Under the moonlight, before a desk, Chen Gong's face was exceptionally grim.
With Cao's army of a hundred thousand at the city gates, this was truly a critical moment for survival!
It seemed...
No matter how this battle was fought, it would be a fight for survival with only a sliver of hope!
The final outcome seemed to have been decided long ago!
Lu Bu might surrender, but what about Chen Gong?
He had betrayed Cao Cao before, and his beliefs were fundamentally different from Cao Cao's "Dao." Where should he go?
"Report... Master Chen!" A retainer hurried to Chen Gong's side. "Your letter has been sent to Zhang Yang of Henei. Zhang Yang has agreed to your proposal; he will raise an army from Henei to attack Xuchang City!"
As these words left his mouth...
Chen Gong's eyes suddenly lit up. It worked! Zhang Yang actually agreed to his plan. If that were the case, the situation would be entirely different – a classic stratagem of "Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao!"
In fact, as soon as he learned that Lu Bu had surprised and defeated Xiaopei, Chen Gong had sent out a letter. In his view, this was the only chance to turn the tide.
He wrote to Zhang Yang, the Governor of Henei, in Lu Bu's name. Zhang Yang commanded fifty thousand troops. As long as he could launch a surprise attack on Cao Cao's rear, Cao's army would inevitably have to retreat, and Xiapi City would gain a chance for a reprieve!
This was "Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao," and also a desperate gamble...
However, to Chen Gong's surprise, Zhang Yang had agreed.
"Truly?" Chen Gong's spirit was instantly uplifted. He quickly asked, "Did Governor Zhang say anything else?"
The retainer replied truthfully, "Governor Zhang mentioned that he and Marquis Wen are brothers, and he would never stand idly by when his brother is in trouble. However, Henei is too far from Xiapi City, and his strength is vastly inferior to Cao Cao's. Therefore, he can only attack the Eastern Market, pointing his troops directly at Xiapi City, to assist Marquis Wen!"
"Good, good!" Chen Gong suddenly stood up. "Good, good..." He uttered numerous "good" words in succession, his entire demeanor filled with excitement. "Tomorrow morning, tomorrow morning I will report this good news to Marquis Wen. We are saved, we are saved!"
When he uttered the words "we are saved," Chen Gong's tone was complex, tinged with a sense of luck.
He had originally proposed that Lu Bu lead his cavalry out of the city to form a pincer attack with him, thereby buying time...
But it was clear that due to Diao Chan, Lu Bu would not leave the city...
Any other ideas Chen Gong had, such as taking advantage of the enemy's long march and their lack of preparedness to launch a surprise attack on the enemy camp, were stillborn!
He knew that Lu Bu already harbored resentment towards him, and Chen Gong was waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to regain Lu Bu's trust!
If Zhang Yang could launch a surprise attack on Cao Cao from the rear, and Cao's army retreated... then undoubtedly, Chen Gong would have rendered a great service. The subsequent situation would be... sovereign and minister united, and a turning point would appear.
"Keep a close watch on the movements in Henei. If there are any urgent dispatches, inform me immediately!" Chen Gong instructed earnestly.
"Yes!" The retainer repeatedly nodded, understanding the gravity of the matter!
After a brief exchange, Chen Gong slowly raised his head. He looked at the moon in the sky. It seemed... the moon was very full tonight, yet it also seemed to be missing a corner, always with a hint of imperfection.
He did not know what this portended, but his heart was filled with a sliver of hope. Books said that one must believe that there is light in this world!
...
...
The bright moon hung high in the sky, stars twinkling!
More than three hundred li north of Xuchang City lay a military stronghold – Henei.
This was Zhang Yang's territory, and within this territory, fifty thousand troops were stationed. They were well-equipped and well-trained, a formidable legion indeed!
And at this very moment, it was deep in the night, yet the yamen was still brightly lit!
"My decision is made. Tomorrow, each camp will assemble troops to attack Cao Cao's 'Dongshi County,' to open a gap towards Xuchang City, thereby rescuing Lu Fengxian!"
A gruff voice, a resolute tone...
The speaker was the Governor of Henei – Zhang Yang!
Uncharacteristically, this benevolent and kind Governor Zhang was using such a firm and sharp tone this time.
"My Lord, think thrice!" Zhang Yang's subordinate, Yang Chou, cupped his hands and advised.
Zhang Yang's expression turned cold, "Fengxian and I are brothers. It is only right for me to aid him. Why do you all obstruct me?"
"My Lord... Cao Cao is currently powerful and holds the Emperor's banner. If our army launches a surprise attack on Xuchang, it would be tantamount to being branded as rebels, despised by the world, and attacked by all the feudal lords."
