Chapter 112: Jia Xu Defects, I Too Have Ten Reasons for Victory Over Yuan Shao

Meeting Jia Xu’s gaze, Guo Jia first took a large gulp of wine before slowly expounding his theory of ten defeats and victories.

“Firstly! Yuan Shao adheres to elaborate rituals; Your Majesty, on the other hand, transcends formality, being approachable and personable - this is victory through virtue!”

“Secondly! Yuan Shao harbors nefarious intentions, seeking to control the Emperor; Your Majesty, as a descendant of Emperor Gaozu, holds the rightful succession, destined by heaven itself - this is victory through righteousness!”

“Thirdly! Yuan Shao appears tolerant but conceals deep-seated jealousy within, often doubting those he employs; Your Majesty outwardly exhibits simplicity and clarity, yet possesses keen insight and divine wisdom, trusting your subordinates without suspicion - this is victory through breadth of character!”

“Fourthly! Yuan Shao plots excessively but lacks decisiveness, indecisive like a woman. Ju Shou once suggested controlling the Emperor to command obedience, only to be rejected by Yuan Shao, leading to regret after Cao Cao seized the opportunity; Your Majesty adapts swiftly, escaping from under Cao Cao’s control despite being briefly confined by Yuan Shao, quickly gaining influence over the imperial guard and earning my unwavering loyalty - this is victory through strategy!”

“Fifthly! Yuan Shao seeks fame through superficial displays of humility, attracting many boastful scholars; Your Majesty treats people with genuine sincerity, eschewing empty appearances - this is victory through moral integrity!”

“Sixthly! Under Yuan Shao, there is constant power struggle and slanderous attacks, causing chaos; Your Majesty managed to reconcile Liu Bei and Lu Bu, turning conflict into harmony - this is victory through discernment!”

“Seventh! Yuan Shao’s sons despise one another, and discord among brothers is inevitable; Your Majesty has no heirs yet, so there is nothing to worry about—this is victory through offspring!”

“Eighth! Yuan Shao values appearances over substance and lacks knowledge of military strategy; despite his many generals, few can carry the mantle; Your Majesty commands fierce warriors like Lü Fengxian, Guan Yunchang, and Zhang Yide, each capable of defeating thousands alone—this is victory through martial prowess!”

“Ninth! Yuan Shao is now forty-three years old, past middle age, nearing senescence, and often plagued by illness; Your Majesty is not yet twenty, full of vigor and strength—this is victory through longevity!”

Guo Jia eloquently expounded on these nine victories and defeats, emptying the jar of wine as he spoke.

Jia Xu listened intently, captivated. Despite his cunning strategies, he had never considered such comprehensive perspectives.

Even Lu Bu, that fickle traitor, had pledged allegiance to the Emperor!

Seeing Guo Jia drink silently after discussing the nine points, without elaborating further, Jia Xu grew anxious. He grabbed Guo Jia’s sleeve and asked, “Fengxiao, what about the final victory and defeat?”

“Hahaha! The last victory and defeat depend solely on you, Brother Wenhe!” Guo Jia laughed heartily, pointing at Jia Xu before suddenly producing a dagger from his robes and slamming it onto the table.

“If Wenhe brother is willing to assist His Majesty, Yuan Shao will lose a great talent, and His Majesty will gain a valuable ally—this would be the tenth victory for humanity!”

“Yuan Shao has ten defeats; His Majesty has ten victories!”

“With the advantages of righteousness, morality, tolerance, strategy, virtue, wisdom, heirs, military might, longevity, and human support, how can the restoration of the Han Dynasty possibly fail?”

“I’ve said my piece. For Yan Han, for yourself, and for your family’s sake, I urge you, Wenhe brother, make your decision!”

Jia Xu stared uneasily at the dagger Guo Jia had slammed onto the table, fully comprehending its implication.

Guo Jia had laid all his cards on the table. If Jia Xu refused to serve the Emperor today, he would not survive this encounter! Moreover, even his family could not escape unscathed.

Cold sweat broke out on Jia Xu’s back.

He never anticipated that Guo Jia could be so ruthless, secretly locating his family members as leverage.

The atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to freeze.

