Three Kingdoms, Myth

When the news of Gan Ning's impressive achievements arrived, Chen Xi was in the middle of explaining to Qu Qi why simply relying on superior seeds wasn't enough, emphasizing how hybridization could yield miracles. He was also introducing Qu Qi to Mendel's pea plant theories.

Qu Qi's eyes sparkled with interest. Although he hadn't specifically studied these theories, as a professional agricultural expert with seven or eight years of experience, he'd encountered strange cases where purple-flowered pea seeds produced white flowers or tall pea plants produced short ones.

"Zichuan, put that report aside. Even if my aristocratic education was only half-completed before I took charge, I still understand the current situation. Qingzhou and Taishan hold the upper hand." Qu Qi, seeing Chen Xi laughing at the report in his hands, impatiently waved it off. Although Qu Qi had devoted most of his energy to farming, he still had the clarity of a bystander when it came to the affairs of the various warlords.

"Of course, that's only natural. With the plan I personally devised, how could there be any mistakes? Qingzhou is currently in an excellent position—money and grain are abundant, the troops are well-trained and well-fed, and there's no fear of any challenge. That's why I have the leisure to discuss these matters with you." Chen Xi smiled. "But I must say, Gan Xingba really did me a favor this time."

After speaking, Chen Xi handed the report to Qu Qi. "Take a look. Gan Xingba truly lives up to his title as Chief Commander of the Navy. His courage is remarkable, and his timing impeccable. It's just a pity he isn't more skilled at commanding large forces."

"No one is perfect, just as no gold is flawless. However, based on what I've seen of this fellow townsman of mine, his performance has been nothing short of spectacular. With just three hundred men, he forced Yuan Benchu to retreat, then followed up by leading a hundred riders to raid the camp without losing a single person. Yuan Benchu has truly lost face this time." Qu Qi quickly skimmed the report and understood the situation. "Yuan Benchu can forget about launching any further offensives against Youzhou. His plan to use others as pawns and position himself as the moral high ground has been completely ruined."

Chen Xi was momentarily taken aback. Qu Qi had grasped the entire situation after just a quick glance at the report. "You really are on par with most strategists, aren't you?"

"When a family invests a century's worth of resources into raising one person, that person is bound to know a little about everything. But..." Qu Qi trailed off, feeling a bit dejected, only to quickly shake off the feeling. "Let's continue talking about these basic genetic factors! I'm determined to cultivate a super seed that combines all the best traits!"

Chen Xi casually placed the report on the table between them, returning to his explanation of high school-level biology concepts like hybrid seeds. After all, he didn't have much time, and with Qu Qi showing so much interest, there was a good chance for a breakthrough in the future. However, it would take a lot of time to fully impart this knowledge, especially given Qu Qi's lack of foundational understanding.

While Chen Xi nonchalantly left the report on the table, he remained unaware of the shockwaves spreading among the warlords due to the conclusion of the Battle of Jieqiao. The battle had seen Gongsun Zan initially holding the advantage, only for Ju Yi to rise up, crush Baima Yicong, and then pursue Gongsun Zan. The situation had taken a dramatic turn when Gan Ning unexpectedly emerged, setting fire to Handan and launching a hundred-rider raid on Yuan Shao's camp. In the end, it was Ju Yi and Gan Ning who stood out as the main figures of the conflict, with everyone else reduced to supporting roles.

Compared to Ju Yi, who wiped out Baima Yicong in a field battle, and Gan Ning, who burned Handan and raided Yuan Shao's camp with a hundred riders, the other participants were overshadowed.

Was Baima Yicong powerful? All the warlords acknowledged its strength. Gongsun Zan had used it to dominate the battlefield, but Ju Yi's heavy-armored troops held the line, and his Xian Deng warriors completely annihilated Baima Yicong, leaving Gongsun Zan without even a remnant of his elite cavalry. That night, Ju Yi led his Xian Deng warriors in a final assault, destroying Gongsun Zan's camp. A figure like that could only be described with one word—fierce!

