readytorunbook Chapter 1223 Cao Cao's Choice: Sending Troops to Xuchang
Chapter 1223 Cao Cao's Choice: Sending Troops to Xuchang
In late February, the chill of winter still lingered in Qiao County, yet an unusual restlessness permeated Cao Cao's general's mansion. Three shifts of armored soldiers rotated through the corridors, candlelight blazed late into the night inside the tents, and even the minor officials delivering documents hurried about. An invasion of Xuchang by Lü Bu was being quietly prepared.
That day, when Sima Yi, serving as Cao Cao's deputy envoy, returned from Chang'an, Guo Jia was leaning against his couch, engrossed in a military treatise. Seeing him enter, Guo Jia put down the book, forcing a smile on his pale face: "Zhongda is back? Did you gain anything from your trip to Chang'an?"
Sima Yi bowed and recounted his observations in Chang'an in detail: "Ma Chao, though seemingly a brilliant and accomplished general, is actually neglecting internal affairs and the people's livelihood. Xiliang is showing signs of decline. Furthermore, the military parade on January 5th, while impressive and seemingly invincible, included both elderly and youthful soldiers, demonstrating that years of warfare have damaged the foundation of Xiliang, and the region is facing a shortage of manpower."
Guo Jia was taken aback upon hearing this—this was quite different from the Ma Chao he remembered. But then, recalling Sima Yi's composure, he nodded: "Since you saw it with your own eyes, it must be true. But Ma Chao's ability to establish himself in Xiliang shows he's not someone to be trifled with."
After Guo Jia discussed the succession with Cao Cao, he was entrusted with a secret mission: to observe the words and actions of Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and other princes. It was during this time that Sima Yi came to Guo Jia's attention. This young man possessed a sharp glint in his eyes and a reserved demeanor, but he never revealed these thoughts, concealing his brilliance beneath a gentle exterior, like a pearl temporarily obscured by dust, patiently awaiting his opportunity. Guo Jia, always adept at recognizing talent, had already seen his potential, often secretly praising him, "This young man's future is limitless," yet tacitly never pointing out his hidden brilliance.
The two discussed matters late into the night when Guo Jia suddenly covered his mouth and coughed violently. Sima Yi quickly handed him a cup of water, only to notice dark red specks on his handkerchief—coughed-up blood.
“Sir…” Sima Yi looked worried.
Guo Jia casually put away the handkerchief and laughed, "It's an old ailment, nothing serious." He gazed at the deep night outside the tent, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes, "My lord's great cause is not yet accomplished, and my body is already failing me..."
Sima Yi remained silent. He knew that Guo Jia had been coughing up blood frequently since last winter, but he had kept it a secret from Cao Cao, forcing himself to handle military affairs every day, all so that he could assist Cao Cao in advancing further in his lifetime. This sincerity touched him slightly.
“Zhongda,” Guo Jia suddenly grasped his hand, his tone earnest, “If I am not here, the lord will need a reliable person to assist him. You are talented but discreet, yet you can foresee opportunities. In the future… I hope you will share Cao Cao’s burdens.”
Sima Yi was startled and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Rest assured, sir, I will certainly live up to your expectations."
Guo Jia's thoughts returned to the council hall, where the candlelight illuminated the gleaming armor on the walls. Cao Cao, holding the military tally, glanced at the generals below and said in a deep voice, "Sima Yi and Cao Ang have both reported that Xuchang is undefended and Lü Bu has just suffered a defeat. This is the perfect opportunity to retake the central government! My mind is made up for this expedition!"
The generals responded in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.
"Cao Ren, listen to my command!" Cao Cao raised his hand and threw out a tiger tally.
Cao Ren stepped forward, caught it steadily, and knelt on one knee: "Your subordinate is here!"
"I hereby appoint you as the commander of the vanguard, leading the main force to capture Xuchang!"
"Follow the order!"
"Yu Jin, Yue Jin!" Cao Cao selected two more generals.
"Your subordinates are here!" The two stepped forward, their imposing presence unstoppable.
"You two will serve as the left and right vanguards, clearing paths through mountains and building bridges over rivers to remove obstacles for the army!"
"Follow the order!"
Cao Cao continued to appoint generals: "Xu Chu will guard the central army, Li Dian, Cao Hong, and Cao Xiu will accompany me to coordinate and organize the troops! Guo Jia will be the military advisor, strategizing and planning!"
"Xiahou Dun!"
"Your subordinate is here!" Xiahou Dun opened his one eye wide and clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.
