After Zhou Yu explained their strategy for attacking Xu Province in detail, he began asking about the situation on Cao Cao's side.
Cao Ren answered in Cao Cao's stead, "Our main army has already been transferred to Guandu to guard against the imperial army's offensive."
"With the advantage of the terrain, holding the imperial army back for three months will be no problem. Though we'll ultimately have to retreat to Yu Province, I believe three months should be enough for you to take Xu Province, Gongjin."
In terms of their overall strategy, Yan Province would inevitably have to be abandoned. Their final defensive line would be Yu Province and Xu Province, but they needed to stall for a while before that.
After all, Sun Quan would also need time to lead his troops in conquering Xu Province.
Zhou Yu nodded. "Xu Province has few troops, and we've made ample preparations this time. Three months will be more than enough."
The imperial court's armies were currently all around Bing Province and Ji Province. If they could not take a poorly defended Xu Province in three months, there would be no point talking about resisting the imperial court.
They might as well go straight home and wait to die.
Once Zhou Yu and Cao Ren finished their discussion, Cao Cao rose and smiled. "Gongjin, you so rarely visit Xu County. I simply must do my duty as your host."
"I've already ordered a banquet prepared. Allow me to entertain you properly later and wash away the dust of your journey."
Cao Cao's tone and manner were very warm.
But Zhou Yu refused outright. "Thank you for your kindness, Minister of Works, but there's no need for a banquet. I have important business to attend to and cannot stay long. Farewell."
With that,