"Xuan De, am I not telling the truth? Not only is your second brother unharmed, but you've also gained an older brother in Cao Cao! Haha..."
"Now you have brothers, and you have a city!"
Seeing the reunion of the three brothers, Liu, Guan, and Zhang, Cao Cao said with a smile.
Liu Bei's feelings, however, were extremely complex. Cao Cao was shamelessly audacious.
How could he say such a thing? Heh, the city was there, but it didn't belong to Liu Bei!
What was the point of this city then?
He thought this in his heart, but dared not speak it. Liu Bei cupped his fists and bowed to Cao Cao, his tone much more respectful.
"Commander Cao, I, Liu Bei, have my brothers, which is enough. As for the city, of course, it belongs to Commander Cao!"
"Haha..." Hearing this, Cao Cao laughed heartily. He looked at Lu Yu. "Commander Lu, listen to Xuan De, he speaks so clearly! Hahaha..."
With a word, Cao Cao waved his hand, signaling for his men to escort the three brothers to rest. Cao Cao then beckoned Lu Yu.
"Commander Lu, I intend to rest for a few days before conquering Xiapi City? What do you think?"
"No!" Lu Yu immediately waved his hand. "The ancients said, 'A single surge of effort, then a decline, then a weakening...' I want to say, 'Wildfires cannot burn them all, but the spring breeze will blow them back to life.' With the current great victory, we can seize the momentum and take Xiapi and Guangling cities in one go! Moreover, Yang Xiu and Chen Deng have already started their actions. If the army doesn't move, aren't we letting them down!"
Hoo...
Hearing this, Cao Cao narrowed his eyes.
"I know this naturally, but the army of a hundred thousand has marched rapidly, and the soldiers have not rested along the way. I am worried that after a long march, the army will be exhausted, and Lu Bu will be waiting in Xiapi City. If he launches a frontal attack, I fear our army will suffer heavy losses."
Cao Cao revealed his worries, and Lu Yu's eyes narrowed. "Don't worry about this, Commander Cao... Lu Bu has been thoroughly routed. The only one in Xiapi City who can think of a frontal attack is Chen Gong, and he... will not be utilized! Commander Cao, we must trust Yang Xiu and Chen Deng!"
This...
Cao Cao paused. "It's not that I don't trust him, but being in that den of wolves that is Xiapi City, your strategy is intricately linked. If even one link fails, I fear Yang Xiu and Chen Deng will lose their heads, and your scheme of sowing discord will be stillborn. This must be considered!"
"Well..." Lu Yu scratched his head. "Actually, Commander Cao worries too much. This is not a problem. There are many students in the Imperial Academy. If Yang Xiu encounters misfortune, I can send Li Xiu and Wang Xiu. They are inexhaustible and endless. Someone will succeed."
These words carried a hint of jest...
But Lu Yu's confidence was still evident in his words.
In fact, Old Cao only saw the first layer of the strategy...
There were deeper strategies. Perhaps Yang Xiu and Chen Deng could only achieve half the effect with this strategy, but it couldn't withstand Diao Chan's divine assist!
Lu Bu, he rose and fell with Diao Chan!
"Alright!"
Seeing Yu'er so confident, Cao Cao immediately waved his hand. "Pass down the order, attack Xiapi City immediately!"
"Yes!" The generals and soldiers received the order.
In just a moment, the official road from Xiaopei City to Xiapi City was covered in dust, and countless dazzling "Cao" banners were raised high!
Under Cao Cao's leadership, hundreds of thousands of troops appeared on the land.
Among them, the Dragon Cavalry unit was particularly eye-catching...
The soaring Dragon Cavalry banner, the dark ink-colored armor, the blood-stained robes, the galloping steeds, less than seven hundred men, yet they astonished the onlookers, the newly surrendered soldiers, and Cao's armor-clad warriors.
The Battle of Xiapi!
They still didn't know... what divine miracles this legendary hero's army would create!
...
...
