This scene felt strangely familiar.
Indeed, it was Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.
However, in other novels, the protagonist is usually portrayed as Cao Cao. But Lu Ming had become Yuan Shao, replacing him.
Since he knew how to win, Lu Ming certainly wouldn't do the same foolish thing as Yuan Shao.
Xu Shu nodded.
Although he felt this was unconventional, his lord was his lord. If his lord said to do it this way, as long as it didn't violate a cardinal rule of warfare that would lead to a crushing defeat, he wouldn't stop him.
To put it bluntly, the role of a strategist is to offer advice, marking the traps and pitfalls along the way.
As for how the lord chooses to proceed, that's entirely up to him; he can do whatever he wants.
"There's one more thing. Yuan Shu sent a letter saying he'll ascend the throne next month."
Xu Shu handed the letter to Lu Ming. This was also a very serious matter. Because Lu Ming's promise was to jointly declare themselves emperors. As for the future, that could be dealt with later.
If two people declared themselves emperors together, they could certainly support each other. As for fighting, that was a matter for later. Lu Ming's ascension to the throne would significantly reduce the pressure on Yuan Shu.
If even the most powerful warlord declared himself emperor, what would happen to the other warlords? And what about Cao Cao?
Even if Cao Cao was exceptionally talented, he initially had to survive in Chenliu. To gain control of Yan Province, he had to fight the governor of Yan Province. Furthermore, the Central Plains was a battleground, plagued by remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Frankly, how could he possibly develop?
That would be a truly hellish start.
The Central Plains were rich and the cradle of civilization, but unfortunately, there were too many warlords.
By the time Cao Cao had secured a foothold, Lu Ming would have already controlled half the country. So, who could fight Lu Ming?
Lu Ming looked at the three of them, his expression playful: "What do you all think?" Pang Tong stroked his newly grown beard, his expression somewhat grave.
"I do not recommend declaring yourself emperor. This is not the right time. Although the Han dynasty is in decline, it is still a force to be reckoned with."
"My lord, why not conquer the Central Plains, calm your mind, and recuperate for three to five years? Then, with the people's hearts turned towards you, it will not be too late to ascend the throne."
Zhuge Liang nodded in deep agreement. Although there was a competitive relationship among strategists, when it came to matters of great importance, one must maintain a proper stance.
"That's right, my lord, now is not the time to ascend the throne. Ji Province is newly pacified, and the Central Plains are still unsettled. Conquer the Central Plains within two years, then allow three years of recuperation and rebuilding. With the people's hearts turned towards you, my lord can then ascend to the throne. This matter can be accomplished!" "
Xu Shu also clasped his hands in a fist salute, solemnly expressing his opinion.
"It is not advisable to ascend the throne now, my lord."
Seeing the tense expressions of his three advisors, Lu Ming laughed heartily, "Reply to Yuan Shu, tell him that I will keep my promise."
"My lord!"
Xu Shu was anxious. While declaring himself emperor now wasn't impossible, it would certainly alienate the people.
Delaying would guarantee victory; why rush it?
The food has just been cooked; wait a while, why eat undercooked rice?
Given a choice, doing this was hardly a wise decision!
Lu Ming waved his hand, his expression becoming somewhat smug. He picked up his teacup, blew on it, and said, "Let Yuan Shu perform his own show. I'm not in a hurry for him to declare himself emperor. Let's conquer the Central Plains first. Being the supreme ruler isn't so easy." Hearing this, Xu Shu finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had genuinely worried that Lu Ming might want to declare himself emperor.
After all, the allure of becoming emperor was irresistible to ordinary people. Who wouldn't want to be an emperor? They wanted it so badly! Or rather, who could refuse an opportunity to become emperor?
On the contrary, Pang Tong stood up and bowed deeply to Lu Ming, which surprised Lu Ming slightly.
"My lord, please accept my bow. My lord has a broad mind, not concerned with short-term gains, but considering the overall situation. Only a person with a firm will could resist such temptation."
So it was flattery! Lu Ming had thought it was something serious.
"Alright, alright, I understand. I'm not that incompetent; I know what's important. This land will fall into my hands sooner or later, so why rush it?" "Think it over carefully, I await your good news."
Only after Lu Ming left the Military Council did Zhuge Liang mutter to himself, "My lord is truly an extraordinary man. Rumors circulate that he harbors rebellious intentions. But who could have imagined that the one truly harboring rebellious intentions is that of a man from a family that has held high office for four generations! A disgrace to the Han dynasty!"
Pang Tong nodded in deep agreement. Few could make such a clear-headed judgment.
If it were an ordinary person, controlling Yizhou, Liangzhou, Guanzhong, Bingzhou, Jizhou, and Youzhou—virtually half the land—who could refuse to ascend the throne?
Holding a large army—that's the confidence! Yet Lu Ming refused with a laugh, simply seeking stability.
Lu Ming was neither hypocritical nor pretentious; he never concealed his desire to become emperor.
However, he acted after careful planning, while some acted purely on whim.
It was predictable that if Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, Yuan Shao would be finished, and most of Yuan's followers would likely still favor him, potentially increasing his power.
But what about Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Sun Ce, and Liu Biao around him? Would they maintain harmony, or would they fight to protect their own interests?
Conversely, Lu Ming and Yuan Shu were separated by the Central Plains, so there was no need to worry about direct conflict.
After he declared himself emperor, his trade would continue as usual, without any loss.
Only the exchange of money and grain would be replaced by barter.
Money was useless to Lu Ming; only resources mattered.
A month later, Lu Ming inspected the shipyard at the Yellow River ferry, a place for building and repairing ships.
As long as the shipyard existed, it could continuously produce ships to expand his navy.
Once the shipyards are breached, the ships will be like water without a source, destined to perish sooner or later.
Lu Ming's ambition was already evident. By assigning Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, the "Dragon and Phoenix Chicks," to deal with Cao Cao, he was already showing Cao Cao considerable respect.
Besides indulging in pleasure, he spent most of his time inspecting the shipyards and overseeing the administration of Ji Province.
This primarily involved road construction, surveying the geography, and determining railway plans, among other things.