With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Liu Xie also climbed the tower on the shore and looked out over the river from a high vantage point.

The Jiangdong soldiers were well-trained and in high spirits. In a very short time, they approached Cao Cao's ships, and then a fierce close-quarters battle ensued.

The Jiangdong soldiers seemed to be unrestricted on the water, easily rushing onto Cao Cao's ships. They brandished their swords and spears, either cutting people down or throwing them into the water.

The Jiangdong soldiers employed a variety of combat methods, with many even jumping into the water to attack. They could both stab boats and capsize small boats.

The Jiangdong soldiers had an overwhelming advantage over the Cao army soldiers who fell into the water, and could toy with or even kill them at will.

Liu Xie became increasingly unsettled as he looked at the situation; the gap between the two sides was simply too vast.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and Zhuge Liang also arrived at the tower. After looking around for a while, he said, "Your Majesty, Guo Jia is very clever. He knows that no matter how much we train, we will not have an advantage in naval warfare. Instead, we should help Zhou Yu and make him proud, while secretly having Huang Zu and Wen Pin select elite troops and wait for the right opportunity."

Liu Xie nodded. "Kongming, although Guo Jia used a scheme, so many soldiers were sacrificed needlessly. What do you think about this?"

Liu Xie wanted to test Zhuge Liang's character and see if he was a soft-hearted person.

Zhuge Liang glanced at the river a few times and sighed: "Your Majesty, I am also reluctant, but war is inherently cruel and merciless. Death and injury are inevitable. Both sides use their wits and courage to fight and display their abilities, all in an effort to achieve the greatest victory with the least cost. I am reminded of the chess that Your Majesty invented. In any game, by the end, there are not many pieces left on the board."

Liu Xie fell silent; those words were too painful to bear.

Zhuge Liang sighed and advised, "If Your Majesty truly cares for them, then let this chaotic world end as soon as possible. Only in this way will there be no more wars in the future, and then the world will be at peace, and the people can truly live and work in peace."

Liu Xie was very satisfied with Zhuge Liang's answer. Now was not the time to be soft-hearted, and it would be useless to feel sorry for him. War was bound to kill many people, unless the world was at peace one day.

The Jiangdong soldiers fought with increasing ferocity, and Cao Cao's army quickly collapsed. Cao Cao had no choice but to sound the retreat and withdraw to the north bank.

After Zhou Yu returned victorious, he no longer doubted the fact that Huang Zuwen had been dismissed.

However, Cao Cao's army was numerous, and today's small victory could not satisfy Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu was resourceful and quickly came up with a plan to attack with fire.

When Zhou Yu told Lu Su about the plan, Lu Su was very happy, but after a while, he frowned.

“Gongjin, while the use of fire is indeed ingenious and effective, Cao Cao’s warships are too scattered. Even if a fire is set on fire, their ships can quickly separate, and there will not be too many casualties.”

Zhou Yu nodded. "That is indeed a problem. If we could get Cao Cao to link his warships together, that would be ideal."

Just as Zhou Yu was worrying about this matter, a soldier came to report, "Grand Commander, Pang Tong requests an audience!"

Zhou Yu was no stranger to Pang Tong; he had previously introduced him to Sun Quan, but Pang Tong had not attracted Sun Quan's attention.

Upon meeting Zhou Yu, Pang Tong mentioned the chained ships strategy, which would allow Cao Cao to chain his warships together, thus ensuring a foolproof fire attack.

The two hit it off immediately, and Zhou Yu was overjoyed. However, after his initial excitement wore off, Zhou Yu became worried again.

The plan was ingenious, but how could they get Cao Cao to link his warships together?

Since Sun Quan and Liu Bei had officially formed an alliance, Zhou Yu naturally wouldn't hide what was happening on Liu Bei's side. Moreover, Zhou Yu even had Sun Quan give Liu Bei some troops.

Zhan Fei is now in charge of relaying messages. After receiving the message, Liu Xie frowned. "I don't understand why Pang Tong is helping Zhou Yu this time."

Zhuge Liang also shook his head, "Your Majesty, Pang Tong is not currently serving Sun Quan, nor does he know that Liu Bei is an inside agent arranged by Your Majesty, so Pang Tong's actions are indeed intriguing."

Up to now, Liu Xie has been more of an observer, though he certainly attaches great importance to controlling the epidemic.

As for which direction this battle will take, Liu Xie is still observing for the time being.

Although Liu Xie hoped that Cao Cao would be defeated, Jiangdong was also a major enemy of the court, so he naturally hoped that Sun Quan would also suffer a heavy blow.

Therefore, we must not let Sun Quan win too easily.

If Zhou Yu were to easily defeat Cao Cao with a single fire, it would be too lenient for Jiangdong.

Liu Xie was also very much looking forward to Guo Jia's performance, so he decided to remain on the sidelines and let them each display their abilities, hoping that they would fight to the death.

