Ju Shou's words continued.
"Lord Yuan, since His Majesty has the intention to return east, escaping from Chang'an is no different from fleeing. The entire realm is in disarray. Although the warlords constantly shout about loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, in reality, they are merely using the emperor's banner to strengthen their own power! Who truly esteems the Son of Heaven?"
As these words left his mouth... Yuan Shao glared at Ju Shou.
In Yuan Shao's heart at that moment, to use a modern saying – you might as well have read out my ID number!
Ju Shou, oblivious to Yuan Shao's emotions, continued as if nothing happened:
"Lord Yuan, our territory is now largely stabilized, and our strength has begun to grow. If we were to march west... to Hongnong County to welcome His Majesty back, and house the Emperor in Ye City, we could then 'hold the Son of Heaven to command the feudal lords' and 'accumulate troops and horses to punish the disloyal'!"
"With the Emperor in our hands, it would be equivalent to having the imperial court in our hands, righteousness and the Great Way in our hands. At that time... whoever dares to defy Lord Yuan, Lord Yuan can unfurl the Emperor's banner to punish him. With this, who in the realm would dare not obey? In this way, Lord Yuan would become the master of the Han dynasty! In this way, who could oppose him?"
Believe it or not...
Ju Shou's impassioned speech did indeed sway Yuan Shao.
However, what Yuan Shao needed to consider was his reputation...
After all, during the past campaign against Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao was elected as the alliance leader. One of the crucial reasons for raising the army was Dong Zhuo's arbitrary dethronement and installation of a new emperor. In essence, Yuan Shao never truly accepted the emperor established by Dong Zhuo. In fact... he himself had once considered establishing an emperor. If not for the refusal of Liu Yu, the Governor of You Province... perhaps there would have been an emperor among the eighteen warlords!
And... the most direct consequence of this would be that if Dong Zhuo were to rescue the emperor again, wouldn't that be an acknowledgment of the emperor Dong Zhuo had installed? In other words, wouldn't this be the current "Yuan Benchu" personally slapping the face of the past "Alliance Leader Yuan"?
Yuan Shao was a man who greatly valued his face. His head could be severed, but his face could not be marred!
However, Ju Shou's words did carry some weight... A slap in the face was a slap in the face, but if the emperor were truly brought over, one could use the emperor's name to strike whomever one pleased. Thinking about it wasn't bad either.
The key was that Yuan Shao had the actual strength to go to Hongnong and bring the Emperor back!
"Ahem..."
Just as Yuan Shao was about to agree...
"Impossible!" Two voices exclaimed simultaneously.
Stepping out of the yamen were Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong...
The former was Ju Shou's arch-rival, and the latter... was a representative figure of the Ru-Ying gentry faction under Yuan Shao.
Of course... in later generations, Chunyu Qiong would also have a renowned title – the Drunken Immortal General!
Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong exchanged glances...
Guo Tu spoke, "The decline of the Han dynasty is not a matter of one or two days. Advisor Ju is foolish to still think of reviving the Han dynasty. Acting against the will of heaven like this, how difficult would it be? In today's world, warlords are vying for supremacy in the Central Plains. As the saying goes, 'When Qin lost its deer, the one who gains it first becomes king.' If we bring the Emperor to our side, how can Lord Yuan claim kingship in the future? How can he claim to be '孤' (a solitary term for ruler)!"
Guo Tu's words were already quite subtle. To put it bluntly, Lord Yuan intended to become emperor. What you, Ju Shou, bringing an emperor of the Han dynasty here, isn't that just causing trouble!
These words... sounded pleasing to the ear.
Guo Tu's words struck Yuan Shao's heart.
The Yuan family had served as officials for four generations through three dynasties. No matter how powerful he was, even if he became a powerful minister, he was still just a Duke! So what? The entire Yuan family was slaughtered by Dong Zhuo, and so many sacrifices were made, yet he couldn't take another step forward?
Thinking of this, Yuan Shao's lips curved slightly, and he mused, "Guo Tu truly understands my heart!"
Ju Shou, on the other hand, became anxious...
