—Xiapi City’s yamen attacked!
—Countless armored soldiers, innumerable troops, assembled instantly, each carrying blades, like wolves and tigers!
—In the dead of night, the rain poured down, and they descended as if from the heavens. By the time Lü Bu awoke, countless spears and sabers were pointed at him, and ropes bound him tightly!
Two fists are no match for four hands, and even a fierce tiger fears a pack of wolves…
What’s more, Lü Bu, exhausted and stripped of his divine armor, was indeed unable to resist the approaching steel!
There, before Diao Chan, before Ling Ju… Lü Bu was tied up!
His appearance was tragic!
Wuwuwu!
Wawawa!
Cries echoed throughout the yamen’s courtyard.
“You… what are you doing? Wei Xu… cousin, what are you doing? You’ve scared my wife and daughters!”
Lü Bu roared…
“Fengxian,” Wei Xu sighed. “It’s over. Stop struggling. Commander Cao has won, and you, Lü Bu, have lost!”
Hoo…
Wei Xu’s simple words widened Lü Bu’s eyes!
Lost?
Even though he had dreamt of this scene countless times, when it truly happened… had he truly lost?
“Patter, patter…”
The wind and rain still raged outside the window and howled outside the door!
Lü Bu ceased his struggles.
Soon, this land returned to its former peace and solitude.
Only the cries of Diao Chan and Ling Ju continued to murmur and chant…
The era of Xiapi City belonging to Lü Bu and the Danyang Sect had ended. Cao Cao and the scholar faction would take over Xuzhou! Cao Cao would march towards the Central Plains!
…
…
—Commander Cao, we have captured Lü Bu alive. Please enter the city!
—Commander Cao, quickly enter the city!
The four gates of Xiapi City were wide open…
Countless armored soldiers shouted in unison.
Though the wind and rain howled, how could they drown out the roars of these thousands of soldiers?
“Zixiao? Could you inform my elder brother?”
Cao Hong, standing beneath the city walls, raised an eyebrow. Upon hearing the sounds of surrender, even he, who was not known for his intelligence, found it strange…
He repeatedly questioned Cao Ren beside him.
Cao Ren pondered for a moment, but instead of answering Cao Hong, he raised his voice and retorted towards the city walls, “You on the ramparts! Your stratagem, I can see through it, and I don’t even need Commander Cao. This is merely Lü Bu’s cunning ploy to lure my elder brother into the city and capture him! How can such a trick fool us?”
“If you have truly captured Lü Bu, then throw his Fangtian Huaji down!”
Cao Ren was being cautious…
Lest he report this “good news” to his elder brother, only to be disappointed, or worse, fall into a trap!
As soon as his words fell…
— “General below the city, please do not suspect us. We have truly captured Lü Bu alive.”
— “Look at this… this…”
As he spoke, the city ramparts repeatedly tossed down the Fangtian Huaji, the purple-gold crown with three prongs and bound hair, the red silk hundred-flower robe from Xichuan, the beast-faced, swallowing-head, linked armor, and the exquisite lion-patterned belt.
Cao Ren recognized these at a glance as Lü Bu’s equipment!
At the same time, his eyes widened.
Judging by the situation, they had likely stripped Lü Bu of all his attire!
Cao Ren was about to speak…
But he saw countless riders swiftly emerge from the open city gates.
The one in the lead, someone in the army recognized him. Was this not Lü Bu’s Right Censor—Chen Deng!
“Chen Deng greets the General…” Arriving beside Cao Ren, Chen Deng dismounted.
Cao Ren urgently asked, “Are you Chen Deng?”
As a cousin of Cao Cao, Cao Ren was very familiar with Chen Deng’s name. This Chen Deng, chosen by the Agricultural Minister Lu as an insider, who could trap Lü Bu as easily as tricking an infant, his name was legendary.
“I am indeed.” Chen Deng took out the Xiapi City seal and household register from his怀 and repeatedly requested, “I beg General to quickly report to Commander Cao. Xiapi City has surrendered, Lü Bu has been captured! We are just waiting for Commander Cao to enter the city and oversee matters! Furthermore… Dezu asked me to convey a message to the Agricultural Minister Lu, saying… the person Minister Lu wants has been secured. Please be assured!”
