Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 232 Why is the gentleman hesitating? Could it be that his heart is with Cao Cao's camp?

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

"My lord, I have failed to live up to your expectations. I was obstructed by Jia Xu and was unable to persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender the entire prefecture."

"

In the quiet room shrouded in mist, Jiang Gan respectfully bowed and recounted in detail the events that had occurred not long ago at the foot of Wancheng.

Yuan Shu seemed unconcerned and nodded slightly, inviting Jiang Gan to rise.

"Jiang Qing, there's no need for that. Please make a trip to Wancheng, just to give it a try."

"That's enough. I will personally lead the army to Wancheng next."

As he spoke, he instructed Jiang Gan to leave, having already anticipated the events involving Jia Xu and Zhang Xiu.

Although Jia Xu was most adept at self-preservation, Yuan Shu never thought that his current overwhelming power in the south would change his mind.

It is important to know that before the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao swept across the north and dominated the world. He also won battle after battle and had hundreds of thousands of troops, none of whom could defeat him.

He sent a letter to Zhang Xiu, asking him to join forces to attack Cao Cao. Because of the previous grudge in Wancheng, Zhang Xiu readily agreed, but was also stopped by Jia Xu, who strongly urged him to surrender to Cao Cao.

Before the Battle of Guandu, not to mention others, even Cao Cao himself did not think he could win.

Given the vast disparity in strength between the two sides before the Battle of Guandu, and Yuan Shao's reputation for wisdom and martial prowess, Jia Xu still insisted on persuading Zhang Xiu to surrender to Cao Cao.

Yuan Shu naturally no longer expects to force Jia Xu to surrender by relying on his military strength.

Ultimately, from Dong Zhuo to Li Guo and even later, various attempts to persuade Zhang Xiu to side with Cao Cao, a pattern can be observed.

Jia Xu didn't care if you used coercion, threats, kidnapping, or other abnormal means; he would follow whoever controlled the central court.

Why?

Because rebellion is a high-risk profession. Even if someone as powerful as Wang Mang established a new dynasty, once the rebellion failed, all his followers would be implicated and executed.

But things were different when they followed the central government, from Dong Zhuo to Li Guo and even Cao Cao.

No matter how they held the emperor hostage, even if Yuan Shu really attacked and wanted to usurp the throne, he would still have to go through the process of abdication.

Since it's an abdication, there won't be a purge of everyone. People are quick to change their allegiance, and with each new emperor comes a new court. As long as you're not stubborn, you generally won't have any personal safety.

Ultimately, whether it was Dong Zhuo, Li Guo, or Cao Cao, Jia Xu never truly pledged allegiance to anyone. He was merely a tool for the central government to protect himself and survive.

However, dealing with people who are solely focused on self-preservation is quite simple.

As the clouds rose, Yuan Shu smiled, his eyes unfathomable.

Once Wancheng is captured and the enemy is brought under his command, even if he faces execution, Mr. Wenhe would still be willing to side with Yuan Shikai.

After all, compared to implicating traitors, a cold glare on the neck is far more direct and effective.

As for why Jiang Gan was sent on this trip, one reason was to try and see if Zhang Xiuzhen would surrender.

Secondly, it was because of the last words Jiang Gan gave to Zhang Xiu.

Times have changed, and if Zhang Xiu had indeed surrendered to Cao Cao, Yuan Shu could not have guaranteed Cao Cao's continued defeats.

Would he still be interested in ordering Cao Anmin to search for prostitutes in the city, as was done in history, leading to a repeat of the Wancheng tragedy?

This involves a certain element of luck, and Yuan Shu has always preferred to have everything under his control.

The message he had Jiang Gan leave for Zhang Xiu was roughly similar to a close friend giving advice to the female protagonist:
I've heard that your boyfriend has been unfaithful; he's probably not a good person.

What?You do not believe?
Don't believe me? Let me test him!

Human hearts are often the most vulnerable to testing, and thus tragedy ensued.

The only flaw in this plan was that Zhang Xiu trusted Cao Cao enough that their bond could withstand the test and he did not intend to test him.

But how is this possible?
How could there be any trust between a master and his minister who were hastily brought together by Jia Xu?
When a ruler doubts his ministers, the ministers also doubt their rulers.

