Chapter 1132: A Failed Attempt, Startled Instead

Cao Cao sneered inwardly, not giving Liu Ba the chance to speak first. He immediately voiced the ideas Liu Ba was about to share. Did Liu Ba really think there were no capable men under Cao Cao's command? People like Xun Yu and Chen Qun had far sharper minds than Liu Ba, and they had already analyzed these situations in much more detail than Liu Ba could ever provide.

The current situation wasn't due to Cao Cao's men being incapable; rather, it was because Liu Bei, as his opponent, was often so strong that it seemed almost unfair. At times, it felt as if Liu Bei was defying the natural order with his capabilities.

After listening to Cao Cao's explanation, Liu Ba was visibly shocked. He found it hard to believe that Cao Cao's insights were more thorough than his own analysis. In Liu Ba’s mind, if Cao Cao's government was aware of all these intricacies, it should have been able to gather more support and avoid its current predicament.

"Does the gentleman have anything else to teach me?" Cao Cao asked, his face expressionless as he stared at Liu Ba. Although he acknowledged Liu Ba's talent, likely on par with first-rate civil servants, someone coming to him acting all high and mighty had to be put in their place.

Liu Ba felt incredibly embarrassed. He had initially thought that people like Xun Yu were only reputed to be capable but lacked real substance. But after this exchange, he realized that the problem was not that Xun Yu and others were weak, but that Liu Bei’s subordinates were so overwhelmingly strong that they made others appear incompetent by comparison.

Cough cough—Liu Ba cleared his throat and decided to present his other strategies. He couldn’t afford to bluff anymore; he needed to show real substance to avoid losing face entirely. "I have another strategy to offer, which could help secure Yong and Liang regions!" Liu Ba quickly adjusted his approach, knowing that he needed to bring something concrete to the table.

"Cao Cao’s forces lack for strong generals to lead armies, but what they truly need are fearless, skilled warriors," Liu Ba began explaining his method for addressing the current predicament.

"Cheng Yu has already handled this," Cao Cao interrupted as soon as he heard the beginning. "The system of twenty military ranks, as well as the sale of official ranks and the purchase of titles, has already been abolished. We’ve adjusted the rewards for each level of nobility and made them more tangible, no longer just empty promises. After the northern campaign, we’ll be distributing titles based on merits."

This was a plan that Chen Qun had already suggested. It had been refined to ensure the rewards were within Cao Cao's means, while also offering substantial benefits for each noble rank, making the titles truly valuable.

"Currently, several factions exist within the court. You, Cao Cao, could elevate Yang Wenxian (Yang Biao)..." Liu Ba shifted to a political proposal, trying to salvage the situation, thankful that he had prepared multiple strategies.

"Promote Yang Wenxian to Grand Tutor," Cao Cao cut him off again. Sima Lang had already proposed this strategy—to utilize Yang Biao’s influence by supporting him when the position of Minister of the Guards was being reassigned. It was merely a way to keep the balance in court.

"Lu Bu has the merit of having protected the emperor by killing Dong Zhuo, and generals like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun are mighty warriors. After pacifying the northern border..." Liu Ba tried again, watching Cao Cao closely.

"Honor their contributions, bring them back to the capital, and then split and diffuse their power," Cao Cao answered, smiling slightly.

Xun Yu had already suggested this as well: to form a good relationship with Lu Bu through the distribution of supplies and rewards, lessening any remaining animosity. Then, they could bring Lu Bu back to the central regions. With his self-confidence, Lu Bu would surely come. The rewards were substantial, and although Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, and Chen Gong might harbor some hostility toward Cao Cao, they would accept titles granted by the emperor, especially Zhang Liao, who had long sought to cleanse his ancestor’s name.

Lu Bu’s arrival would likely bring the rest of his Eight Brave Generals with him. It was a solid strategy, as many individuals burdened by their fame would naturally follow such an opportunity. However, just now, Cao Cao had received news—Lu Bu had ascended to immortality!

"By the way, I should inform you that Lord Lu has ascended to the heavens," Cao Cao said helplessly. No strategy could account for such an unpredictable turn of events.

"What?!" Liu Ba was left dumbfounded, his mind racing as a line of exclamation marks practically hovered over his head. He knew he needed to come up with something substantial to prove his worth, or this entire endeavor might end in disaster. He had bragged too much when he first arrived.

As Liu Ba fell into deep thought, Cao Cao observed him with increased interest. By now, Cao Cao had already reassessed Liu Ba’s abilities. This man was at least as talented as Sima Lang. However, Cao Cao was curious—what more could Liu Ba offer?

"Does the gentleman have anything else to share?" Cao Cao asked calmly, watching as Liu Ba anxiously tried to think of a solution.

Liu Ba's mind was now operating at full speed. He had to prove that he was valuable; otherwise, today would end in humiliation. He had underestimated the caliber of Cao Cao’s ministers.

"Prime Minister, do you understand how the money houses operate?" Liu Ba finally asked, realizing he had little left to offer. This idea was more speculation than fact, but it was all he had left to demonstrate his worth.

Cao Cao raised an eyebrow, showing a flicker of interest. The topic of money houses hadn’t been brought up by any of his subordinates yet. While he knew that Liu Bei’s territories employed them, he had always viewed them as mere tools to facilitate trade. After all, Cao Cao’s current policies emphasized agriculture over commerce, so he hadn’t paid much attention to the concept of money houses.

Because of this, Cao Cao now believed that Liu Ba had exhausted his useful ideas.

This man is likely a top-tier civil servant, Cao Cao thought. He’s a bit arrogant, but he has the talent to back it up. He’s offered ideas that Xun Yu, Chen Qun, and others have already suggested. Perhaps I should appoint him as a Secretary of State for now to refine his skills.

Liu Ba noticed that Cao Cao’s interest seemed to wane, and in desperation, he decided to lay all his cards on the table. He had to differentiate himself, or else this would be an embarrassing failure.

"Prime Minister, do you know the reason why Liu Xuande is never short of money? It lies within the money houses!" Liu Ba suddenly declared, adopting the dramatic tone often used by master strategists to command attention.

Immediately, Cao Cao’s interest was piqued. Why was Liu Bei so rich? Why could he spread money so freely? Why could he sustain all those welfare programs? This was something Cao Cao had been studying for a long time. He didn’t believe he was inferior to Liu Bei in any respect, but Liu Bei’s territories were developing at an alarmingly fast rate.

Liu Bei’s rapid development stemmed from his financial resources. Cao Cao had even resorted to secretly raiding abandoned graves, melting down valuables for funds, yet he was still short on money.

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