Xiapi City, in the Chen Residence!
"Chen Yuanlong? How are you feeling today?" His voice rose, and the arrogance that overshadowed everything was evident in his words. Yang Xiu came for his usual consultation. Previously, Lu Bu had ordered that Chen Deng be cured at all costs...
Now, coming once a day had become a routine!
As time passed, the eyes Lu Bu had placed relaxed.
"I've recovered a lot, but I still feel a tightness in my chest..." Chen Deng lay on the bed, sighing softly.
Heh...
Yang Xiu glanced around. "Then let's increase the dosage of the medicine today."
"That would be best!" Chen Deng nodded, then waved his hand. "Haven't you heard? Divine Physician Yang wants you to increase the dosage of the medicine. Hurry and go brew it!"
"Yes..." Several servants hurried away upon hearing this.
For a moment, only Chen Deng and Chen Gui remained in the pavilion.
"Dezu..."
With no one around, Chen Deng directly called Yang Xiu by his courtesy name, indicating that their relationship had grown closer after a few days of interaction.
"As expected, Lu Bu's surprise attack on Xiaopei has failed. He is now fleeing back to our Xiapi City, and my father has already taken control of Guangling City. You and I should also withdraw from Xiapi, this land of turmoil!"
Chen Deng's tone was urgent, and his brow furrowed as if he were in a great hurry.
After all, Lu Bu was not very intelligent.
However, after this defeat, if he thought about it a little, it wouldn't be difficult to realize that someone had leaked the intelligence.
The only ones who knew this intelligence were Lu Bu's cousin Wei Xu and Chen Deng. Following the clues, how could Yang Xiu escape suspicion?
If they didn't leave now, they might not be able to leave at all.
"Calm down, Brother Yuanlong, calm down..." Yang Xiu consoled. "We can't leave yet..."
"What?" Chen Deng's face suddenly fell.
Guangling City was now under the control of his father, Chen Gui. They could both flee to Guangling and attack Xiapi City from both inside and out with Commander Cao. Wasn't this a great situation?
But...
Before Chen Deng could understand, Yang Xiu's voice came out. "Because Chief Commander Lu also gave me a new mission. If I don't complete it, how can I face leaving Xiapi City?"
Are you crazy?
Chen Deng felt that as Yang Xiu uttered these words, his eyes were shining with a green light.
This light clearly indicated his intense obsession with something.
It was difficult to understand why a mission set by one person was so important in Yang Xiu's eyes. What was he plotting? For what purpose?
"But... this is a gamble for our lives!" Chen Deng continued to remind. "One wrong step, and we might lose our heads!"
"Fate should be gambled upon," Yang Xiu said calmly. Whether he could become a disciple valued by Chief Commander Lu, whether he could become someone he trusted, this trip to Xiapi was extremely important.
Now, Yang Xiu had completed sixty percent of his mission. He was only a little bit away from this immense merit and from Chief Commander Lu's complete trust.
"Brother Yuanlong, come closer and I'll teach you how to frame Chen Gongtai for this intelligence leak!"
"Chief Commander Lu wants Chen Gongtai to continue to be abandoned! Forever abandoned!"
Huo...
Chen Deng was stunned.
This Chief Commander Lu had such a big mouth! Based on normal reasoning, after Lu Bu's operation failed this time, he would surely realize the importance of a strategist again!
It was only a matter of time before Chen Gong was reused.
Of course, once Chen Gong was entrusted with important responsibilities again, it would not be good news for Commander Cao and Cao's army.
It could be said that the only hope for Lu Bu to turn the tide at this point was Chen Gong.
But...
Young Master Lu's opening remark was to shift the blame onto Chen Gong and have him permanently discarded. This... for a moment, Chen Deng was very impressed by the courage of this Chief Commander Lu and Yang Xiu.
One dared to formulate the plan, and the other dared to execute it!
"Are we really going to do this?"