Yang Chou earnestly advised, "To save one Lu Bu, and... and to make an enemy of Cao Cao, and an enemy of the court, is unwise!"
In fact, Yang Chou's words did not represent him alone; they represented many of Zhang Yang's subordinates.
To be precise, it represented a large number of soldiers under Zhang Yang.
This was what Lu Yu had previously mentioned.
— The Son of Heaven of the Han, though seemingly adrift and without support, was in reality a valuable asset. The Emperor, as the supreme existence, was always etched in the experiential world of the aristocratic families, the scholars, and the common people.
— The conflicts between the feudal lords were common occurrences, but opposing the Son of Heaven was rebellion. The loser would have their family wiped out and their name disgraced for eternity!
If Zhang Yang wanted to deal with the feudal lords of Guanzhong, then Yang Chou and countless generals would have no objections, even taking the lead...
But it just so happened...
To confront Cao Cao, was that to confront the Son of Heaven? This was gambling with one's own reputation, with the honor of one's family!
Therefore... Yang Chou's counsel was earnest!
Alas...
"My decision is made!" Zhang Yang was resolute. Ultimately, in this chaotic world, Zhang Yang was a benevolent person!
From his repeated shelter of Lu Bu twice before;
From his unwillingness to see the Son of Heaven suffer further misfortune, voluntarily giving up opposition to Cao Cao and allowing Cao Cao to send the Son of Heaven to Xuchang City, one could see glimpses of his character.
And such a benevolent person could not refuse Lu Bu's plea for help!
This was his character weakness, and also something he upheld throughout his life.
It was just unfortunate that what he upheld stood in opposition to the Son of Heaven and the imperial court.
"We march tomorrow at noon. Anyone who tries to dissuade me again will be dealt with according to military law!"
With that said...
Zhang Yang flung his sleeves and strode away. The sound of his footsteps echoed, and his entire demeanor was one of utmost resolve.
...
Still in Henei Commandery, Yang Manor.
Yang Chou was listening to a group of his subordinate generals complaining when a voice sounded from outside the manor gate.
"Can complaining save lives? Rather than complaining, why not think about what you should do next?"
As these words were spoken.
Everyone's eyes turned towards the entrance.
Someone recognized the person, their expression turning cold, and their words became particularly faltering, "The... The Commander of the Longxiao Battalion... Advisor... Master Cheng!"
Portraits of Cheng Yu had long been circulated throughout the entire Guanzhong region, so it was not surprising that Yang Chou's subordinates recognized him.
However...
When the titles "Commander of the Longxiao Battalion" and "Master Cheng" were uttered, everyone's brows involuntarily raised, their eyes widened, and they quickly turned around. Many generals even strode a few steps towards the entrance, eager to catch a glimpse of this legendary Master Cheng!
His fame...
Not only in Guanzhong, but Commander Cheng of the Longxiao Battalion was renowned throughout the entire Han Dynasty.
If Lu Yu, the commander of the Longxiao Battalion, was someone who inspired immense mystery;
And Dian Wei, the ancient Fierce General, struck fear into people's hearts;
Then...
Commander Cheng Yu of the Longxiao Battalion was the type who always gave off a feeling of gentle breeze, yet ultimately killed without a trace!
One must know that through his words alone, he had secured more than one hundred and fifty thousand troops for Cao Cao!
And the generals he had found for Cao Cao... or rather, for the Longxiao Battalion, were immeasurable, many of whom were famous.
Of course, this was not the main point. The main point was his arrival, his arrival in Henei!
It seemed...
There was some destiny at play here!
"Cheng! Commander Cheng!" Yang Chou blinked repeatedly, appearing somewhat incredulous.
Because... he... to be precise, not just him, but most of the civil and military officials under Zhang Yang had already developed a rebellious heart!
And Cheng Yu's appearance almost infinitely magnified and stirred this rebellious sentiment in everyone's heart!
"Commander Cheng Yu of the Longxiao Battalion, greetings to all generals."
Bowing in salute...
Cheng Yu appeared very courteous, but... even this bow gave off an aura of immense presence.
And this bow truly startled everyone present.
"Commander Cheng, please don't be polite..."
"We should be saluting you!"
"Yes, yes... Commander Cheng, we... we actually..."
The words reached the tip of their tongues, but the final sentence never escaped, and Cheng Yu, having witnessed such scenes countless times, was already accustomed to it.
Of course, for Cheng Yu, he did not know when it started.
Whenever he received such persuasion missions from Young Master Lu, Cheng Yu found them very easy and enjoyable...
He was used to it!
