Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Meanwhile, at Gongsun Zan's residence in Bingzhou, he'd been on pins and needles for the past few days. Ever since Li Ru arrived, he'd been forced to treat him with caution. Gongsun Zan, once a powerful and influential lord, had been a powerful figure, but now the situation was stronger than he was. After all, he'd benefited from others and accepted their gifts, and as the saying goes, "One who eats from others is grateful, and one who takes from others is soft-hearted." He was ultimately a bit defiant in front of Li Ru.

Li Ru was not as bold and forthright as Ma Chao. Ma Chao acted with integrity, displaying heroic spirit on the battlefield and commanding admiration. Li Ru, on the other hand, wore a perpetually smiling face, seemingly benign but in reality unpredictable. But what truly irritated Gongsun Zan was Li Ru's reputation as a "poisonous scholar who disrupted the nation."

Back in the day, when Li Ru served under Dong Zhuo, he orchestrated schemes that stirred chaos throughout the land. His ingenuity was unfathomable, his tactics ruthless, and countless people fell under his control. Gongsun Zan knew that with such a figure in his orbit, the slightest misstep could lead to irreparable ruin. Therefore, while outwardly treating Li Ru with the utmost respect and hospitality, he remained vigilant, daring not to slack off even for a moment.

As for Li Ru, ever since arriving at Gongsun Zan's residence, he had neither inquired into military affairs nor interfered in government affairs. He spent his days leisurely strolling around, chatting with people. He seemed to be in a leisurely mood, but in his heart, every word and every action was filled with calculations.

On his first day, at the reception hosted by Gongsun Zan, everyone was toasting and the atmosphere was lively. Li Ru, seizing the opportunity, casually asked everyone what they thought of Ma Chao, the Prince of Liang.

Guan Jing, Gongsun Zan's advisor, immediately showed respect on his face. He was the first to speak, "The Prince of Liang's magnanimity is truly impressive. Back then, our army was in dire straits, with Yuan Shao pressing us relentlessly. We were on the verge of defeat and death, but it was the Prince of Liang who offered us a helping hand and a chance of survival."

General Yan Gang put down his wine glass and took over the conversation, sighing, "Yes, after arriving in Bingzhou, the Xiongnu were rampant and the people were suffering. The King of Liang couldn't bear to see the people suffer, so he personally led the army and fought alongside us. In that battle, he commanded with great determination and bravery, annihilating the Xiongnu and retaking Bingzhou. Such bravery is rare in the world."

Gongsun Zan's younger brother, Gongsun Yue, eyes filled with gratitude and admiration, continued, "What's even more remarkable is that after the Prince of Liang recaptured Bingzhou, he actually offered it to us. You know, Bingzhou is a strategic location, coveted by many. But the Prince of Liang is completely selfless, his generosity is simply beyond imagination. If it weren't for the Prince of Liang, we wouldn't have the secure foothold we have today."

Gongsun Zan's son, Gongsun Xu, echoed, "That's right. The Prince of Liang's actions truly demonstrate his heroic character. His benevolence and magnanimity earn our deepest admiration."

Everyone was talking at once, their words filled with gratitude and praise for Ma Chao. Ma Xiu, listening nearby, was beaming with joy, his face filled with elation, his tail lifted high as if to the heavens. After all, Ma Chao was his older brother, and hearing such praise from everyone was naturally an honor for him.

As Li Ru listened to the crowd's words, he had other thoughts in mind. He keenly perceived that Gongsun Zan's men held Ma Chao, the King of Liang, in an unimaginably high regard, almost to the point of reverence. Secretly observing, Li Ru discovered that not only was their admiration for Ma Chao so profound, but Gongsun Zan himself offered no words to stop them, allowing them to express their gratitude and praise.

This detail caught Li Ru's attention secretly. He thought that Gongsun Zan's attitude was quite intriguing. Logically, as a local lord, seeing his subordinates praising others so much, he would more or less mind. But Gongsun Zan did not show any dissatisfaction, and there must be a reason for this. Li Ru guessed that either Gongsun Zan was really grateful to Ma Chao and truly recognized what Ma Chao did; or Gongsun Zan had his own plans and was temporarily forbearing. But in either case, Ma Chao's influence in Gongsun Zan's camp was undoubtedly huge.

Ever since that banquet, Li Ru began to observe Gongsun Zan secretly without making a sound, trying to see through Gongsun Zan's thoughts and temperament from all aspects.

One day, Li Ru stumbled upon Gongsun Rou at the Gongsun residence. Gongsun Rou, formerly the concubine of the late Emperor Liu Bian, had been sent back to the Gongsun household by Ma Chao. Li Ru's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but approach Gongsun Rou to chat for a few moments. During their conversation, Li Ru keenly noticed that whenever Gongsun Rou mentioned Ma Chao, her words were filled with admiration, and her eyes flickered with a hint of affection.

Not only Li Ru noticed this, but Ma Xiu, standing beside him, also noticed something. Ma Xiu quietly leaned over to Li Ru's ear and whispered, "Sir, look, when Miss Gongsun talks about my elder brother, her eyes and her tone are filled with affection." Li Ru smiled slightly, nodded imperceptibly, and whispered, "Don't tell anyone."

Li Ru was secretly delighted, but he still wore a gentle smile on his face, and continued to subtly tease Gongsun Rou. Gongsun Rou was immersed in her admiration for Ma Chao and had no defense against Li Ru, as if everything around Ma Chao was shrouded in a halo.

As she spoke, Gongsun Rou casually revealed, "Father has always been grateful to the King of Liang for handing over Bingzhou. He also said that the King of Liang must hold on to Bingzhou no matter what. Even if the King of Liang comes to claim it in the future, as long as we have a place to stay, it will be enough."

