A battle report was presented to Cao Cao!
Two great victories!
Yen Liang captured, Wen Chou slain!
Much like Xun Yu’s reaction upon seeing the report, Cao Cao was filled with excitement upon reading this far.
But… when he read of Yuan Shao’s fury… his forty-five thousand strong army marching south, a thunderous assault, their sharp blades pointing directly at Yanjin City, in that instant, Cao Cao’s face became grim.
He worried about the situation on the front lines, and he worried about Yu’er, who was at the heart of the storm on the front lines!
Cao Cao’s face turned ashen…
“Zi Xiu, you may withdraw first…”
Upon hearing this, Cao Ang nodded. Knowing his father was discussing matters of state with Lord Ling Xun, he dared not linger. He immediately left the study and returned to his own chambers!
Footsteps…
Cao Ang’s footsteps faded into the distance. Only after his footsteps disappeared did Cao Cao turn to Xun Yu with solemnity.
Xun Yu first offered a wry smile. “To have troubled you, Commander Cao, it is truly my fault!”
“Let’s not talk about that!” Cao Cao steadied himself. “Ever since I broke with Yuan Shao, Yu’er has made successive arrangements, bringing Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, Qu Yi of the Vanguard Camp, and Zhang Yan of the Black Mountain Army under his command. This has turned the northern border of Bingzhou, and Yanmen… into a thorn in Yuan Shao’s side, making him unable to sleep or eat peacefully. However, it also makes me, Cao Cao, unable to sleep or eat peacefully!”
Cao Ang had departed. Facing Xun Yu, Cao Cao no longer concealed his words, directly referring to Lu Yu as “Yu’er.”
Xun Yu was one of the few people he trusted, and one of the few who knew Lu Yu’s identity.
Cao Cao paused and continued, “Yuan Shao has too many soldiers. I am constantly worried that in his rage, he will disregard everything and march south to fight me to the death! He will overwhelm me with his superior numbers. I never expected this day to come!”
“…However, in this letter, Yu’er has captured Yen Liang and slain Wen Chou successively, dealing a heavy blow to Yuan’s army at the cost of very little. Facing Yuan Shao in such a situation, facing Yuan Shao who has lost his senses and is rushing south to attack, it has given me much more confidence out of nowhere, making me feel that Yuan Shao is nothing more than this!”
Initially, Cao Cao’s expression was quite displeased, but as he spoke, his tone became more confident.
Especially his sharp eyes, the glint in them contained four words: brimming with confidence.
“What is meant to come will always come. Yuan Shao’s southward march this time is to claim my head, Cao Cao. But I am not afraid at all; instead, I find it laughable!”
“Because Duke Cao has his eldest son, Lu Yu, but Yuan Shao has nothing!” Xun Yu couldn’t help but interject at this moment.
To speak of it…
With Cao Cao’s newfound confidence, Xun Yu’s confidence grew even stronger!
Two consecutive great victories, did that not speak volumes?
Then…
Facing Yuan Shao’s forty-five thousand strong army’s thunderous assault, with Lu Yu’s shrewdness? How could he not have foreseen this? How could he not have made preparations in advance!
It’s possible…
Yuan Shao is already sinking in quicksand, completely unaware!
“Haha…”
Cao Cao let out a hearty laugh. At least, because Yu’er was on the front lines, he felt much more assured, allowing him to laugh in such a critical situation.
Xun Yu asked at the opportune moment, “Commander Cao, are you still not planning to go to the front lines? I heard that you have been secretly assembling one hundred thousand troops from Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Lujiang… If we add the one hundred thousand on the front lines and the one hundred thousand in Yanmen Commandery of Bingzhou, the gap in troop numbers between Commander Cao and Yuan Shao has become sufficiently small!”
Yes, hearing this, Cao Cao felt even more deeply moved!
Three hundred thousand versus four hundred thousand…
This was not the main point. The main point was that more than half of these three hundred thousand were gained out of thin air for him by Yu’er…
Yu’er had secured a solid foundation for him, his old father…
The decisive battle between Cao and Yuan!
