Three Kingdoms: The Peerless Strategist of Wei

Chapter 5 A New Secluded Location

He then countered with the question: "In your opinion, Uncle, who is capable of unifying the world?"

"Yuan Shao comes from the Yuan clan of Runan, a family that has produced four generations of high-ranking officials. He has countless strategists and fierce generals under his command. In the Battle of Jieqiao, he decisively defeated General Gongsun Zan of Baima. Now, he seems poised to unify the four provinces of Hebei. Is this man capable of unifying the entire country?"

Cao Cao asked with a solemn expression.

"Yuan Shao?"

Gu Cheng smiled dismissively and said, "Yuan Shao appears generous on the outside but is actually suspicious on the inside. He seems to have a wealth of talented people under his command, but he can't truly appoint people based on merit. He also allows his sons to fight for the succession, leading to civil and military officials forming factions and scheming against each other. Sooner or later, internal strife will inevitably cause disaster, and he will perish!"

"Hmm, this kid's evaluation of Yuan Shao is exactly the same as Xun Wenruo's."

Cao Cao stroked his long beard and nodded to himself.

then.

Cao Cao then pointed east and said, "Liu Bei of Xuzhou is a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, and now he occupies Xuzhou. He is known for his benevolence and righteousness. Can this man unify the world?"

"Liu Bei has no hope either."

Gu Cheng shook his head and said, "Liu Bei was indeed a hero of his time, and he was quite good at recognizing people. Unfortunately, his military and political abilities were limited, and he valued the empty reputation of benevolence and righteousness too much. He could only control a region, but it was absolutely impossible for him to unify the world."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao nodded thoughtfully.

After a long pause, Cao Cao spoke again: "What about Liu Bei of Jingzhou..."

"Uncle, there's no need to ask anymore. I'll just tell you everything at once."

Gu Cheng interrupted Cao Cao.

"Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Yan of Yizhou, Yuan Shu of Huainan, and Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, these warlords who controlled their own territories, although all heroes of their time, none of them had the bearing of a great ruler who could unify the world."

"None of these people are qualified to unify the world!"

All the warlords in the world were rejected by Gu Cheng one by one, leaving only Cao Cao in the end.

This kid clearly believes that Cao Cao is the one who can unify the world.

"So, does this mean that the only capable ruler to unify the world is Cao Mengde, the current Minister of Works?"

Cao Cao stroked his long beard and asked with a smile.

"All I can say is that he has the best chance!"

Gu Cheng's answer, however, caused a hint of surprise to flash in Cao Cao's eyes.

"Although Cao Mengde's family background and reputation are far inferior to Yuan Shao's, he possesses extraordinary courage and strategic brilliance, and his military tactics are divine. In just a few years, he has successively defeated various powerful enemies, dominating a vast area south of the Yellow River. Now, he even holds the emperor hostage to command the other warlords, and his strength is now comparable to Yuan Shao's!"

"This man is truly an extraordinary talent, worthy of being called the greatest ruler of our time!"

When Gu Cheng was evaluating Cao Cao, his expression became more solemn.

Hearing the young man praising him so highly, Cao Cao felt incredibly comfortable all over.

"What a pity."

Changing the subject, Gu Cheng sighed softly, "It's a pity that Cao Mengde was too fond of talent and sentimental. He wanted to recruit anyone with talent, even his enemies. Such a temperament will inevitably be exploited by some treacherous villains sooner or later. If he could change this weakness, he would have a real chance to unify the world."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao couldn't help but scrutinize the young man before him once more.

This young man in front of him had completely figured out his thoughts; he was like a tapeworm that had crawled into his stomach!

"Such a prodigy, I, Cao Cao, must recruit him into my ranks and make him my servant!"

Cao Cao made a decision in his heart, then asked, "I truly didn't expect that my nephew, at such a young age, would possess such extraordinary insight. With such remarkable talent, why don't you serve as an official and realize your ambitions?"

"I am by nature lazy and have no great ambitions. I only wish to live a secluded life in the countryside and enjoy a carefree existence. I hope you will forgive my lack of ambition, Uncle."

Gu Cheng spoke slowly, a self-deprecating smile on his face.

"Hmph, you think you can just hide in the countryside and live a carefree life? Well, you're out of luck!"

Cao Cao picked up his teacup, took a small sip of the newly produced Yangxian tea from the Jian'an era, and a meaningful, cold smile appeared on his lips.

"My dear nephew, in my opinion, your leisurely days won't last much longer. Sooner or later you'll have to leave Gu Family Village and do your part in this chaotic world."

Cao Cao spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority.

"Um?"

Gu Cheng was slightly taken aback, unable to grasp the implied meaning in his words for a moment.

Cao Cao slowly stood up and said, "I have important business to attend to in the next few days and will have to go on a long trip. After I return, I will discuss the general situation of the world with my nephew."

"Uncle, please wait a moment. You haven't given me a definite answer yet regarding the marriage that was arranged earlier."

Gu Cheng also stood up, cupped his hands, and asked.

