Chapter 209: Xun's Three Ruo, Cao Cao's Supplement
Although Xun Yu managed to turn the situation around, the problems faced by the Xun family were still very serious.

So Xun Yu summoned his younger brother Xun Chen to visit his older brother Xun Yan.

Xun Chen's courtesy name was Youruo, Xun Yan's courtesy name was Xiuruo, and Xun Yu's courtesy name was Wenruo.

The three of them are considered the most outstanding descendants of the next generation after the eight dragons of the Xun family (Xun You is one generation away and is considered the third generation).

Among Xun Yu's peers, there was a more famous person named Xun Yue, whose courtesy name was Zhongyu and who was the son of Xun Jian, one of the Eight Dragons. However, Xun Yue had extremely high attainments in Confucian classics but mediocre strategy.

Xun Yan's residence.

After the three brothers greeted each other, they sat down and Xun Yu recounted the whole incident.

Xun Yan and Xun Chen shared the same opinion as Xun Yu, believing that Yingchuan was not a place to live in for a long time and that they should move out as soon as possible. They were considered Xun Yu's most loyal supporters.

"Has Wen Ruo made a decision?"

The three brothers all had their own unique looks, and Xun Yan was more resolute. He said, "You have the talent to assist the king, and we are willing to trust your judgment."

Xun Yu's expression softened, and he bowed and said, "Thank you for your praise, brother. I am determined to go to Yangzhou."

The third brother Xun Chen had sharp edges on his face, looking even more determined, and said, "Since Wen Ruo has summoned us, there must be something important to discuss. Please speak frankly!"

"Xiu Ruo." Xun Yan pointed at Xun Chen, shook his head and smiled bitterly.

Xun Yu didn't care about these details and said, "I originally intended to take my people to Yangzhou, but now things have changed."

"Cao Cao and Guo Jia are not good people. They will not give up until they achieve their goal!"

"If our Xun clan wants to survive this disaster, one of our members must submit to Cao Cao..."

Xun Yu found it difficult to speak the following words, as if he was pushing his brother into a fire pit.

"Wen Ruo, you don't have to do this." Xun Yan, as the eldest brother in the family, is very responsible: "Then let me have it."

Xun Yan joked, "I think Cao Cao is no ordinary man. He will definitely achieve great things. This is a good place to go."

Xun Yu paid great respect to Xun Yan.

Xun Chen twirled his beard, his eyes twinkling, and said, "I heard that Yuan Shao, the governor of Bohai, is Cao Cao's superior. Why not write a letter and ask Yuan Benchu ​​to help him out?"

Xun Yu and Xun Yan understood Xun Chen's intention.

It was the eldest brother Xun Yan who spoke up: "Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. If you want to join Yuan Benchu, then go ahead."

Xun Yu also said, "I can't escape from Cao Cao's grasp anytime soon. I think with my brother and I here, Cao Cao won't make it too difficult for Xiuruo."

Unexpectedly, Xun Chen shook his head and said, "I don't want to serve Yuan Benchu."

"I can also go with you to Qiao County to ask the governor of Bohai for help. We can discuss it in detail."

Xun Yu understood what Xun Chen meant, shook his head and denied it, saying, "If it was Cao Cao before, this trick would definitely work, but it doesn't work now."

"You don't know Guo Fengxiao. He knows people's minds and is good at scheming. He is extraordinary. Who knows? Even the letters can't be sent out at that time!"

Xun Chen looked helpless and glanced at Xun Yu with resentment.

What kind of friends are you making? They only betray your own people!
Xun Yu was also helpless and said, "Cao Cao is a man with great ambitions. I believe he only came for the name of my Xun family."

"As long as my brother is truly devoted to him, I think it won't be difficult anymore."

"Xiuruo, why don't you just observe first? If Cao Cao doesn't suit your taste, it won't be too late to make a decision later."

This is to persuade Xun Chen to be a wooden man and choose another wise leader.

"Xun Wenruo, stop talking nonsense!"