"Foolish, foolish!" His temper was rather straightforward, and he pointed at Guo Tu's nose, saying, "Bringing the Emperor to Ji Province today is both in line with the path of loyalty and righteousness, and timely! If we do not go soon, someone else will surely get there first! Cao Cao has already sent people to Luoyang, and I predict there is a wise strategist in Cao's camp, someone ten times superior to me. If... Lord Yuan does not go to welcome the Emperor, then... once Cao Cao obtains the Emperor, his rise will be unstoppable, and Lord Yuan's excellent situation will be irrecoverable!"
Heh heh...
As these words left his mouth, Yuan Shao let out a cold, displeased laugh.
Wise strategist? Yuan Shao had never taken Cao Cao seriously in his life. In Yuan Shao's eyes, Cao Cao had always been a mere follower, a younger brother, posing no threat!
However, he did not refute Ju Shou. Instead, he raised his eyes and scanned the others in the yamen.
Yuan Shao was exceptionally skilled at shifting blame and using indirect force.
As expected, most people held opposing views, with Chunyu Qiong repeatedly shaking his head.
He also glared at Ju Shou, then loudly addressed Yuan Shao:
"My Lord, have you considered? If we bring the Emperor here, he will not only eat our food and drink our wine, but he will also constantly boss us around! As for us, even for minor matters, we would have to seek his permission!"
"If we obey him, where is Lord Yuan's authority? If we don't obey him, we will be accused of disobeying the imperial command! In my humble opinion, whoever advocates bringing the Emperor over is the most foolish person in the world!"
Chunyu Qiong was among the earliest followers of Yuan Shao.
In the past, among the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden established by Emperor Ling of Han, Yuan Shao was ranked second, Cao Cao was third, and Chunyu Qiong was eighth!
Precisely because of this, even though Chunyu Qiong was a military man, Yuan Shao trusted him greatly, and his words carried significant weight.
Do not welcome the Emperor, or welcome the Emperor!
Nominally, it was two to one.
But in reality, this verbal battle was not an individual combat but a team battle...
Behind Ju Shou, Chunyu Qiong, and Guo Tu stood the direct clash between the Ru-Ying gentry faction and the talented officials of Ji Province under Yuan Shao.
Lu Yu had previously mentioned that the factions in Xu Province were complex...
But compared to the factions under Yuan Shao, the factions in Xu Province were somewhat insignificant.
Not to mention the military men, even among the advisors alone, Yuan Shao had two factions openly: one was the Ru-Ying gentry faction that had followed Yuan Shao from the beginning.
Among them were prominent figures from noble families such as Gao Gan of the Gao clan of Chenliu;
Xun Chen of the Xun clan of Yingchuan, Guo Tu of the Guo clan of Yingchuan, Xu You of the Xu clan of Nanyang;
And renowned scholars like Feng Ji and Shen Pei, etc. This was Yuan Shao's initial planning, decision-making, and execution team.
The other faction was the second group, the talented officials of Ji Province, whom Yuan Shao discovered and generously recruited after taking control of Ji Province – Ju Shou, the Cavalry Commandant, and Tian Feng, the former Imperial Censor.
And these two were precisely the second faction under Yuan Shao, the talented officials of Ji Province...
The former, like the Ying gentry, were Yuan Shao's direct subordinates who helped him seize Ji Province;
The latter, the talented officials of Ji Province, were gradually absorbed talents who planned his political strategies and thus rose to high positions!
The former had more distinguished family backgrounds, while the latter possessed greater ability. It was once again familiar: two tigers cannot share one mountain!
Therefore... the strife between the two factions was rather unremarkable...
Especially the Ru-Ying gentry faction, which had been suppressing the talented officials of Ji Province both openly and secretly!
Within their internal circles, they had almost reached a consensus: as long as it was the opinion of Ju Shou or Tian Feng, it must be opposed! Regardless of whether it was correct or not, they opposed for the sake of opposing. The Ru-Ying gentry faction could not tolerate sand in their eyes or allow more capable individuals.
Now...
With two diametrically opposed opinions presented, it was once again time for Yuan Shao to make a choice.
As everyone knew, Yuan Shao had always been poor at making choices!
He did not possess Ju Shou's high foresight...
In his opinion, Guo Tu and Chunyu Qiong's words had spoken to his heart. He had finally become the Lord of Ji Province. If he were to bring the Emperor over? Wouldn't that be adding trouble to himself and slapping himself in the face?
Heh heh...
