usatvline Chapter 16: The couple eats hot pot, and another quest is triggered.
Chapter 16: The couple eats hot pot, and another quest is triggered.
Cao Cao secretly praised him, and his gaze toward Gu Cheng became even more full of admiration.
"What my husband says makes sense, but why did Lü Bu refuse the marriage alliance with Yuan Shu?"
Cao Jie, who was standing to the side, noticed a flaw in the situation.
Gu Cheng couldn't help but glance at her again, thinking to himself that his charming wife actually had quite a bit of insight and knowledge.
Reminded by these words, Cao Cao frowned again and couldn't help but ask, "Yes, my dear son-in-law, Lü Bu is stationed far away in Xiapi. How does Minister Cao plan to turn Lü Bu and Yuan Shu against each other?"
"I have to admit that our Minister Cao's luck is extraordinary."
"Previously, Dong Zhao was willing to act as his inside man to help him welcome the emperor and move the capital to Xuchang. Now, someone else is willing to act as his inside man to help him sow discord between Lü Bu and Yuan Shu."
Gu Cheng couldn't help but sigh.
"An inside man?"
Cao Cao's doubts deepened, and he asked in surprise, "Back then, to avenge his father, Minister Cao led troops to conquer Xuzhou several times, but he slaughtered many of Xuzhou's people. How could anyone be willing to be his inside man?"
"Chen Deng!"
Gu Cheng slowly uttered the name.
"Chen Deng?"
Cao Cao frowned deeply, his face full of doubt, and asked, "After Tao Qian died, Chen Deng led the way in supporting Liu Bei as the governor of Xu Province. After Lü Bu seized Xu Province, he voluntarily went to surrender. Would such a person be willing to become Cao Sikong's inside man?"
"Father-in-law, you are also a businessman, so you should know what business people value most."
Gu Cheng smiled and asked a question in return.
What do business people value most?
Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then blurted out, "Then it's naturally about profit."
Gu Cheng smiled slightly: "Everyone values different kinds of profit. For a businessman, profit is real money, but what do you think Chen Deng values, Father-in-law?"
Cao Cao seemed to be thinking about something, and then said, "The Chen family is a prominent family in Xuzhou. What they value most is the stability and peace of Xuzhou. Only in this way can the Chen family's century-old foundation in Xuzhou not be easily shaken."
"My father-in-law is indeed exceptionally intelligent; he understands things immediately."
Gu Cheng couldn't help but praise Cao Cao, his expression full of genuine sincerity.
However, this praise, when it reached Cao Cao's ears, evoked a strange feeling that he couldn't quite put his finger on.
"Liu Bei once helped Kong Rong lift the siege of Beihai. When Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou, Liu Bei also led troops to help Tao Qian defend the city. He was indeed quite capable."
"Therefore, after Tao Qian's death, Chen Deng supported Liu Bei, an outsider, as the governor of Xu Province. He simply valued Liu Bei's abilities and wanted to use Liu Bei's strength to maintain the stability of Xu Province."
"It's a pity that Liu Bei was ultimately not up to the task. He was ambushed and Xuzhou was taken by Lü Bu. He was forced to retreat to Xiaopei in a sorry state."
"When Chen Deng saw that Lü Bu was powerful, he naturally changed his stance immediately and supported Lü Bu to become the ruler of Xuzhou."
"This shows that in Chen Deng's eyes, as long as the stability of Xuzhou can be maintained and the foundation of his Chen family can be preserved, it doesn't matter who becomes the governor of Xuzhou."
Gu Cheng's words clearly dissected Chen Deng's character.
"What my son-in-law says makes perfect sense; this is how these prestigious families have always been!"
These words struck a chord with Cao Cao, who couldn't help but nod emphatically.
Back then, the gentry of Yanzhou, because he killed several famous scholars among them, took advantage of his absence while he was campaigning in Xuzhou to support Lü Bu as the ruler of Yanzhou.
"Let's talk about Yuan Shu. When he occupied Nanyang, he ravaged the city, causing widespread suffering and reducing the population by half."
