Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3892 Knowing it's impossible, yet still doing it
Inside Sishui Pass, as news of the General of the Flying Cavalry's invitation for peace talks spread widely and openly, the atmosphere became increasingly strange.

It's an old tradition in the Han Dynasty that whenever a disaster is severe, one of the Three Dukes is appointed...

Who else has the influence to quell the chaos now?
Cao Cao sat alone in the dimly lit hall, the howling north wind outside the window seemingly stirring the turbulent thoughts in his heart.

Fei Qian's move of "building a platform to invite Cao Cao to talk" seemed to offer a choice, but in reality it was a carefully poisoned soft knife that cut without drawing blood, but directly hit the vital point, causing Cao Cao great pain.

"Fei Ziyuan... your cunning schemes..." Cao Cao muttered to himself, "You've really become more and more formidable..."

Although it was just a simple public invitation, Cao Cao felt as if an invisible noose was around his neck!

Private exchanges between envoys, no matter how many times, are always private matters.

Or rather, it's all just a matter for high-ranking political figures...

As long as it's not fully publicized, you can say you don't know, you're not clear about it, or you're unaware of the situation...

What can be done?

However, now that the Flying Cavalry has taken the lead and spread the news of the peace talks, it is tantamount to launching a direct information war!

They first put Cao Cao in the morally charged position of launching an "unnecessary" war that would lead to "death and annihilation"!

The soldiers' morale has been further agitated by this "hope for peace," and their war-weariness has been stirred up. If no appropriate measures are taken, it may spread like a plague and become uncontrollable!
In addition, the problem of food supplies is also very serious...

Cao Cao was currently beset by internal and external troubles. Outside the pass, there was Fei Qian, a formidable enemy pressing down on him like Mount Tai; inside the court, there were figures like Liu Ai and Liang Shao, who were trying to push Cao Cao out as a sacrificial offering to seek peace.

We cannot back down, and we certainly cannot be led by the nose!
A cold glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes.

If he reacts passively, it will only hasten the collapse!
We must fight back! We must seize the banner of "peace talks" that Fei Qian has raised high, even if it's just a corner, to reverse this completely passive situation!
Suddenly, a figure moved outside the window, and then someone knelt down beneath the window and whispered something...

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao stood up proudly, straightened his clothes, and strode out.

"Erlai!" Cao Cao ordered, "Send a squad of guards to come with me!"

Accompanied by the clanging of armor, Cao Cao marched straight into Emperor Liu Xie's temporary palace...

Or you could call it a brothel.

There were imperial guards outside the courtyard, but since Cao Cao had come in person, these guards were practically just for show. Only after Cao Cao had entered the courtyard with his soldiers did he have a eunuch formally announce his arrival...

Cao Cao knew that the more unfavorable the environment, the less he could back down or yield; he could only act more forcefully, domineeringly, and even tyrannically to intimidate these guys…

Liu Ai, the Imperial Clan Secretary.

Liang Shao, Grand Master of the Palace.

And a few random, idle chattering remarks...

Cao Cao glanced at the court officials with their varied expressions and walked straight ahead.

Seeing that things were not going well, the last few tried to slip away, but Dian Wei and his men blocked their way.

"Your Majesty," Cao Cao pretended not to notice the underhanded tactics of those men, and instead bowed solemnly to the Emperor, his voice steady yet carrying the weight of worry for the affairs of state, "General Fei Zhutai has invited you to a ceasefire and peace talks. This is truly a manifestation of Your Majesty's benevolence and virtue, and may offer a glimmer of hope for the people. Your subject also yearns for it."

Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao with some surprise, not expecting him to bring up this matter on his own initiative, and his attitude seemed to be...

Liu Ai and the others, who were pretending to shrink back like quails, were also surprised and couldn't help but stick their heads out from their collars to secretly peek at Cao Cao.

