Chapter 56 Cao Cao is in a life-or-death situation, and the genius Guo Jia offers a plan to survive by cutting off his arm
After Zhao Yun rescued Emperor Liu Xie and Yang Biao, everyone returned to Wancheng at full speed.

Even in order to prevent Cao Cao from getting the news in advance and encircling them.

Zhao Yun also carefully arranged for the Loyal and Brave Guards to set up an ambush along the way to kill Cao’s army on their way from Xu Du to Wancheng.

Zhao Yun and his party quickly returned to Wancheng. However, before Zhao Yun, Liu Xie and his party arrived in Wancheng, they received shocking news.

After Sun Quan sent Zhou Yu as the commander-in-chief to lead an army of 100,000 to attack Hefei, Liu Biao of Jingzhou appointed Wen Pin as the general and also led an army of 100,000 to help Wancheng resist Cao’s army.

“Your Majesty, this is really good news. Now, not only has Sun Quan sent troops to attack Cao Cao, but even Jingzhou Governor Liu Biao has joined the battle. The three princes are attacking Cao together. Even if Cao Cao is not defeated, this crisis will be resolved.”

On the official road to Wancheng, Yang Biao was very happy to hear the news and said to Liu Xie excitedly.

“Yes, this is really good news. Cao Cao can no longer act so recklessly!”

Liu Xie also waved his fist vigorously, his face full of excitement.

In the past, he regarded Dong Zhuo as a traitor to the country.

So, now, he regards Cao Cao as a traitor, a traitor, and an evil villain.

However, before Liu Xie and others had gone far, another piece of news came.

If it is said that Liu Biao sent an army of 100,000 to help fight against Cao Cao in Wancheng, it would be shocking.

But the next piece of news caused an uproar among the princes of the world.

This explosive news has already swept the world.

Gao Gan, the governor of Bingzhou, joined forces with Ma Teng and Han Sui to raise an army of 200,000 troops to surround and attack Zhong Yao, the commander of the Sili Army in Luoyang city.

“Is the whole world going to rebel against Cao? He deserves it, he deserves it, haha.”

On the official road, Liu Xie, riding on a horse, learned that Guanzhong was also in chaos, and that Ma Teng and Han Sui had joined forces with high-ranking officials of Bingzhou to attack Zhong Yao, and he was quite happy.

He knew that although Zhong Yao was appointed as the Inspector of the Imperial Guard by him.

However, Zhong Yao obeyed Cao Cao’s orders.

During the “Dong Zhuo Rebellion”, Zhong Yao followed Cao Cao to quell the rebellion, and in the process he offered advice and suggestions, which earned him great favor from Cao Cao. At the same time, he also discussed with Shangshu Lang Han Bin and others, and successfully rescued him from Chang’an. Because of his repeated outstanding achievements, he was appointed as the Chief Censor, and was promoted to the position of Shizhong, Shangshu Pushe, and was granted the title of Dongwu Tinghou.

From these things, it can be seen that Zhong Yao seemed to be loyal to the Han Dynasty.

However, how could a person who was simply loyal to the Han Dynasty be valued by Cao Cao and become a senior official of Cao Cao with such an important task as the Inspector of the Imperial Guards?

Zhong Yao did not simply listen to Liu Xie, but decided his own actions based on the situation when Cao Cao was in power.

He not only worked for Cao Cao, but also helped Liu Xie out of trouble at critical moments.

Liu Xie was happy, but on the other side, outside Wancheng, Cao Cao, who had already set up his battle formation and was attacking Wancheng fiercely, was confused.

Sun Quan led an army of 100,000 to attack Hefei.

Liu Biao also sent an army of 100,000 to the north and stationed them in Xinye, ready to march north and join forces with Liu Bei’s army to attack Cao’s army at any time.

Although Cao Cao was furious at the attacks of Sun Quan and Liu Biao’s armies, he could still bear it. However, the chaos in Guanzhong was something Cao Cao could no longer accept.

Outside Wancheng, Cao’s army retreated like the tide.

