"Truly worthy of the name Xun Wenruo," Fan Qin said with a bitter smile. "Nothing escapes your eyes. While I long for a life of leisure, filled with music and poetry, power has nothing to do with me. But alas, the family always needs someone to step forward."
"You can enjoy those things later, but for now, you must help me manage all of Yanzhou. I need to build a solid foundation for our lord," Xun Yu said, fixing Fan Qin with a determined gaze.
"I won't cause any trouble," Fan Qin sighed after a long pause. "I'll handle Chen Changwen's previous duties. I'll make sure you're satisfied."
"Good. Once Changwen returns, you can go back to doing what you love. But until then, you must fulfill your responsibilities," Xun Yu nodded. He knew that Zhao Yan, Du Xi, and Xin Bi were all on par with Chen Qun in terms of talent, and Fan Qin's abilities even slightly exceeded theirs.
"Moving pieces from one place to another, seizing Guanzhong, allying with Xiliang, building cavalry, serving the emperor, and enforcing royal commands in Xiliang; soldiers pressing down on Hanzhong, forging alliances with Liu Zhang, and uniting forces to break through Hanzhong," Fan Qin said with resignation. "That's the most suitable strategy. If we act quickly, there's no reason we can't unify the land."
"The strategy of Western Qin, is it?" Xun Yu lightly tapped his teacup. "But are you sure you can move faster than Yuan Benchu or Liu Xuande?"
"No, I'm not certain. I don't think highly of Yuan Benchu; I believe Liu Xuande has a better chance. After all, my brother-in-law and cousin are both in Taishan," Fan Qin shook his head. "But even if we can't, do you have any other choice? At least if we follow this strategy step by step, we'll end up in a position as strong as Dong Zhuo once held. With 30,000 troops securing Hangu Pass, we'll have plenty of time to develop and expand."
"Tiger Prison Pass and Hangu Pass, indeed a good plan. It's almost identical to the strategy I never mentioned before. But sometimes, things aren't as simple as making a decisive choice," Xun Yu sighed. Despite Fan Qin's current demeanor, Xun Yu knew that carrying out this strategy was only a matter of time. The earlier they executed it, the greater the danger, but also the greater the benefits. After all, Dong Zhuo's remnants in Chang'an were still incredibly strong. If they could successfully absorb them, it would significantly strengthen their position.
Cao Cao was never one to hesitate once he made a decision, especially when avenging his father. He mobilized his troops that very day.
Chen Gong sat quietly at home, reflecting on his actions. He realized that he had gone too far in front of Cao Cao. After all, Cao Cao was avenging his father, and Chen Gong's demands had been too stringent. Yet, as he watched Cao Cao's troops stretch out in a long line from the city walls, a sense of detachment settled over him. It felt as if Cao Cao was drifting further and further away.
Meanwhile, in Xuzhou, Tao Qian had also received the news that Cao Song had been killed by Zhang Kai.
"Find Zhang Kai! He took a large amount of supplies; he can't possibly leave Xuzhou!" Tao Qian shouted in a fit of rage. He could already imagine Cao Cao's fury upon receiving this news.
"Governor Tao, Cao Jugao has been dead for over a month. By now, Zhang Kai has had plenty of time to leave Xuzhou," Chen Deng said, lowering his head. "We should focus on explaining this matter to Cao Mengde."
Tao Qian paused, his age showing in his slower thinking. "Bring me silk. I will write to Cao Mengde to clarify the situation. Hopefully, he can understand. Even if it requires spending a lot of money and grain, it must be done."
Chen Deng sneered and quietly withdrew. Based on his understanding of Cao Cao, there was no way Cao Cao would retreat. Even if they handed over all of Xuzhou, the entire Tao family would still have to accompany Cao Song to the grave.
However, he wouldn't say this out loud. Tao Qian would only realize the truth when it was too late. In this brutal era, only military power could uphold justice. To prove their righteousness, they would first have to defeat Cao Cao in battle; otherwise, everything would be meaningless.
By this time, Zhang Kai was already on the Yangtze River. Contrary to his earlier plan of heading south to eastern Yangzhou, he had veered off course and was now heading towards Huainan to seek refuge with Yuan Shu.
"Brother, look!" One of Zhang Kai's men pointed ahead, spotting two young women playing on a nearby boat.
Zhang Kai, feeling seasick from the journey, followed the direction indicated by his subordinate. He saw two beautiful women, one older and one younger, on a boat not far away. Having been away from women for nearly a month, Zhang Kai's lust surged instantly.
After observing for a moment and noting the lack of guards on the boat, Zhang Kai ordered his men to steer towards it. How could he pass up such a prize?
"Sister, that boat seems to be heading towards us," the younger girl, around fifteen or sixteen, said to her older sister.
The older sister stared at the approaching boat, her suspicions growing. As it drew closer, she caught sight of Zhang Kai's lecherous grin.
"Quick, turn back to Shouchun!" the older sister immediately understood the situation. Their beauty had always attracted trouble, so they usually stayed home, playing music and reading. She never expected to encounter such danger during this outing on the river.
"Row harder, men!" Zhang Kai laughed loudly as he noticed the panic on the other boat. From this distance, he could clearly see the exquisite faces of the two sisters.
"Bo Fu, you're recovered?" Zhou Yu marveled at Sun Ce's rapid recovery. "I thought it would take much longer. How do you feel about your current strength?"
"I've found my path. Even You Ping can only surpass me by a slight margin now. In a year, I'll completely outmatch him," Sun Ce stretched, feeling revitalized after two months of reflection and training. He had far surpassed his previous self.
"Let me show you," Sun Ce said, loosening up. "But this place isn't suitable. Come on, I'll take you to the Yangtze to see my strength!"
Without waiting for a response, Sun Ce grabbed Zhou Yu and, with a powerful leap, flew over a hundred meters. Several more leaps took them outside Shouchun City. In mid-air, Sun Ce twisted, kicked off the air, and arced gracefully before crashing down into a small forest outside the city.
"Ugh! Are you trying to kill me?" Zhou Yu grumbled as he crawled off Sun Ce, covered in dirt and leaves.