"You've arrived just in time… Listen to the strategy for governing Xuzhou."
Seeing Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Yuan, Xi Zhicai, and Xun You enter the main tent, Cao Cao's smile lessened, and he said with a serious expression.
"I plan to select talented individuals from Dongguan, Langya, Donghai, and Pengcheng counties to serve as prefects. Additionally, a special supervisory agency will be established to select individuals from the common people who can command respect to perform supervisory duties."
Cao Cao paused here, then continued.
"As for the local Xuzhou troops, they will all be handed over to their original commanders, those generals who emerged from Danyang. In this way, the three will be mutually independent, not interfering with each other yet checking and balancing each other. For important matters, they will report directly to me, Cao Cao. It is said that Xuzhou people will govern Xuzhou, and it is also said that the three powers will be in balance!"
Hiss… As Cao Cao's words fell, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and Xiahou Yuan were still contemplating.
Xi Zhicai and Xun You, however, had their eyes fixed.
These two exceptionally intelligent men could not help but find the key point in Cao Cao's words. The governance of Xuzhou by its people was based on the core principle of "checks and balances." With mutual checks and balances, Lord Cao would benefit.
"My Lord, this plan is excellent…" Xi Zhicai blurted out after a moment of thought.
Although it had not yet been put into practice, this method seemed to have grasped the psychology of the Xuzhou faction perfectly. Xi Zhicai felt the feasibility was extremely high.
However, Xi Zhicai keenly sensed that something seemed to be missing. He did not rush to point it out but asked a question first.
"My Lord, is this the letter from Wenruo in Yanzhou?"
While it was said to be Xun Yu's letter, everyone knew in their hearts that given Xun Yu's personality, he would definitely discuss it with Lu Yu.
And this kind of strategy that thoroughly understood the enemy's inner thoughts bore a few similarities to Lu Yu's usual style.
"That's right, Wenruo summarized the letter well, and Lu Yu's ability to devise this plan shows his astonishing insight…" Cao Cao couldn't help but praise. "Their cooperation is excellent!"
Hoo…
Xi Zhicai let out a soft sigh. "My Lord, however… this plan is indeed brilliant, but it's missing one thing."
Hmm… Cao Cao looked up. "Zhicai, please speak freely."
"Pengcheng!" Xi Zhicai pointed out. "There will be no problems if other cities are handled this way, but Pengcheng is different. Pengcheng is adjacent to Xiapi City, which has not yet been brought under our control. Therefore, in addition to self-governance, Pengcheng must also have one more provision!"
"Garrison." Before Xi Zhicai could speak, Cao Cao immediately understood…
Garrison, precisely garrison.
Of course, this garrison did not contradict the overall strategy of Xuzhou people governing Xuzhou. It simply meant dispatching a trusted general to garrison outside the city. This general would not interfere with Pengcheng's governance, but would only deal with unexpected events and resist attacks from Xiapi City.
Coincidentally, it could also exert a certain psychological influence on Pengcheng, Dongguan, Donghai, and Langya counties, making them always remember that the ruler here was Cao Cao!
Having figured this out, "Hahahaha…" Cao Cao burst into hearty laughter again.
It was like adding the finishing touch to a painting. Xi Zhicai's supplement was no less than the finishing touch to Lu Yu's strategy.
He patted Xi Zhicai on the shoulder. "Zhicai, I take back what I said earlier. Hahaha, Sima Xun, Officer Lu, and you, Military Advisor Xi, the strategy devised by the three of you working together is truly complementary and seamless. With you all around, my Cao army will surely be invincible and victorious! Hahahaha…"
The booming laughter once again echoed through the camp.
Cao Cao never hesitated to praise.
And at this moment, he was truly happy. From being a mere watchdog who relied on his elder brother Yuan Shao for support and guarded the southern gate, he had now become a regional lord spanning two provinces, commanding a hundred thousand elite soldiers and surrounded by strategists.
Looking back on the journey, it was truly not easy.
But to have reached this situation now, it was no wonder Cao Cao was filled with gratification.
And the origin of all this, was it not from the mention of entering Yanzhou by Hidden Dragon… ah no, by Yu'er.
Haha, and so, everything was getting better.
Cao Cao was smiling, Xi Zhicai was smiling, Xun You, who understood everything but didn't reveal it, was also smiling. Xiahou Yuan and Cao Ren, who were slowly grasping the intricacies, also nodded frequently.
Only Cao Hong hadn't figured out what they were laughing about. He tapped his head… he didn't understand. What was there to laugh about?