"However..." Cao Cao changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Liu Ai and the others, "As Chancellor, I hold supreme command of military and political affairs, and the safety of the Han Dynasty rests on my shoulders. At this critical juncture, with powerful enemies surrounding us and defenses strained, if I were to rashly depart this perilous place to meet them on the enemy's high platform, not only would my own safety be uncertain, but I also fear the defenses might be breached, alarming Your Majesty and shaking the very foundations of the nation! This is not out of concern for my own safety, but truly my duty; I dare not let personal matters interfere with public duty!"

Liu Xie's lips twitched slightly. He gripped the handrail of his throne to keep the beaded curtain on his crown from swaying too much.

Liu Ai and the others standing nearby suddenly became flustered, as if they sensed that some danger was quietly approaching.

Cao Cao solemnly cupped his hands, his words earnest, "Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty to issue the order! Peace negotiations are a matter of vital importance to the nation. I am but a mere Chancellor; how can I presume to make decisions on Your Majesty's behalf?! For the world to desire peace, it is only right that an envoy be sent! Your Majesty may dispatch a high-ranking official, carrying imperial credentials, to represent the court, Your Majesty, and all the people, to the high platform to negotiate with the General of the Cavalry! As for the selection… I believe that Liu Ai, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, is of high moral character and prestige, and his management of the imperial clan demonstrates Your Majesty's sincerity; Liang Shao, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, is learned and respected, and can explain the advantages and disadvantages! With these two as the chief and deputy envoys, they will surely fulfill their mission, ascertain the true intentions of the General of the Cavalry, and negotiate a feasible peace agreement for Your Majesty and the world!"

Liu Ai and Liang Shao's legs went weak, and they collapsed to the ground with a thud...

Cao Cao's move was truly ruthless.

Didn't Liu Ai and Liang Shao constantly talk about "the people and the nation" and "the safety of the emperor," urging him to negotiate peace?

Now the opportunity has come. If Emperor Liu Xie sends you as plenipotentiary representatives to negotiate, will you go or not?

If he were to refuse or shrink back, he would be a hypocrite who "does not keep his word" and "misleads the country with empty talk," and from then on, he would no longer have the confidence to criticize Cao Cao in the court or in front of the army.

If I really dare to go...

Exactly!

These two restless troublemakers, if sent to Fei Qian's camp, will either become pawns for Cao Cao to gather intelligence and even disrupt the enemy's plans, or they'll become hostages in Fei Qian's hands. In any case, keeping them here would only be a burden...

At that time, Fei Qian will be the one in trouble.

If Fei Qian were to kill him, he would lose his reputation for "treating scholars with respect"; if he were to keep him, he would need to expend energy to keep an eye on him, and his ambiguous stance might trigger some subtle reactions within the General's Army.

And it might even have other uses...

At the same time, Cao Cao arrived with his troops, blocking Liu Ai and his men, and also blocking Emperor Liu Xie's retreat.

By using imperial edicts, one can also shift the focus of conflict and convey a message to the entire army and even the whole country.

It's not that I, Cao Cao, am unwilling to negotiate, but the Emperor believes that I bear a heavy responsibility and cannot act rashly. Therefore, he has selected a more suitable and higher-ranking "angel" to go!
Although everyone knew that the key to this battle was decided by the leaders of the two political groups, Fei Qian and Cao Cao, Cao Cao still pretended to be confused and said that Fei Qian wanted to negotiate with not Cao Cao himself, but Shandong and the Central Plains, and the Han Dynasty!

Thus, the initiative in the peace talks was cleverly shifted from the "private meeting with Cao Fei" to the level of "the Han court and the Flying Cavalry Army".

Cao Cao went from being a questioned "decision-maker" to an "executor" who was "ordered to hold the line".

Consequently, Cao Cao was forced to become a "working class" who bore the responsibility...

I'm not trying to make things difficult for anyone; I'm just following orders. Please don't come to me with any problems. Why should working people make things difficult for each other?