"Yes." Yang Xiu said solemnly. "Chen Gong has always been insensitive to human affairs. I have bribed an insider in his residence, and the letter is ready. We just need to find the right time to place it on his desk!"
"And Chief Commander Lu mentioned that Lu Bu is strong in limbs but simple-minded. Even if the letter contains nothing, a few casual strokes highlighting special words would be enough to make him suspicious!"
Hearing this...
Chen Deng's eyes suddenly lit up. He seemed to have understood something. "Dezu's insistence on not removing the spies in our residence, is this also Chief Commander Lu's intention?"
The "spies" in this sentence actually referred to the informants in the Chen residence.
Indeed, the Chen residence was full of informants. Some informants were sent by Lu Bu to monitor. After Hao Meng's rebellion, he had placed a small number of informants in every civil and military official's residence under Lu Bu. Lu Bu was always a suspicious person.
Besides these, there were naturally Chen Gong's informants in the Chen residence.
Chen Gong had always ostracized the Chen father and son. He believed that the Chen father and son, who had a precedent of "selling their master for glory," must have had ulterior motives in approaching Lu Bu!
With Yang Xiu and Chen Deng's discernment, how could they not have noticed?
The reason Yang Xiu had kept Chen Gong's informants in the residence until today was for this operation.
"That's right, Brother Yuanlong must act according to Young Master Lu's plan!"
Yang Xiu reminded him repeatedly.
"Alright!" Chen Deng nodded. "If I were Lu Bu, seeing this letter, I would assume that Chen Gong was trying to conceal the letter's leakage by smearing it, which would solidify his collusion with Commander Cao. Furthermore, upon hearing that Chen Gong had placed informants in my residence, he would surely attribute the leak of this operation to Chen Gong."
"We just need to find the right time to let Lu Bu witness Chen Gong opening the letter in panic, and the major event can be accomplished! This plan is foolproof!"
Hoo...
With a long sigh, if Chen Deng had any lingering concerns about staying, then...
Now... it was another story.
Chen Deng was filled with emotion. He stroked his beard and said with some trepidation, "Dezu, the insight into the situation and the control of human hearts of this Chief Commander Lu you speak of are truly formidable!"
"Naturally!" Hearing Chen Deng praise Lu Yu, Yang Xiu patted his chest, and his proud nature subconsciously surfaced again. "Brother Yuanlong, who do you think Chief Commander Lu is? Chief Commander Lu is my teacher, Yang Xiu!"
"Haha, as long as Chen Gong is abandoned, Xiapi City will fall into Commander Cao's hands sooner or later. Yuanlong, at that time, Chief Commander Lu will naturally request rewards for you and me!"
Speaking of this, Yang Xiu narrowed his eyes, and a brilliant, expectant light suddenly appeared.
Who said the Yang clan of Hongnong couldn't rise again?
As long as you cling to the right thigh, anything is possible!
...
...
Xiapi City!
After entering the city, Lu Bu did not immediately reorganize his defeated troops or investigate the intelligence leak.
Instead, he returned to his residence first. He missed Diao Chan. In his opinion... the beauty of the country was not as captivating as a dance by Diao Chan.
Soon, in Lu Bu's inner hall.
The soul-stirring sound of strings slowly rose. A graceful beauty with a peerless posture was dancing before Lu Bu, with countless delicate flower petals gently fluttering between heaven and earth, and the intoxicating floral fragrance was intoxicating.
Who else could this dancing beauty be but Diao Chan?
She appeared like a blooming flower bud, spreading out all around, like a secluded orchid in a valley.
With her light, graceful, and ethereal dance, her wide sleeves opened and closed, further highlighting her overwhelmingly beautiful appearance.
He was drunk...
Lu Bu watched with rapt attention, as if... after seeing such a dance, he had forgotten everything, forgotten the crushing defeat, forgotten the tragic deaths of the soldiers!
"Thump thump thump..."
Just then, an untimely footstep sounded.
"Feng Xian... Feng Xian! Oh dear..."