Xun Chen stood up angrily and accused, "Who do you think I am?"

"How could I be such a wicked person!"

Xun Yu apologized repeatedly: "I was reckless, please don't blame me."

Xun Chen's emotions were under control, and he soon calmed down. After a long period of contemplation, he said, "Now that things have come to this, I will join my elder brother in joining Cao Cao."

Then, Xun Chen stared at Xun Yu with a sharp look in his eyes and said, "I hope that when we meet on the battlefield in the future, you, Xun Wenruo, will give it your all!"

Xun Yu burst into tears and bowed deeply to Xun Yan and Xun Chen, feeling extremely guilty.

Xun Yan advised: "Why does the writing have to act like a woman?"

Xun Chen sneered, "My elder brother and I are indeed not as talented as you, but this is the decision we made!"

"Your sentimentality makes me sick!"

The more Xun Chen said this, the more guilty Xun Yu felt.

The three members of the Xun family all had reputations for being virtuous. How could Xun Yu not know what kind of person Xun Chen was?

Such hurtful words were only meant to alleviate Xun Yu's inner guilt.

How could someone as smart as Xun Yu not understand it?

...

night.

Xun's guest house.

Cao Cao summoned Guo Jia to discuss matters.

Seeing Guo Jia's worried look, Cao Cao couldn't help but wonder, "Why is the military advisor worried?"

During the day, Xun Yu's two brothers, Xun Yan and Xun Chen, looked determined to start a business with Cao Cao.

This made Cao Cao very happy. Although he could not get the assistance of Xun Yu, the two Xun Yu brothers were not bad either.

Not only did he perfectly realize the closed loop in Guo Jia's strategy, but he also gained two great talents.

Simply perfect!
Therefore, Cao Cao became even more curious about what could stump Guo Jia.

"Nothing."

Guo Jia forced a smile and asked, "My lord, what do you want from me?"

Seeing that Guo Jia was unwilling to answer, Cao Cao did not ask any further questions and talked about other things.

"The military advisor's plan was very successful. I plan to settle the Xun clan members before returning to Chenliu County."

When the young and strong men of the Xun family saw that Xun Yu and his two brothers had all followed Cao Cao (Xun Yu did not tell the truth to others), some of them also wanted to follow them.

Among them was Xun Yue, and half of the clan members, big and small.

The older generation, such as Xun Yu and his spouse, were unwilling to leave their homeland.

Cao Cao's praise made Guo Jia smile bitterly, because this strategy still had a biggest loophole that had not been fixed.

However, the most urgent task is to solve the current troubles first.

"My Lord, I think this is too time-consuming."

Guo Jia suggested: "Why not split the troops into two groups?"

"You take the three Xun clan members to Chenliu County to recruit soldiers, and I will take the rest of the Xun clan members back to Qiao County."

"Exactly what I want!"

Cao Cao laughed and said, "Feng Xiao knows what I mean."

Guo Jia expressed his gratitude absentmindedly.

"My Lord, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave."

Guo Jia still has to go back and think carefully about how to fill this loophole.

Cao Cao, however, held Guo Jia's hand and said, "No hurry."

"Today's work is done, let's have a feast to celebrate!"

Unable to refuse the kind invitation, Guo Jia had no choice but to drink with Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was very kind to Guo Jia. Knowing that he loved drinking, he specially prepared fine wine for Guo Jia when he came.

Then again, Guo Jia hadn't drunk any wine for several days because he was very busy.

Now, once I touch my tongue to wine, I can’t stop.

After a while, the two of them drank a jar each.

When he was drunk, he started to talk a lot.

However, Cao Cao spoke very little today, and it was Guo Jia who kept chattering.

It all talked about how Guo Jia successfully tricked Jin Mao and harmed his two good friends.

Cao Cao was a qualified listener, and he would occasionally make a few remarks to support Guo Jia, which made Guo Jia talk a lot about Jin Mao.

After drinking the second jar of wine, Guo Jia was dizzy and about to pass out. He spoke with a slurred voice and it seemed that he could not hold on any longer.

suddenly!

