BSI Chapter 8: The deed is done, there's no fear of him not leaving the mountain.
Chapter 8: The deed is done, there's no fear of him not leaving the mountain.
"Gu Cheng? Could he be the young man from the Gu family of Xu County, the one from humble origins that Sikong specifically inquired about before?"
"How could he have stockpiled so much grain in Ye County in advance?"
Cao Ren's face was also filled with confusion.
"General Zixiao, the reason he stockpiled grain in Ye County in advance was naturally because he had long anticipated that our army would be defeated by Zhang Xiu this time."
Xi Zhicai succinctly revealed the key to the matter.
"That's absolutely impossible!"
Cao Ren, his face filled with disbelief, exclaimed excitedly, "He's just an unknown hermit from the mountains! If he could even predict the outcome of the battle at Wancheng, wouldn't that be like Zhang Liang being reborn, the strategist returning to the world!"
Seeing the disbelief on his face, Xi Zhicai said, "General Zixiao, you may not know this, but he once predicted that the Minister of Works would welcome Fengtian—"
"Zhicai!"
Cao Cao gave a low shout, interrupting Xi Zhicai in time.
Before formally inviting Gu Cheng to join him, he did not want too many people to know that such a genius was hidden right under their noses.
Xi Zhicai immediately understood his meaning, coughed twice, and stopped talking.
"First, they accurately predicted that Zhang Xiu would feign surrender, and then they precisely foresaw that Zhang Xiu would rebel again!"
"Such a person absolutely deserves the title of strategist!"
Cao Cao stroked his long beard, secretly admiring the sight.
Just then.
Dian Wei strode into the hall, cupped his hands in greeting, and reported, "Your Excellency, the eldest son and Young Master Anmin have arrived and are waiting outside for an audience."
"Zixiu is still alive?"
Cao Cao was both surprised and delighted, and quickly said, "Quickly, let them in!"
Since his defeat and escape to Ye County, Cao Cao had not heard from Cao Ang and was always worried that he had died tragically in the chaos of war. This was a constant worry in his heart.
Now that he heard that Cao Ang had returned safely, he was naturally overjoyed.
"Your son greets his father!"
Supported by Cao Anmin, Cao Ang entered the main hall and bowed to Cao Cao.
"Zixiu!"
Cao Cao quickly reached out to help him up, patting his shoulder and saying with a smile, "You haven't rejoined the army for so long, I thought you had met with misfortune. It's good that you're safe and sound now!"
"I was struck by a stray arrow in the chaos of battle and became separated from the army. Thanks to my brother Anmin who took care of me along the way, and later I met a highly skilled physician who pulled me back from the brink of death, allowing me to return alive to see my father."
As Cao Ang spoke, he was filled with emotion, recounting his experiences in detail.
"This gentleman saved my son; he must be richly rewarded!"
Cao Cao was in a great mood and immediately ordered that one hundred taels of gold be prepared and sent by Cao Ang in person to express his gratitude.
Xi Zhicai smiled and said, "Now that our army's food supply problem is solved and the eldest young master has returned safely, although we suffered some losses in this battle, it was ultimately a close call."
"The food supplies are ready?"
Cao Ang sensed something was amiss and couldn't help but ask, "Weren't all our army's provisions left in Wancheng? How come we suddenly have provisions again?"
Xi Zhicai smiled and explained, "Young Master, you may not know this, but there happens to be a remarkable person in Ye County who has stockpiled five thousand bushels of grain to sell. Our army is now certainly not worried about supplies."
Cao Ang was startled and involuntarily turned to look at Cao Anmin beside him.
At this moment, Cao Anmin's face was also filled with shock.
Almost simultaneously, the two recalled what Gu Cheng had once told them.
"Could it be that Young Master Gu had already foreseen that Ye County would have enough provisions to supply our army?"
The same question arose in the minds of both Cao Ang and Cao Anmin.
Just then.
Cao Ren smiled and said, "Minister, now that we have provisions, there's no need to rush back to Xuchang. We can gather the scattered soldiers back before heading back."
Cao Cao nodded slightly in agreement.
Cao Ang's eyes darted around, and Gu Cheng's words of advice echoed clearly in his ears once again.
"Father!"
He immediately stepped forward, his expression serious, and said, "I believe we should not return to Xuchang. Instead, we should seize this opportunity to march back to Wancheng and wipe out Zhang Xiu in one fell swoop!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room changed their expressions.
"Zixiu, our army just suffered a defeat. It's already a miracle that we were able to retreat to Xuchang completely. How can we possibly go back to fight?"
Cao Ren thought he was acting on impulse and immediately retorted.
Cao Cao was moved by these words and waved his hand, saying, "Zixiu, tell me your reasons."
"Zhang Xiu must know that all of our army's supplies have been lost in Wancheng."
"Without supplies, we cannot continue fighting."
"Therefore, he would definitely assume that Father would immediately return to Xuchang, thus lowering his guard against us."
