Xun Yu's analysis plunged Cao Cao into silence.
Everyone present knew Kong Rong's character well.
Back then, he had dared to point at Dong Zhuo's nose and curse him. There was no possibility that Yuan Shao had coerced him, much less bought him off.
His eyes red, Cao Cao said in a hoarse voice, "Kong Rong is a model for scholars throughout the realm. To him, death would be preferable to a stain on his reputation."
"The only thing that could make him reach such an absurd decision, even at the cost of dragging his reputation through the mud, is what Wenruo said: he truly cannot distinguish the real Son of Heaven from the false one."
"To think Yuan Benchu could find someone who looks exactly like the Son of Heaven. Why does Heaven favor him so!"
The Imperial Palace, Xuan Room.
Guo Jia reported excitedly to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao sent Gongsun Zan a letter seeking reconciliation. Gongsun Zan gave no reply and instead strengthened his defenses. This afternoon, Yuan Shao decided to lead his army against You Province in person."
At these words, something stirred in Liu Xie's mind.
Historically, Yuan Shao had attacked Gongsun Zan in the third year of Jian'an. It was now the autumn of the second year of Jian'an.
It seemed his presence had brought the timing forward by a year.
Jia Xu was smiling as well. "The conflict between Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang has now fully erupted, and Feng Ji and Shen Pei are as incompatible as fire and water with Xin Ping, Guo Tu, and the others. With Yuan Shao about to leave Ye City as well, this is a heaven-sent opportunity!"
Equally excited, Liu Xie grasped Guo Jia's hand on one side and Jia Xu's on the