Having decided on his idea, Cao Cao immediately began to write.

Cao Cao wrote: "In the northeast, there are the Xianbei, Wuhuan, and Fuyu to the north, and Goguryeo and the Three Hans to the east. It can be said that we are surrounded by enemies on all sides."

If it were to fall into my possession, it could serve as a shield for the provinces of Ji, Bing, and Qing, or as a rear base for advancing westward into the grasslands.

If they were enemies, Qing and Ji provinces would be threatened, Bingzhou alone would be unable to withstand the attack, and many inner prefectures would be constantly under threat.

Cao Cao then began to elaborate on the importance of the various products of the Northeast to the Han Dynasty, drawing on historical records of tributes from the various tribes in the Northeast.

Like Cao Cao, many insightful Imperial Guard trainees also chose the northeast direction to answer the questions.

Dian Wei, on the other hand, sat in his seat, looking at the questions, scratching his head, not knowing how to answer them.

It wasn't that Dian Wei didn't study hard. When Xu Rong and Zhu Jun were lecturing, Dian Wei listened attentively and took notes diligently, but he still couldn't figure it out.

It must be said that military strategy does require talent, which unfortunately Dian Wei lacked.

Sitting upright in the chief examiner's seat, Liu Hong looked at Dian Wei's embarrassed appearance and then turned to Zhang Rang beside him.

Zhang Rang understood, and tiptoed to Dian Wei's side, then whispered, "The Han Dynasty is like His Majesty, and the Northeast is like you!"

After saying that, Zhang Rang lingered among the other trainees for a moment before returning to Liu Hong's side.

After Zhang Rang left, Dian Wei blinked and glanced at Liu Hong in the main seat, and immediately had an idea.

Before long, all the students finished answering the questions.

Liu Hong also began to personally review the examination papers of Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Sun Jian, Liu Bei, and others.

Although the answers given by the participants differed, they all revolved around the same theme that Liu Hong had envisioned.

Ultimately, Liu Hong personally reviewed and approved it.

Soon, Huangfu Gui, Xu Rong, Zhu Jun, and the staff of the Military and Political Affairs Department finished reviewing the papers and selected 500 qualified ones.

Three days later, the graduation list was sent back to the Imperial Guard Camp, and the trainees who passed the test couldn't help but cheer.

Subsequently, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, and the graduates took a month's rest to return home and reunite with their families while awaiting their appointments from the imperial court.

The remaining 1,500 remained in the Imperial Guard Camp to continue training and studying, awaiting their graduation assessment next year.

The Cao residence.

Looking at his son sitting in front of him, Cao Song was overjoyed.

"Aman, you are sixteen years old this year. You have already understood what you could understand and learned what you could learn. I have nothing more to tell you, but there is one thing you must remember!"

Cao Cao said respectfully, "Father, please speak!"

"You always only care about the result and not the process when you do things, which is not good!!"

Cao Song paused for a moment, then continued, "Although I have never led troops on a campaign, I know that in military affairs, a single move can have far-reaching consequences."

The purpose of war is merely to defeat the enemy; before each operation, one must carefully consider the potential gains and losses!

"Father is right!"

Cao Cao also largely agreed with what Cao Song said.

"Good!" Seeing his son's humble and receptive manner, Cao Song nodded in satisfaction.

After finishing their business, Cao Song, remembering his dwindling savings, gave Cao Cao a meaningful look.

"My son, you're getting on in years and it's time for you to get married. While you're at home, I'll find you a suitable woman. As for those shady places, don't go there..."

"Uh~!"

Upon hearing Cao Song suddenly mention these things, Cao Cao was taken aback, and then quickly said, "Father, this is the time for me to establish my career and make a name for myself. How can I be troubled by a woman? Wouldn't it be better to wait a few years before discussing this?"

"Bang!" Cao Song slammed his hand on the table and shouted angrily, "Bullshit! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You think you're someone who can be trapped by a woman?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's face fell, and he looked at Cao Song with a wronged expression: "Father, what makes you say that? I have never done anything!"

"You've never done anything? Where did all your father's money go? And where did you take that money?"

Seeing that his son still dared to argue, Cao Song also put on a long face and glared fiercely at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao quickly shook his head: "What money? I don't know!"

"Where... is my stick?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Song was furious and immediately stood up, determined to teach the stubborn Cao Cao a lesson.

Upon seeing this, Cao Cao also jumped up and ran outside.

As soon as he ran outside, Cao Cao saw his mother, Lady Cao, approaching, so he quickly went forward to pay his respects.

"Greetings, Mother!"

"My son, there's no need for such formalities!"

Madam Cao smiled and then asked, "Where is Aman going? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Cao Cao's eyes darted around, and he immediately feigned fear: "Ugh~, Father's going to hit me!"

Madam Cao chuckled lightly: "My child, what have you done this time to anger your father? Let me go and talk to him for you!"

"You traitor, look at the stick!"

No sooner had Madam Cao finished speaking than a roar was heard, and then Cao Song came running out carrying a wooden stick as thick as an arm.

"Uh... Madam?"

Upon seeing Madam Cao, Cao Song paused in his tracks.

"Master, what has Cao Cao done to anger you so much?"

Madam Cao looked at the wooden stick in Cao Song's hand, and while speaking, she slowly walked over.

"Hmm... well..."

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