Chapter 992: Diverging Intentions

Just as Chen Gong began doubting his own value, Cheng Yu, reviewing the reports in front of him, also began to question his decisions. However, unlike Chen Gong, who was already wavering, Cheng Yu, though suspicious, remained steadfast.

"Starting today, we will be responsible for providing your provisions," Cheng Yu said, looking at Hu Zhao and Gao Gan, who were representing Yuan Tan’s army.

"We’ll be relying on you from now on, Cheng Gong," Gao Gan respectfully replied with a bow. "From this point forward, the three of us should work together, watching each other’s backs, and jointly defending the North."

After a series of moves by Yuan Tan, Gao Gan had become thoroughly disillusioned with him. If Yuan Tan had been honest about his intentions, Gao Gan wouldn’t have been angry. He would have peacefully handed over the reins of power.

What truly disappointed Gao Gan was that Yuan Tan had kept silent, relying on a series of obvious strategies to strip him of everything. Having lost most of Bingzhou, his position as governor was now nothing more than a title.

The recognition Yuan Shao had given him for his loyalty and capability had been eroded under his brother’s rule. Gao Gan found himself unsure of how to face Yuan Tan. Was it really so hard for Yuan Tan to give him a heads-up or notify him in advance?

Could he really seize the inheritance that his uncle had left for Yuan Tan’s son? Even if he had the ability, Gao Gan, who had lived under Yuan Shao’s protection, didn’t have the heart to do such a thing. To him, helping his cousin secure Yuan Shao’s legacy and restore the Yuan clan’s glory seemed like the best course of action.

Unfortunately, Yuan Tan didn’t even have the courage to inform him directly. Instead, he had Chunyu Qiong and Jiang Yiqu prepare defenses in case Gao Gan refused to hand over Bingzhou’s power. At that moment, Gao Gan felt nothing but exhaustion.

Once you reach that position, must you really treat your former family as enemies, using the same methods you’d use against foes?

As Gao Gan pondered all of this, the handover of Bingzhou continued smoothly. In the end, Gao Gan didn’t defy Yuan Tan’s orders. Though he was deeply disappointed, he still remembered Yuan Shao’s teachings. In these circumstances, if they didn’t unite, it wouldn’t be long before Yuan Shao’s legacy disappeared.

However, from this point on, Gao Gan knew he could never return to the close relationship he once had with Yuan Tan during Yuan Shao’s life. They would never again sit down and have an open-hearted conversation. He now had to start preparing a backup plan for himself.

Cheng Yu gave Gao Gan a strange look, wondering what he truly meant. But before he could think it over, Gao Gan patted Guo Yuan on the shoulder, signaling him. Guo Yuan understood and bowed to Cheng Yu. "Cheng Gong, how is my uncle, Secretary Zhong, doing lately?"

"Yuan Chang?" Cheng Yu’s eyes flickered with understanding, though his expression didn’t change. "Yuan Chang has been working on civil projects in Yong and Liang provinces. Recently, he oversaw a major water conservancy project that benefited millions, earning my lord’s deep respect."

Cheng Yu’s words subtly conveyed all the necessary information to Guo Yuan, who, upon hearing this, could not hide his joy.

[It makes sense,] Cheng Yu thought. [After how Yuan Tan treated Gao Gan right after taking power, it’s only natural that Gao Gan would bear resentment. If that’s the case, we won’t need to do much in Bingzhou. As long as Gao Gan lets go, we can slowly infiltrate and smoothly take control of the region.] Cheng Yu mused, [However, this needs to be done carefully. It can’t be too obvious.]

Hu Zhao remained expressionless as he watched the exchange, fully understanding the implications of those few words. He didn’t say anything, though, because he had already noticed a signal from his disciple, Sima Yi.

"Teacher, it’s been a while," Sima Yi smiled as he bowed to Hu Zhao, both his mentor and friend.

"It hasn’t been that long. How are your studies progressing, Zhongda?" Hu Zhao asked with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"I only lack practical experience," Sima Yi replied calmly but confidently.

"I also think you’re about ready, but Zhongda, don’t do anything that would make me feel conflicted," Hu Zhao warned.

"Respecting one’s teacher and following the Way is fundamental to our virtues," Sima Yi smiled warmly, a smile that briefly resembled Zhuge Liang's. However, his expression quickly returned to his usual cold arrogance.

Hu Zhao glanced at Cheng Yu and Gao Gan, then looked back at Sima Yi. "Don’t put me in a difficult position."

"I won’t, teacher. I know your aspirations, and no one will disrupt them. Likewise, please don’t interfere with our affairs," Sima Yi said calmly, his voice unwavering.

Hu Zhao looked at Sima Yi and sighed deeply. In the end, he chose to compromise. He knew that this disciple—or rather, this friend—would never compromise on certain things, so Hu Zhao had to concede.

After that, Hu Zhao remained silent, and Sima Yi didn’t ask any further questions. From this moment on, Sima Yi was truly independent, free to act without anyone pointing fingers or guiding him during difficult times.

Cheng Yu, too, didn’t say anything more. He handed over the provisions to Hu Zhao without further exchanges with Guo Yuan or Gao Gan. Likewise, Gao Gan and his men didn’t trouble Cheng Yu any further. Everything proceeded smoothly.

As the cold wind blew, Cheng Yu glanced northward and, in a moment of illusion, thought he saw Chen Gong, who had been absent from the entire handover process. Once a powerful ally, they now stood on opposite sides.

[The next time I come here, everything will have reached its conclusion. Gongtai, even if you’re willing to turn back, the next time I come, I will still ask the same question, and I hope you’ll give me a satisfactory answer.] Cheng Yu sighed inwardly as he gazed north, but his eyes remained resolute.

"Cheng Zhongde has left," Chen Gong murmured as he stood on the city walls.

"Just because you didn’t see them off, does it mean they couldn’t leave?" Hu Zhao, uncharacteristically, cracked a cold joke. "There are some things we cannot control. If you let go, maybe you could even stay friends."

"Paths that differ cannot work together!" Chen Gong replied firmly.

"Paths that differ cannot work together, eh? Gongtai, you’re too narrow-minded. In truth, all paths lead to the same source. Different roads can still lead to the same destination," Hu Zhao said slowly, watching the departing figure of Sima Yi. Though Sima Yi called himself a disciple, in truth, he was more like a close friend. Did they really share the same ideals? No, they were like two ships heading in opposite directions!

"Then I’d rather walk a wrong path!" Chen Gong said calmly. "Besides, it’s hard to tell right from wrong at this point. People say that different paths lead to the same end, but only the one standing at the highest peak, at the very last moment, can truly see that view."

"…" Hu Zhao fell silent. After all, Chen Gong was a top strategist. Even though Hu Zhao hadn’t said anything, and Chen Gong hadn’t been involved in the handover, he still managed to figure out parts of Cheng Yu’s plan.

Previous Chapter | | Next Chapter