Mythical Three Kingdoms

Xun Yu hung his head helplessly. He didn’t lack the desire to persuade; he simply could not do so. Not long ago, because of Bian Rang’s matter, he had already advised Cao Cao with the words, ”A wise ruler should not harm a person’s kin, nor cut off their ancestral sacrifices. How can you do this today, my lord? Will the people of the world not do the same in the future?” And indeed, Cao Cao had spared Bian Rang’s family.

The current situation was that Tao Qian had caused the death of Cao Cao’s father. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, the fact remained that Cao Cao’s father was dead. This left Xun Yu with no way to speak out, for the vengeance of patricide was insurmountable. In the era of the Han Dynasty, when it was considered justified to kill for friends, teachers, and relatives, avenging one’s father was all the more righteous.

Xun Yu and Xun You exchanged glances, each seeing the helplessness in the other’s eyes. Xun You gestured to Xun Yu, who nodded. Both thought it best to let Cao Cao indulge in his fury, at least to vent the pain in his heart before attempting to console him. Otherwise, some irrational actions might be taken. Therefore, both remained silent, believing that Cao Cao’s threat to ”slaughter Xuzhou” was nothing more than a declaration.

Cheng Yu felt almost nothing about Cao Song’s death. As for Cao Cao’s intent to massacre Xuzhou, he had no special thoughts—if it happened, it happened. Since they were enemies, they should be treated as such.

Upon hearing Cao Cao’s rage-filled words, Chen Gong was the first to stand up, ”Lord Cao, many unclear factors still surround your father’s death. With the cold and freezing weather, why not first send messengers to question Tao Qian about this matter, to avoid falling into a villain’s trap? Besides, I daresay I cannot agree with your mention of slaughtering Xuzhou. Even if the fault lies with Tao Qian, what does that have to do with the people of Xuzhou? Both they and we are subjects of the Great Han. How can we differentiate based on provinces and counties? I implore you to retract your statement.”

Cao Cao was already fuming, and Chen Gong’s words rendered him speechless. Anger surged through him, and he glared at Chen Gong with fiery eyes, itching to initiate a physical fight.

”Gongtai, are you suggesting that if even a lowly man can avenge his lord, kin, and teacher with bloodied steps, I, Cao Mengde, am inferior to such a man?”

”Lord Cao, Confucius said, ’The gentleman does not vent anger for personal reasons, nor does he make the same mistake twice.’ If so for a gentleman, how much more so for feudal lords! The lords have nine virtues: magnanimity combined with firmness and respect, gentle temperament but with resolve, an attitude of humility yet solemn and serious, talented yet earnest in responsibilities, good at listening to others’ opinions yet decisive, upright behavior with a gentle approach, outspokenness with attention to detail, unwavering integrity combined with practicality, and strength and bravery conforming to morality!” Chen Gong contended with reason, speaking fluently and confidently.

Cao Cao was so infuriated that his whole body twitched, his eyes bulging as he stared at Chen Gong, as if he wanted nothing more than to leap down and engage in physical combat with Chen Gong.

”If Tao Qian dares such an act, why can we not? Confucius said one may repay a grievance directly. What fault is there in avenging a father? What is wrong with subordinates seeking justice for the vengeance of their lord, kin, and teacher?” Seeing Cao Cao twitching in anger, Cheng Yu quickly stood up and fervently rebuked Chen Gong.

Chen Gong took a deep breath and, flicking his sleeve, left the room. Not because he couldn’t argue against Cheng Yu, but because he understood that even if he won the argument, Cao Cao would not heed his counsel. So he lost interest.

Cao Cao watched Chen Gong’s retreating figure, feeling a touch of shame, but he did not order Chen Gong to be arrested. Though he was tempted to take out his anger on someone, Chen Gong was certainly not going to be the target.

”Miaocai, Yuanrang, lead five thousand soldiers each and march through the Lub Kingdom to attack Xuzhou. Kill anyone who blocks the way!” Cao Cao said, his eyes flashing with a cold killing intent.

”Yes!” the Xiahou Brothers roared, taking the military order and leaving at once.