If the negotiations succeed, it's a credit to the Han Dynasty under Cao Cao's guidance, and Cao Cao will naturally receive a share. Even if he takes out a loan, he'll still get a big bonus at the end of the year. If the negotiations break down, it's because Fei Qian disrespected the Emperor and the court, and it's the "rudeness" and "insincerity" of the General of the Cavalry. What does that have to do with Cao Cao?

That's right, Cao Cao deliberately raised the level of the invitation!
Fei Qian invited "Prime Minister Cao Cao", while Cao Cao responded by calling himself "Emperor's Envoy".

In terms of legal principles and etiquette, the latter is undoubtedly superior. This demonstrates both a humble yet assertive stance and elevates the level of negotiation, minimizing personal influence and strengthening the negotiating aspect within the 'Han Dynasty framework,' thus laying the groundwork for various subsequent arguments by Cao Cao…

What could Liu Xie say under Cao Cao's calm yet unquestionable gaze?
Moreover, Cao Cao brought along E Lai and Dian Wei, and there were soldiers and armored men surrounding the gate!
Liu Ai and Liang Shao were filled with regret, but what could they do?
The courage Liu Xie had just mustered, emboldened by Liu Ai and others, vanished instantly before Cao Cao's calm yet powerful aura, like a snowman in the sunlight. Looking into Cao Cao's deep, unfathomable eyes, all his words stuck in his throat, unable to utter a single syllable. He didn't even dare to question Cao Cao's true intentions behind this suggestion, only subconsciously nodding, his voice even weaker than before, "Lord Cao... your considerations are thorough, your wisdom in governing the country is mature, so... so I will follow Lord Cao's wishes. I... I await good news."

Upon hearing Liu Xie's words, Liu Ai and Liang Shao's expressions became incredibly interesting.

They never expected that their efforts to incite the emperor to exert pressure would ultimately lead to this "glorious and arduous" task falling on their own shoulders!
If we go, ahead lies the enemy camp, the unpredictable General Fei Qian, and our fate is uncertain!

Refusing to go would be disobeying the imperial decree and a slap in the face to oneself!

Under Cao Cao's "eager" gaze and the Emperor's "expectant" look, the two had no choice but to steel themselves, tears streaming down their faces, and declare that they were "willing to die for Your Majesty and for the nation." However, they quickly changed their tune, saying they were unclear about the procedures, the situation, and didn't know what to say. They said they were willing, but difficulties objectively existed, so perhaps...

Before Liu Ai and the others could even voice their subsequent "why not" suggestions, Cao Cao immediately countered, "This peace negotiation was also abrupt, and I am unaware of the proper procedures. However… this meeting is of great importance and should not be taken lightly. I believe we should follow ancient rites: firstly, fast and bathe to calm the mind and clear the thoughts; secondly, we should determine the procedures and the matters to be discussed. The Minister of the Imperial Clan and the Grand Master of Ceremonies need not worry; during the three days of fasting, officials will naturally instruct them."

Cao Cao said, "I've thought all of these things through..."

The reason why Cao Cao waited until Liu Ai and Liang Shao came out before he arrived was precisely to make things clear face to face.

Since Liu Ai and Liang Shao can be so lively and energetic in front of Liu Xie, it's obviously not a sudden heart attack. Now, let me ask you, Liu Ai and Liang Shao, did you go there "voluntarily"?

Liu Ai, standing to the side, glanced sideways at Cao Cao's personal guards outside the hall, his beard twitching, while inwardly cursing Cao Cao's ancestors for eighteen generations.

How could this not be "voluntary"?

Cao Cao also conveyed with his eyes that if Liu Ai was willing to bear the consequences, couldn't he also "ask for leave"?

No, how exactly does this voluntary act relate to the word "leave of absence"?

