Ji Prefecture, Ye City.
Yuan Shao sat in his yamen, his brows slightly furrowed, his mood seemingly foul.
His great army was assembled, but whether to march north to You Province or south to Yan Province!
He had not yet decided, he was waiting… waiting for a reply from a certain younger brother.
Just as Ju Shu had said, Yuan Shao had dispatched an envoy to Xuchang to inform Cao Cao, demanding that Cao Cao move the capital to Juancheng in Yan Province. If Cao Cao obeyed, Yuan Shao would lead his troops north to fight Gongsun Zan of You Province.
If he disobeyed, then… Yuan Shao wouldn't mind marching south earlier to discipline this younger brother Cao Cao!
To make him understand who was the true elder brother in this chaotic era.
Now… it was no longer just Advisor Ju Shu who proposed a southern campaign.
At this moment, Tian Feng was also in the yamen, repeatedly offering counsel.
"Lord Yuan, Cao Cao is a man of great ambition. By welcoming the Emperor, he has already seized the initiative. Now… while he is not yet firmly established, if he cannot be eliminated, he may become a great threat in the future!"
Tian Feng's tone grew increasingly grave… "Lord Yuan controls Qing, Ji, and Bing Prefectures, but Cao Cao now controls Si, Yan, and Xu Prefectures… If this continues, Cao Cao will gain power. Surely, Lord Yuan does not wish for Cao Cao to grow too strong?"
Tian Feng earnestly persuaded…
Speaking of which, he and Ju Shu both belonged to the talented scholars of Ji Prefecture, and thus… their ideas often aligned.
Especially on the matter of welcoming the Emperor!
It was just that… how could their old rival, the Ru Ying gentry faction, not oppose it?
They opposed welcoming the Emperor in the past, and now… they would certainly oppose Cao Cao's actions in welcoming the Emperor.
As expected…
Guo Tu bowed and said, "Lord Yuan, the northern Gongsun Zan has suffered repeated defeats and is only a step away from pacifying You Province. A centipede dies but never stiffens. If we abandon Gongsun Zan at this moment to attack Cao Cao, wouldn't that give Gongsun Zan a chance to breathe? With the north unsettled, adding a strong enemy? Fighting on both fronts is a foolish strategy and a path to disaster!"
Guo Tu was a very pure person…
His sole purpose was to seize the discourse within Yuan Shao's circle of advisors!
Therefore, as long as it was a proposal from the Ji Prefecture talented faction like Ju Shu and Tian Feng, regardless of whether it was good or bad, he would deny it vehemently and attack it repeatedly.
Even… if it was a brilliant plan with good reasoning, it was unacceptable!
"Advisor Guo…" Ju Shu stepped forward. "I have said this many times, the north must be pacified, but the south must also be settled!"
"You also mentioned that Gongsun Zan is like a centipede that dies but never stiffens. Even if we march north now, it will take at least three to five years to eliminate him. But Cao Cao is different!"
"He has just welcomed the Emperor, established his capital in Xuchang, his forces are limited, and he is not yet firmly established! Moreover, there are factions within Cao's camp… and his defense of Yan Province is virtually nonexistent. At this juncture, we should strike while his wings are not yet fully grown, and it can be decided in one battle!"
"Then, we can bring the Emperor to Ji Prefecture, and then march north against Gongsun Zan. This aligns with heavenly principles and the hearts of the people… At that time, Lord Yuan will be invincible!"
With evidence and reasoning, Ju Shu’s words left Guo Tu speechless. In a battle of wits, he was ultimately at a disadvantage!
Now…
The Ru Ying gentry faction and the Ji Prefecture talented faction clashed again.
Of course, whenever this happened, Yuan Shao would be very conflicted…
He was a man who always suffered from indecision. When it came to making choices, he would become distressed.
Of course…
This time, he was leaning more towards marching south, because… his former younger brother dared to accept the title of "Great General." As the elder brother of the past, if Yuan Shao didn't discipline him, Cao Cao, this younger brother, would surely become incredibly arrogant.
This had nothing to do with the current situation; it was simply Yuan Shao wanting to vent his frustration.
Just then…
"Clop, clop, clop…"
Hoofbeats sounded outside the yamen.
Immediately following, a group of Great Halberdiers announced loudly, "From Xuchang, an envoy from the Emperor is here to deliver an imperial edict!"
Upon hearing this, everyone looked towards the gate. Indeed… a few young eunuchs in their twenties, with their fingers curved like orchids, elegantly strolled into the yamen.
Following them, the sharp voice of the leading young eunuch rang out.
