pappabearbooks Chapter 48 With a strategist as my advisor, your petty tricks are like child's play!
Chapter 48 With a strategist as my advisor, your petty tricks are like child's play!
"You are Jia... Jia..." Gu Cheng tapped his forehead with his fingertip, looking at the man's face as familiar, but unable to recall the full name. "Young Master Gu has a bad memory. I am Jia Guo." Guo Jia bowed awkwardly.
"Yes, yes, he's my father-in-law's friend, Jia Shuzuo." Gu Cheng then remembered and returned the greeting with a smile: "What wind blew Jia Shuzuo here?" "I was just looking through the entry registration at the North Gate when I saw Young Master Gu's name. So I inquired around and finally found him here."
Guo Jia's acting skills were superb; he fabricated a flawless reason. In reality, Cao Ang's men were secretly protecting Gu Cheng, and as soon as Gu Cheng arrived in Xiaopei, Cao Ang reported to Cao Cao. Cao Cao, not wanting to frequently appear before Gu Cheng, instructed Guo Jia to continue using the identity of Jia Guo to probe his son-in-law's opinions on the upcoming campaign against Lü Bu.
The reason was irrefutable, so Gu Cheng naturally had no doubts and invited Jia Guo into the hall.
Once the guests and hosts were seated, fragrant tea was poured for them.
Gu Cheng raised his cup and said, "Mi Fang's surrender to Cao Cao and the fall of Xiaopei City must be thanks to Jia Shuzuo. I congratulate Jia Shuzuo on his promotion." "Your words, Young Master Gu, truly make me ashamed," Guo Jia said, feigning gratitude. He raised his cup and said, "If it weren't for Young Master Gu's letter of persuasion, how could I have had the opportunity to offer Cao Sikong a plan to break the city, let alone be promoted to the rank of Attendant for my merits? It is I who should thank you, Lord Gu."
"You're too kind, Mr. Jia. Since you're a friend of my father-in-law, you're also a friend of mine, Gu Cheng. Friends should naturally look after each other," Gu Cheng said with a smile. "That's right, that's right," Guo Jia repeatedly agreed, and the two raised their glasses for a drink.
After setting down the cup, Gu Cheng asked, "Did Cao Cao ask where you got that letter of surrender?" "Don't worry, Young Master Gu, I didn't mention you to Cao Cao."
"I lied and said that I had obtained Miss Mi's handwriting by chance and asked a master calligrapher to make a copy. It was so good that it could be mistaken for the real thing, which was enough to fool Mi Fang."
Guo Jia knew Gu Cheng was meticulous and would question him carefully, so he had already prepared a reason beforehand. "That's good." Gu Cheng nodded in satisfaction: "You must not let Cao Cao know about me, otherwise, given Cao Cao's thirst for talent, he will definitely use every means to force me to serve. I don't know how I will hide then."
Upon hearing this, Guo Jia sighed inwardly, "My lord, your son-in-law is avoiding you like the plague. You want to persuade him to come out of seclusion and become your Zhang Liang? It's going to be difficult..."
He chimed in with a few words, and they chatted for a while. After a cup of tea, Guo Jia smiled and said, "With Xiaopei captured, Sikong will surely crush Lü Bu in one fell swoop. What are your thoughts on the upcoming battles, Young Master Gu?"
Gu Cheng knew that he intended to ask him for advice so that he could curry favor with Cao Cao.
"If he is mediocre, even if I teach him some strategies that can help him gain merit and promotion, Cao Cao will eventually see through his schemes, and it will only harm him in the end."
"Hmm, we need to see what he's capable of first, whether he has the potential to be a strategist." Gu Cheng's thoughts raced, and he made up his mind. Gu Cheng smiled and asked in return, "Then, in Jia Congshi's opinion, how should Cao Cao fight the next battle?" "To fight Lü Bu, we must use both civil and military means."
"The so-called military strategy is for Cao Cao to lead his army south, defeat Lü Bu's obstruction, and besiege Xiapi." "The civil strategy is to use means to cut off Lü Bu's wings." "Zang Ba of Donghai and Chen Deng of Guangling have nominally submitted to Lü Bu, thus becoming Lü Bu's allies." "Chen Deng has already expressed his intention to submit to Cao Cao. What Cao Cao needs to do is to allow Chen Deng to continue as the governor of Guangling, tacitly acknowledging that the Chen family's status in Xuzhou will remain unchanged."