The two remained silent, and Emperor Liu Xie had no choice but to issue an edict appointing Liu Ai as the chief envoy and Liang Shao as the deputy envoy. After fasting for three days, they were to go with imperial credentials to the high platform built by the General of the Cavalry to negotiate peace.

As Liu Ai and Liang Shao "generously" accepted the order and prepared to depart, Cao Cao ordered notices to be posted throughout the Guanzhong Plain, publicly announcing the "basic principles and sincere conditions" of this "court peace negotiation".

That's right, it wasn't a "private meeting between Fei and Cao," but rather "peace talks by the imperial court"!
At the same time, Cao Cao also drafted three preconditions for peace talks!
First, to demonstrate genuine sincerity in seeking peace, the cavalry must first retreat west of Gongxian County, away from the threat of Sishui Pass, in order to create a safe environment for peace talks.

Second, immediately and unconditionally release all captured Cao army soldiers as a gesture of goodwill and to ease hostility between the two sides.

Third, since the General of the Cavalry claims to be loyal to the Emperor, their immediate priority should be to show compassion for the suffering of the soldiers and civilians within the pass and to supply them with provisions and supplies to relieve the Emperor and the soldiers guarding the pass from their urgent needs, thus demonstrating the benevolence of the "royal army".

These three points will surely lead some shrewd keyboard warriors to say that Cao Cao is dreaming, but Cao Cao is not stupid. He knows that once peace talks are made, it will inevitably bring unfavorable conditions to Cao Cao, the Cao clan, and the Xiahou clan. Therefore, he takes the initiative to seize the moral high ground and muddy the waters.

These three conditions, each seemingly noble, are all for the benefit of "everyone".

Especially the last point, for the sake of the emperor, the officials, and the soldiers and civilians within the pass, Cao Cao immediately represented the majority.

Cao Cao knew perfectly well that Fei Qian would never agree to any of his demands!
Retreat?
Release prisoners?

To aid the enemy?

Any one of these points would touch upon the strategic interests and bottom line of the Flying Cavalry.

This was exactly the result Cao Cao wanted!
He was even prepared to launch a full-scale propaganda campaign should the peace talks break down due to the General of the Cavalry's rejection of the court's reasonable demands.

"Gentlemen, please look! It is not that the court is unwilling to negotiate, nor that I, Cao, am unwilling to end the war! We have exhausted our sincerity, sending envoys to propose amicable terms! However, General Fei Qian, with his wolfish ambitions and utterly insincere intentions, only seeks to trick us into opening the gates and abduct the Emperor! His so-called peace talks are nothing but a delaying tactic to deceive the world! In this situation, only by uniting as one and defending the nation's borders to the death can we have a glimmer of hope! They wish to destroy our state and abduct our Emperor; we have no choice but to fight to the death to protect our homeland!"

At that time, the morale of the army, which was originally wavering and confused due to the desire for peace, will very likely be directly transformed by Cao Cao into a united front against the enemy who is "untrustworthy" and "deceitful"!

The despair caused by disappointment may cause morale to rebound from its low point, injecting a sense of grief and determination into the upcoming brutal siege battle.

This is what is meant by fighting with one's back to the river!
Hopefully so...

Of course, Cao Cao's methods went far beyond these.

After blocking Liu Ai and Liang Shao, finalizing the mission, and placing the envoy under house arrest under the pretext of fasting, Cao Cao immediately began internal reorganization of Sishui Pass, employing both kindness and force.

He secretly ordered Xiahou Jie and Xiahou Wei, "The matter of the gate defenses is entirely your responsibility! Keep a firm grip on the four gates! Keep a close eye on those officials and their trusted confidants who are secretly colluding, spreading rumors, and undermining morale! Arrest a few of the most vocal ones and imprison them without trial for the crimes of misleading the army and colluding with foreign enemies!"

Xiahou Jie suggested that they just kill him to settle the matter, but Cao Cao waved his hand and laughed, saying that death would end everything and would not cause any fear...

