Chapter 41 Still Choosing the Middle Strategy

  The speaker is unintentional, but the listener is intentional. Although Cao Zhi said this in a low voice, how could Cao Cao not hear it when he was standing next to him? Therefore, as soon as Cao Zhi finished speaking, Cao Cao's eyes suddenly widened and stared at Guo Jia who was chatting with Liu Ye, asking: "Fengxiao, which of the two strategies do you think is better?"

  "Huh?" Guo Jia heard Cao Cao suddenly call him, and he was stunned for a moment before turning his head to ask Cao Cao: "Huh? My lord, what did you say?"

  Everyone who heard Guo Jia's words rolled their eyes in unison, and then they all looked at Guo Jia with admiring glances. Cao Zhi thought even more wickedly in his heart: "This rogue, could it be that he was just closing his eyes to rest his mind in order to avoid Father's questioning?"

  Cao Cao couldn't help but smile when he saw Guo Jia's reaction. He also knew that this was just Guo Jia's personality, so he didn't blame him. Instead, he spoke in a gentle tone again and asked: "Fengxiao, which of the two plans do you think is better?"

  Guo Jia's expression turned serious, and after a moment of thought, he said: "May I ask, milord, are you confident that we can break through the siege of Xuchang?"

  "Cao Cao was asked by Guo Jia like this and fell into deep thought once again."

  Cao Zhi saw this scene, but in his heart he was secretly calling out. Guo Jia was naturally curious and good at planning, Xun Yu's best strategy was stable and reliable, but the effect was indeed not as good as the middle strategy. Given Guo Jia's personality, it was not unexpected that he encouraged Cao Cao to adopt the middle strategy.

  Indeed, Cao Cao fell silent for a moment before smiling and saying: "If that old scoundrel cannot rush back to Xiaopei ahead of my army, I will have the upper hand."

  Seeing Cao Cao's confident expression, Guo Jia was taken aback. However, Xun Yu and Liu Ye, who were standing beside him, exchanged a glance and let out a sigh at the same time.

  Cao Cao, who had already made up his mind, once again showed his decisive nature and immediately shouted: "Xiahou Yuan!"

  Xiahou Yuan was overjoyed and stepped forward, saying: "The last general is here!"

  Cao Cao nodded and said, "I order you to lead 20,000 vanguard troops to Dongyi. I have only one requirement, that is 'speed'. If possible, capture the city; if not, surround it completely, no mistakes allowed!"

  "Promise!"

  Cao Cao tossed half of the Tiger Tally to Xiahou Yuan, who raised his hand and steadily caught it. He then bowed with a fist and turned to leave. Before Xiahou Yuan had fully exited the main tent, Cao Cao shouted: "Xiahou Dun, Yue Jin, Yu Jin!"

  Although the three of them could not seize the vanguard position, when they heard Cao Cao's second roll-call, they excitedly stepped forward and loudly responded: "Your subordinate is here!"

  "You three, immediately get your troops in order. Tomorrow at dawn, I will lead the main army to set out and head towards Xiapi!"

  The three of them looked at each other, and since the great army had just taken down Pengcheng last night, they would have to set off tomorrow. The timing was still a bit tight. But they also understood that this battle relied on speed, so after hesitating for a moment, they responded in unison: "Yes!"

  Cao Cao waved his hand and let the three men return to their seats. He continued to give orders: "Cao Chun!"

  "The end is near!"

  When Cao Cao called out Cao Chun, Cao Zhi immediately looked up and saw that this man who stepped forward had a rather dull appearance and should be a more serious person. Cao Chun may not be very famous in history, but the elite army he led later was the famous Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. A person who can train and lead such an elite team naturally attracted Cao Zhi's attention. However, unfortunately, nothing special could be seen from Cao Chun's appearance.

  At this time, Cao Cao shouted: "I will leave 5,000 people with you to defend Pengcheng. This city is the first major city our army captured in Xuzhou, remember to discipline the troops and don't lose the hearts of the people."

