The conversation between Cao Cao and Lu Yu concluded after a full half-hour.
The rain had lessened considerably, but the water level of the Si River continued to rise. Outside the main tent, the Tiger Guards were already poised for action.
Beneath the overcast sky, a gleaming treasure sword was raised, and at that moment, Cao’s army banners were unfurled.
“Where are the Tiger Guards?”
Cao Cao’s voice boomed from within the main tent!
Simultaneously, his firm footsteps could be heard, and… his expression was one of complete confidence.
“We are here!” five hundred Tiger Guards responded in unison, a long-forgotten surge of passion igniting amidst the downpour.
Earlier… he had spoken at length with Yu, thoroughly discussing everything!
Cao Cao had agreed to Lu Yu’s series of proposals. Likewise, for each of Lu Yu’s ideas, Cao Cao had added a safeguard, ensuring no detail was overlooked.
Next…
It was time to make a decision with Xiapi City, with Lu Bu.
“Let’s go, into the city!”
Over five hundred Tiger Guards escorted Cao Cao as they marched towards Xiapi City. The soaring “Cao” banners and hundreds of conical hats, beneath which gleamed tempered steel armor, exuded an unstoppable aura.
The five hundred strong Tiger Army galloped towards Xiapi City, their horses’ hooves thundering like an earthquake!
Just as… this sound was playing the final movement for the campaign in Xiapi City!
Lu Yu slowly rose, standing at the entrance of the main tent. He gazed at Cao Cao and the Tiger Guards receding into the distance, his eyes narrowing slightly…
“Young Master? Our Dragon Soaring Camp’s cavalry are also ready.”
Dian Wei bowed and offered his request.
His implication was clear: if the Tiger Guards had departed, then the Dragon Soaring Riders should also enter the city.
To his surprise, Lu Yu waved his hand.
“No rush, let’s wait a while longer…”
“Wait for what?” Dian Wei instinctively asked.
Lu Yu smiled faintly, raising his head to gaze at the sky. “Wait for the wind to subside, wait for the rain to cease!”
His words were laden with deep meaning.
…
…
Xiapi City. The east, west, south, and north city gates were all wide open.
Outside three of the gates, Bingzhou soldiers were arrayed. They braved the rain… awaiting Cao Cao’s arrival…
It seemed Cao Cao’s arrival was a little late.
Yet, not a single soldier dared to leave. Everyone knew that Xiapi City had changed hands tonight, and the “Cao” banner would soon fly atop its walls.
However… only the east city gate was still bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun, the smell of blood growing ever stronger!
“Pass down my order, Mount Tai Army, rescue the young lady at all costs… Follow me and charge!”
Zang Ba roared loudly.
As one of Lu Bu’s Eight Valiant Generals, he naturally understood that the momentum in Xiapi City was lost. Zang Ba had initially intended to flee, but he happened to see soldiers escorting the young lady, Lu Lingqi, towards the east gate. The formation suggested they were about to present her to Cao Cao.
Zang Ba made a decisive move, ordering his troops to reclaim the young lady before withdrawing.
The situation within the city was beyond the Marquis’s help. At the very least, he had to preserve the Marquis’s legacy!
“…Charge, charge, charge…”
The shouts of battle filled the air. Countless Mount Tai soldiers surged like a tide towards the soldiers escorting Lu Lingqi. Instantly, the clamor of battle and screams intertwined.
The fighting was exceptionally fierce…
“Save the young lady, quickly… quickly…”
“Young lady, hurry, I’ll cover your retreat!”
“Go quickly…”
The Mount Tai Army was well-trained, and the soldiers escorting Lu Lingqi did not dare to fight to the death. In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Zang Ba had rescued the young lady, Lu Lingqi.
They burst through the gate, escaped Xiapi City, and retreated towards Mount Tai.
…
Chen Mansion.
“What?” Upon hearing of Zang Ba and Lu Lingqi’s escape, Yang Xiu’s brow furrowed, and his heart tightened. “How… how could they have escaped?”
Frankly, Yang Xiu felt he had completed this mission exceptionally well. Yet, a last-minute complication had arisen: Lu Lingqi, Zang Ba… and the Mount Tai Army had escaped!
This was like a single rat dropping spoiling Yang Xiu’s magnificent feast.