"You will lead your troops to guard Qiao County and secure the rear. You must not make any mistakes!"
"Follow the order!"
A series of military orders were issued, and the generals performed their duties, creating a solemn atmosphere in the council hall. Only Cao Ang stood to one side, his face flushed with anxiety, and couldn't help but step forward: "Father! How can we fight Lü Bu without me? I am willing to be the vanguard and march straight to Xuchang!"
Cao Cao looked at his eldest son's anxious expression and suddenly smiled. He reached out and patted his shoulder: "Ang'er, you are going to Chang'an to marry Yunlu in three months. How dare I assign you military duties for such an important matter? If the wedding is delayed and the King of Liang is displeased, I cannot bear the consequences."
Upon hearing this, the generals all burst into laughter, their eyes filled with goodwill. Miss Ma was Ma Chao's younger sister, and this marriage concerned the relationship between the Cao and Ma families, so it could not be taken lightly.
Cao Ang blushed, but still refused to give up: "But..."
"No need for further words," Cao Cao interrupted him, his tone turning serious. "While I am away on campaign, you will have other important matters to attend to. After you get married in Qiao County, you should immediately go to Xuzhou to take charge."
He pointed to the Xuzhou region on the map: "This place borders Qingzhou to the north and Jiangdong to the east. If Yuan Tan and Jiangdong make any moves, they will have to pass through Xuzhou first. You need to strengthen your troops and guard it strictly, not only to ensure the safety of our flanks, but also to keep an eye on the movements of Qingzhou and Jiangdong—this is no small task."
Cao Ang then understood his father's intention. The urgency in his eyes turned into determination, and he bowed to accept the order: "Your subject will obey! I will certainly not fail Father's trust!"
Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction and looked around at his generals: "Three days from now, the army will set off! This time, the task of retaking Xuchang and restoring order to the court rests in your hands!"
"We are willing to follow our lord to the death!" the generals shouted in unison, their voices almost lifting the roof off.
As the meeting adjourned, Cao Ang watched his father and the generals depart, gripping the sword at his waist. Though he could not personally lead the campaign against Xuchang, he knew that the responsibility for Xuzhou was equally crucial to the overall situation. His wedding was in March, followed by the heavy duty of guarding Xuzhou. He had to be extremely vigilant and could not afford the slightest mistake.
Three days later, the sound of drums resounded outside Qiao County. Cao Cao personally led his army on the expedition, banners obscuring the sun and armor like a forest. Cao Ang stood on the city wall to see his father off, watching his figure disappear into the distance, then looking towards Chang'an, silently vowing: Once I have secured the rear, I will surely follow my father to the battlefield again.
The army marched along the dusty official road. Cao Cao's central command tent was set up on a spacious supply wagon, with the curtains drawn low to block out the outside noise. Cao Cao and Guo Jia sat facing each other, with simple tea laid out on the table, yet the atmosphere was somewhat solemn.
“My lord,” Guo Jia picked up his teacup, his pale fingertips standing out sharply, “it would have been more reasonable for the eldest son to be stationed in Qiao Commandery for this expedition, but you chose General Xiahou instead… It seems that you have already made your decision.”
Cao Cao gazed at the fleeting shadows of trees outside the carriage window, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded: "Fengxiao has seen through it."
"The things Zixiu reported when he returned from Chang'an this time are quite different from Sima Yi's secret report." Guo Jia lowered his voice. "It's not that he intentionally deceived us, but that he is kind-hearted by nature and easily swayed by his emotions. His worship of Ma Chao has become almost blind."
Cao Cao picked up the military tally on the table, his fingertips tracing its cold bronze surface: "In a prosperous era, if he had followed Ma Chao, he might have achieved something great, and that would have been his wish fulfilled. But now we live in a time of great strife. As the son of a warlord, he treats others like gods, even going so far as to conceal the truth about Chang'an—how can someone so easily swayed by emotions shoulder the heavy responsibility of inheriting the great cause?"
A hint of worry flashed in his eyes: "My headache is getting worse day by day. If something unexpected happens, and the world is still unsettled, if he takes over the foundation, he might one day hand over my life's work to Ma Chao because of that admiration."
Guo Jia nodded slightly: "What you think and consider, my lord, is indeed profound and far-sighted."