  "Hello!"

  After finishing the military order, Cao Cao looked at Wen Xian and his voice became softer: "Xian, you will stay in Pengcheng, be in charge of the whole army's grain and grass, and handle the government affairs of Pengcheng. I will send Wen Liet to assist you."

  Cao Rui's face immediately turned bitter when he heard that he would also be assisting Mao Jie in handling civil administration. Cao Cao, who had been observing the six paths, had already noticed the change in Cao Rui's expression and so his face became stern as he shouted: "Wen Lie, you are the eldest among the younger generation of the Cao family and should set an example for others. As a member of the Cao family, one should be proficient in both literature and martial arts; how can one only excel in military affairs? Moreover, when two armies clash, provisions are of utmost importance. Following Xian, you should focus on learning."

  Being able to say so much, it is clear that Cao Cao attaches great importance to himself. Cao Xiu swept away the bitter expression on his face and respectfully cupped his hands, saying: "Xiu will not disappoint Uncle!"

  Cao Cao smiled and stroked his beard, saying: "Good!" After that, Cao Cao turned to Xun Yu and others and said: "Gong Da, you continue to follow the army and participate in the discussion, while also being responsible for the military's food and grass affairs."

  Xun Yu and the other two did not find this arrangement unexpected either, and they nodded in agreement: "Yes."

  Everyone had finished giving orders, but Cao Cao's gaze fell on Cao Zhi beside him and stared at him for a long time, until Cao Zhi was covered in goosebumps. Only then did he say: "As for you, Zhi, follow your father this time."

  Cao Zhi was overjoyed, previously he had been worried that Cao Cao would abandon him in Pengcheng. After all, the cities they had taken down before were small ones, and the Cao army wouldn't leave too many troops to defend them, putting his own safety at risk. It wasn't unexpected that Cao Cao brought him along. However, after taking down Pengcheng, the Cao army now had a foothold in Xuzhou, the frontline was treacherous, and it was highly likely that Cao Cao would leave him in Pengcheng. But Cao Cao's decision turned out to be somewhat unexpected for Cao Zhi.

  Not only Cao Zhi, but also Xun Yu and others furrowed their brows after hearing it. However, letting Cao Zhi follow the army was, after all, a family matter of Cao Cao's, and as outsiders, they didn't dare to ask too much.

  However, just because a few people didn't speak up doesn't mean no one disagreed. Suddenly, the usually taciturn Cao Chun stepped forward and said: "General, the battlefield is treacherous, I think it's unwise to keep the Fourth Young Master in the army."

  Some people reacted in a reasonable manner, but Cao Zhi did not expect the opposition to be from Cao Chun. However, Cao Cao was resolute and only heard him say: "The battlefield is indeed treacherous, but it's rare for Zhi to come to the military, let him experience it once, it's not a bad thing. Besides, I am in command of tens of thousands of troops, can't I protect a mere child?"

  Cao Chun wanted to continue speaking, but Cao Cao waved his hand and said: "My mind is made up, you don't need to say more." Cao Chun heard this and could only reluctantly return to his seat.

  The discussion was over, and Cao Cao waved his hand: "Time is pressing, Yuan let you go and prepare the army immediately, and the rest are dismissed." After a pause, Cao Cao turned to Guo Jia: "Fengxiao, for this period of time, you will continue to help me keep an eye on this little guy."

  "Please be at ease, milord," said Guo Jia with a smile. He then stepped forward under Cao Cao's smiling gaze, helped Cao Zhi up and exited the main tent together with Xun Yu and several others.

  When Cao Zhi followed several people leaving the big account about 100 steps away, he saw Xun Yu and Liu Ye take a few steps forward to intercept Guo Jia, shouting: "Guo Fengxiao, your one word is going to ruin everything!"

  Cao Zhi was startled and looked up to see Guo Jia smiling wryly at the two of them.

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