SWDnovel Chapter 58 My second young master of the Yuan family has come to our door, how dare you not see him?
Chapter 58 My second young master of the Yuan family has come to our door, how dare you not see him?
"That traitor who served three masters was destroyed by Cao Cao so quickly?" Yuan Shao frowned deeply, a look of deep surprise and doubt flashing in his eyes.
Guo Tu, regaining his composure, also questioned, "Although Lü Bu is fickle, his Bingzhou cavalry is invincible. How could he be so easily defeated by Cao Cao?"
"Legend has it that a military general named Zhao Yun surrendered to Cao Cao. He was originally a subordinate of Gongsun Zan and was skilled in the White Horse Cavalry tactics. He trained an elite cavalry force for Cao Cao, which enabled him to annihilate Lü Bu's Bingzhou Cavalry in one fell swoop!"
Yuan Xi spoke again.
"Zhao Yun, the White Horse Cavalry?" A look of surprise flashed in Yuan Shao's eyes.
Liu Bei was jolted, as if struck by lightning, and was instantly stunned. "Impossible! Zilong has always been loyal and righteous. How could he betray me and surrender to Cao Cao?" Liu Bei's mind raced, unable to believe this cruel reality.
Guo Tu sneered, "Lord Liu, if I remember correctly, this Zhao Yun should be your subordinate, right?" "Yes, he is indeed one of my generals." Liu Bei, sweating profusely, said awkwardly, "But I don't know what methods Cao Cao used to make Zhao Yun surrender!" Yuan Shao's gaze shot towards Liu Bei, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. Liu Bei felt even more ashamed and dared not look Yuan Shao in the eye.
"Even if the Bingzhou cavalry is gone, Lü Bu still has Xiapi City and Chen Gong to strategize. How could he be destroyed by Cao Cao in just a few days?"
Tian Feng, who had remained silent, couldn't help but ask in surprise. Yuan Shao and the others looked at Yuan Xi with puzzled expressions.
"It was Chen Gong's betrayal of Lü Bu that allowed Cao Cao to reap the benefits and wipe them out in one fell swoop," Yuan Xi sighed, then recounted the cause and effect of the Battle of Xiapi. Everyone suddenly understood, and they were all shocked and pale.
"Chen Gong was short-sighted, allowing Cao Cao to take Xuzhou so quickly. He was truly foolish!" Yuan Shao cursed in a deep voice.
Tian Feng looked suspicious and said, "Although Chen Gong is short-sighted, it must be said that his plan was indeed a brilliant and insidious scheme. How did Cao Cao manage to see through it at the crucial moment?"
His words left everyone present bewildered. Guo Tu nodded, "This plan is indeed ingenious. Even I might not have been able to see it. Could it be that Guo Jia saw it for Cao Cao?"
Upon hearing Guo Jia's name, Yuan Shao's expression darkened. "It can't be Guo Jia," Tian Feng shook his head. "Although Guo Jia is cunning and resourceful, based on my understanding of him, he may not possess such intelligence. It must be someone else."
Everyone started speculating. Suddenly.
Liu Bei suddenly thought of something, and his eyes narrowed in surprise!
"Lord Yuan, when I was in Xiaopei, I was repeatedly schemed against by a young man named Gu Cheng. This man was extremely cunning, and it was he who instructed Cao Cao behind the scenes that caused me to lose Xiaopei."
"I have always suspected that this Gu Cheng is the legendary reclusive master behind Cao Cao!" "Now that Cao Cao has destroyed Lü Bu so quickly and seen through Chen Gong's brilliant plan, it is truly beyond reason." "I suspect that it is this Gu Cheng who is secretly advising Cao Cao again?" Liu Bei said in one breath, revealing his speculation.
For the first time, the name Gu Cheng finally reached the ears of Yuan Shao and his ministers. Yuan Shao frowned and said in a deep voice, "If what Xuande said is true, then all of this seems to make sense. Could it be that the so-called extraordinary person really exists?"