They gazed at each other without speaking, interrupted only by the distant cacophony of cicadas’ cries.

After a long moment, Jia Xu sighed deeply, setting down his wine cup, and helplessly asked, “Fengxiao, why go this far?”

His intention today was merely to test Guo Jia and gauge the Emperor’s resources.

To his surprise, Guo Jia displayed such unwavering determination, even coming prepared to ensure martyrdom for his entire family if he failed.

“Wenhe, let’s skip the pleasantries. Are you willing to swear allegiance to His Majesty?” Guo Jia stared intently at Jia Xu.

If any hint of hesitation flickered in Jia Xu’s eyes during his response, Guo Jia would strike without hesitation.

Jia Xu composed himself and said, “I must confess, when I first arrived in Yecheng, I had devised two contingency plans.”

“What do you mean?” Guo Jia slightly narrowed his eyes, tightening his grip on the dagger.

Jia Xu smiled wryly. “My journey to Yecheng was not driven by loyalty to Yuan Shao. Fengxiao, please don’t mock me; I have always prioritized self-preservation. With Yuan Shao being from four generations of high-ranking officials, his influence is immense. Serving under him could guarantee a life of stability and prosperity.”

“Upon arriving in Yecheng, however, it became clear that Yuan Shao lacked the qualities of a true leader… As you eloquently outlined in your ‘Ten Advantages and Disadvantages’ discourse earlier.”

“Yuan Shao excels in plotting but lacks decisiveness, making him unfit as a wise ruler. While serving him might provide temporary security, it’s not a path for long-term success.”

Guo Jia nodded slightly and asked, “Wenhe, what was your second contingency plan…”

“Yes,” Jia Xu replied calmly, “Although I am indeed self-serving, I have studied the teachings of sages and understand the greater good.”

“Allegiance to Dong Zhuo or Yuan Shao is not my desire. If given the chance, I too would prefer following a wise ruler to achieve great deeds.”

“My second plan upon arriving in Yecheng was simple: if Yuan Shao proves unworthy of support, discreetly observe the Emperor. Should His Majesty be virtuous and deserving of assistance, I am willing to exert all my efforts to help him restore the Han Dynasty.”

“If neither Yuan Shao nor the Emperor merit loyalty, then it’s time to depart.”

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia felt slightly relieved but remained uncertain about Jia Xu’s true intentions. He pressed further, “In your heart, Wenhe brother, do you consider His Majesty virtuous and worthy of support?”

Jia Xu smiled. “Fengxiao possesses exceptional astuteness, and Lu Bu is unmatched as the fiercest general under heaven. A sovereign capable of earning their allegiance cannot possibly be inept or incompetent. Although I have had limited interaction with His Majesty, through observing both of you, it’s clear that he harbors profound ambitions, albeit currently constrained like a dragon trapped in shallow waters.”

“And thus…” Jia Xu abruptly stood up, bowed to Guo Jia, and declared, “Let me, Jia Wenhe, contribute the final victory to His Majesty!”

His words resonated with conviction.

Guo Jia stared intently at Jia Xu, who met his gaze unflinchingly, his face displaying utter composure.

After a moment, Guo Jia released his grip on the dagger and rose to bow deeply to Jia Xu, filled with remorse. “Wenhe-xiong, my actions were truly disrespectful just now.”

“If you harbor any resentment towards me, Wenhe-xiong, feel free to vent your anger; I will not retaliate. All I ask is that you wholeheartedly assist His Majesty.”

Jia Xu also sighed in relief, knowing his family’s immediate concerns were alleviated for now.

Smiling, he helped Guo Jia stand. “In matters of such gravity, utmost caution is necessary. How could I hold it against you?”

Despite appearing as a frail scholar, one who seemed perpetually intoxicated, no one would expect such cunning malevolence from Guo Jia.

Jia Xu understood well that if he hadn’t clarified his stance today, both he and his carefully hidden family would have met their end.

Guo Jia knew coercing someone through their family was ungentlemanly and chuckled bitterly, “Given the Emperor’s safety is at stake, failing to secure Wenhe-xiong’s loyalty today and risking leaks that endanger His Majesty…I truly wouldn’t forgive myself.”