Yang Xiu was so angry he stomped his foot…
“Idiot… idiot, how could you let them get away?”
“It… it was Advisor Chen. He… he ordered the soldiers to escort Lu Lingqi to the east gate, never expecting… Zang Ba’s Mount Tai Army to be stationed there…” the soldier reported truthfully!
This…
Yang Xiu’s eyes narrowed. Escorting Lu Lingqi to the east gate should have been a straightforward matter.
But… did Chen Yuanlong not know that Zang Ba’s Mount Tai Army was stationed there?
What in the blazes was going on!
Yang Xiu dared not, nor could he, delve deeper into the matter!
Regardless, Chen Yuanlong was his close partner in this mission. Without him, this mission could not have been completed so smoothly. For this reason, Yang Xiu would never doubt him!
Yet…
“Ah… forget it, forget it!” Yang Xiu suddenly shook his head. “Instruct General Wei Xu and General Hou Cheng… to keep a close eye on Lu Bu, and moreover… ensure Chen Gong is also kept under strict watch, so no more disturbances occur.”
Just as Yang Xiu finished giving his instructions.
Another report arrived… “Report… Young Master Yang!”
“What is it?”
“Duke Cao, Duke Cao has entered the city,” the minor official outside the door shouted truthfully.
This…
Yang Xiu paused instinctively, then his eyes darted. “Where is Advisor Lu? Did… did he also enter the city?”
“No… there was no Dragon Soaring cavalry following the Tiger Guard contingent!”
This…
Yang Xiu lightly tapped his forehead.
He muttered to himself, Advisor Lu was so calm. And his remaining motionless like this was rather odd, wasn’t it?
Could it be… Advisor Lu was plotting something!
That’s right… Advisor Lu must be plotting something.
“Keep a close watch on the city gates. If Advisor Lu is sighted… report to me immediately!”
“Yes!”
Upon hearing this… the minor official quickly withdrew.
…
One night, fierce wind and heavy rain!
Cao Cao entered Xiapi City and, like a whirlwind, occupied the government offices, armories, and city towers… all without shedding a drop of blood.
Those warriors who had originally been loyal to Lu Bu, forced by circumstances, could only surrender…
As the light of dawn broke once more, Xiapi City presented a completely new appearance. There were no bloodstains, no signs of struggle, no flooding. Everything seemed remarkably calm and desolate!
Precisely within this tranquility, “Cao” banners were planted all over the city walls of Xiapi.
— In dreams, a mother’s tears dimly appear; the king’s banners change on the city walls!
For the common people in this chaotic era, this was all too familiar.
They only hoped that the newly arrived Cao Cao could, better than Lu Bu… better than Liu Bei of the past, uphold the heavens over Xiapi City.
…
Xiapi City, atop White Gate Tower.
Cao Cao sat in the main seat, his civil and military officials flanking him. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei stood quietly to one side. Liu Bei occupied the honored guest seat, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions.
The rhythm had completely gone astray!
Without bloody slaughter, without flooding, Cao Cao had captured Xiapi City without bloodshed. This… was not a good thing for Liu Bei.
On the contrary, it was terrible, utterly terrible!
His plan to win back popular support was almost stillborn.
Liu Bei’s mood was far from pleasant. Even less pleasant was the fact that he had to maintain an air of calm indifference. Even for him, who was skilled at concealing his emotions, this was not easy.
At this moment…
“Kneel…”
“Kneel!”
Wei Xu, Hou Cheng, Cheng Lian, and Song Xian, bound tightly, brought Lu Bu to White Gate Tower.
When the gag was removed from Lu Bu’s mouth, he was still cursing, “You… you traitors, I… I treated you well, why did you betray me? Betray me?”
“Wei Xu… especially you, Wei Xu, you are my cousin. I entrusted the military power to you, why… why…”
The world is full of vicissitudes. When Lu Bu was captured yesterday, he finally realized that Wei Xu, Song Xian, and others whom he had always trusted and entrusted with important responsibilities were the first to betray him!
Instead, Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, whom he had sidelined and whose military power he had seized, had fought desperately until they were exhausted before being captured!
The world is full of vicissitudes, and people’s hearts are not as they once were…
At this very moment, Lu Bu finally awakened to the truth.