Cao Cao suddenly asked: "Feng Xiao seems to be afraid of Yangzhou Mu, what's the matter? What problem did Xun Yu give you?" Guo Jia didn't think twice and said what was in his mind: "Don't worry, lord, it's not a problem, I can solve it!"

"It's just five years of correspondence!"

Guo Jia said in a sour tone: "I don't believe there are such monarchs and ministers in the world!"

Cao Cao pretended to be suspicious: "Are you talking about Yangzhou Mu and Xun Yu?"

Guo Jia drunkenly said: "That's them!"

Then, Guo Jia talked about how Xi Zhicai and Xun You went to Yangzhou and how they were subdued by Jin Mao.

Guo Jia was not aware of the specific details, and most of them were just guesses, but the envy in his words was evident.

Cao Cao said casually, "It seems that the governor of Yangzhou will definitely not let Xun Yu go."

"you do not say."

Guo Jia seemed to be under a spell, unable to move, and he sobered up to about 80% of his alcohol in an instant.

When he saw Cao Cao's clear eyes, Guo Jia smiled bitterly and said, "My Lord..."

"Tell me about it."

Cao Cao picked up the wine jar, thought for a moment, then took Guo Jia's jar, took a sip, and took a long breath, saying, "Wine is still delicious."

It turned out that Cao Cao had been using water instead of wine, and Guo Jia was unaware of it and did not dare to spy, so he fell into the trap.

Now that the secret had been revealed, Guo Jia no longer hid it and revealed the biggest loophole in the plan.

"Xun Wenruo is indeed a talent that can assist the king!"

Cao Cao said with emotion: "Even you, Guo Fengxiao, can't suppress him with all your strength."

Guo Jia said ashamedly: "Don't worry, my lord, I will definitely find a way to deal with this matter!"

Cao Cao didn't expose it and just laughed twice.

"I do have an idea. Fengxiao, please give me some advice."

Guo Jia, who knew nothing about it, bowed and said, "I'd like to hear the details."

Cao Cao stood up and walked outside the house, looking at the bright moon hanging high in the sky, leaving a tall silhouette of his back to Guo Jia.

"If I send Xun Wenruo to Yangzhou Mu, how do you think he should thank me?"

Guo Jia was horrified and stumbled, shouting, "My lord!"

Cao Cao turned around, looked at Guo Jia who was lying on the ground, and asked, "Does Feng Xiao disagree?"

Guo Jia stretched out his hand, tears in his eyes, and said, "My lord, Guo Jia is incompetent!"

Cao Cao quickly turned around, held Guo Jia's hand, and said excitedly: "Feng Xiao is so smart, how could he be incompetent?"

"Horses can stumble, people can stumble. Even the wisest man can make mistakes!"

"Feng Xiao, don't blame yourself. You and I are one. From now on, don't hide anything from me!"

Guo Jia's tears couldn't stop flowing. He nodded heavily and made unclear "hmm" sounds from his mouth.

Cao Cao carefully wiped away Guo Jia's tears with his sleeve, stood up, put his hands on his hips and laughed.

"It's just Xun Wenruo. If the governor of Yangzhou wants him, I'll give him to him!"

"When the time comes, I will ask for Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan back. The governor of Yangzhou will not refuse to give them to me, right?"

"hey-hey!"

"I want the four generals back, and more than 10,000 soldiers and horses, and you! The wise and resourceful Guo Fengxiao will help you."

"How much more powerful is it!?"

Cao Cao said proudly: "It's worth it to exchange so much for just one Xun Wenruo!"

Although Cao Cao's words sounded nice, Guo Jia couldn't help but ask, "If Xun Wenruo could defeat thousands of troops, would the lord really be willing to let him go?"

"Of course I can't bear to part with it!"

Cao Cao said without hesitation: "But there are some things that you have to give up even if you are reluctant to do so!"

"First, Xun Wenruo's heart is with the governor of Yangzhou. If I force him to stay, it will only annoy him and bring disaster!"

