The Three Kingdoms: Hindsight is 20/20, and the Three Revivals of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 107 Tian Yu persuades Xianyu Fu, and the officials and soldiers of Dai Commandery submit to Liu Bei (2nd update)
Faced with Wang Song's question, Liu Fang pondered for a moment before giving his answer:

"In the past, when Dong Zhuo rebelled, heroes rose up everywhere, and powerful figures from various counties established their own independent regimes. Only Cao Cao supported the Emperor, was ordered to punish the guilty, and was invincible. Even a powerful figure like Yuan Shu was no match for Cao Cao. Now, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao are fighting at Guandu. Although Cao Cao's troops are fewer in number than Yuan Shao's, their bravery surpasses Yuan Shao's. I predict that Cao Cao will be the one to unify the world! If you, Prefect, wish to contend with Liu Bei, you should emulate Ying Bu, who abandoned his position as the Southern Emperor and returned to Han with his sword, surrendering himself to Cao Cao. In this way, even if you kill Liu Bei, Yuan Shao will be powerless against you!"

In short: Cao Cao can conquer the world, Prefect Wang, you should hurry up and go and join Cao Cao.

“That is true.” Wang Song stroked his short beard, his tone conflicted. “But if I were to submit to Cao Cao, I would definitely be transferred to another post in the future. Moreover, the Battle of Guandu is still unresolved, and it would be too early to send someone to befriend Cao Cao now.”

In Yuyang, Wang Song could act as a local tyrant who did whatever he wanted; but with Cao Cao, Wang Song's words and actions were no longer his own.

The two are not comparable in terms of power.

Therefore, Wang Song was unwilling to rely on Cao Cao if he could avoid it.

Mind this.

Wang Song added, "In my opinion, we should first join forces with Yan Rou of Guangyang, Xianyu Fu of Daijun, and the kings of Wuhuan. In this way, we won't have to worry about attracting Yuan Shao's army after defeating Liu Bei. If Cao Cao can truly unify the world, he will definitely be able to defeat Yuan Shao at Guandu. At that time, it won't be too late to surrender to Cao Cao."

Those who can establish their own independent territories are not willing to be subordinate to others.

Liu Fang considered following the general trend to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, while Wang Song considered whether he could act as he pleased and speak and act as he pleased. Neither of them was right or wrong; they were simply in different positions and therefore considered different advantages and disadvantages.

Seeing that Wang Song was unwilling to contact Cao Cao, Liu Fang stopped trying to persuade him. He sent people to contact Yan Rou, Xianyu Yin and the kings of Wuhuan, while preparing his army to defend against Liu Bei.

In Dai County.

Upon returning from Guandu, Xianyu Fu excitedly boasted to Tian Yu, "Fortunately, Guo Rang guided me and led me to dedicate myself to Cao Cao, which is why I have achieved such fame today. Cao Cao has already petitioned the Emperor to appoint me as the Left General Who Crosses the Liao River, enfeoff me as a Marquis, and ordered me to pacify this prefecture."

Seeing the unusual expression on Tian Yu's face, Xianyu Fu was surprised: "Is Guo Rang not happy that I was granted a title and appointed a general? Could it be that he resents me for not being able to secure fame and fortune for Guo Rang?"

Xianyu Fu, believing he had guessed Tian Yu's thoughts, patted his chest and assured him, "Guorang, rest assured, I am a grateful person. As soon as Cao Cao defeats Yuan Shao, I will replace Yuan Xi! When I become the Governor of Youzhou, Guorang will be the Prefect of Youzhou!"

Tian Yu's expression became even more complicated: "I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

Xianyu Fu was even more puzzled: "What's wrong with you today, Guo? With our friendship, is there anything you can't say frankly?"

Tian Yu hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and cupped his hands in a gesture of supplication: "I would like to request that the Prefect lead the officials and soldiers of this prefecture to submit to the Left General."

Xianyu Fu's eyes widened: "General Zuo? Which General Zuo?"

Tian Yu said solemnly, "The Left General, the Marquis of Yicheng, is also Liu Bei Liu Xuande, the current Prefect of Zhuojun appointed by the Grand General."

Xianyu Fu's surprise gradually disappeared, replaced by solemnity: "Guorang, what you mean by leading the officials and soldiers of this prefecture to submit to the Left General is that you want me to devote myself to the Left General?"

