Chapter 47: The Minister Presents Three Strategies to Restore Luster to the Dimming Han Dynasty

Liu Xie never anticipated that the famed “Heroes’ Debate Over Wine” between Mr. Cao and Liu Bei would unexpectedly unfold between himself and Guo Jia.

“Could it be that Guo Jia first shared this discourse on heroes with Mr. Cao, who then used it to test Liu Bei?” Liu Xie speculated, finding it quite plausible.

Otherwise, how could their conversations match word for word?

However, these details were insignificant. Clearing his throat, Liu Xie said, “Indeed… Fengxiao’s insights align perfectly with our thoughts. We too believe that in today’s world, only Liu Xuande and Cao Mengde can truly be considered heroes.”

“But currently, we find ourselves constrained by Yuan Shao. It is crucial to consider how to leverage Yuan Shu’s claim to the throne to further weaken Yuan Shao’s power and escape his control.”

“Fengxiao, what counsel do you offer?”

Quickly shifting the topic to strategies against Yuan Shao, Liu Xie feared that if he continued discussing with Guo Jia, they might inadvertently recreate the “Three Kingdoms Alliance Strategy,” which would be far too incongruous.

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia extended three fingers.

“During this time, I have devised three strategies—upper, middle, and lower—for Your Majesty’s consideration. Which would you like to hear first?”

Seeing Guo Jia’s smirking expression, Liu Xie felt utterly exasperated.

Alright, alright, classic upper-middle-lower strategy dilemma.

Do all strategists around the world enjoy playing this game?

Imagine late at night, using a certain browser (starts with ‘C’) to access a naughty website, only for the browser to warn about potential danger and present you with three options:

1. Return to a safe webpage.
2. Continue accessing (strongly discouraged).
3. Decline access and purchase a secure browsing protector.

Now, picture yourself under the covers, gripping your throbbing manhood on the verge of explosion. Which option would you choose?

The answer is clear, isn’t it?

Typically, in these upper-middle-lower strategies, the upper strategy is unattainable by the ruler, the lower strategy is undesirable, and the middle strategy aligns with what the ruler wants while also being the advisor’s true recommendation. The other two merely serve to show that you have choices—the plans are laid out, but the decision rests solely on you.

“Let’s hear them all,” Liu Xie said weakly, deciding to listen first.

Guo Jia perked up and responded, “Your Majesty, the upper strategy is to leave Jizhou and seek refuge with Liu Biao in Jingzhou.”

“Liu Biao remains loyal to the Han Dynasty and is known for his timidity and indecisiveness, making him easily susceptible to being brought under control. Moreover, Jingzhou holds strategic importance with ample resources and soldiers, serving as a solid foundation for Your Majesty to conquer the realm.”

Just as I suspected…

Upon hearing this strategy, Liu Xie rolled his eyes immediately.

Could he not be aware that seeking refuge with Liu Biao was the best option? But the problem lay in getting there! Forget leaving Jizhou, even exiting Yecheng seemed doubtful. Yuan Shao’s formidable army encamped just beyond its walls, while Liu Xie had a mere thousand pitiful palace guards—barely scratching the surface of Yuan Shao’s forces!

“Tell me about the middle plan,” Liu Xie prompted.

“The middle plan?” Guo Jia’s smile faded, and he spoke solemnly, “The middle plan involves… assassinating Yuan Shao.”

Liu Xie nearly jumped in shock, staring at Guo Jia as if he’d seen a ghost. Unable to resist, he blurted out, “Are you sure this isn’t the worst-case scenario?”

He wondered if Guo Jia might have misunderstood what constituted a ‘middle’ plan.

“Please remain calm, Your Majesty, allow me to explain,” Guo Jia reassured him. He then began detailing his proposed middle course of action, “Your Majesty must understand, so long as Yuan Shao lives, there is no chance for you to escape his control, let alone build your own power.”

“Only with Yuan Shao’s death can you seize the opportunity to replace him and take control of Jizhou.”

Liu Xie felt Guo Jia was merely trying to deceive him. Frowning, he asked, “Even if we were to kill Yuan Shao, how would that help? We still couldn’t claim Jizhou. Do you truly believe his armies and trusted advisors would be loyal to us?”

If killing Yuan Shao could make Liu Xie the master of Jizhou, he would have acted long ago. It wouldn’t have been difficult for him.

Considering the numerous opportunities to meet Yuan Shao, all it would take is finding the right moment and swiftly using a hidden dagger - a swift, deadly strike.

However, assassinating Yuan Shao would inevitably bring down the wrath of his loyalists. While his status as Emperor might save him from death, he’d surely face confinement, cutting off any contact with the outside world.

What would be the point of such an assassination?

“Your Majesty, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I am not suggesting you personally kill Yuan Shao,” Guo Jia clarified calmly, building suspense. “Yuan Shao has three sons: the eldest, Yuan Tan; the second, Yuan Xi; and the youngest, Yuan Shang.”

“Their relationships mirror those between Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, marked by mutual discord. Furthermore, the strategists and generals under Yuan Shao each support one of these sons.”

“If Yuan Shao were to perish, his sons would inevitably vie for control of their family’s inheritance. Meanwhile, external enemies would seize the opportunity to attack. With both internal strife and external threats plaguing Jizhou, Your Majesty would have the chance to fish in troubled waters!”

Killing Yuan Shao was not the ultimate goal; plunging Jizhou into chaos was key!

Only amidst turmoil could significant gains be achieved!

Liu Xie, despite finding this plan incredibly audacious, had to admit its feasibility.

The sole challenge lay in assassinating Yuan Shao without arousing suspicion.

”…”

Frowning deeply, Liu Xie pondered for a moment before asking, “And what is the less favorable strategy?”

Guo Jia’s expression relaxed as he replied, “The less favorable strategy is much simpler. I am aware that discord exists among Yuan Shao’s advisors. By exploiting these divisions, we can incite mutual accusations among them. Leveraging Yuan Shao’s stubborn arrogance, we can further alienate him from his advisors’ counsel. Additionally, I will deliberately create conflicts between Yuan Shao and other regional lords, provoking wars. When the time comes, Yuan Shao will surely falter, allowing Your Majesty to escape confinement.”

“The only issue is that this plan requires several years or more to bear fruit, and I will need time to gain Yuan Shao’s trust.”

Guo Jia spoke confidently, his words filled with assurance.

Liu Xie recognized this wasn’t mere speculation on paper. With Guo Jia’s cunning and intellect, given sufficient time, he could indeed achieve what he proposed.

In summary, among the three strategies—upper, middle, and lower—the lower strategy was easiest to implement but demanded too much time, which Liu Xie couldn’t afford. The upper strategy was ideal but practically unattainable.

The middle strategy, however, was both feasible and offered significant benefits without requiring extensive time, making it the option Guo Jia most strongly advocated for.

“If we choose the middle strategy, what would be your course of action?” Liu Xie asked, genuinely intrigued.

Guo Jia smiled. “I have my plans, though they do require some time, significantly less than the lower strategy, nonetheless.”

“Very well. Proceed as you see fit. If there’s anything you need assistance with, feel free to ask.” Liu Xie agreed without hesitation.

Their collaboration was instantly sealed.

Meanwhile, Yuan Shao, who was unknowingly being plotted against by Liu Xie and Guo Jia, slowly regained consciousness on his bed within the Yuan Manor.