The Cao army halted their assault… and set up camp, surrounding Xiapi City completely.
The situation grew increasingly tense.
Returning to camp, Cao Cao dismounted, his expression grave. Cao Ren hurried after him, filled with curiosity. “Big Brother, why not order an immediate assault? Didn’t we rush here precisely to take Xuzhou in one fell swoop?”
Hearing this, Cao Cao paused. The friction of his shoes on the stone steps cleared the mud from their soles. He looked at his feet and sighed, “I’ve discovered that Tao Qian and his son, Tao Shang, are quite adept at deception. They are more formidable than I imagined!”
As he spoke, Cao Cao began to remove his cloak and armor. “I took a closer look just now. Although Xiapi City’s walls are draped with white flags, the battlements are eerily quiet. Every soldier stands ready, their eyes glinting with ferocity… As I suspected, beneath every white flag lies a hidden arsenal of powerful bows and crossbows…”
“Tao Shang, while appearing submissive and surrendering outside the city, is actually feigning weakness to conceal his deadly intent. Had I advanced a step further just now, I would have likely died under a hail of arrows!”
Ah… ah…
Cao Ren blinked, surprised. Was it truly that perilous?
“Big Brother, if the Tao father and son are like this, then we should order an attack all the more!”
“We cannot break through them,” Cao Cao waved his hand, continuing towards his command tent. “Do not underestimate Tao Qian, despite his illness. Xiapi City is fully prepared for defense. Furthermore, the garrison here consists mostly of Tao Qian’s most trusted Danyang soldiers. The clans and common folk here have also benefited greatly from his kindness; the city’s residents will fight to the death alongside him!”
“Xiapi City has high walls and a wide moat. This place is far more complex than Pengcheng, and not so easily taken.”
Cao Cao sighed again…
Upon hearing this, Cao Ren shook his head. “Big Brother, your words are amiss. No matter how stubbornly Tao Qian resists, he only has twenty thousand defenders. We have a hundred thousand elite troops. How could we fail to subdue him? Why must we give him another ten days to consider?”
As the words left his mouth, Cao Cao stopped and turned. “Zhicai, what do you say? Why should I wait ten days to attack?”
This… Dafeng Novel Network.
Xi Zhicai hesitated for a moment, then spoke, “Although the Ming Gong has led the army to successive victories, many siege engines have been lost. Today, I observed that Xiapi City’s walls are over ten zhang high, even more formidable than Pengcheng’s. We need to manufacture a batch of new cloud ladders and reinforce our battering rams. This means that the siege engines will take at least ten days to arrive!”
Having said this, Xi Zhicai paused, then turned to look back at the sturdy walls of Xiapi City. He continued, “Precisely because Xiapi City is different from Pengcheng, this is a fight to the death for Tao Qian and the loyal noble families. As the saying goes, desperate soldiers are bound to win… this will be a tough battle. Whether we surround them on three sides and leave one open is no longer important. What will determine the victory are these siege engines!”
Hahaha…
Cao Cao burst into laughter at Xi Zhicai’s words. After the laughter subsided, he turned his head to Xun You. “Gongda, what do you think?”
Xun You, who had been contemplating, was startled by Cao Cao’s sudden query. He looked up and decided to voice his thoughts. “Does the Ming Gong truly intend to take Xiapi City in ten days?”
Hmm… Cao Cao was somewhat surprised by these words, but he calmly countered, “Gongda, do you believe I cannot take it?”
“No…” Xun You waved his hand. “My greatest concern is, what if the Lord *does* take it?”
Ah… ah… Cao Ren was stunned.
Take it? Isn’t that a win-win situation? For a moment, he felt he couldn’t quite understand what these strategists were saying.
Xun You continued, his tone growing serious. “Xiapi City is adjacent to Yuan Shu’s territory in Huainan. After conquering Xuzhou, the Ming Gong will inevitably have to return to Yanzhou to deal with Lu Bu. At that time… will Yuan Shu take advantage of our weakness? Will the newly acquired Xuzhou resist fiercely? Will Xuzhou once again be plunged into war, and will the banners atop the city walls change hands again? These are all matters the Ming Gong needs to consider!”
Huo… Cao Cao let out a soft breath, and a hint of admiration entered his eyes as he looked at Xun You.
After a moment, Cao Cao spoke, “Zhicai possesses true strategy, and Gongda possesses true insight! Let us… enter the tent and discuss thoroughly. In ten days, should we attack Xiapi City or not?”
