Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 81: Stealing the meat from the pot?

A look of shock flashed across his eyes. "Yuan Shao's army of 100,000 was completely wiped out?" "Cao Cao actually won the Battle of Guandu and even killed Yuan Shao?" "Brother Shiyuan, you can't be serious, can you? This is no joke!" Zhuge Jun's face changed color in horror, his expression one of disbelief.

Pang Tong rolled his eyes at him: "How could I joke about something like this? This is a message just sent back from the prefecture by my Pang family. I came here immediately to tell your second brother."

Zhuge Jun gasped, muttering in astonishment, "The war has only been going on for five months, and Yuan Shao has already been defeated far too quickly. How is this possible?!"

At this time.

A flash of surprise crossed Zhuge Liang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He picked up his feather fan again, fanning himself calmly, and said, "Shiyuan, tell me, I'm curious. These two armies were locked in a stalemate, so how did that Cao Cao suddenly defeat Yuan Shao?"

""

"The key to victory or defeat lies in Wuchao!" Pang Tong placed the map he had brought with him on the table.

He gestured with his fingertips and said, "Cao Cao led 5,000 elite troops in a surprise attack on Yuan Shao's Wuchao grain camp, burning two million bushels of grain for Yuan's army. Then, taking advantage of the chaos in Yuan's army, he immediately launched a seven-pronged night attack, finally defeating Yuan's army in one fell swoop and winning the decisive Battle of Guandu!"

Zhuge Liang's gaze lingered on the map, and as he listened to Pang Tong's description, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"This strategy of burning the grain is indeed a brilliant plan to win!" Zhuge Liang praised at first, then asked doubtfully, "However, the Wuchao grain camp is a matter of great secrecy, and there must be very few people in Yuan's army who know about it. How did that Cao Cao find out?"

"Gu Cheng," Pang Tong uttered slowly. "It's him again?" Zhuge Liang frowned slightly, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes.

Pang Tong said, "The news from the prefecture says that it was Gu Cheng who calculated that Yuan Shao's grain supplies were all at Wuchao, and Cao Cao actually believed him, so he personally led his army to launch a surprise attack, which led to the decisive victory!"

Zhuge Liang gripped his feather fan tightly and remained silent.

"It wasn't just a rumor before; Gu Cheng forged the repeating crossbow and the Divine Might Cannon for Cao Cao, twice severely damaging Yuan Shao's army. Now, he has calculated the location of Yuan Shao's supplies, directly helping Cao Cao win the Battle of Guandu. This man's abilities are truly unfathomable."

Zhuge Jun clicked his tongue in amazement.

"Indeed," Pang Tong said, "When Cao Cao killed Yuan Shu and destroyed Lü Bu, it was only rumored that Cao Cao had a remarkable person assisting him." "After the Battle of Guandu, I'm afraid no one will doubt that Gu Cheng's name is known throughout the world." Pang Tong clicked his tongue in admiration, his tone carrying a hint of respect. Zhuge Liang remained silent, his mind seemingly brewing something. "By the way, Kongming," Pang Tong suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but ask, "I once saw you designing a crossbow, it seemed to be a repeating crossbow. I didn't expect that Gu Cheng would create it first."

The mention of the "repeating crossbow" startled Zhuge Liang, his brows furrowing even deeper. Taking a deep breath, he quickly regained his composure. He then waved his feather fan and said, "This Gu Cheng indeed possesses extraordinary talent, but it's a pity he's gone astray, aiding and abetting the wicked Cao Cao, who is wreaking havoc on the world!"

"Kongming, you harbor deep resentment towards Cao Mengde," Pang Tong remarked. *Thud!* Zhuge Liang placed his feather fan on the table, his expression turning grave.

"With Yuan Shao dead, the people of Hebei will surely be in disarray. Yuan Shang is mediocre and will definitely not be able to hold onto the Yuan family's legacy. I predict that Cao Cao will take advantage of the situation to march north and seize the four provinces of Hebei."

