Chapter 11: Guo Jia Observes the Night Sky

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“Zhongde, you say that Zhang Hong has returned to Jiangdong?”

“That’s correct. He didn’t sneak away. Many officials knew of his departure. According to Zhang Hong’s own words, he was going home to visit his family and would return within a month or two.”

Hearing this, Guo Jia snorted dismissively, then turned to Cheng Yu and said, “Zhang Hong is as eminent as Zhang Zhao in Jiangdong. If he doesn’t come to Xuchang, then he is Sun Ce’s right-hand man. His return to Jiangdong? Visiting family, indeed. After all, the great battle between the Minister of Works and Yuan Shao draws ever closer, and all sides are growing restless.”

At this, Cao Cao finally shifted his attention to Jiangdong and asked indifferently, “Sun Ce is but a callow youth. How much could he amount to? Does he truly dare covet the Central Plains? When Sun Jian lived, I respected him as a hero.”

Yet as soon as Cao Cao revealed his confident opinion, both Guo Jia and Cheng Yu shook their heads repeatedly.

“Minister, Sun Ce pacified Jiangdong in a short span—something even Sun Jian could not achieve. Sun Ce is both courageous and resourceful. In a few years’ time, even Liu Biao may not be his match.”

Clearly, Cheng Yu had conducted deep research on Sun Ce. Otherwise, he would not have bothered to inform Cao Cao about Zhang Hong’s quiet departure from Xuchang. In the Central Plains, apart from Yuan Shao, there were few people worthy of Cao Cao’s particular attention—Sun Ce was certainly one of them.

“So, Zhongde, you mean that even as we prepare to face Yuan Shao, we must guard against this greenhorn Sun Ce? Our Han forces are already inferior to Yuan Benchu’s; any distraction would bode ill.”

The reason Cao Cao had left Cheng Yu in Xuchang this time was precisely to observe movements among the covert agents of all factions. Sure enough, he had detected considerable activity from Sun Ce’s quarters.

Though Cao Cao did not fear the coming war with Yuan Shao, he also knew he must throw everything into the coming campaign, for Yuan Shao had been hardened by many previous conflicts. While Cao Cao looked down on him, he would not be so careless as to underestimate him.

In a war of this scale, what one feared most was trouble stirred up from behind. Sun Ce, so young and ambitious, if he truly caused mischief, it would not be a trifling matter; thus, Cao Cao could not afford to be complacent.

“The Minister is right—unforeseen changes in Jiangdong must not be overlooked. If we march on Guandu, we must deliberate carefully.”

Cheng Yu had not joined the campaign against Liu Bei and had spent this time running simulations of the forthcoming war, forming many ideas to share with Cao Cao and Guo Jia.

It would be impossible to claim that there was no competition between Cheng Yu and Guo Jia, but theirs was always a healthy rivalry, and each understood his own role.

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Though Guo Jia was young, his mind was focused solely on offering strategies; he had no other ambitions. He aspired only to be the shadow behind Cao Cao, never seeking to ascend to the halls of power himself.

Cheng Yu, however, was different. He was not merely a counselor—he was capable of leading troops and commanding independently. He was left in Xuchang not only to keep an eye on the court but also to protect Cao Cao’s entire household. In a crisis, no matter how brilliant a strategist, words alone would not suffice.

“Fengxiao, what do you think?”

From the moment Cheng Yu began to speak, Cao Cao’s eyes had been on Guo Jia, but he could not discern any sign of alarm on his face. This puzzled Cao Cao, for he himself could think of no way to handle the potential threat from Sun Ce.

Once war with Yuan Shao broke out, he would have to focus all his efforts, and that would leave his rear vulnerable. If Sun Ce struck at his base, the outcome would be utter ruin.

“Minister, Zhongde, Sun Ce sent Zhang Hong to Xuchang for a reason, and Zhang Hong’s return likely has much to do with the impending conflict between you and Yuan Shao. Yet Sun Ce… is still not a cause for concern.”

“Not a cause for concern? Fengxiao, Sun Ce has already united the warlords of Jiangdong. If he raises his army, Liu Biao will not be able to stop him. How can you say he’s not to be worried about?”

Cheng Yu clearly did not buy Guo Jia’s assessment—he found it baseless.

“Sun Ce is indeed a fine general. Years ago, I studied him: forthright, devoted to the greater good, but his temperament is overly aggressive—he only knows how to advance, never retreat. He has made many enemies through his campaigns in Jiangdong. Sooner or later, he’ll be killed by a commoner—not worth our concern!”

“What? That’s it?”

After Guo Jia finished, Cao Cao and Cheng Yu exchanged glances, each detecting a hint of absurdity in the other’s eyes.

What was this? Foresight, or mere bluster?

Cheng Yu had intended to explain Sun Ce’s threat in detail, but Guo Jia’s cryptic pronouncement left him at a loss.

Both Cao Cao and Cheng Yu silently thought: Sun Ce’s temperament was well-known to all, and not for just a day or two. If he was fated to be killed by a commoner, why hadn’t it happened already? Why should it happen precisely when Cao Cao was at war with Yuan Shao?

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Where did this confidence come from? Neither of them could understand.

Yet both knew one thing: Guo Jia was not given to idle boasts. His strategies were always nailed down like iron. But that last statement of his was truly unreliable.

Guo Jia had anticipated their reactions. He smiled faintly and offered no explanation, as if to say, “When the time comes, I’ll leave without a word, my merit hidden.”

“Fengxiao, this is no joking matter. Should Xuchang fall—whether to Sun Ce or another—the outcome of my war with Yuan Shao will be meaningless.”

“Rest assured, Minister. Fengxiao has read the signs in the stars, and the heavens do not lie. You should prepare well for the battle with Yuan Shao. As for the captured Guan Yu, if you truly cannot bring yourself to kill him, at least make use of him for now. Though if you ask me, he should be executed.”

“In that case, Fengxiao, Zhongde, rest for today. After court is dismissed tomorrow, summon everyone to discuss the war with Yuan Shao. As for Guan Yu, I know what must be done.”

Hearing this, Guo Jia shook his head, took his leave of Cao Cao, and exited the Minister’s residence, clearly dissatisfied with Cao Cao’s reluctance to execute Guan Yu.

“Minister, is that all for Sun Ce?”

“If Fengxiao says he’s read the stars, then he’s read the stars. Leave it to him.”

Cheng Yu paused for a moment, his brow slowly unfurrowing. Then he too strode confidently out of the Minister’s residence.