usatvline Chapter 51 How did Gu Cheng's businessman father-in-law become the Han Dynasty Minister of Work
Chapter 51 How did Gu Cheng's businessman father-in-law become the Han Dynasty Minister of Work
"Zilong, is that Zhao Yun of Changshan, Zhao Zilong?" Cao Cao's eyes lit up, clearly having heard of Zhao Yun before.
Gu Cheng nodded slightly: "It seems that my father-in-law has also heard of this person. That's right, it is Zhao Yun of Changshan."
Cao Cao couldn't help but ask in surprise, "I heard that after the fall of Xiaopei, this man disappeared without a trace, most likely killed in the chaos of battle. How come he's in your residence, my son-in-law?"
"Zhao Yun's martial arts were unparalleled; how could he possibly die so easily in battle?"
Gu Cheng smiled and said, "He broke through the encirclement and happened to meet my son-in-law. He originally wanted to go to Qingzhou to join Liu Bei, but after being enlightened by my son-in-law, he decided to leave Liu Bei. Since he had nowhere to go for the time being, my son-in-law took him in."
Cao Cao suddenly realized the truth.
"I've long heard of Zhao Yun's military talent and was hoping to recruit him. I never expected him to be by Li Heng's side; this is truly a windfall!"
Cao Cao was secretly delighted, but he could only suppress his joy. A short while later, Zhao Yun entered the hall.
His heroic bearing immediately caught Cao Cao's eye, and Cao Cao was immediately pleased. "Young Master Gu, what brings you here?" Zhao Yun asked calmly.
Gu Cheng pointed at Cao Cao: "Zilong, this is my father-in-law." Zhao Yun looked at Cao Cao and bowed slightly: "So you are my uncle, it's a pleasure to meet you." "General Zhao, I've long admired your name." Cao Cao also bowed, beaming from ear to ear. Zhao Yun simply smiled in response. "Zilong, please have a seat."
Gu Cheng gestured for him to sit down before saying, "I called you here to ask if you've ever heard of Lü Bu's Bingzhou Cavalry?" "Of course I have," Zhao Yun nodded slightly.
"These Bingzhou cavalrymen are all from Bingzhou and are all skilled in horsemanship and archery. Whenever Lü Bu uses the Bingzhou cavalry against the enemy, he first uses horsemanship and archery to disrupt the enemy's formation, finds an opening, and then uses his speed to break through the enemy's formation and directly attack the enemy's generals."
"With the enemy commander beheaded, their troops will fall into disarray without a fight, allowing Lü Bu to seize the opportunity and launch a cavalry attack." "Lü Bu is invincible thanks to these Bingzhou cavalry!" Zhao Yun casually explained the tactics of the Bingzhou cavalry. Cao Cao listened and nodded secretly, vaguely guessing his son-in-law's intentions. "Zilong, if I remember correctly, you once followed Gongsun Zan, so you should know that he had a White Horse Cavalry under his command," Gu Cheng suddenly asked, changing the subject.
Mentioning the "White Horse Cavalry" seemed to touch something, and Zhao Yun's expression changed.
Cao Cao asked in surprise, "The White Horse Cavalry, isn't that the same elite cavalry from Youzhou that Gongsun Zan swept across the northern frontier, striking fear into the hearts of the various barbarian tribes, yet was defeated by Yuan Shao at the Battle of Jieqiao, suffering near-total annihilation?"
"Uncle, you've also heard of the White Horse Cavalry?" Zhao Yun looked at Cao Cao with a hint of newfound respect in his eyes.
Cao Cao quickly said with a self-deprecating laugh, "We merchants travel all over the country and have a lot of experience. Please forgive my blunder." Zhao Yun took a sip of tea and reminisced about the past.
"Back then, General Gongsun specially formed an elite cavalry force to fight against the Xianbei, Wuhuan and other barbarian tribes. All the warhorses were white horses, hence the name White Horse Cavalry."
"But this white horse is merely for show, to intimidate the barbarians. The White Horse Cavalry actually represents the strongest cavalry in Youzhou." Zhao Yun recounted the origins of the White Horse Cavalry, a hint of pride subtly appearing in his tone and expression. Gu Cheng nodded slightly and then asked, "In your opinion, Zilong, how do you compare the White Horse Cavalry to the Bingzhou cavalry?" Zhao Yun pondered in silence for a long time.
