"Cao Sikong, this man's surname is Zhang, given name Liao, courtesy name Wenyuan. He is a loyal and righteous person. Yesterday, he and three hundred Bingzhou righteous men knelt before Lu Fengxian, out of loyalty to their former lord. This is proof of their loyalty and righteousness. I implore Cao Sikong to spare their lives!"
Liu Bei spoke.
He was compelled to speak. If it were up to his own thoughts, Lu Bu's generals, especially these loyal and righteous men, should not surrender to Cao Cao, otherwise... Cao Cao's combat power would skyrocket!
One must understand that soldiers who waver are not to be feared, but these loyal and righteous men are too formidable. Once they recognize their lord, they will risk their lives.
But...
How could he not see that in the current situation, Chen Gong had surrendered, Gao Shun had surrendered, the Trapped Beast Camp had surrendered... how could Zhang Liao and these three hundred Bingzhou righteous men not surrender?
Liu Bei took the initiative to speak these words.
Firstly, it was to remind Cao Cao that Zhang Liao and the three hundred Bingzhou righteous men were loyal to their former lord, which posed a hidden danger to him. Cao Cao, who was inherently suspicious, might hesitate...
Secondly, even if Cao Cao had already recruited them, Liu Bei's words would be a favor to Zhang Liao and these three hundred Bingzhou righteous men!
In this chaotic era, the favor of loyal and righteous men was quite valuable!
Just then, Guan Yu also stepped forward, "Guan has always known Wenyuan to be a loyal and righteous person. Cao Sikong should indeed keep him in service!"
Although the meaning was the same, Guan Yu's words were entirely different from Liu Bei's!
One was honeyed words, the other was genuine sincerity...
Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei, then at Guan Yu, and laughed... hahahaha... He burst into laughter.
"When did I ever say I would kill Wenyuan?"
Speaking to this point, Cao Cao raised his eyes and looked at Zhang Liao. "Wenyuan, you choose. I have the official seal of 'General Who Pacifies the South' bestowed by His Majesty, as well as the military token to command thirty thousand troops. Similarly, I also have the appointment of a Commandant of the Dragon Soaring Camp, commanding no more than a few hundred men. Which do you choose?"
Zhang Liao, Zhang Wenyuan...
Cao Cao had certainly heard of his name!
However... Cao Cao only knew of his martial prowess, his skill in commanding troops, and his tactical characteristics of surprise attacks. Cao Cao knew more about these from Yu'er.
Therefore, Cao Cao directly presented two choices.
One was General Who Pacifies the East, commanding thirty thousand troops!
The other was Commandant of the Dragon Soaring Camp, commanding a hundred men...
The difference between the two was worlds apart, vast and immeasurable. It seemed there was no need to choose, it was obvious. Yet, in reality, Cao Cao could already make a judgment.
If Zhang Liao was as outstanding as Yu'er and Guan Yu said, then he... would definitely choose...
"Is there even a choice? Naturally, it's the Commandant of the Dragon Soaring Camp!" Zhang Liao cupped his fists in a bow. "Cao Sikong above, Zhang Liao, Commandant of the Dragon Soaring Camp, pays his respects to Cao Sikong!"
Huo...
This choice shocked everyone present.
This time, except for Cao Cao, everyone... including Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, including Xun You, Xi Zhicai... and even the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang, their eyes widened, their gazes filled with disbelief.
The Dragon Soaring Camp...
Indeed, many knew that the Dragon Soaring Camp had good treatment, good food, and was renowned throughout the land, its fame echoing in all directions!
But in reality...
If one compared commanding thirty thousand troops and the title of General Who Pacifies the East with it, it seemed... a normal person would choose thirty thousand troops and the title of General Who Pacifies the East, wouldn't they?
But Zhang Liao...
He chose the Dragon Soaring Camp, choosing to command a hundred men as a Commandant.
Then...
What kind of magic did the Dragon Soaring Camp possess?
Countless people fell silent, countless people fell into deep thought!
"How strange..." Zhang Fei, with his straightforward nature, couldn't help but exclaim, "Why are there so many strange things on White Gate Tower today? I can't understand it. I, Zhang Fei, don't understand it."
Unlike Zhang Fei's exclamations, Guan Yu remained silent.
However...