Liu Wu, together with Zhang Fei, Guan Yu, Xu Shu, Pang Tong and others, stepped onto the blood-stained city wall and watched Cao’s army return to the camp.

“The Cao army has retreated. They must have received the news from Guanzhong. The morale of the Cao army must be low now. Zihao, can you lead the army to attack them while the situation is favorable?”

Guan Yu had a smile on his face and stroked his beautiful beard. He also knew that Cao’s army was now in a state of being surrounded on all sides, so he laughed out loud.

Having been attacked by Cao’s army for half a month, he could no longer wait to break out and kill a lot of people.

“No, General Guan, you absolutely cannot do that.”

As soon as Guan Yu finished speaking, Pang Tong’s voice sounded hurriedly.

Everyone immediately looked at Pang Tong.

Before, seeing Pang Tong’s appearance which was not worthy of being in the upper class, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Jian Yong all looked down on him.

However, now, Pang Tong actually persuaded the Jingxiang families to send an army of 100,000 to help, which made Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong and others look at him with admiration.

Although they judge people by their appearance, this is a tradition during the Han Dynasty. People with handsome looks are indeed more appealing.

However, although they judged people by their appearance, they were not stupid. They all understood that Pang Tong had great talent and naturally respected him.

Even Zhuge Liang, who had already brought back the good news, left Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong and others dumbfounded.

He persuaded the Bingzhou governor Gao Gan to go south, contact the princes in Guanzhong, and let Ma Teng and Han Sui rebel against Cao Cao, with a total coalition force of 200,000.

This is the Allied Forces!
Pang Tong, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei couldn’t help but give a thumbs up when they were drinking.

Now, he wanted to lead his troops out of the city and strike a severe blow to Cao’s army when their morale was low. How could such a talented person like Pang Tong not allow him to do so?
“Mr. Shiyuan, why don’t you send troops? Please help me solve this puzzle.” Guan Yu stroked his beautiful beard and asked Pang Tong with a bow.

If it were before, Guan Yu would have glanced away disdainfully and ignored him, but not now.

Pang Tong listened to Guan Yu’s question and saw that everyone was looking at him. He did not hesitate and bowed to Liu Wu and said:

“My lord, Cao Cao is surrounded by killing sounds, so he must be in a state of confusion. At this time, we don’t need to fight as a vanguard for the princes and consume Cao’s army. We just need to sit back and reap the benefits.”

“Sun Quan’s Jiangdong Army, as well as Gao Gan, Ma Teng, and Han Sui in Guanzhong will definitely fight with Cao Cao. In this case, we don’t have to rush to fight with Cao’s army.”

Pang Tong’s words made the eyes of Liu Wu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong, Mi Zhu and others light up.

“In that case, we really don’t have to fight Cao Cao to the death. However, what about sitting back and reaping the benefits?” Guan Yu agreed with Pang Tong’s words, and then asked curiously.

When Pang Tong heard this, a strange smile appeared on his face, and he said:

“That goes without saying. No matter who fights Cao’s army, Cao’s army will be weakened. Cao Cao has three states in Guandong. It is a good time for us to expand our territory in Nanyang.”

“However, how and where to occupy the territory depends on the reaction of Cao’s army. But General Guan and General Zhang, you can rest and ensure sufficient combat power to wait for changes in the situation.”

Pang Tong’s words made everyone’s eyes light up. Seizing Cao Cao’s territory, just thinking about it was exciting.

Ever since the world fell into chaos, it has been Cao Cao who has been seizing other people’s territories. When will it be someone else’s turn to seize Cao Cao’s territory?

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Guan Ping, Liao Hua, Zhou Cang and others were all extremely excited.

“Mr. Shiyuan, you are truly a talented person. I, Zhang Fei, will listen to you from now on.” Zhang Fei was filled with joy. He patted Pang Tong on the shoulder and said loudly.