Zhao Yunfang said, "Both of these cavalry units have adopted the tactics of the Hu people, focusing on mounted archery. On the surface, they are not much different."
After a pause, Zhao Yun changed the subject.
"But Lu Bu's Bingzhou Cavalry prioritized speed and ferocity, focusing on beheading enemy generals as the key to victory. The White Horse Cavalry, on the other hand, emphasized unwavering discipline and endurance, using tireless mounted archery to suppress the enemy until their will collapsed before defeating them in one fell swoop."
Zhao Yun then pointed out the key strengths of the two cavalry units one by one.
Gu Cheng seemed to understand something, and then said, "So, according to this logic, in the Battle of Jieqiao, Gongsun Zan used the White Horse Cavalry to charge into the enemy lines from the front, which was a wrong tactic?"
Zhao Yun's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of admiration appearing in them: "I didn't expect Young Master Gu to have such insight into military strategy and tactics, to be able to see through General Gongsun's miscalculation."
Gu Cheng smiled
Zhao Yun then said, "Young Master Gu is right. In that battle, General Gongsun was too arrogant and thought he could crush Yuan's army head-on with the White Horse Cavalry. As a result, he was hit hard by Yuan Shao's vanguard crossbowmen with powerful crossbows and suffered a crushing defeat."
"I've digressed. What I really wanted to ask you, Zilong, what are your chances of winning if you were to use the White Horse Cavalry against the Bingzhou Cavalry?" Gu Cheng, after much build-up, finally got to the question he most wanted to ask. Cao Cao also perked up his ears and looked at Zhao Yun.
Zhao Yun remained silent for a moment, then said proudly, "The White Horse Cavalry is known for its endurance, which is perfect for countering the fast and fierce tactics of the Bingzhou Cavalry. If these two cavalry forces were to clash, I believe the White Horse Cavalry would have a better chance of winning."
Gu Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help but smile as he looked at Cao Cao.
Cao Cao guessed his son-in-law's intention, and his eyes couldn't help but fill with excitement.
"Young Master Gu, you summoned me here and asked so many questions about the White Horse Cavalry. You're not just curious, are you?" Zhao Yun asked, puzzled. "Of course not," Gu Cheng replied bluntly, "I know you, Zilong, are skilled in the White Horse Cavalry's tactics, so I want to recommend you go to Pengcheng to help Cao Mengde defeat Lü Bu's Bingzhou cavalry!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yun's expression changed, and he finally understood Gu Cheng's intention. "Young Master Gu, do you want me to go and join Cao Cao?" Zhao Yun asked in surprise.
"What, could it be that you, Zilong, still yearn for that big-eared thief and want to follow him and become an enemy of Cao Cao?" Gu Cheng asked with a cold smile.
"I have seen through Liu Bei's true colors, and of course I will no longer follow him. He only sent me to serve Cao Cao..."
Zhao Yun hesitated, as if he had something on his mind.
"Zilong, you are a chivalrous and righteous man. The reason you were deceived by Liu Bei back then was simply because you mistakenly believed that he was a benevolent ruler who could bring peace to the people of the world!"
"Having experienced so much, you should be able to see who has the ability to pacify the world and sweep away all the heroes, who is qualified to bring peace to the people, and who is the true benevolent ruler."
"Looking at all the warlords in the world, in terms of temperament and ability, only Cao Mengde can shoulder this heavy responsibility!" "Zilong, if you can help Cao Mengde defeat Lü Bu and recover Xuzhou, it will be equivalent to helping him accelerate the pace of unifying the world, so that the people of the world can enjoy peace as soon as possible."
"This, this is the true meaning of righteousness." Gu Cheng, unusually solemn, spoke sternly to Zhao Yun. Cao Cao, listening nearby, was deeply moved, tears welling in his eyes. "Everyone in the world says I, Cao Cao, am cruel, but only Li Heng sees me as a benevolent ruler." "Only Gu Cheng truly understands me, Cao Mengde!" Cao Cao was filled with emotion. Gu Cheng's words also deeply shocked Zhao Yun, his eyes filled with a profound realization. "A benevolent ruler, a benevolent ruler..."
Zhao Yun murmured to himself, repeating those two words over and over. Suddenly, the hesitation in his eyes vanished. "Thump!" Zhao Yun leaped to his feet and bowed deeply to Gu Cheng: "Thank you, Young Master Gu, for once again enlightening me. I am willing to heed your teachings and go to defeat the Bingzhou cavalry for Cao Cao!"