"After Cao Cao swallows up the north, he will definitely send his troops south, and Jingzhou will be the first to be hit."

"Liu Biao is not a capable ruler, how could he be a match for the traitor Cao Cao? When Cao Cao's army invades Jingzhou, the millions of people in Jingzhou will surely suffer poison!"

"Shiyuan, we can no longer stand idly by; we must take action!" Zhuge Liang's voice was stern, his aura carrying a hint of murderous intent. "...You're right, Liu Biao cannot hold Jingzhou."

Pang Tong asked, "So, what are your plans?"

Zhuge Liang coldly replied, "If Liu Biao can't hold Jingzhou, then we'll find a wise ruler who can!" "Kongming, do you already have someone in mind?" Pang Tong pressed.

Zhuge Liang pointed his feather fan northward: "Liu Xuande is currently stationed in Runan with 10,000 troops under his command. His talent and ambition far surpass Liu Biao's. Only by welcoming him into Jingzhou can we lead our Jingxiang men to resist Cao Cao's invasion."

"Liu Bei?"

"Yes, this man certainly has the makings of a great ruler." Pang Tong nodded slightly, but then added, "However, Liu Biao has been rooted in Jingzhou for many years, and he also has the support of the Cai and Kuai families. With just our strength, how easy is it to make Liu Xuande take his place?"

"Of course, we're not enough on our own; we need someone to act as an inside agent." A sly smile crept across Zhuge Liang's lips. "An inside agent?"

Pang Tong's thoughts raced, and he suddenly said, "Could it be that you mean Jia Xu?" "That's right, it's him."

"This cunning strategist has gained Liu Biao's deep trust since joining him. If he's willing to act as an inside agent, our great cause can be accomplished!" Zhuge Liang said confidently. Pang Tong, however, sneered, "Kongming, you're just being wishful. Why would Jia Xu be on our side?" "Because he plotted in Wancheng and almost killed Cao Cao. It's precisely because he fears Cao Cao that he came to Liu Biao." "Deep down, he must also be afraid of Cao Cao taking Jingzhou. If we make good use of this, he will definitely lend us a hand."

Zhuge Liang's move with his feather fan was absolutely certain.

Pang Tong pondered for a moment, then sighed, "Now that things have come to this, it seems there is no other way but to follow your plan." With Pang Tong's help, Zhuge Liang breathed a sigh of relief. He then got up and walked out of the thatched cottage, waving his feather fan and gazing into the north.

"Gu Cheng, everyone says you are a reincarnation of a strategist. I, Zhuge Liang, will challenge you to a duel and see who is truly superior!"

Xuchang, Pingkang Ward, Cao Pi's villa. Inside the secret room, Zhen Yao is having a secret meeting with Cao Pi.

"Second Young Master, this golden horse was crafted by the best goldsmith in Hebei. It's just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope you'll accept it." Zhen Yao opened the box and placed a gleaming golden horse in front of Cao Bu.

Cao Pi's eyes lit up as he looked the golden horse up and down, praising it with admiration: "This horse is truly exquisitely crafted; it is indeed the work of a master."

Changing the subject, Cao Bu laughed and said, "I cannot accept such a valuable gift without having done anything right. How could I possibly accept Brother Zhen's gift?" "Second Young Master, you are too kind," Zhen Yao quickly cupped his hands and said, "It is my greatest honor that you consider me, Zhen Yao, a friend. This gift is just a small token of my friendship. Please accept it."

He addressed Cao Pi as "friend" repeatedly, his sincerity so genuine that Cao felt guilty if he refused. "In that case, I'll accept Brother Zhen's kind offer," Cao said with a smile, and put the golden horse into his treasury. Zhen Yao, however, breathed a sigh of relief and quickly offered Cao Pi a toast, showering him with compliments. "Brother Zhen, your Zhen family, relying on Yuan Shao's powerful backing, has businesses spanning four provinces in Hebei, making you the richest family in the land." "Right now, Yuan Shao is fighting my father at Guandu, yet you've come all the way to Xuchang to befriend me. This is a bit hard for me to understand."