Hoo…
Now, Cao Ren was completely exhilarated.
“You and I will go report to my elder brother together…”
Saying this, Cao Ren turned his warhorse…
The sound of hoofbeats echoed. The two of them, on their two horses, braved the downpour, wearing straw hats, and swiftly headed towards the Cao army’s camp. They had succeeded, Xiapi City had fallen!
…
…
Not far from Xiapi City, on a high slope, the Cao army’s main camp was stationed.
At this moment, in the main command tent.
Cao Cao and Lu Yu were drinking together. Neither of them mentioned the matter of Xiapi City, but Cao Cao’s mind had long since drifted to the foot of Xiapi City.
No one was more anxious than he.
Flooding Xiapi was crucial for Yu’er’s reputation. This path could not be taken!
Who could understand the painstaking efforts of a father?
Just moments ago, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan had rushed back through the rain.
“Elder brother, the water levels of the Si River and Yi River are rising. We only need to open the sluice gates, and the waters of the two rivers will be enough to cause a flood that will inundate Xiapi City. Brother, don’t drink leisurely. We must make a swift decision!”
Xiahou Yuan saw Cao Cao still drinking and felt his elder brother was truly too carefree.
What time was it already, and he still had time to drink!
Xiahou Dun frowned and looked at Lu Yu…
“Second brother, you also help persuade elder brother. We’ve been digging trenches for so many days, wasn’t it all for today? Opportunity knocks but once! You two drink, we’ll go break the city!”
Xiahou Dun was even more impatient than Xiahou Yuan. Such was his temperament; his eyes were almost bulging.
But…
While they were anxious, Cao Cao seemed to have become much calmer.
He glanced at Yu’er’s cheek. If Yu’er could remain calm, why should he panic?
“Why the rush? Let’s wait a bit longer?”
Cao Cao waved his hand and refilled two wine cups. “Miaocai, Yuanrang, this is a stormy, freezing day. Have a cup to warm yourselves.”
Given the drinking capacity of these two, one cup wouldn’t get them drunk… nor would it affect their command. Cao Cao knew the limits.
However…
Drinking?
Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan scoffed. Still drinking? By the time the rain passed and the water levels of the Si River and Yi River dropped, opening the sluice gates would be useless. All their efforts would be in vain!
How could they have the mood to drink?
“Elder brother, with just one command from you, Xiapi City will be ours!” Xiahou Dun was still persuading… “Just give the order to excavate and release the water!”
“Yes…” Xiahou Yuan became even more anxious. “What is elder brother waiting for?”
Waiting for what.
Cao Cao glared at his two cousins. Of course, he was waiting for Xiapi City to open its gates and surrender!
Otherwise, would these two take the blame for flooding Xiapi on Yu’er’s behalf?
Especially Yuanrang, who was Yu’er’s sworn brother! How could he lack a brain?
Alas… being a father was not easy!
“Commander Cao…”
Just then, Lu Yu spoke. Indeed, the heavy rain had been falling for two hours, and there was still no movement from Xiapi City… Lu Yu was thinking, why not directly suggest to Old Cao to release the water!
After all, he didn’t have absolute certainty that Xiapi City would surrender.
As for the reputation of flooding Xiapi, was that important?
In history… Old Cao even massacred Xuzhou, didn’t he?
And in the end… Xuzhou still belonged to Old Cao, and it didn’t cause much trouble!
“Generals… actually…”
Lu Yu intended to say, “Generals are actually quite reasonable…” But before he could finish his sentence.
“Elder brother… elder brother…”
Urgent hoofbeats from outside, along with anxious shouts, entered the main command tent.
Before Lu Yu could react, Cao Ren, with a refined-looking scholar, had already entered the tent…
Upon seeing Cao Ren, Cao Cao immediately became spirited.
