Chapter 13: The True Worth of Yuan Shao

After storming out of the banquet in fury, Cao Cao returned to the Great Hall where he usually conducted his affairs, brimming with anger.

Shortly thereafter, Xun Yu and others followed him inside.

With no outsiders present, Cao Cao could no longer suppress his rage and erupted, cursing loudly, “How shameless can that scoundrel Yuan Shao be?! To utter such disgraceful lies!”

“The Emperor is clearly residing in Xu County under my protection; when did he ever escape to his Ji Province?!”

“A lowly villain! Truly despicable!”

Yuan Shao’s audacity disgusted Cao Cao immensely. He thought himself already quite shameless, but Yuan Shao proved even more brazen!

Cao Cao hadn’t yet decided whether to wield imperial authority through the Emperor, yet Yuan Shao had hastily accused him of doing so. Now, it was akin to mud splattering on his trousers—whether truly dirty or not, it looked like filth nonetheless.

The most nauseating part was Yuan Shao’s deliberate issuance of a proclamation, openly spewing falsehoods and fabricating tales of the Emperor fleeing from him to Ji Province.

To add insult to injury, Yuan Shao claimed, “Upon hearing of the Emperor’s plight, I have been deeply troubled day and night.”

How dare he say such things!

Ji Province was extremely close to Luo Yang; if Yuan Shao had chosen to welcome the Emperor back then, there would have been no role for Cao Cao at all. It was Yuan Shao who willingly forfeited this opportunity!

Now Yuan Shao had the audacity to covet the Emperor’s influence and resort to such deceitful tactics! It was truly shameless.

“My lord, please calm down,” Cheng Yu interjected, offering his perspective. “Yuan Shao is merely lying; the true Emperor remains in our hands. Who would believe such falsehoods? If you have His Majesty issue an imperial edict, Yuan Shao’s lies will crumble on their own.”

However, after Cheng Yu spoke, Xun Yu shook his head. “It won’t work. Even if the Emperor personally issues an edict, many people will still trust Yuan Shao.”

Cheng Yu was taken aback. “Why?”

Xun You let out a bitter laugh and added, “Because this belief stems from the accumulated reputation of the Yuan family over generations. As a descendant of the prestigious Yuan clan, with four successive generations of high-ranking officials, and as the very same Yuan Shao who fearlessly led an uprising against Dong Zhuo—people will be inclined to trust him.”

Cheng Yu fell silent, suddenly realizing that it was none other than Yuan Shao behind this proclamation. Had it been someone like Liu Biao or even Yuan Shu, fewer might have believed it, but it just happened to be Yuan Shao!

With the backing of the Yuan family’s longstanding reputation, combined with Yuan Shao’s own achievements, his prestige had reached a formidable level. When Yuan Shao claimed the Emperor resided in Ji Province, who would dare not believe him?

Who would believe that Yuan Shao, a hero from a prestigious lineage who once led eighteen lords against Dong Zhuo, could deceive the entire realm?

Most people would trust him without question; even those harboring doubts wouldn’t suspect it was outright false.

This exemplified the immense prestige of Yuan Shao’s name!

“What a cunning yet audacious scheme,” Xun You lamented.

They knew Yuan Shao was deceiving everyone, but there was no way to convince others of his deceit, which was the most infuriating aspect.

On the side, Yang Xiu shook his head and said, “From now on, my lord, when attempting to command the nobles under the Emperor’s banner, few will heed your call.”

“Even if some know Yuan Shao is lying, they’ll use this as an excuse to defy the Emperor’s edicts.” Yang Xiu’s face displayed deep regret, considering Yuan Shao’s move truly malicious.

However, upon hearing his words, Xun You, Xun Yu, and Cheng Yu all turned towards him with peculiar expressions.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?” Confused by their stares, Yang Xiu soon heard a cold voice respond.

