Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 4 Meeting

After all, the fewer people who know about one's incognito travels, the safer it is. Even with a confidant like Xun Yu, he was unwilling to reveal too much, and naturally, he didn't mention a word about his chance encounter with Gu Cheng on the street that day.

Xun Yu didn't ask any more questions, and bowed slightly, saying, "My lord will be setting off for Luoyang to meet the Emperor soon. Before that, we need to quickly come up with a foolproof plan on how to successfully welcome the Emperor back to Xu County."

"Wenruo, you don't need to worry, I already have a plan in mind."

Cao Cao stroked his long beard and said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xun Yu's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he quickly cupped his hands and said, "I would like to hear your wise opinion, my lord."

"Now that the emperor has broken free from the control of the Xiliang army, the already fragile alliance between Dong Cheng and Yang Feng will inevitably become a mere formality, and sooner or later, a rift will develop between them."

"Moreover, Luoyang has been devastated by the rebellions of Dong Zhuo and Li Jue and Guo Si. The palaces are destroyed, and the emperor and his officials are now lacking food and clothing. They are extremely short of grain and can only survive by digging up wild vegetables and eating chaff."

"If I simply exploit the conflict between Dong Zhuo and Yang Xiuqing, using the pretext of inviting the Emperor to move his residence to Xu County for a meal, I will surely be able to successfully bring the Emperor back to Xu County!"

Cao Cao then recounted the plan he had heard from Gu Cheng that day to everyone in detail.

Xun Yu suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but laugh self-deprecatingly: "I am ashamed that I failed to think of taking advantage of the conflict between Dong Zhuo and Yang Xiong. Our lord is far more thoughtful and considers things thoroughly."

Cao Cao coughed a few times, a somewhat embarrassed look on his face. He felt unworthy of Xun Yu's praise.

Xun Yu then added, "However, for this plan to be foolproof, we need an inside accomplice in the court to secretly sow discord between Yang Feng and Dong Cheng for our lord."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao frowned slightly.

Most of the court officials in Luoyang came from prominent families and had always been critical of Cao Cao's background as a descendant of eunuchs. Finding someone who was willing to act as his inside man and whose words carried weight in the court was no easy task.

A hush fell over the council chamber.

Just then.

A guard strode into the hall and presented a secret letter from the strategist Mao Jie, sent from Luoyang.

Half a month ago, Mao Jie was ordered to go to Luoyang under the pretense of presenting tribute to the emperor, but secretly to investigate the court's true intentions and movements.

Now that Mao Jie has suddenly sent a secret letter, he must have found out some important information.

"There are no outsiders here, Zhicai, read it aloud in front of everyone."

Cao Cao waved his hand and gave the order.

Xi Zhicai immediately took the secret letter, opened it, and read it aloud to everyone.

The letter contained detailed intelligence about the current situation of the imperial court in Luoyang.

"Dong Zhao, the Imperial Envoy, has always admired your lord's reputation and wishes to serve as your inside agent in the court!"

When he read those words, Xi Zhicai's body jolted, and he abruptly looked up at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao's pupils suddenly contracted, and his gaze fixed intently on Xi Zhicai.

"Dong Zhao volunteered to be Cao Cao's inside man!"

The words Gu Cheng casually uttered outside the Yang residence that day now resounded like thunder in their ears.

In an instant.

Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai both felt a chill run down their spines and their hair stand on end.

"My lord, Dong Zhao is actually willing to volunteer to be our inside man! This is truly a stroke of luck!"

Xun Yu was overjoyed and said excitedly.

The council chamber erupted in uproar.

All the strategists were thrilled by this unexpected good news.

After the meeting concluded, all the civil and military officials withdrew.

"How exactly did Gu Cheng deduce that Dong Zhao would secretly come to serve me?"

Cao Cao stared intently at the secret report on the table and muttered to himself.

Xi Zhicai did not leave. He stepped forward and sighed softly, saying, "It seems that both my lord and I have greatly underestimated Gu Cheng. He was not just speaking carelessly that day; his wisdom is truly unfathomable."

Cao Cao nodded slowly, lost in deep thought.

A long time passed.

Cao Cao suddenly raised his head, smiled, and asked, "Zhicai, in your opinion, is this Gu Cheng worthy of my Jie'er?"

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai's expression changed drastically. He exclaimed in surprise, "Could it be that our lord intends to turn this mishap into an opportunity and take Gu Cheng as his son-in-law?"

"If this person truly possesses extraordinary talent, why shouldn't I take him as my son-in-law?"

Cao Cao stroked his long beard and said with a smile.

"Our lord has always been eager to find talented people, so it is only natural that he wants to take Gu Cheng as his son-in-law."

"only."

Xi Zhicai changed the subject, then sighed softly, "It's just that Miss Jie'er has been raised by Madam Ding since she was a child. Madam Ding treats her like her own daughter, so I'm afraid she will care a lot about the family background of her future son-in-law."

