Chapter 18: The Surprise Attack on Xudu's People

  Yuan Shang gradually became somewhat clearer.

  I remember reading about it in a past life, and it seems that there is indeed a section where Xu You presents a plan to Yuan Shao to launch a surprise attack on Wu Zhi.

  Unfortunately, Yuan Shao did not adopt Xu You's plan at that time. Instead, he was angry with Xu You because of Shan Fu's letter and eventually forced Xu You to desperation. In a hurry and indignation, he resolutely went to join Cao Cao.

  After arriving at Cao's camp, when Xu You told Cao Cao that he had once presented a plan to Yuan Shao to launch a surprise attack on Xu Du, Cao Cao's reaction was indeed very strong, and he said seriously to Xu You: "If Shao had followed your advice, our army would have been in danger."

  A simple sentence, although brief, directly proved that Xu You's plan was indeed feasible and effective.

  Now, the plan to divide troops and launch a surprise attack on Xu Chang was once again proposed by Ju Shou, but unlike before when Xu You proposed it for the ultimate victory of Yuan's army, this time it was proposed to cover the retreat of the main force, making a feint to the east while attacking in the west, with some implications of "borrowing a road to reach the sea".

  Yuan Shang pondered for a long time, figuring out the key points, and secretly admired him in his heart. Indeed, he was not a first-rate scholar from Hebei for nothing, with outstanding talent and quick thinking. Ordinary people really couldn't compare to him.

  Yu She bowed her head, and Yuan Shang was extremely impressed. He said to Yu She: "Sir, your plan is indeed feasible. I will go and advise my father to send a good general to secretly attack Xuchang, distract Cao Cao's attention, and cover our army's retreat to Baima Crossing."

  Yuan Shang finished speaking and turned around to leave.

  "Gongzi, stop!" Zhu She shouted again at Yuan Shang.

  Yuan Shang's body stiffened, and his heart skipped a beat. Every time he saw Ju Shou, as long as he shouted "Young Master, wait!", it proved that nothing good would come of it.

  Crow's mouth, annoying.

  "Is there anything else, sir?" Yuan Shang turned around, forcing a smile.

  Ju Xun stroked his chin, where a few disheveled whiskers grew, and said thoughtfully: "To launch a surprise attack on Xu Du is no ordinary feat; it requires a commander with both brains and bravery. Who do you think can shoulder this heavy responsibility, young master?"

  Yuan Shang's heart suddenly felt a chill, and an extremely ominous premonition surged up in their minds.

  "That... General Zhang Jue has both bravery and strategy, with extremely strong commanding abilities, he is indeed a true general talent. If he goes first, it will definitely be foolproof." Yuan Shang looked up at the sky and began to pretend to be confused.

  Zhuo Shou slightly shook his head: "Although Zhang Yunyi is both brave and strategic, he can only be called a general talent, but not a commander talent. In a frontal battle, charging into the enemy's position would be sufficient for him to handle, but if you let him carry out this kind of stealthy and cunning attack, I'm afraid his ability to adapt to changing circumstances is still somewhat lacking..."

  "Alright... then let's talk about General Cao, General Cao is exceptionally brave and powerful. I heard that during the Battle of Guandu, he clashed head-on with Xu Chu and was not defeated... amazing, ordinary people can't compare to him."

  Ju Xun shook his head and sighed: "Bravery is abundant but wisdom is insufficient, compared to Zhang Fei there is still a gap, how can he bear this heavy responsibility?"

  "Ah, General Han Meng is a senior general under Father's command, with many years of battle experience and rich in military exploits."

  Zhuo Shou shook his head: "What's the use of being experienced? He was sent to escort grain, but before he even reached the main camp, Xu Huang robbed him. He's a mediocre talent, not worth discussing with."

  Yuan Shang's eyes rolled, and he smiled: "If the military general doesn't work out, let's switch to a scholar. Mr. Guo Tu is exceptionally intelligent and skilled at plotting, have him go to Xudu to spread rumors, he'll definitely be able to shock Cao Cao."

  Ju Shou's face suddenly turned cold: "A narrow-minded and petty person, it's already fortunate if he doesn't stir up trouble, how can you expect him to be of any use?"

  Yuan Shang helplessly said: "What about Gong Ji? He's loyal and devoted to Father, relatively trustworthy."

  "Alas! Xiang Ji is indeed talented, but lacks strategy. At most, he's only suited to be a chief historian. How can he accomplish such great things? He cannot be used, he absolutely cannot be used!"

  Yuan Shang heard the words and wiped his sweat: "Mr. Ju's vision is really high, so many strong hands can't enter your eyes, it's okay, I'll go back and think about it carefully, I'm sure I can find one for you..."

  Ju Shou's face turned serious: "There's no need to search, there's one right in front of us. Third Master has both bravery and strategy. From what I heard about the battle at Wū Cháo, you led your troops without being bound by conventional methods, using clever tactics that were unpredictable and unconventional. If we're talking about leading a surprise attack on Xǔ Dū, then it's truly none other than you, Third Master."

  As expected, this old guy has indeed set his sights on me...... Why am I so miserable? What danger doesn't come to me? Am I not a transmigrator?

  Don't all transmigrators come here to enjoy life?

  Yuan Shang unwillingly said: "Mr. Ju, what have I done to offend you? Don't we get along? First it was Wu Cai, then Xu Du, and now the four states of Hebei - is there no one else? Do all matters have to be handled by me? A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, am I not also a noble son?"

  Zhuo Shou heard the words and fell silent for a long time, then sighed and raised his head, saying helplessly: "Third Master, it's your own decision how you want to choose, but in life, especially when you're in a high position like yours, there are some difficult things that must be done personally. Think about it, from ancient times to the present, who has achieved great success without going through hardships and difficulties? Third Master, you're still young, and the road ahead will be long and arduous. Although the current situation is perilous, isn't it also a good opportunity to temper yourself?"

  Yuan Shang was greatly surprised by Xun You's words, but what surprised him was not the content of the words, but the implicit meaning behind them, which had already tacitly recognized Yuan Shang as the future heir to the four states of Hebei.

  Yuan Shang also knew that Yuan Shao would eventually pass on the position to him, but that was because he was a transmigrator. However, Ju Shou was different; as someone living in this era, what mattered most was that the elder brother was like a father and the successor of the family business was like the legitimate son!

  Jū Shòu said this today, already firmly showing his stance, and also had a hint of probing.

  If Yuan Shang really succeeded in sneaking into Xudu and covering the retreat of the main army, then from today on, Ju Shou would probably wholeheartedly assist Yuan Shang.

  Since ancient times, it has been said that masters test their subjects, but have subjects never tested their masters?

  Yuan Shang clenched his fists secretly.

  It's no big deal, for the sake of a good conscience, I'll let it go! By the way, also test my own ability to see how deep or shallow it is, and where my bottom line is!

  With a respectful bow, Yuan Shang smiled and said: "Thanks to your kindness in pointing this out, I'm deeply grateful. What's the harm in taking on this task?"

  Ju Song smiled with satisfaction and returned the courtesy, saying: "Young master, you are so young yet have such enlightenment. Ju Song deeply admires you and is willing to wait in this prison for news of your triumphant return!"