Gu Cheng felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders.
He was about to speak when Cao Cao slammed his hand on the table and burst into excited laughter. Gu Cheng and Zhao Yun turned around, looked at the ecstatic Cao Cao, exchanged a glance, and both looked bewildered.
"Why does my father-in-law seem even happier than Cao Mengde?" Gu Cheng couldn't help but ask in surprise.
Cao Cao suddenly came to his senses, realizing he had gotten too excited and lost his composure. "Ahem." Cao Cao quickly suppressed his elation and said with an embarrassed smile, "I'm, after all, someone who makes a living under your patronage, so I'm just happy for you."
Gu Cheng had more to say.
Cao Cao slapped his forehead and said, "I still have to rush to Pengcheng to deliver medicine. Liheng, Xuzhou is in chaos, so you stay in Xiaopei and don't go anywhere else."
After giving some instructions, Cao Cao, fearing that his secret would be exposed, hurriedly took his leave. "Young Master Gu, your father-in-law is rather... strange..." Zhao Yun looked at Cao Cao's departing figure with a slightly puzzled expression.
Gu Cheng said self-deprecatingly, "My father-in-law can be a bit strange sometimes, I hope Zilong will forgive me." "How could that be?" Zhao Yun smiled faintly, but cupped his hands and said, "There's no time to lose, so I'll set off for Pengcheng immediately." Gu Cheng then cupped his hands in return and said happily, "Then I wish you, Zilong, swift success and that you will once again spread the fame of the White Horse Cavalry!" Immediately, Zhao Yun packed his armor and prepared to set off south for Pengcheng. Outside the Gu residence.
Cao Cao strode out and leaped onto the carriage. He breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "I really lost my composure just now, and almost let Li Heng see through my disguise." "Minister, what should we do now?" Dian Wei asked. Cao Cao's face lit up with joy again, and he waved his hand, saying, "Is there any need to ask? Return to Pengcheng immediately and wait for Zhao Zilong to come to our door!" The carriage started and sped south.
Two days later, Pengcheng.
In the main hall of the prefectural government, Cao Cao left with a face full of anxiety, but returned with a radiant glow. "While the Minister of Works has been away these past few days, Lü Bu has been sending men outside the city day and night to provoke us, his arrogance is outrageous!" Cao Ren stepped forward to report, filled with indignation. Yue Jin said angrily, "That traitorous thrice-surname servant is truly arrogant, his words are extremely insulting. I beg the Minister of Works to order permission for this humble general to go into battle and fight Lü Bu to the death!"
All the generals were indignant and volunteered to fight.
Cao Cao sat down with a flick of his sleeve, saying disdainfully, "Lu Bu is merely trying to provoke me. How could I fall for his petty tricks? You all, please calm down."
The generals' anger, though slightly suppressed, was still hard to quell.
Guo Jia then said, "That is true, but dragging this out is not a solution. I'm afraid Yuan Shao will realize what's happening and send troops south to support Lü Bu."
The generals all nodded in agreement, but their brows furrowed with apprehension.
Cao Cao stroked his beard and laughed, "Don't worry, this battle won't last long. I have my own ways to defeat the enemy." Everyone's spirits lifted.
Cao Ren asked anxiously, "What brilliant plan does the Grand Commandant have? Please enlighten me." "Wait!" Cao Cao replied with only one word. "Wait?" Cao Ren asked blankly, "Wait for what?" "Wait for someone." Cao Cao smiled mysteriously. Cao Ren was even more bewildered. The generals looked at each other, all filled with suspicion, unable to guess the hidden meaning in Cao Cao's words. "Our lord must be going to seek advice from Prince Liheng. Could it be that he has agreed to come out of seclusion and will personally come to Pengcheng?" Guo Jia secretly wondered. Just then...
Tiger Guard stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Excellency, there is a general at the North Gate, dressed in white robes and wielding a silver spear, who claims to be Zhao Yun of Changshan and wishes to see Your Excellency."
Zhao Yun of Changshan.
These four words took everyone present by surprise.
"Isn't this Zhao Yun Liu Bei's subordinate? I heard he died in the chaos of battle. How did he suddenly appear?" Cao Ren asked, puzzled. Cao Hong also asked curiously, "He even came to Pengcheng alone. What does he want? Is he courting death?" "Could it be that the Grand Commandant is waiting for this Zhao Yun, and it has nothing to do with Prince Liheng?" Guo Jia also frowned, filled with suspicion. "Zhao Zilong, as expected, keeps his word!" Cao Cao was overjoyed and waved his hand, shouting, "Open the city gates immediately and bring Zhao Yun in to me!" The order was given, and the Tiger Guards rushed off. Not long after...
