Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 80 If you want me to regret this, I'll have no choice but to destroy the Yuan family.

The sounds of battle at Guandu finally subsided. More than ten miles north of Yuan's camp, the ground was littered with corpses and abandoned weapons and flags of Yuan's army.

Yuan Shao's 90,000-strong army was almost completely annihilated, with fewer than 10,000 escaping and nearly 30,000 captured. Cao Cao's army won a great victory in this battle.

"Long live Lord Cao!" "Long live Lord Cao!" On the blood-stained battlefield, Cao Cao's soldiers were excited, waving their weapons and cheering loudly. "My dear son-in-law, if it weren't for you, it would be me, Cao Cao, who suffered a crushing defeat today!" "I, Cao Cao, will always owe you!" Cao Cao enjoyed the cheers of his soldiers, looked back towards Guandu, and his eyes were filled with gratitude.

As night fell, a grand victory banquet was held at Guandu. Cao Cao feasted on wine and meat to reward his soldiers who had distinguished themselves in the battle.

Throughout Guandu City, Cao Cao's soldiers sang and danced in jubilation. After Cao Cao and his generals had drunk their fill, Cao Cao took a cup of wine and went to the prison tent where Yuan Shao was being held.

He stood outside the cage, looking at the disheveled Yuan Shao, and said calmly, "Benchu, it's been a long time." Yuan Shao's body trembled, and he suddenly opened his eyes. Cao Cao was already in front of him. The old friend who followed him to eliminate the eunuchs, the comrade-in-arms who raised the banner of righteousness with him to fight against Dong Zhuo, and the nemesis with whom he had just fought to the death.

Now, he stands proudly before him as the victor. He himself, however, can only be a prisoner, separated by a cell, facing Cao Cao's condescending gaze. "Cao Cao..."

Yuan Shao, his face filled with shame and indignation, spat out that name through gritted teeth.

"Yuan Benchu, a man of noble lineage who has served as a high-ranking official for four generations and whose name is known throughout the land, must have felt terrible to lose to me, the descendant of a eunuch in your eyes."

Cao Cao asked with a self-deprecating smile.

Yuan Shao grew increasingly ashamed and enraged, saying bitterly, "Cao Cao, don't be so smug! If it weren't for Gu Cheng's help, how could you be my match? I was defeated by Gu Cheng, not by you!"

"So what?"

Cao Cao smiled disdainfully: "Gu Cheng is a strategist bestowed upon me by Heaven. Your defeat by his schemes is a defeat by the will of Heaven!"

These two words struck Yuan Shao like a thunderbolt. He swayed, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. "Heaven's will, Heaven's will..."

"Could it be that he is truly favored by Heaven and destined to rule the world?" Yuan Shao was lost in thought and confusion.

"Benchu." The sarcasm on Cao Cao's face disappeared, replaced by a hint of mutual respect between heroes.

"Though we are mortal enemies, we were once comrades-in-arms. Today, we fight to the death simply because our paths diverge. As your mortal enemy, I have no choice but to behead you to deter the wicked from the world!" "As your friend, I promise to give you a dignified burial, befitting a duke." "This cup of wine is my farewell." With that, Cao Cao offered the cup of wine to Yuan Shao with both hands. "Friend?"

"My family, Yuan Shao, has held high office for four generations. Those who can be my friends are all scions of noble families! From beginning to end, I've never considered you a friend." "You're not worthy!" Yuan Shao's words remained arrogant; even on his deathbed, he still relied on his status and looked down on Cao Cao's humble origins. "I see. Then I, Cao Cao, am doing you a disservice." Cao Cao, however, was not angry. Instead, he magnanimously mocked himself, raising his cup and draining it. He tossed the cup aside, turned, and strode away. "Cao Mengde!"

Yuan Shao suddenly remembered something and shouted. Cao Cao stopped but didn't turn around. Yuan Shao gritted his teeth and said, "The victor is king, the loser is villain. I accept defeat to you, but I only want to see Gu Cheng before I die!" Cao Cao didn't reply and continued walking away. "Cao Mengde, I want to see Gu Cheng!"

"I want to know who I lost to, or I will die with my eyes open in disbelief!" "I want to see Gu Cheng!" The hysterical plea echoed in the prison tent.

Outside the tent.

Dian Wei said indignantly, "Minister of Works, this Yuan Shao is truly arrogant. Even on the verge of death, he still dares to boast about his family's high-ranking position. He's utterly despicable!"

"How awful! I don't think so at all."

"He relies on his illustrious family background, but now he can only shout at me from behind the cage. Just thinking about it makes me feel incredibly satisfied," Cao Cao sneered, showing no anger whatsoever. Dian Wei suddenly realized and sighed, "Yuan Shao's narrow-mindedness is far beyond that of the Minister of Works. He truly deserved to be defeated by the Minister of Works."

"He is right about one thing: he was not defeated by me, Cao Cao, but by my son-in-law," Cao Cao sighed.