Yet, just as the tide had turned in favor of Yuan Shao, Gan Ning had upended everything with a single fire and a slap in the face, cutting down Yuan Shao's command flag before departing unscathed with all his men. For all the warlords, there was only one way to describe Gan Ning—audacious!

Of course, if it were only about bravery and audacity, there would be little cause for concern. What truly alarmed the warlords was the way both Ju Yi and Gan Ning displayed an uncanny ability to seize fleeting opportunities on the battlefield. Both men had shown a knack for turning those moments into decisive victories, leaving many in awe.

Their extraordinary courage, combined with their keen sense for seizing opportunities, made them figures that any discerning warlord would fear. Such men, fearless and sharp in battle, had a unique ability to transform dangerous situations into opportunities for success.

Because of the dramatic turns in the Battle of Jieqiao and the subsequent twists and turns, all the warlords' reports highlighted these two men equally. Despite Gan Ning's modest force of three hundred compared to Ju Yi's command of an entire army, both were acknowledged as exceptional figures who had demonstrated both unparalleled bravery and the qualities of top-tier generals. All they needed were the right circumstances and a capable lord to serve.

"A wise bird chooses the right tree to nest in! Gongsun Bogui failed to properly utilize such a talented general, so his defeat isn't surprising! Send someone to the north to make contact with Gan Ning. I, Cao Mengde, must have a warrior of such wisdom and courage!" After reading the report, Cao Cao immediately decided to recruit Gan Ning.

Cao Cao was certain that Yuan Shao was also searching for the man who had ruined his plans, not to seek revenge, but to recruit him. After all, with Gongsun Zan now in decline, there wouldn't be another opportunity like this anytime soon. If he missed this chance, who knew when another talent like Gan Ning would emerge? Just look at Ju Yi—Gongsun Zan's defeat was inevitable!

"Master, your wisdom is unmatched!" Xun Yu smiled. "But compared to this, there's another general whom you might want to consider approaching."

At Xun Yu's words, a hint of wariness flashed in Cao Cao's eyes. Xun Yu, Xun You, Xi Zhicai, Cheng Yu, and Chen Qun had all manipulated Yuan Shu to the point of near insanity, leading to a confrontation with Lü Bu under the walls of Wan. If Cao Cao hadn't also been present at Wan, the two sides might have clashed right there!

In the end, the outcome was predictable. Lü Bu and his men separated from Yuan Shu, and when they left, they made sure to plunder Yuan Shu thoroughly. This naturally led to a deep rift between them, with Yuan Shu losing all tolerance for Lü Bu, while Lü Bu began plotting to kill Yuan Shu and seize control of Yuzhou for himself. However, Yuan Shu's considerable strength meant that defeating him wouldn't be easy. And to make matters worse, Cao Cao was just waiting to take advantage of the situation from the sidelines.

But Lü Bu was like a tree without roots, a stream without a source. Even after robbing Yuan Shu, his resources were limited. With his men consuming supplies daily, he couldn't sustain his forces for long. In desperation, Lü Bu had already started preparing to move again, and now he was secretly proposing an alliance with Cao Cao, offering to help him eliminate Yuan Shu in exchange for grain.

With this opportunity at hand, Xun Yu, feeling that their forces were still insufficient, suggested testing Lü Bu's loyalty. As for the potential risk of Lü Bu turning against them, Xun Yu wasn't too concerned. As long as their core strength remained solid, there was nothing they couldn't handle. And as long as Cao Cao didn't foolishly provoke Lü Bu by pursuing his concubine Diao Chan, there was little to fear!

After all, Xun Yu believed that with him and his colleagues keeping a close watch, Lü Bu wouldn't stand a chance against their combined efforts. Could someone with Lü Bu's limited intellect really withstand their scheming? Within three months of joining Cao Cao, Xun Yu was confident they could render Lü Bu powerless, absorbing his troops and leaving him with nothing. Xi Zhicai had even hinted that they could frame the whole thing in such a way that everyone—including Lü Bu himself—would believe it was all his fault!