I Have a Date with a Thousand-year-old Female Corpse-Chapter 1985 - 1987: Though He Shu Wishes for Stillness, the Wind Will Not Cease
Xun Yu stood aside, seeing this, he couldn’t help but furrow his brows and said, "Feng Xiao, you’ve been taking Dan Stone for such a long time, I’m afraid it’s extremely harmful to your body over time."
At this point, Xun Yu turned his head to look at Jia Xu. Although he said nothing, Xun Yu’s gaze was clearly one of blame fixed on Jia Xu.
"Alas, this can’t be blamed on me. I had already explained the dangers to Feng Xiao earlier, and even recommended a doctor to him. If Feng Xiao were willing to cultivate himself and recuperate, he could live another twenty to thirty years, but now..."
Jia Xu didn’t finish his sentence. It was true that he made the Dan Medicine, and although the efficacy was quick, it contained potent toxins. Taking one or two wouldn’t harm much, but long-term use would lead to certain death. Jia Xu had warned Guo Jia beforehand, but Guo Jia was inherently carefree, inseparable from wine and meat, and with his personality, he would never obediently stay in one place and do nothing to recuperate as per doctor’s orders.
Guo Jia showed no concern for his own illness, appearing quite carefree, without any trace of anxiety or worry in his smile, "Life and death are predestined. If I can help my lord achieve great success, then my life is worth it."
At this, Guo Jia paused, sighed, and said, "It’s a pity that Li Muyun, we truly cannot figure him out."
Cao Cao, upon hearing your name, immediately felt his blood surge, the world spinning around him.
"My lord!" Xun Yu quickly stepped forward to support Cao Cao, "Are you alright, my lord?"
Cao Cao sighed. He understood his own body better than anyone. He knew that his days were numbered.
To Cao Cao, death was not terrifying; what he feared was that his endeavor remained incomplete, and he didn’t want the Great Han to fall into your hands whatsoever. Cao Cao suddenly fixed a sinister gaze on Jia Xu and said venomously, "Jia Xu, I know you have more to say. I’m giving you another chance now. If you reveal Li Muyun’s current plans and future strategies, I will let you go immediately! Rest assured, I won’t disturb you again in the future!"
Jia Xu fell into contemplation, while Guo Jia and Xun Yu also stood particularly quietly on the side.
Xun Yu could be called Cao Cao’s butler. His relationship with Cao Cao was like Xiao He’s with Liu Bang, being someone Cao Cao relied on heavily. Guo Jia’s relationship with Cao Cao was more complicated; they seemed like lord and minister, but their bond surpassed that of longtime close friends. Guo Jia’s role was in surprise attacks and strategies. This time, it was Guo Jia’s strategy that enabled the capture of Chang’an and eradication of the Lü Family Clan.
Jia Xu was different; from the beginning to the end, he seldom spoke, let alone engaged in stratagems. However, Cao Cao always viewed Jia Xu differently, believing that this feared "Poison Master" was indeed a visionary strategist.
After a moment of thought, Jia Xu nodded and said, "Alright, I will speak."
Hearing Jia Xu’s willingness to be honest, Cao Cao immediately showed happiness, even the pallor on his face revealed a hint of vitality.
No one understood Cao Cao’s character better than Jia Xu. He knew that when Cao Cao spoke such words, it indicated that Cao Cao had probably guessed something, he was just unsure himself.
For Jia Xu, this was the only chance to escape Cao Cao’s control. All along, Jia Xu bore the notorious title of "Poison Master," but in truth, Jia Xu was a simple person with modest desires, only hoping for peace and well-being for himself and his family. If born in peaceful times, Jia Xu would surely see success unfurl, but in a world devoid of tranquility, amid the flames of war, his sole pursuit was self-preservation.
But the tree desires calm, yet the wind ceases not.