"Zang Ba was originally a member of the Yellow Turbans in Qing and Xu provinces, and had long occupied the counties of Xu province. Cao Sikong should appoint Zang Ba to official positions and titles in the name of the imperial court. He only needs to nominally submit to the imperial court."
"In that case, Zang Ba and Chen Deng will surely side with the court and refuse to help Lü Bu. With his wings clipped, even with Chen Gong's strategies, Lü Bu's bravery alone is no match for Cao Cao!" Guo Jia seemed to have his confidence boosted by Gu Cheng's words, and he eloquently explained to Gu Cheng the strategy he had outlined for Cao Cao to eliminate Lü Bu.
"I didn't expect Jia Guo to be so capable. He's not simple..." Gu Cheng secretly praised, a hint of admiration appearing in his eyes.
After Guo Jia's eloquent discourse, he suddenly realized that his status was merely that of an official, and such lofty talk seemed somewhat inappropriate for his position.
He coughed a few times and said self-deprecatingly, "My humble opinion is rather shallow; I hope Young Master Gu will forgive my arrogance." "You are too modest, Minister Jia," Gu Cheng said with approval. "I didn't expect Minister Jia to have such insight. You are indeed a man of great talent. With your intelligence, even if you hadn't obtained any strategies from me, you would surely have been highly valued by Cao Cao in the future!" "He is a reincarnation of the strategist Gu Cheng. To receive such praise from him is an honor for me..." Guo Jia was secretly excited and somewhat flattered. However, he dared not be arrogant in front of Gu Cheng.
He then cupped his hands in greeting: "Before Young Master Gu, how could this humble official be worthy of the title 'great talent'? This humble official has only offered some presumptuous remarks, and I would like to hear what guidance Young Master Gu has to offer?"
Gu Cheng smiled and said, "I have told Jia everything I wanted to say. As long as Cao Cao acts according to your strategy, it is only a matter of time before he destroys Lü Bu."
Guo Jia breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, "Since he has agreed, then the strategy I devised for my lord should be foolproof. I can rest assured now."
Having received Gu Cheng's earnest request, Guo Jia wished to take his leave. At this moment...
Gu Cheng suddenly said, "However, although Chen Gong lacks long-term strategy, he is very good at using tricks. We must be wary of him offering a strange plan to Lü Bu."
"Chen Gong?" Guo Jia's relaxed state of mind involuntarily tensed up.
"Jia Congshi, I'd like to ask you, has Lü Bu retreated from Pengcheng back to Xiapi?" Gu Cheng asked casually, sipping his tea.
Guo Jia's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly said, "That's right. I just received news a few days ago that Lü Bu dared not go north to contest Xiaopei, and has abandoned Pengcheng and retreated to Xiapi."
"Just as I expected." Gu Cheng frowned. "What did Young Master Gu deduce?" Guo Jia felt a sense of unease and quickly asked.
"Xiaopei was the gateway to Xuzhou, and now that it has fallen, not only does Lü Bu not come to retake it, but he has also abandoned Pengcheng, a crucial defensive point, and retreated all the way to the heart of Xiapi!"
"Doesn't Jia find Lü Bu's actions suspicious?" Gu Cheng asked with a cold laugh.
Guo Jia suddenly realized something and said, "Could it be that Young Master Gu believes Lü Bu is feigning retreat, deliberately showing weakness?" "This Jia Guo is indeed quite insightful; he understands things quickly," Gu Cheng thought to himself with secret admiration. After nodding slightly, Gu Cheng sneered, "If I'm not mistaken, Lü Bu is merely feigning a retreat to lull Cao Cao into a false sense of security. He's probably already leading a light force on his way to attack Xiaopei."
Upon hearing this, Guo Jia's body trembled, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.
"That's right, Lü Bu is using a feint to attack while secretly advancing; this is indeed Chen Gong's doing, quite cunning!" "I'm ashamed to admit I didn't notice. Luckily, Young Master Gu reminded me, otherwise I would have jeopardized our lord's plans!" "It seems his wisdom truly surpasses mine; I am utterly far inferior!"
After realizing his mistake, Guo Jia was filled with emotion and held Gu Cheng in even higher esteem. "Whoosh!" Guo Jia leaped to his feet, bowed deeply, and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Young Master Gu. I'll take my leave now!" Having bid farewell to Gu Cheng, Guo Jia spurred his horse out of the city and headed straight for the southern camp. Inside the central command tent...
