"I don't know who harbored ill intentions to send this person. Everyone, please secure your intelligence so it isn't stolen by others!" Cao Cao hastily commanded. By the time he stood up, his hands were already covered in blood!
"It's just that you stood in this general's way. You deserve to die!" Cao Cao thought to himself.
In truth, both Ye Feng and Cao Cao understood that Cao Cao would indeed attend the banquet. The grand commotion caused all the lords to rush out. Yuan Shao, the leader, frowned and pointed at the Embroidered Uniform Guard, saying coldly, "Do you lords know what has happened? Such a terrifying event has occurred!"
"Lord Yuan!" Cao Cao stepped forward and did not conceal anything, stating directly that someone wanted to form an alliance with him but was sternly refused. The messenger was killed as a warning!
"Excellent, excellent!" Yuan Shao lightly struck his thigh with his hand and sat on the couch, saying coldly, "I never imagined someone would already have their eyes on my foundation. My lords, what should be done about this matter?"
"We will absolutely kill him!" The lords gritted their teeth in anger, cursing, "If there's one, there will be another. We fear endless trouble down the line!"
"Cao Cao, who exactly were you in contact with?" Yuan Shao asked angrily, wiping his forehead. "Don't try to deceive us, we know what's what!"
"I truly wouldn't dare. That person was Wang Kuang, who foolishly tried to persuade Zhang Miao to defect from the alliance together, and to coordinate with the Third Legion to annihilate us!" Cao Cao spoke with conviction!
Half truth, half lie, with an extra pinch of deceit, and given Wang Kuang's close personal relationship with Zhang Miao, no one suspected the truth of his words for a moment. Their gazes instinctively shifted towards Zhang Miao.
"Governor, should we not be given an explanation for this matter?" Yuan Shao spoke first, looking down from above, his imposing aura emanating in waves.
Under the gaze of everyone, Zhang Miao felt a cold sweat break out. "You're lying! I will never admit to something I didn't do. Or perhaps he gave you some benefits!"
"Oh? Then Cao and the Governor have no past grievances or recent enmities. Why would we pick a quarrel? I even killed him to frame the Governor. I request the Governor to provide an explanation."
Cao Cao pressed on, "Why has your sworn brother of years now joined Ye Feng's ranks? Could it be that he has already defected? It seems the Governor's defection is not far off!"
"You're spouting nonsense!" Zhang Miao roared in exasperation. "He killed my peerless general Pan Feng! This is an irreconcilable hatred, and I will never forgive him!"
"Could the Governor bring himself to strike down his own brother on the battlefield?" Cao Cao inquired lightly. "Do you dare swear to Heaven and Earth on behalf of your nine generations of kin that you, Zhang Miao, have no selfish intentions and will personally kill your brother!"
The questioning left Zhang Miao stunned. For a moment, he stood there speechless, then finally managed to stammer out, "What exactly do you want!"
Cao Cao turned to face Yuan Shao, cupping his hands slightly. "Lord Yuan, I believe this matter is far from simple. Although we are here to slay Ye Feng, we must not abandon proper etiquette. How about we send a challenge tomorrow and decide this on the battlefield!"
"Well said!" Yuan Shao nodded slightly, a smile on his face. "I wonder..."
"Absolutely not! Ye Feng dared to commit such a shameless act. His corpse should be hung on the flagpole and exposed to the sun for nine days, so that he can see our might!"
"Indeed. As for sending a challenge, it's an unnecessary move. With so many of us here, Ye Feng won't be able to stir up any trouble!"
"Good, good. You all speak of 'won't be able to stir up trouble.' Then, when you go to the front lines, how about serving as vanguards?" Cao Cao said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Instantly, those who had spoken up began to back down. Yuan Shao pressed his hand down, and the decision was made. "We will send a challenge. If Ye Feng is sensible, we can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, a decisive battle on the battlefield will commence. I wonder which general is willing to undertake this task!"
"Whoever made the request should go!" someone shouted loudly, instantly earning much applause. This was exactly what Cao Cao had hoped for. However, he still put on an indignant expression and turned to curse, "Hahahaha, you cowards! Are you all so terrified of a single Ye Feng? With Lord Yuan present, what more could Ye Feng possibly do?"
"General, go without worry. I will look after your subordinates. If you return safely, you will be a honored guest of my Yuan family!" Yuan Shao dangled a carrot. "Wouldn't it be glorious to command the three armies then!"
"Since I have Lord Yuan's favor, I naturally cannot refuse. I shall take on this task!" Cao Cao, having put on his show and secured his benefits, then pretended to reluctantly agree.
As for the cause of death of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Cao Cao had already figured it all out. What did it have to do with him if others took action? He had even retrieved the Embroidered Uniform Guard's token to send back!
In an instant, everyone dispersed. Zhang Miao returned to his camp and furiously threw down whatever he could grab. A retainer rushed forward, "My lord, my lord, there are many people here. You must not lose your composure!"
"This Governor..." Zhang Miao sighed heavily. "I have never suffered such a great humiliation. Can't you all see how this Governor should proceed!"
After a long pause, a retainer cautiously stepped forward. Zhang Miao glared at the retainer's appearance and said coldly, "What, do you have an idea?"
"My lord, since Yuan Shao doesn't believe us, the lords are estranged, and the Third Legion is formidable. Since there are such rumors, why doesn't my lord go along with the charade? It won't amount to much then!" the retainer said without hesitation. "Besides, my lord has a close friend in the Third Legion, so nothing will happen!"
Zhang Miao remained noncommittal, tapping his fingers on the table. "Do any of you have other suggestions? This Governor will reward you handsomely!"
Given his reputation for generosity, and with these words, the retainers spoke without hesitation.
"My lord, perhaps during the decisive battle, you could position yourself at the rear and then, along with the Third Legion, launch a pincer attack. It's not impossible to achieve a great victory. If Ye Feng truly ascends to that position, my lord will have the merit of assisting in the ascension!" the retainer said without hesitation. "I implore my lord to reconsider!"
"So be it. I offer my heart to the bright moon, but the moon shines in the gutter. Rebellion it is! I shall write a letter and send it to my friend via carrier pigeon, and then the great plan will be accomplished!" Zhang Miao made his decision under everyone's urging.
Thus, the lords' alliance was in name only, with each harboring their own ambitions.
A retainer held Zhang Miao's letter and, when no one was around, released a pigeon. However, this action was clearly observed by Yuan Shao's men, who rushed back to report.
"I thought you were all loyal and steadfast gentlemen, but I never imagined there would be such a traitor. This is intolerable," Yuan Shao said softly to Cao Cao, raising his wine cup. "As expected, Lord Cao's observation was meticulous. I will send men to arrest him now as a warning!"
Cao Cao had intended to casually blame someone else and pass the responsibility. He didn't expect to shoot himself in the foot. With that letter, it meant he was involved. Furthermore, it could be used as a bargaining chip in his negotiations.
With this thought, Cao Cao instinctively roared, "Lord Yuan, wait! You absolutely cannot act!"