Opportunity lost is never regained. Cao Cao understood this principle of striking while the enemy was weak.
Right there, in front of the inn, he ordered his personal guards, "Pass down the order, effective immediately, all provincial and county troops within Yan Province are to be divided into three groups. They will 'guerrilla' and harass the Moth Rebels around the clock, engaging in continuous battles day and night!"
"Each 'guerrilla' operation will only aim for small victories, not decisive ones. Military discipline will be rewarded for merit and punished for infractions. Victory in this battle to pacify the Yellow Turbans will bring fame and fortune within reach for all generals!"
As he spoke, Cao Cao gave his personal guard a meaningful look.
Understanding his master's intent, the guard immediately fetched his armor. Cao Cao, without regard for his sleepless night, donned his armor and prepared to inspect the military camps.
Since the 'guerrilla warfare' strategy was proving effective, his next step was to personally lead by example, clad in armor, inspecting the camps, clearly defining rewards and punishments, and boosting the soldiers' morale!
Then, to lead the charge, becoming a participant in the guerrilla warfare and inspiring the troops to attack.
In Cao Cao's view…
The balance of power between the Yan Province officials and the Moth Rebels was about to shift. The prey was finally about to become the hunter.
"Duke Cao, I am familiar with the route. Allow me to lead the way…"
Cao Cao's emanating aura of sharpness invigorated Cao Xiu. Having ridden hundreds of miles, he, who was initially exhausted, suddenly widened his eyes, feeling an inexhaustible surge of strength within him.
In truth, Cao Xiu realized that Cao Cao's full-scale counterattack meant he was getting serious this time.
With guerrilla warfare proving effective, pacifying the Moth Rebels… there would be ample opportunities for meritorious service. Cao Xiu was already impatient.
Unexpectedly, Cao Cao waved his hand. "Wenlie, you have traveled day and night and are undoubtedly fatigued. On this occasion, I do not wish for you to go to battle."
"Duke Cao, I…" Cao Xiu wanted to say, "I can still fight…"
But before he could speak, Cao Cao interrupted him, "I have a more important task for you. Go to the military camp and select fifty of the most elite armored soldiers to guard the Wei Prefecture!"
Wei Prefecture? Upon hearing this, Cao Xiu was utterly bewildered.
Now that the guerrilla strategy was feasible, and there were more opportunities for merit and promotion on the front lines, why was he being ordered to stay in the rear, especially to guard the Wei Prefecture?
Wasn't this akin to handing over all the potential功劳 (merits/achievements) to others?
Admittedly, Wei Hong was Duke Cao's benefactor and a renowned scholar of Yan Province, but surely it didn't warrant such a measure?
Cao Xiu tapped his forehead, unaware that Cao Cao's intention was not about the Wei Prefecture itself, but about the eldest son, "Yu'er"!
Having Cao Xiu guard the Wei Prefecture would, firstly, ensure Yu'er's safety;
Secondly, it would allow Cao Xiu, this outstanding young talent of the Cao clan, to get closer to Yu'er, which would be of great help to Yu'er in the future;
Thirdly, Cao Cao believed that through increased contact with Yu'er, it might even lead to a significant improvement for Cao Xiu himself!
"Wenlie," seeing Cao Xiu's displeasure, Cao Cao patted his shoulder. "You do not understand now, but in the future, you will realize your uncle's good intentions!"
"Also, if any correspondence is sent from the Wei Prefecture, you must deliver it to the front lines without delay, day or night. Wenlie, your uncle is entrusting you with a great responsibility, do you remember?"
"Duke Cao, rest assured!" Cao Xiu cupped his hands. "Your subordinate remembers everything!"
With Cao Xiu's reply, Cao Cao nodded, quite confident in his nephew…
Before leaving, he did not forget to turn and bid farewell to Mr. Xun Yu and Mr. Xun You.
"Wenruo, Gongda, allow Cao to take his leave!"
"The pacification of the Moth Rebels is of paramount importance. I must personally rush to the front lines and cannot engage in idle chatter with you both. Upon my return, I will, as promised, have late-night talks with you, discuss the current affairs, and enjoy wine together!"
Hearing this, Xun Yu and Xun You cupped their hands in farewell. "We wish Duke Cao a triumphant return and victory!"
In truth, if he were slightly bolder, Xun Yu would have wanted to remove the "wish" and directly say, "Duke Cao returns triumphantly and victorious."