”Zixiao, return to Wancheng today and take command there! Secure Wancheng and form an alliance with Liu Jingsheng! If Yuan Shu makes a move, kill him!” Cao Cao gave the military order, barely concealing his killing intent, and was uncompromising.

”Wen Ruo, take control of Chenliu, covering for the Governor of Yanzhou temporarily.” As he spoke, Cao Cao took off all his command talismans and handed them to Xun Yu,

”Understood.” Xun Yu sighed, took the seal ribbon, and from that moment on, he was able to wield all the powers of the Provincial Inspector of Yanzhou, which sufficiently demonstrated Cao Cao’s trust in him.

”The rest of you, assemble our troops with me, we march for Xuzhou today!” Cao Cao bellowed, his eyes red with urgency.

”Understood.” Xun You and Cheng Yu nodded in agreement, along with Zhao Yan, Cui Yan, Mao Jie, and Lyu Qian, a group of strategists.

”Lord Cao, I humbly request to remain in Chenliu. I am not skilled at military planning, but I can certainly lend a hand to Wen Ruo with the logistics at the rear.” Fan Qin sighed.

”Huber has the same intention, and how could I refuse such a proposal?” Cao Cao pulled at the corner of his mouth, revealing what might have been a smile, as he spoke.

”Lord Cao, I volunteer to serve as Zixiao’s military adviser,” Du Xi sighed, seeing that Zhao Yan and Fan Qin had made their choices.

”Good, if Zixiao encounters any difficulties, remember to consult Zixuo. With him there, Yuan Shu’s attacks will certainly be repelled,” Cao Cao instructed Cao Ren, adding that if his father were still alive, he would be overjoyed to welcome three such talents, but the bereaved Cao Cao could only greet them with a restrained smile tinged with sorrow.

”The Wei Family of Chenliu is willing to provide three hundred thousand dan of grain, ten thousand hemp garments for winter, and three thousand tents for the march,” Weii Zi, as one of Cao Cao’s stalwart supporters, stood up and made a generous donation. These were all the materials the Wei Family of Chenliu had on hand that day; given more time to prepare, Weii Zi could have supplied even more.

”The Hedong Wei Family is willing to provide three hundred million coins, one million dan of grain, and three thousand horses,” Weii Ji said calmly. These items were originally to be donated to Cao Cao, but the unexpected event occurred before the banquet ended, leading Weii Ji to offer them immediately.

Despite the substantial donation from Weii Ji, it was but a trifling amount for the family, considered merely a gift of introduction. Remember that when Cao Cao first raised his army, as his wealthy friend—Weii Zi directly purchased five thousand strong men for him, then spent money to equip them with armor and weapons, prepared the necessary provisions, and even donated hundreds of horses. This support enabled Cao Cao to join the campaign against Dong Zhuo.

Originally, Weii Zi should have died in the battle of Xingyang, but due to Chen Xi’s interference, Cao Cao didn’t participate in the battle, and Weii Zi avoided that misfortune. As a result, the Wei Family of Chenliu didn’t fall out with Cao Cao.

Although the campaign against Dong Zhuo nearly bankrupted Cao Cao, upon his return to Chenliu, Weii Zi waved his hand and Cao Cao once again had troops at his command. This was one of the reasons why Cao Cao, despite his misfortune last year, managed to hang on. As Cao Cao’s fanatical supporter, Weii Zi provided substantial backing. Neither natural disaster nor human calamity could block the way when Weii Zi paved it with money and grain, and he saw it through.

Before long, military and governmental affairs were arranged. Xun Yu and Fan Qin went to the Chenliu Prefectural Office, and Xun Yu looked at Fan Qin curiously.

”Huber, from today onward, we are colleagues. Stop trying to confuse us with poetry and songs. A talent nurtured by the Fan Family of Yingchuan across three generations cannot be someone who only knows about poetry and songs. Zhao Boran and Du Zixu are both talents of a hundred miles, yet in their associations, they regard you as their leader. Brother Fan, do not disappoint me.” Xun Yu filled a cup of tea for Fan Qin, his face showing a gentle smile. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian ) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)