Chapter 44: Issuing Decree - Ordering Zhang Xiu to Mobilize Troops (fixed)

With Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei present, Cao Cao immediately understood the purpose of this army.

Earlier that year, Lu Bu had led a surprise attack on Pei County, capturing not only the city but also the wives and children of Liu Bei.

It was evident that Liu Bei had borrowed these troops from Yuan Shao to seek revenge against Lu Bu and reclaim his lost territory.

“A force of fifty thousand… quite ambitious.”

Cao Cao squinted thoughtfully. “Since when did Liu Xuande become so close with Yuan Shao? To persuade him to lend such a substantial number of soldiers is remarkable.”

Fifty thousand troops were no small matter. When did Yuan Shao become so generous, readily lending out such a large military contingent?

Moreover, attacking a mere Pei County wouldn’t require such a massive force.

Could they be planning to advance further and assault Xuzhou?

But even then, fifty thousand might still seem insufficient for conquering Xuzhou.

Cao Cao couldn’t fathom Yuan Shao’s true intentions.

At that moment, a guard reported, “My lord, the Military Advisor and Chancellor of State request an audience.”

The individuals referred to were Xun You and Xun Yu.

“Gongda? Wenruo?” Hearing both sought an audience together, Cao Cao’s expression shifted slightly. Without hesitation, he proceeded directly to the main hall.

Xun Yu and Xun You were already waiting inside the hall.

Upon seeing them, Cao Cao asked immediately, “Gongda, Wenruo, why have you both requested an urgent audience at this late hour? Has something happened?”

Given the late hour, their sudden visit must signify some significant event; otherwise, they wouldn’t have come together like this.

“My lord, a grave matter has arisen!” Xun Yu’s expression was solemn as he spoke gravely, “Scouts from the frontlines urgently reported that half a month ago, Yuan Shu declared himself Emperor in Shou County, establishing the nation ‘Cheng’ and announcing it to the world!”

Since Yangzhou borders Yuzhou, within just half a month, the news had reached Xu County!

“What?” Cao Cao was stunned, disbelief written all over his face. His voice rose sharply, “Feng Lu proclaimed himself Emperor? How dare he?”

Had this not been relayed by Xun Yu, he would have seriously doubted its veracity! With the Emperor still alive, how could Yuan Shu dare to claim the throne?!

Xun You nodded, confirming, “I have verified multiple times - this is indeed true. Yuan Shu established the nation Cheng, styled himself as Zhongshi, received the jade seal of the realm, and set his capital in Shou County.”

With Xun You’s confirmation, Cao Cao fell silent for a moment, overwhelmed by shock and at a loss for words.

The news was profoundly shocking, leaving him utterly speechless, unsure of what to say.

“Fool!” After a moment, Cao Cao scoffed coldly, shook his head, and succinctly expressed his opinion with just two words.

Between Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, one sought to impersonate the Emperor while the other directly declared himself emperor—each more eccentric than the other. Truly deserving of being half-brothers from the same father.

“My lord, Yuan Shu’s usurpation and self-proclamation as emperor will not be tolerated by the world,” Xun Yu gravely suggested. “With His Majesty residing in Xu County, we bear the authority in His name. It is imperative that we swiftly respond by launching an expedition against this false emperor, thereby demonstrating your commitment to upholding the Great Han.”

This matter required immediate action, for they held the true legitimacy of the Han Dynasty, representing the imperial court, whereas Yuan Shu was merely a usurping pretender!

Against such a false emperor, there could only be one choice—to wage war!

However, upon hearing this, Cao Cao furrowed his brow deeply and said, “Although Yuan Shu has usurped the throne, he commands formidable forces far superior to ours. Isn’t launching an expedition akin to cracking a stone with an egg?”

“Moreover, he has under his command Sun Ce, a fierce general whose bravery rivals even that of Lü Bu, and his leadership surpasses his father Sun Jian’s.”

Although proclaiming himself emperor was foolish, Yuan Shu’s influence currently ranked first among all factions in the realm, outstripping even Yuan Shao.

Yangzhou boasted unparalleled wealth, with abundant population, vast territories, and plentiful resources, making it stronger than Yuzhou and Yanzhou combined.

However, these factors were secondary; what truly concerned Cao Cao was Sun Ce.

“My lord may not be aware, but shortly after Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, Sun Ce publicly severed ties with him,” Xun You said with a smile. Sun Ce was no fool; this decision was undoubtedly the wisest choice.

“Oh?” Intrigued, Cao Cao raised his estimation of Sun Ce further.

It seemed that Sun Ce was not merely a reckless brute devoid of strategy. Either he possessed strategic acumen himself or had someone advising him closely. Regardless, neither scenario should be underestimated.

Suppressing these thoughts, Cao Cao turned to Xun You and stated, “Even so, launching the first attack against Yuan Shu would still be unwise.

“Yuan Shao claims to uphold the Emperor’s authority, doesn’t he? Now that Yuan Shu has declared himself emperor, I eagerly await his response.”

Cao Cao couldn’t help feeling gleeful at Yuan Shu’s misfortune.

Would Liu Bei uphold justice by denouncing his kin or choose to shield Yuan Shu? Either outcome would be satisfactory for him.

Xun Yu frowned and said, “My lord, Yuan Shao is Yuan Shao, and you are yourself. Regardless of how he responds, it is crucial that you demonstrate your stance.”

“How will people across the land perceive you? How will the officials view you?”

“Choosing to remain indifferent now would be unwise.”

The relentless urging caused a hint of displeasure to flash in Cao Cao’s eyes, and his expression darkened slightly.

Noticing the tense atmosphere, Xun You pondered briefly before suggesting to Cao Cao, “Since my lord does not wish to lead the charge, why not have the Emperor issue an edict commanding others to mobilize their forces? This way, my lord need not deploy a single soldier.”

Xun You proposed a solution that satisfied both concerns. By letting others take action while staying out of it himself, they could achieve the desired result!

“Wonderful idea!” A look of delight appeared on Cao Cao’s face, as Xun You’s suggestion aligned perfectly with his preferences. Eagerly, he asked, “Gongda, who do you think would be most suitable for this task?

“Liu Biao of Jingzhou? Sun Ce of Jiangdong? Or perhaps Lu Bu of Xuzhou?”

However, Xun You shook his head and replied, “None of them. I believe we should command Zhang Xiu from Wancheng to strike first against Yuan Shu.”

“Firstly, Wan City borders Yuzhou, and Zhang Xiu hails from Liang Province, boasting highly skilled cavalry under his command. Yangzhou’s predominantly flat terrain is ideal for cavalry operations.

“Secondly, Zhang Xiu’s uncle, Zhang Ji, participated in rebellions. My lord can request the Emperor to issue a decree pardoning his uncle’s crimes, thereby securing Zhang Xiu’s cooperation in launching an attack.”

Orders given to Liu Biao, Sun Ce, or even Lü Bu might not be heeded. Thus, it was crucial to find someone more controllable.

“Zhang Xiu…”

Cao Cao recognized this name. His forces consisted mainly of remnants from Liang Province, known for their fierce combat prowess. Last year, Liu Biao had persuaded him to join as an external vassal, now dominating Nanyang County.

However, being a barbarian from Liang Province, Zhang Xiu faced rejection by the influential families of Central Plains. Moreover, with his uncle involved in past rebellions, he was further ostracized. If not for the bravery of his troops, they likely would have been swallowed up long ago.

Nevertheless, he indeed made for a suitable sword to wield.

After brief deliberation, Cao Cao reached a decision and said to Xun You, “As Gongda suggests, we shall issue an imperial decree ordering Zhang Xiu to mobilize his forces!”