My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

Chapter 274 The Han Dynasty will live on forever, and the throne will surely belong to the Liu family! I intend to abandon Wei and return to Chu. Are you all willing to accompany me?
In a secret room of the Xun family mansion in Xuchang.

Xun Yu and Deng Zhi, old acquaintances, sat together again after many years.

Back then, it was Deng Zhi who was ordered to sneak into Wei territory to secretly meet with Xun Yu and convey Liu Bei's intention to recruit him.

It was Deng Zhi who persuaded Xun Yu to abandon his suicide attempt and choose to resign from his official post and return to his hometown to protect himself.

Years later, in this isolated city of Xudu, Deng Zhi, who was among the refugees who had flowed into the city, paid another visit.

“If it weren’t for Bo Miao back then, I would be nothing but dust now. We parted in haste, and I haven’t yet thanked Bo Miao for saving my life.”

"It's a rare occasion to meet again today. I'll offer you tea instead of wine, Bo Miao."

Xun Yu picked up the teacup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

Deng Zhi also drank it all in one gulp, and then laughed:
"Master Xun, you flatter me. Zhi was only acting on the orders of the King of Chu and at the request of Grand Commandant Xiao."

"If Lord Xun truly wishes to express his gratitude, he should personally go and thank Grand Commandant Xiao and our King of Chu."

Deng Zhi's words clearly contained a hint.

Xun Yu refilled his teacup, his face showing a mixture of admiration and gratitude.

"I am deeply honored by the King of Chu's high regard for me. I also admire Grand Commandant Xiao's brilliant strategies as if he were a celestial being descended to earth."

"But right now, I am just a commoner, and Xuchang is besieged by the army of the King of Chu. I want to go and thank the King of Chu and Grand Commandant Xiao, but I'm afraid I won't have the chance."

Feeling helpless and frustrated, Xun Yu casually poured tea for Deng Zhi.

Deng Zhi put down her teacup and solemnly cupped her hands in greeting:

"Since Xun Gong is a gentleman, Zhi will not beat around the bush and will treat him with sincerity."

"Zhi is acting on the orders of our Grand Commandant Xiao. He has infiltrated Xuchang to visit Lord Xun, hoping to ask Lord Xun to lend a hand and help our General conquer Xuchang from within!"

Deng Zhi chose to be frank about her purpose.

Xun Yu's hand trembled slightly, and a ripple was clearly visible in his eyes.

Xu Du was besieged, and Deng Zhi risked entering the city to make a secret visit. Even a fool could guess his purpose.

Xun Yu was actually mentally prepared.

However, when Deng Zhi personally confirmed his guess, he was still shocked.

This means that his years-long period of seclusion has finally come to an end.

The fate of the individual and the future of the Xun clan must be decided.

Xun Yu did not rush to answer, but poured himself a cup of tea and remained silent in contemplation.

He opposed Cao Cao's claim to the title of Duke back then, and he did indeed resign from his official post and go into seclusion, but he did not actually betray Cao Cao.

If we agree to Xiao He's request today, it would mean a complete break with Cao Cao and betrayal of our former master.

The Xun clan will also follow him, abandoning Wei and joining Chu, turning against Liu Bei's camp.

Once this step is taken, there is no turning back.

Cao Cao was ruthless, but Xun Yu was not an unrighteous person.

How could he not feel a sense of guilt for betraying Cao Cao?

Furthermore, Liu Bei's implementation of the equal-field system and the imperial examination system would inevitably infringe upon the interests of top-tier clans like the Xun family in the long run.

Xun Yu was certainly aware of this.

All these advantages and disadvantages made Xun Yu hesitate and unable to make a decision.

Deng Zhi noticed Xun Yu's concerns, so he took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said:

"Our Grand Commandant Xiao said that Lord Xun has a clear understanding of the affairs of the world and will surely be able to see that the rise of Chu and the fall of Wei is an inevitable trend, and he will also be able to see that Xuchang cannot be defended no matter what."

"Grand Commandant Xiao also said that Xun Gong is different from the likes of Cheng Yu and Chen Qun. Although Xun Gong comes from a noble family, he has a sincere heart to support the Han Dynasty."

