Chapter 66: Yuan Shao: Send an Imperial Decree to Praise Zhang Xiu Quickly! (fixed)

Yecheng, Official Residence’s Administrative Hall.

Guo Jia presented a stack of processed military reports from Yecheng and said, “Third Prince, these are the military reports that have just been processed.”

“They include requests for provisions along the front lines, casualty statistics, posthumous awards, and other matters; this humble official has already made notes regarding each item within the documents. Please take a look.”

As Guo Jia spoke, he placed all the reports on the table.

Yuan Shang casually picked up one report, flipping through it briefly before his face broke out into a pleased smile as he looked appreciatively at Guo Jia.

“Sir is truly a talent!”

“If not for your assistance, I would find it extremely difficult to manage such complicated military affairs, let alone handle them so efficiently.”

Over the past few days, Yuan Shang had witnessed firsthand Guo Jia’s capabilities. Not only was he extraordinarily clever, but he also excelled at managing military affairs, doing so with great efficiency and skill, effectively relieving much of the burden on Yuan Shang’s shoulders.

He’d even earned praise from their father, Yuan Shao!

Guo Jia smiled lightly. “I’m glad to be of help.”

Yuan Shang felt even more satisfied upon hearing these words.

A capable subordinate who dared speak his mind, was willing to work diligently without seeking credit, and offered insightful strategies—this type of aide was truly hard to come by.

Yet Yuan Shang couldn’t understand it at all. Why did such a talented advisor, whose abilities surpassed those of Shen Pei and Ju Shou’s, remain so unknown?

“Looks like Father made a mistake with his appointments.” Yuan Shang shook his head internally; his father’s lack of insight into people’s talents was glaringly obvious, having overlooked such a remarkable individual.

But now that person could finally prove useful to him.

With this thought, Yuan Shang turned to Guo Jia with a pleased smile. “Sir has worked tirelessly for us thus far. This young master intends to host a feast tonight at our manor, preparing fine wine, beauties, and delicacies to alleviate your fatigue. I sincerely hope Sir will accept my invitation.”

“My thanks to Third Prince,” Guo Jia readily accepted Yuan Shang’s invitation.

As they conversed, Shen Pei hurried into the hall.

Yuan Shang smiled at the sight. “Shen-xiansheng arrives just in time, as this young master is planning on hosting a banquet…”

“Third Prince, something momentous has occurred!” Shen Pei exclaimed with delight before Yuan Shang could finish speaking. “News has come from the frontlines that Cao Cao’s campaign against Wancheng’s Zhang Xiu has failed. Not only did his thirty thousand-strong army suffer total annihilation, but even his subordinate general Dian Wei perished in battle!”

“That is not all. His eldest son, Cao Ang, and nephew, Cao Anmin, also died in this conflict, leaving Cao Cao himself to flee in utter disgrace!”

Upon hearing this news, Guo Jia was momentarily stunned.

Cao Cao had actually lost to Zhang Xiu? How could this be? How had he lost?

Meanwhile, Yuan Shang’s eyes lit up at this news, then he turned to ask, “When did this happen? Did Father hear yet?”

“Just recently; my lord has not been informed.”

“Excellent! Quickly accompany this young master to inform Father of this matter, lest our second brother beat us to it!”

Yuan Shang rose immediately and rushed out, Shen Pei following swiftly behind him.

Guo Jia stood frozen in place, hesitating between reporting directly to Liu Xie or going to Yuan Manor first. After some thought, he decided on the latter.

“We should get to the bottom of this first,” Guo Jia murmured to himself as he followed the others. “Then we can report it to Your Majesty.”

Yuan Manor.

“Is this true?” Yuan Shao asked with astonishment after listening to Yuan Shang’s report.

Yuan Shang quickly gave Shen Pei a meaningful look.

The latter immediately understood and stepped forward to say, “Reporting to my lord, this is true beyond doubt. Cao Cao has returned in defeat while Zhang Xiu achieved great victory!”

