Cao Cao asks how to deal with the Yellow Turban Army. The protagonist is prepared and resolves the problem with ease, then sets off to take up his post in the city, gaining plenty of knowledge about the economy and people's livelihoods.
The protagonist realizes that the Yellow Turban Army is squeezing the common people's room to survive, so he proposes more advanced methods of production, to Cao Cao's delight.
Under the surface, the great clans are restless. Dissatisfied with Cao Cao and the protagonist's reforms, they plot trouble, stirring up hostility between the Yellow Turban Army and the people, the people and Cao Cao, and the Yellow Turban Army and Cao Cao.
Cao Cao faces another crisis, but the protagonist resolves it with ease. He also dismantles several great clans to make an example of them, helping Cao Cao secure his rule over Yan Province once and for all.
The protagonist then reforms iron-smelting techniques, helps Cao Cao train his troops, and devises new battle formations, greatly improving the economy, people's livelihoods, and military strength.
The protagonist helps Cao Cao seize Yu Province. Various figures begin to appear and vie for advantage, but the protagonist's strategies prove superior. He not only holds on to Yu Province, but also seizes Qing Province while the opportunity is there, propelling Cao Cao's strength to the top.
Cao Cao's fame spreads throughout the realm, and he comes under attack from all sides. But when the protagonist steps in, he uses a simple scheme to sow discord and turn his enemies against each other. Cao Cao reaps the rewards, and the realm finally realizes that it isn't Cao Cao who's so formidable, but the protagonist at his side.
The protagonist receives another reward from the System, making his plans even more formidable.
At this point, Yuan Shao fears Cao Cao will continue to grow stronger, so he allies with Liu Bei of Xu Province to attack Cao Cao from both sides. Cao Cao is ambushed and defeated, losing all of Qing Province.
The three sides launch into a great war. Yet even after being ambushed and fighting two enemies at once, Cao Cao's forces still hold the advantage. Yuan Shao and Liu Bei are alarmed and dare no longer let Cao Cao develop unchecked, so they commit all their forces.
In the end, everything falls apart after the protagonist returns from surveying the mines. His many tactics and techniques completely overwhelm the opposition
