Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Hearing a commotion outside, Guo Jia knew that Li Ru, the old fox, had arrived. He remained calm, tidying his clothes methodically before going out to greet him. Feigning panic, he said, "Ah, Mr. Wenyou, why are you so troubled to come in person?"

Li Ru had a fake smile on his face and said hypocritically and politely: "My master is very anxious when he heard that you and Master Cao Ang are leaving. He must let Master recover from his injuries here at all costs. Otherwise, our Xiliang will be in trouble." After that, Li Ru pretended to visit Cao Ang, and was then welcomed into the study by Guo Jia.

Guo Jia, still pretending to be anxious, said, "Alas, the battle between our army and Yuan Shao's army is raging, and the situation is extremely tense. We really can't afford to delay any longer. Since you are here, I would like to tell you that you know we must return."

Li Ru sneered and said bluntly, "Humph, bad boy, put away your hypocritical expression. Tell me, I came here to negotiate with you. What are your conditions? Just tell me."

Guo Jia was not to be outdone, and replied with a joking look on his face: "Haha, you old fox finally can't sit still anymore." When Li Ru called him a bad boy, Guo Jia retorted, and the two top strategists immediately became tit-for-tat.

Guo Jia's expression straightened. "Originally, Yuan Shao planned to lead an army of 10 to attack you at Hangu Pass, and he wanted my lord to send troops to assist. My lord, grateful for the King of Liang's hard work in suppressing foreign tribes and resisting foreign invasions on the border, decisively refused Yuan Shao's request. As a result, Yuan Shao and his men took their anger out on us, turning their troops to Hangu Pass to deal with my lord with all their might. If my lord had not stood firm for justice and refused to cooperate with Yuan Shao, I'm afraid you, this old fox, would be the one standing here in fear right now."

Li Ru narrowed his eyes slightly, secretly wondering if what Guo Jia said was true, but he responded, "Humph, Guo Fengxiao, stop trying to take credit for yourself in front of me. Didn't Cao Cao have his own agenda when he rejected Yuan Shao? Now let's be frank. What exactly do you want to discuss?"

Li Ru continued, "Besides, did we ask Yuan Shao to attack you? I am waiting for him here in Chang'an. Even if he leads another 10 troops, I will see if I can capture him again. Ultimately, it is because you lack the military strength that you are afraid of Yuan Shao."

Guo Jia said, "Mr. Wenyou, let's stop this verbal battle. Let's be honest. Don't pretend you don't fear Yuan Shao. Not only has Yuan Shao annexed Youzhou, he's also gained the loyalty of Gongsun Du of Liaodong, making him a regional hegemon. As for the Prince of Liang, last year, a large-scale foreign invasion took place. Even if he managed to annihilate the invaders, I'm sure he lost many soldiers and generals. Let's be frank. Given Yuan Shao's current momentum, neither of us can gain an advantage by opposing him alone. Why not join forces and fight him together?"

Li Ru snorted coldly and said, "That's easy to say. How do you expect Xiliang to contribute to our joint efforts? And what benefits can it bring to Xiliang? You also said that Chang'an has limited military forces. This foreign invasion has greatly damaged Xiliang's vitality. It is time to rest and recuperate."

Guo Jia's face turned serious and he said, "So Mr. Wenyou means there's nothing to discuss? If that's the case, let's go."

Li Ru said, "Look at you, kid. You just can't hold your temper. You're always ready to turn the table over. Although my Xiliang has also been severely damaged this time, since we are sitting here and want to form an alliance with you, we will naturally not be completely inactive. However, our troops are indeed seriously damaged. I can tell you clearly that peace talks are possible, and alliances are also possible. We are not completely inactive either. You saw those fine war horses yesterday. My king has escorted 2 fine war horses this time, and is willing to provide them to you free of charge to help you fight against Yuan Shao."

Guo Jia was delighted, but then he thought: if the young master hadn't been in this mess in the first place, these 2 war horses would have been a blessing. But the situation was different now. Although these 2 war horses were given away for free, if the young master and Ma Yunlu really got married, then these 2 war horses would undoubtedly become a generous dowry for Xiliang. At that time, the Cao family didn't know how much gift money they would have to pay. In this way, in this alliance, the Cao family seemed to have gained an advantage, but in fact, they would be in a passive position in terms of etiquette and public opinion. So Guo Jia calmed down and said, "Mr. Wenyou, we appreciate Xiliang's sincerity in giving these 2 war horses. However, this matter is serious and requires long-term consideration. After all, this peace talk involves many interests of both parties, not just the issue of war horses."

Li Ru narrowed his eyes slightly, secretly pondering Guo Jia's intentions, and said, "Guo Fengxiao, what do you mean by this? Are these 2 fine war horses not enough for you?"

Guo Jia smiled and said, "Mr. Wenyou has misunderstood. These 2 war horses are certainly a timely help. However, after the alliance, how the two sides will cooperate on the battlefield and how the benefits will be distributed after the war need to be discussed in detail. Moreover, the affairs of the young master and Miss Yunlu must be properly arranged. After all, if my lord is defeated..."

