Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 43 Liu Bei and Guan Yu are cold-hearted and unjust, so don't blame me for being ruthles

"He is about to unify Hebei, and at that time he will control four provinces, and his army and population will be several times that of Cao Cao."

"No matter how you look at it, Cao Cao has absolutely no chance of winning if Yuan Shao marches south!"

"It is only natural for the scholars and officials in the south to go north and join Yuan Shao, but for the officials in the north to go south and join Cao Cao, wouldn't that be tantamount to going to their deaths?"

Guo Jia looked completely puzzled, seemingly admiring Yuan Shao greatly.

"Yes, my dear son-in-law, I am also worried that Cao Cao will be defeated by Yuan Shao in the future. When the Central Plains change hands, the future of my Yang family's business will be uncertain."

Cao Cao feigned agreement, though he frowned slightly.

"Seeing how anxious you all are, let me reassure you. I'll say this right now: when Yuan Shao and Cao Cao clash one day, Yuan Shao will surely be defeated!"

Gu Cheng's tone was resolute.

Cao Cao and Guo Jia were slightly startled and exchanged glances again. Then...

Guo Jiaqi asked, "Yuan Shao and Cao Cao are clearly of different strengths, so why is Young Master Gu so certain that Yuan Shao will lose and Cao Cao will win?" Gu Cheng took a sip of tea and replied calmly, "Because Cao Cao has ten advantages, and Yuan Shao has ten disadvantages!"

This statement came out.

A look of surprise flashed in both Cao Cao's and Guo Jia's eyes. Back when they first met in Changyi, Cao Cao had asked Guo Jia for his opinion on who would win in their future battle against Yuan Shao.

At that time, Guo Jia presented Cao Cao with the theory of "ten victories and ten defeats." They hadn't expected that Gu Cheng would also have a theory of "ten victories and ten defeats." "What are these ten victories and ten defeats? Please explain, Young Master Gu," Guo Jia urged hastily.

"Yuan Shao raised an army in rebellion against the Han court, while Cao Cao, on behalf of the emperor, campaigned against all sides; this was a righteous victory!"

"Yuan Shao governed with lenient laws, which failed to intimidate officials and the people, while Cao Cao knew that in chaotic times, harsh punishments were necessary, and his laws were strict and clear. This was the key to his success!"

"Yuan Shao appeared lenient on the outside but was actually suspicious of others, appointing people based on nepotism, while Cao Cao trusted his subordinates and promoted people based solely on their talent; this was the difference in their abilities!"

Gu Cheng spoke eloquently and deliberately.

"Father-in-law, Jia Shuzuo, Yuan Shao has these ten defeats, and Cao Cao has these ten victories. In your opinion, who will win and who will lose in a decisive battle against Yuan Shao?" Gu Cheng finished his tea and sneered as he stared at the two men.

Cao Cao and Guo Jia were now completely stunned, their figures frozen in place.

Gu Cheng's theory of ten advantages and ten disadvantages almost perfectly coincides with Guo Jia's! "The strategy I've been racking my brains over, he already knew it all along." "No wonder Cao Cao used his plan to easily destroy Zhang Xiu and kill Yuan Shu!" "With such a brilliant and resourceful son-in-law, even without me, Cao Cao would surely have conquered the world!"

Guo Jia sighed inwardly, his gaze filled with admiration and respect as he looked at Gu Cheng again.

"Li Heng's ten wins and ten losses are almost identical to Feng Xiao's. He is indeed a wise strategist, and we share the same vision." Cao Cao stroked his short beard and sighed inwardly.

"Yuan Shao is outwardly fierce but inwardly cowardly, fond of scheming but indecisive. He hesitates to risk his life for great undertakings, yet is willing to risk his life for small gains. With such fatal weaknesses, how could he possibly conquer the world!"

Seeing that the two were lost in thought, Gu Cheng added another sentence. Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat, and a strange light flashed in his eyes again.

"Li Heng's assessment of Yuan Benchu ​​is truly apt. In this light, Fengxiao is ultimately inferior to him."

Cao Cao nodded slightly.

"What a fine example of someone who cherishes their life for great deeds, yet risks their life for petty gains!"