Once the seed of suspicion is planted, even if Jia Xu sees through the plan, he cannot stop Zhang Xiu from becoming suspicious.

After all, testing the waters wouldn't cause any loss, and if Cao Cao turned out to be a good person, everyone would be happy.

If Cao Cao falls for the trap and indeed attacks his aunt, then good!
Then I guess I tested the right person!

Luckily, I tested the waters!

Otherwise, how would we know that you, Cao Mengde, are such a beast? You surrendered today and yet you have no scruples and attacked my mother. Clearly, you don't take me, Zhang Xiu, seriously. I wonder how much more humiliation you will suffer in Cao's camp in the future.

With his mind racing, Yuan Shu's smile grew wider and wider.

"Mr. Wenhe, I am doing this with good intentions, helping General Zhang Xiu choose a wise ruler."

Even if you know this plan, I will teach you a whole scheme, leaving you with no way to implement it.

After all, testing the waters wouldn't cost me anything, and I was kindly standing on Zhang Xiu's side.

Mr. Wenhe, if you continue to obstruct and sabotage this matter...

But that would put me completely on the opposite side of Zhang Xiu, and I'm afraid he might mistake me for a spy loyal to Cao Cao's camp, causing Zhang Xiu to completely side with me.

Meanwhile, in Wancheng, in the council hall.

Zhang Xiu was terrified, his face full of bitterness, and said to Jia Xu:

"Why have you come to this, sir?"
Even if they don't follow Lord Yuan's lead, there's no need to expel the envoys. Let them enter the city for now, treat them well, and leave them some room for maneuver.

Now that things have come to this point, there's no way to ease the tension. Yuan Shu's army will arrive in no time; what should we do then?

"What the general says is very true. The best course of action now is to surrender to Cao Cao."

If Yuan's troops arrive, Cao's troops will come to meet them.

"Surrender to Cao Cao?"

Zhang Xiu was surprised when he heard this.

"Nowadays, Lord Yuan is always victorious, while Lord Cao is always defeated."

Yuan Shao was powerful, while Cao Cao was weak.

Why do you advise me to abandon victory and embrace defeat, to yield to weakness rather than to triumph?

When Zhang Xiu asked, Jia Xu, who was full of confidence, began to speak eloquently for him.

"Cao Cao served the emperor to command the world, which was legitimate and proper. Surrendering to Cao Cao was not surrendering to Cao Cao, but rather submitting to the court."

In contrast, Yuan Shikai forged imperial edicts and issued chaotic orders. His rebellious intentions were obvious to everyone. His surrender to Yuan Shikai was not a surrender to Yuan Shikai, but rather an act of following a traitor!

This is the first reason why he should follow Cao Cao.

With overwhelming power and influence, none in the world could rival him. He controlled three provinces—Yangzhou, Yuzhou, and Jingzhou—and held one-third of the land, commanding an army of 200,000.

You will lead 20,000 troops and a whole prefecture to follow them; they will certainly not value you.

As for the title of adopted son, I have heard that Xing Daorong of Jingzhou, and even Cai Mao, also had a chance to compete for it, so it is really just a title without substance.

General, are you a hero of the world? Do you really want to be adopted by this incompetent fool who commanded 100,000 troops in Jingzhou but betrayed his country and defected to the enemy, causing Liu Biao's downfall?

Cao Cao is different. Precisely because Cao Cao is weak, he will be happy to have me and will value me highly in the future. This is the principle of adding flowers to brocade and providing charcoal in snowy weather.

This is the second reason why he should follow Cao Cao.

The former, by using Nanyang as a pretext, has already offended Yuan Shao. Now, I hear that outside Lujiang City, the number of people from Huainan who died trying to stop Cao Cao's army is countless.

Even if Yuan Gong harbors ambitions of becoming a hegemon, I am willing to set aside personal grudges and demonstrate my virtue to the world.

However, the people of Huainan all resent the general. If he were to enter Yuan's camp, how could he possibly have a good end?
This is the third reason why they should follow Cao Cao.

After explaining all the schemes and plans, Jia Xu let out a long, melancholy sigh.

"These three things, Xu has put in a lot of effort, all for the general's benefit."

"I hope the general will be satisfied!"

