Chapter 137: Xun Yu Takes the Initiative to Submit

The game of chess between Cao Cao and Guo Jia had reached its midpoint.

Cao Cao broke the silence, saying, "Fengxiao, do you feel that Wenruo has strayed somewhat from the right path?"

Hearing this, Guo Jia was momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

Indeed, Xun Yu had been acting rather strangely of late, a fact that had not gone unnoticed by anyone.

The suspicious Cao Cao had already taken note of it, which was why he had kept Guo Jia behind today to pose this question.

Now, seeing that Guo Jia remained silent, Cao Cao chuckled and said, "There is no one else here, Fengxiao, speak your mind freely."

Realizing he could no longer gloss over it, Guo Jia replied, "My lord, I believe Wenruo harbors no disloyal intentions."

Cao Cao smiled, amused by how evasive Guo Jia's answer was.

"Heh, I know he harbors no disloyal intentions; it is merely that I feel he and I are bound to part ways sooner or later."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia knew not what to say and offered words of comfort instead, "My lord, you may be overthinking it."

Cao Cao gave a faint laugh and said nothing more.

As it turned out, the very next day, Xun Yu hurried over to tender his resignation.

He stated that he wished to go to the front lines, to Cao Peng.

This exact scene happened to be witnessed by Guo Jia, who had come to see Cao Cao.

Mindful of the previous night's conversation, Guo Jia broke out in a cold sweat on Xun Yu's behalf.

Cao Cao already harbored reservations about Xun Yu.

Now, by actively requesting to leave, wasn't he further confirming that he had personal agendas regarding Cao Cao?

Yet, to Guo Jia's utter astonishment, Cao Cao actually granted his request.

Without even asking for the reason, Cao Cao merely said, "Settle your affairs, and then go!"

"Understood!" Xun Yu replied succinctly, and took his leave.

As he walked out, he even exchanged greetings with Guo Jia.

Guo Jia entered Cao Cao's presence, feeling awkward and momentarily unsure of what to say.

"Are you curious as to why I permitted Xun Yu to leave?" Cao Cao asked.

Guo Jia nodded; he was indeed perplexed.

Cao Cao smiled and said, "Ever since the hunt at Xutian, the slaughter of the imperial ministers, and the incidents involving Empress Fu and Noble Consort Dong, Xun Yu has grown increasingly disillusioned with me."

"At his core, this fellow is still a loyalist to the Han Dynasty!"

"My lord?!" Guo Jia was startled.

What did pinning such a label on Xun Yu signify?

Could it be that Cao Cao had murderous intent?

A single glance told Cao Cao that Guo Jia's imagination was running wild.

He smiled, "Naturally, I am well aware of Xun Yu's loyalty. Sending him to the front lines can also provide some assistance to Anmin."

"It is far more useful than having him sit here day after day without uttering a word."

Hearing these words, Guo Jia finally felt somewhat at ease. He bowed and said, "My lord, truly wise!"

Cao Cao's mastery of employing men filled Guo Jia with admiration.

What defined a qualified sovereign? Cao Cao was precisely that, and his extraordinary tolerance was truly commendable.

In his heart, Cao Cao chuckled quietly: Aside from you, my confidant, no one else truly appreciates my virtues.

...

Cao Cao dispatched the elite Tiger Guards to escort Xun Yu to the front lines.

No sooner had he arrived at Guandu than Cheng Yu sought him out.

Seeing the bitter expression etched across his old friend's face, Xun Yu asked with concern, "What has happened? You look utterly displeased."

Cheng Yu sighed, "Brother Wenruo, having previously offended that Cao Anmin, my prospects of ever making a comeback here are gone forever."

Xun Yu frowned and immediately pressed for the details of what had transpired.

Upon hearing the account, he asked with some perplexity, "From what I know, Cao Peng should not be the kind of man to harbor jealousy toward the talented."

Cheng Yu shook his head, "It is partly my own fault for offending him earlier. I suppose I am destined to sit on the bench for the remainder of my days."

