"Go on." Cao Pi thought, Now this is one of my own—someone who dares expose the real problem, unlike outsiders who only spout irrelevant nonsense.
Xiahou Shang nodded. "As a soldier, I naturally consider matters chiefly from a military perspective. Liu Bei has fierce generals like clouds beneath his command. In the past, the State of Wei had ample troops in Yong-Liang and feared nothing, but now Liu Bei's deployment along the western front is already on par with ours. General Zidan has it far too hard. Your Majesty must swiftly reinforce Guanzhong and deny Liu Bei even a moment to catch his breath."
"General Boren's words are sound, but the garrisons around Luoyang have all been transferred to Northern Jing to resist Guan Yu. If we draw troops away to Guanzhong now, Guan Yu will surely seize the chance to strike at our rear. Should Nanyang and Nanxiang fall as a result, Guan Yu could march straight to Luoyang. Then what pass could possibly hold him back?" Minister over the Masses Hua Xin raised an objection.
Xiahou Shang answered calmly, "The situation in Northern Jing has improved lately. Guan Yu has even begun contracting his front, which shows that he is already an arrow at the end of its flight. We can absolutely give it a try. First, withdraw part of the forces to Luoyang for rest and reorganization. If Guan Yu counterattacks, we can immediately reinforce them. In addition, the Grand Marshal, Cao Ren, has entered a stalemate with Lu Xun at Ruxu Pass. I suggest withdrawing part of those troops to fill the gaps on the Jing Province battlefield. Then we need not fear Guan Yu taking the opportunity to advance north."
Cao Pi stroked his beard in praise. "Boren is indeed a man skilled in war.