Xun Yu lowered his head, filled with helplessness. It wasn't that he didn't want to persuade Cao Cao, but he simply couldn't. Not long ago, regarding Bian Rang's matter, he had already used the argument, "A wise ruler does not harm his kin, nor does he sever the sacrifices to their ancestors. If my lord acts this way today, how will others in the world act tomorrow?" This had convinced Cao Cao to spare Bian Rang's family.
But now, the situation was different. Tao Qian had caused the death of Cao Cao's father, whether intentionally or not, and the fact remained that Cao Cao's father was dead. In such a scenario, Xun Yu found himself unable to speak out. In the Han Dynasty, an era where it was deemed reasonable to kill for a friend, a teacher, or a relative, avenging one's father was even more justifiable.
Xun Yu exchanged a glance with Xun You, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. Xun You gestured to Xun Yu, and the latter nodded in agreement. They both understood that it was best to let Cao Cao vent his anger for now. Trying to persuade him at this moment would only lead to irrational decisions. They remained silent, believing that Cao Cao's previous behavior indicated that his threat to "bathe Xu Province in blood" was likely just a proclamation born of grief.
Cheng Yu, on the other hand, felt little emotion regarding the death of Cao Song. As for Cao Cao's desire to slaughter Xu Province, Cheng Yu had no strong opinions—if they were enemies, they should be treated as such.
When Chen Gong heard Cao Cao's enraged declaration, he immediately stepped forward. "Lord Cao, there are many unknowns surrounding your father's death. Given the harsh winter, it would be wise to first send emissaries to question Tao Qian about this matter, lest we fall into someone's trap. Moreover, while Lord Cao speaks of bathing Xu Province in blood, I cannot agree with such actions. Even if Tao Qian is guilty, what does that have to do with the people of Xu Province? Are they not also citizens of the Han Empire? Should we divide people by provinces and counties? I humbly request that Lord Cao retract his statement."
Cao Cao, already consumed by rage, found himself at a loss for words after Chen Gong's speech. His fury surged, and he glared at Chen Gong with eyes ablaze. "Gongtai, are you saying that a common man can shed blood for his ruler, teacher, and kin, but I, Cao Mengde, am not even a common man?"
"Lord Cao, Confucius said, 'A gentleman does not vent his anger on others, nor does he make the same mistake twice.' If even a gentleman should act thus, how much more so should a ruler? A ruler possesses nine virtues: being magnanimous yet solemn, gentle yet decisive, humble yet dignified, capable yet meticulous, open to advice yet steadfast, just yet compassionate, straightforward yet considerate, righteous yet practical, and strong yet honorable!" Chen Gong argued passionately, reciting Confucian teachings.
Cao Cao trembled with rage, his eyes wide as he glared at Chen Gong, seemingly ready to leap down and challenge him to a duel.
"If Tao Qian dared to act so, why shouldn't we? Confucius spoke of repaying wrongs with righteousness. How is avenging one's father wrong? Shouldn't subordinates avenge the wrongs done to their ruler, teacher, or kin?" Cheng Yu, seeing Cao Cao trembling with anger, quickly stood up to assist, rebuking Chen Gong.
Chen Gong took a deep breath, flung his sleeves, and left the hall. It wasn't that he couldn't out-argue Cheng Yu, but he knew that even if he won the argument, Cao Cao wouldn't listen. Realizing this, he lost the will to continue.
Cao Cao watched Chen Gong's departing figure with some shame but did not order his arrest. Though he was inclined to lash out, he wouldn't take it out on Chen Gong.
"Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, each of you will lead five thousand troops. March through the State of Lu and attack Xu Province. Anyone who blocks your path, kill them!" Cao Cao commanded, his eyes cold and filled with murderous intent.
"Yes!" The Xiahou brothers roared in response, receiving their orders before leaving.
"Zixiao, return to Wancheng and hold the city! Maintain relations with Liu Biao! If Yuan Shu makes any moves, kill him!" Cao Cao's orders were now filled with undisguised hostility and determination.
"Ziyou, you will stay in Chenliu and temporarily assume the duties of Yanzhou Inspector." Cao Cao handed over his seals and emblems to Xun Yu, signaling his complete trust.
"Understood." Xun Yu sighed, accepting the responsibility. From this moment on, he held the full authority of the Yanzhou Inspector, a testament to Cao Cao's faith in him.
"The rest of you, prepare the army. We march on Xu Province immediately!" Cao Cao roared, his eyes red with grief and fury.
"Understood." Xun You, Cheng Yu, and other advisors, including Zhao Yan, Cui Yan, Mao Jie, and Lü Qian, all nodded in agreement.
"Lord Cao, please leave me in Chenliu. While I may not excel in military strategy, I can assist Ziyou with the logistics and rear operations." Fan Qin sighed.
"If that is your wish, how could I refuse?" Cao Cao forced a smile, despite the pain he felt.
"Lord Cao, I request to serve as a military advisor to Zixiao," Du Xi volunteered after seeing Zhao Yan and Fan Qin make their decisions.
"Very well. If Zixiao encounters difficulties, remind him to consult you. With you by his side, Yuan Shu will not be able to threaten Wancheng." Cao Cao instructed Cao Ren, barely managing to smile at the news of these three talents joining him. However, the grief of losing his father overshadowed any joy he might have felt.
"We, the Wei family of Chenliu, are willing to provide 300,000 dan of grain, 10,000 sets of winter clothing, and 3,000 tents," said Wei Zi, one of Cao Cao's staunchest supporters, as he stood up and made his contribution. These supplies were only what the Wei family currently had on hand. With more time, Wei Zi could have provided even more.
"The Wei family of Hedong is willing to provide three billion coins, one million dan of grain, and three thousand horses," Wei Ji calmly announced. These supplies had already been transported and were intended as a donation to Cao Cao. Unfortunately, the news of Cao Song's death disrupted the banquet, prompting Wei Ji to present them immediately.
Though these resources seemed vast, they were but a drop in the bucket for the Wei family—a mere greeting gift. When Cao Cao first raised an army, Wei Zi, as his wealthy and supportive friend, had personally funded the purchase of 5,000 strong men, outfitted them with armor and weapons, provided grain, and even donated several hundred horses. This generous backing gave Cao Cao the means to participate in the coalition against Dong Zhuo.
In the original timeline, Wei Zi should have died in the Battle of Xingyang. However, due to Chen Xi's influence, Cao Cao never participated in that battle, allowing Wei Zi to avoid his fate. As a result, the Wei family of Chenliu remained close to Cao Cao.
Despite the financial strain of the coalition against Dong Zhuo, Wei Zi's continued support allowed Cao Cao to recover. Even when Cao Cao faced hardships last year, Wei Zi's unwavering support in the form of money and grain enabled Cao Cao to persevere.
After quickly finalizing military and administrative matters, Xun Yu, accompanied by Fan Qin, arrived at the Chenliu government office, curious about Fan Qin's intentions.
"From today onward, we are colleagues, Fan Qin. Please don't use poetry and songs to deceive us anymore. The Franks of Yingchuan have poured three generations of effort into nurturing you. Surely, you are more than just a poet. Zhao Boren and Du Zixu are both outstanding talents, yet they both look to you as their leader. Don't disappoint me, Fan Qin." Xun Yu said with a gentle smile as he poured Fan Qin a cup of tea.