Chapter 1085: Vulnerable

Seeing Cao Cao insist on his own opinion, Yuan Shao felt a bit restless. He paced back and forth, his voice carrying a hint of urgency: "Mengde, do you know that history is written by the victors? If we cannot act quickly, I fear we will be forgotten by future generations in these chaotic times. The Han Dynasty has been in decline for a long time; what the people crave is a powerful leader, not endless waiting!"

Hearing this, Cao Cao’s expression remained steady. He stood up, walked to Yuan Shao, and looked at him with firm eyes: "Benchu, of course I understand the importance of unification, but what is the foundation of unification? It is the support of the people, the stability and prosperity of the country. If we blindly pursue speed and ignore these fundamentals, even if we unify the world, how long can we maintain it? Qin Shi Huang unified the six states but perished because of tyranny; is this not a lesson from the past?"

After hearing this, Yuan Shao paused and fell into deep thought. Seeing this, Cao Cao’s tone softened slightly, and he continued: "We should learn from Gao Zu Liu Bang; although he started from humble beginnings, he was able to win the world because he knew how to follow the hearts of the people and use people’s talents well. What we need now is patience, to gradually build up the people’s trust and support for us."

Inside the tent, silence fell, and everyone was thinking about Cao Cao’s words. Suddenly, a strategist spoke softly: "General Cao’s words are very true; the hearts of the people are the foundation of the country. But Yuan Shao’s concerns are also not without reason; we indeed cannot give the enemy a chance to breathe. Perhaps we can find a balance point, neither losing the opportunity nor neglecting the hearts of the people."

Hearing this, Yuan Shao’s eyes lit up, and he turned to look at Cao Cao: "Mengde, what do you think?"

Cao Cao nodded slightly, revealing a hint of appreciation: "This plan is feasible. We can implement a series of pro-people policies while advancing unification, such as reducing taxes, encouraging farming, and building water conservancy, so that the people can truly feel our sincerity and efforts. In this way, we can maintain morale and win the hearts of the people."

After hearing this, Yuan Shao’s brows gradually relaxed, and he patted Cao Cao on the shoulder: "Mengde, you are still the most thoughtful. Let’s act according to this strategy, neither eager for success nor delaying the opportunity."

The two reached a consensus again, and the atmosphere in the tent eased. In the days that followed, while advancing territory, the coalition began to implement a series of measures to benefit the people, and the lives of the people gradually improved, and their support for the coalition increased day by day.

However, good times did not last long. With the further expansion of power, cracks began to appear within the coalition. Some warlords began to act independently, and some even secretly colluded with the remnants of Dong Zhuo, attempting to split the coalition. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao faced unprecedented challenges.

This day, Yuan Shao found Cao Cao with a heavy expression: "Mengde, there is an anomaly within the coalition; we must take measures as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."

Cao Cao furrowed his brows and said after pondering for a moment: "This matter needs to be deliberated carefully; we must stabilize the internal while guarding against external enemies. I suggest we investigate secretly first, find those who harbor evil intentions, and then defeat them one by one."

Yuan Shao nodded in agreement, and the two immediately began to lay out their plans. After a period of thorough investigation, they finally grasped the evidence of those rebellious warlords and quickly took action to pacify them one by one.

Although this incident caused the coalition to suffer heavy losses, it also made Yuan Shao and Cao Cao realize the importance of unity even more. They began to strengthen the discipline and management within the coalition while increasing their care for the people, striving to create a harmonious and stable internal and external environment.

With the passage of time, the strength of the coalition grew again, and the leadership of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao was widely recognized. They continued to move forward together, opening up a new world in the chaotic times.

However, with the continuous expansion of power, the differences between the two surfaced again. This time, it was about the future philosophy of governance. Yuan Shao tended to restore the absolute authority of the Han Dynasty and implement centralized power; while Cao Cao tended to establish a more open and inclusive regime, allowing all parties to participate in national governance together.

This day, the two sat in the tent again, and the atmosphere seemed a bit oppressive. Yuan Shao spoke first: "Mengde, I think we should establish the absolute status of the Han Dynasty as soon as possible and restore the order of the past."

Hearing this, Cao Cao shook his head gently: "Benchu, order is certainly important, but what is more important is the long-term stability of the country. An open and inclusive regime can attract more talents and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the country together."

After hearing this, Yuan Shao’s expression was a bit unhappy: "Mengde, are you questioning the authority of the Han Dynasty? Don’t forget, we are fighting to restore the Han Dynasty!"

Seeing this, Cao Cao quickly explained: "Benchu, you misunderstood. I am not questioning the Han Dynasty, but believe that we should carry out appropriate reforms on the basis of respecting the Han Dynasty to adapt to the changes of the times. Only in this way can our country be more powerful and more lasting."

The argument between the two escalated again, and the atmosphere in the tent became increasingly tense. However, just then, a strategist suddenly stood up and proposed a compromise plan: "Two lords, why not combine the restoration of the authority of the Han Dynasty with openness and inclusiveness? We can maintain the orthodox status of the Han Dynasty while establishing a parliament, allowing all parties to have a voice and participate in national governance together."

This plan made Yuan Shao and Cao Cao’s eyes light up, and they smiled at each other, the knot in their hearts seeming to untie instantly. Yuan Shao spoke first: "This plan is excellent; it can maintain the authority of the Han Dynasty while taking into account the interests of all parties."

Cao Cao also nodded in agreement: "Indeed, this can maintain stability while stimulating the vitality of all parties. Let’s act according to this plan!"