Mythical Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1176: Chapter 1132: Meant to Startle, Ended Up Startled

Cao Cao smirked inwardly. Before Liu Ba could speak, he immediately articulated what Liu Ba intended to say. Did Liu Ba really think there were no capable people under Cao Cao’s rule? Xun Yu and Chen Qun knew more than Liu Ba, and their minds were more meticulous. How could they not have informed Cao Cao of these matters?

The current situation was not because Cao Cao’s subordinates lacked ability, but because Liu Bei, as an opponent, was often overwhelmingly strong, sometimes to an unbelievable extent.

After listening to Cao Cao’s words, Liu Ba clearly showed surprise and disbelief. Cao Cao’s intelligence was more detailed than his own analysis.

In Liu Ba’s view, if such insights could be discerned under Cao Cao’s rule, he wouldn’t have ended up in this situation. He should have been able to rally some people.

”Sir, is there anything else you can teach me?” Cao Cao asked expressionlessly, looking at Liu Ba. Though he recognized Liu Ba’s talent was probably not inferior to that of a first-class civil official, coming here to act like a big shot was unacceptable.

Liu Ba felt extremely awkward. He initially thought Xun Yu and others merely had exaggerated reputations, but upon arrival, he realized it wasn’t that Xun Yu and others were weak; it was Liu Bei’s perfectionistic followers who were too strong.

”Cough, cough, cough, I have other strategies to offer, which could help Ming Gong consolidate Yongliang!” Liu Ba knew this was no time for pretense. He had to deliver some substantial advice; otherwise, even if he entered Cao Cao’s service, he wouldn’t shed the label of being arrogant.

”Under Lord Cao’s rule, there’s no shortage of valiant generals leading large armies, but rather a lack of brave warriors adept in battle. Why not...” Liu Ba hurriedly presented his ingenious plan to solve Cao Cao’s current predicament.

”Changwen has already gone to handle it. The Twenty Ranks of Qin Nobility have already abolished the sale of official positions and grain-for-rank trades. The ranks and rewards have been assessed and, after the battle in the Northern Frontier, we will commence the first ennoblements.” Cao Cao understood just from the beginning.

This strategy had already been suggested by Chen Qun. It was fully integrated with new ranks and rewards, ensuring they were within Cao Cao’s capacity to uphold, while genuinely enhancing the benefits of each rank, no longer just empty promises.

”Currently, at the imperial court, there are several factions, and Lord Cao is merely one of them. Perhaps we should consider promoting Yang Wenxian (Yang Biao)....” Liu Ba, realizing the plan was already underway, quickly shifted to political affairs, grateful for his extensive preparations.

”Promote Yang Wenxian to Grand Tutor.” Liu Ba’s speech was once again intercepted by Cao Cao. This strategy had already been suggested by Sima Lang, as merely a side plan when replacing Dong Cheng as Weii Weii.

”Lyu Bu has the merit of executing Dong Cheng and protecting the Emperor, and Zhang Wenyuan, Gao Gongzheng are both brave generals. After pacifying the Northern Frontier...” Liu Ba hastened to say, then eagerly looked at Cao Cao.

”Elevate their merits, return to the capital to report, and divide and disband.” Cao Cao tweaked his mouth.

This plan was proposed by Xun Yu, using provisions to appease Lyu Bu, diminishing resentment, and then bringing Lyu Bu to the Central Plains. With Lyu Bu’s confidence, he would surely come, and the rewards were indeed substantial, although Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Chen Gong would be sealed by the Emperor to Yongliang.

These three might hold grudges against Cao Cao, but they would accept the imperial rewards, especially Zhang Liao. After Nie Yi, there would be no resisting the chance to cleanse his ancestors’ name, and considering Lyu Bu and Zhang Liao’s relationship, they would certainly agree.

It could be said that apart from Chen Gong who might not come, Lyu Bu, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Hu Zhao, and Zang Hong would all enter the court.

Because in this lifetime, after defeating the Hu, Lyu Bu only had a stain of private misconduct, which the Emperor could expunge. At this level, a single imperial edict would be enough to grant Lyu Bu endless posthumous fame. Lyu Bu wouldn’t refuse.

With Lyu Bu and Zhang Liao coming, presumably, the remaining Eight Valiant Generals would follow. This plan was quite good, as being burdened by great fame is a common human flaw.

However, Cao Cao just received news, yes, freshly received, that Lyu Bu has ascended!

”By the way, let me convey a piece of news to you: Marquis Wenn has ascended to the Heavenly Realm.” Cao Cao said helplessly; no strategy could cope with such a devastating surprise.

”Ah!” Exclamation marks hovered over Liu Ba’s head, but at that moment, he couldn’t worry about those. He felt if he didn’t find a way to showcase his capability, today might end disastrously, considering he bragged a bit too much upon arrival.

Liu Ba fell silent, and Cao Cao observed Liu Ba. His estimation of Liu Ba had already increased significantly. This fellow was at least on the same level as Sima Lang in terms of talent. However, Cao Cao was quite curious about what else Liu Ba could offer.

”Sir, do you have anything else to inform me?” Cao Cao calmly asked, watching Liu Ba, who seemed somewhat restless.

Liu Ba’s mind had already begun to operate at high speed. He needed to prove that he was valuable; otherwise, today’s embarrassment would be considerable. He had underestimated Cao Cao’s ministers.

”Lord Cao, are you aware of how Money Exchanges operate?” Liu Ba didn’t care at this point. It was merely his conjecture, but he needed something to prove his competence.

Cao Cao showed a slight flicker of interest. No one under him had mentioned Money Exchanges, and it was true that there were such things under Liu Bei’s rule. But in Cao Cao’s view, it was merely a tool to facilitate transactions. Besides, his current policy prioritized agriculture over commerce.

Consequently, Cao Cao had little interest in establishing Money Exchanges. He considered Liu Ba’s mention of this as a sign of desperation.

[This guy should count as a top-tier civil official, albeit somewhat arrogant and conceited. However, he indeed has the capability, able to see so many things. Let him first serve as the Minister of Works Chief Historian for some tempering.]

At this point, Cao Cao had already begun to ponder what official position to confer upon Liu Ba. Although others had proposed all of Liu Ba’s suggestions, this didn’t imply Liu Ba was inferior. On the contrary, Liu Ba proposing the same strategies as Xun Yu and Chen Qun indicated his excellence.

Liu Ba also noticed Cao Cao’s lack of interest, but he no longer had any truly explosive insights. He was forced to present his conjecture. He had to make Cao Cao see his uniqueness; today, he had embarrassed himself to an immense degree.

”Lord Cao, do you know why Liu Xuande is never short of money? It’s precisely because of these Money Exchanges!” Liu Ba immediately adopted the tone of a strategist to captivate attention.

Cao Cao’s interest was instantly piqued. Why did Liu Bei have money? Why so much money? Why distribute money everywhere? How could he sustain various welfare programs? This had been a longstanding topic of study for Cao Cao. He didn’t think he was inferior to Liu Bei in any aspect, but Liu Bei’s development was too fast!

And was it not because Liu Bei was wealthy that his growth was rapid? It must be understood, for the sake of money, Cao Cao had secretly instructed some to dig up various extinct family tombs, melting or selling the burial objects found within, yet he still lacked funds! (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcomed to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)