But Yuan Shao's own Ji Province Army had its hands and feet tied by Gongsun Zan, leaving him only two choices-recall Gao Gan or send Yuan Tan's troops to the rescue.
"Exactly."
Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction as well.
As long as Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan both had their hands full, he would no longer have to live in fear.
After destroying Lü Bu, he could swallow up Sun Ce's forces, taking possession of Yan Province, Yu Province, Yang Province, Xu Province, and a vast stretch of southern territory. His strength would undergo a heaven-and-earth transformation!
Then he would be at no disadvantage when facing Yuan Shao.
What a pity.
Xu You felt some regret.
In fact, he had thought of Xun You's idea long ago, and he understood that sending troops now was the best choice. His only reason for advising Cao Cao against it was to buy Lü Bu time to swallow up Sun Ce's forces.
But Cao Cao's advisers were no mere wine sacks and rice bags. Unlike the men under Yuan Shao, who undermined one another amid vicious factional struggles, they knew what the best choice was.
Being an inside agent here was no easy task.
Once the discussion was settled, Cao Cao made his decision. "I will write separately to Ma Teng and Zhou Yu and form alliances with them both."
"Your thinking wasn't wrong either, Ziyuan, but sometimes we must take a gamble to reap greater gains. Isn't that so?"
Cao Cao did not forget to smile and offer Xu You a few reassuring words.
Xu You smiled without saying more. He knew Cao Cao's temperament. Sometimes he could not hold too firmly to his position, or he would arouse Cao Cao's suspicions.
Making his point and stopping there was enough.
There would