After all, with the highly effective 'guerrilla warfare' strategy, and with Duke Cao personally donning armor and enforcing strict discipline with rewards and punishments.
This battle… even though the enemy was numerous and they were few, even though the combat power was disparate, the Yellow Turban rebellion in Yan Province would inevitably be settled in one decisive blow!
…
"Da da da…"
As Cao Cao and his retinue's horses' hooves faded into the distance, Cao Xiu felt a sense of dejection. This battle… so many meritorious deeds seemed to be drifting away from him.
At this moment, he felt targeted, targeted by his uncle Cao Cao, targeted by the Wei Prefecture.
However, the discipline of the Qiao Pei military camp was strict. Although unwilling, Cao Xiu had to complete the task assigned by Cao Cao to guard the Wei Prefecture.
"Two sirs, allow 'Xiu' to take his leave!" After paying his respects to Xun Yu and Xun You, Cao Xiu hurried back towards the military camp.
Watching the receding figures of Cao Cao and Cao Xiu on horseback.
Xun Yu and Xun You exchanged glances…
"Does Uncle believe the Moth Rebels are bound to lose?" Xun You asked curiously.
Xun Yu stroked his beard. "Gongda, with the 'Hidden Dragon' proposing this 'guerrilla warfare' strategy, the Moth Rebels' defeat is almost a certainty. What worries me now is not the Moth Rebels' defeat, but Duke Cao's victory…"
Hmm… this…
Xun You paused slightly. "Uncle, why do you say that?"
When it came to military deployment, Xun You far surpassed his uncle Xun Yu. However, in judging the overall situation, he considered himself inferior.
"Gongda, consider this: what happens after Duke Cao wins?" Xun Yu countered. "Gongda, you probably haven't fully grasped this 'guerrilla warfare,' have you? Whether it's Duke Cao or the 'Hidden Dragon,' their objective has never been to eliminate the Moth Rebels, but to win them over!"
As he spoke, Xun Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone became more serious. "With thirty thousand Moth Rebels, if Duke Cao can win them over to his side, the balance of power in the world will immediately be reversed!"
Win them over to his side?
The moment these four words were uttered, Xun You's eyes fixed. Indeed, he had only focused on the strategic level and overlooked the psychological aspect.
This 'guerrilla warfare,' named 'eradication,' was in reality 'recruitment.' Uncle is right, thirty thousand Yellow Turban soldiers, if they could be brought under control, would be a great asset in pacifying the chaotic times, and could even directly influence the fate of the empire!
It's just…
"Uncle, these thirty thousand Yellow Turbans are from Qing Province. If they wanted to surrender, they would have surrendered long ago in Qing Province. Why come all the way to Yan Province?"
"Even if they are defeated and scattered by Duke Cao's 'guerrilla' tactics, besides 'surrendering,' they could also flee into other provinces."
"To make them surrender might be even more difficult than defeating them!"
Xun You's words were like a splash of cold water, but it was an objective fact.
Ancient people generally had their pride, let alone these Yellow Turbans who dared to rebel! The theory of "if you can't beat them, join them" is difficult for them to adopt.
While Xun You was still contemplating, Xun Yu burst into laughter…
"...Wenruo, let us not worry about it."
"Didn't Duke Cao say that the 'Hidden Dragon' understands the changes in the times, and Lu Yu is adept at manipulating people's hearts? With the combined strength of 'Hidden Dragon' and 'Lu Yu,' wouldn't they have devised a strategy to make these Yellow Turbans 'willingly surrender under duress'?"
As he spoke, Xun Yu patted Xun You on the shoulder. "Wenruo, let us wait and see. The Master said, 'When three people walk together, one of them is bound to be my teacher.' You, I, and the 'Hidden Dragon' should interact more often. He has much from which we can learn and seek guidance!"
"I respectfully obey my uncle's teachings." Xun You bowed. Confucianism places great importance on etiquette, especially on seniority.
With their conversation concluded…
Both their gazes fixed outwards towards the city gate, towards the distant horizon. One could only wonder… what despair the thirty thousand Moth Rebels would face when confronted with the full-fledged 'guerrilla' tactics of the Yan Province officials?
By the way…
Almost simultaneously, Xun Yu and Xun You's eyes widened.
Now… what was the 'Hidden Dragon' doing?
For a moment, the two became curious.
…
…