Chapter 40: Turning Rot into Miracles' Last Resort

  The arrival of this little butterfly, Cao Zhi, made it impossible for Cao Cao to continue his brutal rule in Xuzhou. However, although there were internal changes, the external situation had not changed. To say that Cao Cao had many enemies on his path to dominance, and the first two were the Yuan brothers. It was common knowledge that Yuan Shao was Cao Cao's arch-nemesis, but in reality, after Dong Zhuo's defeat, the strongest warlord in eastern China was not Yuan Shao, but rather his brother Yuan Shu.

  After the end of the campaign against Dong, Yuan Shu occupied Nanyang, Yuzhou and the north of the Yangtze River in Yangzhou. His forces were very powerful. However, after his defeat at Jingzhou, Nanyang was counterattacked by Liu Biao and he could only abandon it reluctantly and head east. Although Yuan Shu's forces had been weakened, he still controlled a large part of Yuzhou as well as the rich region of Huainan, making him one of the top warlords in the country.

  In actual history, Xuzhou was later occupied by Liu Bei and Lü Bu in succession. Although the two men repeatedly wanted to be independent, they ultimately had to become pawns of the game between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu's two major forces. Cao Cao controlled Liu Bei this chess piece, while Yuan Shu pulled Lü Bu, Xuzhou was contested back and forth between Liu Bei and Lü Bu, sometimes peaceful and sometimes at war, in essence it was a light and dark confrontation between the four forces.

  What will happen next is uncertain even for Cao Zhi now, and the best plan proposed by Xun Yu at present is not accepted by Cao Cao.

  Xun Yu knew that Yuan Shu's power was great, and Cao Cao's worries were not unreasonable. Therefore, he did not argue, but continued to say: "Since the lord does not use the superior strategy, I will speak of the middle strategy." Seeing Cao Cao nodding, Xun Yu calmly said: "The middle strategy is as the lord just said, the main force attacks and captures Pengcheng. If we can capture Tao Qian alive, Xu Province can be settled. Even if Tao Qian escapes again, as long as our army divides into two routes to attack Donghai County and Guangling County, Xu Province can still be settled."

  Upon hearing this, Cao Cao and the other generals in the tent all nodded secretly. However, seeing this scene, Cao Zhi's heart couldn't help but sink a little. Although history has some deviations, there was indeed a great victory for the Wei army at Pengcheng, and Xuzhou was still defended by Tao Qian in the end. Xun Yu's middle strategy sounded even better than the first one, and if it succeeded, Xuzhou would be basically settled. However, in reality, this middle strategy was extremely difficult to succeed. Pengcheng, due to the Han court's consideration of it being the old capital of Western Chu, intentionally suppressed its development, so its city defense was not too strong, only slightly stronger than an ordinary small county. But Xiaopei was different, this stronghold that had been carefully maintained by the Han court and had been operated by Tao Qian for many years was not easily breached. In history, Lü Bu relied on Xiaopei to defend it for three months. And the Wei army's capture of Xiaopei was not due to a strong attack, but rather by first using water to flood it, then using divide and conquer tactics, only then could they take Xiaopei, showing just how strong this city was.

  Cao Zhi was extremely anxious and hastily looked at Guo Jia, among all the people present, only he could make Cao Cao change his mind.

  But what made Cao Zhi feel helpless was that at such a critical moment, Guo Jia was actually meditating with his eyes closed. Seeing this rogue's appearance, Cao Zhi's anger was not coming from one place.

  At this moment of uncertainty, Cao Cao suddenly spoke up: "Gong Da's strategy is not bad. The old thief escaped last night and his age and physical decline make it impossible for him to rush to Xiaopei so quickly. As long as our army launches a surprise attack, breaking into Xiaopei will be as easy as taking Pengcheng."

  As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, Xiahou Yuan hastily said: "The general's words are absolutely right, Yuan is willing to be the vanguard!" As soon as Xiahou Yuan took the lead, there was a loud chorus of requests for battle.

