Three Kingdoms, Myth

"Liu Xuande is a hero, unwavering in his ideals despite wealth and power. Unlike what you all initially thought, I recognized long ago that Liu Xuande came for me. In his mind, killing me is more important than taking Xuzhou. Even though some of his subordinates might help cover up the Xuzhou massacre, once Liu Xuande learns the truth..." A bitter smile appeared on Cao Cao's face.

Cao Cao knew he had gone too far this time. If Liu Bei discovered the truth, given his benevolence towards the people, a battle to the death would be inevitable. Thus, Cao Cao had already prepared for a confrontation with Liu Bei and even intended to use Liu Bei's anger to seize victory.

"Lord, let us not dwell on this matter for now. We should first deal with the Danyang soldiers. Once we break Cao Bao's forces, Xuzhou will be defenseless for a while," Cheng Yu said calmly.

"The Danyang veterans are indeed formidable, a remnant of Tao Qian's forces from his campaigns in Xiliang. Their strength is undeniable. However, with Liu Bei in the background, we should avoid direct attacks on Cao Bao. Although Cao Bao lacks military knowledge, the battle-hardened Danyang soldiers, even without command, can rely on their experience to unleash tremendous power," Xun You added, frowning slightly.

The most troublesome aspect of elite soldiers is their extensive combat experience. Even without orders, they know how to act according to the situation on the battlefield, adjusting their actions based on the circumstances without needing commands.

As Xun You spoke, a glint of brilliance flashed in his eyes, though his expression quickly returned to its usual stoic appearance.

"This is indeed a difficult matter. If we could capture such a large number of elite veterans, it would greatly bolster our forces in Yanzhou," Cao Cao said enviously.

More than thirty thousand veterans, half of whom had fought in the Xiliang campaigns under Tao Qian, while the rest had also seen combat in various battles. If such a force could be incorporated into his army, it would be a tremendous boost for Cao Cao, who was short on seasoned troops.

"The Danyang soldiers are essentially mercenaries. If we capture them, we can integrate them into our ranks," Cheng Yu agreed.

However, Cheng Yu couldn't help but sigh as he thought of the Danyang veterans' combat prowess. "Cao Bao may lack talent and virtue, but even without him, the Danyang veterans—guided by their centurions, captains, and sergeants—wouldn't be easily defeated. They've experienced too many battles; they know what to do even without orders."

"I believe that having Cao Bao in command is precisely why we can win this battle easily," Xun You, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

"Does Gongda have a brilliant strategy?" Cao Cao asked, overjoyed.

"The reason the Danyang veterans are known for their discipline is that, despite being mercenaries, they strictly follow orders," Xun You said, his expression blank. "For an effective commander, it's enough to trust in the Danyang soldiers' combat abilities and issue orders at the right time. But with Cao Bao…"

"What a brilliant plan!" Cheng Yu quickly grasped Xun You's intent, clapping his hands in laughter.

Cao Cao, after pondering briefly, also understood Xun You's meaning, and a smile spread across his face. By constantly forcing Cao Bao to issue orders, the Danyang soldiers would eventually fall into disarray due to Cao Bao's lack of military knowledge.

"In that case, we don't need to recall Yuanrang and Miaocai just yet. Each time a new reinforcement arrives, it will further disrupt the Danyang soldiers' orders. Eventually, chaos will ensue, and defeating them will be a breeze," Cao Cao said, now eagerly anticipating the prospect of capturing the Danyang veterans.

As for whether Cao Bao would issue misguided orders, Cao Cao was certain that he would. People inexperienced in battle often made that mistake, especially when they couldn't accurately assess the battlefield.

This would lead to a disconnect between reality and perception, as well as a disconnect between the commander and his troops. Situations that seemed dangerous to the commander might not actually be so, and vice versa, leading to misjudgments. After several such incidents, chaos would be inevitable.

"We need to choose the right battlefield. If we send a challenge to battle, the recently victorious Cao Bao will likely accept it. And to show his magnanimity, he'll agree to fight at the location of our choosing. So, let's pick a place suitable for large-scale combat," Cheng Yu said, now focused on the map. Their goal was to expand their forces, not to kill as many enemies as possible.

"Here," Xun You pointed to a spot on the map with his slender finger. "Treating prisoners of war humanely is also a virtue for a lord. Promising 'no killing of those who surrender' can help us wash away the negative impact of the past. After holding the Danyang soldiers for ten days, we can use the wealth we've gathered to persuade them."

Both Cheng Yu and Cao Cao looked at the plain where the Yishui and Yellow Rivers met and nodded. The area was ideal for a large-scale battle. The ice was beginning to thin; it might support a few people crossing, but definitely not tens of thousands.

"In that case, let's do it. I don't believe Cao Bao has the ability to lead the Danyang soldiers into a back-against-the-wall situation," Cao Cao said, laughing heartily.

"If it weren't for Cao Bao, there might be a chance. But with him in charge, it's impossible. Cao Bao is overly ambitious but lacks the talent. When the situation turns against him, he'll undoubtedly flee, giving us an opportunity," Cheng Yu added with a smile.

Cao Cao quickly wrote a letter challenging Cao Bao to battle and sent it to Pengcheng, awaiting Cao Bao's response.

That very day, Cao Bao's reply arrived, unaltered and even suggesting that if Cao Cao was dissatisfied with the chosen battlefield, they could select another, as he wouldn't mind.

"So confident," Cheng Yu laughed after reading the letter. "This battle will end Xuzhou's resistance. Cao Bao truly lives up to his name!"

"Gongda, you don't seem very excited," Cao Cao remarked, writing orders to the Xiahou brothers while contemplating the impact of defeating Cao Bao.

"I'm considering what Liu Xuande's attack style will be like, given his temperament," Xun You replied calmly.

"Given Liu Xuande's benevolence, once he learns the truth, he'll likely want to tear me apart. Based on our previous encounters, there's a good chance he'll recklessly launch an attack against me," Cao Cao said without hesitation.

Xun You quietly calculated, unaware that Jia Xu was counting on just that.