Jia Wenhe Prescribes the Right Medicine

Upon hearing the words of Jia Xu, Cao Cao's frail body gave a sudden jolt; that voice was like a Timely Rain in a parched desert, bringing a sense of relief and clarity to his very soul.

"You have a brilliant strategy? Pray, tell me at once." Cao Cao seemed to experience a final burst of vitality, his entire complexion suddenly improving.

Jia Xu stroked his beard and stood up. Looking into Cao Cao's expectant eyes, he spoke slowly: "For years, I have been agonizing over how Liu Bei could grow from the cracks to become a rival to the King of Wei. On the surface, it appears to be nothing more than soldiers willing to die and advisors offering counsel, but in reality, there is a master strategist laying the groundwork behind him. Lan Tian is likely one of these architects. Only by diagnosing the illness can we prescribe the right medicine."

"What medicine should be used to strike at him?" Cao Cao asked anxiously.

Jia Xu frowned and said: "Liu Bei possesses the valor of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Ma Chao, and is further aided by the strategic minds of Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, and Xu Shu. This is the peak of Shu under Liu Bei. I suggest we cease hostilities for now, allow the people to recuperate, quell internal unrest, and train our troops while waiting for the opportune moment."

"That scoundrel Liu Bei is wolf-hearted and ambitious. Wenhe, your desire for a temporary truce is likely wishful thinking." Cao Cao shook his head repeatedly.

Jia Xu paced back and forth, frowning as he analyzed: "After years of warfare, the people are exhausted, and Liu Bei also needs time to catch his breath; that is why Guan Yu did not pursue his victory. As