The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 214 Cleverness and Foolishness

Xu Shu certainly knew why Liu Ye was blushing.

Because Cao Hong's private morality was indeed appalling.

After conquering Hanzhong, Cao Cao appointed Xin Pi and Cao Xiu as military advisors to Cao Hong, and once said to them:

"In the past, Emperor Gaozu of Han was greedy for money and lustful, and Zhang Liang and Chen Ping corrected his mistakes. Now, the burdens on Zuo Zhi and Wen Lie are not light."

The implication is that Cao Hong had the same problem as Liu Bang.

Later, after Cao Hong's great victory over Liu Bei's generals at the Battle of Xiabian, he indeed developed a strong desire to entertain himself. At a banquet, he had singing girls dressed in thin clothes and playing drums for entertainment.

This move drew severe criticism from Yang Fu, the then-prefect of Wudu.

Such a general could hardly be called a gentleman.

But that's precisely where Dong Zhao's cunning lies.

Because anyone with discerning eyes could tell at a glance that Liu Ye wasn't trying to whitewash Cao Hong's private morality at all.

It was merely a discussion about the feasibility of military deployment.

To discuss a general's private morality at this time is either out of narrow-mindedness or malicious intent.

Dong Zhao is clearly a smart man.

And he wasn't the only smart person present.

Having spent a long time in the imperial court, Xu Shu was well aware of the dangers involved.

He became increasingly determined to stay out of it.

Unfortunately, even though I didn't cause trouble, trouble came knocking on my door.

Seeing that Liu Bei and Dong Zhuo were on the verge of drawing their swords, Cao Pi turned his gaze to Xu Shu:

"Where is my Imperial Censor?"

Xu Shu could only rise from his seat and say, "Your subject is here."

Cao Pi: "You have investigated all officials and denounced those who acted illegally. What are your thoughts on this?"

Xu Shu downplayed the issue, saying:
"I have indeed heard recently that General Cao has some moral failings, but I have not yet collected any concrete evidence, so I dare not speak rashly."

Cao Pi: "Even if it is only hearsay, the Imperial Censor should report it to me."

Xu Shu: "It is not that I am ignorant. It is just that when generals are on the front lines, military affairs should come first. If I were to punish a general because of my personal morality, it would cause a mutiny, and I would have failed the court."

Cao Pi: "So you believe that Cao Zilian only had moral failings and did not seek personal credit?"

Xu Shu's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this.

Although Cao Pi's tone remained calm

But he still inexplicably felt a chill.

If I absolutely have to give a reason...

Perhaps it's because they've been in the government for so long that they're well aware of things that are best left unsaid but are taken for granted.

For example, Cao Pi did not actually like Cao Hong in private.

It is said that when Cao Pi was young, he borrowed money from Cao Hong, who came from a wealthy family, but Cao Hong refused.

And so he has held a grudge ever since.

But this was ultimately just a private grudge that couldn't be brought to the table.

This was insufficient to directly shake Cao Hong's position.

For example, Cao Pi himself agreed to appoint Cao Hong as general for this expedition.

Besides being the undisputed top general of the imperial clan, Cao Hong's military capabilities were truly formidable.

In the Battle of Wudu, Cao Hong decisively defeated Wu Lan, a general under Liu Bei, killed Ren Kui, and forced Zhang Fei and Ma Chao to retreat, achieving remarkable military exploits.

Xu Shu was in Luoyang at the time and privately worried for Liu Bei.

Now Cao Hong has once again taken command.

To be honest, Xu Shu was a little worried that his previous secret assistance to Guan Yu and Mi Wei might have backfired.

but now……

Cao Pi's subtle emotions, hidden beneath his calm facade, gave Xu Shu a glimmer of hope.

A sliver of opportunity that could potentially sway the course of the war in Henan.

Of course, it could also be a trap that leads to one's disgrace and the extermination of one's entire clan.

Dead or Alive.

To advance or to retreat.

Seeking stability or taking risks.

In an instant, countless thoughts and memories flashed through Xu Shu's mind.

Ultimately, the moment was frozen last year when Liu Bei tightly grasped his hands upon entering Shu.

"The one thing I absolutely cannot tolerate is him taking my trusted confidant!"

"That day, witnessing your departure amidst the chaos of war, my heart was torn apart!"

"In this dynasty, there is only one Grand Commandant, Xu Yuanzhi, and it doesn't matter whether he has an official seal or not."

Xu Shu sighed inwardly.

The lord's skill in manipulating people's hearts has reached a level of perfection.

They knew perfectly well that it was just a charade.

Why was I still so moved at the time?
After returning to Luoyang, Xu Shu tossed and turned, unable to sleep at night.

perhaps.

The person I was back then, pointing to my heart and saying I was completely flustered.

They weren't really willing to leave, were they?

He pondered deeply, remaining silent for only a moment. Yet, this had already displeased Cao Pi, who subtly changed his expression.

Seeing this, Xu Shu stopped thinking about it and said proudly:
“Discussing military gains and losses on the eve of war is not the responsibility of the Censor-in-Chief.”