"Unfortunately, he didn't know that Heaven blessed his father; there happened to be five thousand bushels of grain in Ye County, which solved his father's urgent problem."
"Father could outwardly return to the capital in a grand and triumphant manner, while secretly leading a light cavalry force southward day and night, taking advantage of Zhang Xiu's lax defenses to capture Wancheng in one fell swoop!"
A sharp killing intent flashed in Cao Ang's eyes as he loudly recited the plan that Gu Cheng had taught him to Cao Cao.
"oh?"
Xi Zhicai and Cao Ren both showed surprise, their eyes turning to Cao Ang.
This strategy clearly made them look at Cao Ang in a new light.
Cao Cao's eyes lit up; he never expected his son to come up with such a brilliant plan.
"Sikong!"
Xi Zhicai cupped his hands and said, "Young Master's plan is truly brilliant! If we adopt it, we really have a chance to turn defeat into victory!"
"Zhicai is right. Zixiu's plan is unexpected and captures the essence of Sikong's military strategy. I also think it's feasible!"
Cao Ren echoed and praised.
Cao Cao was naturally very proud when he heard others praising his son.
But Cao Cao quickly calmed down and looked Cao Ang up and down with a suspicious gaze.
"Zixiu, did you really come up with this plan yourself?"
He suddenly asked in a deep voice.
Cao Ang was taken aback for a moment, then, not daring to conceal the truth, quickly replied, "Father, this plan was something I heard from someone else; it wasn't something I came up with myself."
Cao Cao's expression changed from gloomy to sunny, and he stroked his beard and chuckled to himself.
Knowing son Moruo father.
Cao Cao knew perfectly well how talented and capable Cao Ang was; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken him on military campaigns to train him and prepare him for inheriting his legacy.
But Cao Cao was well aware of just how deep Cao Ang's wisdom and strategy were.
"I knew it. Zixiu wouldn't have come up with such a brilliant plan."
Cao Cao thought to himself, then asked, "So, who told you this plan?"
Cao Ang dared not conceal anything and quickly said, "It's the young master who treated my child's injuries; he lives in a house ten miles south of Ye County."
"How could such a small place as Ye County harbor such a resourceful person?"
Cao Cao's eyes lit up, and he asked curiously, "What is that young gentleman's name?"
"This person's name is Gu Cheng," Cao Ang answered truthfully.
"Gu Cheng?"
Cao Cao, who had been calm, suddenly stood up.
"What does this Gu Cheng you're talking about look like?"
Cao Cao asked impatiently.
"That young master Gu is seven feet tall, with a handsome face, and a refined yet somewhat unrestrained and free-spirited demeanor..."
Cao Ang then gave a detailed description of Gu Cheng's appearance and demeanor.
Cao Cao and Xi Zhicai exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.
They were now certain that the Gu Cheng Cao Ang spoke of was the same Gu Cheng from the Gu family in Xu County.
"Gu Cheng, that name sounds familiar. It seems like the Gu Cheng that Sikong mentioned before."
Cao Ren muttered to himself.
Cao Ang was startled and hurriedly asked, "Gu Cheng, could he be the young master Gu that Mr. Zhicai mentioned, the one who foresaw Zhang Xiu's surrender and subsequent rebellion?"
These words were spoken.
Cao Ren's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise, "If it really is the same person, then this Gu Cheng is truly a visionary, no ordinary person!"
Cao Cao stroked his long beard, his eyes filled with a myriad of thoughts.
A long time passed.
Cao Cao calmed his excitement, and suddenly a strong killing intent emanated from his body.
He waved his hand and said sternly, "Pass down the order: let all the soldiers eat and drink their fill, rest and recuperate, and then follow me south along the back path to catch Zhang Xiu off guard!"
"promise!"
Cao Ren and the others accepted the order in unison, their blood boiling with excitement, and they temporarily put Gu Cheng's matter behind them.
With the decision made, everyone withdrew.
Inside the main tent, only Cao Cao, Xi Zhicai, and Dian Wei remained.
"I never expected that Gu Liheng would actually save Zixiu; he's done our Cao family a great favor!"
Cao Cao said with deep emotion.
Xi Zhicai cupped his hands and said solemnly, "Minister Sikong, this man possesses extraordinary talent. If we can persuade him to come out of seclusion and assist you, your great undertaking will surely succeed!"
"Yes, you're right."
Cao Cao nodded repeatedly, but then sighed and said, "It's a pity that this child only wants to live in seclusion in the mountains, regarding fame and fortune as worthless. It will be difficult to persuade him to come out of seclusion."
"What's so difficult about that!"
Dian Wei jumped up abruptly and said in a gruff voice, "This humble general will go right now, tie him up, and bring him to see the Minister of Works. We'll put a sword to his neck and see if he still dares to refuse to serve you!"
"You brute!"
Cao Cao glared at him and said, "Such a genius, even if forced to serve under duress, how could he possibly offer me genuine advice?"