Sorting out his thoughts, Jia Xu slowly began to speak: "Based on my observations and speculations, I believe that in the next five years, Li Muyun will not act rashly. However, secretly, he will certainly make some moves, such as towards Japan. Although Xuzhou City is solid, with many soldiers and generals, given Li Muyun’s character, he is bound to wait."
"Wait for what?" Cao Cao asked.
Guo Jia and Xun Yu looked at Jia Xu simultaneously. Guo Jia stared closely into Jia Xu’s eyes, seemingly enlightened, yet spoke no more, only slightly lowering his head.
Jia Xu looked at Cao Cao and admitted, "I do not dare speak."
"You may speak freely. Know that this is your only chance!" Cao Cao seemed to know something already, but he wanted to hear Jia Xu say it aloud.
After a slight pace, Jia Xu suddenly turned to Cao Cao and said: "He’s waiting for my lord to pass!"
Cao Cao did not get angry; instead, his expression turned exceedingly gloomy.
Jia Xu continued, "Once my lord passes, the contention between the two young masters will surface. If my lord’s forces divide and even war internally, Li Muyun’s forces in Qing Zhou and Youzhou will insert themselves into the heart of Yan Province at the earliest opportunity! Should he sweep through the North, then Sun Quan in the South and Liu Bei in Yi State could hardly halt his Iron Riders. In less than eight years, he could unify the Nine Provinces!"
Cao Cao said solemnly, "Do you have a countermeasure?"
"There is one, but I cannot guarantee its success," Jia Xu replied rather conservatively.
"Let’s hear it."
Hearing Jia Xu does have a countermeasure, Cao Cao visibly felt more at ease. Though it was only Jia Xu’s speculation, Cao Cao was already confident in his heart because if he were you, he would do the same.
Even though he had already drafted a plan in mind, Jia Xu still pondered for a moment, since this matter was not just idle talk but determined the future of Cao Cao’s entire camp.
After contemplating thoroughly, Jia Xu then slowly laid out his plan: "Based on Li Muyun’s current strategy, the only thing my lord can do is to ally with Ma Chao of Xiliang, Liu Bei of Yi State, and Sun Quan of Yang Zhou. Four factions concentrate forces to discuss the traitor!"
Upon hearing Jia Xu’s suggestion, Cao Cao couldn’t help but recall those days when he and Yuan Shao gathered the Nine Provinces’ vassals to condemn the traitor Dong Zhuo.
If not for your appearance, Cao Cao would have long dominated the Central Plains and wouldn’t be prematurely aged, tormented endlessly by his headache.
Cao Cao’s hatred for you had long run deep into his bones!
At this moment, Guo Jia also stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said: "My lord, I also agree with Wenhe’s strategy."
Xun Yu equally clasped his hands and nodded to Cao Cao.
For once, the three shared a common thought, and Cao Cao immediately made a resolution, saying, "Good! Quickly summon Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Zhang here!"
In the time it took for a cup of tea to cool, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Zhang were already kneeling before Cao Cao’s bed.
"Father, what is the urgent reason you’ve summoned us?"
Although Cao Pi was the eldest, the foundation of Cao Cao should rightly be passed to him, Cao Zhi was also highly favored by Cao Cao. Naturally, some in the camp followed Cao Zhi, leading Cao Pi and Cao Zhi to engage in both open and secret rivalry. As for Cao Zhang, he naturally disinterested in politics, leaving Cao Pi and Cao Zhi to exclude him from their competition.
Cao Cao glanced at the three brothers, revealing a hint of satisfaction.
After hearing Jia Xu’s strategy earlier, for some reason, Cao Cao found the state of his health seemed markedly improved.
Cao Cao suddenly sat up, addressing the three brothers, "I have an urgent task for you to undertake."
"Please instruct, Father, we will spare no effort!" Cao Zhi eagerly interjected.
Cao Cao did not speak directly; instead, he asked Cao Pi, "I hear you’ve had dealings with Liu Bei of Yi State?"