It seemed that all missions assigned to him by Young Master Lu were for individuals who had already intended to surrender but lacked a "door." Cheng Yu's appearance was precisely that "door"!
Were there any difficulties? Not at all!
These achievements were as if they were simply picked up.
From hearing the casual discussions of these military men outside the gate, Cheng Yu could already surmise that with the same recipe and the same taste, it would likely be similar to previous persuasion efforts, not difficult!
There was no challenge, not a single one!
"Haha..."
With this thought, Cheng Yu smiled slightly. "May I ask who is Yang Chou? General Yang?"
Hmm...
Yang Chou was startled.
Upon hearing Cheng Yu call out his name, Yang Chou felt flattered.
"I am he. May I ask, Commander Cheng..."
"I will not waste words. I am here today to help General Yang, and also to save General Yang." Cheng Yu's eyes narrowed...
Help?
Save?
These two words made Yang Chou a little bewildered!
Help... he could understand. After all, everyone knew what Cheng Yu did!
Those who intended to surrender but lacked a door – this door had now appeared... By using Commander Cheng's door, they, as military men, could fulfill their wish of joining Cao Ying, becoming the Son of Heaven's army, the army of righteousness, which was most welcome!
But...
Save? Where did this "save" come from?
Before he could ponder further, Cheng Yu's words followed in rapid succession.
"General Yang, you may not know yet, but Commander Cao and Minister Lu are eagerly awaiting you. The court also places great hopes on you. Oh, yes..."
Cheng Yu seemed to recall something. He took out an imperial edict from his embrace.
"This is an imperial edict my Young Master Lu has requested from the Son of Heaven for you, conferring upon you the title of General Who Attacks the Barbarians! Haha, you have received the title of General Who Attacks the Barbarians before achieving any merit. This is the first time my Young Master has acted this way, which shows how highly he regards you!"
As he said this, Cheng Yu stepped forward. Seeing Yang Chou stunned, he gently patted Yang Chou's shoulder. "General Yang is a wise man. You know what to do next, don't you?"
"Execute the rebel! Earn merit! Enter the court! Receive rewards!" Yang Chou shouted without hesitation.
The eight-character mantra...
The generals beside him nodded in agreement. With Yang Chou's declaration, they no longer had any reservations.
At that moment, their previous intentions surfaced—
"Execute the rebel, earn merit!"
"Execute the rebel, earn merit!"
Repeated shouts, deafening!
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yu raised an eyebrow...
The intelligence of these Henei generals was truly wanting. Why were they shouting so loudly in the middle of the night? Were they afraid others wouldn't know they were rebelling?
Had their brains been kicked by a donkey? No wonder Young Master Lu had specifically instructed him, Cheng Yu, to remind these simpletons!
Besides that, Young Master Lu had reminded him many times to pay attention to another general of Zhang Yang – Sui Gu!
Speaking of which...
Lu Yu was unaware that these Henei generals were all rather simple-minded.
But... he knew that Yang Chou and most of the soldiers, unwilling to follow Zhang Yang and become rebels, facing eternal damnation, had therefore killed Zhang Yang!
They had intended to lead their troops to surrender to Cao Cao, but due to carelessness and thinking there was no plan...
They were suddenly killed by Sui Gu, who inexplicably handed over these troops to Yuan Shao.
This fully demonstrated...
Even rebellion must be organized, planned, and carried out systematically. It requires careful planning and deployment, not acting on impulse...
Otherwise, in the end...
Old Cao would be separated from Yuan Shao by one hundred thousand troops!
Of course, this was the purpose of sending Cheng Yu.
"Commander Cheng, we understand the rules. A token of allegiance..." Yang Chou drew his waist saber, and all the generals also drew their sabers, giving a sense of a blood oath.
Cheng Yu knew that they intended to kill Zhang Yang, control the situation in Henei, and use Zhang Yang's head, along with Henei, as their token of allegiance.
But...
"Generals, please calm down!" Cheng Yu's eyes narrowed. "Rashness might lead to victory, but it will inevitably lead to losses! Minister Lu does not wish to see any of you harmed."
As he said this, Cheng Yu's tone intensified slightly. "If you generals can trust me, then let me make the arrangements. With my arrangements, this battle is sure to be victorious! And your merits will surely be even more renowned!"
Hey...
Cheng Yu's words instantly invigorated everyone present.
To receive arrangements from Commander Cheng of the Longxiao Battalion, wouldn't this rebellion be as solid as a rock?
Furthermore...
Under Zhang Yang, those who were least afraid of rebellion were...
As for the reason...