A mere difference of one hundred thousand troops could be compensated for by superior strategy, formations, and weapons!
However…
Going to the front lines?
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. He immediately waved his hand. “No, it is not yet time!”
This…
Xun Yu’s eyes darted, but then, very quickly… his eyes settled. At this moment, he understood… Commander Cao intended to give the credit for resisting Yuan Shao and defeating the forty-five thousand Yuan army to his eldest son!
With such merit!
Once his identity was revealed, Duke Cao could naturally establish Lu Yu as the crown prince. At that time… with this military achievement, who in the entire Cao camp, who in the entire court, would dare to say a single word of objection!
However…
Is Commander Cao so confident? Can Lu Yu withstand it?
“Commander Cao… your eldest son only has one hundred thousand men…” Xun Yu reminded him.
Cao Cao walked to the window, opened it, and looked up. He pointed to the sky and reminded Lord Ling Xun, “Lord Ling Xun, look at the sky. The wind is rising, and it’s going to rain!”
Hoo… the wind is rising? It’s going to rain?
At first, Xun Yu didn’t react, but… when he looked up and saw Cao Cao’s smiling expression, and saw Cao Cao extend his hand to point at the “Bian River” near “Yanjin City” on the map…
He understood!
Xun Yu understood everything…
People say that no one knows a son better than his father… how fitting, ‘The wind is rising! It’s going to rain!’
…
…
North of the Yellow River, forty-five thousand Yuan troops departed from Liyang City, crossed the Yellow River, and their sharp blades pointed directly at Yanjin!
This move shook the world!
And at this very moment.
Countless letters were sent from the south bank of the Yellow River to Yuan Shao.
Most of these letters were from central plain officials, prefects, and magistrates…
Upon hearing of Yuan Shao’s forty-five thousand strong army’s thunderous assault… they were all terrified!
Furthermore, although Cao’s army had the upper hand in localized battles before, in reality… Cao’s army had successively lost the cities of “Liyang” and “Baima.” On the surface… Yuan Shao was still advancing step by step, holding an absolute advantage!
Therefore, these wavering individuals all sent letters to Yuan Shao to secure a retreat for themselves…
Coincidentally, one of these letters caught Yuan Shao’s attention.
This was a letter from Runan Commandery. Speaking of which, the Yuan clan’s foundation was in Runan. Setting aside other territories in the central plains, in Runan… the Yuan clan’s reputation as ‘four generations and three lords’ was still quite resounding!
And precisely because of this.
Liu Pi, the remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, sent a letter to Yuan Shao from Runan, which was just a short distance away.
The content of the letter was nothing else. Liu Pi still had thirty thousand troops in his hands, all lurking near Runan, capable of reaching Xudu City within a day’s march. He hoped… Yuan Shao would send someone to command them to attack Xudu, and cut the fuel from under Cao Cao’s cauldron.
In the Yuan army, at the center of the formation… on a five-horse carriage.
Yuan Shao lay reclined, holding a bamboo slip in one hand, with a faint smile on his face. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “This Liu Pi is quite sensible! He’s willingly surrendering… Haha, heaven is helping me!”
Xu You, who was by his side, agreed and analyzed.
“I heard that the Dragon Soaring Camp’s capture of Runan was not glorious. ‘Heavenly Intercepting Yaksha’ He Man died at the hands of the Dragon Soaring Camp. He Yi was stripped of his military command after surrendering and was given a nominal position. Only Liu Pi… managed to slip away. I never expected him to be lurking near Runan City, biding his time! Haha…”
“Speaking of which… between Duke Ming and the Cao scoundrel, from the start of the great war to now, Cao Cao has lost two cities consecutively, his morale is low, and his people are scattered! In such a situation, anyone can see… Duke Yuan is bound to be the final victor! Since it is already determined that Duke Yuan will win, then people like Liu Pi must curry favor with Duke Yuan in advance. By the time Duke Yuan captures Xudu, Liu Pi’s surrender will be meaningless!”
Xu You’s words were very much in line with the mainstream values within Yuan Shao’s camp.
