Three Kingdoms: Madam, I am a decent person

Chapter 755 Jia Xu's Departure
Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction upon hearing Xu Chu's words.

Despite the current situation, his civil and military officials are becoming increasingly disloyal.

However, having someone like Xu Chu who believes in you is enough.

Cao Cao patted Xu Chu on the shoulder and said, "Go ahead, I agree."

Xu Chu was overjoyed.

Xu Chu clasped his hands in a deep fist salute to Cao Cao and then rushed away.

Cao Cao laughed when he saw Xu Chu jumping around a bit.

This Xu Chu is so foolish that it leaves one speechless.

As he laughed, Cao Cao's expression gradually turned serious.

He recalled the scene of his first meeting with Zhang Sui at Hongnong Port.

He recalled the scene where Zhang Sui killed his general Dian Wei right in front of him.

At those times, I wasn't afraid of him.

He was only afraid of Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu, who was standing behind him.

But now that Yuan Shao is dead, that brat still wants to ride on his head and climb to the top by stepping on him.

Cao Cao's eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Let's see who comes out on top!
I, Cao Cao, have fought in the south and north for decades, defeating countless powerful enemies.

I refuse to believe I'll really fall into your trap!
At noon, Cao Cao received another report from Xun You: the intelligence he had obtained from the spies should be correct.

First, both Huchuquan, the Xiongnu Chanyu, and Wei Gu, the patriarch of the Wei family, a prominent clan in Hedong Commandery, appeared at Guandu, in Zhang Sui's military camp.

Moreover, a large number of Xiongnu cavalry were trained.

The spies in the army also saw many Han Chinese prisoners.

Secondly, Zhang Sui did indeed move his army camp to a new location, about 30 li west of the original Guandu camp.

The spies noticed that Zhang Sui had been in a bad mood these past few days, and even Gao Shun, Xu Rong, and Chen Dao, whom he had always valued, had been scolded.

Zhang Sui even threw a tantrum in the commander's tent.

Nowadays, almost no one dares to approach the commander's tent.

Third, Tian Feng, Chen Deng, Chen Gong, and others are now intensifying their training of soldiers, appearing ready to wage war against the Xiongnu again at any moment.

Moreover, there were constant clashes between the Xiongnu and the soldiers in Hebei.

Fourth, in the direction of Wuchao, it seems that quite a few people died in the previous night raid.

Every day, spies saw large numbers of corpses being buried to prevent the spread of plague.

After Xun You finished his report, he looked at Cao Cao, took several deep breaths, and gave his final words of advice: "Minister of Works."

As the art of war says, "Use deception and reality interchangeably."

"Although all the evidence points to the general suffering a severe injury."

"Everything seems reasonable."

"However, on the battlefield, deception and treachery are the norm."

“Tian Feng, Chen Gong, Xi Zhicai and the like, they know you very well, Minister Sikong.”

"Those who offer advice and strategies often have dirty hearts."

"They understand your temperament, Sikong, and know that you are cautious yet suspicious. Therefore, it is entirely possible for them to create this seemingly reasonable situation."

Cao Cao did not refute, but he also did not continue on the topic. Instead, he asked, "What news has there been from Zhong Yao, the Commandant of the Capital Region?"

Xun You saw that Cao Cao clearly did not want to listen to his advice and smiled bitterly to himself.

Sure enough, when it came to crucial moments, he trusted himself more.

That's it.

I have done all that I could.

The image of Xun Yu's tragic death flashed through his mind, and Xun You suppressed the last trace of unease in his heart, saying to Cao Cao, "No."

"Everything is fine."

"According to intelligence from ten days ago, Sili Commandant Zhong Yao is on his way with 10,000 troops to provide assistance."

"If nothing unexpected happens, we'll have less than a day's journey left now."

"I have already sent scouts to make contact."

"There should be definite news before dusk."

Cao Cao then said, "You've had a long day, Gongda. Go and rest for a while."

"I'll be launching a night raid on Wuchao tonight, and I'll need your help with Xingyang City."

Xun You then responded and left.