Cao Pi's tone was meaningful.

He wasn't stupid, of course; he could tell that Zhen Yao's offering of the treasure out of the blue must have an ulterior motive. Zhen Yao's face lit up with admiration, and he couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

He gave a thumbs up: "Second Young Master is indeed insightful. You can't hide anything from Yao's thoughts."

Cao Pi was pleased to hear such flattery.

He smiled smugly and waved his hand, saying, "Then tell me, what exactly are you after?"

"To be honest, the reason I came to see you, Second Young Master, is that I genuinely admire your demeanor and sincerely wish to befriend you."

Zhen Yao's expression was solemn, his eyes filled with sincerity. Then, however, he let out a bitter sigh.

"Besides, as the second young master also knows, if we businessmen don't have powerful backers in the government or the protection of important figures, we simply can't do business."

"My Zhen family's businesses are all in Hebei. To make a living, we have no choice but to curry favor with Yuan Shao." "Now, Cao Cao is fighting Yuan Shao. If Cao Cao wins, Hebei will surely be overthrown." "Therefore, for the survival of the Zhen family, I have no choice but to rely on your powerful backing, Second Young Master." Zhen Yao spoke his true intentions through a mix of complaints and flattery. "Just as I expected—" Cao Buxin sneered, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He remained calm and asked, "Yuan Shao's 100,000 troops have suppressed my Cao family's army at Guandu. On the surface, we have a great chance of winning. Why do you think, Brother Zhen, that my Cao family will win this battle?"

"If it were in the past, I really wouldn't have dared to think like that."

"But behind Cao Cao was the strategist Gu Cheng, who devised plans. I heard that Cao Cao twice dealt heavy blows to Yuan Shao, both of which were his doing."

"With this man here, even though Cao Cao's situation is currently unfavorable, who knows, one day he might come up with a brilliant plan and turn the tide," Zhen Yao explained.

Cao Pi felt a chill run down his spine and couldn't help but shiver.

"What he said makes sense. If his words are indeed true, then Gu Cheng will have made an unparalleled contribution to the Cao family. At that time, my father's trust and reliance on him will be even greater."

"And this Gu Cheng happens to have a close relationship with my elder brother, so he was invited out of retirement by him this time." "With Gu Cheng as his backer, my elder brother's position as heir apparent is guaranteed, and I have absolutely no chance—"

Cao Pi sipped his wine, a shadow falling over his face. Just then, his trusted servant rushed in and whispered, "Reporting to the young master, news of a great victory has arrived from Guandu! Our army has won a resounding victory; Yuan Shao's army has been almost completely annihilated, and Yuan Shao has been executed by the Minister of Works!"

Cao Pi's expression changed drastically, and his hand trembled, spilling wine all over himself.

"Aren't the two armies currently locked in a stalemate? Why did Yuan Shao suddenly lose and get killed by Cao Cao?" Zhen Yao was also taken aback.

He had assumed Yuan Shao might be defeated by Cao Cao, but he never expected the defeat to be so swift and so devastating. Not only were his 100,000-strong army wiped out, but Yuan Shao himself was also killed and his entire clan exterminated!

"It is said that it was Mr. Gu who first suggested that Sikong burn Yuan Shao's grain supplies, and then suggested a seven-pronged night attack plan, allowing Sikong to take advantage of the chaos in Yuan's army and defeat them in one fell swoop!"

The trusted servants who were passing by reported, "A fire at the grain camp?" "A seven-pronged night attack?" Zhen Yao and Cao Pi exclaimed in unison, exchanging shocked glances. For a moment, the two were stunned and speechless, unable to calm down for a long time.