Cao Cao dealt swiftly and decisively with court officials, but his strategy towards ordinary soldiers was entirely different.

Cao Cao ordered Dian Wei to lead his personal guards, carrying large pots of ginger soup and newly acquired cotton-padded clothes—some even squeezed out from the officials' quotas—deep into the countryside...

Cough cough, it's about going deep into every camp and sentry post to bring warmth.

Dian Wei's thunderous voice echoed in the cold wind, "Brothers! The Prime Minister knows you're cold! He knows you miss home! The Prime Minister is trying to find a solution! The court is preparing to send envoys to negotiate! If the negotiations succeed, perhaps we can go home for the New Year! But—"

Dian Wei's tone shifted abruptly, his eyes widening in fury. "If that treacherous cavalryman has ill intentions, the negotiations won't succeed! I, Dian Wei, swear to heaven, I will be the first to draw my sword and rush out of the pass to slay those two-faced bastards who won't let us live in peace!"

Dian Wei's abilities were limited to just these two sentences, but these simple and direct words, coupled with the real ginger soup and cotton clothes, were far more effective in calming the hearts of the rank-and-file soldiers than any empty preaching.

The prime minister was thinking of them, and the court was also making efforts to facilitate peace talks, and even sent them ginger soup and cotton clothes!

Even if a fight were to break out, there would be fierce generals like Dian Wei leading the charge...

The panic and resentment among the soldiers at the grassroots level were skillfully guided and partially resolved.

Faced with the problem of food shortages, Cao Cao directly and publicly ordered: "From this day forward, the salaries of all officers will be halved! Their food rations will be the same as those of the soldiers on the front lines! All grain reserves within the pass will be prioritized for the soldiers defending the city! Civil officials and eunuchs in the court will be rationed according to the minimum subsistence standard; anyone who dares to take more or deduct from their rations will be executed without mercy!"

Cao Cao himself even ate coarse food with his soldiers in public, and distributed the only meat he had to the soldiers who were on duty.

While this measure could not fundamentally solve the food shortage, it did temporarily boost morale and silence some discontent regarding the hunger and cold of the soldiers and the extravagance of the officials.

Of course, Cao Cao wouldn't place all his "hopes" on peace talks. Under the guise of discussing peace terms with the General of the Cavalry and scouting the meeting place, Gaotai, he secretly dispatched several of his most loyal and elite confidants, mixed among the official ranks. Carrying fire starters, grappling hooks, and other equipment, they used the cover of night and the complex terrain to sneak out west of Sishui Pass. Their purpose wasn't to scout the General of the Cavalry's main camp, but rather to head west and north to thoroughly investigate the General of the Cavalry's long supply lines!
Peace talks are merely a charade on the table; the real key to life and death still lies on the battlefield.

If a weakness could be found in the supply lines of the Flying Cavalry, or even a successful raid could be launched, even if it only burns some of the supplies, it would be enough to instantly change the balance of power between the two sides, drag Fei Qian into a quagmire of logistical anxiety, and buy Cao Cao a crucial respite, or even...

An opportunity to strike back!
With this series of combined attacks, Cao Cao, without ever stepping out of Sishui Pass, had launched a fierce and meticulous counterattack against Fei Qian's open scheme on multiple fronts, including public opinion, public sentiment, internal reorganization, and logistical harassment.

Cao Cao not only temporarily extricated himself from the predicament of being "forced to negotiate peace," passing the buck back to Fei Qian and the two envoys he "relyed on," but also stabilized his internal situation and secretly built up his strength, looking for any fatal flaws his opponents might reveal.

Even in dire straits, a ruthless strategist continues to calculate and wait for that seemingly impossible but never-ending chance to turn the tide.

When everyone thought Cao Cao had run out of options and might as well give up, he still did everything he could to try, to fight, and to make what some people might consider a meaningless struggle.

However, fate seemed to be playing another cruel joke on Cao Cao...