novelSusiti Chapter 122 Amplifying Desire
Chapter 122 Amplifying Desire
Yanzhou.
The Sikong Mansion.
Cao Cao was unusually flustered, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back.
He held a wooden slip in his hand and kept patting the back of his hand.
"Clatter—"
The wooden slip suddenly fell to the ground, making a crisp sound.
The silence in the hall was broken as everyone looked up at Cao Cao, their expressions not very pleasant.
to be frank.
They never imagined that Yuan Shao would be so foolish.
As Li Zhao grew stronger day by day, he even seized Ji Province from him.
That old bastard actually wants to do business with him?
That would be fine, but even important supplies like weapons, equipment, and linen could be sent out.
Even if we get food in exchange, if the army's combat effectiveness decreases, wouldn't that just increase our own risk for nothing?
"I... I really overestimated him!" Cao Cao slowly exhaled, trying his best to suppress his emotions.
"I thought that even if Yuan Benchu couldn't achieve great things, he should at least be able to hold onto his territory!"
"It seems this person is beyond saving!"
At this time, most people held this view!
But Guo Jia had a different opinion. He coughed lightly, his slightly pale face showing a hint of doubt. "My lord," he said, "I believe that Yuan Shao's actions this time are not as simple as they seem!"
"Hmm?" Cao Cao turned around and looked at him with some surprise.
Tell me more!
Guo Jia coughed again before continuing, "I know Yuan Shao quite well. Although he is indecisive and often hesitates when faced with a problem, he is also very suspicious."
"But he's by no means a fool; quite the opposite, he can be incredibly wise at many specific times. This time, it was probably intentional!"
Xun Yu seemed to be enlightened by these words, and he said with slight surprise, "Fengxiao doesn't mean...?"
"That's right, Yuan Shao most likely did it on purpose; he wants to drag us down with him!"
"Because he was certain that his lord would not stand idly by, and releasing Tian Feng and Xu You was a sign of this!"
"The choice we're facing right now is truly this: if we don't help him, he'll be swallowed up by Li Zhao, and the threat will spread throughout the entire north!"
"Then the next target... will be us!" Guo Jia's voice was tinged with shock.
Because this was completely unlike the charisma he remembered Yuan Shao possessing.
To know.
If he makes the wrong bet, he might lose everything.
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's expression darkened further. "Yuan Shao... he's really given us a huge surprise!"
"If that's the case, what should we do?"
The hall fell silent again, and even Guo Jia, who had spoken earlier, did not immediately express his opinion.
The matter was of great importance, and they could only offer their suggestions; the final decision rested with Cao Cao.
At this moment, Cao Cao was also weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
Letting things slide and allowing Yuan Shao to court his own doom is naturally the best approach.
No effort is required, and there's even time for self-development.
But the result will definitely be that they hand over the North to Li Zhao and then make him their greatest enemy!
However, if they were to make a move now, they would inevitably be dragged down by Yuan Shao. After the Battle of Guandu, their losses were already severe.
If they were to support Yuan Shao as well, it would only make matters worse.
Not to mention that it would hurt the feelings of the soldiers, and so many people died on the battlefield. Why would they suddenly take action and give Yuan Shao something tangible to help him?
What do their deaths count for?
After pondering for a long time, Cao Cao's gaze fell on Jia Xu, who was not far away.
As usual, the old man remained silent after arriving.
He only reacted when Cao Cao looked over and asked him a question.
"Wenhe, what do you think?" Cao Cao asked.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Jia Xu thought seriously for a moment, "I was just thinking that someone as shrewd as Yuan Shao would be willing to send out such important supplies, so the grain he receives in return must be of very high quality!"
"As for the quantity, it will definitely satisfy him; otherwise, why would he take such a big risk?"
Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't say anything, and continued to ask, "And then?"
"This Li Zhao is quite interesting. He doesn't seem to have any concept of food; he's willing to take it out very casually!"
"Logically speaking, since he occupied Ye City and had control over the entire Ji Province, it's reasonable for him to have some reserves. But if it weren't for that..."
Jia Xu continued his usual style, never saying anything directly.
Let Cao Cao figure it out for himself; the decision he makes has nothing to do with me.
This time, however, Cao Cao seemed to have no intention of letting him go.
After a brief silence, he walked straight up to Jia Xu, and said with a half-smile, "I didn't quite understand what you were saying just now!"
"Could you please explain in more detail, Wenhe?"
Jia Xu raised his eyebrows, took a step back, and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying, "I suggest that my lord may offer assistance, but should also accept appropriate rewards!"
"Since we're all in business, why not join forces?"
This bold suggestion drew everyone's attention, but Cao Cao took it to heart.
He immediately adopted Jia Xu's advice and began making the necessary preparations.
but.
He remained inactive until he received a clear request for help from Yuan Shao.
After about ten days, Yuan Shao sent someone with a grand and impressive letter.
They were generous with their praise, thanking him for sending Tian Feng and Xu You back.
They explained the Battle of Guandu as a misunderstanding between them!
Now their common enemy is Li Zhao, who has occupied Ye City.
They subtly asked for their help and even sent a detailed list.
Horses, weapons, equipment, and various important supplies—it was as if he already knew that he would make preparations and send these things over.
This feeling greatly displeased Cao Cao, but in order to deal with the situation in the north, he had no choice but to agree to cooperate with him.
They will gradually erode Li Zhao's power through business dealings!
Actually.
Whether it was Cao Cao or Yuan Shao, or even their advisors, their ideas were not wrong.
It was absurd that Li Zhao was willing to trade grain with them.
If we can use every means to empty his inventory, even if it means depleting it as much as possible, it will be very helpful for the situation going forward.
But they never dreamed that food meant nothing to Li Zhao.
Cao Cao quickly agreed to Yuan Shao's request, negotiated the corresponding conditions, and began to systematically send various supplies to Bingzhou step by step.
As a result, he gained further control over the situation in Yanzhou.
Those in the court who opposed him now have nothing to say.
Because Yuan Shao, whom they valued most, had already received Cao Cao's help.
Unfortunately.
This harmonious atmosphere didn't last long; in less than a month, the situation changed...
……