The Three Kingdoms: Starting as a county magistrate in Pingyuan, he rose to power and conquered the

Chapter 85 Reputation is the Most Important Thing

Upon seeing Chen Gong appear, Xu You's expression clearly changed.

He had heard rumors about this person more than once.

He initially followed Cao Cao, but later, for reasons unknown, he supported Lü Bu and fought several major battles against Cao Cao!

Now he's under Li Zhao's command, and rumors say he's cunning and treacherous; we must be wary of him.

Yuan Shao sat in the main seat, still holding his book in his hands, occasionally glancing at Chen Gong who had entered, without making any other moves.

Upon entering the lobby, Guo Tu casually stood to the side, watching calmly.

I've done enough; now it's up to him to do his best.

Just don't involve him!

"My name is Chen Gong. I greet you, Your Excellency!" Chen Gong bowed very politely.

This sudden action left Guo Tu, who was standing nearby, dumbfounded.

Hey?

Isn't this guy incredibly arrogant, not even giving himself any face?

I was worried that he would be rude to Yuan Shao, but he is so sensible.

"No need for formalities..." Yuan Shao tossed the book in his hand aside.

"What brings you to my Ji Province this time?"

Chen Gong maintained his bowing posture, saying, "I dare not deceive you, my lord!"

"I have come here today for Zhang Yang of Bingzhou. I know that there are many misunderstandings between him and you, my lord."

"My lord is willing to help; perhaps he can resolve this problem!"

Actually.

Chen Gong made a special trip to Ji Province, with the primary purpose of meeting Yuan Shao.

In Li Zhao's words, as long as Yuan Shao knew he had appeared, they would definitely meet.

Those rumors that were spread were, of course, intentional on their part.

"Oh?" Yuan Shao looked at him meaningfully. "I wonder how your lord plans to resolve this?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu You, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but ask, "So, according to you, your lord is going to come and take over the affairs of Ji Province?"

First, change the nature of the whole thing, and then everything else will be much simpler.

Yuan Shao valued these things most, and if Chen Gong answered even slightly wrong, he would immediately be in trouble.

"I wonder who this is..." Chen Gong didn't rush to answer, but looked at Xu You and asked.

"My name is Xu You!"

"So it's the renowned Xu Ziyuan. My apologies for my rudeness. However, what you said earlier is incorrect. My lord has no intention of interfering in the affairs of Ji Province; he merely wishes to resolve a problem for you, my lord!"

"Of course, the opportunity presented itself. If it weren't for a fortunate coincidence, even if my lord wanted to intervene, he probably wouldn't have had this chance!"

Chen Gong calmly explained, and took the opportunity to bring the relationship between Lü Bu and Zhang Yang into the open.

That's just the way it is; no matter what excuse Xu You tries to come up with, he won't get the chance.

really.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's expression immediately changed. "Given such an opportunity, it's truly remarkable that Li Zhao can still consider things so carefully."

"Please have a seat!"

He pointed to the seat next to him, and Chen Gong, without any hesitation, sat down next to him.

Seeing that Xu You had nothing to say, he continued, "My lord..."

"Although Zhang Yang is a stubborn man, he also has to consider his subordinates' well-being and, more importantly, their survival!"

"My lord's idea is that if we can send him some gifts in your name to appease him, and then leverage Lü Bu's connection with him as fellow townsmen, there's a good chance we can resolve the situation!"

"Of course, we'll cover all the costs, including labor for transportation!"

These words seem reasonable at first glance, but they actually involve a great deal of risk.

If Yuan Shao didn't care about saving face at all, or if the trouble in Bingzhou wasn't that urgent, then doing this would be pointless.

Xu You immediately realized what was happening and quickly said, "That's not right, is it?"

"Why do I get the feeling that you're trying to use my lord's name to help Zhang Yang?"

"If he refuses to cooperate, giving him another chance to back out would only create more trouble for us!"

"Besides, why should Lu Bu's men be trusted? They've changed hands multiple times, and they still have the nerve to say such things!"

"This is absolutely outrageous!"

I deliberately provoked Chen Gong, just to make him anxious!

People only become impatient and disregard rules, revealing more flaws in their actions.

however.

Xu You overlooked a crucial point!

That is, when he did this, he didn't take Yuan Shao into consideration at all.

And this...

This is Chen Gong's chance!

Before his departure, Li Zhao gave him special instructions, especially detailing many aspects of Yuan Shao's character.

This allows him to take advantage of the situation and make use of these details.

Xu You's actions just now were far too obvious!

"A wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on; isn't this a universal truth?"

"If what you just said is true, then wouldn't that mean that any ambitious person who has followed others will no longer be able to choose to follow you, sir?"

"Besides, this matter... doesn't seem to require your decision, sir!"

"Um?"

At this point, he gave Yuan Shao a meaningful look.

Then, continuing with verbal provocation, he said, "In Qingzhou... when my lord was around, his subordinates didn't speak carelessly!"

"Someone who doesn't even respect his lord, yet he dares to spout such grand pronouncements?"

Seeing this, Guo Tu, who was standing next to him, was grinning from ear to ear.

That's wonderful!

We're going to teach this old guy a lesson, and show him what happens when you're arrogant.

"Enough!" Yuan Shao's face darkened. "Xu You, from this moment on, you are not allowed to speak!"

"If you don't want to stay here, you are welcome to leave!"

"My lord, this..."

Giving him no chance to explain, Yuan Shao looked at Chen Gong and continued, "Since Li Zhao is so sincere, I will naturally give you a chance!"

"However, there's been a lot of resentment in the army lately regarding Yan Liang!"

"After you return, sir, you should have a good talk with your master. As for the specifics, I don't need to elaborate, do I?"

The exact amount of gifts isn't important; what matters is his attitude!

Yuan Shao rubbed his fingers together, quite certain that the guy would never dare to be negligent.

Xu You couldn't help but close his eyes...

What time is it? Still worrying about saving face!

Does that mean Li Zhao can offer many benefits and then never turn against him later?

Guo Tu seized the opportunity to offer a crucial assist, saying, "Even though you're the ones responsible for everything!"

"But our men will take good care of us along the way. You can't just watch our soldiers work for nothing, can you?"

Yuan Shang didn't speak, but his expectant gaze betrayed everything.

Sensing that the time was right, Chen Gong took out a list and a handwritten letter from Li Zhao from his bosom.

After handing it over to Yuan Shao, he waited silently to the side.

Before long, bursts of laughter echoed through the hall, and Chen Gong was soon treated with the highest honors.

Yuan Shao even prepared a banquet for him, and the matter of Bingzhou was thus settled...

……