My Three Kingdoms is not right

"Oh, right!" Liu Xun suddenly remembered something, his gaze fixed intently on Liu Bei: "I've heard that Xuande has two sworn sisters, both of whom are incredibly brave. Why aren't they here today?"

Liu Bei was surprised that this prince knew so much about him, and bowed slightly as he replied, "The two women did indeed come with me. They are currently waiting outside the Minister of Works' residence."

Today's banquet is of a very high standard, and both civil and military officials are people who have a place in front of the emperor during court assemblies.

Even if Liu Bei and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were to travel together and sit together, he would not bring them in.

But Liu Xun was eager to meet Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in this world, and also wanted to befriend Liu Bei, so he smiled and looked at Cao Cao, saying, "Mengde, could you perhaps add another seat?"

"That goes without saying," Cao Cao laughed. "Is it how I treat my guests to keep you two generals waiting outside?"

Liu Bei quickly thanked Cao Cao, and when he looked at Liu Xun again, he felt even closer to him.

Soon, footsteps sounded. The butler led the two into the waterside pavilion.

The person in the lead was extremely tall, and his green robe made his pale skin seem to glow.

What's most captivating are those phoenix eyes. Extremely long and narrow, with the corners upturned high, beneath half-closed long lashes, they resemble two thin blades concealing a cold light.

Then one person had a skin tone close to wheat, a round nose, and a pair of bright almond-shaped eyes that looked particularly spirited. The whole person looked full of strength and vitality.

Liu Xun immediately recognized Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and was greatly satisfied.

But knowing that inviting them to sit down on this occasion was already an exception, and being too enthusiastic would only cause them trouble, they simply exchanged pleasantries and greetings.

The guests enjoyed the meal, and Liu Xun even invited Liu Bei and his brothers to meet again at the Wannian Villa the next day.

However, Cao Cao barely touched his chopsticks, drinking cup after cup of wine.

……

After the banquet, Cao Cao escorted Liu Xun to the door.

As he turned to return to his study, his steps were three times heavier than usual, and the hem of his crimson brocade robe swept across the threshold, stirring up a gust of wind.

Inside the study, Cheng Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, and Xun Yu remained.

Guo Jia stopped them just before the banquet ended, saying that the lord asked them to stay a moment longer so he could ask them something.

Cao Cao sat down again, but didn't speak. He simply poured himself another cup of wine. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on her radiant face.

"My lord?"

Cheng Yu tentatively called out, and Cao Cao finally came to his senses.

"Thank you all for waiting," she forced a smile and asked abruptly.

"Why do you think His Highness and Liu Bei get along so well?"

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

Could it be that the lord summoned his advisors in the middle of the night so that they would figure out what a man is thinking?

Guo Jia covered his mouth and chuckled softly, only to be glared at by Cao Cao.

"It was just a casual remark." Cao Cao waved his hand, feeling somewhat embarrassed himself. "I've asked you all to stay today because I have important matters to discuss."

She picked up a scroll of silk from the table, raised her hand and handed it over, her usual composure restored: "Military reports have arrived from Hebei, Fengxiao, tell everyone about it."

Guo Jia put away his smile and said, "A secret report from Ji Province states that Yuan Shao executed Qu Yi on the grounds of 'arrogance and disobedience to orders,' and appointed Yan Liang and Wen Chou as generals to reorganize his troops, preparing to personally lead the army north to besiege Yijing."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed slightly.

Qu Yi was one of Yuan Shao's most capable generals; he was the one who led the infantry to defeat Gongsun Zan's White Horse Cavalry in the Battle of Jieqiao. Yuan Shao's methods were truly ruthless—killing without hesitation.

Xun Yu directly pointed out the current situation: "Gongsun Zan has been besieged in the isolated city for nearly two years, and his supplies and morale are no longer what they used to be. Yuan Shao's personal expedition this time must mean he is confident and determined to capture Yijing."

For a moment, only the crackling of the candlelight could be heard in the hall.

Those present were all intelligent people, and they understood what this meant without needing to say a word.

Yuan Shao's complete unification of Hebei is now in its final countdown.

If Gongsun Zan were to die, Yuan Shao would have no more worries. The four provinces of You, Ji, Bing, and Qing, along with their troops, provisions, manpower, and resources, would all be in her hands.

When that time comes, they will inevitably march south into the Central Plains with overwhelming force.

Cao Cao finished the remaining wine in his cup and put down the wine vessel.

"Yuan Shao's ambitions are growing stronger every day, and sooner or later we will have a battle."

"I cannot sit idly by and wait for her to calmly defeat Gongsun Zan and unite the forces of the four provinces of Hebei."

"So I was thinking," she raised her eyes, a sharp glint in them, "why not take advantage of her focusing her main force on Yijing and lead an elite force north to attack her rear, thus lending Gongsun Zan a helping hand?"

This was a critical strategic decision concerning survival, no wonder Cao Cao summoned his advisors overnight to discuss it.

Cheng Yu spoke first: "My lord's thoughts are not without merit. If Yuan Shao gains control of Hebei, his strength will be ten times that of us. Rather than waiting for him to come, we should strike first."

"No." Xun Yu's voice was gentle but his attitude was firm: "Our army has just suffered a defeat at Wancheng and has not yet recovered its strength. Moreover, Gongsun Zan is not worth saving at all."

"This woman is suspicious, distrustful, and cruel. She killed Liu Yu back then, and the gentry of Youzhou still hate her to the bone. This kind of defeat cannot be saved by our aid."

Seeing that Cao Cao seemed to understand, Xun You added from the side: "Moreover, although Yuan Shu has been defeated, his treacherous intentions have not died; Lü Bu is fickle and has recently reconciled with Yuan Shu."

"If Cao Cao leads his main force north, they could very well take advantage of the situation and attack Xuchang."

Cao Cao frowned slightly: "So, you're saying I can only sit and watch for now?"

"Of course we won't just sit idly by." Guo Jia shook his wine cup, his slightly tipsy eyes revealing a calmness. "What we should do is eliminate the hidden dangers behind us before Yuan Shao has completely pacified Hebei."

Xun Yu nodded in agreement: "Destroy Lü Bu and pacify Xu Province!"

"Lü Bu?" Cao Cao raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly." Xun Yu glanced at Guo Jia, who was drinking with his head tilted back, and explained, "Although Lü Bu is brave, he is fickle and unpopular. Although Chen Gong is wise, he is unable to control his tyranny."

"More importantly, Xuzhou is the heart of the Central Plains and a battleground on all sides. If we can capture Xuzhou, our army can connect Yanzhou and Yuzhou, control Qingzhou to the east, and suppress Jingzhou and Yangzhou to the south."

"Stabilize our rear, and then observe the changes in Hebei. By then, regardless of whether Yuan Shao has already defeated Gongsun Zan, our army will have the strength to fight."

Cao Cao listened quietly, his fingers tracing invisible lines on the table.

After a moment, he nodded and said, "That makes sense. I was too hasty."

Guo Jia suddenly put down his wine cup and asked with a smile, "Does my lord know why I left Ye City?"

Cao Cao was slightly taken aback, wondering why she suddenly brought this up: "Fengxiao resigned his post because Wenruo sent a letter inviting you to join my ranks."

Guo Jia nodded: "My lord, do you still remember how I evaluated Yuan Shao when we first met?"

"You say Yuan Shao cannot succeed."

"Indeed. I have been in Xuchang for quite some time now and have witnessed the grandeur of your presence, my lord. Therefore, I dare to assert today that your victory over Yuan Shao is assured!"