"Since the marriage agreement was made back then, I will keep my word and will not break my promise."

Cao Cao pretended to calculate with his fingers for a moment, then said, "However, in the past few months, there hasn't been a single auspicious day for marriage. Let me carefully calculate an auspicious day before arranging the wedding for you."

Gu Cheng said calmly, "In that case, I will wait for you to choose an auspicious day, and then I will come to your door to marry your daughter."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao laughed heartily, turned around, and strode away.

On Zhuque Street in Xudu.

"Would that scoundrel Zhang Xiu really surrender without a fight, as Gu Cheng predicted?"

Cao Cao, mounted on his horse, muttered to himself, Gu Cheng's earth-shattering assertion echoing in his mind.

"Sikong!"

Xi Zhicai spurred his horse to catch up and whispered to Cao Cao, "Regardless of whether Zhang Xiu ultimately surrenders or fights, Gu Cheng truly possesses the talent to be a king's advisor. Why didn't the Minister of Works just reveal his identity and formally recruit him into his office as a strategist?"

"This man is no ordinary person; we cannot recruit him using the same methods we use for ordinary scholars."

Cao Cao abruptly pulled on the reins, and his magnificent Ferghana horse reared up. He said in a deep voice, "His ability to live in seclusion in the eastern suburbs of Xuchang for a year without ever leaving his house shows that he truly has no interest in fame or fortune. If I were to reveal my identity rashly, I fear I would frighten him. If he then packs his bags and quietly flees to the mountains, where would I find such a remarkable talent?"

"What Sikong said is absolutely right."

Xi Zhicai nodded repeatedly, deeply agreeing, and said, "Recruiting such an unparalleled talent is indeed something that cannot be rushed. We can only proceed slowly and gradually find a way to make him willingly come out of seclusion."

Cao Cao said no more, spurred his horse, and galloped straight toward the Sikong Mansion located in the north of Xuchang.

Half an hour later.

The civil and military officials of Cao Cao's camp gathered once again in the council hall of the Sikong Mansion.

"To annihilate Zhang Xiu, capture Wancheng, and completely eliminate the military threat to the south of Xuchang is an urgent matter!"

"My mind is made up. Seven days from now, I will personally lead an army of 30,000 south, our forces aimed straight at Wancheng!"

Cao Cao slammed his hand on the table and announced the final decision in an unquestionable and domineering tone.

Upon hearing this, Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, Yue Jin, Yu Jin, and other fierce generals were all filled with excitement and eager to fight.

Xun Yu, seated at the head of the left-hand side, frowned slightly and said, "Minister, our army's food reserves are currently sufficient to support the southern expedition for three months. However, we are facing a severe shortage of wound medicine, herbs, and other supplies. Should we postpone our campaign for a few more days until the necessary materials are gathered?"

"No need."

Cao Cao waved his hand, a mysterious smile appearing on his face: "The Gu family mansion in the eastern suburbs of Xuchang has stockpiled enough medicinal herbs for the army. I will order Zhicai to personally go and purchase them, which will be enough to make up for our army's shortage of medicinal herbs."

Xun Yu looked surprised and asked, "The Gu family? Could it be the Gu Cheng, the poor scholar who lived in seclusion in the eastern suburbs that Sikong mentioned a few days ago?"

"It is indeed this person." Cao Cao nodded slightly, confirming his guess.

"Our army needs thousands of bushels of medicinal herbs for this southern expedition. How could a poor man like him possibly stockpile so many herbs in such a short time?"

Xun Yu's eyes were full of incomprehension and doubt.

Cao Cao stroked his short beard and laughed, "This Gu Cheng is a remarkable man of our time. If you have the opportunity to work with him someday, you will naturally understand why."

Having said that, Cao Cao said no more, stood up, put his hands behind his back, and slowly walked out of the council hall.

"Gu Cheng... what extraordinary abilities does this man possess that make Sikong regard him with such special regard..."

Xun Yu watched Cao Cao's departing figure, muttering to himself as he fell into deep thought.

In the back garden of the Sikong Mansion.

Cao Cao finalized his grand plan for the southern expedition, and a weight was finally lifted from his heart. He then strolled to the back garden to relax.

"The daughter has met her father!"

Cao Jie, Cao Cao's daughter, who was admiring the winter plum blossoms in the garden, saw Cao Cao approaching and quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and bowed.

Looking at his daughter's graceful figure, Cao Cao was moved and sighed with a smile, "Time waits for no one. Before I knew it, my Jie'er has grown into a graceful young lady and has reached the age to get married."

"Father~~"

Cao Jie's cheeks instantly flushed red. She stomped her foot playfully and said, "I don't want to get married. I want to stay by my father's side for the rest of my life and serve him well."

"You silly girl!"

Cao Cao reached out and gently tapped her forehead with his finger, saying seriously, "Men should marry when they come of age, and women should marry when they come of age. This is a matter of course. How can a daughter stay by her parents' side for her whole life?"

Cao Jie lowered his head, fiddling with the jade pendant at his waist, and said nothing more.