Xun Yu laughed heartily, "Brother Zhongde, why sell yourself short? Let me introduce you to him and help you offer an apology; all will be well."

Delighted, Cheng Yu said, "In that case, I am deeply indebted to you, Brother Wenruo."

When the two of them arrived at the main army tent, Cao Peng was busy directing the allocation and logistics of grain and fodder.

Unobtrusively, Xun Yu nodded to himself in approval.

Though young, Cao Peng was neither arrogant nor impetuous, and was capable of managing matters personally—truly a rare and exceptional talent.

Cao Peng had already noticed Xun Yu and Cheng Yu entering the tent.

With a smile, he said, "Ah, Mr. Wenruo has arrived. Please, take a seat!"

He had long since learned from Cao Cao's letters that Xun Yu would be coming to join him.

As for the complex entanglements of love and resentment between Xun Yu and Cao Cao, he had no desire to meddle in them.

However, since Xun Yu detested Cao Cao and volunteered to work under him, he was the fortunate beneficiary.

Unawares, Old Cao's foundation was being steadily undermined.

Cao Peng deliberately left Cheng Yu standing in mild awkwardness for a brief moment.

Only then did he speak, "Brother Zhongde, please sit. We are all old acquaintances, there is no need for such formality."

Cheng Yu nodded and seated himself.

Cao Peng began, "Wenruo, you have arrived at the most opportune time. There are simply too many affairs here, and I have lacked someone of equal counsel to discuss them with."

Xun Yu smiled and replied, "You are too modest, General. Your capabilities are plain for all to see."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cao Peng steered the conversation toward more substantive matters.

"Now that Yuan Shao is dead, his two sons are at each other's throats to seize his legacy. Amidst such chaos, I intend to launch a northern expedition. What are your thoughts on this, Mr. Wenruo?"

Xun Yu smiled, "This is indeed an opportune moment. If the General is confident, it is worth a try."

Cheng Yu, standing to the side, was utterly bewildered. That was not what you said a few days ago, Cao Peng.

Didn't Cao Ren propose a northern expedition, and weren't you the one who suppressed the idea?

Why have you suddenly changed your tune?

"I am not confident."

Cao Peng gradually reined in his smile as he made the declaration.

Xun Yu likewise收回 his smile, uttering only a single word: "Wait!"

What?

Once again, Cheng Yu failed to follow the logic of their exchange.

Just moments ago, they were discussing launching a northern expedition, and now they were calling it off.

Cao Peng pressed on, "Why?"

This was precisely what Cheng Yu wanted to ask. If hesitation earlier was due to unclear circumstances, this sudden reversal now made no sense at all.

Yuan Shang and Yuan Tan were already at war; why not strike while the chaos unfolded?

Xun Yu explained, "An expedition with a massive army consumes vast quantities of grain and fodder. Moreover, if our military momentum is too fierce, it may compel these two fractured brothers to unite once more."

Hearing this, leave aside Cao Peng, even Cheng Yu understood instantly.

Since the enemy could be defeated one by one, there was naturally no need to provoke a coalition between them.

"Understood. Since Mr. Wenruo shares this view, my mind is entirely at ease."

As he spoke, Cao Peng poured tea for both Xun Yu and Cheng Yu.

With the crucial matters discussed, Xun Yu knew it was time for them to withdraw.

At that moment, however, Xun Yu casually added, "Brother Zhongde possesses formidable administrative talents; Anmin, make sure not to underutilize such a man."

Cao Peng was momentarily taken aback, marveling at Xun Yu's loyalty to his friends.

To think he would come here to champion the cause of his old companion Cheng Yu.

Very well, to further win over Xun Yu, granting him this favor cost nothing.

"Mr. Wenruo speaks wisely. Very well, let Brother Zhongde draft a proposal. Once Jizhou is captured, I will personally recommend Zhongde to the Chancellor and secure a fine post for him."