Cao Cao was still in Nanpi. This wasn’t for any frivolous reason like enjoying its prosperity or nostalgia towards Yuan Shao. He remained in Nanpi for the important reason of considering how to move his troops. Not all of his troops could go back with him. Some elites even had to stay since they could not leave the Han Dynasty border unprotected.

But the ones in the North would not have any major battles to fight and thus, no achievements. This gave Cao Cao a lot of headache especially since he had a lot of unruly people under his command.

Another reason was because of the treasure Yuan Shao left behind. It was also one of the reasons Cao Cao spared Wen Chou and the others.

Yuan Shao was originally based in Bohai. Anticipating his own defeat, Yuan Shao hid his treasures all over as insurance. Cao Cao had already dug out half of Nanpi but he had not found anything yet. Despite that, he did not give up. These treasures definitely exist since there was no reason for Yuan Shao to lie to Cao Cao in death. Yuan Shao knew what Cao Cao was like. If the treasure is fake, Cao Cao would seek revenge.

Besides that, Cao Cao was also keeping an eye on the Gongsun Family. For now, Gongsun Kang seemed obedient. He Ping is the first saboteur sent to Liaodong. Once the first was in place, more would follow. Sooner or later, Liaodong will become his.

“Is there any news from He Ping?” Cao Cao asked Cheng Yu who was standing by his side.

“Yes.” Cheng Yu nodded. He had become Cao Cao’s main strategist after Guo Jia left.

“Governor He Ping said that Gongsun Kang was very cooperative and even seemed delighted with the Lord’s dispatch.” Cheng Yu reported.

“Good.” Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction. Since Gongsun Kang was giving him face, Cao Cao would not treat Gongsun Kang too badly. Once Liaodong is his, the Gongsun Family can go to Xudou to become an idle rich family. As for official positions, Cao Cao would not give them any. He would not allow a family that has once been his enemy to prosper. Sparing their lives was already a blessing.

This was also for their own good since some people have too much ambition.

“But it would seem that General Wuwei Gongsun Du is dissatisfied with this.” Cheng Yu added.

“That Gongsun Du…” Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. Someone like Gongsun Kang who pursues fame was easy to deal with. Cao Cao could easily trick them into having to pay just to sell themselves. Fools like Zhang Miao and Bao Xin were examples of those fooled by Cao Cao and lost their entire fortune. By the time they realized it, it was already too late.

Unfortunately, Gongsun Du was too sly to be dealt with this way. When Cao Cao first tried to persuade Gongsun Du to surrender, Gongsun Du acted superior and even threw away the title he was given. Yet, Gongsun Du immediately switched sides the moment his shield, the Yuan brothers, were defeated. Gongsun Du even risked offending Yangzhou just to surrender to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao frowned. He could not decide whether to attack Liaodong or not. Gongsun Kang was being obedient so attacking Liaodong would deter others from surrendering to him. On the other hand, Cao Cao could not lower his guard with Gongsun Du around as Gongsun Du would immediately turn on him once the situation on the Central Plains change.

Cao Cao regretted accepting the armor from Liaodong. If he had known this would happen, he would have just attacked directly. It would be easy to win with his army of three hundred thousand.

“Milord. He Ping also brought good news!” Cheng Yu continued. “Gongsun Du probably would no longer show up.”

“No longer show up?” Cao Cao was a bit confused.

“Gongsun Kang is currently in charge of the General’s residence.”

“Huh?”

“He is saying that Gongsun Du may have been killed by Gongsun Kang.” Cheng Yu explained.

“What? Are you serious?” Cao Cao’s eyes grew wide.

“He Ping says that this is just speculation from the information he obtained from the former guard leader of Gongsun Du’s.” This person was none other than Wei Kang. After nearly dying at Gongsun Kang’s hands, he no longer wanted to work for Gongsun Kang and even held resentment for him. He Ping who frequently visitted Gongsun Kang naturally heard a few things.

“Gongsun Du’s personal guard?” Cao Cao stood up and began to move. He was a paranoid person. If the news came from the guards, it might be to his advantage. But on the other hand, it could also be part of Gongsun Du’s schemes. This is especially true since Gongsun Du was a sly fox and his perosnal guard would be his trusted subordinate.

Cheng Yu knew Cao Cao was being paranoid and added. “Milord. This Wei Kang almost died at the hands of Gongsun Kang. That is why He Ping contacted him in the first place.”

“Gongsun Kang wanted to kill Wei Kang?” Cao Cao began to believe the news. After all, a threat to one’s life can lead to betrayal. But he still could not make up his mind. It was true that if all this was true, Cao Cao could easily obtain Liaodong. But if this was Gongsun Du’s trap and Cao Cao revealed too much of his true intentions, then he would become a laughing stock of the world.

“Milord. I think it is best for Governor He Ping to investigate more.” Cheng Yu advised after seeing that Cao Cao was still undecided. He himself have begun to miss Guo Jia. Initially, Cheng Yu was jealous of Guo Jia as Guo Jia was younger and yet more talented than himself. But moments like these made him see clearly. It was Guo Jia who could help settle matters when their Lord could not.

“Hm.” Cao Cao nodded. “Zhongde. You must also devote more effort into Nanpi. The wealth Yuan Shao buried here will not be a small amount.”

“Yes, Milord.” Cheng Yu nodded. “Milord. What about the troops from Yangzhou?” He Ping also mentioned Yangzhou attacking Liaodong.

“The King of Shu did not come here just to fight Liaodong. Their actions is just a warning towards me and the rest of the world!” Cao Cao knew that Liaodong had already become the chicken to Yangzhou and they had to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys.

“Milord. In that case, things in Liaodong are not going well.” Cheng Yu said cautiously. Yangzhou’s army had been unstoppable. Three of Liaodong’s best generals were all defeated. Now, Liaodong have even pulled back their troops from the borders to resist Yangzhou.

“Good! Let them fight!” Cao Cao suddenly laughed.

“Huh?” Cheng Yu was confused. After all, Liaodong could be considered an ally.

“Zhongde. What do you think will happen if Liaodong wins?” Cao Cao asked with a smile.

“If Liaodong wins?” Cheng Yu considered. In this case, Yangzhou’s intimidation would fail and lose face. All the fence sitters would turn to support Cao Cao and Cao Cao would gain more prestige. If the King of Shu is enraged by this and keep pushing the attack, then they would simply wear themselves out and Liaodong.

“But Milord. What if Gongsun Kang cannot hold out?” Cheng Yu asked. “If Yangzhou wins, then the fence sitters would turn to them!”

“That would be even better!” Cao Cao would be satisfied with this outcome. He had been worrying about the lack of pretext to send troops to Liaodong. But if Liaodong could not resist the enemy attack, they would have to turn to him for aid. Cao Cao would then have the right to march him army into Liaodong openly. Will Cao Cao leave after that? Of course not.

“Milord is wise!”

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.