Pang Tong's move puzzled Liu Xie.

Liu Xie couldn't understand Pang Tong's stance or his motives.

History is full of amazing coincidences, and Jiang Gan was once again sent by Cao Cao as an envoy to Zhou Yu's side.

Cao Cao wanted Jiang Gan to investigate Zhou Yu's situation. Although Jiang Gan had been tricked by Zhou Yu last time, Cao Cao was able to turn the tables and temporarily hide Huang Zu and Wen Ping, thus deceiving Zhou Yu.

Besides, Jiang Gan and Zhou Yu were old acquaintances, and Cao Cao really didn't have a better candidate in mind than Jiang Gan.

Upon hearing this news, Liu Xie anticipated what would happen next.

As expected, Zhou Yu and Pang Tong devised a plan. They deliberately imprisoned Pang Tong and then arrested Jiang Gan. They arranged for Jiang Gan to meet Pang Tong, who treated Pang Tong like a god. Jiang Gan rescued Pang Tong and took him to Jiangbei, where he recommended him to Cao Cao as if he were a treasure.

Upon hearing that Pang Tong had arrived, Cao Cao hurriedly led his troops out to greet him.

From afar, Cao Cao spread his arms in a welcoming gesture, laughing heartily as he approached Pang Tong with friendly manners.

“Mr. Fengchu, haha... I’ve been waiting for you to come.”

Cao Cao was genuinely delighted. He believed that acquiring either the Crouching Dragon or the Young Phoenix would bring peace to the world. Cao Cao's emphasis on talent was ingrained in his very being.

Pang Tong was short in stature, with a messy beard, a disheveled hair bun, and an uneven face. His appearance was peculiar, and he was not handsome or refined at all.

However, he appeared very calm. He came to Cao Cao's camp alone and faced so many soldiers and Cao Cao by himself, without showing any nervousness.

Cao Cao did not look down on Pang Tong because of his ugly appearance, but instead valued him highly.

Pang Tong quickly bowed to Cao Cao, saying, "Greetings, Prime Minister!"

Cao Cao grabbed his hand and said, “No need for formalities. It is said that if you can obtain either the Crouching Dragon or the Young Phoenix, you can bring peace to the world. I have long admired the Young Phoenix. It is a great honor to meet him today. Zhou Yu is arrogant and has neglected you, sir. I am fortunate to have your patronage. It is truly a cause for celebration.”

Cao Cao's respect for the virtuous and talented was entirely genuine and unpretentious.

Pang Tong wore a smile on his face, but his heart remained unmoved; he was not touched by Cao Cao's lavish treatment.

Guo Jia stood beside Cao Cao, watching quietly, but his mind was racing.

Guo Jia couldn't help but wonder how Jiang Gan could be so lucky. Last time, he stole a letter, and this time he invited Pang Tong (the Phoenix Chick).

No matter how Guo Jia thought about it, he felt that something was amiss. He turned around and glanced at Jiang Gan, who once again became complacent. He felt that he had made a great contribution and invited a peerless talent to Cao Cao!
Pang Tong smiled and bowed to Cao Cao, saying, "You flatter me, Prime Minister."

Cao Cao took Pang Tong's hand and led him toward the main tent. "I have already ordered a banquet to be prepared, sir, please!"

In no time, Cao Cao's central command tent transformed from a solemn council hall into a banquet hall filled with the aroma of wine. Flying creatures, running creatures, and swimming creatures were all on display, along with a wide variety of delicious dishes.

Cao Cao's civil and military officials lined up on both sides, all sitting with him. Cao Cao sat in the main seat, and Pang Tong's position was even more prestigious than Guo Jia's, which shows that Cao Cao valued Pang Tong exceptionally highly.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Cao Cao couldn't help but ask, "I have long admired your great talent, sir. Today, I am ordered by the Emperor to attack Jiangdong, but Zhou Yu is skilled in naval warfare. Do you have any good strategies to help me?"

All the civil and military officials in the tent turned their gazes toward Pang Tong. Some were expectant, some were admiring, while others were doubtful or even disdainful, feeling that the reputation of the Phoenix Chick was exaggerated and too much.

Pang Tong drank a cup of wine, and then he suddenly laughed.

"Although the Prime Minister is skilled in military tactics and training troops, naval warfare is different from land warfare. The northern soldiers are not accustomed to the climate and are not used to naval warfare. Fighting in single boats is a great disadvantage for the Prime Minister."

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Pang Tong suddenly stood up and drew his sword from his waist.

Pang Tong's actions startled everyone.

Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, and the others all stood up nervously, drawing their swords. They glared at Pang Tong, mistakenly believing he was about to harm Cao Cao.

Cao Cao squinted and watched quietly, remaining calm and composed.

Pang Tong put the sword back on the table; he only wanted to use it for a demonstration.