Cao Cao was sharing with his generals the strategy for pacifying Xu Province that Guo Jia had previously presented. The tent flap was lifted, and Guo Jia hurriedly entered.
"Fengxiao, you've come at the right time! Everyone has seen your strategy, and they all say that with this strategy, how can we not defeat Lü Bu and recover Xuzhou!"
Upon seeing Guo Jia enter, Cao Cao smiled and praised him. All the generals looked at Guo Jia, this newly arrived young strategist, with admiration.
Guo Jia cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Minister Cao, I almost miscalculated. Lü Bu is very likely to launch a surprise attack on Xiaopei with a small force. Please prepare accordingly." Cao Cao's smile vanished abruptly, and his expression changed slightly.
into the night.
The lights of Xiaopei City were out, and Cao Cao's camp outside the city was also shrouded in darkness. In the night.
Lü Bu was leading his ten thousand elite troops, taking advantage of the cover of night, to sneak towards Cao Cao's camp. "Chen Gongtai's elaborate scheme has indeed fooled that traitor Cao!" Lü Bu gazed at Cao Cao's camp, a cold smile playing on his lips. In his field of vision, Cao Cao's camp was silent, with only the faint outline of Cao Cao's soldiers yawning. All signs indicated that Cao Cao's army was completely unprepared. In the blink of an eye, Lü Bu's army had closed to within a hundred paces. Lü Bu reined in his horse, halting his soldiers' advance. At this distance, another half step forward, and the lights of Cao Cao's camp would illuminate them. "Lord Wen, Cao Cao has fallen for our trap!" Zhang Liao whispered from behind, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed excitement. The ten thousand Lü Bu soldiers were all ferocious and excited, preparing for a satisfying slaughter.
Lu Bu let out a wild laugh, pointed his halberd at Cao Cao's camp: "Soldiers of the Lu family army, crush Cao Cao's camp and capture him alive!" His blood was boiling.
"Capture Cao Cao alive—" "Capture Cao Cao alive—" Ten thousand soldiers roared like beasts, tearing the still night apart. Lü Bu spurred his Red Hare, dragging his halberd, and charged out first. Zhang Liao, Song Xian, Hou Cheng, and other generals followed closely behind.
The ten thousand Lü Bu troops surged forward like a torrent, sweeping towards Cao Cao's camp. A domineering, arrogant sneer already graciously appeared on Lü Bu's face. He could almost see the Cao army's guards scattering in terror. He could even see his army breaking through the camp, slaughtering the sleeping Cao soldiers in their sleep. Then, his army would break through the enemy lines and march into Xiaopei in one fell swoop.
Tonight, Xiaopei City and its surroundings are destined to become a hell for Cao Cao's army. "Cao Cao, you escaped a calamity in Yanzhou back then, but you won't be so lucky today!" Lü Bu grew more and more excited as he thought about it, gripping his halberd tightly, his face contorted with murderous intent. Inside Cao Cao's camp.
In the darkness, Cao Cao stood on his horse, a cold smile on his face, watching the enemy troops approach. "Fengxiao, you were right after all. That bastard Lü Bu really did want to launch a sneak attack!" Cao Cao glanced approvingly at Guo Jia.
Guo Jia said in a low voice, "Sikong, actually, it wasn't me who calculated it, but your virtuous son-in-law who foresaw the current situation."
Before the battle, Guo Jia, not daring to claim credit, finally revealed the truth. Cao Cao's body stiffened, and he couldn't help but look at Guo Jia. That meaningful smile made him realize that it was Gu Cheng who had guided Guo Jia. "I should have realized it sooner. Although Fengxiao's wisdom is amazing, only Liheng could have predicted Lü Bu's every move with such precision..."
Cao Cao was filled with mixed emotions. Suddenly...
His eyes burned with murderous intent. He cracked his whip and roared, "Soldiers of the Cao family, show yourselves! Give that traitor a surprise!"
tom!tom!tom!