Dian Wei was speechless, and could only scratch his head and awkwardly retreat to the side.
"Master Sikong, I have an idea."
Xi Zhicai's eyes darted around, and he said with a smile.
Cao Cao's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "Tell me about it."
"Since Gu Cheng is now mistaking Sikong for his father-in-law, why doesn't Sikong play along and make the charade real?"
Xi Zhicai said with a smile.
"Is this a case of 'fake' turning real?"
Cao Cao seemed to be thinking about something, and gestured for him to continue.
"Why don't you arrange for Miss Yang to marry Gu Cheng, as a daughter of the Yang family?"
"Once Miss and Gu Cheng get married, and the deed is done, Sikong will undoubtedly become Gu Cheng's father-in-law in name and in fact."
"At that time, when Sikong reveals his true identity and offers him an official position as his father-in-law to assist him, what reason will he have to refuse?"
Xi Zhicai calmly and deliberately revealed his entire plan.
"That's not a bad idea."
Cao Cao nodded slightly, but then said with some concern, "It's a bit dishonorable to use such deception to make him my son-in-law."
Xi Zhicai said solemnly, "Whether Gu Cheng can come out of seclusion to assist the Minister of Works is related to the success of the Minister of Works' great cause, and even more so to the life and death of the people. For the sake of the greater good, using some extraordinary measures is understandable."
Cao Cao's expression turned serious, and he couldn't help but frown.
The conversation turned.
Xi Zhicai then said with a smile, "Moreover, Miss is as beautiful as a flower, and is the daughter of the Minister of Works. Countless young talents dream of marrying her. The Minister of Works' betrothal of Miss to Gu Cheng has also brought him a good marriage. In this way, the merits and demerits can be considered balanced."
Hearing these words, Cao Cao felt much better, and his tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
After pondering for a long time.
Cao Cao readily agreed, saying, "I know what I'm doing with your plan of turning a charade into reality. Let's discuss it after we capture Wancheng and eliminate Zhang Xiu!"
Three days later.
Cao Cao ordered Cao Ren to use his own banner and pretend to lead a large army back to Xuchang.
Cao Cao himself led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, taking shortcuts and marching south day and night, heading straight for Wancheng.
...
On the first day of the second lunar month, in the main hall of the Wancheng Military Government.
"Reporting to the young general, our spies in Ye County have sent word that Cao Cao has already led his army back north!"
Hu Che'er excitedly ran into the lobby to report.
All the generals of Zhang's army in the hall breathed a long sigh of relief.
"As expected, Cao Cao has retreated!"
Zhang Xiu breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Jia Xu with admiration: "Mr. Wenhe, you are truly a prophet! That traitor Cao did not return to fight back; he slunk back to Xuchang."
Jia Xu stroked his white beard and said, "Cao Cao's supplies are all in our hands. He simply cannot gather enough supplies in a short time. He has no choice but to retreat north."
"Sir, you helped me achieve a great victory over Cao Cao this time, which truly vented my anger! Come, let me toast you!"
Zhang Xiu praised it highly and raised his wine glass with a smile.
Jia Xu sighed and said, "Although Cao Cao was defeated, he hasn't suffered any major losses. Wancheng is too close to Xuchang; I'm afraid he'll come to attack again sooner or later."
Zhang Xiu scoffed, "I think Cao Cao is nothing special. With your brilliant strategies, sir, and Liu Biao as my backing, if that Cao Cao dares to come again, I'll make sure he doesn't leave alive!"
Seeing Zhang Xiu's smug expression, Jia Xu couldn't bear to dampen his morale, so he simply smiled.
Zhang Xiu raised his cup and said, "The traitor Cao is gone, the threat to Wancheng is gone. Send the order to distribute the captured grain, wine, and meat to the soldiers. Tonight, we won't leave until we're drunk!"
The generals were overjoyed and jumped up, raising their wine cups and cheering loudly.
That evening.
Inside and outside Wancheng, the various camps of Zhang's army were filled with laughter and joy, and the aroma of wine and meat permeated the air above the entire military camp.
The night is already deep.
On a high slope northwest of Wancheng.
Cao Cao reined in his horse and stood still, his gaze coldly fixed on the enemy camp not far away.
The faint sounds of laughter from the enemy camp could be heard, and a faint aroma of wine wafted through the air.
A rapid sound of horses' hooves approached.
Le Jin galloped in on his horse, excitedly reporting: "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief, the enemy camps are all drinking and celebrating their victory, their defenses are extremely lax, and they are completely unprepared!"
A glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, and he murmured with admiration, "Gu Cheng, Zhang Xiu's every move has indeed been exactly as you predicted."
The voice just fell.
Cao Cao's eyes flashed with murderous intent. He pointed his whip forward and shouted, "Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, raze the enemy camp to the ground and retake Wancheng!"
Rumble!
Cao Jun's elite cavalry, like a surging torrent, rolled and crushed towards Wancheng.