My Father in Law is Lu Bu

Chapter 699

Liu Mang did not know how to react to Cao Cao's sudden change. The man normally plotted against him. Why was Cao Cao being considerate now?

“Milord. It would seem that the war at Hebei has entered a critical moment.” Xu Shu shook his head bitterly after hearing Liu Mang's words.

“The war in Hebei?” Although Liu Mang had sent spies North, Cao Cao had blockaded the Central Plains. It made it difficult for Liu Mang's spies to pass on the news. Liu Mang only understood a little. He knew that the Yuan brothers could not stop Cao Cao but he did not know the specifics.

“The Yuan brothers should be unable to hold on.” Zhuge Liang also said. He did not expect such bad news to come all of a sudden. Once Cao Cao pacifies the North, the first to bear the brunt of Cao Cao's attacks would be Yangzhou.

“Cao Cao is just feigning weakness.” Lu Su who finally appeared in the hall nodded. Although Lu Su returned with Sun Ce, he did not show himself and gave all the credit to Sun Ce. This is to spare Sun Quan and to repay Sun Ce's previous trust in him.

Cao Cao may have a hundred thousand soldiers in Yanzhou. However, they were useless if they were spread too thinly. A hundred thousand soldiers was definitely not enough. Cao Ren would only be able to make use of fifty thousand at most. Once the war starts, Cao Cao can only be beaten passively.

But after giving up Xuzhou, Cao Ren will have much more soldiers to use. Liu Mang who takes over Xuzhou would also be delayed. By the time they are ready, Cao Cao would have already pacified North and marched South.

“Then we are giving up Xuzhou?” Liu Mang was ready to give up taking the Xuzhou that Cao Cao had given away and directly send troops to Yanzhou to get in the way of Cao Cao's attempts at unifying the North.

“Milord. This would not be good for your reputation.” Zhuge Liang shook his head. One needs a justifiable reason to send troops. Liu Mang dispatch troops to Jiangdong as Sun Shangxiang's husband with the excuse of sending help to Sun Ce and Sun Quan. He could also dispatch troops to Jingzhou but that was because Liu Biao himself started the war.

It was the same even for Liu Bei.

Though Liu Mang have friction with Cao Cao, it was not enough for war. Both sides had to restrain themselves. Cao Cao even sent food to Yangzhou when Liu Bei attacked.

If Liu Mang were to throw away his face now, Cao Cao still could rely on the Han Emperor. In a single moment, Liu Mang could be turned into a traitor against the Han Dynasty.

“Milord. The Ministry of Works is not yet ready for war.” Liu Ye also shook his head. The cannons were still being constructed. Though the Yangzhou Army have been developing over the years, there were also many problems. The war against Cao Cao would definitely be long and hard. Because of this, war preparedness was important.

Cao Cao needed time but Yangzhou also needed time. Originally, Liu Mang was also planning to take Jingzhou before going to war against Cao Cao. Only by relying on Jingzhou's wealth could he fight the war of attrition with Cao Cao.

Unfortunately, time was running out.

“Milord. We must take Xuzhou.” Zhuge Liang advised.

“Huh?” Liu Mang was confused. It was Zhuge Liang and the others who said that Xuzhou was being used by Cao Cao to stall for time. But now, Zhuge Liang and the others also advised him to take Xuzhou.

“Since Cao Cao has already given us Xuzhou, it would be a waste not to accept it.” Xu Shu also nodded in agreement.

“We will take Xuzhou but Cao Cao better not think he can pacify the North so easily.”

They did not need to go to war against Cao Cao to get in his way.

“Milord. Gongsun Du's envoy is still at Yangzhou.” Zhuge Liang reminded.

“Gongsun Du!” Liu Mang finally remembered. Right now, Yangzhou and Liaodong have a good business relationship. Yangzhou opened up a trade route through the ocean. They could buy horses while selling armor and supplies. It was a mutually beneficial relationship. Ṛа₦ỒʙƐ𝘴

“Gongsun Du have the same interests as us, I am sure he would not sit still.” Liu Mang's evil strategists began to scheme.

“The Yuan brothers are no match for Cao Cao but if Gongsun Du is on their side, then they can still hold on.” Liu Mang also nodded.

“We can give up some benefits to Gongsun Du so that he can support the Yuan brothers or even send troops.”

After discussing with the group, Liu Mang met with Liaodong's envoy and relayed his intentions. The envoy said that this was a matter of great importance he could not make any rash decisions. He would need to return to discuss this matter with Gongsun Du.

Liu Mang nodded. He did not make things difficult for Gongsun Du.

Meanwhile, Liu Mang had also given the order for the army to march onto Xuzhou. With Chen Deng commanding and Lu Meng as the vanguard, the troops from all over advanced towards all of the important cities of Xuzhou that Cao Cao had given up. The army advanced without encountering any resistance. As Liu Mang gave the people the same treatment as Yangzhou, he also quickly received their support.

