"This..." Cao Cao's expression was uncertain: "Why do you say that?"
"Sir, what do you think of Liu Bei?" Chu Changqiu asked back.
"He possesses both talent and virtue, and is a rare and wise man. His two brothers are both brave enough to defeat ten thousand enemies. They are truly talented." Cao Cao said without hesitation, "Liu Bei is a man of great virtue. He will not take Xuzhou to establish himself as an independent ruler."
"Sir, if Tao Qian offered Xuzhou to Liu Bei, would he accept it?"
"Gift?" Cao Cao was shocked.
"That's right. Tao Qian's time is coming to an end. His son doesn't serve in the government, so he lacks prestige and has no successor. Xuzhou must have a master. Who will Tao Qian give it to?" Chu Changqiu said slowly. "If he gives it to Liu Bei, allowing him to establish himself, do you think Liu Bei can refuse such a great temptation?"
"Why can't it be given to Yang Ji? Or someone else?" Cao Cao asked in surprise.
"Sir, Yang Ji is merely a man who bought his position. Tao Qian has always looked down on him. If it weren't for your influence, he wouldn't have joined forces with him. Scholars all over the world look down on Yang Ji. If he hadn't led the army to attack Dong Zhuo, I'm afraid the officials and nobles would have disdained to pay any attention to him. How could Tao Qian give the vast province of Xuzhou to a man who bought his position?"
"Where's the Champion?"
"The Marquis of Guanjun is unparalleled in power, but under his rule, the aristocratic families have no place to stand. In the past, even the Chamber of Commerce of the World would not tolerate him. If he is not favored by the aristocratic families, how can Tao Qian give him away? Will the aristocratic families of Xuzhou agree to this?"
"As far as I know, Liu Bei is a descendant of King Jing of Zhongshan and a member of the imperial family. He absolutely refuses to be servile. If he were to seize Xuzhou, he might rebel. If he could lead his troops away from his former fellow disciple Gongsun Zan in times of crisis, why can't he leave us?" Chu Changqiu asked.
"He led his troops here to attack Yuan Shu. Is that understandable?" Xiahou Dun said.
At the beginning, he and the three brothers Liu, Guan and Zhang resisted Lu Bu. The three of them joined forces to repel Lu Bu. At the Hulao Pass in the past, Lu Bu's power was so great that only the Marquis of Guanjun could stop him.
The three brothers later successfully intercepted Yuan Shu and headed north to join Yuan Shao, eventually forcing Yuan Shu to flee and die of vomiting blood, which can be considered one of his contributions.
"It is indeed understandable, but who can be sure that he really came just for Yuan Shu? And not for the imperial seal in Yuan Shao's hands?" Chu Changqiu asked back.
"Could it be that I am judging a gentleman by my own mean standards?" Xiahou Dun asked in confusion.
"It's important to be cautious, sir. I suggest replacing the commander of Xuzhou and sending Lord Xiahou or Lord Cao Hong instead."
After he finished speaking, everyone in the room fell silent.
This matter was of great importance. Liu Bei was fighting outside, while Chu Changqiu was stirring up trouble inside. This was not a good thing to hear. If Liu Bei did not establish himself, Chu Changqiu would be suspected of sowing discord. If Liu Bei established himself, they would suffer huge losses.
Cao Cao was also undecided at the table.
"We'll discuss this matter later."
Cao Cao waved his hand to end the topic.
Just as he finished speaking, an urgent report came from the spy outside the door.
"General, I have military information from Ji Province. Gongsun Zan faced Yuan Shao at Guangchuan and was defeated and fled. The White Horse Volunteers were completely wiped out."
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