Li Ru snorted and said with a hint of annoyance, "Why? What if your Cao family is defeated? Will my Xiliang daughter still have trouble finding a husband? So, does that mean my daughter will have to marry a young master from your Cao family?"

Guo Jia smiled slightly and deliberately teased: "Hey, Mr. Wenyou, this is what you said, not me. The eldest lady of Xiliang is so outstanding, so it is natural that the young master of the Cao family would love to have her. But matters of the heart depend on the lady's own feelings. Besides, if the Cao family is defeated, it will be shameful for both the Cao family and Xiliang." These words seemed casual, but in fact they were secretly controlling Li Ru.

Li Ru feigned anger and said, "You are so rude, you little brat. I have been speaking to you heart to heart, even telling you the truth about the current weakness of our Xiliang forces, and yet you are still so aggressive."

Guo Jia smiled and quickly apologized, "Hey, old man, calm down. I'm speaking the truth. We really are powerless to fight Yuan Shao alone right now."

Li Ru pretended to be furious, tossed his sleeves and said, "Forget it, you bad boy. I promise you, Chang'an will send troops to help you break the siege of Hangu Pass. Let's arrange it this way: we will send troops from Tongguan to attack the rear of Yuan Shao's army. When the battle starts here, you will also send troops from Hangu Pass. Under such a double attack, Yuan Shao's 100,000-man army will not be able to hold out for long. Yuan Shao has already lost 50,000 soldiers in Chang'an. If he loses another 100,000, I'm afraid he will not be a big threat to you for a while. I can only do this much in Xiliang. If not, we will break up. Even if we are labeled as heartless and disloyal, we cannot gamble Xiliang's foundation with you."

Guo Jia was secretly delighted to see Li Ru relent, but remained calm and said, "Mr. Wenyou is very understanding. This arrangement is very good. However, I wonder if Xiliang will have sufficient supplies for food, fodder, and other logistical needs? Do we need any assistance from the Cao family? After all, this operation concerns the safety of both families, and we should support each other."

Li Ru frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "As for food and supplies, Xiliang can handle it for now. But if the war drags on, it may be difficult to continue. If the time comes and we really need it, we will have to trouble the Cao family."

Guo Jia nodded and said, "Rest assured, Mr. Wenyou. If Xiliang needs us, the Cao family will fully support us. However, I hope Mr. Wenyou can confirm the time for the troops to be dispatched as soon as possible so that both sides can prepare in advance."

Li Ru said, "I need to go back and discuss this matter with my lord, General Ma Teng, before I can make a decision. However, I will give you an answer within five days at the latest. However, you, the Cao family, must also prepare as soon as possible, so as not to let them down when the time comes."

Guo Jia bowed and said, "Rest assured, Mr. Wenyou. I will report the situation to Cao Gong truthfully so that he can make preparations in advance. I only hope that our two families can work together to defeat Yuan Shao in one fell swoop and achieve great success."

Li Ru nodded slightly and said, "I hope so. However, in addition to the military aspects of the peace talks, there are many details that need to be discussed, such as the distribution of benefits after the war, the demarcation of borders, etc. These will have to be discussed in detail after the decision to send troops is made."

Guo Jia said, "Mr. Wenyou is absolutely right. We will have frank discussions with Xiliang on these follow-up matters, striving to reach a mutually satisfactory outcome. However, before that, I hope Mr. Wenyou can emphasize the benefits of an alliance between our two families in front of General Ma Teng and facilitate this matter."

Li Ru snorted and said, "Don't worry. Since I'm here, I naturally hope to promote an alliance. However, your Cao family must also show enough sincerity." After that, Li Ru stood up and prepared to say goodbye.

Guo Jia hurriedly stood up to see him off and said, "Take care, Mr. Wenyou, and I look forward to hearing from you." Li Ru waved his hand and turned to leave.

Guo Jia watched the old fox Li Ru's retreating figure, his lips curling up unconsciously. He knew that this peace negotiation was a sure thing. Next, he began to plot how to take Xun Yu with him. Cao Cao had always valued Xun Yu's talent, and bringing him back to Xudu would undoubtedly be a great boost to the Cao family's cause.

However, over the next few days, Guo Jia's attempts to secretly meet with Xun Yu and persuade him to return to Xudu were met with resistance. When he arrived at Xun Yu's residence, he found Dian Wei guarding him like a treasure, practically inseparable from him. Guo Jia observed him for several days, unable to find a chance to speak with Xun Yu alone. He groaned inwardly, realizing that Li Ru must be wary of him. Li Ru, a discerning man, must have anticipated Guo Jia's intentions towards Xun Yu.

Meanwhile, Ma Teng, after consulting with Li Ru, had already agreed to peace talks. Guo Jia knew he couldn't stay here for long; the peace talks were already a done deal, and if he insisted on taking Xun Yu with him, delaying the war against Yuan Shao, the outcome would be more than he gained.

Seeing Ma Teng's clear agreement to negotiate, Guo Jia, helpless, prepared to depart and return to Cao Cao. Cao Ang's condition, however, was causing concern for everyone. He was severely wounded, and a long journey in just three or four days was simply not feasible. Ma Teng and Li Ru also suggested that Cao Ang would be better off recuperating in Chang'an, where they would arrange for the best medical officers and caregivers.