"I have followed Yuan Shao for several years, yet my understanding of him is inferior to that of a reclusive hermit. His wisdom and strategy are indeed superior to mine!"

Guo Jia was already completely convinced and willing to submit.

Seeing that he remained silent, Gu Cheng said, "I've said so much, Jia Shuzuo, haven't you realized that you still want to join Yuan Shao?"

"How could that be!" Guo Jia came to his senses and happily cupped his hands in greeting: "Young Master Gu's words have truly enlightened me and made me realize my mistakes. Thank you, Young Master Gu, for guiding me through my confusion."

His face was full of gratitude, as if he had come to a realization. "It's good that you've come to a realization, it's good that you've come to a realization." Gu Cheng poured him a cup of tea, raised the cup and said, "I'll use tea instead of wine to wish Jia Shuzuo a prosperous official career. When you reach a high position, don't forget to take care of my father-in-law."

He was determined to do good deeds to the end, so he decided to curry favor with his father-in-law. Cao Cao saw this and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

Guo Jia could only laugh at himself, saying, "This humble official is of mediocre talent and cannot even figure out who he should serve. I dare not even dream of a high official position."

Gu Cheng's eyes flickered, and he suddenly thought of something.

He then comforted him, saying, "Jia Shuzuo, there's no need to belittle yourself. The key to a successful official career lies in luck. I happen to have an official position to offer you, Jia Shuzuo. I wonder if you would like it?"

"Official career? I don't quite understand." Guo Jia's eyes were blank.

Gu Cheng took a sip of tea and asked unhurriedly, "If I'm not mistaken, Cao Sikong is currently surrounding Xiaopei and is having a headache over how to break through it."

When the Battle of Xiaopei was mentioned, Cao Cao immediately perked up his ears.

Guo Jia nodded: "Guan Yu, the garrison commander of Xiaopei, has the demeanor of a famous general and commands four thousand elite troops. It is indeed a difficult problem for our army to break through in a short time. I imagine that Cao Sikong must be discussing this day and night with his strategists."

"I have a plan that Jia Shuzuo can take and present to Cao Cao. Perhaps in a few days, we can conquer Xiaopei!" "At that time, Jia Shuzuo will have made a great contribution. Why would he be afraid of not being promoted and ennobled, and gaining the appreciation of Cao Sikong?" Gu Cheng revealed his intention.

Cao Cao's spirits immediately lifted, and he quickly gave Guo Jia a meaningful look.

Guo Jia, his eyes gleaming with delight, hurriedly asked, "Young Master Gu, what brilliant plan do you have to defeat Xiaopei?" "You'll know once you see this," Gu Cheng said with a sly smile, then took out Mi Huan's letter of surrender and handed it to Guo Jia. Guo Jia took it blankly, and Cao Cao quickly joined him, the two of them looking down intently. Suddenly, they both trembled, exchanging a surprised glance. "Young Master Gu, how did you come to have this letter?" Guo Jia couldn't help but ask in surprise.

Gu Cheng coughed a few times before saying, "To be honest, Jia Shuzuo, I sent people to abduct the Miss Mi not long ago, and this letter of surrender was written by her at my behest."

Cao Cao and Guo Jia suddenly realized what was going on, and then remembered Cao Ang's earlier secret report. "I was originally thinking about how to send this letter of surrender to Xiaopei City and give it to Mi Fang." "Today we have the good fortune to meet Jia Shuzuo. You should present this letter to Cao Sikong. He will surely have a way to send someone to sneak into Xiaopei and give the letter of surrender to Mi Fang."

"In my judgment, Mi Fang is by no means completely devoted to Liu Bei. As long as Cao Sikong can promise to protect his Mi family, I believe Mi Fang will definitely surrender."

Gu Cheng did not hide anything and frankly told the truth.

Guo Jia suddenly realized what was happening. Holding the letter of surrender, he exclaimed excitedly, "Young Master Gu's letter is truly a godsend, more valuable than ten thousand soldiers! If Xiaopei City can be captured, Young Master Gu will have rendered a great service!"

"Jia Shuzuo is wrong. This credit is for you." Gu Cheng quickly raised his hand and instructed, "Please, Jia Shuzuo, don't mention a single word about me. Under no circumstances should Cao Sikong know of my existence. Remember that."