Zhang Yang was benevolent. Once upon a time, someone had rebelled against him, but upon hearing of this matter, Zhang Yang not only did not punish the rebel but instead went before the rebel and wept profusely.
For Zhang Yang, treating others with broadmindedness was correct, but for others, this was a complete bad example!
There were too many ways for subordinates to deal with a benevolent lord.
"Gather around, all of you."
"How many men do you each have? Besides yourselves, which generals are Zhang Yang's confidantes, and which generals can be swayed? You must tell me in detail!"
Cheng Yu gathered everyone together...
An operation code-named "Shepherding" was about to begin!
...
...
Xiapi City, Chen Manor.
The entire night.
Lu Bu had stayed in this Chen Manor for the entire night. His mood had shifted from anger to grief, to sorrow, and finally to uncontrollable rage!
As for the reason...
Chen Deng had completely framed Chen Gong for leaking the intelligence about the surprise attack on Xiaopei!
It was seamless, making it impossible not to believe.
"Audacious, utterly audacious..."
With a "bang," Lu Bu slammed his fist onto the desk. He pointed at the informant from Chen Gong's faction, his eyes wide with rage, wishing he could smash him to death with one punch.
"So it was you who sent our army's intelligence to your master. Very good, very good indeed!" Lu Bu's voice grew colder...
The informant was almost scared to urinate himself...
"My Lord... cough cough..." Chen Deng, coughing, said, "If not for Physician Yang discovering several poisons in my medicinal cuisine, we would have truly been kept in the dark. If not for following the clues, we discovered this fellow! We still don't know... we still don't know how much intelligence he would have transmitted! I never imagined... I never imagined there was a bad person in my Chen Manor! This bad person... is also, also..."
He had completely absolved himself...
And, in doing so, he had shifted the blame to Chen Gong.
"Hmph... hmph..."
Lu Bu snorted coldly repeatedly, his eyes filled with rage...
Of course, the informant begged for mercy and repeatedly denied it, but... his explanations were so pale and powerless in the face of the ironclad evidence fabricated by Chen Deng and Yang Xiu!
"Marquis Wen, I have been treating patients in the city recently and have heard some rumors, all concerning our strategist, Master Chen. However, I am not sure if I should speak of them?"
Yang Xiu, who had been observing Lu Bu's expression all along, felt that the time was ripe and took the initiative to add fuel to the fire.
"Speak... tell me everything."
Lu Bu's words were icy, as if tempered in ice for ten thousand years.
"This..."
Yang Xiu feigned hesitation. "Recently, our strategist, Master Chen, has been in close contact with some merchants in the city, and large quantities of goods have been transported into the strategist's mansion. I thought that if there was money to be made, we should make it together, so I voluntarily inquired with these merchants. To my surprise... after following them, I discovered that among these ordinary goods, there were quite a few gold and silver treasures, brocades, and silks. Oh my... it truly made me envious!"
"I remember my father had specifically met with Cao Cao. Cao Cao treated our strategist Chen quite well in the past. Could this be a recounting of past affection? But it seems..."
As he spoke, Yang Xiu smacked his lips. "Marquis Wen might as well go and take a look at the strategist's mansion. If it's true, hehe, then perhaps you could also reward this humble one a little. This humble one is here for wealth!"
Yang Xiu feigned a greedy demeanor...
Lu Bu was a greedy person, and only a greedy person could understand another greedy person. The more greedy Yang Xiu appeared, the more Lu Bu trusted him.
"Hmph, I never imagined there was this aspect to it?" Lu Bu suddenly stood up. "Yang Dezhu, if what you say is true, then all the treasures in the strategist's mansion will be yours."
With these words, Lu Bu clenched his fists and, with heavy and steady steps, walked straight out of Chen Manor towards the strategist Chen Gong's mansion.
He wanted to investigate!
"Stomp, stomp, stomp..."
These were the footsteps of intense anger!
After the sound of footsteps gradually faded, Yang Xiu looked back meaningfully at Chen Deng, and then, both their lips curled, and they let out a laugh.
— "Dezhu..."
— "Shh, Brother Yuanlong, everything is proceeding according to plan! Young Master Lu's deployments are interconnected and flawless so far! Next..."
As he spoke...
Yang Xiu's eyes narrowed, and a murderous glint appeared in his gaze.
Heh heh...
At this moment, Yang Xiu recalled the bewilderment and shock on his face when he heard about a mission a few days ago!
Yes, the task of making Lu Bu permanently abandon Chen Gong, no matter how one heard it, seemed incredible.
But... what was even more incredible was that according to Young Master Lu's plan, it was actually about to be realized?
Heh heh...
It was close, very close!
...
...