Cao Cao watched Xun You leave and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

Since Xun Yu's death, Xun You has also changed a lot.

If it were before Xun Yu's death, Xun You would have constantly argued with him and offered advice. Now, after only a few words, he wisely shut up.

However, no matter how much he tries to persuade her, she won't give up.

Xiahou Yuan is dead.

Xiahou Yuan was a close relative and a general of his own clan.

He died, but instead of seeking revenge, he remained silent and withdrawn.

Not only can I not get over this in my own heart, but I also can't explain it to my relatives.

That brat Zhang Sui has already killed Cao Hong and Cao Ren.

Now they've killed Xiahou Yuan.

The clansmen had long been filled with hatred.

If we continue to be tolerant, our relatives will likely become disloyal and alienated.

Cao Cao looked at the horizon and prayed silently, "Wenruo, Wenruo; Zixiu, Zixiu."

"If you are watching over me from heaven, you must protect me and help me get through this difficult time."

Cao Cao prayed silently for a while, then knelt down and kowtowed towards the sky.

Only then did Cao Cao go to find Yu Jin.

Yu Jin has already selected 10,000 elite troops.

Each elite soldier had thick grass tied to the soles of their feet to minimize the noise of their march.

Cao Cao walked past each of his elite soldiers one by one, promising them that once Wuchao was captured, everyone would have a full meal, and even extra cooked meat.

As dusk approached, scouts indeed reported that they had spotted the army of Zhong Yao, the Commandant of the Capital Region, which numbered over ten thousand.

They will officially arrive here to meet at noon tomorrow.

Cao Cao immediately ordered his messengers to go to Zhong Yao, the Commandant of the Capital Region, and to tell them to set up camp where they were and not to come over.

However, we must be prepared for a major battle.

Cao Cao was actually somewhat uneasy.

He also felt that this night raid on Wuchao might be a trap.

However, even knowing there are tigers in the mountains, he still has to go up the mountain.

An adventurous night raid—there's still a chance.

Completely indifferent and passively defensive, given that Zhang Sui has now taken over Zhongmu, he will only be gradually eroded.

In addition, he will also truly offend his relatives.

Over the years, his ability to fight in the north and south and win every battle was largely due to the unity and concerted efforts of his clansmen in fighting the enemy.

He absolutely cannot lose the trust of his clansmen.

Furthermore, the scions of powerful families under his command had long wanted to pledge allegiance to that brat Zhang Sui.

If I can't win, those people will definitely start to betray me.

He couldn't support so many rebellions on his own.

Especially among relatives and prominent families.

The only hope is to create a favorable situation through this surprise attack.

However, we must also be prepared to take precautions this time.

just in case.

Even if, by any chance, things do turn out the worst...

With Zhong Yao, the Commandant of the Capital Region, as his backup plan, he was able to hold Xingyang.

After instructing the messenger to go see Zhong Yao, the Commandant of the Capital Region, Cao Cao and Yu Jin had a final supper with ten thousand elite troops.

After nightfall, Cao Cao, as commander-in-chief, and Yu Jin, as deputy general, led 10,000 elite troops without lighting torches.

They stepped into the night under the bright moonlight and headed towards the nest of crows.

Xun You, Jia Xu, Cao Pi, Bian Bing, Cao Xiu, Zhu Ling, Cao Chun, and others stood on the city wall, watching Cao Cao lead 10,000 elite troops disappear into the night, without saying a word.

Only Xun You ordered the army to strengthen its defenses, just in case.

Jia Xu, citing his advanced age, asked Xun You and Cao Pi for permission to return to his residence to rest.

Jia Xu was like this on ordinary days.

Neither Xun You nor Cao Pi suspected anything and allowed Jia Xu to return.

Jia Xu returned to his residence in a carriage.

Having changed into the clothes of an ordinary old man and messed up his hair, Jia Xu, supported by an old servant, headed directly towards the south gate of Xingyang City.

After handing over Cao Cao's permission to leave the city to the defending general, Jia Xu and Lao Nu left Xingyang City.

(End of this chapter)