Chapter 1768: That Is Wrong

"I never expected Lu Bu to be so brave." Yuan Shao clenched his fists, his eyes filled with both anger and unwillingness, "Yan Liang and Wen Chou were both fierce generals in my army, and yet..."

Cao Cao's expression was solemn. He patted Yuan Shao on the shoulder and comforted him: "Benchu, on the battlefield, victory and defeat are common matters for military strategists. Although Yan Liang and Wen Chou were brave, Lu Bu is a rare fierce general in the world; this is not a crime of war. We need to plan from a long-term perspective and must not act on impulse."

Yuan Shao took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions: "Mengde is right. We cannot lose our footing because of a temporary setback. Now, we must find a way to restrain Lu Bu to ensure a chance of winning."

The two returned to the tent and summoned the lords and strategists to discuss countermeasures together. Inside the tent, the atmosphere was tense and serious. Everyone knew that the next battle would determine their fate.

"Lu Bu's bravery is unparalleled in the world." Cao Cao looked around at everyone and spoke slowly, "If we want to defeat him, we must use wisdom, not force."

At this time, a strategist stood out and cupped his hands: "General Cao's words are reasonable. Although Lu Bu is brave, he is arrogant. We can use this point to set a trap and lure him into it."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao's eyes lit up: "This plan is excellent! But how should it be implemented specifically?"

The strategist elaborated on his plan in detail, and everyone nodded in agreement after hearing it. Yuan Shao slapped the table and said loudly: "Good! Let's act according to this plan. Everyone, this battle concerns the overall situation of the world. We must go all out and must not have the slightest slack!"

A few days later, the coalition army followed the plan and deliberately exposed flaws to lure Lu Bu into pursuing them. Lu Bu indeed fell for the trap and led his army deep into the coalition's belly, only to find himself trapped in the carefully laid trap of the coalition.

For a time, arrows rained down. Although Lu Bu was incomparably brave, he could not resist this overwhelming offensive. He waved his Fangtian Huaji, charging left and right, trying to break out, but the coalition soldiers surged in like a tide, one after another.

Lu Bu was seriously injured but still insisted on fighting. His figure on the battlefield was like a bolt of lightning, and no one could stop him wherever he went. However, after all, two fists could not fight four hands, and Lu Bu eventually fell in a pool of blood.

The coalition soldiers cheered. They knew that Lu Bu's death meant that Dong Zhuo's power had completely collapsed. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao smiled at each other. They knew that the victory of this battle was not only a blow to Dong Zhuo but also an affirmation of their leadership and wisdom.

"Mengde, after this battle, what should we do?" Yuan Shao looked at Cao Cao, eyes flashing with anticipation.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Benchu, now that Dong Zhuo has been removed, the world is not yet settled. We need to continue to work together to plan for the great cause. I am willing to work with you to rebuild the prestige of the Han Dynasty and let the people of the world live and work in peace."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao was excited: "Mengde, with your words, I, Yuan Shao, can rest assured. If we work together, we will surely achieve great things!"

The two shook hands tightly, eyes flashing with longing and firmness for the future. They knew that although the road ahead was still full of thorns and challenges, as long as they worked together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

The coalition army continued to move forward, recovering more cities along the way, and their power continued to expand. The prestige of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao also spread throughout the world, becoming heroes in the hearts of the people.

However, with the expansion of power, the differences between the two gradually emerged. Yuan Shao advocated for the rapid unification of the country and the restoration of the Han Dynasty's authority; while Cao Cao paid more attention to the people's livelihood, believing that they should develop steadily and unify gradually.

This day, the two sat in the tent again to discuss future strategies. Yuan Shao was impassioned. He slapped the table and said loudly: "Mengde, now that we have strong troops and horses, it is the best time to unify the country. We should take this opportunity to sweep the world in one fell swoop and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty!"

Cao Cao appeared calmer. He shook his head and said slowly: "Benchu, unifying the country is not a task that can be accomplished in a day. Although we are powerful, the people are not yet settled, and the hearts of the people are not stable. If we are too eager for success, I fear it will be counterproductive."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao frowned: "Mengde, you are wrong. Now our morale is high. If we don't cut the Gordian knot, once the lords' forces rise again, we will fall into endless disputes."

Cao Cao looked at Yuan Shao, a flash of helplessness in his eyes: "Benchu, I understand your worries. But unification cannot be achieved by force alone; it requires the hearts of the people and wisdom. We should first stabilize the hearts of the people, develop the economy, and let the people live and work in peace. Only in this way can we truly achieve unification."

The two expressed their own opinions and argued endlessly. The atmosphere in the tent became increasingly tense, and other lords and strategists also expressed their opinions, but they could never reach a consensus. ===== CHAPTER 1769 =====