In the flickering candlelight, Dian Wei, already formidable, appeared even more heroic. Cao Cao was increasingly fond of him, staring so intently that he almost forgot to speak with Lin Yu.
Seeing this, Lin Yu quickly said with a smile, "Lord Cao, this man is not only my subordinate but also my sworn brother, Dian Wei." The implication was clear: Dian Wei is my man, Lord Cao, so don't think about taking him from me.
Cao Cao gave an awkward smile. He had indeed intended to ask for Dian Wei, but after Lin Yu's remark, he felt a bit embarrassed. Well, since Dian Wei is Lin Yu's sworn brother, as long as I can keep Lin Yu, I can naturally keep Dian Wei as well. Thinking this, Cao Cao's smile brightened, and he said, "Sir, you recently suggested that I establish the 'Gold Diggers Command' and helped General Zilin clear up the military accounts. Your contributions are truly significant."
"Lord Cao is too kind," Lin Yu humbly replied, "As a servant to the lord, I am loyal to the lord's affairs. Since I serve Lord Cao, I naturally should devote myself entirely to my duties, until death do us part."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes brightened. What a commitment to duty, until death! This man's eloquence is indeed sharp-witted!
After exchanging compliments, Cao Cao gave Xiahou Dun a signal to wait outside the tent. Lin Yu, noticing this, also asked Dian Wei to leave. For a moment, only Cao Cao and Lin Yu remained in the tent.
"Sir, we will set out tomorrow to join forces with other armies to confront Dong Zhuo," Cao Cao slowly revealed the purpose of his visit, "But to be honest, I don't know why, my heart is always uneasy, so I have come to seek your advice."
Lin Yu thought for a moment, then asked with a smile, "Why does Lord Cao want to confront Dong Zhuo?"
"Naturally, it is to eliminate the treacherous and restore the Han dynasty," Cao Cao answered without hesitation.
However, upon hearing this, Lin Yu couldn't help but laugh. This laughter confused Cao Cao, who said with some displeasure, "Why does Sir laugh? Do you think my ambition is not grand enough?" At this time, Cao Cao was still a young man full of passion, thinking only of restoring the Han dynasty, without any thought of replacing it himself.
Lin Yu composed himself, smiled slightly, and said, "Lord Cao has such a grand ambition, which I truly admire." Then he shifted the topic, "But unfortunately, the outcome of this confrontation with Dong Zhuo is probably not going to be optimistic." Cao Cao frowned slightly, but looked a bit dismissive.
Seeing this, Lin Yu continued, "At this Suanzao alliance, besides Lord Cao, there are also seventeen other forces."
"But the leaders of these seventeen forces, although they claim to be ministers of the Han, are essentially no different from warlords!"
"They scheme against each other, appearing harmonious on the surface, but harboring ulterior motives in their hearts."
"Besides Lord Cao, how many truly wish to restore the Han dynasty?"
"Most are making their own calculations, hoping others will take the lead so they can reap the benefits."
"In this way, even if the allied forces seem strong, how can they possibly defeat Dong Zhuo?"
Lin Yu's analysis was logical and convincing. However, after listening, Cao Cao was still skeptical. After all, he had not yet faced Dong Zhuo in real combat, nor had he even met with the other warlords; how could Lin Yu be so certain that the allied forces would not prevail against Dong Zhuo?
"If Lord Cao doesn't believe me, we can just wait and see," Lin Yu said, knowing the historical process that would unfold and thus speaking with a faint smile, not elaborating further.
Cao Cao was silent for a while before asking, "What is Sir's view on the trend of the world?"
"The world tends to unite after a long period of division and to divide after a long period of unity. First, there was the turmoil of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, followed by the situation of warlords vying for power. It seems that the Han dynasty's fate is about to end," Lin Yu said calmly.
Such words were almost treasonous. If the court officials heard them, Lin Yu would surely be accused of spreading false rumors and arrested. But Cao Cao, after hearing them, remained silent. Although he was full of passion and only wanted to restore the Han dynasty, he could also sense that Lin Yu was right.
"Although there are many heroes in the world, only one can unify the world and bring peace to the chaos!"
"Who is that person?" Cao Cao couldn't help but ask.
"Far in the heavens, close at hand," Lin Yu's gaze was intense, staring straight at Cao Cao.
Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat. He never expected that he was held in such high regard in Lin Yu's heart!
"Sir is too kind with his words."
"Not at all," Lin Yu waved his hand and said with a smile, "Lord Cao, you have great ambitions, full of wise strategies, and you value and utilize talents well. You are indeed a hero!"
Hearing this series of praises, Cao Cao was both flattered and a bit elated.
"Sir has great talent. It's a waste to just have you manage grain and supplies," Cao Cao said with a smile, "Why not serve as the Chief of Staff in our army?"
"No, no, no, I'm quite comfortable here!" Lin Yu shook his head repeatedly.
Joking aside, although Cao Cao now only has a few generals like Xiahou Yuan under his command, once his power grows, the internal forces will become complicated and factionalism will rise. One careless mistake could be life-threatening. It's better to be a small official in charge of supplies, peacefully going with the flow, while occasionally offering advice to Cao Cao and even causing some trouble for Liu Bei. Once Cao Cao prospers, even without great contributions, there will be the toil, and then he can enjoy a life of wealth and honor, how wonderful.
Cao Cao persuaded for a while longer, but seeing Lin Yu's determination, he didn't insist further. After a few more casual words, Cao Cao got up and took his leave.
After leaving Lin Yu's place, Cao Cao's steps became lighter, even humming a tune.
Xiahou Dun, who was with him, couldn't help but ask, "My lord, what did Lin Yu talk to you about that made you so relaxed?"
Cao Cao chuckled and briefly recounted the conversation he had with Lin Yu.
"Although this man is quite bold and his words and deeds are a bit unconventional, he is humble and always considers the lord's interests. In this regard, he is not a person sent by Dong Zhuo," Xiahou Dun said thoughtfully.
"You're right, that's what I think too," Cao Cao nodded in agreement.
Regardless of whether Lin Yu's analysis of the world's affairs is correct or not, his attitude tonight is enough to prove that he is sincerely serving for himself.
Well, let's see if the outcome of this campaign against Dong Zhuo is as Lin Yu predicted. If he is really right, I will reward him generously. Cao Cao made up his mind in his heart.
…
The next morning, the Cao army packed up and set off on the road to Suanzao.
Unlike those nervous soldiers, Lin Yu was very leisurely. He lay on the cart, leaning against the grain sacks, comfortably basking in the sun.
Dian Wei sat in front, driving the cart while grumbling, "Brother, Lord Cao wanted to promote you, why didn't you agree?"
"Why be promoted? Isn't it good as it is?" Lin Yu asked with a smile, a straw in his mouth.