He, Yuan Shao, was not going to do this foolish thing of welcoming the Emperor. Whoever wanted to do it could.
Besides, the discussion here was about him, Yuan Shao, wanting to acquire some grain. Why was Ju Shou saying so much? Could he not get things done! First, could he get the three million piculs of grain stockpiled by Gongsun Zan for me?
With this thought...
"Hahahaha..." Yuan Shao laughed, his smile hiding a dagger. "Alright, no need to argue. The Son of Heaven is still in Hongnong, isn't he? Who knows if he can truly return east? Furthermore, instead of exhausting our troops and provisions to travel so far to rescue him, why don't you all think hard about how to capture You Province and capture that Gongsun Zan!"
"Issue my military order: we will march to You Province in three days to decide the victor with that boy Gongsun!"
Speaking of this, Yuan Shao walked up to Ju Shou and patted his shoulder. "Advisor Ju, the Son of Heaven doesn't have three million piculs of grain, does he? Who knows, saving an imperial court might cost another million piculs of grain. At this time of great disaster, it's really not worth it! Haha..."
With these words, Yuan Shao strode out of the yamen with an unfettered gait.
"Hahahaha..."
Immediately, everyone in the yamen burst into laughter, their laughter laced with scorn and mockery...
It seemed obvious that on one side were three million piculs of grain, and on the other, a deficit of three thousand piculs of grain. As long as one's brain wasn't kicked by a donkey, they would seem to choose the former, right!
Before long, the entire yamen was empty.
"Alas... alas..."
Ju Shou was so exasperated that he stomped his feet dejectedly, "You... you don't listen to my words, and you will regret it!"
"There is a wise strategist in Cao's camp, a wise strategist! I predict that within five years, with the help of this wise strategist, Cao Cao will grow into a behemoth. At that time... the outcome of victory or defeat will be uncertain!"
"Lord Yuan, oh Lord Yuan... you will pay the price for today's decision!"
In Ju Shou's view, someone who could plan Cao Cao's march to Luoyang and predict the Emperor's return east... how could they be a simple person!
This wise strategist behind the scenes in Cao's camp... is unfathomable!
And he will surely lead Cao Cao into a new chapter!
The more he thought about it...
The more annoyed Ju Shou became, "Alas... alas..." sighs echoed throughout the yamen... Unfortunately, in the vast Yuan Shao faction? Who could understand his good intentions!
...
Outside the yamen...
Tian Feng blocked Yuan Shao's path.
As a representative figure of the talented officials of Ji Province, Tian Feng was known for his straightforward and daring advice. This time, he wanted to speak a few words for Ju Shou.
"Lord Yuan, Advisor Ju's words are not entirely without reason. Even if Lord Yuan doesn't go to welcome the Emperor, it's fine... but Cao Cao's rise in the past two years has been too rapid. In my opinion... it would be better to... suppress him appropriately."
"How to suppress him?" Yuan Shao paused his steps.
Tian Feng's words did not provoke the attack of the Ru-Ying gentry faction around him, as... Cao Cao's rapid rise was something everyone could see.
It seemed that suppressing him appropriately... was not a problem.
"In my opinion..." Just as Tian Feng was about to speak, Guo Tu interjected, "My Lord, continuous drought, locusts, and floods have occurred, leading to crop failures on our side. Cao Cao's side must also be having a difficult time... Why not have my Lord offer a small amount of grain, and ask Cao Cao to send his family to Ji Province? This way... with Cao Cao's family in my Lord's hands? Are you afraid he won't obey?"
As he spoke, Guo Tu curled his lips, revealing a devilishly charming smile.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao nodded, thinking it quite reasonable...
In fact, Tian Feng's thoughts were not much different from Guo Tu's. In any case... he had to be suppressed!
"Good, a good strategy." Yuan Shao acted decisively for once. He immediately ordered, "Someone, send an envoy to Chenliu Commandery and tell him that with the continuous natural disasters, we can support Cao Cao with fifty thousand piculs of grain to help him overcome difficulties. However, as a condition, Cao Cao must send his family to Ji Province..."
The envoy was sent, but would Cao Cao agree?
In Yuan Shao's opinion, he definitely would!
Yanzhou had always been poor. Cao Cao had been campaigning everywhere in recent years, so he did not have much grain. Coupled with these natural disasters, it was problematic how Yanzhou would survive next year.