“Lu Bu,” Wei Xu said calmly in front of Cao Cao, “You have the Red Hare horse that crosses water as if walking on flat ground, you have the beautiful concubine Diao Chan, whom you value more than the army. What do we have? We have no beautiful wives or concubines, nor any means to cope with the flooding. You disregarded our lives, and you dare to say you treated us well? It’s a joke, a joke!”
As he spoke, Wei Xu and the others tightened the ropes, making it difficult even for Lu Bu to speak.
“You… you… ah…”
Lu Bu’s expression was extremely tense. Cao Cao could see that he was in great pain.
Similarly, from Wei Xu’s words, Cao Cao could understand what a failed master Lu Bu was. Just as Yu had mentioned, he was not suited to be a lord, only a general, to guard Yanmen and awe the barbarians!
“Hahaha…”
Thinking of this, Cao Cao stood up with a laugh and walked up to Lu Bu.
“Feng Xian, it’s been a few days since I last saw you. Why have you become so thin?”
“Mengde…” Lu Bu panted. “The ropes are tied too tightly, could you loosen them a bit?”
“Feng Xian, my friend…” Cao Cao wiped the grime from Lu Bu’s face with his sleeve, his tone low. “You are a ferocious tiger, and when binding a tiger, one cannot be too loose!”
“Brother Mengde, do you remember… what you said to me?”
Lu Bu spoke repeatedly, each address of “Brother Mengde” growing more intimate.
“You said… you feared me the most, respected me the most, and that you would hand over all your troops to me, make me your Grand Marshal of the Three Armies, and let me sweep across the land for you, creating a great undertaking together! Just a few days ago, by the banks of the Si River, you and I made this vow!”
Reaching this point, Lu Bu’s tone became much louder. “My Lord, My Lord… I, Lu Bu, am willing to be your Grand Marshal of the Three Armies! With you and I joining forces, why should we fear Yuan Shao of Hebei, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Sun Ce of Jiangdong… I can sweep them away for Duke Cao!”
As these words left his mouth…
Cao Cao chuckled inwardly. He had initially thought highly of Lu Bu, but now it seemed Lu Bu was a man who feared death, a very foolish and naive person. His wisdom was like that of a child, his body full of weaknesses. Why should Cao Cao fear him?
With this thought, Cao Cao turned and stood with his hands behind his back.
“I did say those words, but when I said them, Xiapi City was still yours. I had to join you in creating a great undertaking. But now… not only is Xiapi City no longer yours, but Guangling City is also not yours. Look at yourself now, a prisoner at the steps of the court. How can you create a great undertaking with me?”
As these words were spoken…
Chen Deng stepped forward, as if to explain on Cao Cao’s behalf.
“General Lu, I apologize, but the Xu Province gentry faction has never sincerely pledged allegiance to you!”
“The Xu Province gentry faction has always recognized Duke Cao as their lord! It was not Chen Gongtai who leaked the intelligence and actions of Xiapi City, but I, Chen Deng! For this, serving different masters, I can only apologize.”
This…
If Cao Cao’s words earlier were like a sharp needle piercing Lu Bu’s heart, then Chen Deng’s words were like a dagger, carving into Lu Bu’s heart with every stroke!
A misunderstanding…
Was everything a misunderstanding?
Chen Deng… So the mole who collaborated from within was not the strategist Chen Gong, but the Right Advisor Chen Deng… He… he… it was them, father and son!
At this point, Lu Bu no longer had the heart to be angry. He lowered his head and shook it helplessly.
“Yuanlong, you have deceived me so bitterly.”
Heh heh…
Lu Bu’s words inevitably stirred Cao Cao’s heart, but even now, Lu Bu still did not understand! Who else had deceived you besides Chen Deng, Chen Yuanlong?
From two years ago, when Cao Cao attacked Xu Province, Yu had already judged that the three factions in Xu Province – the gentry faction, the Danyang faction, and the commoner faction – would pledge allegiance to three different lords!
From the very beginning, the gentry faction had pledged allegiance to him, Cao Cao;
The Danyang faction had pledged allegiance to him, Lu Bu;
And the commoner faction had followed Liu Bei, Liu Xuande!
It could be said that Lu Bu’s defeat was predetermined two years ago.
