Chapter 398 Pacifism (2/2)

At Ye City, Sun Jian accepted the terms that the Sun Clan had to disband the system clan in three years. If they failed to join Tong's clan when the year ended, all Sun Clan would be branded as traitors.

It was an oppressive move from Tong, which frustrated all Sun Jian's subordinates.

The audience with Tong ended, and the four left the palace. Since Tong did not appoint them into any position in the court, they were free to roam the city. However, Tong barred them from leaving Ye for the sake of their safety.

Tong and Xun Yu remained in the throne room for a private talk.

”Will you kill them, your majesty?”

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”Depends. We'll see in three years.”

”I noticed that they were using clan chat to consult with someone. I don't think we can trust them yet.”

”I'm also aware. Since they suddenly requested ten years, they must have a good strategist helping them by Sun Fang's side. I'm suspecting that Zhou Yu.”

”Zhou Yu? Sun Ce's sworn brother that you've told me?”

”Yes. He's a dangerous one.”

Zhou Yu was one of the legendary strategists that Tong did not want to have as an opponent. As his abilities and his insight were rumored to be on par with Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi, he could not let his guard down against this genius.

As long as Sun Fang, Sun Ce, Sun Jian, and Zhou Yu were not hostile against him, Tong was willing to make amends to Sun Fang.

For now, he could only pray that they would not betray his faith.

Tong sighed, ”Since I don't want Zhou Yu as my nemesis, can we still use what we had planned?”

Tong referred to the proclamation that he made Sun Jian the Marquis of Xu. By his right and pieces of evidence, he had everything necessary to frame Cao Cao and confiscate his titles.

Xun Yu shook his head, ”No. Actually, we should pretend to ignore this matter entirely.”

”What!? Why?”

Xun Yu rubbed his chin, ”Have you heard of a phrase [Befriend a distant state, but attack a neighbor]?”

It was one of the famous quotes from the 36 proverbs, aka the 36 Stratagems, which was passed on from generation to generation. Some stratagems referred to historical events during the Spring and Autumn Period, Three Kingdoms Period, or the time when Sun Bin was still a dominant figure. However, each strategist had his own variation and understanding.

Xun Yu also had memorized these proverbs since he was young. He mastered these proverbs to the point that he could recite it in his sleep.

As for Tong, he had not researched the proverbs as much as Xun Yu, but he could recall a few phrases and stratagems.

”I know a bit about it. Does that have anything to do with our situation?”

”Yes. I think we should allow Cao Cao to run amok for the time being.”

”Why?”

”Since Sun Fang and Zhou Yu have planned to buy some times, they will surely try to unify Jiangdong as you've told me in your story. And, this will definitely trigger Cao Cao for sure.”

Xun Yu elaborated on his insight.

Once Sun Ce, Sun Fang, and Zhou Yu controlled Yang Province, they would become another powerhouse that could threaten Cao Cao's southern borders. With Tong's forces glaring at from the north of the Yellow River and Sun Fang's presence from the south of Yangtze River, Cao Cao would be pressed by both fronts.

Then, the distant state alliance will come into play. Tong and Sun Fang should become allies, so they could attack Cao Cao together.

Nevertheless, Xun Yu believed it would have been foolish to fight Cao Cao now and weaken both sides before Sun Fang emerged. They should remain patient and strengthen their foundation.

Tong was confused, ”We're giving up this opportunity, though.”

”Brand Cao Cao a traitor now, and all lords will brand you as a tyrant emperor. There are chances that Liu Biao and Liu Yan could have proclaimed themselves as a true successor of our dynasty as well. I also heard that Yuan Shu is still holding the Imperial Seal. He could use it against you if you act too rashly.”

”Haiz. More façade and politics, huh?”

”I know it's annoying. You're an emperor now, not a governor of a county. Until Yuan Shu lost his patience and proclaimed himself an emperor, do not fight with Cao Cao.”

Xun Yu had another move that would benefit Tong more than just destroying Cao Cao at the moment.

His goal was Yuan Shu, Liu Biao, and Liu Yan.

By the middle of this spring, Xun Yu's pacifism stratagem would bear fruits.