Clad in a white robe, he calmly stepped into the main hall under the astonished gazes of Cao Cao's men. "This humble general, Zhao Yun, pays his respects to Minister Cao!"
He stepped forward, gave a slight bow, and remained neither humble nor arrogant.
Cao Cao was secretly delighted, but his face remained impassive. He said calmly, "Zhao Yun, what is the purpose of your visit?" Zhao Yun took a deep breath and said loudly, "Having received guidance from a remarkable person, I have completely repented and come to my senses. I have come today to help the Minister of Works defeat Lü Bu's Bingzhou cavalry!"
This statement came out.
The generals in the hall were all horrified and their faces paled, and a commotion erupted.
While Zhao Yun's surrender was somewhat unexpected, the generals were not so shocked.
What shocked him was Zhao Yun's arrogant boast that he would defeat the Bingzhou cavalry! That was far too much to ask.
"With the assistance of a valiant general like you, Zilong, I am truly like a tiger with wings!" Cao Cao praised with a laugh, but then feigned concern and asked, "But I wonder, Zilong, what methods do you possess to defeat Lü Bu's Bingzhou cavalry?"
Zhao Yun said confidently, "I once followed General Gongsun and am familiar with the training methods of the White Horse Cavalry. Within a month, I will surely be able to train an elite cavalry force for the Minister of Works, and defeating Lü Bu's Bingzhou cavalry will be a piece of cake!"
White Horse Cavalry!
Upon hearing those four words, the generals suddenly realized what was happening, and the shock on their faces instantly turned into delight.
"So that's how it is. The White Horse Cavalry is indeed the nemesis of the Bingzhou cavalry. No wonder our lord was so confident. Did he foresee that Zhao Yun would come to join us?"
"But how could my lord have foreseen that Zhao Yun would come to join us, and that he would be so skilled in training the White Horse Cavalry?" Guo Jia was both delighted and full of doubt. "Good! Zilong's arrival is truly a blessing from heaven for Cao Cao!" Cao Cao strode down the steps, stepped forward, and patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder: "You can choose any cavalryman in my army, Zilong. Just do as you please!"
"Thank you very much, Minister. I will certainly live up to your trust!" Zhao Yun hurriedly thanked him, but a strange look flashed in his eyes.
On his way here, he was still worried that Cao Cao would trust him, given that he was a former subordinate of Liu Bei and had suddenly come to surrender. After all, he had long heard of Cao Cao's reputation for being suspicious.
He did not expect that Cao Cao would not doubt him at all and would trust him completely from the first meeting, even entrusting him with the command of the most elite cavalry.
"Young Master Gu is right. Cao Cao was indeed eager to recruit talented people; he was a truly great ruler..."
Zhao Yun sighed inwardly, then raised his head, wanting to get a clear look at Cao Cao's imposing figure. The two were now inches apart, and Cao Cao's face finally came into view. "Uncle... Uncle?" Zhao Yun's eyes narrowed, and he exclaimed in surprise.
The middle-aged man before him—wasn't that Gu Cheng's father-in-law, the herbal medicine merchant surnamed Yang? How did he suddenly transform into Cao Cao, the Grand Commandant of the Han Dynasty? Zhao Yun thought he was seeing things, so he rubbed his eyes and looked again. He wasn't mistaken; it was indeed Gu Cheng's father-in-law.
"It's unbelievable that there are people in this world who look so alike..." Zhao Yun was stunned and speechless for a moment.
Cao Cao, knowing his suspicions, shouted, "All of you, leave. I have something to say to Zilong alone." All the generals withdrew, except for Dian Wei, who knew the truth. "Zilong, you're not mistaken. I am Gu Liheng's father-in-law," Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled, readily admitting it.
Zhao Yun was taken aback, his eyes filled with confusion. "But Young Master Gu said his father-in-law's surname is Yang, and he's just an ordinary merchant. How did he become you, Minister of Works?"
"Alas, this is a long story. It's all because my son-in-law is determined to live in seclusion and refuses to come out of seclusion, forcing me to do this," Cao Cao said with a helpless smile and a bitter laugh.