A long sigh interrupted the beauty's dance, utterly ruining the mood...
It turned out to be Chen Gong. Hearing of Lu Bu's defeat, Chen Gong knew that disaster was imminent.
Similarly, this was also an opportunity, an opportunity to regain Lu Bu's trust. As long as the two of them joined forces, one civil and one military, Chen Gong was confident... that he might be able to contend with Cao Mengde!
However...
Seeing Diao Chan's dance, seeing Lu Bu's dazed eyes, Chen Gong's expression changed drastically, and he sighed repeatedly.
"Feng Xian, our army has just suffered a major defeat, and you have narrowly escaped death. Yet, you've only just arrived in Xiapi, and in the blink of an eye... you're indulging in debauchery again, acting like an immortal!"
Chen Gong reprimanded him fiercely, wanting to awaken Lu Bu with this.
Chen Gong's appearance startled Diao Chan, who no longer dared to dance and retreated, carefully pouring tea for Lu Bu and Chen Gong.
However, Lu Bu's eyes were filled with displeasure.
He retorted, "Sir, I have been fighting for so many years, why can't I rest?"
This...
Chen Gong's brow furrowed even tighter. "Feng Xian, do you know that the army's morale is unstable, and the camp is full of wounded soldiers? Cao Cao has not rested... and is leading an army of a hundred thousand towards us! And you, as the commander of the army, should be among the soldiers! How... how..."
As he spoke to the end, Chen Gong glared at Diao Chan.
He wanted to say, how could you hide among this seductive beauty, but he ultimately swallowed the words. However, his gaze once again startled Diao Chan. Even her hand, which was pouring tea, accidentally broke a teacup!
Lu Bu's expression turned cold.
"Sir, why are you making things difficult for Diao Chan? I have done all that you mentioned. I have just inspected the city defenses. Xiapi City has high walls and deep rivers, its ramparts are incredibly strong, and the city has enough grain for a hundred days. Outside the city, there is the danger of the Si River, with its rapid currents. Even if Cao Cao attacks, I, Lu Bu, can defend the city and have nothing to fear! Please rest assured, sir!"
Although he said this, Lu Bu secretly thought, you, Chen Gong, are being a busybody. You scared my Chan'er!
"But..." Chen Gong said coldly, "Why was the intelligence leaked during the surprise attack on Xiaopei? Doesn't the lord intend to investigate? Isn't there something strange about Chen Deng, Chen Yuanlong?"
"I will investigate, naturally!" Lu Bu slowly stood up. "However, sir, perhaps you should consider this: Firstly, Chen Deng, Chen Yuanlong, is suffering from a terminal illness, spitting out countless red worms, and is on the brink of death? I have informants constantly monitoring him, how could he transmit the intelligence?"
"Secondly, if it was indeed him who leaked the intelligence, then why didn't he flee before I withdrew? Besides, the current Prefect of Guangling City is Yuanlong's father, Chen Gui. As Cao Cao's army approaches, he would simply offer Guangling City and escape Xiapi City, wouldn't that be wonderful? Why would he stay in Xiapi City to await my interrogation?"
Heh...
Indeed, Lu Bu's analysis made Chen Gong unable to refute it!
Indeed, all the signs indicated that Chen Deng was not involved in this matter. Although Chen Gong suspected it, he could not provide any solid reason.
"Then... then this matter is over?" Chen Gong continued.
"I am investigating!" Lu Bu replied, but his tone was a little impatient. "Sir, there is no need to worry. This matter will surely come to light!"
This...
Chen Gong fell silent!
But after a moment, Chen Gong suddenly thought of something. "Then... Cao Cao's army of a hundred thousand is rapidly approaching? Feng Xian, what do you plan to do?"
Mentioning this did pique Lu Bu's interest a bit.
"Hold out for over a hundred days. I don't believe Cao Cao's grain supplies can last that long!"
"Holding out is good... but if Cao Cao's army of a hundred thousand really attacks the city? Can our current army of over ten thousand stop them? Feng Xian, you must know that when defending the city, your wolf cavalry cannot be utilized!"