Dian Wei hurriedly asked, "Yuan Shao wants to see Prince Liheng, but the Minister of Works won't allow it?"

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then said, "Considering our past friendship, let Zixiu go and ask Liheng. Whether he wants to see Liheng depends on whether Liheng is willing to see him."

"My Gu family pharmacy earned a total of thirty million coins in this battle." "The weapons shop reaped the greatest rewards, earning a total of forty million coins." "After this Battle of Guandu, our Gu family has made a total of over two hundred million coins." Inside the military tent, Zhou Tai was reporting the Gu family's business to Gu Cheng. Lü Lingqi cupped her hands and said, "Congratulations, Gu Lang! You've made a fortune from the war!" "Your words sound a bit awkward to me, like you're talking about a ruthless businessman," Gu Cheng said with a self-deprecating smile.

"Liheng, you can't say that. If you don't make money from this war, someone else will." "Our Gu family's medicines contain that antibiotic you mentioned," making them at least ten times more potent than those from other pharmacies. They have saved countless wounded soldiers for Cao Cao.

"Besides, the repeating crossbows and the divine thunder cannons you sold made great contributions to Cao Cao's victory in the Battle of Guandu." "And yet, we only made a little over two hundred million. I think the one who really made a fortune was Cao Cao." Zhou Tai quickly stood up to "speak out" for Gu Cheng.

Gu Cheng nodded repeatedly, giving a thumbs-up and saying, "Youping's words are well said; they sound much more comforting." His words had barely faded when...

Footsteps sounded, and Cao Ang, with a grateful expression, stepped into the main tent. "Why does the eldest young master have time to come here instead of celebrating with Lord Cao?" Gu Cheng asked with a smile.

Cao Ang was filled with gratitude and cupped his hands in thanks: "Brother Gu's plan to launch a seven-pronged night attack enabled our army to defeat Yuan's army in one fell swoop and even capture Yuan Shao alive. Such a great achievement deserves my gratitude."

"Young Master, you flatter me." Gu Cheng waved his hand magnanimously: "Since I have agreed to come out of seclusion and help you devise strategies, this is simply my duty, and there is no merit to speak of."

As he spoke, he poured a glass of wine for Cao Ang.

"Come, young master, it is I who should congratulate Lord Cao in advance for bringing Hebei into his territory and unifying the north!" Gu Cheng raised his cup and laughed.

Cao Ang was greatly encouraged, laughed heartily, and drank the cup in one gulp.

"If nothing unexpected happens, Cao Cao should behead Yuan Shao to deter the villains of the land," Gu Cheng asked casually, setting down his wine cup.

"Brother Gu understands Father well. He is right, he does intend to kill Yuan Shao." Cao Ang nodded slightly, but then said, "However, before his execution, Yuan Shao asked to see Brother Gu, so I came here specifically to ask Brother Gu if he would be willing to see him."

"See me?" Gu Cheng looked puzzled. "It's really strange that this Mr. Yuan, on his deathbed, wanted to see someone like me who has absolutely no connection with him."

"Gu Lang's schemes cost him his army of 100,000. He wanted to see you before he died, probably so he could die in peace."

"I guessed," Lu Lingqi guessed. Gu Cheng seemed to understand.

Cao Ang then asked, "So, Brother Gu, should we meet Yuan Shao or not?"

Gu Cheng waved his hand and said, "Let him see me then. Lingqi has already said that we should let this Lord Yuan die knowing why." Gu Cheng then got up and left the tent, heading towards the prison tent.

Outside the main tent, executioners were already in position, sharpening their blades, preparing for the execution. Gu Cheng casually walked into the tent and said indifferently, "Lord Yuan, I heard you wanted to see me, so I've come." (Inside the cage.)

Yuan Shao, who had been resignedly awaiting death with his eyes closed, suddenly jolted and opened them abruptly. A handsome young man was already standing before him. "You...you are Gu Cheng?" Yuan Shao stood up, looking him up and down, his eyes filled with suspicion. "It is indeed I." Gu Cheng nodded slightly. Yuan Shao gasped, shaking his head repeatedly, muttering, "How could this be? Such a shrewd and calculating person is just such a young boy—"

"Mr. Yuan, you want to see me, surely not just to make a fuss and question my age?" Gu Cheng said dismissively.

Yuan Shao's body stiffened, and he suddenly came to his senses. A look of resentment ignited within him, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "Gu Cheng, I have no grudge against you, why did you help Cao Cao, bringing me to this state?"

"Yuan Gong's words are rather lacking in sophistication."

"Heroes of the world serve their own masters; who among them harbors grudges?" Gu Cheng's words left Yuan Shao speechless, his face flushing red. Yuan Shao clenched his fist, then clenched it again, asking, "Then what kind of person was I back then? I condescended to send my two sons to Xuchang to invite you to serve me; why did you not appreciate this?"

"Yuan Shao, even as you face death, you still can't shake your condescending and self-righteous nature," Gu Cheng sighed, shaking his head.