Beneath his eternally stoic and expressionless face, there was a hidden tremor of emotion within him.
At this moment, in Guan Yu's heart, he had to place the "Dragon Soaring Camp" in a more prominent position. This would be an opponent ten times more difficult to deal with than the Trapped Beast Camp. Of course... he also eagerly anticipated crossing swords with the Dragon Soaring Camp to test the depth of Commander Lu.
As for Liu Bei...
His expression had turned as bitter as a dried melon. He tried his best to maintain a calm expression, attempting to conceal his thoughts.
But!
At this moment, whether it was the Dragon Soaring Camp or Lu Yu... the deterrence they brought him was too great.
*Hoo...*
He let out a long sigh. The Dragon Soaring Camp, already renowned throughout the Nine Provinces, had now been joined by Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, the Trapped Beast Camp, and hundreds of Bingzhou cavalry. It was like adding wings to a tiger. What a fearsome opponent would this be in the future?
"Hahahaha..."
"Hahahahaha..."
Amidst the astonished gazes of everyone, only Cao Cao let out a sighing laugh.
As expected, as it should be. With such loyal and righteous men joining the Dragon Soaring Camp, Yu'er's wings would become more robust, and the merits awarded by Yu'er would become even more prominent. All of this was something Cao Cao was happy to see.
"Good. From this moment on, Zhang Wenyuan will lead three hundred Bingzhou righteous men and be incorporated into the Dragon Soaring Camp. Zhang Wenyuan is appointed Commandant of the Dragon Soaring Camp! He shall obey the orders of Lu Yu, Commander of the Dragon Soaring Camp."
"Thank you, Cao Sikong!" Zhang Liao cupped his fists in a bow.
This time...
The entire process of recruiting surrendered enemy generals was settled.
But for everyone... their hearts were still filled with emotion.
More people were confused.
Why?
Why did the generals who insisted on accompanying Lu Bu to the Yellow Springs yesterday change their attitudes so drastically today?
And why?
Among these "surrendered enemy generals," the most outstanding ones would rather give up high positions and generous stipends, and give up commanding tens of thousands of troops, just to join the Dragon Soaring Camp!
This...
It was too miraculous, too inconceivable.
"Alright, all units, rest. We shall return to the capital in ten days!"
Cao Cao gave a final order and prepared to descend from White Gate Tower.
But...
As he stepped onto the stone stairs, Cao Cao paused. He suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, right, I forgot to tell you all. Just this morning before ascending White Gate Tower, I, Cao Cao, have become sworn siblings with Concubine Diao Chan of Marquis Wen. From now on, Diao Chan is my sister, and I am Diao Chan's brother. Anyone who dares to bully Diao Chan is bullying me, Cao Cao. They will face the consequences!"
After saying this, Cao Cao paused.
Then he continued:
"As for Marquis Wen, he shall be buried with the rites of a prince. Craftsmen shall build a coffin of nanmu wood and a slab of jade stone six feet in length. On his tombstone, I, Cao Cao, will personally write: Tomb of Han Marquis Wen, General Who Displays Might, Lu Fengxian!"
With a single statement...
*Tap... tap...*
With firm and powerful steps, Cao Cao descended the stairs and left White Gate Tower!
Countless people listened to Cao Cao's words and found them utterly incomprehensible...
Cao Sikong becoming sworn siblings with Diao Chan?
Wait...
This treatment is a bit different. One must know... after Cao Cao conquered Yuan Shu's Shouchun City, the first thing he did was to take Yuan Shu's wife, Lady Feng, as a concubine, and He Jin's daughter-in-law, Lady Yin, as a concubine.
This time, after conquering Xiapi City, it was strange...
To tell a joke, Cao Sikong is no longer interested in other people's wives!
People say it's hard to change one's nature, but... how can this be explained?
Of course, marrying wives and taking concubines is not important. What is important is that all the events that happened on White Gate Tower today, the assembled civil and military officials... seemed to understand, yet seemed not to understand!
In short, this matter was incredibly mysterious! Extremely mysterious!
...
...
In early September, the news of Cao Cao defeating Lu Bu and pacifying Xuzhou spread to all directions, throughout the land.
In Ji Province, Wei Commandery, Ye City!
Inside the main hall of the Provincial Governor's Mansion, all the civil and military officials under Yuan Shao were silent, and the atmosphere in the entire yamen became extremely solemn.
