Clear Liu Bei Out First!

"Xuzhou is a major grain-producing province, exceptionally wealthy. In the Central Plains Region, it currently ranks just below us." Tian Feng was the first to speak.

"Xuzhou lies by the sea. Maritime transport is flourishing in Qingzhou, and taking Xuzhou would further benefit its development." Su Shuang was in charge of commerce.

"Xuzhou has an extremely long coastline, with broad prospects for developing marine fisheries. It could greatly supplement our meat supply." Xun Yue was in charge of fisheries and animal husbandry.

"Xuzhou's salt industry is flourishing. In particular, the Mi Family's saltworks are located in Xuzhou. They absolutely must not fall into anyone else's hands."

"There was a great drought throughout the realm last year, and little snow this winter. With droughts followed by locust plagues nine years out of ten, it can be predicted that next year will still be a year of disaster. We must ensure the food supply."

"Militarily speaking, once Cao Cao devours Xuzhou, he will possess Yan Province, Xuzhou, and half of Yuzhou, becoming the foremost warlord in the realm. His strength will surpass Yuan Shao's, which would be extremely disadvantageous to us."

After everyone had rattled off a whole host of reasons, Wang Xuan made the decision directly. "Enough. These reasons are sufficient. Make preparations and dispatch troops to Xuzhou!"

"What reason can we use to attack Xuzhou?" Lu Su asked with a frown. Although he agreed that might made right, attacking without a legitimate justification still felt awkward to him.

"A reason?" Wang Xuan's expression suddenly darkened. "Xuzhou belongs to the Han Dynasty. The Xuzhou aristocratic families wanted to surrender to Cao Cao, but because Tao Gongzu obstructed them, they poisoned him in his wine and assassinated him. As a member of the Imperial Clan Member, how could Duke Xuande allow villains