"Yuan Shao, receive the edict!"
Upon hearing this…
Yuan Shao was startled… Receive an edict? An imperial edict from the Emperor?
Yuan Shao didn't want to kneel. In his eyes, the current Emperor was merely a beggar prostrating himself everywhere. Why should he kneel to him?
But… the words "Emperor" being spoken, the court officials subconsciously knelt on the ground.
This was the deterrent power of the words "Emperor." Even though the "Emperor" held little real power now, his nominal authority remained, and it was deeply ingrained in the hearts of the various clans.
This was true for the talented scholars of Ji Prefecture, and for the Ru Ying gentry faction as well… It seemed that kneeling to receive an edict had become their subconscious reaction.
"This is a good thing, doesn't Lord Protector Yuan kneel?"
The young eunuch, with his shrill voice, inquired…
Ju Shu and Tian Feng repeatedly signaled Yuan Shao, who reluctantly knelt halfway.
He muttered to himself, a good thing, huh!
Most likely, Cao Cao, after becoming Great General, would bestow some trivial title upon him as a perfunctory gesture? Humph… How could Yuan Shao stoop to be beneath this eunuch's grandson, this former younger brother?
Just then, the young eunuch's voice rang out again.
"Yuan family has held four generations of Three Dukes and has made many contributions. Yuan Shao's pacification of the northern rebellions and his stabilization of the northern borders greatly please this Emperor, who hereby bestows upon Yuan Shao the title of 'Great General,' commanding the armies of the realm!"
Imperial edicts during the Han dynasty did not have phrases like "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims," but rather directly stated the matter, concise and clear!
While it seemed to lack some solemnity, it was precisely this edict that caused Yuan Shao's heart to surge like stormy waves.
Even…
Not only Yuan Shao, but Ju Shu, Tian Feng, Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and many other strategists, all changed their expressions. Some narrowed their eyes, their moods becoming incredibly complex, while others secretly grinned, laughing gleefully!
Great General?
Great General of the Realm's Armies… The Emperor actually… No… To be precise, Cao Cao had refused the Emperor's good intentions and even passed it to Lord Yuan.
This… this was indeed significant.
"Great General Yuan? Are you not receiving the edict?" the young eunuch continued…
At this moment…
With a "thud," the sound of Yuan Shao's knees hitting the ground was heard. His half-kneel turned into a full kneel, and this kneel was particularly firm!
As for the reason…
Yuan Shao had long been yearning for the title of "Great General of the Realm's Armies."
Speaking of which, the Yuan family had held the position of Three Dukes for four generations, with former students and associates scattered throughout the realm. Even if another Duke was chosen, it would only be the fifth generation of Dukes, still just a "Duke."
But the title of Great General was different. He, Yuan Shao, had become the next Great General commanding the realm's armies after He Jin.
His status was above that of his father and grandfather…
He had become the one who brought glory to the Yuan family!
If his father, grandfather, or other clan members were still alive, Yuan Shao would want to ask them if anyone still said he, Yuan Shao, was born to a maid!
It could be said that with just this kneel, the humiliation he had suffered for years due to his status as a concubine's son vanished in an instant!
Yuan Shao was the one who revitalized the Yuan family.
Hahahaha…
Overjoyed inwardly, Yuan Shao respectfully accepted the imperial edict, signaled to his guards, and someone handed each eunuch a small bag of gold.
"Great General Yuan, this… this humble servant dares not accept?" the young eunuch feigned refusal…
Yuan Shao waved his hand, signaling that it was acceptable for them to accept. Instead, he asked, "May I inquire, esteemed envoy, what position Cao Cao currently holds?"
This was the question he cared about most…
Of course, he only cared, after all… In the entire Han dynasty, the title of Great General was almost second to none, above ten thousand people. Cao Cao couldn't possibly surpass him!
"Cao Cao?" the young eunuch paused. "Are you asking about Duke Cao, the Commander of the Imperial Council?"
As soon as he said this…
Yuan Shao narrowed his eyes. Commander of the Imperial Council? One of the Three Dukes?
"Hahahaha!"
This time, Yuan Shao couldn't help but laugh out loud!
Commander of the Imperial Council was good… good indeed!
Granted, the Commander of the Imperial Council was one of the Three Dukes, a high position.
But these were not important. What was important was that the position of "Commander of the Imperial Council" that Cao Cao had requested was one rank lower than his own title of "Great General." For Yuan Shao, who was accustomed to flattery, this was enough.
Ha…
Yuan Shao couldn't suppress his laughter. Cao Cao, oh Cao Cao…
He was still that younger brother Cao Cao who used to follow behind him. He hadn't changed, he was still a junior!