"Now he has seized control of Huainan and indulges in extravagance and debauchery every day, squeezing the people of Huainan into fleeing in droves, leaving the entire region desolate and barren."
"If Lü Bu were to form an alliance with him through marriage, then Xu Province would be at great risk of falling into the hands of Yuan Shu."
"The question is, would Chen Deng be willing to accept Yuan Shu, such a jinx, as the master of Xuzhou?"
After laying the groundwork, Gu Cheng ended the conversation with a rhetorical question.
Cao Cao suddenly realized what was going on and said with a smile, "So, in order to prevent Lü Bu and Yuan Shu from joining forces, Chen Deng had no choice but to become Cao Cao's inside man, helping Cao Cao sow discord between Lü Bu and Yuan Shu!"
Gu Cheng simply smiled without saying a word, tilted his head back, and drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.
"Oh dear, I'm getting hungry while we've been chatting, and it's getting late. Why don't you stay for a meal, Father-in-law?"
Gu Cheng chuckled as he clutched his empty stomach.
Cao Cao waved his hand and said, "No, I have to hurry back to Xuchang, so I won't disturb you two young lovers' life."
After saying this, Cao Cao got up to take his leave.
"We're having hot pot tonight, father-in-law, wouldn't you like to stay and try it?"
Gu Cheng also stood up and smiled as he tried to persuade him to stay.
Cao Cao waved his hand, turned his head without looking back, and left laughing.
Gu Cheng and Cao Jie, the husband and wife, personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion.
Watching her father's departing figure, Cao Jie suddenly asked, "Husband, what is hot pot? Aren't those pots made of iron? How can anyone eat that?"
Gu Cheng was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Hot pot isn't made in an iron pot, but I guarantee you'll like it, Madam."
After saying this, Gu Cheng took his wife's hand and turned to walk back into the mansion.
...
Inside the capital city of Xudu, in the residence of the Minister of Works.
When Cao Cao returned to his residence, Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai had been waiting in the main hall for a long time.
"Minister, Zhi Cai and I have come up with a strategy for the campaign against Yuan Shu."
Xun Yu quickly stepped forward, about to offer his advice and suggestions.
"Wenruo, please wait a moment."
Cao Cao interrupted Xun Yu and then ordered his servants to bring paper and pen.
He picked up his pen and began to write furiously, completing a document in the blink of an eye.
"Wenruo, go to the palace immediately and, according to what is written here, ask His Majesty to draft an imperial edict and send it to Jiangdong at once!"
Cao Cao handed the written silk scroll to Xun Yu.
Xun Yu was filled with doubt. He took the silk scroll and looked at it closely. A glint of light flashed in his eyes.
"Does the Grand Commandant intend to appoint Sun Ce as Cavalry Commandant, and borrow Sun Ce's troops to attack that traitor Yuan Shu?"
Xun Yu held the silk book in both hands, and asked in surprise and delight.
Cao Cao stroked his beard and asked, "What, Wenruo, do you think my plan won't work?"
Xi Zhicai immediately cupped his hands and smiled, "Reporting to the Minister, the plan that Xun Lingjun and I just discussed was to use the righteousness of the court to persuade Sun Ce to betray Yuan Shu and turn against him. I did not expect that the Minister had already thought of this."
Cao Cao then realized that, in addition to Gu Cheng, Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai had also thought of this plan long ago.
"Although Liheng is a genius of our time, Wenruo and Zhicai are by no means mediocre either. It is not surprising that they came up with this plan."
Cao Cao nodded slightly, his eyes full of admiration as he looked at the two strategists before him.
"However, Sun Ce's defection alone is not enough to shake Yuan Shu's foundation."
"The most critical issue now is that Yuan Shu wants to form an alliance with Lü Bu through marriage. If the two join forces, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Zhi Cai and I have discussed this at length, and we fear that in the end, the Minister of Works will have to personally lead a large army to engage Yuan Shu in a direct battle!"
After his initial surprise and joy, Xun Yu's face showed a hint of helplessness.