Pang Tong grimaced in pain. At this time, Liu Wu smiled and said:

“Zilong should be bringing the emperor back soon. This is another blow to Cao Cao. It seems that the dominance that Cao Cao had gathered after defeating Yuan Shao has been broken up by us.”

Liu Wu’s words shifted everyone’s attention to Liu Xie.

Whether it was Pang Tong, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Jian Yong or others, they all nodded, agreeing that Liu Xie’s arrival in Wancheng would do more good than harm.

Although there is an emperor above us, the key is to uphold justice.

Think about Cao Cao. After he became emperor, he commanded this one, rewarded that one, and suppressed the princes with imperial edicts. How cool it was.

This is the great benefit of using the emperor to control the princes.

“Zilong has sent a message. They will be able to arrive in Wancheng tonight with the emperor.” Jian Yong bowed to Liu Wu and said.

“Okay, we will welcome His Majesty into the city tonight. You all heard it. Let the army recuperate and prepare to seize Cao Cao’s territory.” Liu Wu smiled to everyone.

“Yes!” All the generals laughed and said nothing. At this time they launched a fierce attack on Cao’s army.

Outside Wancheng, Cao’s army camp stretched for more than ten miles, with flags covering the sky.
Cao Cao did feel headache and frightened because of the sudden siege by the princes from all directions.

In the big tent.

“Damn Liu Biao, Ma Teng, Han Sui, how dare they send out troops? Dare to resist, aren’t Ma Teng and Han Sui afraid that Cao will kill their hostages?”

Cao Cao angrily smashed the bamboo slips on the table, and a roar rang out.

Guo Jia, Xun You, Jia Xu, Cheng Yu, Cao Hong, Cao Chun, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Xu Chu, Le Jin, Zhang He and other civil and military officials in the big tent were all silent, their faces were heavy, and the atmosphere was very depressing.

Facing the current situation, even the four top counselors, Guo Jia, Xun You, Jia Xu and Cheng Yu, frowned and were quite surprised and suspicious.

Because the time was too short and the news was too little, they still don’t understand why Liu Biao and Gao Gan suddenly sent troops.

However, all four of them understood that the situation was too unfavorable for Cao Cao. He was surrounded on all sides, with enemies everywhere. The combined strength of the troops was as much as 500,000. How could he win?
Cao Cao was still not satisfied after smashing the tent. At this moment, a messenger walked into the tent quickly, looking a little panicked, and reported to Cao Cao:

“Si Sikong, it’s bad. The Shangshu Ling sent someone to deliver the news that Tianzi was kidnapped by someone. It should be Liu Bei’s troops in Wancheng.”

The messenger’s voice exploded like thunder in the big tent. Cao Cao, Guo Jia, Xun You, Jia Xu, and Cheng Yu all looked up suddenly, staring at the messenger in disbelief.

What did they hear?
The emperor was kidnapped?

Could it be Liu Bei’s troops in Wancheng?
“What did you say? Say it again? Isn’t the emperor in the palace in Xudu? How could he be kidnapped? How dare you spread false information and disrupt our army’s morale?”

Cao Cao was shocked and angry. He drew his sword, grabbed the messenger and shouted angrily.

“Please spare me, Sikong, please spare me. I really don’t have any false information. This is a letter written by Shang Shuling himself.”

The messenger hurriedly took out the bamboo slips and handed them to Cao Cao, fearing that Cao Cao would chop him down.

Cao Cao grabbed the bamboo slip and started reading it. After reading it, Cao Cao’s eyes turned bloodshot. The bamboo slip said that Yang Biao and Fu Wan’s families disappeared and participated in the emperor’s secret escape.

“Xun Yu, you have misled me. You have misled me greatly.”

Cao Cao chopped the table angrily, and suddenly his eyes went dark and he fainted.

“Sikong, Sikong, what’s wrong with you? Military doctor, call the military doctor.”

Cao Cao suddenly fainted, and everyone in the tent panicked and rushed over.