Defeating Lu Bu meant Cao Cao had pacified Xuzhou, and no one in the Central Plains could threaten his position anymore.
Furthermore, Cao Cao's influence had already extended into the lands of Guanzhong. With the demise of Zhang Yang and his subordinate Yang Chou surrendering with his troops to Cao Cao, it could be said that Cao Cao now controlled Hongnong, Henan Yin, and Henei... combined with the original four provinces of Si, Xu, Yan, and Yu, his power was infinitely close to the northern four regions!
Perhaps... Cao Cao's troops were not as numerous as Yuan Shao's, but through several years of campaigning, Cao Cao had written one legend after another...
-- Not only was he invincible in battle, but he did so without shedding blood.
In Yuan Shao's eyes, Cao Cao was incredibly bizarre...
His troops seemed to have the ability to multiply, growing more and more with each battle. From the initial meager tens of thousands of Cao's army, it had now expanded into a behemoth of over two hundred thousand!
This also led to a temporary reconciliation among Yuan Shao's strategists, whether from the Ru-Ying clan faction or the Ji Province talented scholars faction.
They jointly discussed how to curb Cao Cao.
"Lord Yuan..." Xu You, a maverick among the Ru-Ying clan faction, spoke first. "Lu Bu died on White Gate Tower, Chen Gui of Guangling Commandery surrendered the city. Now, the entire Central Plains belongs to Cao Cao!"
"Indeed..."
"Lu Bu is dead, the Central Plains have fallen to Cao Cao."
Yuan Shao's eyes were filled with complex, astonished expressions. His words carried a hint of mockery.
"The battle at Hulao Pass showed all eighteen lords the unmatched bravery of Lu Bu, Lu Fengxian. Heh, I originally thought that no one in this world could match him, yet now he is still dead, died in Xiapi City, died on that White Gate Tower!"
*Hoo...*
Yuan Shao's words made the atmosphere in the hall even more chilling.
Tian Feng, a core figure of the Ji Province talented scholars faction, stood up and said, "Cao's army is skilled in strategy. It is said that Cao Cao has the assistance of the Hidden Dragon, and is always able to understand the situation and discern people's hearts. In that case... an unparalleled flying general is not enough to match him, nor can he change the tide of a war!"
As these words left his mouth...
Ju Shou, also a member of the Ji Province talented scholars faction, cupped his fists and said, "I mentioned back then that if our army did not restrict him, Cao Cao would surely become powerful. Now it seems that with the Hidden Dragon assisting Cao, it's no wonder Cao Cao can ascend to the Central Plains. But now..."
Ju Shou glared coldly at Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and others in the Ru-Ying clan faction, making it clear that if it weren't for their obstruction back then, Lord Yuan would not have allowed Cao Cao to grow so powerful.
But now?
Yuan Shao had not yet pacified the northern regions...
Cao Cao had already ascended to the Central Plains, the situation had reversed, and the initiative was in Cao Cao's hands.
Ju Shou's words continued.
"The fall of Xuzhou and the death of Lu Bu were inevitable. He, along with Liu Bei, occupied Xiapi City, Guangling City, and Xiaopei City. Cao Cao, who had great ambitions, and the Hidden Dragon, who understood the times, how could they allow a dragon and a tiger that could devour people at any moment to lie beside them! Cao Cao is too fortunate! Lu Bu and Liu Bei are too unfortunate!"
"Heh heh..." Yuan Shao mocked, "Cao A'nan, who used to catch chickens and walk dogs in Luoyang and stuck to my backside, has now become a great force."
"My Lord!" Xu You spoke again, "I heard Cao Cao sent people to Guanzhong. It seems that after conquering the Central Plains, his next plan is to stabilize the situation in Guanzhong. Once Guanzhong falls into Cao Cao's hands, then the next step will be for Cao Cao to station his troops on the southern bank of the Yellow River, using it to confront us. The general trend of the world is that Lord Yuan and Cao A'nan will inevitably have a decisive battle!"
"And Cao Cao has now incorporated Lu Bu's troops, making his forces even stronger. I heard there is a Trapped Beast Camp among them... this is Lu Bu's most elite infantry legion. Even Lord Yuan's Great Halberd Guard might not be their match! And what's even more terrifying is that this Trapped Beast Camp has been incorporated into Cao's army's renowned Dragon Soaring Camp. Their combined strength is not to be underestimated!"