Indeed…
Even if Xiapi City was a desperate struggle, even if the Tao father and son had made thorough preparations.
As long as the siege engines arrived, Cao Cao could still easily capture Xiapi City. However… the problem that Tao Shang and Xun You mentioned remained: establishing direct contact with Yuan Shu so early was unwise.
In the current era, although Cao Cao’s rise was visibly rapid, in reality, the two strongest forces were still the Yuan brothers.
As the saying goes, tackle the easy before the difficult. Establishing contact with Yuan Shu so early, leading to friction… or even conflict, was not wise.
Furthermore, who was Yuan Shu? Cao Cao understood him best… He didn't even put his elder brother Yuan Shao in his eyes, so how could he possibly regard Cao Cao, a descendant of eunuchs? Would he be content with Cao Cao firmly establishing himself in Xuzhou?
This was no longer just a risk; it was a grave threat!
It seemed that making Xiapi City a buffer zone between Cao Cao’s territory and Yuan Shu’s was the most correct choice.
But… Cao Cao’s concerns extended beyond Yuan Shu and Tao Qian; there was also one more person…
It was precisely because of this individual that Cao Cao found himself unable to make a decision.
…
…
Xuzhou, Xiapi City.
Today, upon hearing that the Cao army had not immediately attacked, Tao Qian’s condition showed some improvement…
After taking his medicine, he immediately sent for his eldest son, Tao Shang, intending to hand over the hot potato of Xiapi City to Liu Bei.
While Tao Shang sent for Liu Bei, he instructed Cao Bao to station swordsmen outside their residence.
Tao Qian might be willing to cede Xuzhou, but Tao Shang was not. In his view, Xiapi City would be safe for a while!
And his opponents were not just Cao Cao, who openly coveted Xuzhou, but Tao Shang also vaguely felt that Liu Bei’s motives were even less pure. Recently, he had been very close to Mi Zhu and Sun Qian of the Commoner Faction.
Today, he would use his father’s words to test Liu Bei. If Liu Bei dared to accept the Xuzhou governorship, then… he could not be allowed to live.
Not long after… Liu Bei arrived alone. Looking at Tao Qian, pale and propped up on his sickbed, Liu Bei immediately cupped his fists in greeting. “Greetings, Duke Tao…”
“Xuan De, I am in this state, so please dispense with the formalities.”
Tao Qian gestured for Liu Bei to sit down… “Today, there are no outsiders here. This old man has a few words from the bottom of his heart that he wishes to discuss with Duke Xuan De.”
Hmm… no outsiders?
Liu Bei looked around. Indeed, within this residence, there were only Tao Qian and his eldest son, Tao Shang. But… what about outside the residence?
Liu Bei’s senses were always accurate. His ears were large enough to hear the wind from tens of meters away, and his senses were astonishing. He could feel the palpable killing intent permeating the air…
How could Liu Bei not detect the hidden swordsmen?
“Duke Tao, you must take care of your health…” Liu Bei bowed…
“Duke Xuan De, look at this world…” Tao Qian spoke with what little strength he had left. This was the limit for a gravely ill person, yet even so, his voice was not loud.
“The world is fractured today, and the bonds of kinship have collapsed. Only a hero like Duke Xuan De can uphold the Han dynasty!”
“Duke Tao…” Liu Bei, seemingly anticipating what Tao Qian was about to say and do, hurriedly stood up. “Duke Tao, please listen to Bei’s words. Bei has long known that among all the lords in the world, Xuzhou Governor Tao Gongzu is the most benevolent and compassionate, loving his people as his own children. Liu Bei believes that if even a benevolent gentleman like Duke Tao cannot survive, then… what hope is there for the Han dynasty? When will the Han dynasty be revitalized?”
“Liu Bei has no merit, only loyalty and valor. My assistance to Duke Tao is not merely to save Xuzhou, but to save the conscience of the world and the Han dynasty! Duke Tao, please do not praise me so highly…”
With these words, Liu Bei bowed deeply once more.
“Well said, well said…” Tao Qian seemed somewhat agitated. He hurriedly instructed, “Shang’er, quickly fetch the governorship seal…”
“Yes, Father.” Tao Shang responded and quickly retrieved a black brocade box from the back hall. Liu Bei had seen this box before; it contained the seal of the Xuzhou Governor.
