Xun Yu cupped his hands and said:
"Thank you for seeking my counsel, my lord. In my view, the Grand Marshal has just passed away, and the people of Jizhou are in turmoil. A new ruler must be established as soon as possible. In this time of crisis, who but you, my lord, can accomplish great things? Moreover, you are currently accompanying the Emperor on his tour. This is a heaven-sent opportunity!
"You should ask the Emperor to issue an edict granting you the esteemed position of Grand Marshal and appointing you Governor of Jizhou, while rewarding Jizhou's civil and military officials to put their hearts at ease. If you enter Ye City bearing the edict, you will surely be able to pacify it. Once Ye City is pacified, Jizhou will be yours. With Jizhou secured, the Four Provinces of Hebei will submit without question."
Xun Yu truly kept his word. So long as it did not involve fighting Cao Cao, he no longer remained silent.
"Did not involve fighting Cao Cao" meant that when facing Cao Cao in battle, Xun Yu would not help devise strategies. Don't be pedantic and claim that helping Bai Xiaowen unify Hebei meant opposing Cao Cao...
Dong Zhao also quickly calmed down. Yuan Shao was dead, and the balance of power between the Yuan Clan and Cao Cao had reversed. It was too late for regret now. He could only follow Yuan Xi down this path to the end. Fortunately, Yuan Xi appeared ambitious and capable, worthy of serving as his lord.
Dong Zhao advised, "Jizhou has a population of five million. Its people are prosperous and its lands wealthy; it is the foundation of Hebei. The late Grand Marshal built his power upon it. Lord Xun is absolutely correct. My lord should enter