“When have I ever mentioned commanding the nobles using the Emperor’s authority?” Cao Cao narrowed his eyes at Yang Xiu, a fleeting hint of murderous intent flashing within them. “Are you trying to slander me like Yuan Shao?!”

Yang Xiu was startled, realizing his slip of tongue.

In his preoccupation with analyzing the implications and drawbacks of Yuan Shao’s scheme, he had forgotten certain words were best left unsaid.

As Yang Xiu struggled to find a way to smooth things over, Xun Yu stepped in, diverting attention by saying, “My lord, our immediate priority should be devising a response strategy.”

Cao Cao shifted his gaze away from Yang Xiu and responded impatiently, “Yuan Shao uses his reputation against me, making his words more influential than mine. What possible response can I have?”

Then, as if recalling something, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply. “If only Xi Zhong were still here. He always had quick wit and abundant strategies; surely, he would know how to handle this situation.”

Xi Zhong, mentioned by Cao Cao, was once one of his advisors, renowned for surpassing even Xun Yu and Xun You in intellect. Unfortunately, Xi Zhong had passed away due to illness several months prior.

“My lord,” Xun You continued, “regardless of other considerations, it is crucial that we have His Majesty issue a proclamation to all, clarifying the situation and denouncing Yuan Shao.”

“Without a response, it will solidify the perception that the Emperor resides in Ji Province, not Xu County, further convincing people that you, my lord, are indeed a traitor.”

This suggestion, though the simplest approach, was deemed necessary by Xun You.

Speaking up might not convince others, but failing to respond would undoubtedly erode their trust.

“I don’t want to deal with this matter; handle it as you see fit.”

Extremely agitated, Cao Cao had no patience for such issues at present. His mind was preoccupied with something else entirely.

He turned to Xun Yu and asked, “Wenruo, do you know of any renowned scholars or talented individuals in Yingchuan? I am severely lacking capable assistants.”

Xun Yu and Xun You excelled in internal administration and strategic planning, possessing exceptional foresight on grand matters. Cheng Yu, being a military general, although astute, wasn’t primarily a strategist.

As for Yang Xiu, though intelligent, his lack of discretion often made him unpopular.

Previously, there was Xi Zhong, who displayed remarkable strategic prowess, but he tragically died young.

Thus, Cao Cao desperately sought skilled advisors.

Upon seeing Yuan Shao’s recent scheme, he immediately recognized it as the work of one of his rival’s strategists. Knowing Yuan Shao well, Cao Cao understood that Yuan Shao himself lacked the audacity for such a bold plan.

If only he had similarly outstanding advisors like those under Yuan Shao, he wouldn’t need to fear these cunning tactics anymore.

“There is indeed someone,” replied Xun Yu after a moment of thought.

Xun Yu pondered for a moment before responding.

Cao Cao’s eyes lit up eagerly. “Who is it?”

“His name is Guo Jia,” Xun Yu replied, “with the courtesy name Fengxiao, from Yingchuan Commandery. He possesses exceptional intellect and flawless strategies; truly unparalleled in my lifetime, a genius among men.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was overjoyed and exclaimed hastily, “Where is he now? I must personally invite him to join us!”

Xun Yu rarely praised others, so his endorsement clearly indicated the extraordinary nature of this individual named Guo Jia.

“My lord, several years ago, he had already joined Yuan Shao,” Xun Yu gently coughed and informed him.

Instantly enraged, Cao Cao retorted, “Wenruo! Are you mocking me?”

If he had already joined Yuan Shao, why mention him at all?

Unfazed, Xun Yu explained calmly, “My lord, please remain composed. Although he initially sought refuge under Yuan Shao, with numerous talents vying for attention there, Guo Jia has not been granted significant influence or responsibility.

“I often correspond with him, maintaining a close relationship. If my lord wishes, I am willing to write a letter inviting him to serve under your command.”

A smile finally returned to Cao Cao’s face as he said, “Very well, draft the letter promptly. We must ensure Mr. Guo joins our ranks!”

Xun Yu bowed in acknowledgment.