He then said jokingly, "Feng Xiao often says that the governor of Yangzhou is narrow-minded. I am also afraid of being retaliated against."

Then, he said seriously: "Secondly, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, and Xiahou Yuan are not only my brothers, but also the most important generals under my command!"

"The governor of Yangzhou has four people in his power, so I have to be cautious."

Cao Cao sighed and said, "The third one is that the governor of Yangzhou is powerful, while I am weak. The troubled times have come. If I want to achieve something, I must make the best use of my strengths and avoid my weaknesses."

"You have to bear it even if you can't help it!"

The more Guo Jia listened, the more upset he felt, but there was nothing he could do and he just felt helpless.

Seeing this, Cao Cao comforted Guo Jia and said, "Feng Xiao, don't be discouraged."

"What Yangzhou Mu has, we will have in the future!"

"It's just Xun Wenruo. In the future, we will have thousands and thousands of Xun Wenruos!"

Guo Jia was infected by Cao Cao's domineering spirit. He struggled to stand up and bowed, saying: "Guo Jia is willing to serve the Lord with all his strength!"

"Haha!" Cao Cao happily held Guo Jia's arms and said, "Well, now that all the worries are gone, I won't go home until I'm drunk tonight!"

"Somebody come!"

"Serve the wine!"

At this moment, Guo Jia felt warm in his heart and felt that he had followed the right lord.

The next day.

While Guo Jia was still sleeping, Cao Cao had already gotten up early and visited the elders of the Xun family one by one to express his gratitude.

As he was about to take away the young and strong generation of the Xun family, Cao Cao dared not be negligent in the slightest in terms of etiquette.

Xun Yan and Xun Chen saw everything. Although they had not acknowledged each other as their master, Cao Cao would be their immediate superior in the future, so it would always be a good idea to know more about him.

After yesterday's conversation, Xun Yu appeared calm on the surface, but no one knew what he was feeling in his heart.

Three poles in the sun.

As soon as Guo Jia got up, Cao Cao had already arranged everything. Hundreds of donkey carts and horse carts were lined up in a long line. These were the moving supplies for hundreds of people including the Xun family and their families.

"Feng Xiao arrived just in time!"

Cao Cao called Guo Jia and instructed him, "I will give you 600 men and horses to escort Xun to Qiao County."

"With the remaining 200 riders, I will escort Xun Yu and his family to Yangzhou."

Without waiting for Guo Jia to speak, Cao Cao said firmly: "This is an order!"

Guo Jia straightened his clothes and bowed, "Yes!"

Cao Cao laughed and said, "That's right."

"Don't worry, this trip to Yangzhou will take at least half a month, at most a month, and I will definitely be back."

Cao Cao approached Guo Jia and said jokingly, "If I don't come back in a month, it will be up to Yuan Shao, the governor of Bohai, to rescue me."

Guo Jia said with a determined look: "My Lord, let me go!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Cao Cao smiled and said, "If you go to Yangzhou, it will be like hitting a dog with a bone stick."

"Don't worry, I have dealt with Yangzhou Mu before, and I will definitely return safely."

Guo Jia said helplessly: "Take care, lord!"

Cao Cao waved his hand, mounted his horse, and shouted, "Let's go!"

The two teams moved forward in two directions.

Xun Yu was sitting in the carriage, resting his eyes. Pregnant Tang (Aunt Tang Mao) exclaimed, "Where are we going?"

Xun Yu opened his eyes, lifted the carriage curtain and looked out. He understood what was going on and comforted his wife, saying, "Don't panic. We are on the way to Yangzhou."

"Yangzhou?" Tang was very confused: "Why are you going to Yangzhou?"

Xun Yu was in a good mood and said, "Of course I'm going to meet your nephew Tang Mao and his family."

Suddenly, Tang felt dizzy and confused about the situation.

Xun Yu was moved: "What a Cao Mengde! He is indeed an extraordinary person!"

(End of this chapter)