“Zixiao? Is it about Xiapi City…”
Before he could finish speaking, Cao Ren preempted him, introducing, “This is Chen Deng, Censor of Xiapi City. Now… Xiapi City’s four gates are wide open, Lü Bu has been captured, and has surrendered… Xiapi City has completely surrendered!”
By the end, Cao Ren could not hide his excitement…
Too damned excited!
… Capturing Xiapi City without shedding blood and apprehending the peerless warrior—Lü Bu!
Heh, if anything was more exciting than this, it would be the strategist who devised this elaborate plan, who was right here in this tent.
Lu Yu… Agricultural Minister Lu!
This was not the first time he had brought surprises, but each surprise sent shockwaves through their hearts!
“Commander Cao…” Chen Deng bowed to Cao Cao.
Seemingly noticing that the young gentleman beside Cao Cao bore a striking resemblance in age and appearance to the rumored commander of the Dragon Soar Battalion, Lu Gongzi, Chen Deng bowed to him again. “Greetings, Agricultural Minister Lu.”
As he spoke, Chen Deng took out the Xiapi City seal and household register from his怀 and presented them with both hands to Cao Cao. “This is the seal and household register of Xiapi City. I hope Commander Cao will accept them and go to Xiapi City to oversee matters!”
Speaking of which…
A few armored soldiers who had followed behind carried Lü Bu’s Fangtian Huaji and his full set of divine armor.
Now, the Fangtian Huaji, the seal, the household register, and Chen Deng… all were laid before Cao Cao.
After a brief silence…
“Haha…”
“Hahahahaha…”
Cao Cao stood up abruptly. “Good, good, good!” With three consecutive “good”s, Cao Cao immediately commanded, “Zixiao, Miaocai, you two assemble troops and accompany me into the city immediately!”
“Yes…” Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan accepted the order and withdrew.
“Yuanrang, Yuanlong, you two will lead a detachment of troops to ambush outside the four city gates. If… there are any changes, you will act accordingly.” Cao Cao continued to instruct.
He maintained his characteristic caution and suspicion. Although Xiapi City’s surrender was a foregone conclusion, he still needed to make preparations for unforeseen circumstances!
“Yes…” Xiahou Dun and Chen Deng accepted the order and withdrew.
Suddenly, only Cao Cao and Lu Yu remained in the tent.
Cao Cao turned around, walked to Lu Yu’s side, and without speaking, placed his hand on Lu Yu’s shoulder, patting it heavily. Everything was unspoken.
Or perhaps, Cao Cao was conveying with his eyes that upon entering the city, rewards would be discussed!
“Where is Zhong Kang?”
“This humble one is here.”
“Prepare the horses, and immediately muster the Tiger Guards to accompany me into the city!”
“Yes!”
As Xu Chu’s voice fell, the “dada” of Jueying, the warhorse, was already prepared, its neighing echoing through the sky.
Thump… thump…
Cao Cao turned and walked towards the entrance.
Unexpectedly, a voice transmitted, not at all fitting the occasion.
— “Commander Cao, please wait!”
— “Commander Cao, have you considered how to deal with Lü Bu? How to deal with Chen Gong? How to deal with his generals?”
This…
Cao Cao’s steps halted. If this voice had come from anyone else, Cao Cao would have been disappointed. But as it was, it came from Yu’er, which made it profoundly meaningful.
Hoo…
With a light sigh, Cao Cao turned around. “Agricultural Minister Lu, what do you mean by that?”
“Commander Cao…” Lu Yu’s speech quickened. “If Lü Bu surrenders? Does Commander Cao intend to accept his surrender, or refuse it?”
Lu Yu’s tone was very serious and solemn.
Abandoning his usual carefree demeanor, he stood up, his eyes cold. This stance made Cao Cao realize this was an extremely serious issue.
Indeed…
At this moment, Lu Yu wanted to remind Cao Cao to think clearly before entering the city!
After all, in history, the event of “Lü Bu’s demise at Baishilou,” Cao Cao had initially intended to recruit Lü Bu as a general. But then… Liu Bei’s words, “Don’t you see the affairs of Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?” caused Cao Cao’s heart to suddenly turn cold, and he had Lü Bu executed!
