The Three Kingdoms: The entire Cao Cao camp thought I was weak and frail.

After quietly replenishing his energy for half an hour beside Guo Jia, Xun Hao slowly shifted his body and gently placed his hand on Guo Jia's arm.

Battery level: 98%

Yes, it's very peaceful.

He closed his eyes and took a nap in peace.

He was awakened again by a slight noise. Guo Jia had already sat up and was carefully putting on his outer robe.

"Awake?" Xun Hao asked softly.

"Mmm." Guo Jia's voice was hoarse from just waking up. "Lie down a little longer."

"I have important business to attend to." He reached out and poked Guo Jia's cheek. "Changwen and Boran have just arrived, so we must introduce them to our lord."

Recalling yesterday's farce, Xun Hao wished he could just die on the spot.

What have I been doing?

In front of his elder brother, sister-in-law, Xi Zhicai, and Chen Qun and Zhao Yan whom he hadn't seen in a long time, he even said such inappropriate things as "You don't stay in my room every night."

Xun Hao covered his face, feeling his skin burning hot.

His lifelong reputation, his image as a strategist and aloof immortal, has been completely shattered.

"Why are you blushing when we talk about Changwen and Boran?" Guo Jia leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against Xun Hao's ear.

Is this guy some kind of jealous vat reincarnated? Xun Hao was utterly speechless.

An hour later, in the council hall of Cao Cao's mansion.

Chen Qun and Zhao Yan stood on either side of the center of the hall.

"Chen Qun greets the lord."

"Zhao Yan greets his lord."

Both men were exceptional individuals. Chen Qun possessed a dignified and solemn demeanor, exuding an air of strict discipline; Zhao Yan, on the other hand, was reserved and composed, his eyes revealing a keen insight into people's hearts.

"Excellent, excellent!" Cao Cao strode down from the main seat, personally helping the two men to their feet, his face filled with undisguised admiration. "Fengxiao has recommended two great talents to me; I consider myself to have found a treasure!"

He pulled Chen Qun aside and talked at length about governance and people's livelihood; he also asked Zhao Yan what his views were on the defense of Yanzhou.

The two answered each other fluently and with unique insights, clearly having come prepared in advance.

Xun Hao sat quietly in his seat, watching this scene with considerable satisfaction.

Although Chen Qun's "Nine-Rank System for Officials" was criticized by later generations, it was an effective way to break the monopoly of aristocratic families and select practical talents in the present day. Zhao Yan, in particular, was able to stand alone in his position and was appointed Minister of Works.

After the meeting concluded, the crowd did not immediately disperse. Cao Cao, in a very good mood, kept them there to talk.

"Wenruo! I heard you brought your family here? Hahaha, what a joyous occasion!"

Xun Yu smiled and said, "It's all thanks to the lord's good fortune."

Cao Cao sighed and said softly, "My old father is all alone in Qiao County. I wonder... how is his health?"

Upon hearing this, the joyful atmosphere in the hall immediately subsided somewhat.

Xiahou Dun spoke in a deep, muffled voice, "If my lord misses the old master, he can simply send someone to fetch him. Now that Yanzhou is pacified, it's a good opportunity for the old master to come to Puyang and enjoy his retirement!"

"My lord wishes to bring the old master here. I have something to say, but I don't know whether I should or not."

Cao Cao looked at him, somewhat surprised. Yan Ruo usually didn't interfere in such family matters.

"Please feel free to speak."

Xun Hao stepped forward and walked to the map.

"The old master must have passed through Xuzhou on his way from Langya to Yanzhou." He drew a clear route on the map with his finger.

"Although Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, was known for his benevolence, he was indecisive and his rule was plagued by countless remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and bandits. Banditry was especially rampant in the area where Taishan County bordered Xuzhou."

"The old master was carrying a vast fortune, and his caravan stretched for miles. Such a large target would have unimaginable consequences if it were spotted by bandits."

Cao Cao's gaze lingered on the map for a moment, then he let out a hearty laugh.

He stepped forward and patted Xun Hao's slightly thin shoulder with his broad hand.

"Yanruo, I understand your concerns. But I don't take those rabble from Mount Tai seriously. I've decided to order Zilian to lead a thousand elite soldiers to personally escort them, and the counties along the way will also send troops to provide support. What are these mere bandits worth mentioning?"

"Rest assured, my lord, even if it costs me my life, I will protect the old master!" Cao Hong pounded his breastplate and accepted the order with a heartfelt sigh.

Just as Cao Hong turned around, preparing to immediately muster his troops and set off, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the council hall.

A scout rushed in. "Report—"

"Reporting to my lord! Urgent news from Rencheng! A procession carrying imperial regalia has arrived in Rencheng! The leader identifies himself as the newly appointed Governor of Yanzhou, Jin Shang!"

"The Governor of Yanzhou?" Xiahou Dun was the first to jump up. "Yanzhou was conquered by my lord with every sword and spear! Who does Jin Shang think he is, daring to steal the fruits of our labor? My lord, I request permission to lead the troops and drive him out!"

"Yuan Rang, don't be rash!" Xun Yu immediately spoke up to stop him, his expression also not looking good.

Xun You then spoke, his voice steady: "Jin Shang was appointed by the court, and there must be someone else behind him instigating him. If our army kills him without cause, we will be giving them a handle to use against us."

"But our lord once said that once the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled, he would submit a memorial to the court to request other capable officials..." Chen Qun was far away in Yingchuan at the time, but he had heard about Cao Cao's declaration before he took office as the governor of Yanzhou.

The platitudes he uttered to win over the hearts of the people and stabilize the gentry of Yanzhou have now become a thorn in his side.

Cao Cao's expression was far from pleasant.

"What's the rush?"

Guo Jia yawned and sauntered out from beside Xun Hao. He leaned against a pillar, looking like he hadn't woken up yet.

"My lord spoke of waiting until the Yellow Turbans are quelled," he said, a playful smile playing on his lips, "but has the Yellow Turban rebellion in Yanzhou truly been quelled?"

Xiahou Dun was taken aback, blinked, and didn't understand.

The strategists in the hall instantly grasped Guo Jia's unspoken meaning. Xun Yu and Xun You exchanged a glance, and even the usually serious Cheng Yu's lips twitched slightly.

Yes, who said the Yellow Turban Rebellion was quelled?

"The main force has surrendered, but the remnants are still there." Guo Jia spread his hands confidently. "Didn't General Yuanrang just 'annihilate' several bandit groups entrenched in Mengshan and other places a few days ago? In my opinion, the Yellow Turban remnants are still rampant in Yanzhou!"

"Fengxiao is right." Cheng Yu looked at Cao Cao. "Moreover, if the newly appointed governor of the court were to be harassed by these 'rampant remnants of the Yellow Turbans' on his way to his post, wouldn't that further prove that the banditry in Yanzhou is still not quelled and that we cannot do without a strongman like you, my lord, to keep things under control?"

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

A few breaths later, Cao Cao let out a burst of suppressed laughter.

"Hahaha! Well said! I hereby issue the order: Yue Jin... to lead a thousand soldiers to Rencheng immediately to 'suppress the bandits'!"

"Yes, sir!" Yue Jin stepped forward, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

Two days later, the news arrived.

The newly appointed Governor of Yan Province, Jin Shang, was ambushed by thousands of Yellow Turban rebels outside Rencheng. His entourage was completely destroyed, and his followers suffered heavy casualties. Jin Shang himself, under the desperate protection of his personal guards, fled in disarray to Nanyang and sought refuge with Yuan Shu.