*Mmm...*
Hearing this, Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed, and his mood became even heavier.
Who would have thought that at this moment.
"A mere Trapped Beast Camp? What is there to fear?"
A burly warrior stepped forward. His face was not particularly handsome, but his sword-like eyebrows were thick and striking, making him unforgettable. If not for these thick eyebrows, his appearance might not even be noticed in a crowd.
This man with thick eyebrows was a renowned figure under Yuan Shao.
-- Qu Yi!
His troops were also Yuan Shao's elite force – the Vanguard Death Warriors!
This was a formidable mixed unit. Each man was equipped with a strong crossbow, a saber, a long spear, and a heavy shield. They could be the first to charge in sieges and capture cities!
They could also close the distance when facing cavalry and deliver a fatal blow to the enemy.
"Hahahaha..." Qu Yi laughed heartily, "In the past, Gongsun Zan's White Horse Volunteers were also blown up to the heavens by you all, but on the battlefield, didn't they get instantly annihilated when they faced my Vanguard Death Warriors! Heh, what nonsense Trapped Beast Camp, what nonsense Dragon Soaring Cavalry, it's all exaggeration, just a paper crane that cannot fly!"
Arrogance, extreme arrogance!
Qu Yi puffed out his chest. Although he didn't say it explicitly, his expression and words conveyed a single message: I'm not targeting anyone in particular; everyone present is trash!
"Alright..."
When it came to this debate about troops, Yuan Shao felt a sense of boredom.
Qu Yi's Vanguard Camp was powerful, but he was too arrogant. And Yuan Shao was also arrogant. Arrogant people disliked "even more arrogant" people the most.
Just then, Xu You spoke, "Yes, let's not talk about useless things. The urgent matter is that we must capture You Province this year and kill Gongsun Zan. Then Lord Yuan shall personally lead a large army south to camp on the northern bank of the Yellow River, forcing Cao A'nan to engage our army in battle. If we delay further, who knows how much Cao A'nan will grow!"
"I second that!"
"I also second that!"
"I second that!"
Ju Shou, Tian Feng, Guo Tu, and Feng Ji cupped their fists in agreement!
It was rare for these strategists to reach an agreement, which was extremely rare in Yuan's camp. In the final analysis, Cao Cao's rapid and aggressive development had made Yuan's strategists feel a tremendous threat.
"Your subordinate seconds that!"
Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan stood up.
Only Qu Yi, "Hahahaha..." he laughed, "To deal with Gongsun Zan of You Province? Why such a grand mobilization? Lord Yuan only needs to send me, Qu Yi, and the Vanguard Camp to fight, and within this year, I will capture his stronghold in You Province – Yijing! Next year, when we move south... Cao A'nan will also meet his end at my hands!"
Still brimming with arrogance, still proclaiming his invincibility.
Of course, if these words were spoken by someone else, it might have been ridiculed by the assembled strategists and warriors. But Qu Yi and the Vanguard Camp had the strength.
-- Instantly annihilated the White Horse Volunteers!
-- Forced the Southern Xiongnu to their knees and sing songs of submission!
Qu Yi and the Vanguard Camp's achievements were outstanding enough. Even in popular rumors, they were only slightly inferior to the Dragon Soaring Camp.
Of course, Qu Yi was not convinced by this... very unconvinced!
"Good!"
Yuan Shao suddenly stood up, he was quite pleased...
However, as Qu Yi uttered his next sentence, Yuan Shao realized that he had been happy too soon!
"Lord Yuan..." Qu Yi's words followed in succession. "I heard that the Dragon Soaring Camp in Cao's army made great contributions when escorting the Son of Heaven, and Cao Cao then bestowed Runan City upon the Dragon Soaring Camp, allowing them to settle their families and have a place to rely on? Hahaha, why must Lord Yuan imitate Cao A'nan's attitude towards the Dragon Soaring Camp? If my Vanguard Camp captures Yijing this time, I ask Lord Yuan to bestow Taiyuan, Shangdang, Xihe, and Yunzhong four commanderies of Bing Province upon my Vanguard Camp."
*Hoo...*
Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed.