This was Yu’s judgment based on his understanding of the forces in Xu Province, based on his understanding of Xu Province as a melting pot, and also based on his understanding of you, Cao Cao, and you, Lu Bu, and Liu Bei!
Perhaps from that time, he had calculated that today, he had calculated that the Xu Province gentry faction would toy with Lu Bu like a child, leading to his ultimate abandonment by everyone.
Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn’t help but sigh.
Lu Bu, oh Lu Bu, you are not even a little bit a match for Yu. For the past few years, you have been completely at Yu’s mercy, and in the coming years, you will still be completely at Yu’s mercy!
“Duke Cao, I admit I have lost… I have lost wholeheartedly. Can you… can you not give me a chance? Give me a chance to pledge my loyalty to you!”
Lu Bu was still making his final plea. He even remembered to cast his eyes towards Chen Deng.
“Yuanlong, you once told me a story. In the past, Duke Huan of Qi did not hold a grudge against Guan Zhong for shooting his belt hook and appointed Guan Zhong as his prime minister, thus achieving his hegemony. Today, you also advise Duke Cao, to let this criminal, Lu Bu, exert his full strength as Duke Cao’s vanguard in his hegemonic ambition. Is that possible?”
His words were earnest…
Despite Lu Bu’s peerless bravery, his upbringing had instilled in him a fear of death. He wanted to live, to see the rising sun tomorrow.
This was his hope from childhood to adulthood, his only wish!
But now… this… this had once again become a vain hope!
“Duke Cao, absolutely not!” they said in unison. Cao Cao turned his head and saw Wei Xu, Cheng Lian, Hou Cheng, and Song Xian bowing and making their request.
Song Xian, being the most direct, spoke with utmost frankness. “If Duke Cao pardons Lu Bu, then please behead us… Otherwise, Lu Bu will surely take revenge on us in the future!”
As these words left his mouth, the others nodded in agreement…
“That’s right, Lu Bu is narrow-minded. If Duke Cao keeps him, then we will surely die!”
“We implore Duke Cao to behead Lu Bu, to serve as a warning, and to reassure the hearts of the surrendered generals.”
Huo…
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao’s expression turned stern. He had not expected so many surrendered generals to be united in their hatred, wishing to tear Lu Bu to pieces.
At this moment, he recalled the strategy Yu had recounted to him last night.
Among them… the first point was—Lu Bu must die, and he must die in front of everyone.
Indeed, Yu had calculated accurately. If Lu Bu did not die, the hearts of the loyal righteous men would be unsettled. But if Lu Bu died, their hearts would dissipate and vanish.
Heh heh…
Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn’t help but feel a hint of smugness. If Yu had not reminded him yesterday, Cao Cao would have been quite troubled at this moment.
Just as Cao Cao was lost in thought…
Lu Bu’s face turned ashen. “You… you…” He looked around at the people around him in disbelief. These fellows, yesterday they were still bowing respectfully to him, still his greatly valued Eight Valiant Generals, but… but after just one night, they had become the most heartless harbingers of death!
They all wanted him dead!
Lu Bu knew that at this moment, even scolding these surrendered generals would be of no avail.
But… what else could he do?
Lu Bu’s eyes scanned the entire hall. It was precisely at this glance that he saw Liu Bei sitting in the honored guest seat.
Instantly, Lu Bu seemed to see his last ray of hope.
“Virtuous brother Xuande, virtuous brother Xuande, do you remember the incident at Yuanmen shooting the halberd?”
Suddenly called out by Lu Bu.
Liu Bei’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained normal. He slowly stood up, bowed to Lu Bu, and clasped his hands.
“I remember. If it weren’t for Feng Xian shooting the halberd at Yuanmen, I believe I would have been exterminated by General Ji Ling of Yuan Shu’s command. This kindness of Feng Xian, I will never forget!”
“Xuande, you are now a honored guest, and I am a prisoner. If you remember my kindness, why don’t you quickly open your mouth and persuade Duke Cao to loosen my bonds? Quickly help me beg Cao Cao!”
Silence…
As Lu Bu’s words fell, the entire hall fell into a long silence.
Cao Cao pretended to be solemn and remained silent. In reality… he was waiting. He was waiting for Liu Bei’s words. If, according to Yu’s judgment yesterday, Liu Bei would…
“As you command!”