After so much talk, not a single word addressed the main issue. Should Xiapi City be attacked or left alone? Should they border Yuan Shu? This… this problem hadn't been solved yet! What was so funny?
With this thought, Cao Hong spoke, "Big Brother, what are you all laughing at? This… should we attack Xiapi City or not!"
Ah…
Reminded by Cao Hong, everyone else finally realized that the difficulty of governing the four counties of Xuzhou had been resolved, but another problem remained: the question of whether to attack Xiapi City or not. How should this be solved?
And could Xun Yu and Lu Yu, who could offer strategies for defending cities… could their letter contain a way to break through this predicament?
Immediately, everyone turned their gaze to Cao Cao. Cao Cao calmly said.
"Haha, this is actually easier to handle. Rumors from spies say that the Governor of Xuzhou, Tao Qian, is gravely ill and likely won't last many days. As expected, the power struggle between Liu Bei and the eldest son of Xuzhou, Tao Shang, will begin during this time. And how could Tao Shang be Liu Bei's opponent? Xiapi City should soon change its surname to Liu, haha… haha…"
Ah… Ah?
Upon hearing this, Cao Hong scratched his head again. Big Brother Cao Cao's words made sense. Liu Bei's entry into Xiapi City… anyone with discerning eyes could see that.
But, why were they laughing?
Was this a good thing?
Not long ago, Big Brother had praised Liu Bei to the heavens. Now that Liu Bei had gratuitously gained two more cities, wouldn't he become even stronger? What if he became a future serious threat to Big Brother?
Just as Cao Hong was about to ask all his doubts, Cao Cao's words preempted him.
And it was precisely this sentence that struck everyone present like a bolt from the blue.
"I intend to follow the strategy devised by Officer Lu and Sima Xun, and personally submit a memorial to the imperial court requesting the Son of Heaven to officially appoint Liu Bei as the Prefect of Xiapi City, and Guan Yu as the Prefect of Guangling Commandery. I will also have a copy of this memorial sent to Liu Bei, haha… I imagine this will be a great surprise for him!"
Hiss… Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai and Xun You narrowed their eyes, pondering Cao Cao's words.
Did Cao Cao's meaning… or rather, Lu Yu and Xun Yu's meaning, involve handing over Xiapi City and Guangling Commandery to Liu Bei?
Was it already decided to let Liu Bei serve as a buffer zone between Lord Cao and Yuan Shu?
Of course, submitting a memorial to the court to recommend Liu Bei as the Prefect of Xiapi also had its benefits. It meant that Lord Cao once again occupied the moral high ground. If Liu Bei were to attack Cao Cao, he would be considered treacherous and lose popular support.
Given Liu Bei's way of doing things, he would rather lose a city than his reputation.
But… why did Lord Cao suddenly feel at ease with Liu Bei?
Didn't he worry about Liu Bei becoming a tiger entering the mountains and a dragon entering the sea before? Now…
Xi Zhicai and Xun You were both somewhat perplexed.
… Cao Cao could see their doubts at a glance.
He patted their shoulders. "Zhicai, Gongda, rest assured. We have to expend so much effort to govern these four counties of Xuzhou, let alone Liu Bei? Xuzhou people governing Xuzhou, Xuzhou people checking Xuzhou people? Can Liu Bei do it? Does Liu Bei dare to do it? Hahaha…"
Speaking to this point, Cao Cao laughed heartily. He tried to imitate the tone of Lu Yu's letter, saying, "It's not that I'm looking down on Liu Bei, but the waters in Xiapi City are much deeper than those in our four counties. The situation is complex with three factions intertwined. Liu Bei cannot grasp it! Haha…"
With these words, Cao Cao burst into laughter again.
While laughing, he continued, "Let Liu Bei be our watchdog in the southern border of Xuzhou!"
Outwardly saying this, Cao Cao mused in his heart.
Who wasn't made from being a watchdog?
It was just that… Cao Cao's fortunate aspect was having Hidden Dragon… ah no, Cao Cao's fortunate aspect was planting a seed sixteen years ago, and last year, that seed sprouted!
Haha, to put it bluntly, Cao Cao had the assistance of his insightful and resourceful son. But what did Liu Bei have?
Could Heaven send him a bastard son who could see the whole picture and devise a path to success?
Haha…
"Zi Xiao…"
"Your subordinate is here."
"I will give you thirty thousand troops. Set up camp near Pengcheng. You do not need to inquire about Pengcheng's governance. You only need to keep a close watch on Xiapi City, and on Liu Bei and Yuan Shu!"
"Your subordinate accepts the order…"
"Order the entire army to return to Yanzhou tomorrow. We are returning victoriously!"
