words have truly made us extremely ashamed. We will never do such a thing again!"
Everyone felt ashamed after hearing Yuan Shao's words.
Even Wen Chou blushed and lowered his head. Although he was usually a troublemaker, he dared not show the slightest disrespect when it came to matters concerning the emperor.
Cao Cao, on the other hand, sat there calmly, watching Yuan Shao reprimand everyone with a serious expression, a smile flashing in his eyes.
"What Benchu said is right. As His Majesty's students, we should risk our lives to uphold His Majesty's dignity."
But there are some things that Cao Cao doesn't think so!
Although Cao Cao did not deny that Yuan Shao was right, he had a different understanding of the emperor's edict.
"Oh? I wonder what Mengde's opinion is?"
Upon hearing his friend's sudden change of opinion, Yuan Shao looked at Cao Cao with a puzzled expression.
Wen Chou also urged, "That's right, Mengde, you're the one with the most clever ideas here, tell us quickly...!"
Upon hearing Wen Chou's words, Cao Cao's face darkened immediately, and he glared at Wen Chou with annoyance.
"Wen Chou, do you even know how to speak? If you don't, then shut up... What do you mean I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve?"
"Hehe~, I just slipped up! Mengde, please don't take offense, but hurry up and tell me your brilliant insights..."
Wen Chou chuckled and quickly bowed to Cao Cao in apology.
"Hmph, that's more like it!"
Cao Cao gave a light snort, then stood up and slowly glanced at everyone.
"I ask you, what is His Majesty's face?"
"this....!"
Upon hearing Cao Cao's sudden question, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
Yuan Shao glanced at Cao Cao and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and knows how to use people well. Since you have appointed us, we should naturally follow your example, strive for progress, and correct our words and deeds!"
Liu Bei, who was standing nearby, also spoke up: "Your Majesty cherishes the people and treats the soldiers well. We should follow suit and not go against your example!"
Dian Wei: "We'll do whatever His Majesty says, and we'll send His Majesty whatever he wants!"
Cao Cao smiled and nodded, "Yes, what you all say is correct. As His Majesty's people, we should naturally follow His Majesty's words and deeds as our standards! Only in this way can we avoid bringing shame upon His Majesty!"
Everyone nodded, watching Cao Cao quietly, waiting for him to continue.
Cao Cao said with a serious expression, "But I believe that proclaiming the majesty of the Han Dynasty and making all sides submit is what Your Majesty values most."
Therefore, whatever we do, we must follow this principle and make way for it!
Take this instance where Your Majesty ordered the Zhou state and tribes to offer their women; isn't this precisely to demonstrate the might of our Great Han?
Those women are the first step in proclaiming the might of the Han Dynasty. Only by conquering them can we conquer their country and tribe!
But they are unworthy of His Majesty. Therefore, it is our duty to step forward and show them the might of the men of Han!
"Hmm, Mengde is right! For His Majesty's sake, we should indeed offer ourselves up and let them know what the might of the Han Dynasty is..."
Wen Chou nodded earnestly, agreeing with Cao Cao's words.
"Yes, yes, yes... We swear to defend His Majesty's 'face' with our lives, and we must never let them look down on us, the men of Han!"
Cao Cao's words made everyone's eyes light up, and they all nodded in agreement.
Yuan Shao, on the other hand, gave Cao Cao a disgruntled look.
He knew Cao Cao's temperament all too well. On the surface, he spoke with great righteousness, but in the end, wasn't he just trying to find an excuse for himself to like those foreign women?
If you do something that gets you criticized, you can say: "Ah... I made this sacrifice and dedication for His Majesty and for the dignity of the Han Dynasty!"
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