The war drums suddenly sounded, drowning out the battle cries of the enemy outside the camp. At that moment, Lü Bu's soldiers had charged nearly seventy paces, about to crash into the wall. "Lord Wen, Cao Cao's reaction is somewhat unusual!" Zhang Liao, rushing forward, was the first to notice the discrepancy and couldn't help but warn him. Lü Bu frowned, a strange feeling also creeping into his heart. The soldiers on duty in Cao Cao's camp were not fleeing in panic as he had expected. On the contrary, they remained in formation, showing no sign of panic.
It was as if they knew all along that an enemy would launch a night attack. Moreover, war drums were sounding in Cao Cao's camp. Shouldn't gongs have been sounded to warn of an enemy attack? Why were war drums beating instead? "Could it be that Cao Cao was prepared all along?"
"Impossible! Chen Gong's plan is flawless. How could Cao Cao have seen through it!" Lü Bu's mind raced, unwilling to believe it. The next moment, a sudden change occurred ahead.
In the dim light of Cao Cao's camp, thousands of torches were suddenly lit, illuminating the camp and its surroundings as if it were daytime. The sudden burst of light was so blinding that Lü Jun's troops instinctively stopped and raised their hands to shield their eyes.
In the blink of an eye, Lü Jun, who was charging forward, was caught in a chaotic scramble.
Lu Bu was also blinded by the bright light. He reined in Red Hare and raised his arm to shield his eyes. After a long while, he lowered his arm, squinting as he peered ahead. His face paled in horror!
Lu Bu's eyes widened, his arrogance crumbling instantly in response to utter astonishment. His gaze was as if he had seen a ghost!
"Lord Wen, this, this..." Zhang Liao was also stunned, his composure completely shattered. The ten thousand Lü Bu's troops were instantly thrown into panic. Lü Bu clenched his fists, gasping for breath, his eyes burning with astonishment. The Cao camp ahead was clearly unprepared; why had countless troops suddenly appeared?
Densely packed, almost the entirety of Cao Cao's army. "Why, why was that Cao traitor so prepared?" Lü Bu roared hoarsely. Ahead, the gates of Cao Cao's camp slowly opened.
Accompanied by Dian Wei, Cao Cao slowly appeared at the camp gate. The Grand Commandant of Han then appeared.
The Wu soldiers' already shattered morale suffered another blow, and they retreated in droves. "Cao Cao—" Lü Bu's eyes widened, and he spat out the name through gritted teeth. "Lü Bu!" Cao Cao pointed his whip, coldly saying, "With a strategist like Cao Cao assisting me, do you think Chen Gong's petty tricks can fool me?!"
A master strategist!
These two words, like a thunderclap, boomed over the heads of Lü Bu's soldiers, sending chills down their spines. Even Lü Bu himself shuddered. "The Strategist?"
"Could he be referring to that extraordinary recluse behind him?" "Could it be Gu Cheng?" Countless terrifying thoughts churned and echoed in Lü Bu's mind. "Lü Bu, your fate is sealed. Dismount and surrender, and I will spare your life!" "Otherwise, I will ensure you die a horrible death!"
Cao Cao roared again, issuing his final ultimatum. A chill ran down Lü Bu's spine. For the first time in his life, he felt a pang of fear. The next instant, however, an overwhelming sense of shame and indignation engulfed him. "You traitor Cao, how dare you be so arrogant before me!"
"Even if you've seen through Chen Gong's scheme, so what? I am invincible, and I will still destroy you today!" Lü Bu roared, pointing his halberd at Cao Cao. Cao Cao smiled coldly and flicked his whip at him: "Fine, I'll stand right here and see how you take my life!" These words and actions immediately provoked Lü Bu, plunging him into a state of rage. Lü Bu brandished his halberd and roared, "Soldiers, follow me into Cao Cao's camp and kill that traitor!" Lü Bu, halberd in hand, charged towards Cao Cao like a streak of fire.
"Follow Lord Wen and kill the traitor Cao!" Zhang Liao shouted, brandishing his sword, and followed closely behind.
Ten thousand Lü soldiers, their fighting spirit barely ignited, roared and surged towards Cao Cao's camp once more. They covered the sky and rolled forward in overwhelming waves.
In an instant, the enemy had advanced to within thirty paces. "They're courting death!" Cao Cao's eyes flashed with a cold smile, and he cracked his whip: "Archers, show yourselves and shoot down the traitors!" The drums sounded again.
In an instant, nearly five thousand archers, who had been lying in ambush in the trenches, suddenly appeared.
Lu Bu, charging forward, suddenly opened his eyes wide and his expression changed.