Nodding, Jia Xu indicated his understanding. If roles were reversed, he might have been even more ruthless than Guo Jia.

“Whenever convenient, please escort me to the palace, Fengxiao, so I may pay respects to His Majesty. Some matters are best discussed face-to-face.”

Guo Jia laughed heartily, “His Majesty will undoubtedly be overjoyed upon learning of Wenhe-xiong’s allegiance.”

The two shared a hearty laugh, like old friends reuniting after a long separation, completely erasing the tension of their earlier standoff.

Jia Xu grabbed another jar of wine and slammed it on the table with a thud. “Come, come, Fengxiao, let’s make this a night to remember.”

Guo Jia lifted his cup, inhaling deeply through his nose, wearing a blissful expression.

“This wine truly is exceptional. I drank too hastily earlier; now let me savor its taste properly.”

Watching Guo Jia, who looked every bit the part of a dedicated drunkard, Jia Xu found it hard to imagine the depth of cunning and strategic brilliance within him.

“Once I find an opportunity, I’ll approach Yuan Shao for a few more jars as gifts for Fengxiao.”

On a sweltering summer day, within a small courtyard, two of the most renowned strategists of their time shared wine and engaged in spirited conversation.

As they reached a slight tipsiness, Jia Xu said, “Fengxiao, after hearing your Ten Advantages and Disadvantages analysis, I also have my own ten reasons why Yuan Shao will fail, several aligning with yours without prior discussion.”

Guo Jia gulped down a mouthful of wine, burping contentedly. “Wenhe, share your profound insights swiftly.”

Jia Xu gathered his thoughts before speaking. “Despite Yuan Shao’s formidable power, external threats surround him - Cao A’man in Yanzhou, Gongsun Zan in Yōuzhou, and Lü Fengxian in Xuzhou, all significant adversaries. Internally, factions compete against each other, undermining unity. This constitutes one failure.

“Yuan Shu’s declaration of emperorship has severely diminished the prestige of the Yuan clan, spanning four generations and three high ministers. Yuan Shao can no longer command the same unwavering support as before. This marks the second failure.”

“The Emperor’s influence is rising, albeit weakly, but stealthily. Yuan Shao may be strong, but he operates openly. When plotting from the shadows against one exposed, we seize the initiative. This constitutes his third defeat.”

“Lu Bu secretly pledged allegiance to Your Majesty and seized control of Xuzhou and Yangzhou for your use. How laughable that Yuan Shao remains oblivious! Not only does he fail to guard against Lu Bu, but he foolishly seeks to win him over. This marks his fourth defeat.”

“To suppress Liu Bei, Yuan Shao used the Emperor’s decree to appoint him Inspector of Jing Province. However, Liu Biao, Governor of Jing Province, possesses talents worthy of serving as chancellor during peaceful times! His indecisiveness amidst uncertainty renders him incapable of action. In my opinion, given Liu Bei’s abilities, seizing Jing Province from the treacherous Liu Biao will surely succeed. This represents Yuan Shao’s fifth defeat.”

“Yan Han has endured for over three centuries; the hearts of the people belong to the Han Dynasty, and righteousness lies with the Emperor. The Yuan clan has long enjoyed imperial favor; if Yuan Shao harbors disloyal ambitions, would he differ from a beast? Such actions would inevitably lose the support of the populace, leading to condemnation by all under heaven. This constitutes his sixth defeat.”

“While Yuan Shao uses the Emperor to command obedience, Cao Cao in the south also controls a false puppet-emperor. Conflict between these two factions is inevitable. Our Emperor can observe their struggle from afar, reaping benefits like a fisherman catching fish amid quarreling tigers. This marks his seventh defeat.”

“In adversity, Yuan Shao demonstrates decisive planning, fostering unity among his subordinates. Yet, when faced with favorable circumstances, he becomes indecisive, disregarding others’ counsel. This signifies his eighth defeat.”

“Yuan Shao commands numerous generals but lacks competent leadership, possessing vast armies yet insufficient resources. He listens selectively to sycophants while distancing loyal advisors. This constitutes his ninth defeat.”

“Conflict brews among Yuan Shao’s sons, pitting brothers against each other, akin to water and fire being incompatible. This marks his tenth defeat.”