"Gu Cheng?" Guo Tu's eyes were filled with confusion. "Lord Xuande, I am truly ignorant and have never heard of any noble family with such a person in their name?"
Liu Bei then said, "This Gu Cheng is not from a prominent family; he is just a member of a small clan in Xu County, and his reputation has been unknown until now."
"How could someone from a humble, aristocratic family possess such wisdom?" Guo Tu exclaimed in amazement, his eyes filled with disbelief.
The other advisors in Yuan Shao's camp, including Feng Ji, nodded in agreement, but none of them were without doubt. Yuan Shao's eyes also held a similar suspicion.
The Yuan family was a prestigious clan, and those they relied on were all prominent figures from prominent families. Naturally, the emperor and his officials were unwilling to believe that such a shrewd strategist was hidden among the scions of a minor clan.
Faced with Guo Tu's questioning, Liu Bei was at a loss for words.
Tian Feng replied, "Even among humble families, there are bound to be extraordinary individuals. Wasn't Guo Jia, who left his lord to join Cao Cao, an exception?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's face showed displeasure. *Bang!*
He slammed his fist against the battlement and said in a deep voice, "Gu Cheng, a mere commoner, dares to serve Cao Cao and oppose me. He truly doesn't know what's good for him!"
"My lord, since you haven't yet started a war with Cao Cao, strictly speaking, Gu Cheng isn't exactly your enemy." "Regardless of his background, if he's truly so intelligent that he's almost supernatural, openly assisting Cao Cao would indeed be a threat to you." "In my opinion, why don't you send someone to Xuchang to recruit him to serve in Hebei?" Tian Feng offered a lengthy and insightful suggestion.
Yuan Shao nodded slightly and said, "Yuan Hao is right. Although this man comes from a humble background, he is quite talented. If he is sensible enough to come and serve under me, I may grant him an official position."
"Our lord is about to send the Second Prince to Xuchang to force Cao Cao to send the Emperor to Yecheng. This is a good opportunity for the Second Prince to bring Gu Cheng along as well."
Tian Feng then made another suggestion.
Yuan Shao then said, "Xi'er, did you hear that? You'll have another task when you go to Xuchang."
Yuan Xi cupped his hands and said proudly, "Father, rest assured. With your status, you would be honored to offer Gu Cheng an official position. He will surely be flattered and obediently return to the city with me to see you!"
Yuan Shao, however, was satisfied. He stroked his beard and sneered, "I want to see for myself what makes this Gu Cheng so special!"
The Gu residence is located in the eastern suburbs of Xudu.
No sooner had Cao Cao's army returned to the capital than Gu Cheng, having finished arranging his business in Xuzhou, also returned to Xuchang. Newlyweds separated for a short time, Cao Jie was naturally overjoyed and prepared a sumptuous feast to welcome her husband's return.
"My husband's trip to Xuzhou was not only very profitable, but he also brought back a beautiful woman. It seems the trip was worthwhile," Cao Jie said, sizing up Mi Huan with a meaningful tone. Gu Cheng coughed a few times, unsure how to explain.
Mi Huan blushed and hurriedly said, "Huan'er is all alone and helpless. I am grateful for your kindness in taking me in. I only wish to serve you as a servant to repay your kindness."
"That's right, that's right." Gu Cheng nodded repeatedly.
Cao Jie, with her keen insight, could tell from the moment Mi Huan entered the room that her feelings were far more than just repaying a debt of gratitude. As for Gu Cheng's treatment of her, although he was very respectful and never overstepped his bounds, Cao Jie could still discern that he treated her no differently than a servant. "My lord, please don't be suspicious. I am not a jealous woman; why would I resent you for bringing back your confidantes?" "I see that Wan'er and this young lady from the Mi family have already secretly fallen for you. Why don't you take them as concubines and give them a proper status?"