"Although my King of Chu is the King of Chu, he is a member of the Liu imperial family, and the emperor he supports is a descendant of the late emperor and the legitimate successor of the Han dynasty."

"No matter who becomes emperor in the future, the ruler sitting on the dragon throne will surely be surnamed Liu."

"This world still belongs to the Great Han!"

Xun Yu stiffened and suddenly looked up at Deng Zhi.

Deng Zhi's words touched upon his true feelings.

The original intention was to restore the Han Dynasty!
When he abandoned Yuan Shao and joined Cao Cao, wasn't it because he saw that Yuan Shao had the intention to usurp the Han throne, and he wanted to use Cao Cao's hand to support the Han dynasty?
Why did he break with Cao Cao back then? It was because Cao Cao first allowed his son to murder the emperor, and then, as a subject from another family, he usurped the title of Duke, revealing his intention to usurp the Han throne.
Now Cao Cao has already declared himself king, and is only one step away from becoming emperor.

If that day comes, this Xudu will become Wei territory.

Am I a Han citizen or a Wei citizen here?
Liu Bei made a promise that no matter whether Liu Xie's son continued to be emperor or he followed the will of Heaven and the people and took his place, the Han dynasty would still be the name of the country.

May the Han dynasty endure forever, and may the Liu family forever rule as emperors!
If that's the case, what reason do you, Xun Yu, have not to follow your original intention of supporting the Han Dynasty, submit to the King of Chu, and help the King of Chu take Xudu?

Xun Yu's thoughts were surging, and the hesitation and worry in his eyes were rapidly disappearing.

Deng Zhi's words also contained a threatening undertone:

Whether Xun Yu helps us or not, we will surely conquer Xuchang and take Yuzhou.

If you stand idly by, when Xudu falls, you and your Xun clan must be prepared to bear the consequences.

"My original intention, my original intention..."

Xun Yu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, muttering to himself.

The last vestige of hesitation in his eyes vanished as he murmured to himself.

When he turned around again, Xun Yu's gaze was as hard as iron.

After taking a deep breath, he smiled knowingly.
"I have been fighting with Xiao Bowen for many years, but I never expected that he would be the only one in the world who truly understands me."

"Xiao Bowen was no ordinary man; he was truly a celestial being."

"With such a person assisting the King of Chu, how could the world not prosper, and how could the Han dynasty not flourish!"

After praising him, Xun Yu took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said:

"Please convey to Grand Commandant Xiao that Yu is willing to obey the will of Heaven, submit to the King of Chu, and help you take Xuchang!" Deng Zhi was overjoyed and felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

Then came the polite pleasantries, naturally including things like Xunzi's profound understanding of righteousness and the King of Chu's promise not to betray Xunzi...

Then Deng Zhi changed the subject and asked:

"Lord Xun, how do you plan to coordinate an attack from within and without to help the General break through the city?"

"As far as Zhi knows, the Wei generals and powerful clans in the city are all die-hard loyalists of Cao Wei and are traitors. Xun Gong has been retired for many years, and in his hands..."

Deng Zhi did not continue speaking.

The implication is clear:

You, Xun Yu, have no troops or power; you can only mobilize a hundred or so household servants. The civil and military officials, gentry, and powerful clans in the city are all loyal to Cao Cao, both publicly and privately.

In this situation, how can you coordinate with us from both inside and outside to help us break through the city?
Xun Yu stroked his fine beard lightly, a long-lost confidence flashing across his brows, and smiled:

"Although Yu's wisdom and strategy are not as good as Grand Commandant Xiao's, he is more than capable of dealing with the likes of Cao Chun, Dong Zhao, and Chen Qun."

"In short, I have my own methods. Bo Miao, you only need to tell the General and Grand Commandant Xiao that if three smoke signals rise from the city in three days, then just attack the city."

"I can guarantee that you will be able to conquer Xuchang without lifting a finger!"

Deng Zhi was taken aback at first, then smiled.

The man before us is none other than the renowned Xun Wenruo.

If placed within the Chu state's camp, he would be comparable to Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.