……

In the middle of the night, inside the big tent, Cao Cao slowly opened his eyes, and what he saw was still the central army tent. Inside the tent were Guo Jia, Xun You, Jia Xu, Cheng Yu, Cao Hong, Cao Chun, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Xu Chu, Le Jin, Zhang He and other civil and military officials. They were all looking at him. When they saw that he woke up, they excitedly called out Cao Cao’s name.

“What time is it?” Cao Cao asked weakly.

“Sikong, it’s already midnight.” Cheng Yu said to Cao Cao.

“Hehe, it’s midnight and you’re still here. It looks like the situation is very bad.” Cao Cao couldn’t help but laugh at himself.

Listening to Cao Cao’s self-mockery, Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Xun You and others all had dim eyes. The situation was not very bad, it was too bad, so bad that Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Xun You and others felt powerless to save the situation.

While Cao Cao was unconscious, they sorted out the current situation.

There is simply no solution.

Who dares to believe it?

The strongest prince in the world, Cao Cao, who had destroyed Lu Bu, killed Yuan Shu, subdued Zhang Xiu, and defeated Yuan Shao the moment before, became the common target of attack by all the princes the next moment.

In fact, after they sorted out the situation, they found that it was because Cao Cao was too strong, he destroyed Lu Bu, killed Yuan Shu, subdued Zhang Xiu, and defeated Yuan Shao, and his popularity was too great. Liu Bei, Liu Biao, Sun Quan, Gao Gan, Ma Teng, Han Sui and others all had a huge sense of crisis and regarded Cao Cao as a major threat.

Therefore, they wanted to send troops to kill Cao Cao together.

Now that someone is taking the lead and can defeat Cao Cao, how could Liu Biao, Sun Quan, Gao Gan, Ma Teng, Han Sui and others be unwilling?

The three stupid brothers Yuan Shang, Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi haven’t reacted yet.

I believe that when the three pig-headed brothers of the Yuan family, Yuan Shang, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Xi, looked back and saw that Cao Cao was facing siege from many princes, I am afraid that the three of them would take advantage of the situation to point their spearheads at Cao Cao and participate in dividing up Cao Cao’s territory.

After all, Cao Cao was the murderer of Yuan Shao.

The truth is, everyone beats a drowning dog.

When you fall from power and have bad luck, even drinking cold water will get stuck in your teeth.

Faced with the indignation of the heroes, the princes attacked Cao Cao together.

Guo Jia, Xun You, Cheng Yu and Jia Xu were all furious.

“Sikong, we must have a strategy now. If our prediction is correct, soon, the three brothers Yuan Shang, Yuan Tan, and Yuan Xi will lead their troops to attack southward. We can’t afford to delay.”

Cheng Yu gritted his teeth and said to Cao Cao.

“Tell me, what do you think?” Cao Cao was not a stupid man, on the contrary, he was very smart. How could he not know the current situation?

Guo Jia then bowed to Cao Cao, sighed slightly, and finally said:
“If you don’t make a decision when you should, you will suffer the consequences. Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou and half of Yangzhou, three and a half states, can no longer be saved.”

“Even the emperor Liu Bei has been robbed. The land of Guandong and Xudu are no longer of any value. The best strategy now is to cut off the arm to survive. Draw troops from Guandong and send them all to Guanzhong to defeat Gao Gan, Ma Teng, and Han Sui, occupy the land of Guanzhong, and then plan for development.”

“Leave Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou and half of Yangzhou, three and a half states of land, to Liu Biao, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, Yuan Tan, Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi and other princes to fight over. In this way, they will have no time to take care of us. We can deal with Ma Teng, Han Sui and Gao Gan in Guanzhong, and then we will come back to settle accounts with the princes in Guandong.”

Inside the big tent, Guo Jia said he would cut off his arm in order to survive, and gave up the lands of Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou and half of Yangzhou, three and a half states. This made Cao Hong, Cao Chun, Cao Xiu, Xiahou Shang, Xu Chu, Le Jin, Zhang He and other generals all shocked and stunned. They looked at Guo Jia in dumbfounded. What did they hear?
(End of this chapter)