Chapter 133: Secret Calculation

The generals were alarmed by Xi Zhicai's words. If things really came to that, it would be a do-or-die situation with no turning back!

The strategists, however, remained expressionless, evidently having considered similar plans before.

Cheng Yu added, "Since we're going to break ties with Ji Province, we might as well join forces with Yuan Shu in the south."

"This way, the situation will open up. If Yuan Shao really loses Ye City, we can replace him and take control of the north!"

The others were delighted, their faces beaming with joy.

Cao Hong scratched his head and said, "Is this really something I'm hearing?"

"Aren't we afraid that discussing such secret matters will be leaked by spies, alerting Yuan Shao?"

Cao Cao laughed heartily, "If someone does leak today's events, it only proves my poor judgment of character!"

"But I believe that everyone here is my most trusted confidant and subordinate, and would never betray me!"

The crowd was excited and shouted in unison, "We are willing to die for you, Lord!"

Xi Zhicai coughed twice and nodded slightly. The Lord's way of winning people's hearts was indeed brilliant.

Moreover, the plan to raid Ye City was inherently difficult to keep secret. How could such a large-scale river crossing go unnoticed?

And even if the entire army crossed the Yellow River and surrounded Ye City, as the largest fortified city in the north, how easy would it be to conquer?

Therefore, his deliberate disclosure of the plan today was not what it seemed.

The direction Cao's forces intended to attack could be Ye City, Xu Province, Jing Province, or even Sili. Until the very last moment, no one would know.

Military strategy is formless; how can it be confined to one place?

Its true purpose was to make Yuan Shao fearful, preventing him from fully attacking Gongsun Zan, thus giving Cao Cao's side a chance to breathe.

At the same time, it could serve as a threat and bargaining chip, prompting Yuan Shao to offer more benefits to appease Cao's forces.

Because if Cao Cao really joined forces with Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao would have a headache!

As for breaking alliances and betraying trust, who would care when faced with life and death?

The proposal of this plan would restore confidence in everyone, letting them know that Cao's forces were not without options!

Otherwise, the setbacks suffered in the past half-year would be enough to wear down everyone's morale!

Seeing the generals invigorated, Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction.

He said, "This strategy will not be used unless absolutely necessary. Now that Yuan Xi has secretly met with Liu Bei in Xu Province, what do you think we should do?"

Cao Chun spoke out, "Why don't we simply send troops to Xu Province and directly attack Xia Pi and Tancheng, killing both Liu Bei and Yuan Xi!"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked sideways, thinking, 'All you know is recklessness?'

Cao Cao's eyes flashed, 'You idiot, don't shout so loudly!'

In fact, Cao Cao was inclined to take Xu Province quickly. The negotiations between Yuan and Liu would definitely drag on for some time, while he only needed ten days to complete the troop deployment!

He said, "Zhongde, Miaocai, Wenze, all three of you have dealt with Yuan Xi before. What kind of person do you think Yuan Xi is?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone understood that Cao Cao must have valued Yuan Xi quite a bit, otherwise he would not have asked so solemnly!

Xiahou Yuan was the first to speak, "I only saw him once in Fei County and felt that he was exceptionally greedy, shamelessly pocketing Cao Taigong's wealth, regardless of others' criticisms."

Hearing Xiahou Yuan mention Cao Song's wealth, Cao Cao's face twitched involuntarily.

Cao Cao knew that Cao Song had a lot of money, but Cao Song was too stingy and didn't contribute a single penny when Cao Cao raised his army. Now it had directly fallen into Yuan Xi's hands, which made Cao Cao quite heartbroken.

Seeing that Cheng Yu was still thinking, Yu Jin, fearing that the other party would pass the buck to him, quickly said, "I have met him twice, once in Fei County and once in Dongwuyang."

"I didn't speak to him in Fei County, so I have no impression."

"When I arrived in Dongwuyang, I felt that he was deliberately trying to befriend and flatter me, and I was worried that he was using a divisive tactic, so I was very vigilant and didn't interact with him."

"I think this person is very cunning and his attitude is ingratiating, obviously with ill intentions."

Cao Cao listened and nodded slightly, noncommittal.

Cheng Yu thought for a long time before slowly saying, "This son is not simple."

"I always feel that he may be dissatisfied with the Yuan family. If possible, it would be best to win him over."

"But if we can't win him over, it's necessary to find an opportunity to kill him."

As soon as these words came out, everyone had some experience. Xun Yu said, "What did he do to make Zhongde so afraid?"

Cheng Yu slowly said, "This son has been in Beixin City for three years, and his reputation is not obvious. He has not been seen to be particularly outstanding, and on the surface, he is far inferior to Yuan Shao's other two sons."

"But don't you think that after he returned to Ye City from Beixin City, Yuan's progress, which had been delayed by Gongsun Zan, suddenly accelerated greatly?"

"On the contrary, we have been frustrated in attacking Xu Province, trapped in a quagmire surrounded by enemies on three sides, and even blackmailed by Yuan's forces. Isn't it a bit too smooth?"

Everyone was stunned, and Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "Mr. Zhongde is saying that these recent events are all related to this son?"

Cheng Yu said coldly, "I don't have any evidence, but the fact is that after this son returned to Ye City, our situation and Yuan's situation began to change dramatically!"

Everyone began to ponder, and Xun Yu said, "Do you want to try contacting him to see if we can join forces with him?"

"He is a son of a concubine, and he will definitely not have a share in Yuan's inheritance, but what he has done shows that he has great ambitions!"

Cao Chun praised, "Mr. Wenruo is right. I heard that this son is very lustful!"

