In ancient Chinese history, there were many outstanding politicians and counselors who assisted monarchs with wisdom and talent, achieving great things. However, when ideals clash with reality, even the smartest individuals may face difficult choices. Xun Yu, a wise man hailed as "the talent of a king's assistant," experienced such conflicts and helplessness in his collaboration with Cao Cao.

Xun Yu was a renowned politician and litterateur of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, whose talent and virtue were highly respected during that time. In his early years, he joined Cao Cao's camp and became an important counselor. Xun Yu's support for Cao Cao was not merely based on personal ambition, but rather grounded in his understanding of the overall situation of the world and his aspirations for the restoration of the Han Dynasty. He believed that Cao Cao had the potential to end the war and restore stability and prosperity to the Han Dynasty.

However, as time progressed, Cao Cao's power grew increasingly significant, and his ambitions gradually emerged. Cao Cao not only grasped the reins of government, but also received the nine tin bestowments and was titled Duke of Wei, essentially surpassing the role of a mere subject. This was far from Xun Yu's initial expectations, and he began to feel deep disappointment and conflict.

Xun Yu's helplessness stemmed from the fact that he knew that Cao Cao's changes might undermine the political order he envisioned, yet he was unable to alter the current situation. As Cao Cao's counselor, he provided strategies and helped consolidate Cao Cao's power, but inwardly felt uneasy about Cao Cao's actions. He attempted to influence Cao Cao through remonstrance, hoping to steer him back onto the path of assisting the Han Dynasty, but Cao Cao's political ambitions had become irreversible.

In this delicate relationship, Xun Yu's loyalty and ideals were greatly tested. He could not abandon his support for Cao Cao, as it represented his commitment to the overall situation of the country; yet, he could not accept Cao Cao's encroachment on the Han Dynasty, which violated his Confucian ideals. In this tug-of-war, Xun Yu's heart was undoubtedly painful.

Ultimately, Xun Yu passed away on the eve of Cao Cao's proclamation as King Wei. Some believe he died of illness, while others believe he died of despair. Regardless, Xun Yu's life was a struggle between loyalty and ideals. His wisdom and talent were admired by later generations, and his helplessness and conflicts have become a part of history, provoking deep reflection.

In the long river of history, figures like Xun Yu are not uncommon. They serve their era with their talent and wisdom, yet must also face the conflict between ideals and reality. Xun Yu's story shows us the helplessness of a wise man in the face of power, and helps us understand the difficulty of maintaining personal beliefs in complex interpersonal relationships and political struggles.

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