Li Ru's thoughts raced upon hearing this. This was crucial information. It seemed Gongsun Zan was grateful to Ma Chao. He needed to figure out how to maximize Xiliang's interests.

Just as he was thinking, Gongsun Xu suddenly came hurriedly over and said, "Mr. Li Ru, you are here. My father asked me to look for you." Li Ru was slightly startled and asked in surprise, "Why did General Gongsun call me at this time?" Gongsun Xu scratched his head and said, "Cao Cao sent an envoy, and my father wanted you to go and meet him."

Li Ru was immediately curious, wondering what Cao Cao was sending Gongsun Zan to communicate about. He remained impassive, saying, "I'm only an outsider, after all. How can I interfere with your military and political affairs?" Gongsun Yue hurried forward, grasped Li Ru's arm, and said with a grin, "Mr. Wenyou, please don't say that. My father doesn't consider you an outsider. We are now as close as family to the Prince of Liang, and you are his servant. That's why my father specifically asked for your presence."

Li Ru knew this was a good opportunity to gain deeper insight into the dynamics between Gongsun Zan and Cao Cao, and he couldn't refuse. After a moment's reflection, he echoed Gongsun Yue's words, saying, "Since General Gongsun is so kind to me, I will respectfully obey your command." With that, he straightened his clothes and, along with Gongsun Xu and Gongsun Yue, walked towards Gongsun Zan's tent.

Gongsun Zan saw Li Ru approaching and turned to his servants, saying, "Send Cao Cao's envoy in." Sima Yi approached steadily, his manner courteous and warm. He bowed respectfully to Gongsun Zan and then said, "Greetings, General Gongsun. I have come to discuss a matter with you, on the orders of Minister Cao."

Gongsun Zan took a quick look at Sima Yi, noting his youthful composure and poise. He nodded inwardly. He calmly asked, "Oh? Minister Cao, what do you want to discuss with me? Feel free to speak directly."

Sima Yi raised his eyes, scanning the crowd within the tent. Noticing Li Ru among them, his heart trembled slightly, but his expression remained composed. He cleared his throat and spoke slowly, "Yuan Shao has joined forces with Liu Biao and Yuan Yao, raising an army of 200,000 men with the intention of attacking Xudu. Minister Cao knows full well that you and Yuan Shao have a long-standing grudge, and that Youzhou is your former territory. Now, Yuan Shao's evil deeds are known to the world, drawing widespread outrage. Minister Cao hopes that you will send troops to aid us in our campaign against Yuan Shao. This will not only lift the siege of Xudu, but also allow you to avenge your previous defeat, reclaim Youzhou, and restore your prestige."

Li Ru, who was standing nearby, was startled when he heard this. He thought to himself: Are Cao Cao and Yuan Shao really going to war? Yuan Shao, in alliance with Liu Biao and Yuan Yao, has managed to amass an army of 200,000 men, divided into three groups to fight Cao Cao. This situation is really a difficult one for Cao Cao. Even if Cao Cao survives this battle, he will be badly injured.

Li Ru thought again. It seemed he couldn't rush back from Bingzhou. If he went back now, the relationship between Miss Ma Yunlu and Cao Cao's son Cao Ang would undoubtedly be fraught with complications. Moreover, Cao Cao was undoubtedly hoping for Western Liang's assistance. But if he wasn't stationed in Chang'an, with only tens of thousands of troops, he simply couldn't withstand the pressure. How much support could he offer Cao Cao? If he sent a large army as an ally, Western Liang would miss out on the opportunity to watch their conflict, and how could they possibly reap any benefits from it?

Li Ru was well aware of Xiliang's delicate situation. Although allied with Cao Cao, he couldn't throw himself headfirst into the war. The current balance of power between various factions presented an opportune moment for Xiliang to exploit its own advantages. He decided to remain in Bingzhou for the time being, avoiding the turmoil of the Central Plains.

Gongsun Zan then asked, "What is the purpose of your visit?"

Sima Yi knew that Gongsun Zan was trying to make his point clear. He calmed himself down, put on a sincere expression, and began racking his brains to persuade Gongsun Zan to join him in the uprising.

"General Gongsun, Yuan Shao is a man with evil ambitions. He once seized your Jizhou by trickery, and the hatred for him is deep. Now he is trying to unite others to annex Xu Du. If he succeeds, his power will further expand. By then, you, General, will have a hard time staying in Bingzhou." Sima Yi looked at Gongsun Zan with burning eyes, his words filled with anxiety and worry.

"And Minister Cao has always respected you, General, and is well aware of your talents and ambitions. If you can join forces with Minister Cao to attack Yuan Shao, your bravery, combined with Minister Cao's strategy, will surely lead to a crushing defeat. Once this is accomplished, the land of Youzhou will naturally belong to you, allowing you to return to your former homeland and revive your former prestige."

Sima Yi paused, observing Gongsun Zan's reaction. Seeing Gongsun Zan's slight frown, as if lost in thought, he struck while the iron was hot: "Furthermore, Minister Cao has promised to fully support your military supplies and fodder during the war. General, there is no need to worry about your own affairs; simply focus on the battle."

"General, this is a God-given opportunity. Yuan Shao has committed many injustices, and the whole world wants to punish him. If you send troops at this time, you can not only avenge yourself, but also follow the will of the people and establish unprecedented achievements in this chaotic world. Cao Sikong has high hopes for you, and hopes to work with you to decide the fate of the world." Sima Yi spoke sincerely and passionately, trying to impress Gongsun Zan with these words.