In fact, Yuan Shao had a hidden thought... Fifty thousand piculs of grain were far from enough to feed the million people of Yanzhou!
It could only allow him to barely survive. Didn't Cao Cao want to march west to Luoyang, and welcome the Emperor?
Without grain, how could he welcome anyone?
"Yes..." The armored soldier agreed and prepared to arrange for the envoy.
Just then...
"Report... report..." A messenger announced, and an armored soldier rushed in. "The disaster reports from various regions have been compiled!"
Hmm...
Yuan Shao's eyes darted.
Speaking of which, upon hearing the words "disaster reports from various regions," he felt quite pleased.
Yuan Shao's nature was such that he didn't fear his own misfortune; as long as others were as unfortunate as him, they were still good friends!
He immediately said with a smile, "It appears... the floods in various regions are not optimistic!"
Speaking of this, Yuan Shao looked south, towards the territory of his little brother, Cao Cao.
Yuan Shao sighed, "You all tell me, Yanzhou was already barren. Didn't that Cao Aman cut off the Taishou River to plant rice? Haha, that river embankment in Yanzhou hasn't been repaired for decades! This great flood will surely break the embankment and surge through, haha, most of his rice must have been washed away, right?"
"Cao Aman, oh Cao Aman, he must be like an ant on a hot pan now, anxiously turning in circles? Haha..."
"Lord Yuan is wise..."
"Lord Yuan is brilliant!"
"Hearing Lord Yuan's words, we are enlightened!"
Guo Tu and Feng Ji, those flattering sycophants, having just smelled the scent of flattery, began to fawn over him. Clearly, Yuan Shao was quite pleased.
The armored soldier took out a bamboo slip and handed it to Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao waved his hand.
"No need to hand it to me. As for the floods in various regions, just read them aloud! Let all the officials hear them."
... The armored soldier quickly unrolled the bamboo slip and read aloud, "Hui'nan suffered severe damage, all the paddy rice was washed away. In Xiapi City, Xuzhou... the Sishui embankment broke, almost submerging the city... all paddy fields were destroyed. Yanzhou..."
When he read "Yanzhou," the armored soldier paused... because, after a cursory glance at the rest of the content, he found it a bit strange.
"Why aren't you reading anymore? Continue reading!" Yuan Shao reminded him...
Uh...
The armored soldier paused, then spoke, "Yanzhou experienced heavy rainfall, and the Taishou River breached its banks. However... tens of thousands of soldiers, prepared in advance, blocked the breach, and thousands of mu of paddy fields were saved!"
What?
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao was stunned...
His eyes widened suddenly? And the people around him also widened their eyes, their expressions incredibly exaggerated... even the sycophant number one, Guo Tu, and sycophant number two, Feng Ji, opened their mouths wide enough to fit an egg!
In an instant...
Centered around Yuan Shao, within a radius of several dozen meters, there was a deathly silence.
"Lord Yuan..." Tian Feng was the first to react. "Looking at it this way... this Cao Cao is not simple! Perhaps... the matter Advisor Ju mentioned about a wise strategist in Cao's camp... is true..."
Before Tian Feng could finish speaking...
"Nonsense!" Yuan Shao immediately reprimanded him. He would never believe that Cao Cao had any wise strategist assisting him.
From the bottom of his heart, Yuan Shao looked down on Cao Cao, thinking he was merely the son of eunuchs! A eunuch's adopted son!
Even if there were a wise strategist, why would they not come to serve him, but instead go to serve Cao Cao?
Isn't that blinding themselves?
Hmph...
With a cold snort, Yuan Shao said sternly.
"This time, Cao Aman is quite lucky, hehe... I don't believe he will be so lucky every time in the future!"
Speaking of this, Yuan Shao raised his voice.
"The plan remains unchanged, we march to You Province in three days!"
"Once I have annihilated that boy Gongsun, I will deal with that Cao Aman, hmph!"
With a cold snort, Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed... a trace of killing intent appeared in his gaze!
And the armored soldier who had just spoken stood there dumbfounded?
... Lord Yuan just ordered an envoy to be arranged to say... exchange grain for Cao Cao's family. Looking at it this way... it seems, perhaps, it might not be necessary to go anymore?
...
...