Guo Jia was taken aback for a moment, then glanced at Cao Cao. Cao Cao shook his head and smiled wryly, his expression somewhat troubled.

Guo Jia then realized that Gu Cheng didn't want to serve in the government, which was why he disdained merit and didn't want fame. "Young Master Gu possesses extraordinary talent, comparable to a reincarnation of a strategist. Why should he remain in seclusion in the countryside? He should come out of seclusion and serve in the government, assisting Lord Cao in achieving great things!"

Guo Jia wanted to persuade Gu Cheng to come out of seclusion on Cao Cao's behalf.

"I have money, leisure, and beautiful women. I can travel all over the country and see all the beautiful scenery. I am very carefree and happy. Where is the hardship?"

Gu Cheng laughed dismissively, but said, "On the contrary, becoming an official means working from nine to five, spending all day thinking about those schemes, which is incredibly annoying. That's the real hardship."

Guo Jia was speechless and could only smile helplessly.

"Alright, I've taken Gu Gongzi's instructions to heart. I'll accept this generous gift." Guo Jia stood up, bowed, and tucked the letter of surrender into his robes.

Gu Cheng was relieved and stood up to return the greeting: "Then I congratulate you in advance. Jia Shuzuo has made a great contribution and will be promoted and rise rapidly in rank."

Guo Jia laughed heartily, took his leave, and departed.

Cao Cao, preoccupied with conquering Xiaopei, chatted for a few moments before departing. As soon as the two left the Gu residence, the Tiger Guards quickly followed. "Fengxiao, you've met the extraordinary man you sought today. What did you think?" Cao Cao stroked his long beard and asked with a smile. "This man is truly Zhang Liang reborn, a strategist reborn!" Guo Jia bowed to Cao Cao and said solemnly, "With such a worthy son-in-law, how can my lord not sweep across the land, unify the world, and achieve the great feats of Qin Shi Huang and Han Taizu!"

"Qin Shi Huang and Han Taizu!" These four words sent a jolt through Cao Cao's heart, and a strange surge of passion ignited within him. "Let's go back to camp and take Xiaopei!" Cao Cao laughed heartily and strode away with his head held high.

Two days later, at Xiaopei City. On the city wall, Guan Yu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing indifferently at the Wei camp outside the city.

The last siege camp was completed right under his nose, effectively sealing off Xiaopei. "Cao Cao, you want to take Xiaopei from me, Guan Yu? Let's see if you have the ability!" Guan Yu scoffed, his flushed face burning with arrogant disdain. "Mi Fang!" Guan Yu glanced sideways and demanded, "Have you gathered enough provisions for me?"

Mi Fang, sweating profusely, stepped forward and whispered, "General Guan, Cao's army arrived too quickly. I didn't have time to transport grain from outside the city. We can only rely on collecting grain from within the city now, which is quite difficult. Please grant me a few more days, General Guan."

Guan Yu glared with his phoenix eyes and roared, "Military rations are a matter of life and death! How can I allow you to delay? If you fail to procure enough rations by the deadline, I will punish you according to military law!"

Mi Fang's body trembled, and she couldn't help but shudder.

"General Guan, I, I..." Mi Fang felt wronged, but dared not plead for mercy any further.

Guan Yu shouted, "What are you dawdling for? Go and prepare the provisions!" "Yes, Your Excellency will go right away!" Mi Fang dared not utter another word and could only obey the order, hurriedly fleeing down the city wall. Looking at his hunched back, Guan Yu sneered, "Useless trash, can't even handle this small matter!" Zhao Yun, watching from the side, frowned slightly. After a slight hesitation, Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said, "General Yun Chang, it is indeed extremely difficult to raise 50,000 bushels of grain within three days. I think Mi Zifang has already done his best. Should we grant him a few more days?"

"Cao Cao is about to attack the city. If I give him leniency, who will give me leniency?" Guan Yu retorted with a livid face.

Zhao Yun was startled and sighed, "But with the supply route cut off, even if we manage to procure grain, we can only impose additional taxes on the people in the city. I'm afraid this will cause widespread resentment among the people and damage our lord's reputation for benevolence and righteousness in their eyes."