Killing Lü Bu was not the issue; the key was that among the Bingzhou troops and the Eight Valiant Generals, there was a unit loyal to Lü Bu.
For instance, Gao Shun, or Zang Ba, or even Zhang Liao…
It was precisely because of Lü Bu’s death that it indirectly led to Diao Chan’s demise, Gao Shun’s demise, and the disbandment of the Vanguard Camp!
These were all inferable losses, and there were many more that could not be inferred.
It could be said to be a single thread that moved the entire tapestry.
And the crucial point was whether Cao Cao had considered, or had made up his mind, whether to accept Lü Bu’s surrender. This point was paramount!
“Commander Cao should first think it through and decide whether to accept Lü Bu’s surrender before entering Xiapi City.”
Lu Yu reminded him carefully, his tone becoming even more serious, causing Cao Cao’s gaze to fix intensely.
Fortunately…
Cao Cao strode back to Lu Yu’s front. He knelt back into his seat, and then no longer felt anxious. He gestured, “Agricultural Minister Lu, let’s discuss this topic in detail!”
Cao Cao was so intelligent…
As soon as Yu’er uttered those words, he had already grasped Yu’er’s intention?
Certainly, Lü Bu’s surrender was, in theory, a joyous and greatly beneficial event. In the present era, when it came to commanding cavalry, no one was Lü Bu’s match.
But… Yu’er’s meaning was very clear, wasn't it?
Did he, Cao Cao, dare to accept Lü Bu’s surrender?
Upon careful consideration, it was not difficult to discern that Yu’er was reminding Cao Cao to consider Lü Bu’s past. Not to mention Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo, but the example of Lü Bu and Liu Bei was right before their eyes!
Lü Bu was a fierce tiger, but if he were to bite back, Cao Cao might not be able to withstand the damage.
Hoo…
With repeated exhales.
This time, Cao Cao proactively refilled Lu Yu’s cup. “Come, have a drink first to warm yourself. As for accepting Lü Bu’s surrender, there’s no rush. Agricultural Minister Lu, please speak slowly!”
Outside the military camp, countless armored soldiers stood ready;
Inside Xiapi City, countless surrendered generals looked up in anticipation, all waiting for Cao Cao?
But Cao Cao now calmed himself down. He wanted to discuss this topic thoroughly with Lu Yu…
Accept Lü Bu’s surrender? Or kill Lü Bu?
This question was sensitive yet important. If handled improperly, it could very likely lead to immense losses.
And even more likely to cause the loss and demise of countless talents!
“Commander Cao…” Lu Yu took the wine cup handed by Cao Cao, took a sip, and then said loudly, “In fact, in my opinion, a scoundrel like Lü Bu, who is two-faced and treacherous, deserves to die ten thousand times over.”
“However… I later thought about it carefully. Perhaps in the eyes of Commander Cao, and in my eyes, Lü Bu deserves to die. But what about the border people? What about Yanmen Pass? What about the Hu people? Lü Bu is a god of slaughter who inspires fear in the Hu people, he is the guardian god of Yanmen Pass, he is the faith of countless Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry!”
Heh…
This was the first time Cao Cao had heard such a statement regarding Lü Bu.
Unheard of, unseen.
However, Cao Cao was very interested and willing to listen to Yu’er’s subsequent words.
“Agricultural Minister Lu seems to understand Lü Bu well?”
“Reasonably well…” Lu Yu smiled slightly. “Although I am not from the border, I am a child who lost my parents from a young age. I can best feel the suffering of border people who are separated from their families and lose their homes due to the continuous raids by the Hu people!”
“I was adopted by Sister Zhaoji from a young age, fortunate to grow up, fortunate to read and write, fortunate to serve Commander Cao… to achieve merit and fame. But… what about these border people? How many of them lost their parents from childhood and live in sorrow and hardship! Living merely to survive!”
“Everyone says that nine out of ten households are empty, but for Yanmen, where Lü Bu was located, and for the border regions where he grew up, it is ten out of ten households empty. It is precisely for this reason that the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, famous throughout the land and feared by the Hu people, was forged.”