Just as Liu Bei was about to speak, Tao Shang had already presented the seal before him. Tao Qian’s words followed swiftly, “Duke Xuan De, I now entrust the seal of the Xuzhou Governor and the fifty thousand people of Xuzhou to you… Tomorrow, I will submit a memorial to the imperial court, recommending you as the Xuzhou Governor!”
“Impossible! Utterly impossible!” Liu Bei suddenly recoiled, pushing the brocade box away. Although… his heart yearned for it, he could not, nor would he dare, at this moment!
“Liu Bei would never dare!”
“What is there to dare?” Tao Qian pointed outside the window. “Even a treacherous schemer like Cao Cao can control Yanzhou and more than half of Xuzhou. Duke Xuan De, as a descendant of the Han dynasty, possesses the virtue and integrity befitting royalty, so why can you not govern Xuzhou? To call it Xuzhou, it is now merely the two commanderies of Xiapi and Guangling! I implore Duke Xuan De not to refuse…”
“Yes… Duke Xuan De.” Tao Shang humbly held up the seal and offered it to Liu Bei once more. “This Xuzhou Governorship is rightfully yours, Duke Xuan De!”
Liu Bei still refused. “I… I am not Cao Cao. I am assisting Duke Tao to save Xuzhou, not to covet Xuzhou. Duke Tao… Young Master Tao, please, neither of you should put me in a position of unrighteousness.”
Hmm…
Hearing this, Tao Shang’s eyes darted. Liu Bei refused such a great temptation as Xuzhou, which was within his grasp? Had he… misjudged him earlier?
While Tao Shang was contemplating, Tao Qian earnestly pleaded, “Xuan De, think of the people of Xuzhou and shoulder this heavy responsibility!”
Hoo…
Liu Bei shook his head. In truth, his heart greatly desired to accept the seal, and he yearned for the commanderies of Xiapi and Guangling. But… now, he had to restrain himself, restrain his desires.
“Reporting to Duke Cao…” Liu Bei bowed again. “I, Liu Bei, make this declaration today: once Duke Cao retreats and Xiapi City is out of danger, I shall depart immediately and will not linger!”
With these words, Liu Bei slowly retreated…
This retreat was a display of righteousness and integrity.
After Liu Bei had left…
Tao Qian finally asked Tao Shang, “Shang’er, I told you that you misjudged Xuan De, didn’t I? He is different from Cao Cao; he is a benevolent gentleman who will not covet our Xuzhou!”
“Alas…” Speaking of this, Tao Qian let out a long sigh. “The Cao army will attack in ten days. With your and Cao Bao’s abilities, you are insufficient to defend the city. For now, assign more troops to Xuan De. Within all of Xuzhou, only he can contend with Cao Cao! Cough cough cough…”
“Father, rest assured…” Seeing Tao Qian coughing again, Tao Shang quickly went to pat his father’s back. “Your son remembers…”
Although his suspicion of Liu Bei had somewhat dissipated.
His father’s Xuzhou had not been handed over, but this did not prove Liu Bei’s loyalty… He still needed to be tested.
Yet Tao Shang remained somewhat worried, worried that Liu Bei’s benevolence was a pretense…
Tao Shang slowly withdrew from the room…
Cao Bao had been waiting outside. “Eldest Young Master… why didn’t you ‘shatter the cup’?”
Hoo… Tao Shang let out a sigh. “Liu Bei is benevolent and unwilling to accept Xuzhou. However… to ensure absolute certainty, I intend to test him again. This time, you go…”
As he spoke, Tao Shang handed the Xuzhou governorship seal to Cao Bao. “Tell him that Father was not thorough in his considerations during the day. Now, in the dead of night, if Xuan De agrees to accept this seal, then you, Cao Bao, and all the Xuzhou soldiers and Danyang soldiers will obey his command! Tell him this is Father’s secret arrangement…”
Saying this, Tao Shang’s lips curled. “I want to see if this Liu Bei is truly benevolent or a hypocrite!”
With this thought, a glint of cunning suddenly appeared in Tao Shang’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Liu Bei had already returned to the guesthouse, where Sun Qian was waiting.
“My Lord, the majority of the Xuzhou troops have been successfully incited, and now… they are all loyal to you,” Sun Qian whispered.
Most of the Xuzhou soldiers came from the common folk and were closely associated with the Commoner Faction. With the help of Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Sun Qian, winning them over was not difficult… and this was Liu Bei’s first step in seizing Xiapi City.