Cao Jie, surprisingly magnanimous, advised Gu Cheng to take a concubine in front of everyone. Gu Cheng choked on the mouthful of wine he had just taken a sip. Da Qiao and Mi Huan were even more astonished, their faces instantly flushed with embarrassment.
"Madam, you..." Gu Cheng looked at Cao Jie, unsure of what to say.
"It is only natural for a man to take a concubine. Besides, with a man as extraordinary as my husband, it would be strange if any girl didn't want to throw herself into his arms."
Cao Jie smiled softly and gently pressed Gu Cheng's hand.
"Since my husband has taken a liking to these two younger sisters, it is only natural for him to take them as concubines. Otherwise, outsiders would gossip and say that I am a jealous woman who does not know how to be a wife."
These words deeply moved Gu Cheng, a thousand emotions welling up within him. He had to admit, Cao Jie's virtuous wife was truly generous and considerate, beyond reproach. He had to acknowledge that, in a sense, this era was indeed a good time. "My wife's magnanimity leaves me speechless," Gu Cheng said, squeezing Cao Jie's hand tightly. Da Qiao and Mi Huan, however, lowered their heads shyly, remaining silent. "My two sisters, my husband intends to take you two as concubines. Do you have any objections?" Cao Jie asked, looking at the two women.
Their faces flushed, and they smiled faintly without speaking. Though they didn't utter a word, their hearts were already clear.
Cao Jie then smiled and said, "It seems that both of you sisters are willing. When does your husband plan to take them as your wives?" Gu Cheng had not yet spoken.
Cao Jie immediately said, "How about this, I will choose an auspicious day. You don't need to worry about any of the formalities for taking a concubine, I will handle them myself."
Even the ceremony for taking a concubine was eagerly performed by her; such virtuous conduct left Gu Cheng speechless. "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Madam." Gu Cheng pulled Cao Jie into his arms and nodded happily.
Cao Jie then chose an auspicious day and personally went to Xudu to make the necessary preparations, busying himself with various tasks. A few days later, Gu Cheng held a concubine-taking ceremony at his estate, formally taking Da Qiao and Mi Huan as his wives.
The inner hall of the Sikong Mansion. The Cao family father and son are playing chess.
"Father, my younger sister is truly generous, allowing her husband to take two wives at once," Cao Ang remarked as he placed his piece.
"When your brother-in-law emerges from seclusion and assists your father in pacifying the world, the Gu family will rise to prominence and become a renowned and prestigious clan."
"In the world, is there any noble family that has only one son?"
"Your sister wants him to take care of the family and have children as soon as possible. This is the magnanimity a virtuous wife should have." Cao Cao praised his daughter, extremely satisfied with what she had done.
Cao Ang suddenly realized what was happening, but then said, "Father, Yuan Shao has already destroyed Gongsun Zan, and now he has sent Yuan Xi to force us to hand over the emperor. The day of the decisive battle is not far off. It is time to ask my brother-in-law to come out of seclusion so that he can advise you on military matters and make plans at any time."
Cao Cao seemed to be deep in thought.
After a long while, Cao Cao said, "You're right. It's time to take it a step further. Why don't you choose an opportunity to reveal your identity to your brother-in-law and ask him to come out of seclusion, and test the waters first?"
"I understand," Cao Ang readily accepted the order. Cao Cao placed a white piece in his hand and laughed, "Zixiu, you've lost this game."
Cao Ang had no choice but to concede defeat, and said with his hands clasped, "I can't beat Father in this game of chess. There's no time to lose, so I'll go see my brother-in-law now."
"Go, I await your good news." Cao Cao waved his hand.
Cao Ang immediately got up, left the Sikong Mansion, and headed straight for the Gu Residence in the eastern suburbs of Xuchang.
Inside Gu's house.
Gu Cheng reclined in a rocking chair, leisurely sipping fine wine. Cao Jie knelt beside him, occasionally offering him more. Da Qiao played the zither, Diao Chan danced gracefully, and Mi Huan sang a folk song from her hometown. The harmonious scene before him filled Gu Cheng with contentment; he felt that life could be no more joyful than this. At this moment...
