Chapter 136: Who Will Play a Game of Chess with Me?

Gongsun Yue nestled obediently in front of Cao Peng and asked, "General, once this battle is over, will we be able to go back?"

Cao Peng shook his head and replied, "Not yet, it will still take some time."

Based on the intelligence reports, Cao Peng analyzed the current situation.

Although this battle had heavily battered Yuan Shao's vitality, if he were to return and reorganize his troops to face Cao Cao, he would still possess the strength for another fight.

After all, his foundation across the four provinces remained intact.

To secure ultimate peace of mind, it was imperative that Yuan Shao die completely.

To accelerate this process, Cao Peng had intentionally let Yuan Shang return, signaling an invitation for internal strife among them.

He was certain this would happen.

After all, that was how it originally unfolded in history.

Therefore, when Cao Cao came to ask him what should be done next, he simply uttered one word.

"Wait!"

Of course, waiting did not mean literally camping in place and doing nothing; consolidating the territory was of the utmost importance.

It was just that he had no intention of handling these trivial matters personally.

Maintaining a low profile for a period after a brilliant performance had always been his guiding principle of conduct.

After staying at the front lines for a while, Cao Cao took Xu Chu and Dian Wei and returned to the rear.

All affairs at the front lines were left to Cao Peng's charge.

Cao Peng, who had originally hoped for some leisure, was instead burdened with this exhausting task. Though reluctant in his heart, he had no other choice.

With no alternative, he had to take up the banner and assume command at the front.

This routine continued until several months later.

News of Yuan Shao's sudden and violent death abruptly arrived.

The four provinces under his control immediately plunged into complete chaos.

Upon receiving the report from the Brocade Guard, Cao Peng immediately summoned his generals for a meeting.

Among the strategists, Ju Shou sat at the head, followed by Cheng Yu. Among the military officers, Guan Yu and Zhang Liao took the lead.

After all, since Cao Peng was currently calling the shots at the front line, he naturally had to arrange for his own trusted circle to fill the key positions.

Cheng Yu naturally felt a bit resentful inside—why should Ju Shou, a mere prisoner of war, be seated ahead of him?

Ju Shou also sensed Cheng Yu's hostile gaze.

He could only awkwardly look away and pretend not to notice.

In his heart, he couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. Cao Peng's foresight was truly god-like; Yuan Shao had indeed killed Tian Feng right before his death.

Acknowledging his defeat in the wager, he had no choice but to join Cao Peng's strategist team.

Where he had once been treated with cold indifference under Yuan Shao, he was now highly valued by Cao Peng.

This stark contrast between heaven and earth made his choice clear.

However, he only wished to loyally accomplish tasks and had no desire to partake in petty scheming; matters of power were secondary to him.

After deliberately letting everyone let their imaginations run wild for a while, Cao Peng finally spoke, "Now that Yuan Shao is dead, his territories are in utter chaos, and his two precious sons are attacking each other. Tell me, what should we do?"

Guan Yu spoke up proudly, "Naturally, we should strike while the iron is hot and thoroughly crush them."

His words injected a surge of excitement into the hearts of the generals.

Being military men, after all, they craved military merits.

Only through battle could they attain such achievements.

The strategists, however, did not speak rashly this time.

They needed to weigh the potential gains and losses of pressing the attack.

Seeing everyone lost in thought, Cao Peng produced a map.

After hanging it up, he told the assembly, "This map was specially drawn by the Brocade Guard, detailing Yuan Shao's troop distribution."

Everyone was greatly startled, raising their estimation of the Brocade Guard's espionage capabilities yet again.

Zhang Liao said, "Since even such a map is already available, capturing Yuan Shao's territory is an absolute certainty."

After discussing back and forth, just as things were reaching the point of a quarrel, Cao Peng called a halt.

"Very well, since everyone holds differing opinions, we shall send someone back to report to the lord and let him make the final decision."

"Dismissed!"

With a single word, Cao Peng shifted the burden entirely onto Cao Cao, leaving today's discussion without a conclusion.

Dissatisfied, Cao Ren stood up and protested, "The Prime Minister has entrusted you with the affairs of the front line. Why are you deliberately delaying?"

Cao Peng smiled and said, "Since General Cao is so confident in his own strength, I will assign twenty thousand troops to you. You may do as you please, but you must bear the consequences of failure yourself!"

Cao Ren's expression turned icy; this was a blatant and naked threat.

Yet, he truly dared not bear the consequences of failure.

Therefore, he had no choice but to sit back down, nursing his silent anger without daring to speak further.

Cao Peng then looked toward Cheng Yu and the others. These men lowered their heads even further, not daring to meet his gaze.

Cao Ren was dumbfounded. They had clearly coordinated their stances beforehand.

Cao Peng practiced favoritism by promoting his inner circle, and they were supposed to resist together. Yet now, with just a few words and a few glances, Cao Peng had completely decimated their resolve.

Upon stepping out of the command tent, Cao Ren rudely sneered at Cheng Yu, "Mr. Cheng, you were once Prime Minister Cao's favorite and most trusted strategist. How could you be subdued by Cao Peng so easily?"

Stung by his words, Cheng Yu retorted with a cold laugh, "Hah, you have the nerve to mock me? Why don't you talk about yourself? A single sentence from Cao Peng was enough to extinguish all your bravado?"

With that, Cheng Yu flicked his sleeve and stalked off.

In his heart, he was already secretly plotting that he might just have to pledge his allegiance to Cao Peng this time around.

...

Cao Peng's report reached Xuchang in a very short time.

After reading the contents, Cao Cao furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat conflicted.

For him, either advancing or not advancing presented a difficult dilemma.

Cao Cao said to Cao Ang by his side, "Ang'er, summon Xun Yu and Guo Jia to my quarters; I have matters to discuss."

Cao Ang acknowledged the order and departed.

Not long after, Guo Jia and Xun Yu arrived in Cao Cao's room.

Cao Cao went straight to the point, "Yuan Shao is dead. Now we have two paths before us: continue the attack or temporarily halt it. Give me your thoughts."

Guo Jia glanced at Xun Yu, and Xun Yu smiled, "Fengxiao, speak your mind first."

Guo Jia then began, "Now that Yuan Shao has just died, if we make a move right now, it will inevitably drive his two sons to unite against us."

"Conversely, if we temporarily hold off our troops, these two fellows will inevitably fall apart on their own."

Hearing this, Cao Cao nodded deeply in agreement and turned his gaze to Xun Yu.

Xun Yu smiled and said, "I think along the exact same lines. Everything Fengxiao said is correct, and even more detailed than what I had in mind. The Prime Minister may rest easy."

Cao Cao nodded and declared, "Since that is the case, we shall temporarily halt our advance!"

With the matter settled, Guo Jia and Xun Yu prepared to leave.

However, Cao Cao spoke up, "I cannot sleep for the moment. Is any of you interested in playing a game of chess with me?"

Guo Jia and Xun Yu looked somewhat surprised, exchanging glances.

Xun Yu smiled and said, "My energy is lacking today, so I shall take my leave first!"

"Then I shall accompany the Prime Minister for a match," Guo Jia said with feigned reluctance.