Chapter 432 Cao Cao and Zhuge Liang (2/2)

However, Cao Cao kept his cool and listened. Since he knew that this young brat in the other life gave him a headache to the point that he died from a brain tumor, Cao Cao could not underestimate this legendary strategist.

”If you were me, what will be your move? Let's say we want to overthrow Zhang Tong's regime no matter what. Surrender is not an option.”

”…”

Zhuge Liang froze as he reexamined Cao Cao's eyes and his demeanor. At this moment, he knew that Cao Cao's mental strength and patience were worthy of respect. Also, he had an aura of an emperor.

Unfortunately, Zhuge Liang was not here to serve him.

He wanted to ruin this warlord from the inside!

Zhuge Liang glanced at Pu Jing, whom he deemed as a threat.

'My first goal is to eliminate Pu Jing, and Cao Cao's forces will collapse by itself. But it's going to be difficult manipulating this immortal to commit an error.'

He contemplated a bit and began his scheme.

”As I said, we are focusing on the wrong solution. The right way to defeat the emperor is to gather every force in the country and face him together. We have to ally with Liu Biao and the Sun Clan. Also, we have to stop Liu Bei from expanding his forces and join us in this coalition.”

Cao Cao was disappointed, ”A coalition again? That's impossible.”

”How so?”

”Liu Bei is an untrustworthy subordinate of mine. Just a moment ago, his messenger came and demanded us to support their cause, which I refused. Secondly, Liu Biao is known to be a Han loyalist, and he's working with Zhang Tong. Trying to make them fight Zhang Tong is difficult.”

Zhuge Liang smiled. He already learned about Liu Bei's personality from the daily discussion in the bamboo courtyard. However, he needed to confirm something from Cao Cao.

”By chance, do you have the lost imperial seal?”

Cao Cao was shocked, ”I do. How did you know!?”

The strategist chuckled, ”I received a proclamation from the emperor, but the seal is not the same as the previous emperor Ling's seal. I just simply guess that the old seal must have been lost. Well, I didn't really expect that you would have had it, though.”

”…”

”Since you have it, then everything is a lot easier. We can make both Liu Bei and Liu Biao fight Zhang Tong with that seal.”

Zhuge Liang explained his plan.

”Give the seal to Liu Bei and make him another emperor.”

”WHAT!?”

Zhuge Liang elaborated.

First, he knew that Liu Bei claimed that he inherited the bloodline of Liu Bang, and he had the legitimate reason to fight against Tong, who did not have the surname [Liu]. Therefore, Liu Bei could be used as an excuse to rebel against Tong while Cao Cao could retain the support of his people.

Secondly, Liu Bei was known among his civilians to be a benevolence ruler. By supporting Liu Bei, Cao Cao could gain those civilians' trust and draw them to his side easier. After all, persuading brainwashed civilians to join another side was harder than trying to convert a mountain bandit into a saint.

Third, Liu Bei would sooner or later break free from Cao Cao. Instead of having another enemy to worry about, they should bribe this ambitious pretender and force him to fight Zhang Tong in the open.

And most importantly, once Liu Bei became a new emperor, Liu Biao would have no choice but to support Liu Bei instead of Tong since they were from the same imperial clan of Liu. With this, Tong would lose his only ally.

”What about the Sun Clan?” Pu Jing was curious.

Zhuge Liang shrugged, ”Send a group of assassins to Ye City and kill Sun Jian. I don't mind if it fails. The Sun Clan should have this ”Clan Chat” too, right? Once they are attacked, they will report to their clan chat. Sun Fang and Sun Ce won't sit still if their hostage father is under attack by mysterious assassins. Who do you think will be their prime suspect had one of the hostages of the Sun Clan died?”

Cao Cao closed his eyes to ponder.

Ten minutes later, after a period of awkward silence, he waved his hands, ”We'll think about it. For now, you're dismissed.”

Zhuge Liang bowed and retreated. He sighed and glanced at Pu Jing.

'If I want to get this immortal killed, I have to force him to fight in a decisive battle. I can easily allow them to fight Sun Fang and watch them killing each other, but I will definitely get killed in the process when Zhang Tong mobilizes all his troops to the central plain. Well, the basic of all strategies, dying in vain, is a no-go. I must live and see the end of my work!'

When Zhuge Liang returned to his residence, he walked toward his pet messenger doves.

A dozen trained dove was resting on the edge of his room's window.

The strategist wrote 12 same texts in a small paper and tied them on all dove's leg.

Then, he chased the doves away, ”Go to Xiangyang.”

All birds flapped their wings as they were trained.