“But the court is corrupt, the clans and the imperial relatives occupy the wealthy lands, the frontiers are suffering, the people have no means to live, and the military pay is insufficient. Yet, foreign tribes constantly raid the borders, destroying homes. If Commander Cao had grown up in the same environment as Lü Bu, if he had climbed out of pools of blood and grown up on bloody plains, fighting the Hu people!”
“If this were the case… when Commander Cao entered Luoyang one day, and discovered that the rear area for which they fought desperately and shed blood and tears… had been so wealthy and corrupt. A single meal for a rich man here, or a single concubine taken in by a rich man, would be enough for the border soldiers to live on for several months of filling their stomachs! If Commander Cao, who grew up on the border, saw such a scene, what would he do?”
At this point, Lu Yu paused…
He wasn’t trying to defend Lü Bu.
In fact, there was nothing to defend for Lü Bu!
He was an extreme egoist, but the key issue was, did he have the right to choose? His growing environment… forced him to become such an extreme egoist!
Otherwise, he would never have been able to emerge from those bloody plains.
Hoo…
Clearly, Cao Cao’s heart was stirred.
This was the first time he had empathized and considered things from Lü Bu’s perspective. If he, Cao Cao, had lived in such a tragic environment.
He would certainly not have done better than Lü Bu. When he saw the decadent, pleasure-seeking Luoyang City, he would have become even more lost and ruthless in pursuing profit!
Thinking of this…
Cao Cao felt a strange sense of emotion.
In his youth, wasn’t he also like this? He had once cast a five-colored great club to beat powerful figures, he had assassinated Zhang Rang and become famous throughout the land, he had issued ten indictments to punish local magnates!
But… in the end? He was dismissed, removed from office, and reprimanded by the court…
He finally realized that the Han Dynasty he desperately clung to was already riddled with holes and was no longer a place of fairness and justice.
All he could do was to reshape this world!
Having gone through such experiences, he could deeply understand the feeling of Lü Bu becoming lost when he saw the decadent, pleasure-seeking Luoyang City and then gradually losing his way.
And Lu Yu’s words continued.
— “Lü Bu is the God of War of Yanmen Pass, the god of slaughter in the eyes of the Hu people, the faith of the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, and also the guardian god of the northern border people.”
— “The man he is today is merely a pitiable person whose mind has been clouded by decadence and pleasure-seeking! Even if he is captured today, it was not Dong Zhuo, nor Commander Cao, nor I, Lu Yu, who defeated him, but the Central Plains, the Sili region, and the prosperity of Luoyang City that destroyed his faith in defending the borders!”
“I have always wondered, if Lü Bu had not followed Ding Yuan to Luoyang City back then, perhaps… with his pure mind, he would have become someone like Wei Qing or Huo Qubing, and would have become an eternal nightmare for the Hu people!”
Lu Yu’s expression gradually became somber, and his words expressed regret for Lü Bu!
Speaking of which…
Lu Yu let out a sigh. He gazed into Cao Cao’s eyes, his tone becoming more resolute.
— “Commander Cao…”
— “Perhaps my next suggestion will be somewhat risky, but Lü Bu has weaknesses. By exploiting his weaknesses, I am confident I can help him regain his lost senses, allowing him to once again become the God of War of Yanmen Pass who can single-handedly hold off a million troops, the god of slaughter and nightmare in the eyes of the Hu people, and the guardian god of the northern border people! If one day Lü Bu needs to die, then he should die in the Yin Mountains of the desert, his peerless warrior’s body cremated, and he should die a martyr’s death as a hero!”
— “Commander Cao, your opponents are not just the feudal lords of the Han Dynasty, but also the Xianbei, the Southern Xiongnu, and the Wuhuan. These foreign tribes have been raiding the borders year after year. The decline of the Han Dynasty, how can they escape responsibility? Commander Cao needs a god of slaughter like ‘Bai Qi’ by his side, and also needs war gods like ‘Wei Qing, Huo Qubing’ who can sweep across the Xiongnu and restore the glory of the Western Regions!”
…
…