An immense dissatisfaction arose in his heart.
But... this time, he chose to bury this emotion deep within himself. "General Qu Yi, I promise you, as long as you can exterminate Gongsun Zan, what does it matter if I bestow the entire Bing Province upon you?"
"For now, General, you need to lead the Vanguard Camp to engage Gongsun Zan from the front! To achieve the first victory for our army, the leading honor!"
"Yes!" Qu Yi nodded, agreeing.
Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed, a hidden murderous intent flickered in his gaze. He continued to give orders, "Generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou, lead your cavalry from Pingyuan into Bohai, and watch the vicinity of Guangyang Commandery in You Province; Generals Zhang He and Gao Gan, lead your troops to camp beside Dai Commandery. Once the Vanguard Camp moves, the three armies will attack You Province in unison!"
Yuan Shao was by no means a foolish person as described in novels and plays. On the contrary, his strategies were often ghostly and divine, surprising people.
However, his hesitation time was often very long!
Of course, at this moment...
As Yuan Shao's extremely heavy tone emanated...
Combined with the cold murderous intent, everyone only thought that this was Lord Yuan's murderous intent towards Gongsun Zan. But only Yuan Shao knew that he not only harbored killing intent towards Gongsun Zan, but also towards Qu Yi, towards Cao Cao, and towards the Hidden Dragon!
Heh heh...
No rush, one by one, slowly!
-- Release the arrows, release the arrows!
...
...
Xiapi City, Dragon Soaring Camp barracks, central command tent.
Inside the entire tent, there were only Lu Yu and Yang Xiu.
"Dezu... kneeling for a whole day? How does it feel?" Lu Yu continued his "puA" (psychological manipulation) towards Yang Xiu. Although this was a sinful act, when used on Yang Xiu, Lu Yu felt no guilt at all. Instead, he felt that his sentiments were becoming increasingly noble.
"Disciple has learned from his mistakes and knows shame... shame leads to courage!" Yang Xiu's tone was firm.
*Hoo...*
Lu Yu let out a sigh. "Alas, actually, Dezu, your performance in Xiapi City this time was generally quite good. But... you are different from other Taixue students. As your total commander, I have high expectations for you, so naturally, I have higher requirements."
This...
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu suddenly felt a surge of emotion, as if tears were about to well up. He felt that... his kneeling was worth it!
Commander Lu valued him more, which was enough to make him excited for the whole day.
"Cough cough..."
At this moment, Lu Yu coughed lightly. "I have another task here, to be precise, a tremendous contribution. You just made a mistake, and by rights, I shouldn't give you such a task again. Cheng Sima would definitely be more suitable than you. However, since you have been mentioning 'shame leading to courage,' then as your total commander, I must give you an opportunity!"
"Of course, it's not a major matter, it just requires a considerable amount of time, perhaps years of dedication. However, if you handle it properly, you will be the second Cheng Sima of our Dragon Soaring Camp! You will be like the sharpest dagger, directly piercing your uncle Yuan Shao's heart."
Upon mentioning Cheng Sima...
Upon mentioning a dagger piercing Uncle Yuan Shao's heart!
Yang Xiu instinctively felt that this task was related to persuasion and defection, and the target must be someone from Yuan Shao's side!
He immediately asked, "May I know whom Commander Lu wants to persuade to defect?"
*Hoo...*
Very clever!
Lu Yu looked at Yang Xiu again with a hint of praise in his eyes.
"Go to Bing Province, lie low there... wait for the arrival of the most elite legion under Yuan Shao, and also wait for the arrival of that general who is ten times more arrogant, presumptuous, and overbearing than 'your past self.' After that... just do as I instructed!"
"Of course, you don't need to be afraid. This time, I have specifically arranged a strong man for you. He will definitely protect your safety."
*Hoo... Strong man?*
Yang Xiu curiously asked, "Commander Lu, may I know... who is this strong man?"
Hearing this... Lu Yu blinked his eyes, then clapped his hands.
And indeed, a "strong man" entered the tent. Lu Yu did not forget to introduce him to Yang Xiu: -- "Lu Bu, Lu Fengxian! This time, you two are going together!"
As soon as these words were uttered...
Yang Xiu's pupils widened. He felt as if he had seen a ghost.
At this moment, he felt—his brain was about to explode!
...
...