Cao Cao's smile vanished instantly, and his brows furrowed slightly.

His wife, Madam Ding, came from the Ding clan of Chenliu, a prominent local family with a strong sense of social class. If she had known that Gu Cheng was just a member of a declining, low-ranking aristocratic family, she probably wouldn't have agreed to the marriage.

After pondering for a long time.

Cao Cao waved his hand: "This matter is not urgent for now. Let's first ensure that the emperor is safely returned to Xuchang."

"What you say is absolutely right, my lord," Xi Zhicai replied with a slight bow.

...

Three days later.

Cao Cao personally led three thousand elite infantry and cavalry, setting off from Xu County northwards, traveling day and night straight towards Luoyang.

The escalating conflict between Dong Cheng and Yang Feng, the severe food crisis in Luoyang, and Dong Zhao's covert instigation of discord in the court all contributed to the situation.

Cao Cao, through skillful maneuvering and a month of clever maneuvering, finally succeeded in rescuing Emperor Xian of Han from the ruined city of Luoyang and bringing him back to Xu County.

November of that year.

Emperor Xian of Han officially issued an edict appointing Cao Cao as Minister of Works, General of Chariots and Cavalry, in charge of all officials of the court, and in charge of the administration of state affairs.

As a result, Xu County was transformed overnight from an ordinary county into the temporary capital of the Han Dynasty.

...

The Sikong Mansion.

"By order of the Minister of Works, all the skilled craftsmen in Yingchuan County have been conscripted to Xu County to work day and night to build a new palace for the Emperor."

"Based on the current construction progress, the emperor and his officials will be able to move into the newly completed palace by next spring at the latest."

Xi Zhicai was reporting to Cao Cao on the various matters concerning the emperor's arrangements.

Above the main seat.

Cao Cao nodded slightly and said, "The construction of the palace must be accelerated so that the emperor can move into the new palace as soon as possible, so as to show the world my respect for the emperor of the Han Dynasty."

The conversation turned.

Cao Cao then asked, "With such a hasty construction project, won't there be a shortage of timber needed to build the palace?"

"Lord Sikong, please rest assured, there is plenty of timber available."

Xi Zhicai quickly offered words of comfort.

"adequate?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Cao Cao's eyes as he said, "How could a mere Xu County possibly gather so much timber needed to build a palace in such a short time?"

Xi Zhicai said with a smile, "To be honest, Lord Sikong, we have to thank that young master Gu Cheng for this."

"Gu Cheng? What does this have to do with him?"

A glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, and he asked.

"According to my subordinates' inquiries, the Gu family began stockpiling timber several months ago, including a considerable amount of top-grade Phoebe zhennan wood transported all the way from Huainan."

"Most of the timber needed to build this palace was purchased from the Gu family, which is why there was no shortage."

Xi Zhicai explained the reasons in detail.

"I see."

Cao Cao suddenly realized what was going on and couldn't help but laugh, "So he had planned this all along, just waiting for this opportunity to make a fortune off me. This kid is really shrewd."

After saying that.

Cao Cao suddenly stood up and said with great interest, "Let's go, come with me to Gu Family Village and meet this kid in person."

...

Gujiazhuang.

Gu Cheng stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance of the manor, directing his servants to load the last batch of timber onto trucks and transport it away.

"Brother Liheng, Cao Cao has indeed welcomed the emperor back to Xu County. You are truly a genius!"

"I, Zhou Tai, am utterly convinced of your worth. From this day forward, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse, at your beck and call!"

Zhou Tai's face was full of admiration as he bowed deeply to Gu Cheng.

"Brother Youping, you're too kind."

Gu Cheng showed no sign of smugness, but simply smiled faintly and reached out to help Zhou Tai up.

Just then.

Cao Cao, dressed in ordinary plain clothes, accompanied by Dian Wei and Xi Zhicai, had already appeared in front of the Gu Family Manor.

"My lord, the guard beside Gu Cheng is exceptionally skilled, perhaps even more so than I am."

Dian Wei pointed at Zhou Tai and said to Cao Cao in a low voice.

"How could he, a seemingly carefree scholar, manage to recruit such a fierce general willing to serve as his bodyguard!"

Cao Cao was secretly amazed.

"Uncle!"

When Gu Cheng saw Cao Cao and his entourage arrive, he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"My dear nephew!"

Cao Cao set aside his usual airs of authority and stepped forward to return the greeting in a very friendly manner.

"Regarding the marriage between this junior and your daughter, Miss Jie'er, I wonder if Uncle has already made a decision?"

Gu Cheng cut to the chase and asked the question.

"There's no rush for the wedding. Let's go inside and talk about it slowly."

Cao Cao said with a smile.