Chen Gong shook his head and poured cold water on the idea.
Then...
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then what does sir suggest we do?"
"Like this..." Chen Gong said earnestly. "General, lead the cavalry out of the city and establish a camp by the Si River. I will lead the infantry to garrison within the city, and we will form a pincer formation! This way, General's cavalry can exert their power, and after the rain stops, if Cao's army dares to attack General, then I will lead the troops to attack their rear! If Cao's army attacks the city, then General can roam and harass from the perimeter! In this way, Cao's army will be attacked from both within and without, and they will surely suffer greatly and be defeated without a doubt!"
Hiss...
Indeed, hearing this, Lu Bu was somewhat tempted.
Cavalry outside, infantry inside, forming a pincer formation, this would allow his cavalry to exert its power, and the protection and reinforcement would make Cao's army hesitant to attack!
This plan was brilliant...
"Not bad... then we..." Lu Bu was about to agree to Chen Gong's plan and divide the forces.
Who would have thought... at this moment.
"General."
A soft, slow voice came out, and Diao Chan spoke gracefully, "General, you have traveled all this way and have just returned. Why not rest for a night and make a decision tomorrow with a clear mind?"
"This... you..."
Chen Gong said coldly to Diao Chan, but as soon as he uttered the first word, his voice was suppressed by Lu Bu.
"Diao Chan's words are reasonable. Alright, let this Marquis ponder for a night, and I will give you an answer tomorrow!"
"I have something to say to Diao Chan. Sir, you may leave first!"
This...
Hearing this, Chen Gong's face turned as bitter as a melon.
"Alas... alas..."
With two consecutive sighs, Chen Gong left with a flick of his sleeve.
Thump thump...
After the footsteps faded away, Diao Chan dared to speak. "Does the General really intend to leave the city?"
"Otherwise?" Lu Bu frowned. "This is the only way, otherwise, how can Xiapi City withstand Cao Cao's army of a hundred thousand!"
But...
Diao Chan hesitated to speak... She hesitated for a moment, and then uttered what she knew.
"If the General leaves the city, then the defense of the city will surely be handled by Gao Shun and Chen Gong. These two have always been at odds. If the General lets them both defend the city, can this work? I'm afraid that before the General even leaves the city, they will be fighting amongst themselves. At that time, won't the General outside the city be... be sending himself to his death!"
"Moreover... moreover..." Diao Chan seemed to have more to say, and her expression became particularly solemn.
"Moreover, what?" Lu Bu asked urgently.
"I heard..." Diao Chan gently bit her red lips, and still told what she knew. "Mr. Chen's character is questionable. In the past, Cao Cao treated him so well, yet he could betray Cao Cao. Now... the General treats him so coldly, how can he genuinely help the General? If... if Chen Gong colludes with Cao Cao and surrenders Xiapi City, then at that time, will Diao Chan still be your wife?"
Huo...
As these words came out, Lu Bu's brows furrowed tightly.
What Diao Chan said was not unreasonable. What was Chen Gong's character? It was indeed worth verifying! Not to mention his betrayal of Cao Cao, just the rebellion of Hao Meng, according to Lu Bu's investigation, Chen Gong was not unrelated. How could such a person be trusted?
Furthermore, from Lu Bu's perspective, Chen Gong was ultimately an outsider, while Diao Chan was an insider!
Chen Gong's words could be ignored, but his wife's words? How could they be ignored?
Hoo...
With a long sigh, Lu Bu was making the most difficult decision.
But just then.
A voice came from outside the door...
"Reporting to the Lord, the Right Advisor Chen Deng requests an audience with illness... He says he has something important to report to the Lord, concerning the Military Advisor—Chen Gongtai!"
Huo...
As soon as this was said, Lu Bu, who was already in turmoil, became even more complex!
Concerning Chen Gongtai?
What has Chen Gong done now?
...
...