Cao Pi was clearly dissatisfied with this answer and said coldly:
"Then let's set aside our duties as Imperial Censors and discuss military matters from the perspective of those who receive a salary!"

Xu Shu held his head high, unwavering:

"The gentlemen have already discussed the military gains and losses very clearly, and I have no better insights."

Upon hearing this, not only did Cao Pi turn pale, but even the officials present turned their heads in surprise.

What is the meaning behind Xu Shu's repeated defiance of the emperor?
Do you think your official position is too high, or that you think your life is too long?

However, just as Cao Pi's anger was about to erupt, Xu Shu changed his tone and said:
"Although I am not knowledgeable in military affairs, I gained some understanding of the people and affairs in Shu after my trip there last year."

"Take this theft of the Deer's Might from Fangcheng."

"He was the eldest son of Donghai Mizi Zhong, but he had no reputation in his youth, and the people of Shu never considered him a talented person."

"It wasn't until the Battle of Jiangling four years ago that he suddenly displayed his talent and gained Guan Yu's appreciation."

Upon hearing this, Cao Pi's expression softened slightly:

"So you believe that Mi Wei is a major threat and needs to be eliminated quickly?"

Xu Shu finally understood.

Cao Pi had actually tacitly approved Xin Pi's military suggestion to achieve a quick victory.

He was simply wary of Cao Hong, who had seconded the motion.

So he replied, "Of course not!"

"Although Mi Wei is talented, he is merely a talent of ordinary prefecture and county officials. How can he be compared with the many wise men in Your Majesty's court?"

"If it weren't for Guan Yu's support in Nanyang, how could Mi Wei's rabble dare to stop the mighty army of the Central Plains?"

Seeing Cao Pi nod secretly, Xu Shu breathed a sigh of relief, but continued talking:
"Therefore, I believe that whether or not to advance should not be based solely on the gains and losses of Fangcheng."

"We still have to look to Guan Yu and Wancheng."

"If Guan Yu has already captured Wancheng, then hastily sending troops would only make it easier for Guan Yu to ambush us, thus shaking the foundation of the state."

"On the contrary, if Guan Yu has no time to attend to Fangcheng, he may be able to quickly defeat Mi Wei and turn the danger into safety."

Cao Pi then nodded:

"Your words are prudent."

"However, you still haven't made it clear whether I should grant Cao Zilian and Xin Zuozhi's request to send troops immediately, and if I were to send troops immediately, who should be the general?"

The topic has circled back to where it started.

If Xu Shu only sought to protect himself, he should have continued to play dumb at this point.

But at this moment, his mind was made up, and he had no other thoughts.

He then continued:
"Your Majesty, I dare not speak presumptuously about the general, but since Xin Zuozhi has not rejected the idea of ​​making Xiahou Ba the vanguard, why doesn't Your Majesty simply grant Cao Biaoji's request?"

"Just as Liu Ziyang said, trust those you employ!"

Upon hearing this, the officials once again turned their attention to Xu Shu.

However, unlike the slight disdain he had shown earlier, they were now each lost in their own thoughts.

The two chief officials of the Imperial Secretariat, Chen Qun and Sima Yi, even stared at each other for a while.

They seemed to be exchanging glances.

Clearly, Xu Shu, like Dong Zhao just now, was also feigning ignorance.

Cao Hong's memorial was attached to Xin Pi later.

How does the first table refute the proposal in the second table?
Who knows if these two have communicated adequately in private?

However, just as Cao Pi did not point out Dong Zhao's "muddled thinking" but instead asked Xu Shu to change the subject.

This time, Cao Pi also did not point out Xu Shu's "muddled thinking".

The topic was changed again:

"Do you know that Guangcheng Pass is the southern shield of Luoyang?"

Xu Shu: "The eight passes of Luoyang are known throughout the land."

Upon hearing this seemingly pointless remark, Cao Pi was not angered at all; instead, he revealed a hint of understanding:
"Your meaning is that Guan Yu and Mi Wei also know that the garrison at Guangcheng Pass should not be moved lightly, so they will be less vigilant in this direction and pay more attention to facilitating Xuchang to the west."

"In that case, we'd be doing the exact opposite, letting Cao Zilian make a big show of things in the east, while Xiahou Zhongquan launches a swift attack in the west?"

Xu Shu immediately bowed and said:

"Your Majesty, I am but a fool, and this is the only rudimentary feint I have. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense!"

"Hahahahahaha..."

Following Sima Yi's advice, Cao Pi burst into laughter for the second time, losing his composure.

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. You have both known your enemy and acted according to your own capabilities, which is truly wise!"

He then immediately made a decision to send Xiahou Ba as the vanguard south from Guangcheng Pass to raid Kunyang and Ye County in order to test the strength of Fangcheng.

At this moment, all the officials and ministers had already discerned the emperor's intentions through the court debate just now.

Trusting those you employ, the safety of Luoyang, and personal morality versus public interest—none of these matters matter anymore.

……

A moment later, Xu Shu followed the crowd and left the palace.

Just as he was about to board the bus to go home, someone suddenly called out to him from behind.

Turn around.

It was Chen Qun and Sima Yi who came together.

(End of this chapter)