Even though he had the Emperor in his hands, he was still afraid of his elder brother Yuan Shao, ha!
Look, he even gave the highest position to Yuan Shao!
Indeed, Cao Cao's boldness was still stuck in the matter of stealing the bride when he was young, ha!
"Hahahaha…"
Thinking of this, Yuan Shao was still laughing, laughing heartily.
He even…
Yuan Shao had an illusion that even though the current Cao Cao controlled Si, Xu, and Yan Prefectures, in reality, he was still just a watchdog guarding the southern gate for his elder brother Yuan Shao, a junior brother.
Ha…
Hahahaha…
Here, Yuan Shao was enjoying himself.
In contrast, Ju Shu's brows were almost knitted into an inverted eight.
"May I ask the esteemed envoy, Great General Yuan, sent a letter to Cao Mengde several days ago, discussing the matter of selecting another capital city, and Great General Yuan deemed it most appropriate to establish the capital in Juancheng, the seat of Yan Province! May I know…"
Ju Shu's greatest concern was the relocation of the capital…
Whether Yuan Shao was the Great General…
Actually, it wasn't important to him. It was just a title. What was important was… Xuxian could not be the capital. The capital had to be closer to Ji Prefecture. This concerned the overall situation.
"Yan Province? Juancheng?" The young eunuch's brow furrowed. "What infernal place is that? His Majesty is living well in Xuchang, why move the capital? Who are you? Do you think moving the capital is child's play?"
After all, he was an envoy from the imperial court. The young eunuch was polite to Yuan Shao, but not to Ju Shu!
"You…" Ju Shu wanted to argue.
"Advisor!" Yuan Shao stopped him. He cupped his hands and apologized to the young eunuch. "Esteemed envoy, please do not misunderstand. My advisor has been confused these past few days. How could this Great General propose moving the capital? This Great General would never do such a presumptuous act!"
"Lord Yuan…" Ju Shu still wanted to speak…
"Withdraw!" Yuan Shao said coldly…
As these words left his mouth, Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and others repeatedly echoed, "Advisor Ju, please withdraw. You can say anything, but not these words. When did Great General Yuan suggest moving the capital for His Majesty? What do you mean by this? Aren't you slandering our Great General with the crime of presumptuousness?"
Guo Tu and Feng Ji were most skilled at anything other than flattering, except for kicking someone when they were down!
Now…
Ju Shu and Tian Feng's brows were tightly furrowed. They knew their lord Yuan Shao's temperament too well. Yuan Shao was often hesitant when faced with matters, but once he made a decision… even eight horses couldn't pull him back.
Ju Shu retreated helplessly and remained silent…
After the young eunuchs withdrew, Yuan Shao's eyes, rarely, showed a touch of severity, mixed with a hint of melancholy from holding a high position.
"Issue my military order as Great General: the entire army will immediately march north to fight Gongsun Zan of You Province to the death!"
"My lord, please reconsider…"
Led by Guo Tu, the Ru Ying gentry faction all echoed…
But…
Ju Shu and Tian Feng's brows were knitted even tighter.
Was marching north against Gongsun Zan wrong? No…
In fact, this strategy was proposed by Ju Shu himself, but… the current situation was different now. Cao Cao, who had welcomed the Emperor, would inevitably develop and grow at an extremely terrifying speed!
Within five years… the Central Plains would see a behemoth ten times more terrifying than Gongsun Zan!
Hoo…
Ju Shu and Tian Feng both let out a long sigh. If this step was wrong, their future path would be far off track!
But as it turned out…
Cao Cao's move of yielding the position of "Great General" was brilliant.
What "Great General of the Realm's Armies" was merely a title, but it… won Cao Cao precious time to develop!
Brilliant, this stratagem was brilliant. In this stratagem, the control over Yuan Shao's psychology was incredibly precise, precise to a horrifying degree.
Thinking of this, Ju Shu shook his head helplessly. He withdrew from the main tent, facing the void… and closed his eyes.
"Cao's camp… Cao's camp must have a master strategist! Cao Cao must have guidance from a master strategist!"
"Alas… alas…"
He let out a sigh of helplessness…
Ju Shu was left with only endless dejection and the stamping of his feet!
In his opinion, the situation of the world was no longer clear.
…
…
Xuchang City, Commander of the Imperial Council's Mansion.
In a study, Cao Cao was still reviewing something. A vigorous and strong voice came from outside the door.
"Your subordinate, Man Chong, requests an audience."