"With Lord Yuan dead, Hebei will surely fall into the hands of the Cao family. It seems that my move to befriend Cao Bu was the right one. From now on, I must bind my Zhen family tightly to Cao Bu."

Zhen Yao's thoughts raced, and suddenly a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

He then cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Lord Cao has won this battle and killed Yuan Shao. Hebei will belong to the Cao family sooner or later. I must congratulate the Second Young Master."

Cao Pi's smile, however, was forced.

No matter how vast the Cao family's empire is, it will eventually be passed on to Cao Ang. What does it have to do with him?

"I've heard that the Second Young Master is still unmarried. It just so happens that I have a younger sister, Zhen Mi, who is also of marriageable age. It's truly a matter of fate." "If the Second Young Master thinks highly of me, I, as her elder brother, would like to play matchmaker and arrange for my sister to marry you. What do you say, Second Young Master?"

Zhen Yao suddenly smiled and started acting as a matchmaker.

Cao Pi's eyes lit up: "Your sister, is she the rumored number one beauty in Hebei?" "Indeed." Zhen Yao nodded with a smile. A glint of light flashed in Cao Pi's eyes.

"The Zhen family is the richest family in the world. If I marry Miss Zhen, I will gain access to their endless wealth and use it to win people's hearts." "Moreover, Miss Zhen must be the most beautiful woman in Hebei. If I can marry her, it will be a wonderful thing." Cao Pi's thoughts raced as he weighed the pros and cons, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.

He readily agreed, saying, "Since it is Brother Zhen's kind intention, how could I refuse such a gift?" Zhen Yao was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Then I will return to Ye City immediately and send my younger sister to Xuchang as soon as possible." "Brother Zhen, rest assured, as soon as your sister arrives, I will immediately ask my father for permission to marry her," Cao Pi solemnly assured him. Both men, having gotten what they wanted, were in high spirits and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Liyang City, the gateway to Jizhou.

After the great victory at Guandu, Cao Cao pressed his advantage and his army crossed the Yellow River with lightning speed.

Wen Chou, Zhang He, and other generals of Yuan Shao's army, who had fled back to the north bank, dared not engage Cao Cao's forces and had no choice but to abandon Liyang City and flee in panic to Ye City. Cao Cao captured this gateway to Hebei without bloodshed. Next, Cao Cao's army would advance directly towards Ye City.

As dusk fell, Gu Cheng also crossed the Yellow River by boat, setting foot on the north bank, preparing to head to Liyang City. "Young Master, something has happened to our salt business," Zhou Tai reported as soon as he disembarked. Gu Cheng asked, "What could possibly have happened to the salt business?"

"The governments of Sizhou, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, and Xuzhou have always purchased salt from our Gu's Salt Shop, and business has been going very well. But just a few days ago, the governments of Yanzhou and Yuzhou suddenly stopped purchasing our Gu's Salt Shop's salt." "As a result, we will lose at least hundreds of millions of coins in revenue every year," Zhou Tai said, frowning.

A look of doubt flashed in Gu Cheng's eyes: "Even if the officials in these two prefectures don't use our Gu family's salt, they'll have to use salt from other companies. Could it be that they've switched to purchasing salt from Hedong?"

"No!"

Zhou Tai shook his head: "According to my inquiries, these two prefectures have switched to purchasing lake salt from Hebei." A strange look flashed in Gu Cheng's eyes.

Whether it's Hedong salt or Gu's Qing salt, these salts were at least produced on the Cao family's territory. However, the lake salt from Hebei is now on the Yuan family's territory.

The officials of Chongyu and Erzhou didn't use salt from their own territory, but instead went to purchase salt from the enemy's territory. What kind of divine operation was this? Gu Cheng's thoughts raced, and suddenly he realized something.

He sneered, "The salt industry in Hebei is controlled by the Zhen family. If I'm not mistaken, the Zhen family has made connections with powerful figures like Xu, trying to steal meat from my Gu family's pot!"

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