With this thought, Cao Cao's eyes suddenly sharpened. Returning victoriously… did this also mean it was time to deal with that despicable villain who ambushed Yanzhou?
…
…
Xuzhou, Xiapi City, on the city walls.
At the Cao army's camp, the sounds of the gongs signaling retreat were heard one after another. The Cao army was rapidly withdrawing.
However, the momentum of this retreat was somewhat strange… Normally, when armies retreat, they are dejected. But the Cao army's retreat… they were marching with their heads held high, and there were even sounds of drums, as if to boost their morale, just like when attacking the city.
This scene truly amused Liu Bei on the city wall…
"As expected of Cao Mengde…"
He sighed helplessly.
The reason for his sigh was not because the Cao army had retreated and Liu Bei felt empty.
It was due to a letter. A letter sent by an envoy from Cao Cao to Xiapi City, delivered to Liu Bei.
The letter claimed—"Governor Tao of Xuzhou has little time left. My great vengeance has been avenged. I have no interest in Xiapi and Guangling Commandery, hence I am withdrawing my troops. Xuan De's reputation for benevolence and righteousness spans the realm. I shall immediately memorialize the court, requesting the Son of Heaven to grant Xuan De the title of Prefect of Xiapi and Yun Chang the title of Prefect of Guangling. Xuan De need not thank me. If you are well, it is a clear sky!"
And… and… "If you are well, it is a clear sky!"
The letter was not long, and its destructive power was not great, but its insult was too much. Liu Bei quickly realized that he had been tricked by Cao Cao.
"I#%&@!"
If not for his concern for his persona, Liu Bei truly wanted to curse loudly.
Malicious, insidious, not only insidious but also absolutely…
Cao Cao was walking his own path, leaving Liu Bei with no path to tread.
"My Lord? Why the sudden change in your expression? Cao Cao reporting to the court to recommend you as Prefect of Xiapi City and General Yun Chang as Prefect of Guangling Commandery… Isn't this a good thing? It saves us a lot of effort…"
Mi Zhu, standing beside Liu Bei, asked in confusion…
He couldn't understand why such a great good thing… would cause such a grim expression.
Moreover, Cao Cao had always maintained a good relationship with the court. Since the Son of Heaven moved the capital to Chang'an, and Li Jue and Guo Si controlled the court, Cao Cao was the only one who actively sent envoys to meet the Son of Heaven!
Li Jue and Guo Si considered Cao Cao to be very adaptable and tacitly allowed his envoys to interact with the court…
Cao Cao also benefited greatly from this. Previously, his position as Governor of Yanzhou was elected by the people, and he lacked legitimacy. However, after Cao Cao's envoys frequently interacted with the court, the Son of Heaven issued a decree personally bestowing upon Cao Cao the title of Governor of Yanzhou, making his position legitimate.
Therefore, in Mi Zhu's view, Cao Cao's memorial to the court recommending Liu Bei as the Prefect of Xiapi was a great thing. It meant lawfully entering Xiapi City, saving a lot of trouble, didn't it?
"Alas…" Unexpectedly, Liu Bei sighed again. "Zi Zhong, you have no idea how much this small memorial from Cao Cao could cost me, Liu Bei!"
Ah… Ah…
Mi Zhu was greatly alarmed. This…
Before he could ask, "Cough cough," Liu Bei coughed lightly and continued to explain, "Think about it. If Cao Mengde memorializes the court and recommends me as the Prefect of Xiapi City, and if the court issues a decree truly granting me the title of Prefect of Xiapi City, then… should I accept it or not?"
"Why wouldn't you accept it?" Mi Zhu asked urgently.
"As soon as I accept this decree, everyone will know that it was Cao Cao who helped me first, and that he has the favor of recommendation. At that time, I will be in possession of Xiapi, and how can I possibly counterattack Pengcheng? Donghai Commandery, Langya Commandery, Dongguan Commandery? Let alone counterattacking, even if I were to break ties with Cao Cao, the world would point fingers at me, Liu Bei… And I…"
Speaking to this point, "Alas…" Liu Bei sighed again. "In times of chaos, I, Liu Bei, can only rely on benevolence and righteousness to establish myself. How can I betray Cao Cao and lose righteousness in the eyes of the world for the sake of counterattacking Xuzhou!"
"Hehe… Rather than saying Cao Cao memorialized the Son of Heaven to get me the titles of Prefect of Xiapi and Prefect of Guangling, it's more like… he memorialized the court to get himself the title of Governor of Xuzhou! If I don't attack Xuzhou, Xuzhou will be as stable as Mount Tai. This 'Governor of Xuzhou' in the true sense for Cao Cao is much more important than a false title!"