Before the commander of the Tiger Guards, Xu Chu, outside the door, could enter and report, Cao Cao directly called out, "Let him in!"
The door was pushed open…
Man Chong slowly entered and approached Cao Cao's desk, cupping his hands.
"Your subordinate, Man Chong, pays his respects to Duke Cao!"
"Have you received the imperial edict appointing you as the Magistrate of Xuchang?" Cao Cao asked while continuing to review documents…
"I have!" Man Chong replied truthfully.
"Have you brought the seal of the Magistrate of Xuchang?" Cao Cao continued to ask…
"I have brought it!" Man Chong was about to take out the seal from his sleeve.
"No need to take it out." Cao Cao looked up and carefully examined Man Chong from head to toe for a full twenty breaths before speaking.
"Haha, more than ten days ago, when Official Lu of the Ministry of Agriculture recommended you, I thought… this Man Chong's personality is so much like mine, Cao Cao! Seeing you today, your appearance is indeed like mine, Cao Cao!"
This…
Being praised by Cao Cao like this, Man Chong was suddenly at a loss. He was least skilled in social interactions.
For a moment, he didn't know whether to stand or sit, appearing somewhat constrained.
"Your subordinate dares not compare himself to Duke Cao!"
Man Chong quickly replied…
"Don't be nervous."
Cao Cao stood up, walked over to Man Chong, and patted his shoulder.
He said earnestly, "Being the Magistrate of Xuchang is not easy, but it is not difficult either. When doing anything, just follow your heart. When I was young, I even forged five-colored clubs to strike the powerful. You should know what to do and what not to do, haha… Since you were recommended by Official Lu, I, Cao Cao, trust you!"
Hmm…
Man Chong was somewhat surprised. Just… just because of Official Lu's recommendation, Duke Cao trusted him so much?
"Duke Cao…"
As Man Chong was about to speak, Cao Cao waved his hand. "Lord Man, let me finish speaking first…"
Cao Cao turned his back and stood with his hands behind him.
"Lord Man likely doesn't know who Official Lu recommended to me before, do you?"
This…
Man Chong cupped his hands and said, "Your subordinate does not know!"
"Cheng Yu? Have you heard of him?" Cao Cao immediately pronounced Cheng Yu's name…
"Military Commander of the Dragon Valiant Camp, currently the General of the Eastern Zhonglang, an official of the Secretariat… Cheng Yu, Cheng Zhongde, who doesn't know him, who doesn't know him?" Man Chong recounted all he knew.
"When the scoundrel Lu Bu attacked Yan Province in the past, it was this man who, with a swift stroke, killed a county magistrate to stabilize the situation, preventing Lu Bu's army from being punished!"
"Recently, Duke Cao was able to capture Runan City and advance west to Luoyang… General Cheng Zhongde has made great contributions, and I admire him greatly!"
After Man Chong finished speaking…
Cao Cao then said, "Haha… this Cheng Yu was recommended to me by Official Lu…"
Saying this, he raised his brow and continued, "What about Dian Wei in the Dragon Valiant Camp? You've probably heard of him…"
This…
Upon mentioning Dian Wei, Man Chong shivered all over.
This was a legendary battle-god level figure in Cao's camp, and even in the Nine Provinces!
He fought against the peerless war god Lu Bu, and with his twin halberds, he actually shattered Lu Bu's Fangtian Huaji, forcing Lu Bu to flee in panic. Such an accomplishment could be called the number one war god in Cao's camp!
"I have heard of… Commander Dian's fame. I also admire him greatly!"
This time, Man Chong didn't say much…
Cao Cao smiled and replied, "He is also a talent recommended to me by Official Lu!"
With a word, Cao Cao blinked his eyes and, with great interest, asked again, "Lord Man? Do you know that after General Cheng Zhongde and Commander Man, Official Lu specifically recommended another person to me. Guess who it is?"
This…
Man Chong was stunned. How could he guess this!
However… it seemed he understood something. Anyone recommended by Official Lu Yu… seemed to achieve great things.
"Duke Cao, your subordinate truly cannot guess."
"Haha…"
Cao Cao laughed and pointed his index finger at Man Chong.
"The third person Official Lu recommended to me is you – Man Chong!"
"Hahahaha… Lord Man, don't lower the standard of talent recommended by Official Lu!"
Having said this, Cao Cao didn't forget to pat Man Chong's shoulder again.
"Work hard, work boldly and decisively. You have Official Lu behind you, and you have me, Cao Cao! We are all optimistic about you!"
This…
Suddenly, Man Chong felt a long-lost pressure, a great, great pressure!
…
…