“That’s why I put him in charge of Xuzhou,” Cao Cao said. “Firstly, Xuzhou is a place of constant warfare, so letting him gain experience will also silence any gossip that I don’t value my eldest son; secondly, Xuzhou is thousands of miles away from Xiliang, which may help him gradually extinguish his unrealistic ambitions.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Guo Jia suddenly began to cough violently. He hurriedly covered his mouth with a handkerchief, his shoulders trembling slightly. Cao Cao quickly stood up and supported his arm: "Fengxiao, your health..."
Guo Jia waved his hand, finally managing to stop coughing. He quietly tucked the dark red handkerchief into his sleeve and forced a smile: "It's nothing, I just caught a bit of a cold on the way. It's alright."
He composed himself and continued, "My lord's arrangement this time is indeed appropriate. Zixiu is kind and benevolent, perhaps more than capable of maintaining the status quo, but lacking in expansion. The responsibility of Xuzhou will be a good opportunity to temper his character."
Cao Cao looked at his pale face and felt a pang of pain in his heart, but he did not ask any further about his illness. He only sighed and said, "The road ahead is fraught with danger, and we will need Fengxiao's continued assistance."
"I would gladly die to serve my lord." Guo Jia cupped his hands, a resolute glint in his eyes.
Cao Cao gazed at the endless army formations outside the carriage window, sighed deeply, and said with a hint of weariness in his voice, "I'm not afraid of what others will say about this arrangement, but I'm worried that Zixiu will harbor resentment. He's been sensible since childhood and has never disobeyed me, but now..."
Guo Jia gently shook his head: "My lord is overthinking it. The eldest son is gentle by nature and has always been friendly to his brothers. With his temperament, even if he knows my lord's intentions, he will only put the big picture first and will not harbor any resentment. On the contrary, he will loyally assist the new lord."
Cao Cao remained silent for a long while, his fingertips lightly tapping on the table: "If I don't choose Zixiu, the remaining few are making it even harder for me to decide. Pi is only fourteen, Zhi is only nine, Zhang is eight, and Chong is only five." He counted them on his fingers, "Pi is calm and thoughtful, somewhat like me in my youth, but in terms of strategy and fieldwork, he is ultimately not as open-minded as Zixiu; Zhi is talented in literature, but too flamboyant, with the arrogance of a scholar, he doesn't know how to conceal his talents, and will hardly achieve great things; Zhang is brave but lacks wisdom; Chong is intelligent, but unfortunately he is too young..."
He looked at Guo Jia, his eyes full of earnestness: "Fengxiao, tell me, if we don't choose Zixiu, who should we choose?"
Guo Jia clenched the blood-stained handkerchief in his sleeve, his knuckles turning white. The matter of choosing an heir was originally a family affair of the lord, and it was inappropriate for an outsider to speak too much. However, he knew that his days were numbered, and if he did not take this opportunity to speak his mind, he feared he would never have another chance.
He composed himself, cupped his hands, and said, “My lord, although the second son, Cao Pi, is not as forthright as the eldest son, he is more composed and prudent. During the Xuchang Incident, he remained calm and composed in the face of Lü Bu, and he stabilized the people’s hearts, which showed his talent for adaptability. If he is further tempered and assisted by the eldest son, there should be no major problems in protecting your foundation.”
A glint of light flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, but he frowned again: "But his personality is too reserved, lacking in tolerance..."
"Does my lord still remember," Guo Jia said softly, "that the Second Young Master is not entirely harsh, but simply not good at expressing himself. Moreover, in chaotic times, being calm and reserved is not necessarily a bad thing; at least it makes one less prone to impulsive mistakes."
He paused, his voice lowering further: "Although Young Master Zhi is talented, he lacks patience. If he were to take that position, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to keep those old ministers and fierce generals in check. The eldest son is kind and the second son is steady and reliable. One guards the internal affairs and the other faces external matters; they might not be a bad match."
Cao Cao remained silent for a long time. The shouts of messengers came from outside the carriage curtain, and the distant sound of war drums could be heard faintly. He suddenly nodded, as if he had made up his mind: "You are right. Pi'er does have potential, but he still needs to be honed."
Guo Jia breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to say something more when a metallic taste rose in his throat. He quickly turned to the side, covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and began to cough violently. This cough was more severe than before, as if he were coughing up his lungs.
"Fengxiao!" Cao Cao quickly supported him. Seeing his swaying figure, he felt a pang of pain in his heart, but he didn't say anything more. He just held his shoulders tightly and said, "Alright, after this battle, I will let you rest well and you don't have to worry about anything."
A hint of warmth flashed in Guo Jia's eyes, and he nodded gently.