Gu Cheng immediately stepped aside and invited Cao Cao and the others into the mansion.

Zhou Tai then stood behind Gu Cheng quite consciously.

"Youping, go and inform all the shops under our name to quickly purchase large quantities of medicinal herbs for treating external injuries, as many as possible."

As Gu Cheng poured tea for Cao Cao, he casually gave the order.

This time, Zhou Tai had no doubts and immediately accepted the order and left.

"Nephew, why are you suddenly buying up large quantities of medicinal herbs?"

Cao Cao asked with some doubt.

"Sikong Cao will be going to war soon, and the army will definitely be in urgent need of a large amount of external wound medicine. I am just buying some in advance to make a little money."

Gu Cheng answered casually.

"Use military force?"

Cao Cao's suspicion deepened, and he pressed, "How do you know that Minister Cao is going to wage war, and against whom?"

"Naturally, it's Zhang Xiu from Wancheng."

As Gu Cheng spoke, he served Cao Cao the freshly brewed hot tea.

Cao Cao took the teacup, but had no interest in tasting it. Curious, he asked, "Why is that?"

"Cao Mengde is now holding the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords, which will inevitably arouse the fear of all the feudal lords in the world. And Wancheng, which Zhang Xiu occupies, is only about 300 li away from Xuchang. His Xiliang cavalry are lightly armed and can reach the city of Xuchang in less than three days. He has no reason not to be eager to make a move."

"In order to ensure the safety of the south of Xuchang, Cao Mengde will inevitably take the initiative to send troops to attack Zhang Xiu and firmly grasp Wancheng in his own hands."

"In that case, this battle was bound to happen sooner or later."

Gu Cheng leisurely sipped his fragrant tea and spoke as if in casual conversation.

A deep look of shock flashed across Cao Cao's eyes, and he couldn't help but turn his head and exchange a glance with Xi Zhicai.

Wancheng is very close to Xudu. Zhang Xiu's Xiliang cavalry, traveling light, can reach the city of Xudu in less than three days.

To stabilize Xuchang's rear, it is essential to first eliminate Zhang Xiu, a major threat.

This was the top-secret strategy that Cao Cao had just agreed upon with his core advisors, including Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai, during a previous military meeting.

Such a confidential military plan was once again revealed by this young man in front of him with a single, casual remark.

"This person's wisdom and strategy are truly unfathomable!"

Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai looked at each other, both of them showing the same shock.

Cao Cao lowered his head, took a sip of tea, and tried to calm the turmoil in his heart. He casually said, "In that case, this war between Cao Cao and Zhang Xiu is inevitable."

"War is indeed unavoidable, but perhaps it will end soon."

There seems to be a deeper meaning behind Gu Cheng's words.

Cao Cao's teacup hovered in mid-air as he looked up, puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Perhaps, once Cao Mengde's army arrives at the walls of Wancheng, Zhang Xiu will lead his troops to surrender."

Gu Cheng said calmly.

Will Zhang Xiu surrender?

Cao Cao's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Zhang Xiu is a famous and fierce general of Xiliang, and he has just formed an alliance with Liu Biao of Jingzhou. How could he possibly surrender to you without a fight in the blink of an eye?"

"Zhang Xiu's uncle, Zhang Ji, was killed by an arrow shot by Liu Biao's subordinate when he led his army to attack Rangcheng in Jingzhou. The Zhang family and Liu Biao had an irreconcilable blood feud."

"Zhang Xiu only allied with Liu Biao because he was weak and lacked supplies, and had no other choice."

"Cao Cao's strength far surpasses that of Liu Biao, and he is rightfully leading the campaign on behalf of the Han emperor. It is reasonable and logical for Zhang Xiu to betray Liu Biao and submit to Cao Cao."

Gu Cheng spoke eloquently, and after finishing his speech, he felt his mouth was dry, so he quickly picked up his teacup and drank several mouthfuls.

Cao Cao stroked his long beard, his eyes revealing a mixture of barely concealed excitement and deep suspicion.

If Zhang Xiu could be forced to surrender without a fight, that would be a tremendous joy, and how could it not be exciting?

But will Zhang Xiu really surrender without a fight, as Gu Cheng said?

"Oh dear, look at me, I was so busy chatting with my uncle about important matters that I forgot about the important business."

Gu Cheng slapped his forehead self-deprecatingly and said, "Regarding the marriage between this junior and your daughter, Miss Jie'er, I wonder what your plans are, Uncle?"

"There's no rush to get married. This is a very important matter, and we can talk about it some more later."

Cao Cao then steered the conversation back to the main topic, asking, "Nephew, I see you have considerable insight into the heroes of the world. So, who do you think will unify the world in the future?"

Gu Cheng felt a sense of helplessness. His future father-in-law just happened to love talking about these important military and national affairs, so he could only reluctantly chat with him.