As for the second step, it was to sow discord among the Danyang Faction and have Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun infiltrate the Danyang generals as commanders, establishing their prestige!
Furthermore, the distinguished scholars within Xuzhou also needed to be actively courted…
Heh heh, in Liu Bei’s opinion, he couldn’t accept Xuzhou if Tao Qian offered it, and even if he did, it wouldn’t feel secure. It was much more satisfying to seize it himself!
“Proceed according to the plan. Be extremely cautious and leave no trace!” Liu Bei’s words remained as calm as ever. His face showed no joy, and his eyes were always like a lake – clear, tranquil, and unruffled.
…
…
Outside Xiapi City, in the Cao camp.
At this moment, Cao Cao gravely expressed his concerns.
“Zhicai, Gongda, I have never worried about Tao Shang. Leaving Xiapi City and Guangling Commandery as a buffer zone for Huainan is also acceptable… It’s just…”
Cao Cao paused, then uttered a name, a name he regarded with great importance. “It’s just… Liu Bei is within Xiapi City! This man has always harbored great ambitions. I am certain that his defection from Gongsun Zan to Tao Qian was for a purpose…”
“This Tao father and son, though not simple, may not be Liu Bei’s match. If Xiapi City were to fall into Liu Bei’s hands, then…”
“Is the Lord worried about Liu Bei becoming too powerful?” Xun You asked in return…
“Precisely. I became acquainted with this man during the campaign against Dong Zhuo. His chest is full of heroic spirit, and I have never underestimated him… He might be a greater threat than Yuan Shu!” Cao Cao eloquently revealed his thoughts…
This was precisely why, even though taking Xiapi City would do more harm than good, and even though it would put him in contact with Yuan Shu’s territory, Cao Cao still declared he would attack in ten days.
This…
Xi Zhicai and Xun You both fell into deep thought. In matters of choosing between two advantages, one chooses the greater; in matters of choosing between two disadvantages, one chooses the lesser. The Tao father and son, Liu Bei, Yuan Shu… and the seemingly clear situation of Xiapi City and Xuzhou were, in reality, turbulent with undercurrents…
Cao Cao and his advisors had to plan before acting. However, the complexity of the situation forced them all into careful deliberation!
“Ming Gong…” After pondering for a long time without finding a solution, Xun You finally spoke, “Why doesn’t the Ming Gong send a swift horse to inquire about the opinions of Commander Xun?”
Speaking of this, Xun You continued, “As the saying goes, ‘Those involved are too close to see clearly; outsiders see with clarity.’ Commander Xun is in Jucheng, Yanzhou. I believe that from his perspective, he can provide a more accurate decision… Moreover, Jucheng is not far from Chenliu Commandery. If the Ming Gong asks Commander Xun, he will surely discuss it with Official Lu…”
“The decision they reach after deliberation might be much wiser than the three of us being stuck in this small area!”
Heh… what a good idea!
Cao Cao slapped his forehead. He was so focused on whether to attack Xiapi City or not that he had forgotten that Yanzhou had Xun Yu and Lu Yu, the two “strategists”! And they were both more adept at formulating macro-level strategies!
“If not for Gongda’s reminder, I would have made a grave mistake!”
Cao Cao praised him, then prepared to personally write a letter. Xun You quickly helped Cao Cao grind ink.
Not long after, the letter was completed and rolled into a bamboo slip…
Cao Cao loudly called out, “Anmin, where are you?”
“This subordinate is present!” Cao Anmin had been guarding the entrance to the command tent. Upon hearing his uncle’s summons, he hurried inside.
“Anmin, I’ll trouble you once more. Take this bamboo slip back to Yanzhou via the seven-hundred-li express route and deliver it to Commander Xun. After he reads it, he will naturally know what to do!”
“Yes, sir…” Hearing Cao Cao’s solemn tone, Cao Anmin dared not delay. He quickly retreated, mounted his horse…
“Da da da…”
Facing the lightly falling snow in the early spring chill, Cao Anmin, alone on his horse, once again embarked on the journey back to Yanzhou. Similar to last time, he carried a bamboo slip in his bosom, but this time, the bamboo slip was personally written by his uncle, Cao Cao…
It seemed even Cao Anmin’s horse understood the gravity of the mission, galloping as if a whirlwind…
He would arrive in two days!
And at this moment, Xun Yu in Jucheng welcomed a special guest. Strictly speaking, he was actually a dead man!
…
…