Tian Yu nodded solemnly: "That's exactly what I meant!"

Xianyu Fu stared intently at Tian Yu, as if trying to re-evaluate him: "Guorang, I need a reason. Why did you first make me pledge my allegiance to Cao Cao, and then to the Left General?" Seeing that Xianyu Fu was not angry, Tian Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his tone apologetic: "It was my fault for causing the Prefect to travel back and forth and for breaking my promise to Cao Cao. In the past, I advised the Prefect to join Cao Cao because Cao Cao was supporting the Emperor and punishing rebellious ministers; his power was at its zenith, and I firmly believed that Cao Cao could bring peace to the world. It was not an empty boast, but Cao Cao's strategic brilliance was indeed unmatched by Yuan Shao."

“When I was young, I served under General Zuo. Later, due to my mother’s illness, I asked to return home. I felt ashamed and thought I had no face to see General Zuo again. However, a few dozen days ago, Jian Yong and Jian Xianhe, trusted confidants of General Zuo, suddenly came to Dai County to find me, saying that General Zuo was about to return to Youzhou and wanted to ask me to help him accomplish great things.”

“I have not yet repaid the kindness that General Zuo once showed me; nor have I yet repaid the debt I owed to General Zuo. Therefore, I accepted Jian Xianhe’s invitation to persuade the prefect to lead the officials and soldiers of this prefecture to surrender to General Zuo.”

Tian Yu explained everything in detail, without hiding anything.

Liu Bei was his former lord, and Xianyu Fu was his close friend.

Tian Yu was unwilling to forget the kindness of his former master, nor did he want to hurt his close friendship. Therefore, he kept his head down and hands clasped in apology as he spoke.

Seeing Tian Yu in such a state, Xianyu Fu felt a pang of pity and couldn't help but sigh. He then stepped forward and helped Tian Yu up, saying, "I am shallow in wisdom and do not understand the big picture. If it weren't for Guo Rang's help in Dai County, how could I have survived to this day? Whoever Guo Rang tells me to support, I will support!"

Tian Yu looked up in astonishment, feeling even more guilty: "If the governor submits to the Left General, not only will he not become the governor of Youzhou, but he will also break his promise to Cao Cao. If the governor is unwilling to submit to the Left General, he should not be forced."

Xianyu Fu deliberately put on a stern face: "Why does Guo Rang look down on me? Cao Cao and I have no friendship, so whether he breaks his promise or not is not important. But Guo Rang and I are sworn brothers. How can I abandon my years of friendship with Guo Rang for Cao Cao's sake? I would rather be the one who breaks his promise and offend Cao Cao than be the one who is unrighteous and lose Guo Rang."

Tian Yu was deeply moved: "It is truly an honor to know the Prefect!"

Xianyu Fu's expression relaxed, and he laughed loudly: "Where has your former arrogance gone? Why should we be so polite between us? When should I lead the officials and soldiers of this prefecture to submit to the Left General?"

Tian Yu was even more grateful, and then told Xianyu Fu about Liu Bei's plan to attack the six counties of Youzhou, among other things. He said, "The sooner we submit to the Left General, the better!"

Xianyu Fu asked in surprise, "General Zuo has only been in Zhuojun for a short time, yet you are in such a hurry to attack the six commanderies. Could it be that you have determined that the battle between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao at Guandu will end this year?"

Tian Yu nodded: "Yuan Shao and Cao Cao together have more than 100,000 infantry and cavalry, and hundreds of thousands of laborers. Their daily food and fodder needs are enormous, so the battle won't last long. If Cao Cao wins, Yuan Shao will have no choice but to acquiesce to the Left General taking control of Youzhou, no matter how unwilling he is. If Cao Cao loses, the Left General can take control of the seven counties of Youzhou to block Yuan Shao."

Xianyu Fu was stern and awe-inspiring.

Although Xianyu Fu was not good at understanding the big picture, he was not entirely without any sense.

After listening to Tian Yuyi's analysis, they understood the pros and cons.

In other words, if Xianyu Fu refuses to lead the local officials and soldiers to surrender to Liu Bei, Liu Bei will launch a swift and decisive attack on Xianyu Fu!

Liu Bei didn't have time to deal with Xianyu Fu!
Tian Yu was saving Xianyu Fu's life!

Mind this.

Xianyu Fu has no more doubts!
(End of this chapter)