  At this time, Mao Jie couldn't help but frown and said: "General, being able to break through Pengcheng is indeed helpful for the situation, and we have gained some luck. However, Xiaoyi is not comparable to Pengcheng, with many aristocratic families standing inside. Even if Tao Gongzu has not returned, those aristocratic families will likely send private soldiers to assist in defending the city on their own initiative. Without the help of the situation, our army also lacks heavy siege equipment, and it's difficult to break through Xiaoyi. Although Gong Da's middle strategy has a great effect, it is difficult to grasp, I hope the lord will think thrice."

  Cao Zhi heard this and let out a soft sigh, thinking to himself: "Finally, someone with a clear head."

  But Cao Zhi was delighted too early, and Cao Cao shook his head slightly and said: "Haoxian is overthinking. This time, the aristocratic family of Xiapi is not only not a stumbling block for Benjiang, but also a help to Benjiang. There is still one person in Benjiang's hands who can hold down the Xiapi aristocratic family!"

  Seeing Cao Cao's confident expression, everyone in the tent understood that what he said was about Cao Bao, who had been captured by Xiahou Yuan.

  When Cao Zhi heard Cao Cao mention Cao Biao, he was taken aback. This Cao Biao, who had been born unexpectedly, was indeed an unstable factor. With Cao Zhi's limited experience of only a few years in the late Han dynasty, he could not analyze how much influence Cao Biao would have on this battle.

  Cao Zhi remained silent in his heart, while Mao Jie also fell silent. He just slightly nodded and retreated back to his own seat, no longer speaking.

  Xun Yu saw that Cao Cao was already moved, but still said the lower strategy: "The lower strategy is for the lord to send a surprise soldier south to Guangling, and take all the grain, money and goods from Guangling. In Yu's opinion, this strategy can be done alone, or it can be used in conjunction with the upper and middle two strategies."

  "Hmm? This... Those who can sit in the tent are not fools, Xun Yu's inferior plan sounds ordinary, but the last sentence is actually the key. As for coordinating with the upper and middle plans, as for the middle plan, as long as Dongping is broken, Guangling will probably be in hand too, it seems like a waste of effort. However, once this inferior plan is combined with the superior plan, Cao Cao's previous concern about the superior plan being slow can be completely discarded. Even if Guangling is taken by Cao's army, even if Yuan Shu gets it, it won't matter much, and Cao Cao will still benefit the most."

  At this time, Cao Zhi, who was sitting on one side of Cao Cao, couldn't help but secretly sigh and say: "What a wonderful strategy to turn decay into magic! Xun Gongda, indeed lives up to his reputation!"

  Xun Yu's supplementary inferior strategy caused Cao Cao, who had already made up his mind, to fall into a state of mental hesitation once again. The superior strategy excels in stability, while the inferior strategy excels in its significant impact, and can determine the fate of Xuzhou with one battle, making it an extremely difficult decision.

  When he saw Cao Cao closing his eyes in contemplation, all the generals closed their mouths and did not speak, even trying to make their breathing sounds lighter, for fear of disturbing Cao Cao's thoughts. As for Xun Yu, he quietly sat back in his own seat, closed his eyes and cultivated his spirit. As an advisor, the responsibility of offering advice had been fulfilled, and from the ranking of the upper and middle strategies, he had also expressed his own choices between the two strategies. As for how to make the final decision, it was Cao Cao's problem.

  Cao Cao was lost in thought, not speaking. At this time, Cao Zhi discovered that Guo Jia, the rogue, had already opened his eyes at some point and was smiling and nodding towards Xun Yu. Cao Zhi watched for a moment, speechless, thinking to himself: "A born genius, this title is indeed well-deserved. Judging from the situation, it seems that everything is under his control, only...". Seeing Guo Jia pick up the wine cup on the table and drink heavily again, Cao Zhi touched his nose and muttered softly: "Indeed a **unrestrained rogue!"

  ————————————————————

  A new week has begun ~~ seeking votes and weekly member clicks ~！！ Extremely grateful！！