Chapter Sixty-Eight: Xun Yu's Strategy, Empress Fu Shou of Han

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Tenth month of winter.

Yuzhou, Xuxian.

Since Xuchang was designated as the capital of Han, it had become the gathering place of noble families in the Central Plains and the most prosperous center of economy and culture.

The chilly early winter wind swept through, and there were few people along the road. Most stayed home to avoid the cold, going out less so as not to waste their strength.

Yet, a handful of commoners still took advantage of the lingering mild days before the depths of winter to go out and collect firewood. If they gathered enough, they could exchange it in the city for some food. However, the mountains and waters were all under government control; without paying, no one could fish, hunt, or cut wood.

The people of Xuchang could only barely sustain themselves with watery porridge. Although Xuchang had begun to implement land cultivation under Cao Cao's orders, this policy mainly benefited Cao Cao himself.

The arrangement of dividing the harvest equally was no different from the tenant farmers of great families; the only change was that Cao Cao had made himself the largest landlord, collecting rent just as ruthlessly.

The grain rationed out was barely enough to stave off hunger.

At this time, in the study of the Cao residence.

Cao Cao stood at the doorway, watching as a few snowflakes drifted down from the sky. He could not help but sigh, “This year, the first snow comes earlier than ever before!”

“Master, auspicious snow foretells a good harvest. This is a fortunate sign,” Cao Ren replied at his side.

“Heh, let us hope so.” Cao Cao gave a faint laugh. “By the way, is she still unwilling to return?”

Cao Ren paused, aware Cao Cao was referring to Lady Ding. He cupped his hands and said, “Master, forgive my frankness, but the lady’s heart is troubled. Only the one who tied the knot can untie it—perhaps you must go in person to bring her back!”

Cao Cao fell silent. He had already sent for her several times, a clear sign of humility, yet she continued to feign ignorance!

At this moment, Xun Yu hurried over.

He saluted Cao Cao and said urgently, “Master, urgent news from Jiangdong!”

“Jiangdong? Let me guess, has Sun Ce taken Jiangnan and now wishes to join forces with me to attack Chu Feng?” Cao Cao clasped his hands behind his back, smiling lightly as he spoke.

“Master, you have guessed half right!” said Xun Yu. “Sun Ce’s letter does indeed propose joining forces to attack Chu Feng. However, Chu Feng launched a feint, borrowed warships from Jingzhou, and has already taken Yuzhang.”

Xun Yu could not help but marvel at Chu Feng’s boldness.

“What? He has taken Yuzhang?” Cao Cao’s brows knitted, his gaze turning cold and vicious. This Chu Feng truly surprised him. In just a few months, the man had not only solidified his rule with an iron hand, but also employed cunning strategy to seize Yuzhang. If such a person were allowed to grow unchecked, it would bode ill!

“Chu Feng must not be indulged. Wenruo, do you think I should send troops to attack him?” Cao Cao turned to ask Xun Yu.

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“We should attack him—but not yet.”

“What do you mean by that?” Cao Cao raised an eyebrow.

“Master, Nanyang remains unsettled, and Xuchang is not secure.”

“Is Sun Ce not preparing to form an alliance with you? Then agree to it, and proclaim to the realm that Chu Feng attacked Yuzhang without cause, marking him as a rebel.

“Draft an edict to mobilize Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Sun Ce of Eastern Wu, Lü Bu of Xuzhou, and all other warlords to attack him. Master, you should publicly declare that you will personally lead a hundred thousand troops to annihilate him.”

Xun Yu’s lips curled into a cold smile.

“But if I go after Chu Feng, what if Zhang Xiu seizes the opportunity to attack?” Cao Cao frowned. He was worried about Zhang Xiu, for Nanyang was too near Xuchang and the land between was flat and open. The Emperor resided in the capital, surrounded by countless loyalists. Should Zhang Xiu’s army arrive at the city gates, these loyalists would surely rebel, and history might repeat itself as it had in Yanzhou.

“That is why you need only have Generals Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan march with the army, feigning an attack on Chu Feng. Then, arrange for the noble families within the city to send letters to Zhang Xiu, luring him to strike.

“You, Master, can then wait at ease to crush him in one blow!

“Perhaps you might even seize Nanyang in a single stroke, removing all worries behind you.

