xymnovel Chapter 83 Proxy War
Chapter 83 Proxy War
As expected, Guo Jia really knows how to provide emotional value!
Knowing I was embarrassed, this is giving me a way out!
Yuan Tan suddenly looked up: "Fengxiao, what brilliant plan do you have? Tell me quickly!"
Guo Jia smiled and said:
"Although Cao Cao has captured Wancheng, Zhang Xiu was forced to surrender. How could his former Xiliang troops truly submit? Now Cao Cao is arrogant after his victory and is indulging in pleasure as soon as he enters the city. This is a path to disaster! I predict that there will be many who are not convinced in Zhang Xiu's army!"
He walked to the map and pointed to Wancheng:
"Why don't we... secretly send a trusted lieutenant with a large sum of money to meet with Zhang Xiu or one of his most trusted generals? We don't need to persuade him to rebel immediately."
All we need to do is spread rumors that Cao Cao is indulging in wine and women, has become suspicious of Zhang Xiu, and wants to strip him of his military power, even intending to take Zhang Xiu's aunt, Lady Zou, as a concubine to humiliate him! Then promise that if Zhang Xiu rebels, Qingzhou will provide him with money, provisions, and military supplies as support!
Guo Jia said with a smile:
"Suspicion breeds demons, and accumulated slander can destroy bones. Once the seed is sown, with a little provocation, given Zhang Xiu's temperament and Jia Xu's ruthlessness, it would be difficult for the fire in Wancheng not to ignite!"
At that time, whatever Cao Cao did at Tingtao Pavilion, he would inevitably face annihilation!
Upon hearing this, Yuan Tan's mind suddenly cleared!
Yes! History may deviate slightly for various reasons, but the conflict between human nature and interests will not change!
Cao Cao's pride, Zhang Xiu's suspicion, Jia Xu's scheming... these are the fundamental factors that drive the wheels of history!
Why should one be so concerned about whether historical details are 100% accurate?
The right way is to guide it, utilize it, and let it develop in a direction that benefits us!
"Excellent! This plan is brilliant!"
Yuan Tan clapped his hands in approval, his earlier embarrassment and doubts vanishing completely.
"Follow Fengxiao's plan! Immediately select capable and astute individuals to infiltrate Wancheng with a large sum of money! This matter must be kept strictly confidential, with single-line contact with Zhang Xiu or Jia Xu! I want Cao Mengde to pay a heavy price in Wancheng!"
Haha! Isn't this just a proxy war?
By using the minor character Zhang Xiu, Cao Cao was distracted and his strength was weakened.
Indeed, when it comes to overt and covert strategies, it has to be our great China.
The tricks that modern America plays are things our ancestors already knew.
He looked at Guo Jia, his eyes full of admiration:
"Fengxiao's plan is a masterstroke! Even if Cao Mengde is momentarily triumphant, I will let him know that he is not the only one playing the game of chess in this world!"
He looked around at everyone and said:
"Is there anyone willing to go to Wancheng for me and meet with Zhang Xiu, and also that Jia Xu!"
Sinpi boldly stepped forward:
"I am willing to go!"
"George, the most important task on this trip to Wancheng is to follow Fengxiao's plan, spread rumors, and sow discord between Zhang Xiu and Cao Cao. This is the main mission."
Yuan Tan tapped his fingers on the table, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
"However, there is an even more urgent matter that requires your personal attention."
"Please give me your instructions."
Xinpi was solemn.
"I need you to find a secret meeting with someone. Jia Xu, Jia Wenhe, is one of Zhang Xiu's strategists."
Yuan Tan spoke slowly.
A glint of light flashed in Xinpi's eyes:
"Does the lord wish to recruit this 'poisonous strategist'? This plan is ingenious, but Jia Xu is a man of profound wisdom and intelligence, adept at self-preservation, and has changed masters many times, from Li Jue and Guo Si to Zhang Xiu. He is probably not an easy opponent."
Moreover, he is currently Zhang Xiu's chief strategist; a sudden attempt to persuade him to surrender would be extremely risky and unlikely to succeed.
Yuan Tan glanced approvingly at Xin Pi, but shook his head and said:
"What George said makes sense. But I don't mean for you to persuade him to surrender right now."
"What does my lord mean...?"
"I need you to convey to him on my behalf the sentiment that I have long admired his wisdom and have a deep connection with him."
Yuan Tan spoke calmly.
"Tell him that I, Yuan Xiansi, know that Jia Wenhe is insightful about human nature, wise in self-preservation, and is the most clear-headed and pragmatic person in the world. I have no intention of making him betray Zhang Xiu at this moment; that is neither the act of a wise man nor the behavior of a man like him."
