It took Cao Cao a whole year for the fourth year of Chuping. It took Cao Cao a year to complete the gorgeous turn from the unstanded land under his feet to the magnificent place of Yanzhou. This year, Cao Cao was at its peak. He defeated the Black Mountains, defeated Yuan Shu, and won the Yellow Turbans. Even the emerging Zhang Liao was slightly less popular than him.
But in just one year, the wind direction completely changed. Zhang Liao defeated Yuan Shao and occupied Jizhou. Cao Cao was attacked by Lu Bu from behind and almost lost his foundation. Now Zhang Liao defeated Zhang Yan and took half of Bingzhou. Wouldn't it be that Cao Cao, who claimed to be a talented person, could not help but feel pressured.
However, Cao Cao was a person with a firm mind. Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit solemn, Cao Cao suddenly laughed, which made everyone look at him sideways.
Cao Cao said passionately: "A real man is determined to be a thousand miles away. How can he retreat and fear for such a little difficulty? Zhang Liao is indeed a strong enemy. However, I, Cao Cao, are not a soft persimmon. I can compete with Zhang Liao for the world. It is exciting and satisfying. The more difficult the future, the more interesting the process is. Hahaha. I was already so excited that I was a little trembling."
Cao Cao's inspiring words invisibly activated everyone's spirit. The lord can have such a tenacious will. As a strategist, he also admires him.
Staff member Cheng Yu said: "Zhang Liao is powerful. If our army cannot quickly defeat Lu Bu, stabilize Yanzhou and expand its strength outward. When it pacified Hebei and returned to the south, the world will be large. I am afraid that there will be no place for the lord to stay at that time. Therefore, our army must win in this battle."
Cao Cao said with gaze: "It's right. We must win. Lu Bu is brave but not scheming. It's not enough to worry about it. In this battle, I will not return to the army until Lu Bu is defeated. I hope you will do your best."
All the ministers bowed and said, "We all want to die."
Arranged the matter of attacking Lu Bu. Everyone dispersed. Cao Cao left Xun Yu alone in the tent.
Cao Cao asked, "Wenruo. I ask you to send someone to carefully investigate the situation under Zhang Liao's rule. There will be a reply letter these days."
Xun Yu said: "The day before yesterday, my subordinates just sent the news. Yu had just sorted it out and was about to submit it to you."
Cao Cao couldn't wait to say, "Oh. Tell me, what have you found."
Xun Yu nodded and said, "Yes..." Xun Yu told Cao Cao about the news he found in Jizhou. From the people to the army, from politics to economy, he spoke for more than an hour in one breath. Cao Cao suddenly realized and shook his head and sighed. In the end, Cao Cao just sat down and fell into deep thought.
Finally, Xun Yu concluded: "In short, Zhang Liao is in charge of the rule. He promotes military farms and nourishes the people. He accumulates military funds to prepare for the times. The people in Jizhou are stable. They all admire Zhang Liao's kindness. The soldiers dare to fight. They are happy when they hear the battle. This person's mind, demeanor, and knowledge. Yu is ashamed of himself."
Cao Cao listened carefully to every word Xun Yu said. Every word was analyzed repeatedly in his mind. Zhang Liao was able to get such a high evaluation from Xun Yu, who was known as the "talent of the king and the assistant". He also felt heavy pressure on his shoulders.
Zhang Liao. Could you be a hurdle that I, Cao Cao, cannot overcome?
Cao Cao gritted his teeth and said, "Wen Ruo. How do I compare to him?"
Xun Yu said: "The lord doesn't have to be discouraged. The lord is broad-minded and has a broad mind. He is a wise ruler who Xun Yu has recognized as a rare wise man. His soldiers and generals are brave. He is definitely not inferior to Zhang Liao. If there is any shortcomings, it lies in the foundation."