"Jie'er, to be honest, I've already found a handsome and talented son-in-law for you. When I return victorious from this southern expedition, I might be able to arrange your wedding."

Cao Cao put away his serious expression and said with a smile.

"Which family's young master is Father referring to?"

Although Cao Jie blushed deeply with embarrassment, he couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked in a low voice.

"This man is handsome and exceptionally talented; he is a rare and extraordinary man in this world!"

"As your father, I believe that you and he are a match made in heaven, and you will live a harmonious and loving life together."

"As for who he is, I'll give you a surprise when I return from my southern campaign."

Cao Cao deliberately kept everyone in suspense, his smile sly and mischievous.

"Father, please tell your daughter, who is he?"

Cao Jie's curiosity was completely piqued, and he tugged at Cao Cao's sleeve, relentlessly pressing for answers.

Cao Cao simply laughed heartily, shook off his daughter's hand, and strode away.

"Father, please tell your daughter!"

Filled with curiosity, Cao Jie lifted her skirt and ran after him.

...

The next morning, in Gujiazhuang, on the eastern outskirts of Xuchang.

Xi Zhicai reappeared in the main hall of Gu Family Village, followed by several servants carrying several heavy wooden boxes filled with gleaming five-zhu coins.

"What does Mr. Xi mean by this?"

Gu Cheng looked at the several wooden crates lined up on the ground, a look of confusion in his eyes.

Xi Zhicai bowed and said with a smile, "To be honest, Young Master Gu, my master has some connections in the army and happens to be in charge of the procurement of medicinal herbs for this southern expedition. So he specially ordered me to come here, hoping to purchase the various medicinal herbs that your mansion has stockpiled with a large sum of money."

Upon hearing this, Gu Cheng suddenly realized what was going on.

"Very well, since the marriage is already arranged, our two families will be one family sooner or later, so let's keep the good stuff in the family. I'll sell these medicinal herbs to my future father-in-law."

Gu Cheng readily agreed.

"Thank you for your understanding, young master."

Xi Zhicai quickly clasped his hands in thanks.

Gu Cheng accepted the copper coins, and Xi Zhicai then directed the servants to load the thousands of bushels of various medicinal herbs stored in the mansion onto carts, preparing to take their leave.

At the time of parting.

Gu Cheng suddenly remembered something and asked, "Will my uncle personally escort all these medicinal herbs to the front lines in Wancheng?"

"Maybe, what's wrong?"

Xi Zhicai keenly noticed that Gu Cheng's gaze was somewhat unusual.

Gu Cheng's expression darkened, and he said solemnly, "Although Zhang Xiu will open the city gates and surrender, I'm afraid it won't be long before he rebels again. At that time, Cao Cao will inevitably suffer an unprecedented defeat. If you go to Wancheng, it will be tantamount to putting yourself in danger, so I advise you not to go."

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai's body trembled violently, and his face instantly turned deathly pale.

Gu Cheng first asserted that Zhang Xiu would surrender without a fight, and now he says that Zhang Xiu will surrender and then rebel again.

Even the resourceful Xi Zhicai couldn't quite make sense of it all and felt completely bewildered.

Whether Zhang Xiu will submit to Sikong as he said is still unknown, so why should I worry about it unnecessarily?

Xi Zhicai comforted himself inwardly and did not take Gu Cheng's words to heart. He then bowed and took his leave.

"My future father-in-law's chief strategist is indeed no ordinary person."

Gu Cheng watched Xi Zhicai's retreating figure and nodded slightly.

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Cheng's mind.

"Ding! Temporary seclusion mission triggered. Please select a new seclusion location."

Ye County, Jinyang, and Moling.

The names of the three cities clearly appeared in Gu Cheng's mind.

Jinyang had already been captured by the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu Yufuluo. The Xiongnu burned, killed, and looted in the city, causing widespread suffering. It was by no means a good place to live in seclusion.

Sun Ce, the Little Conqueror of Jiangdong, had just led his army across the Yangtze River and was conquering the counties of Jiangdong. Moling, as a strategic location in Jiangdong, was the first to be targeted and was also a place of great turmoil and conflict.

As for Ye County, although it was not far from Wancheng, it was still within Cao Cao's actual control.

"Even if Cao Cao is defeated by Zhang Xiu, the war shouldn't spread to Ye County. Let's choose Ye County!"

Gu Cheng chose Ye County as his new place of seclusion without hesitation.

"Ding! The location for your seclusion has been selected. The duration of your seclusion will be two months."

"The reward for a successful mission is unknown; there is no penalty for a failed mission."

Gu Cheng couldn't help but feel a little expectant, wondering what kind of surprise reward the system would give him for successfully going into seclusion this time.

"Young master, we made nearly 1,800 gold coins from this timber and medicinal herb business!"

Diao Chan emerged from the back hall, carrying a thick ledger, her eyes filled with joy.

Gu Cheng didn't even bother to glance at the account books, and waved his hand, saying, "Chan'er, Youping, pack your bags immediately, we're setting off for Ye County right away."