Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 195 Cao Cao Takes Nanyang, Liu Bei Disrupts Yuan Shu

Historically, Cao Cao was blinded by a series of victories after Zhang Xiu surrendered without a fight.

Otherwise, there's no way to explain why Cao Cao, who was usually so wise and decisive, suddenly became so wary after entering Wancheng.

Ultimately, because he slept with Zhang Xiu's aunt, Zhang Xiu rebelled, and Cao Cao's army suffered a crushing defeat.

This not only cost Cao Cao his beloved general Dian Wei, but also his most valued successor, thus completely changing the future landscape of Cao Wei.

Fortunately, under Cao Yan's planning, Cao Cao successfully overcame the difficulties and even took over most of Nanyang Commandery. Cao Yan also captured the mineral-rich Fuyang County, which was a pretty good outcome.

Cao Cao and Zhang Xiu discussed the past and present, exploring the general trend of the world, from the comparison of the strength of various warlords to the future direction of the situation, leaving no stone unturned.

They talked until late at night, and finally fell asleep side by side, as if the previous conflict had never happened.

By the time Liu Biao realized that Zhang Xiu had taken Xinye and other places for Cao Cao, it was too late.

Cao Cao had already ordered Zhang Liao and Li Dian to take over Xinye and Rangxian, and had also ordered Cao Chun to guard Wancheng, thus completing the deployment of defenses.

Cao Cao himself led the remaining soldiers, along with Zhang Xiu's remaining few thousand troops, back to Xuchang in Yingchuan.

Cao Yan will continue to operate in Fuyang County for a while and will not return for the time being.

The news that Cao Cao had captured Wancheng and most of Nanyang County quickly spread throughout the land, causing a great shock.

All the warlords realized that Cao Cao's power had expanded again, and his influence in the Central Plains was becoming increasingly strong.

Ji Province, Yuan Shao's main camp.

Xu You stood in the center of the tent, his expression solemn. He cupped his hands and said to Yuan Shao, "My lord, Cao Cao, relying on the emperor's prestige and his cunning schemes, has taken Wancheng and most of Nanyang Commandery. Although Liu Biao of Jingzhou is furious, he dares not speak out!"

Yuan Shao was resting his forehead on one hand, filled with regret.

Initially, Ju Shou, Tian Feng, Xu You, and others advised him to welcome the emperor and use him to command the feudal lords, but he took the lead in opposing it.

Now, Cao Cao, relying on the emperor, recruits talented people, issues orders, and acts arrogantly.

While rapidly expanding their own strength, they also displayed their power and prestige, making Yuan Shao quite envious.

Although Yuan Shao regretted his actions, he was too ashamed to admit his mistake and could only remain silent.

At this moment, Ju Shou also stepped forward.

He glared at Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and others who had strongly advised Yuan Shao not to flatter the emperor, then cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to my lord, Cao Cao has not only taken over most of Nanyang Commandery, but has also forged an imperial edict ordering Liu Bei, who is stationed in Xiaopei, to send troops to attack Yuan Shu."

This is a scheme to use one enemy to devour another; their ambition to seize Xuzhou and Yangzhou is now crystal clear!

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao felt a throbbing pain in his temples.

Yuan Shu, that scoundrel, it's simply incomprehensible what's going on in his head.

Although the Han dynasty is now in decline and warlords are vying for power, the hearts of the people still yearn for the Han.

In such a complex situation, it is extremely foolish of you, Yuan Shu, to rashly declare yourself emperor and become the target of everyone's criticism!

Originally, the Yuan brothers, one in the north and one in the south, had formed a dual-power structure that divided the country.

As long as we develop steadily, and join forces in the future, who among the feudal lords of the world can resist us?

After eliminating all the rivals, it was time to settle things behind closed doors and discuss matters between the brothers.

Regardless of who wins or loses in the end, it will all be the Yuan family's world!
Thinking of this, Yuan Shao felt indignant and regretful, and couldn't help but think to himself, "Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu, you are not worth discussing things with! Cao Mengde's words back then were truly accurate."

However, when Yuan Shao thought of Cao Cao, he also thought of Wancheng and Nanyang County, and then of the importance of the emperor... He became increasingly agitated, and not only did his temples throb, but his brain also began to throb.