Pang Tong ignored the tense generals and smiled calmly, saying, "Prime Minister, the Yangtze River is vast and the current is swift. For the soldiers of the north, it is already quite difficult to navigate the water, let alone fight in a single boat. But if we chain the boats together with iron chains, or twenty or thirty boats together, what is there to fear no matter how big the wind and waves are?"

Pang Tong used the analogy of swords to describe warships linked together, and while speaking, he casually gestured with his hands to indicate the rise and fall of waves.

Cao Cao squinted, listening and thinking at the same time, nodding repeatedly.

Most of the civil and military officials in Cao Cao's camp were persuaded, and their faces showed expressions of admiration.

Cao Cao finally stood up from his seat, and everyone turned to look at him. Cao Cao walked up to Pang Tong and bowed deeply. "Your words, sir, have enlightened me. With such a brilliant plan, I am confident that I can destroy Wu in one fell swoop!"

Mao Jie, Dong Zhao, Xu Yi, and others nodded secretly, while Guo Jia remained calm, picked up a cup of wine, took a sip, but kept his eyes fixed on Pang Tong.

Cao Cao immediately instructed Cao Ren and others: "Generals, forge large nails and iron chains overnight, and quickly connect the ships together."

All the generals accepted the order in unison. Next, Cao Cao personally toasted Pang Tong, who took the opportunity to complain and inevitably said some bad things about Zhou Yu.

Guo Jia remained silent, quietly drinking cup after cup, a hint of a smile quietly appearing in his deep eyes.

After the banquet ended, Xun You hurriedly went to see Liu Xie and reported everything in detail.

Xun You never concealed his true intentions when he visited Liu Xie, showing no fear of being discovered by Cao Cao.

Of course, Cao Cao already knew about his actions, but he really couldn't do anything about Xun You.

"Pang Tong arrived quite quickly, Gongda. Pang Tong offered the plan of linking the chains together. Wasn't anyone there to stop him?"

Xun You shook his head. "No, Your Majesty, don't you think this is a brilliant plan? As long as the boats are linked together, they can avoid being rocked. The soldiers can run on them, or even ride horses."

Even a strategist like Xun You was impressed by Pang Tong's plans.

Liu Xie glanced at Zhuge Liang beside him. Zhuge Liang was waving his feather fan, not saying a word, as he was deep in thought.

"Even Fengxiao thought this method was feasible? He didn't stop it?"

Xun You nodded. "Yes."

After a while, Zhuge Liang finally spoke, "Your Majesty, the ships are linked together, which seems sturdy, but in doing so, we are tying our own hands. What should we do if Zhou Yu uses fire?"

Xun You was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Could it be that Zhou Yu really knows how to use fire?"

Zhuge Liang said, "That's hard to say. If I were Zhou Yu, I would definitely use fire."

Xun You then looked at Liu Xie and asked, "Your Majesty, should we remind the Prime Minister?"

Liu Xie smiled and said, "Someone, go and invite Guo Jia here."

Before long, Guo Jia arrived. As soon as he entered, he saw Xun You. Guo Jia was not surprised and even smiled and nodded at Xun You.

Facing Liu Xie, Guo Jia was quite unhurried and went straight to the point, asking, "What does Your Majesty want with me?"

"Fengxiao, I am aware that Pang Tong just presented the Prime Minister with a plan of multiple ships. What is your opinion on this?"

Guo Jia laughed and asked in return, "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, have you also noticed something?"

Guo Jia was very perceptive. Pang Tong had just offered his plan, and the emperor summoned him immediately. Clearly, this was not an ordinary matter.

Liu Xie smiled mysteriously, "Fengxiao, the iron chain seems ingenious, but I'm afraid it also contains hidden dangers."

Guo Jia clapped his hands and immediately praised, "Your Majesty, you and I are on the same page! I just realized that Pang Tong is up to no good. With the ships linked together, once Zhou Yu sets them on fire, everything will be over."

"Then why didn't you stop it?" Liu Xie asked.

Now Liu Xie can finally trust him. No wonder Cao Cao wept bitterly for Guo Jia after the disastrous defeat at Red Cliffs.

Because Guo Jia's abilities are by no means inferior to Zhou Yu's, no matter whether Zhou Yu uses fire attack or Pang Tong's chain scheme, he can never fool Guo Jia.

Guo Jia laughed, “Your Majesty, why should I stop him? Since Zhou Yu is so confident that he can defeat our army, I will go along with his plan and turn the tables on him.”

"Last time Jiang Gan stole the book, you played along. This time Pang Tong offered a series of schemes, and you still played along. What a cunning Guo Fengxiao."

Liu Xie couldn't help but praise Guo Jia to his face, saying that he was indeed extraordinary.

Guo Jia did not become complacent upon receiving Liu Xie's praise. He remained calm, saying, "Your Majesty, Zhou Yu is indeed no simple man. His schemes are intricately linked, one after another. I must be extra careful. I fear he has more tricks up his sleeve!" (End of Chapter)