With his ability to deal with Cao Chun and Dong Zhao's group, is there any need to doubt his capabilities?

Think about this.

Deng Zhi was relieved and smiled, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Indeed, Zhi was overthinking it. With Xun Gong's words, Zhi is relieved."

"Then Zhi will send a message outside the city and act according to Xun Gong's plan."

The two reached an agreement on this matter.

Deng Zhi then instructed his trusted confidants to bribe the patrolling Wei soldiers with a large sum of money, and when the opportunity arose, to shoot the secret letter out of the city with an arrow.

The Chu army besieging the city saw that the secret letter bore the name Deng Zhi and immediately presented it to Guan Yu and Xiao He.

Seeing that their plan was complete, the father-in-law and son-in-law issued orders to prepare for the fall of the city.

...

Three days later, when the lanterns are hung high in the sky.

Inside the Chu camp, the 70,000 Chu soldiers had already had a hearty meal and were well-rested.

Seventy thousand soldiers, clad in armor and armed with weapons, stood solemnly in the camp, ready for battle.

Inside the camp, nearly fifty divine thunder cannons have been built and pushed to the camp gate.

Everything was ready; all that was needed was Guan Yu's order to unleash these dozens of siege weapons, which would then be pushed out of the camp gates and brought before the city of Xudu.

Within the various camps, the atmosphere was tense and fierce, and the soldiers of the three armies were all eager to fight, their blood boiling with excitement.

Guan Yu and Xiao He stood side by side on their horses, gazing at the city walls of Xuchang.

“Bowen, Xun Yu has been out of office for many years and now has no troops or power, with only a hundred servants under his command.”

"With such limited strength, what methods do you think he could possibly have to help us break through the city from within and without?"

Guan Yu glanced sideways at Xiao He, a hint of worry showing between his brows.

Xiao He smiled faintly and comforted him:
"General, rest assured. This Lord Xun is no less intelligent than Shi Yuan. Since he dares to make such a bold statement, he must have a foolproof plan."

"General, there's no need to worry. We can just sit back and wait for the right opportunity."

Guan Yu seemed to be deep in thought, so he stopped talking and kept his gaze fixed on the city walls of Xuchang.

now.

Inside the city of Xudu, in the Xun residence.

With lanterns hanging high and the aroma of wine filling the air, a banquet is underway with guests in full swing.

The guests were mostly scholars from Yingchuan, including Chen Qun.

Needless to say, Chen Qun is currently a favorite of Cao Cao and the nominal head of the civil officials in Xuchang.

The remaining scholars were mostly high-ranking officials in Xuchang, and many of them also held military positions.

Since Cao Wei implemented the policy of allowing both hereditary and private armies to coexist, powerful clans and gentry contributed their household slaves and troops, which were then trained into the Wei army. They themselves also gained military positions to command their own private armies.

Of the 20,000 troops defending Xuchang, at least 10,000 were private soldiers of aristocratic families.

Now, Xun Yu has invited all the aristocratic generals who command these private armies to his residence for a banquet.

The banquet was ostensibly to discuss a plan to defend Xuchang and resist the Chu army.

Although Xun Yu had resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown, his reputation among scholars remained.

When Xu Du was besieged and the country was in peril, the former leader of the scholars stepped forward and gathered everyone to discuss strategies to resist Chu. The morale of the people was greatly boosted, and they all came to the banquet.

After several rounds of drinks, Xun Yu put down his wine cup and coughed lightly.

The hall immediately fell silent. Chen Qun and the other scholars all put down their wine cups and turned their gazes toward Xun Yu.

Everyone looked on expectantly, hoping that Xun Yu would say something inspiring and offer a brilliant strategy for defending Xuchang.

Xun Yu glanced around at the crowd, took a deep breath, and said loudly:

"Gentlemen, the reason I have summoned you all here today is to discuss with you the matter of surrendering to the Great Chu."

"Yu has decided to abandon Wei and return to Chu, surrendering the city to the King of Chu. I wonder if any of you are willing to accompany Yu?"

This statement came out.

The hall erupted in an uproar.

(End of this chapter)