Yuan Shao, mocked, suddenly opened his eyes wide, his anger flaring up.

Before he could react, Gu Cheng coldly said, "I've already had Yuan Xi relay my reasons to you. You are destined to lose to Cao Cao. If I were to serve you, wouldn't that be offending Cao Cao and asking for trouble?"

"Nonsense!" Yuan Shao grabbed the cage and roared at him, "If it weren't for your strategizing, how could Cao Cao, that eunuch descendant, possibly have defeated me? I was defeated by you, not Cao Cao!"

Gu Cheng sneered, "Yuan Shao, with your abysmal methods of managing your subordinates, your Yuan family's prestige is only superficial. Do you really think you can defeat Cao Cao without my intervention?"

Yuan Shao's body stiffened, his anger turning to astonishment, as if Gu Cheng had struck a nerve. "Your subordinates, including Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and Shen Pei, representing the Hebei gentry, have supported Yuan Shang as their leader, forming their own faction. Xu You, Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and other gentry from the Ru and Ying clans are secretly surrounding Yuan Tan, forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices." "You, believing yourself to be a master of political maneuvering, have allowed your two sons to vie for the throne, resulting in open and covert struggles between the two factions, thinking you can keep them in check and balance each other, preventing either from threatening your authority."

"Do you think everyone is blind enough not to see through your little scheme?" Gu Cheng casually exposed Yuan Shao's thoughts. Yuan Shao's face changed drastically, he gasped for breath, and cold sweat poured down his forehead.

"What a pity, your vision is too narrow. Before the overall situation of the world is settled, you have allowed your ministers to fight amongst themselves, which has depleted the strength of your Yuan family." "It is laughable that you think you are so good at political maneuvering, but unfortunately you are extremely clumsy. You have allowed your ministers to only care about their private fights and completely disregard the overall situation of your Yuan family."

"Xu You offered you advice at Guandu, yet you allowed Shen Pei to imprison his sons and nephews in Yecheng, forcing Xu You to betray you and come to join Cao Cao."

"Do you think that without my intervention, Xu You wouldn't have revealed the secret of the Wuchao grain camp to Cao Cao?" These words struck Yuan Shao like a bolt from the blue. He swayed, collapsed to the ground, utterly bewildered. "Only I knew about Shen Pei's imprisonment of Xu You's nephews. How did you find out?" "What kind of monster are you? Are you human or a god?" Yuan Shao's voice was hoarse, his eyes filled with horror, utterly speechless with shock at Gu Cheng. "Sigh, I was just bored, talking to you so much," Gu Cheng chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"Actually, if it weren't for your second son, Yuan Xi, being so narrow-minded, I wouldn't have been willing to serve your Yuan family, and you would have made me regret it." "Of course I'm afraid of being held accountable by you later, so I can only help Cao Cao to kill your Yuan family. I have no choice but to do so."

At this moment, Yuan Shao was so shocked and confused that he couldn't understand what Gu Cheng was saying at all.

Gu Cheng then said, "Alright, you've seen me, you can rest in peace now. I won't disturb Lord Yuan's journey any longer. Farewell." He cupped his hands in greeting, then turned and strode away.

"Why? How can he know everything about me? Is he a man or a god? Is he a man or a god?"

Yuan Shao muttered to himself, almost like a madman.

Gu Cheng stepped out of the prison tent, while the executioners, carrying large swords, entered. "By order of Minister Cao, we are to escort Lord Yuan on his journey!"

Jingzhou, Longzhong. Wolonggang, thatched cottage. The sun was high in the sky, yet the cottage was still filled with the sound of snoring. Pang Tong hurriedly stepped into the courtyard, about to push open the door. "Brother Shiyuan, my second brother is still asleep. Please don't disturb him," Zhuge Jun said with a smile, stopping him. Pang Tong frowned. "The situation in the north has changed drastically. Kongming still has the leisure to sleep in? I'll wake him." Zhuge Jun said with a bitter face, "My second brother instructed me that unless the sky falls, no matter how urgent the matter, we cannot disturb his sleep. Brother Shiyuan, please don't make things difficult for me."

"It's like the sky has fallen!" Pang Tong pushed Zhuge Jun aside and shouted at the door, "Kongming, stop pretending to be asleep and get up!" A long yawn echoed from inside the thatched cottage.

"Who awakens first from the great dream? I know myself best. I've slept soundly in my thatched cottage this spring, the sun lingering outside the window..." After reciting a poem, Zhuge Liang lazily opened the door, yawning as he walked out. "Shiyuan, when did you become so impatient, disturbing my peace?" Zhuge Liang complained, bending down to pick up the feather fan from the table. Pang Tong said in a deep voice, "The Battle of Guandu is over. Yuan Shao's 100,000 troops have been annihilated, and he has been executed by Cao Cao!" Zhuge Liang's hand trembled slightly, and the feather fan he had just picked up immediately fell back onto the table.