“In this way, you will tie down Chu Feng’s main force. Once he realizes you have not personally come, he will be forced to defend Yuzhang. Then you can move swiftly and lightly, capturing Shouchun in one fell swoop.

“This is to kill two birds with one stone—not only could you take Nanyang, but perhaps even the lands north of the Yangtze would fall into your hands. Then, only that brute Lü Bu would remain in the Central Plains!”

Xun Yu outlined his plan succinctly.

“Haha! Excellent, such a plan would have all the warlords of the realm dancing in the palm of my hand.” Cao Cao laughed heartily.

“Yet, Wenruo, there is one man we must beware of. He might see through this ruse.”

“Master speaks of Jia Xu? The man is indeed shrewd, but Zhang Xiu is a warrior, not one to obey blindly.

“If you are uneasy, before the army sets out, why not promise your beloved daughter to him and bestow upon him the title of Marquis of Wancheng, promote him to General Who Raises Might, and make him Governor of Nanyang? Such a move, appearing to hide your true intent, will only further allay suspicions!”

Xun Yu replied with assurance.

“Xun Wenruo, with you at my side, what worry have I that the Han cannot be restored to glory?” Cao Cao’s joy was evident from his expression.

What a brilliant trick: to conceal the truth by an obvious gesture, making it plain as day that this campaign is coming, so Zhang Xiu need not act rashly. Such a move would lower his guard to its very minimum.

With the help of the aristocratic clans in the city, Zhang Xiu might well follow the example of the traitorous Li Jue and Guo Si. Moreover, this time it would be in the name of defending the throne—changing the entire nature of the affair.

Observing Cao Cao’s demeanor, Xun Yu sighed inwardly.

How could he not know what kind of man Cao Cao was? As the outside world said, Cao Cao was the cunning hero of troubled times; he had killed more loyal ministers at the Emperor’s side than anyone could count.

He only hoped that during his own lifetime, Cao Cao would regard himself as a Han subject—that would be enough. After all, the Han was beyond saving, and every warlord in the realm harbored private ambitions.

“I will go to the Emperor at once. If we are to stage a play, we must make it convincing!” Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed. This was also the perfect opportunity to root out a few more traitors.

With that, he and Cao Ren headed straight for the palace.

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Though it was not the time for morning court, some groundwork needed to be laid so that the Emperor himself would reach out to those vermin.

——

The imperial palace was rather modest.

All its halls together amounted to little, and nearly everyone within was loyal to Cao Cao. Countless armored guards stood alert, making it barely different from a prison.

Outside one hall, a eunuch called tremblingly, “Your Majesty, General Cao Cao requests an audience!”

Inside, Liu Xie, who had been perusing a bamboo scroll, jolted at the sound of Cao Cao’s name. He seemed to lose his very soul, exclaiming in terror,

“Cao Cao, Cao Cao is here again! What should I do? What should I do?”

“Do not worry, Your Majesty. I am here,” came a gentle voice from beside him. The woman, dressed in a dark red brocade robe and of unmatched beauty, was none other than Empress Fu Shou.

Not yet twenty, yet already composed and mature beyond her years.

At that moment, she comforted him, “Just do as before, Your Majesty. Continue reading your documents.”

Gulping down his own saliva, Liu Xie could not hide his fear that, one day, Cao Cao might simply have him executed on a whim.

“Let Lord Cao in,” he said at last.

Cao Cao entered in armor, hand resting on his sword. He glanced at the upright Liu Xie, then at Fu Shou. Truth be told, the woman was truly captivating—what a pity she belonged to the Emperor!

“Your Majesty, General of Pacification Chu Feng has seized Yuzhang from Liu Yao without imperial sanction. This is rebellion. I respectfully request your permission to lead troops myself to suppress Chu Feng and quell the uprising!”

Cao Cao deliberately emphasized that he would go in person.

At this, Liu Xie’s brow relaxed into a faint smile. Was Cao Cao leaving Xuchang? Yet he replied solemnly, “Lord Cao, the traitor Chu is cunning and deceitful. You must take great care.”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. While I live, none dare rebel—all honor Your Majesty as the supreme ruler of Han,” Cao Cao declared resoundingly.

Liu Xie: “???”

Inwardly, Liu Xie cursed: Do you even believe your own words? Are you not the greatest rebel of all—ten, a hundred times worse than Dong Zhuo?

“I leave everything in your hands.”

PS: Another chapter coming later.