Cao Cao, however, was completely unconcerned and said casually, "You don't need to worry. Someone will naturally help us stop Lü Bu from marrying Yuan Shu."
Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai were both startled, exchanged a glance, and for a moment failed to grasp the hidden meaning in Cao Cao's words.
At this time.
Tiger Guard strode into the hall and reported that Chen Deng, the Prefectural Administrator of Xuzhou, had arrived and was requesting an audience outside the gate.
"My son-in-law's prediction was spot on; Chen Deng's arrival couldn't have been more timely..."
Cao Cao chuckled inwardly, then waved his hand and said, "Bring Chen Deng in."
Not long after.
A scholar with an elegant demeanor, who appeared to be around thirty years old, strode in.
"This humble official, Chen Deng, the Chief Clerk of Xuzhou, pays his respects to Your Excellency, Minister of Works."
Chen Deng bowed deeply in greeting, his expression calm and composed.
Cao Cao spoke calmly, "I have long admired Chen Yuanlong's name. Today, I am finally able to see him in person. Guards, bring him a seat."
After a few humble refusals, Chen Deng turned and greeted Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai before kneeling and sitting in the guest seat.
Cao Cao stared at him coldly and said, "Chen Yuanlong, why are you suddenly coming to Xuchang to see me instead of serving Lü Bu in Xuzhou?"
Chen Deng sensed a hint of reproach in Cao Cao's words.
He remained completely calm, cupped his hands, and said, "This humble official has come to present a great gift to Minister Cao."
"A big gift?"
Cao Cao feigned curiosity and asked, "What grand gift?"
Chen Deng smiled faintly and said, "My father and I have gone to great lengths to successfully dissuade Lü Bu from marrying Yuan Shu. This should be considered a great gift for you, Minister."
This statement came out.
Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai were both startled, their eyes wide with astonishment as they turned to look at Cao Cao.
"Could it be that Sikong had already foreseen Chen Deng's secret arrival to seek refuge and even prevented the marriage alliance between Yuan and Lü?"
The same thought crossed their minds, and their gazes toward Cao Cao held a deep sense of awe.
Cao Cao's face remained expressionless, but he sighed inwardly, "My dear son-in-law, I truly want to know, what in this world, among all the people, is there that you cannot foresee..."
Gu Cheng's foresight meant that Cao Cao had already anticipated Chen Deng's arrival to join him.
Cao Cao immediately comforted and won over Chen Deng, and even promised on the spot that he would petition the emperor to issue an edict appointing Chen Deng as the governor of Guangling.
Chen Deng also expressed his loyalty to Cao Cao, solemnly stating that when Cao Cao led his army to attack Xuzhou in the future, he and his son would definitely act as inside agents.
After the meeting, Chen Deng got up to take his leave.
Xun Yu then said with deep admiration, "Sikong is truly a visionary; he had already foreseen that Chen Deng would come to surrender and become our inside man."
"I'm not that divinely inspired to deduce that someone else was the one Chen Deng came to seek refuge with."
Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled slightly, his tone carrying a certain meaning.
"Someone else?"
Suddenly, Xun Yu thought of something and couldn't help but ask, "I've recently heard some rumors that the Minister of Works has recently received advice from a reclusive and extraordinary person. Could it be that this matter concerning Chen Deng was also foreseen by that extraordinary person?"
Cao Cao simply smiled and remained silent.
"So there really was such an extraordinary person!"
Xun Yu, his face full of surprise, quickly asked, "May I ask this extraordinary person's esteemed name?"
"The time is not yet ripe. When the time is right, I will naturally let you know who he is."
Cao Cao still refused to reveal anything, fearing that if he said Gu Cheng's name, his fame would spread throughout the world overnight.
If we scare Gu Cheng away by then, we'll only end up shooting ourselves in the foot.
Seeing that Cao Cao was unwilling to explain, Xun Yu did not press him further and could only remain suspicious, secretly guessing what was going on in his mind.
Cao Cao's face immediately flashed with murderous intent, and he said with a cold smile, "That traitor Yuan Shu dared to usurp the throne and declare himself emperor. Now, you shall carry out the plan and let Yuan Shu taste the bitterness of being betrayed and abandoned by all!"