Guan Yu frowned slightly, and a hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes.

Then, he coldly snorted, "The people have received kindness and favor from my brother. Now that Xiaopei is in danger, it is time for them to repay their brother. Letting them go hungry for a few meals is only right and proper!"

Zhao Yun's expression changed slightly, and he looked at Guan Yu with surprise.

His eyes seemed to betray disbelief that Guan Yu could utter such words. He was momentarily lost in thought, as if deep in contemplation. Inside the city.

Forced into a corner, Mi Fang had no choice but to resort to force, increasing the grain tax. Human nature is inherently selfish, and the people naturally wouldn't voluntarily hand over their life-saving rations. Mi Fang then dispatched soldiers to break into houses and forcibly collect the grain. That night, Xiaopei City was filled with cries of agony, and the people were filled with resentment.

In Xiaopei, Liu Bei's carefully cultivated reputation for benevolence and righteousness collapsed in an instant. (Mi Fang)

It was late at night, but Mi Fang was still engrossed in his work at the table, checking the grain registers. After all the calculations, he still found that he was short more than 20,000 bushels of grain.

"I've exhausted all means, and with only two days left, how could I possibly raise enough grain for 20,000 bushels!" Mi Fang threw his pen on the table and complained, "Guan Yu, are you trying to force me to my death?" He looked worried and was filled with helplessness and anxiety.

Just then, a trusted servant came to report that there was a person at the back gate who claimed to have been sent by Mi Huan to request an audience. "Sent by my little sister?" Mi Fang's eyes lit up with surprise, and she quickly ordered the servant to be brought in.

A short while later, a messenger in black entered and handed a letter to Mi Fang. Mi Fang eagerly opened it, glanced at it, and his face paled in shock. "Little sister, she's actually advising me to surrender to Cao Cao?" Mi Fang exclaimed, turning sharply to the messenger in black and demanding, "Who are you, and why do you have this letter?" "I am Cao Cao's personal guard. This letter was written by your younger sister herself and presented to Cao Cao, hoping to save your life!" the messenger in black confessed.

"You're Cao Mengde's man?" Mi Fang was surprised again. "That's right." The black-clad messenger said calmly, "Lord Cao said that your sister is safe and sound, so please don't worry, Mr. Mi." His tone changed, and a sharp look appeared on the black-clad messenger's face.

"Our Lord Cao also said that if Mr. Mi can cooperate from within and without to help Lord Cao break through the city, Lord Cao can guarantee the safety of the Mi family after the matter is accomplished."

"Otherwise, if Mr. Mi fails to recognize the situation, after the city falls, when his crimes are investigated, your entire Mi family will be exterminated!" The black-clad messenger's tone was icy as he conveyed Cao Cao's death ultimatum. Mi Fang's body trembled, a look of horror spreading across his face as he fell into deep thought.

"My elder brother has been detained in Xuchang as the Minister of the Imperial Household, and my younger sister has also fallen into Cao Cao's hands. Judging from my younger sister's letter, they have both chosen to submit to Cao Cao."

"My Mi family has suffered heavy losses and is no longer able to support Liu Bei. In addition, the marriage alliance has failed, so it can be said that I am no longer of any use to Liu Bei." "Liu Bei must have resented me, otherwise he would not have tolerated Guan Yu and forced me to be targeted like this." "Since these brothers are so cold and unjust, why should I die with them!" Thoughts churned, and various ideas lingered in my mind.

Mi Fang clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, saying, "Please reply to Lord Cao, I, Mi Fang, am willing to submit to the court and assist Lord Cao in conquering the city!"

Two days later, at the west gate of Xiaopei.

Fu Shiren was on duty atop the city wall, inspecting the defenses. At that moment, Mi Fang arrived at the city gates with a troop of men.

Mi Fang then ordered his soldiers to unload the grain from the mule carts and distribute it to the soldiers on duty.

Fu Shiren stepped forward and asked in surprise, "Mi Fang, what's all this about?" "The soldiers have worked hard defending the city. This is my family's private stash, specially brought to reward General Fu and the soldiers," Mi Fang explained with a smile, handing Fu Shiren a jar of fine wine.