“That makes sense.” After Jia Xu’s earnest persuasion, Zhang Xiu was finally convinced.

Indeed, with Yuan Shikai so powerful now, even if he surrenders, he might not be of any use to him.

Not to mention listing the generals of Yuan's camp such as Ji Ling and Zhang Xun, even if we were to list his adopted sons, we would not know how many there would be; we probably couldn't count them all on one hand.

On the other hand, Cao Cao's camp has suffered heavy losses over the years. If I surrender, it will be like sending charcoal in snowy weather, and I will surely be given an important position.

Moreover, he and Yuan Ying had a blood feud over the previous act of letting Cao Cao's army pass through Nanyang. Such deep-seated hatred could not be easily resolved simply by Yuan Gong saying he would not hold it against him.

"I was really too naive before; you are much more thoughtful, sir."

Zhang Xiu nodded slightly, then, recalling Jiang Gan's parting words, said again.

"However, what Jiang Ziyi said—that Cao Cao has a fondness for other men's wives, and that if I surrender, he will humiliate my aunt.

"I wonder if you are aware of this matter, sir?"

Jia Xu frowned slightly, clearly puzzled by the situation.

"I also do not know what the purpose of this is. I think that Cao Cao, a hero of his time, would not prefer this approach."
To lose a general for a woman is not the act of a wise ruler. In my opinion, Cao Cao would never do such a thing.

As for Jiang Ziyi's parting words, they were probably just nonsense, meant to unsettle the general and create discord between the general and Cao Cao.

Zhang Xiu agreed wholeheartedly upon hearing this.

“What you say is very true, sir. I think so too!”

This plan was truly vicious; if it weren't for your warning, sir, Xiu would have almost fallen for his scheme.

Just as Jia Xu was about to breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing this, he heard a cold glint appear in Zhang Xiu's slightly narrowed eyes.

"If what he said is true, and Cao Cao does indeed harm my aunt after he arrives, then so be it."
Xiu believes that one should not have the intention to harm others, but one should not be without the intention to guard against others!

What do you think, sir?

Jia Xu: "."

You almost fell into his trap!
Your current attitude clearly shows that you've already fallen into his trap!
Wake up, General Xiu!!!

"Ok?"

Zhang Xiu slightly opened his cold eyes and glanced at Jia Xu with surprise.

"Why don't you say something, sir?"

Do you think that what Xiu thinks is wrong?
Does he think I should be completely unguarded, like fish on a chopping board, at Cao Cao's beck and call, even offering up my own aunt?

Jia Xu: "!!!"

Hiss! Jia Xu gasped inwardly!
He thought to himself, "Oh no!"

He tentatively said to it:
"What the general said makes sense; we should still be a little wary of others."

"Or we could hide Lady Zou away from Cao Cao, and then we wouldn't have this worry."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu shook his head repeatedly.

"inappropriate!
If you can only be a thief for a thousand days, how can you prevent a thief for a thousand days?

Once you enter Cao Cao's camp, it's not something that happens overnight; for the next few decades, you will serve under Cao Cao's command.

The aunt's beauty was so renowned that even Jiang Gan had heard of it, let alone Cao Cao.
If there is even the slightest negligence tomorrow, wouldn't my aunt be able to take advantage of it?

As Zhang Xiu spoke, he stared at Jia Xu, his face growing increasingly gloomy.

"Moreover, Mr. Jia believes that what Xiu is worried about is really just his aunt's matter."

My only concern is Cao Cao!

If he intends to bully my aunt and cause Xiu such a great humiliation, then he clearly doesn't take Xiu seriously at all.

If that's the case, then what you said earlier about providing timely help was nothing but a joke!
How could I possibly gain favor and achieve anything under Cao Cao's command? By offering my aunt as a sacrifice?

"A true man of noble character like Xiu Tang would never accept such a promotion!"

After Zhang Xiu finished speaking, he suddenly opened his eyes and stared coldly at Jia Xu in front of him.

"I intend to test Cao Cao's intentions, and I hope you can advise me on how to do so."

"Why has this general gone to such lengths!"
This is Yuan Ying's scheme. General, is your actions not part of his plan?
All of this is just personal speculation; things may not have actually come to this.

"General, please allow me to think it over some more; perhaps there is another way to break this deadlock."