"promise!"
That day, an imperial edict was issued from Xudu and sent on horseback straight to Jiangdong.
At the same time, Chen Deng also rushed back to Xiapi overnight.
The Chen family successfully persuaded Lü Bu to not only reject the marriage alliance with Yuan Shu, but also to publicly denounce Yuan Shu as a traitor.
May.
When Yuan Shu learned that Lü Bu had betrayed him, he was furious and immediately ordered Ji Ling to lead an army of 50,000 north to attack Xuzhou.
Lu Bu, not to be outdone, personally led his elite troops south to block Yuan Shu's army along the Xuyi line.
June.
Sun Ce accepted the title bestowed by the imperial court, issued a proclamation denouncing Yuan Shu's rebellious actions, and sent troops to expel the prefecture that Yuan Shu had established in Jiangdong.
That month, Sun Ce led the Jiangdong army across the Yangtze River and marched north along the Fei River, heading straight for Shouchun City.
Within a few short months, Yuan Shu was attacked from both the north and south by Lü Bu and Sun Ce, and ended up being betrayed and abandoned by his followers.
...
Gujiazhuang, on the eastern outskirts of Xudu.
The courtyard was filled with fragrance, and the fire in the stove flickered.
Gu Cheng was with Cao Jie, enjoying hot pot and drinks.
"My lord, does this venison hotpot I made suit your taste?"
Cao Jie's pretty face showed a hint of pride as she casually picked up a slice of freshly cooked venison for Gu Cheng.
Ever since Gu Cheng let Cao Jie try hot pot two months ago, his wife has been hooked on it.
Not only that, she wasn't satisfied with just mutton; she also cooked wild boar, venison, and roe deer meat in the pot.
Gu Cheng had to admit that his wife was very talented when it came to food, able to draw inferences from one thing to another.
"Hmm, this is my first time trying venison hot pot, it has a unique flavor."
Gu Cheng clicked his tongue in admiration, dipped his finger in the sauce, swallowed it in one gulp, and savored the aftertaste.
Upon receiving Gu Cheng's praise, Cao Jie beamed with joy and quickly poured him another cup of wine.
"My lord, I heard that Yuan Shu is fighting fiercely with Lü Bu and Sun Ce. It seems you were right. Cao Cao will be able to destroy Yuan Shu without losing a single soldier."
Cao Jie looked at her husband with a smile full of admiration.
"Sun Ce and Lü Bu are not stupid. They will not go all out to destroy Yuan Shu. At most, they will only severely damage Yuan Shu. If Cao Mengde wants to destroy Yuan Shu quickly, he will probably have to personally intervene."
Gu Cheng chewed on his meat, drank his wine, and said casually.
The speaker has no intention, the listener has the heart.
As Cao Jie placed more venison on his plate, she casually asked, "In my opinion, how should Minister Cao employ his troops to quickly destroy Yuan Shu?"
"Yuan Shu's troops are currently being used to deal with Lü Bu and Sun Ce, while he is neglecting to guard against Cao Mengde."
"If I were Cao Cao, I would lead a light army to advance swiftly down the Ying River and surely be able to capture Xia Cai by surprise."
"Once Xia Cai City falls, the gateway to Shouchun will be lost, and the army will be able to cross the Huai River at will and besiege Shouchun."
"Yuan Shu has lost the hearts of the people in Shouchun. The city has less than 5,000 troops. If the troops are used properly, it will fall in less than half a month!"
While eating meat, Gu Cheng accidentally bit his own lip, wincing in pain.
"Husband, slow down, you bit yourself, drink some water."
Cao Jie felt a pang of heartache and quickly handed him a glass of water.
Gu Cheng said with a bitter face, "It's all because you, Madam, insisted on asking me how to destroy Yuan Shu. How could I not bite myself in the process?"
"Okay, okay, it's all my fault. I'll blow on it for my husband."
Cao Jie smiled and cupped Gu Cheng's face in her hands, her cherry lips slightly parted as she gently blew on the wound on his lips.