The veterans that had been chased out from Xuzhou in the past could not help but shed tears when they returned. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works had temporarily stopped making things for civilian use and focused their efforts on war preparations.

***

“Good news. Good news!” Cao Cao naturally received news that Liu Mang accepted all the titles and took over the cities of Xuzhou. This was exactly what Cao Cao wanted. First, he would feed the tiger until it was full. By the time it was hungry again, Cao Cao would have already readied his sword. However, what Cao Cao failed to realize was that a tiger that has seen smelled blood would be wild.

“Congratulations Milord. Your ambition of pacifying the North is just around the corner.” Cheng Yu flattered. With Liu Mang deceived, Cao Cao would be able to clean up the Yuan brothers. At that time, it would not be a problem to deal with Liu Mang.

The two Yuan brothers were not capable but they had a good father. Their father had many powerful supporters. Unless these two brothers were dead, the North could not be pacified.

“Haha.” Cao Cao could not help but smile at Cheng Yu's words.

Meanwhile, Guo Jia was furrowing his brows. His strategy was proceeding too smoothly. He even planned to send troops to Yanzhou in the event that Liu Mang was not fooled. Guo Jia also instructed Cao Ren to close the city gates and defend key points.

As long as they keep Xudou, it would not be a problem even if they lost half of Yanzhou. Once Cao Cao takes Hebei, he can call for another coalition and the rest of the land would still follow along with Cao Cao.

“Milord. What is Gongsun Du's reply?” Guo Jia asked. By now, the reply from Liaodong should have arrived.

Cao Cao immediately frowned after he heard this.

This is because just as the negotiation with Gongsun Du was about to be concluded, Gongsun Du suddenly became ambiguous and the negotiations was stalled. In the end, Gongsun Du used official words to dismiss Cao Cao's envoy. This made Cao Cao very annoyed.

“Not good! Yangzhou also sent an envoy!” Guo Jia immediately understood. Gongsun Du did not reject Cao Cao but he also did not agree. This was obviously because he was weighing his options. There must have been a better offer, otherwise Gongsun Du would not act this way.

“What should we do then?” Cheng Yu became anxious. “This Gongsun Du is so unfaithful!” Cheng Yu started to complain again. Guo Jia rolled his eyes. There was no one left that are this faithful to their words like Kong Rong in this era. All of them were either dead or under house arrest.

“Even without Gongsun Du, I will still take down the Yuan brothers.” Cao Cao also angrily said with a frown.

“No Milord. If Gongsun Du favors Liu Mang, not only will we not get his help. Gongsun Du might even send troops to help the Yuan brothers.” Guo Jia said to Cao Cao.

“He dares?” Xiahou Dun immediately gave off a killing intent.

Guo Jia did not bother arguing. It was not a matter of whether Gongsun Du had the guts to do this. If there are benefits, no one would refuse it. It was simply a matter of possibility.

“Milord. What did you offer Gongsun Du?” Guo Jia asked Cao Cao.

“I offered him the title of General Wuwei…” Although it was just a miscellaneous general title, it was the highest official position that could be granted for those guarding the border. If this was in the era of the Han Dynasty, Gongsun Du would have the authority to control everything in Liaodong.

“..and Yongning Xianghou.” This was just a town marquis title. However, Yongning was an extremely wealthy place under Cao Cao's control. These titles were not like the ones given to Liu Mang. Those titles were just pieces of paper with no actual benefits. The titles given to Gongsun Du were real titles equivalent to a Qianhuhou. (Lord of 1000 household)

On top of that, thre previous offer was just for Gongsun Du's agreement. If Gongsun Du also attacks the Yuan brothers from behind to help Cao Cao, Cao Cao would definitely reward him. At that time, Gongsun Du would become a Wanhuhou (Lord of 10,000 household)

Even then, Gongsun Du still did not agree.

“Kang Yu. How much do you know of Gongsun Du?” Guo Jia turned to an unremarkable looking man standing beside Cao Cao. Though he looks unremarkable, he should not be underestimated. He was one of Cao Cao's trusted subordinate that was akin to Yang Hong for Liu Mang.

Kang Yu then explained everything of Gongsun Du's life. The most important points of it is that Gongsun Du killed hundreds of families to pacify Liaodong and then fought battles against Goguryeo (ancient Korea) and won.

“This person is so talented?” Cao Cao's love for talent rose again. If it was just pacifying Liaodong, then Cao Cao may not care. But Gongsun Du was able to fight against Goguryeo. Cao Cao would gain a powerful helper if he obtains Gongsun Du's support.

Guo Jia shook his head. “Milord. Put away your love for talents. This Gongsun Du is like a tiger and a wolf. You cannot get him to surrender. Like Lu Bu, those who accept their surrender will only hurt themselves.” From Kang Yu's explanation of Gongsun Du. Gongsun Du was also a small minded person. He would kill whoever that annoys him. His expedition to Goguryeo showed that Gongsun Du did not like to be below others.