However, before Jia Xu could finish speaking, Zhang Xiu interrupted him.

"Hesitating and indecisive, Mr. Jia, this is not your usual style."

I wanted to test Cao Cao, not to ambush him. Haven't you heard the old saying: "A ruler chooses his ministers, and a minister chooses his ruler"?

This is merely a test. If Cao Cao is truly a wise ruler and has no ill intentions whatsoever, he will naturally pass the test, and Xiu will sincerely come to serve him, thus establishing a harmonious relationship between ruler and subject.

But if Cao Cao fails the test, then he is harboring evil intentions. In that case, wouldn't it be fortunate that I tested him? Otherwise, wouldn't I have been harmed by him?
Why do you hesitate about something that is entirely beneficial and without any harm? Could it be that you also know that Cao Cao is fond of other men's wives, and think that he will not pass this test, so you are covering for him here?

If that is indeed the case, then your previous actions of ruining my plan to join Yuan Shao and strongly urging me to surrender to Cao Cao were probably not for my benefit, but rather because you yourself are inclined towards Cao Cao's camp!

Jia Wenhe!
You have been the strategist for two generations of the Zhang family, and my uncle and I have always listened to your advice. Now you refuse to help me.

Are you my strategist, or Cao Cao's subject?

Seeing Zhang Xiu's increasingly cold gaze and his increasingly harsh words.

Jia Xu broke out in a cold sweat.

Only now did he realize how wicked this plan was!
It's unclear which strategist in Yuan's camp came up with this brilliant plan, but its insidious and vicious nature was so great that even Jia Xu found it difficult to counter.

This plan, based entirely on Zhang Xiu's perspective, manipulates him like a puppet.

Even if Jia Xu saw through this plan, he couldn't refute it at all. He couldn't very well advise Zhang Xiu to be unprepared and let Cao Cao become his prey, could he?

After all, Zhang Xiu didn't actively try to harm Cao Cao; he only did this to protect himself!
As long as Cao Cao had no ill intentions and maintained respect for Zhang Xiu's aunt, Zhang Xiu would naturally appreciate his sincerity and surrender.

But one should be wary of the worst-case scenario. Yuan Ying made a solemn vow and dared to carry out this plan openly. How could Jia Xu not panic?

What? Could it be that Cao Cao really has a thing for other men's wives and couldn't control himself? What should he do then?

At this point, he couldn't go against Zhang Xiu's wishes, otherwise, what kind of person would Jia Xu be in Zhang Xiu's eyes?
Why are you advising me? Do you know Cao Cao's character and are deliberately trying to deceive me into serving him?

When Zhang Xiu asked this question, he was completely speechless!
If Cao Cao were a good person, he wouldn't be afraid of being tested, so why are you trying to persuade me?

The more you try to persuade me, the less righteous Cao Cao seems, and the more I feel compelled to carry out this test. Besides, you, Jia Xu, seem to have ulterior motives and a guilty conscience!

With Jia Xu's abilities, he could easily have guessed Zhang Xiu's change in attitude, from initially speaking gently and inquiringly to now using cold words and a firm tone.

The problem is, the more you try to guess, the less you can solve it.

The more he tried to persuade him, the more suspicious Zhang Xiu became, and the less likely he was to listen to him; he became even more determined to scheme against Yuan Shao's camp.

But if he didn't persuade him, Zhang Xiu would fall right into Yuan Shao's trap.

Jia Xu even discovered that he didn't have the chance to tip off Cao Cao!
The two of them were the only ones plotting this test.

Once the news leaked, Zhang Xiu had no other suspects but Jia Xu, who was sure to be the one who leaked it.

What else is there to say?

He would be branded as a lackey of Cao Cao's camp, and once Zhang Xiu saw him as someone loyal to Cao Cao's camp, all his previous arguments for persuading him to join Cao Cao would be untenable.

Therefore, Zhang Xiu, realizing he had been deceived, would inevitably defect to Yuan.

Vicious!

Who knew that there was such a treacherous strategist in Yuan's camp?

It was clearly a conspiracy, yet it was carried out in a more righteous and open manner than any overt scheme, leaving Jia Xu, who knew of the plan, feeling utterly powerless.

(End of this chapter)