At this moment, Guo Tu, who had been silent all along, suddenly said angrily, "That Liu Bei is really foolish. He actually accepted the order to attack Yuan Shu. Doesn't he know that it was Cao Cao's forged order, and not a real imperial edict?"

Tian Feng stepped forward and retorted, "What's the difference? Liu Bei claims to be a descendant of the Han dynasty. How could he dare to disobey the imperial court's orders?"

Guo Tu then asked, "Then why didn't Liu Biao, Liu Yao, and the others obey the order?" Tian Feng calmly replied, "Because they are true members of the Han imperial family."

Guo Tu was speechless. Tian Feng's words made so much sense that he couldn't refute them.

Only those who feel guilty need to do things to prove themselves.

Liu Biao and Liu Yao were legitimate members of the Han imperial family, and they didn't need to rely on any external things to prove their identity.

Although Yuan Shu's declaration of himself as emperor dealt a great blow to the reputation of the Han Dynasty, the one who suffered the most was the young emperor who was controlled by Cao Cao. If anyone should have a headache, it was Cao Cao. Why were they in such a hurry?
These people are all shrewd; only Liu Bei, with his unclear lineage as a descendant of the Han dynasty, needs an opportunity to prove his identity.

Tian Feng rarely saw his rival Guo Tu speechless, so he pressed his advantage and said, "Cao Cao saw through Liu Bei's weakness and thus predicted that Liu Bei would be ordered to send troops to attack Yuan Shu in order to protect his image."

Ju Shou continued, "By cleverly using the emperor's edict, Cao Cao eliminated the threats from Liu Bei and Lü Bu, which gave him the courage to personally lead a large army to attack Zhang Xiu in Wancheng."

After saying this, Ju Shou clutched his chest, feeling immense heartache.

If Yuan Shao had listened to their advice and welcomed the emperor first, this advantage would now belong to them.

Yuan Shao felt increasingly uncomfortable as he listened. Although he had made a mistake in his decision-making, did they really need to keep bringing up the past?

Seeing that Tian Feng was about to speak again, Yuan Shao impatiently stopped him, saying, "Enough! The emperor is already in Cao Cao's hands. Do you think we can snatch him back?"

As soon as Yuan Shao said this, the hall fell silent.

After a long pause, Xu You's voice, tinged with a hint of relief, rang out: "My lord is wise!"

Yuan Shao looked bewildered, not understanding why he had suddenly become so wise again.

Xu You explained, "My lord, Gongsun Zan is already besieged in Yijing. He's like a grasshopper in autumn, he won't be able to jump around for many more days. After we completely eliminate Gongsun Zan and occupy Youzhou, we'll have to consider how to deal with Cao Cao."

Yuan Shao suddenly realized, thinking to himself, "Yes! Before the north was unified, Cao Cao was my ally and my solid support, like a close brother."

But after I eliminated Gongsun Zan and unified the north, Cao Cao became an obstacle on my southward march, and a battle between us was inevitable!

Having figured this out, Yuan Shao's jealousy of Cao Cao gradually dissipated.

Anyway, as long as Cao Cao is eliminated, the emperor will still be in our hands.

Let Cao Cao take care of the emperor for me for a few days. Once I'm free, I'll go and retrieve him myself!
I see,

Yuan Shao slowly rose to his feet.

His eyes swept across the civil and military officials in the hall with disdain.

He said loudly, "Let Cao Cao be smug for a few more days."

"Once we've eliminated Gongsun Zan and unified the north, we'll show him what true strength is!"

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed and shouted in greeting.
"My lord is mighty!"

"My lord is wise!"

……

Meanwhile, Liu Bei, who was stationed in Xiaopei, received a fake imperial edict from Cao Cao.

Although Liu Bei knew that this was Cao Cao's edict, he dared not disobey.

Liu Bei has always considered himself a descendant of the Han dynasty and has always used the restoration of the Han dynasty as his slogan. If he disobeys the court's orders at this moment, it will damage his reputation and will be even more detrimental to his ability to recruit talents and govern the region in the future.

After weighing the options, Liu Bei decided to obey orders and send troops to attack Yuan Shu.

However, Liu Bei's strength was far inferior to Yuan Shu's, so he dared not fight him head-on. Therefore, he adopted guerrilla tactics, frequently moving in and out of the Huai River basin to find the weak points of Yuan Shu's army and carry out raids.

(End of this chapter)