Although Guo Jia tried to dissuade Cao Cao, Cao Cao's eyes were still shining brightly. It was clear that Cao Cao would not give up until the very end.

Kang Yu who have the same thoughts as Guo Jia added. “Gongsun Du who commands the army in Liaodong is also often seen travelling in a royal carriage.”

“What? How daring! Does he want to rebel?” Cheng Yu shouted. The royal carriage is naturally something that can only be used by the Emperor. Not even Liu Mang could use it without being criticized. Yet Gongsun Du actually used it. What else could he be if not daring?

“Rebel? Haha! Does the Han still have any prestige?” The others laughed to themselves but did not say it out loud.

“Not only that. He wears a hat with nine jade strings and his escort is the Yulin Army.” Kang Yu added. These words made Cao Cao completely give up. The jade strings were something worn by the monarchy with nine being the most honorable. Even Liu Mang only wore eight. Besides that, the late Emperor Han of Wu had escorts called the Yulin Army. In other words, Gongsun Du fancied himself as Emperor.

“Gongsun Du wants to reign supreme over Liaodong.” Guo Jia quickly understood Gongsun Du's thoughts. With the Han Dynasty collapsing, many people like Gongsun Du would appear. There would have been even more people claiming to be Kings and Emperors if it was not because a powerful person like Cao Cao appeared to maintain the last of the Han Dynasty.

“Milord. Please give me fifty thousand men. I will immediately go to Liaodong and capture this Gongsun Du!” Xiahou Dun was very dissatisfied. Such a traitor wants to be Emperor? He clearly wasn't giving face to Cao Cao at all.

“Fifty thousand men?” Guo Jia shook his head. Although Cao Cao brought three hundred thousand men to Hebei, of which over a hundred thousand were elites, these troops really could not fight against Gongsun Du. Gongsun Du has twenty thousand cavalry and fifty thousand infantry. With seventy thousand troops under his command, Gongsun Du would quickly turn to assist the Yuan brothers the moment you start a war against him.

Meanwhile, the Yuan brothers have an army of more than one hundred thousand. If the two forces joins up, they could really match Cao Cao's army.

“What should we do then?” Xiahou Dun was dissatisfied. Both the soft and hard approach won't work. On top of that, they have already given Xuzhou to Yangzhou.

“Milord. We make him King of Liaodong.” Guo Jia suddenly said.

“Make him King of Liaodong? Fengxiao, are you mad?” Someone shouted.

“Guo Jia Guo Fengxiao! How much disrespect will you show our Lord and the Han Emperor?” Cheng Yu shouted. Though he had no hope for the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao hold the Han Emperor hostage. This gave Cao Cao the right to fight whoever he wants to fight. However, the moment Cao Cao gives this title, Gongsun Du's Liaodong would be considered an independent vassal state. They simply need to make offerings to the Han Dynasty periodically. However, they could not be accused of treason and cannot be attacked unless Liaodong started the war first. Liaodong is basically given immunity.

Besides that, this would also cause dissatisfaction to the other nobles which results in chaos. At that point, Cao Cao's position of Prime Minister will no longer have value.

“Haha. Whether or not Gongsun Du has the ability to become the King of Liaodong still depends on whether he has that ability.” Guo Jia did not care about Cheng Yu's words at all and even sneered.

“Fengxiao. What do you mean?” Cao Cao seemed to understand a little.

“King of Liaodong. It is just a piece of paper.” Guo Jia said calmly. “Give it to Gongsun Du. Once the Yuan brothers are defeated, it would still be up to the Lord to decide as to whether Gongsun Du is the King of Liaodong.”

Everyone's eyes lit up at Guo Jia's words. None of them were fools. Guo Jia was planning to take it all back immediately after. After all, Gongsun Du was being ambitious.

Basically, promise Gongsun Du this title with the condition that Gongsun Du captures the Yuan brothers. If Cao Cao's men get to the Yuan brothers first, then Gongsun Du would lose his chance.

If Gongsun Du tries to turn hostile because of this, it would also not be a problem. The Yuan brothers would already be gone so Gongsun Du would not be able to do anything. Cao Cao can simply leave a general and some troops behind to completely trap Gongsun Du at Liaodong if he does not want to fight against Gongsun Du.

When Cao Cao attacked Tao Qian, Lu Bu entered Yanzhou. If this was just the case, Cao Cao would not have a problem since Lu Bu was just a warrior. However, Lu Bu was so powerful he took over most of Yanzhou. It was to the extent that Xun Yu and Xun You needed to ask for help. The main cause of this is because Lu Bu had Yuan Shao's backing. With a single letter, Yuan Shao got Zhang Miao to open the gates for Lu Bu. That was how powerful the Yuan Family is. It was why the Yuan brothers was Cao Cao's current priority. It was also why Gongsun Du who would not have the Yuan Family's support to be barely a threat after the Yuan Family is defeated.

As long as the Yuan brothers are there, Cao Cao would not be able to sleep in peace. In that case, he might as well give the title of King of Liaodong away. “Alright. Do it!”