"I heard he keeps dozens of concubines, showing interest in both young girls and widows. If..."

He stopped abruptly, realizing Cao Cao's expression was grim.

The others thought, 'You're just asking for trouble, bringing up that sore spot!'

Cao Cao remained calm, chuckling softly, "If that's truly the case, it would be easier to handle!"

"Find an opportunity to send someone to contact him!"

The others bowed their heads in acknowledgment.

Cao Cao's fist clenched inside his sleeve.

He had killed Bian Rang and finally gotten Huan Shi, only to have her snatched away after a few days of enjoyment!

Moreover, Yuan Xi was using soldiers and military rations for the exchange, which Cao Cao couldn't refuse!

If he refused, his subordinates would know he was unwilling to exchange Huan Shi for grain, letting the soldiers starve, and morale would collapse!

He looked at Cao Ang, who hadn't said a word the whole time, with disappointment. If only he had half the cunning of that Yuan Xi!

His eldest son was too honest and straightforward, completely unsuitable for scheming. Could he bear the weight of the Cao clan in the future?

Chenliu Commandery, Puyang City.

Lü Bu returned to his residence, where his wife, Yan Shi, greeted him.

Yan Shi possessed outstanding beauty, with delicate and refined features and a slender, fragile figure, in stark contrast to the tall and imposing Lü Bu.

Seeing the worry on Lü Bu's face, she asked, "Husband, is something troubling you?"

Lü Bu sighed, "Indeed, I'm facing a dilemma. I didn't expect Cao Cao to be so difficult to deal with."

"It's said that I have many fierce generals from Bing Province under my command, and we've fought well enough in several encounters, but we just can't defeat Cao Cao."

"That shorty has many capable men under him. Now that winter is approaching, I'm at a loss on how to deal with him."

"I just met with my subordinates, and they said Cao Cao has secretly sent someone to negotiate peace. Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, however, have many disagreements."

Seeing Lü Bu's indecisiveness, Yan Shi said, "I heard that you once had a wise man assisting you. Why not ask him?"

Lü Bu said, "Are you referring to Hidden Tiger?"

"He even predicted Cao Cao's peace talks and told me the countermeasures in advance."

Yan Shi smiled, "He's indeed capable."

Lü Bu snorted coldly, "It's precisely because he's capable that I trust him even less!"

"If he truly knew everything, why would he be so secretive with me, not revealing the method to defeat Cao Cao?"

"I even suspect he's hiding something from me, intending to use me!"

Yan Shi said softly, "What you're worried about isn't impossible. The most reliable are still family members. It's always good to have a backup plan."

Yan Shi's words struck a chord with Lü Bu.

Because he had betrayed Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo, he was also afraid of being betrayed, leading him to distrust others.

He wouldn't fully trust any of his subordinates, including the highly regarded Gao Shun.

The fate of Dong Zhuo's entire family being exterminated served as a warning to him.

Thinking of this, Lü Bu nodded, "It's not like I haven't prepared a backup plan. Hidden Tiger probably didn't expect that I'm preparing to negotiate an alliance with Yuan Shu!"

"Now that I'm mortal enemies with Yuan Shao, I can use Yuan Shu to reap the benefits!"

Hearing this, Yan Shi said, "This matter is of great importance. We need to find a reliable person to go."

Lü Bu smiled, "Don't worry, my lady. I've already sent Qin Yilu to see Yuan Shu. He's usually quite honest and dutiful, so I don't think there will be any problems."

A hint of an indiscernible expression flashed across Yan Shi's face when Lü Bu mentioned Qin Yilu's name.

She knew about Du Shi. That vixen's beauty was no less than her own, and her figure was even better. She absolutely didn't believe Lü Bu hadn't coveted Du Shi!

If it hadn't been for her tight defenses these past few times, her husband would have already made a move!

Now that her husband had sent Qin Yilu away, his intentions were obvious!

Thinking of this, Yan Shi put on a smiling face and said, "Speaking of General Qin, I suddenly remembered that Lingqi and his wife, Du Shi, are quite fond of each other."

"With General Qin away, it's not safe for Du Shi to be alone at home. How about I have her come over and keep Lingqi company?"

Lü Bu's face stiffened, then he forced a smile and said, "Since my lady says so, I'll send someone to bring her over."

"However, it might cause gossip if a subordinate's wife lives in the lord's residence."

Yan Shi sneered inwardly, 'You're afraid of gossip?'

She smiled faintly, "Husband acts with integrity and has a clear conscience. Why fear rumors?"

Lü Bu froze, awkwardly saying, "My lady is right."

"Where is Lingqi?"

Yan Shi said, "She's still practicing martial arts in the backyard."

"For some reason, that child has been quite irritable lately. I asked her, but she wouldn't say. Du Shi has a gentle personality and might be able to comfort her."

The Lü mansion's backyard was extremely spacious, with rows of weapon racks holding various weapons.

In the center of the open space, the tall and curvaceous Lü Lingqi was wielding a twelve-foot-long halberd. Although her chest was tightly bound under her leather armor, it couldn't conceal the obvious curves.

Women were naturally weaker, but Lü Lingqi was highly talented. Not only was she much stronger than ordinary women, but her flexibility was also top-notch.

The combination of these two allowed her to wield this halberd, weighing dozens of pounds, effortlessly.

Holding the end of the halberd, she spun, driving the halberd like a wheel. Snowflakes within a ten-foot radius were stirred and forced away by the wind of the halberd.

However, she had a ball of fiery anger in her heart.

Only afterward did she remember that the damned Hidden Tiger had been indecent, actually taking advantage of her!

If she saw him again, she would definitely kill him!