Sinpi was even more puzzled:
"Why offer such praise without inviting them? What is your intention?"
Yuan Tan stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, and gazed at the night sky:
"Sow a seed. Jia Xu is a realist. When choosing a lord, he doesn't look at empty reputations, but only strength, prospects, and whether they can tolerate him. With my current strength, although I am rising, I am still immature compared to Cao Cao and my father. He may not look up to me, and he may not dare to take the risk."
He turned around, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light for the future:
"But I want him to know that there is a young man named Yuan Tan in this world who understands him, respects him, and not only does he not despise his way of self-preservation, but he also greatly admires it."
I want to leave a clear mark in his heart: if one day Zhang Xiu's ship sinks, or if Jia Wenhe has nowhere to go, in Qingzhou there is a lord who understands him, needs him, and can give him a stage to perform and absolute safety, who will always be watching over him.
Xinpi suddenly realized:
"My lord's strategy is brilliant! He doesn't concern himself with immediate gains or losses, but rather with long-term security! When they are at their wits' end, or when their minds are racing, the first thing they will think of is your 'recognition' and 'understanding' today! This is the ultimate way to win hearts and minds!"
"That's exactly right."
Yuan Tan nodded.
"When talking to him, there's no need to promise him high-ranking positions or generous salaries. Just discuss the current situation and share my views on human nature and how to survive in chaotic times. Make him feel that I am the same kind of person as him—clear-headed, pragmatic, and adept at finding the most secure foothold in chaotic times. As for spreading rumors and sowing discord between Cao Cao and Zhang Fei, you can mention it subtly and observe his reaction. This man is extremely intelligent and will weigh the pros and cons. He might even secretly fuel the flames to protect himself."
"I understand!" Xin Pi bowed deeply. "I will certainly not fail my lord's trust!"
……
Not long after, in the streets of Wancheng.
Rumors about Cao Cao's desire to "reduce Zhang Xiu's military power" and his "covetousness of the Zou family" quickly spread throughout Wancheng after being discussed at Tingtao Pavilion.
Zhang Xiu already harbored resentment because Cao Cao looked down on him, and hearing these rumors only added to his shock and fear.
Just at this moment,
Xin Pi disguised himself as a merchant from Hebei and, with the help of an informant from the "Tingtao Pavilion," after some twists and turns, finally managed to secretly meet Zhang Xiu in an inconspicuous courtyard.
After exchanging pleasantries, he revealed the purpose of his visit.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu was overjoyed; it was like a pillow being delivered to someone who was sleepy.
Wancheng has been struggling recently because it has lost the support of Liu Biao.
Therefore, after Cao Cao attacked, he had no choice but to surrender.
But things are different now. If Yuan Tan is willing to provide him with financial assistance, he is confident that he is fully capable of driving Cao Cao out of the country.
The discussion went very smoothly.
After bidding farewell to Zhang Xiu, Xin Pi immediately went to see Jia Xu.
Jia Xu was about forty years old, with a thin face and calm, serene eyes.
He listened quietly to Xin Pi's words of admiration conveyed on behalf of Yuan Tan, his face remaining expressionless as he gently stroked his beard.
"I am deeply grateful for the kindness shown to me by Governor Yuan, but I am unworthy of it."
Jia Xu's voice was flat.
"Xu is nothing but a piece of rotten wood, struggling to make a living and protect himself, and does not deserve the reputation of 'understanding human nature.' Xu had heard of the great talent and strategy of the Governor of Qingzhou while he was in Wancheng. However, General Zhang treated Xu very well, and Xu had no other intentions."
Sinpi didn't take it to heart and smiled slightly:
"Mr. Wenhe, you are too modest. My lord often says that in this chaotic world, those who can see clearly, stand firm, and live wisely like you are extremely rare. My lord has only admiration for you and has no intention of forcing anything upon you. Today's meeting is only to express this sentiment. My lord also asked me to convey a message to you..."
He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and said, word by word:
"Life is like a game of chess, and everyone is a piece. But the wise man leaves himself a 'living piece' in the game. The gates of Qingzhou are always open to those who are pragmatic and adaptable. If one day you find the game too difficult and there is nowhere to place your piece, you may look eastward."
A barely perceptible ripple finally flickered in Jia Xu's usually calm eyes.
He gave Xinpi a deep look, but didn't reply. He simply picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said:
"The tea has gone cold, Mr. Xin. You've come a long way and must be tired. Please go back. Today's meeting is something only you and I know about."
Xinpi understood, knowing the seed had been sown, so he said no more, rose and clasped his hands in greeting:
"In that case, I shall take my leave. I wish you well, sir."