After a long pause, Liu Bei slowly walked to Cao Cao’s side. “Reporting to Duke Cao, I have a request!”
As these words were spoken, Lu Bu’s heart was pounding in his chest!
“Whatever the matter? Speak freely!” Cao Cao’s heart stirred, and he inwardly thought, “It’s coming as expected!”
Liu Bei’s words followed in succession.
“Lu Bu has successively served three adoptive fathers, the first being Ding Yuan, the second Dong Zhuo, and the third Wang Yun. These three adoptive fathers have entrusted much to Lu Bu! Today, I implore Duke Cao to emulate them and take Lu Bu as an adopted son… to be Lu Bu’s fourth adoptive father!”
As this statement was made!
Shua…
Lu Bu’s expression changed drastically!
Cao Cao’s expression also changed drastically.
It was not because Liu Bei’s words had touched him, but because… Liu Bei’s words were almost identical in meaning to what Yu had said yesterday regarding his actions and words today…
Yu had mentioned that Liu Bei would definitely remind Cao Cao—Have you not seen the matters of Ding Jianyang and Dong Zhuo?
Although Liu Bei’s spoken words were not exactly the same as this sentence, the meaning was still the same!
A truly skillful way to kill with a borrowed knife.
If Yu had not reminded him yesterday, Cao Cao would not have thought that Liu Bei, who appeared loyal and upright, could have such malicious and profound intentions! A truly skillful method of killing with a borrowed knife, such powerful concealment of thoughts!
However… it didn’t matter.
According to Yu’s second plan, Liu Bei’s words had come at the opportune moment, a divine assist!
“Hahaha…”
“Hahahahaha…”
Cao Cao burst into laughter, but the laughter was complex, extremely complex…
And Lu Bu was simply stunned. He felt as if a heavy stone was crushing his head. Liu Bei… the unparalleled benevolent, unparalleled virtuous Liu Bei? He… he actually.
Before Lu Bu could speak.
“Did you hear that?” Cao Cao began to act, his emotions exceptionally agitated. “Virtuous brother Xuande is right. Whoever becomes Lu Bu’s adoptive father will die a terrible death!”
Since the script required Lu Bu to “die,” it was only fitting to set up the stage (White Gate Tower), invite the key supporting actor (Liu Bei), gather the extras (Hou Cheng, Wei Xu, Cheng Lian, Song Xian), and then it was the turn of—Cao, Oscar-winning Actor, Mengde’s dramatic acting!
In this way… Lu Bu’s “death” would be “death” in a most realistic manner!
“Yes, whoever became Lu Bu’s adoptive father died an unnatural death!”
“Yes… Duke Cao, please see clearly!”
The crowd became agitated… everyone chimed in.
“Big-eared thief… big-eared thief… you… you will die a terrible death.” Lu Bu glared with fury, wishing to tear Liu Bei apart at this moment. If it weren’t for the ropes binding him so tightly, he definitely would have done so, he definitely could have done so!
As if Liu Bei, the main supporting actor, was completely unaware, he stepped towards Lu Bu step by step.
He continued to use the slightest words to deliver the fiercest blows!
“Lu Fengxian, do you also know the meaning of gratitude and righteousness?”
“Earlier, I took you in at Xiapi City, hoping you would know gratitude and righteousness. But instead of tolerating me, you repeatedly attacked me. Do you understand what gratitude and righteousness mean? If you and I had joined forces, would we have faced such disaster today?”
Brilliant…
Absolutely brilliant…
Cao Cao felt that Liu Bei was simply a divine assist! Every sentence he spoke had completely stirred his emotions.
If he hadn’t known all of this in advance, given Cao Cao’s nature, he would have certainly waved his hand and had Lu Bu beheaded, leaving not even a trace!
But now…
As expected, the plan was proceeding smoothly.
For a time, Cao Cao was overjoyed, but he had to maintain a serious and stern expression.
“Take him away, behead him!”
He tried his best to make his words sound more ruthless, like a soulless killing machine!
This entire play, performed for everyone, should now come to an end.
However…
Who knew that behind the curtain… Yu’s schemes would be ten times more brilliant!
Haha…
Hahahaha…
Cao Cao’s heart was pounding!
This time, he felt that he and Yu had tricked everyone!
Secret satisfaction… this secret satisfaction, the pleasure was boundless!
…
…