Xu Chu entered the courtyard and bowed, saying, "Young Master, a procession of carriages has arrived outside the manor. One of the men claims to be Yuan Xi, the second young master of the Yuan family, and wishes to pay his respects to you."
The music and dance abruptly stopped. The beauties all looked surprised, their gazes simultaneously turning to Gu Cheng.
"Yuan Xi?"
"I heard he was sent on a mission to Xuchang to force Cao Sikong to send the emperor to Yecheng. Why did he suddenly come to visit my husband?" Cao Jie's eyes were suspicious, and he became alert.
Gu Cheng, however, didn't take it seriously and waved his hand lazily: "What second young master of the Yuan family? I'm not familiar with him, I won't see him."
Xu Chu accepted the order and left.
At this moment, outside the Gu residence, Yuan Xi stood with his hands behind his back, pacing impatiently.
"What kind of status does this young master have? The dignified second young master of the Yuan family, yet he dares to visit a mere member of a small clan, and we have to announce his arrival, making him wait outside the door? This is utterly impolite!"
Guo Tu noticed that Yuan Xi was unhappy, so he fanned the flames from the side.
Yuan Xi snorted coldly, but pretended to be magnanimous and said, "Forget it. Since there have always been many extraordinary people who are arrogant, I will not bother with him because of his talent and wisdom."
"The Second Young Master is indeed extraordinary, with the demeanor of a lord," Guo Tu quickly flattered, then added, "However, I have heard that this man is determined to live in seclusion and will not even serve Cao Cao. I am afraid that the Young Master may not be able to recruit him on this trip."
"Cao Cao is nothing more than the descendant of a eunuch." "My Yuan family has held high office for four generations, and my father is the most powerful warlord in the land. I reckon he will no longer dare to pretend to be aloof and will be flattered and gladly follow me to Hebei."
Yuan Xi, arrogant and disdainful of Cao Cao, quickly chimed in, "Second Young Master is right. It is an honor for Lord Yuan to send Second Young Master to recruit him. I believe no one in the world would dare to refuse."
Yuan Xi let out a cold laugh.
At this moment, the tightly closed gates of the mansion were finally opened.
Before Xu Chu could speak, Guo Tu said unhappily, "Our second young master has come to pay his respects in person, why doesn't your young master come to greet him?" "I'm sorry, gentlemen," Xu Chu said expressionlessly, giving a slight bow, "Our young master is busy today and will not be receiving guests. Please leave." Upon hearing this, Yuan Xi's expression changed drastically.
He truly hadn't expected that when the esteemed second young master of the Yuan family came to visit, Gu Cheng not only didn't come to greet him personally, but actually turned him away at the door.
This person is truly ungrateful.
Before Yuan Xi could react, Guo Tu angrily retorted, "Didn't you make it clear? It was Yuan Shao's second son who came to visit." "I made it perfectly clear," Yuan Xi replied, "my young master is simply too busy!"
Xu Chu said coldly.
Guo Tu's face changed drastically, and he angrily said, "When my young master came to Xudu, even Minister Cao had to personally receive him. Now he's come to visit a mere member of a minor clan, and he dares to refuse to see him?"
Xu Chu was furious and said in a deep voice, "My young master won't see anyone he doesn't want to see, not even if the emperor himself comes. If you keep making a fuss, don't blame me for beating you!"
He pressed down with his tiger-like paw, his knuckles cracking. Guo Tu stiffened and involuntarily took a half step back. Yuan Xi also felt greatly humiliated and was furious, wanting to storm off on the spot. But as soon as he turned around, he hesitated.
"If I don't even meet Gu Cheng once, how can I go back to Hebei without being accused of being incompetent and failing in my duty?"
With a quick thought, Yuan Xi suppressed his anger and turned back around.
He took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said, "Please inform your young master that my father, Yuan Benchu, has long admired Young Master Gu and has specially ordered me to come and pay him a visit!"