“Hahaha—!”

After confirming the accuracy of the news from Shen Pei, Yuan Shao couldn’t help but laugh heartily, his entire person seeming revitalized.

“Cao Cao truly is incompetent! He led thirty thousand troops on a campaign against Zhang Xiu, yet returned in utter disgrace? How laughable, how very laughable!”

“Hahahahaha!”

Ever since the time when Cao Cao seized the Emperor as a means to command feudal lords, he and Yuan Shao had been adversaries. Seeing Cao Cao stumble now, how could he not feel joy?

More importantly, the reason for Cao Cao’s expedition was that Zhang Xiu refused to heed the Emperor’s edict, so such a result would be a heavy blow to both Xu County’s ruler and Cao Cao’s prestige.

After laughing heartily, Yuan Shao continued, “How did Cao Cao lose? The cities Zhang Xiu holds are no more than Wancheng, and his troops are only remnants of Liang Province’s army. How could he possibly defeat Cao Cao?”

“Could it be that Liu Biao sent reinforcements?”

To be honest, he found this quite puzzling; logically speaking, Zhang Xiu had no chance of defeating Cao Cao. Unless Liu Biao sent reinforcements to assist him, but with Liu Biao’s weak personality, it was unlikely.

“No, it wasn’t Liu Biao.”

Shaking his head, Shen Pei gave a small cough before continuing. “It is said that Zhang Xiu initially offered to surrender, but upon entering the city, Cao Cao took a fancy to Zhang Xiu’s aunt, Lady Zou, and forcefully claimed her as his own, inciting Zhang Xiu’s rage. A few days later, Zhang Xiu intoxicated Dian Wei, who guarded Cao Cao, then ordered his men to steal away both of Cao Cao’s halberds, and launched a surprise night attack on Cao Cao’s encampment.

“Dian Wei died protecting Cao Cao’s escape, while Cao Ang and Cao Anmin also fell in defense of their troops, leaving the曹 army leaderless. The soldiers were slaughtered by Zhang Xiu’s forces, and those who survived fled.”

Upon hearing this conclusion, Yuan Shang and Guo Jia couldn’t help but display strange expressions.

The reason for Cao Cao’s defeat…was because of a woman?

Even Yuan Shao, ever the reserved man, could not contain his laughter at this ridiculous explanation. “Cao Mengde, ah, Cao Mengde! You…” He laughed until he could barely catch his breath. “Ha ha ha ha!”

He hadn’t been this delighted in ages—because the reason behind Cao Cao’s defeat was truly laughable beyond belief!

For a woman, Zhang Xiu had turned from a mere surrender to outright rebellion, thereby sparing tens of thousands of soldiers under Cao Cao’s command—along with one fierce general, his eldest son, and even his nephew—from death! This extraordinarily high price for a brothel visit was certainly unparalleled throughout history.

A long while passed before Yuan Shao managed to stifle his laughter, then turned to Shen Pei. “Send word to Gongyu, instructing him to enter the palace and request an imperial decree rewarding Zhang Xiu!”

“This must be widely publicized so that all under heaven may hear!” Yuan Shao’s tone brimmed with scorn; he could not let such a golden opportunity slip through his fingers. He wanted everyone to know about this incident, especially as it pertained to undermining Cao Cao’s reputation. Once news spread, Yuan Shao believed the Emperor’s authority in Cao Cao’s hands would surely diminish, which would prove immensely advantageous to him.

“Yes, my lord!” Shen Pei nodded in agreement.

Yuan Shao continued, buoyed by his good mood, “How is the battle going on the front lines? How have Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Lu Bu, and Liu Bei fared against Yuan Shu?”

The three divisions of troops had already begun attacking Yangzhou, but since Yuan Shao was recovering at home, he hadn’t received any updates regarding the current state of affairs, so he needed to inquire further.