After a lengthy explanation, Mi Zhu's face turned pale with fright.
"What… what a vicious scheme!"
"Hmph." With a cold snort, Liu Bei clenched his fist and hit the city wall helplessly. "Cao Cao has been using these strategies of attacking the enemy and their minds quite a lot in the past two years…"
Outwardly saying this, Liu Bei's heart yearned for that so-called "expert" and "talented person" under Cao Cao!
"However… fortunately, my Lord no longer needs to worry about Cao Cao. With this, our chances of winning the game against Young Master Tao Shang have undoubtedly increased significantly…" Mi Zhu's words were meant as comfort.
"Young Master Tao Shang?" Liu Bei shook his head. "I have never considered him a real opponent… but…"
At this point, Liu Bei stumbled. "But, from now on, our Xiapi City and Guangling Commandery might not be peaceful anymore…"
The reason he said this was because Liu Bei realized the two crises lying before him.
The first crisis was the game with the eldest son of Xuzhou, Tao Shang. Although Tao Shang was not difficult to deal with, he still had a loyal Danyang troop under his command, as well as the general of the Danyang troop, Cao Bao…
The Xuzhou troops were easy to incite, but the Danyang troops were difficult to incite… and Cao Bao was not so easy to hand over military power to.
Moreover, although the commoner faction supported Liu Bei, the scholar faction maintained a delicate neutral relationship, which also worried Liu Bei.
The second crisis was Yuan Shu. If Liu Bei did not counterattack Xuzhou, then… in Yuan Shu's eyes, the friend of an enemy is an enemy.
Yuan Shu, known as the "King of Destruction of Huainan," was not a simple character. Friction with him was inevitable!
Even though he had gained two cities for free, the time he would spend fighting Yuan Shu in the future was still long… It was not an exaggeration to say that Liu Bei was surviving by being squeezed between two major lords.
Even a slight misstep could result in Liu Bei losing his head at any moment.
"Alas…" Sighing, a helpless sigh. This time, Liu Bei felt he had truly been completely outmaneuvered.
He just didn't know whether the person who outmaneuvered him was Cao Cao, or that expert behind the curtain!
Just as Liu Bei was sighing…
"Big Brother, Big Brother…"
Urgent footsteps came from the city stairs. Turning his head, he saw that it was none other than Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun.
Upon seeing Liu Bei, Zhang Fei hurriedly exclaimed.
"Big Brother, that old man Tao Qian is calling you again. I heard he's on his last breath. This time, he'll probably give Xuzhou to Big Brother again! Big Brother, you must not yield this time."
In Zhang Fei's eyes, Liu Bei had already yielded Xuzhou twice before… There was a first time, a second time, but no third time!
However, Zhang Fei had no idea that the timing was not ripe before. If he hadn't yielded Xuzhou, his chances of winning the game against Tao Shang would not have been great.
But the situation was different now. With the help of the commoner faction, Zhang Fei and Guan Yu had almost completely taken over the Xuzhou troops. Although the Danyang troops were brave, their numbers were insufficient to pose a threat. Coupled with the scholar faction… maintaining neutrality.
Now, the chips were… enough. It was time to secure Xiapi City!
"What about Young Master Tao Shang?" Liu Bei asked, not hurried, but first inquired about Tao Shang.
"He is also with Governor Tao…" Guan Yu reminded him.
"Good!" Liu Bei nodded. He first closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then slowly opened his eyes. A hint of sharpness and edge had appeared in his gaze.
——"Second Brother, select five hundred armored soldiers. You guard outside the door. If there is any movement, break in immediately."
——"Third Brother, you lead the troops to surround the yamen. Not a whisper from inside should be heard, nor should a single bird fly out from it."
——"Zi Long, accompany me to see Governor Tao!"
Unusually, Liu Bei was so resolute and swift.
His eyes remained narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You must all remember, if Tao Shang does not make a move, you are not to make a move. If Tao Shang acts against me first, then you also… no need! Be polite!"
When mentioning the last four words "no need" and "be polite," Liu Bei deliberately emphasized his tone.
Before, when Tao Qian offered Xuzhou twice, Liu Bei dared not accept it.
But this time, whether Tao Qian offered Xuzhou or not, Liu Bei was determined to take it.
"Everything will proceed according to plan!"
"Big Brother, rest assured!" Everyone cupped their hands… and quickly went to carry out the orders!
In the small city of Xiapi, a storm was brewing, and killing intent permeated the air…
…
…