Despite suffering two major defeats and losing tens of thousands of cavalry… but… with Xu You’s skillful avoidance of the key issues, it sounded as if they had won two major battles, and it was Cao Cao who had lost tens of thousands of cavalry!
This was the power of language…
And precisely… Yuan Shao fell for this.
“Hahaha…”
Indeed, Xu You’s words made Yuan Shao laugh heartily. He enjoyed hearing such pleasant sounds… Life was already difficult enough; who wouldn’t want to hear some nice words?
Just then…
“Da da da…”
A white horse galloped quickly, arriving beside Yuan Shao.
The horse was a slender “Delu,” but the rider was Liu Bei, Liu Xuande!
“Duke Ming called for me?”
Liu Bei asked…
Yuan Shao nodded. “Xuande, I just heard news of your third brother. He is currently in the ancient city of Runan! Besides him, Liu Pi, the former Yellow Turban general, is also there… and he has thirty thousand troops in his hands!”
Hmm…
Upon hearing Yuan Shao’s words, Liu Bei’s heart skipped a beat. In an instant, he understood… Yuan Shao’s intention in summoning him at this crucial juncture of the great battle!
“Runan is not far from here… Liu Pi and I, Liu Bei, both bear an irreconcilable hatred for that Dragon Soaring Camp, for that Cao Cao…” Liu Bei lowered his head, as if talking to himself. “If my third brother is there, and Liu Pi’s thirty thousand troops are also there… If someone could introduce my third brother to Liu Pi, then my third brother would surely be able to lead those thirty thousand troops to attack Xudu directly, cutting off the fuel from under Cao Cao’s cauldron, and catching Cao Cao completely off guard!”
The third brother Liu Bei mentioned was naturally Zhang Fei…
Yuan Shao had also heard this name like thunder. At the Battle of Hulao Pass, the first to face Lu Bu was Zhang Fei!
Yuan Shao had witnessed that battle firsthand…
The two fought fiercely for fifty rounds without a clear winner. If… if he were to lead thirty thousand troops, he might indeed be able to cut the fuel from under Cao Cao’s cauldron!
Yuan Shao’s eyes settled.
“Xuande, it’s just that… Liu Pi and Zhang Fei don’t know each other? How can they be introduced? How can Zhang Yide be made to lead these thirty thousand troops to attack Xudu City?”
This…
Liu Bei deliberately feigned ignorance. “Since Duke Yuan mentioned it, he must have a decision. I am untalented and ignorant… Since Duke Yuan has higher wisdom, Liu Bei will obey your orders! At the very least, Liu Bei can send a letter to call my third brother back here, to serve Duke Yuan and avenge Generals Yen Liang and Wen Chou!”
“Ha…”
“Hahaha…”
Indeed, Liu Bei’s words made Yuan Shao laugh heartily.
Earlier, Yuan Shao had been testing Liu Bei, to see if he had any ‘intent to leave’! Any ambitions!
However, Liu Bei’s skill in concealing his thoughts was so high that even Cao Cao’s psychological tactics could not discern it, let alone Yuan Shao!
This time, Liu Bei’s response was light and breezy yet perfectly watertight, instantly dispelling Yuan Shao’s doubts.
Yuan Shao was like this; once he made up his mind, not even eight horses could pull him back.
“The one who can introduce Zhang Fei and Liu Pi, the one who can cut the fuel from under the cauldron and surprise attack Xudu, is none other than you, Liu Xuande! I will entrust this mission to go south to Runan to you, Xuande!”
“After you and your third brother surprise attack Xudu, we will rendezvous in Xudu. At that time, Yuan Shao will reclaim the lost title of ‘Imperial Uncle’ for you, and as for your third brother… Yuan Shao will heavily rely on him!”
“Your will be done!” Upon hearing this, Liu Bei breathed a sigh of relief.
On the surface, however, he remained unperturbed, cupped his hands, and bowed to Yuan Shao. “Liu Bei will immediately select several fine horses and set out for Runan… to open a second battlefield for Duke Yuan! Let that Cao Cao’s cauldron be cut from its fuel!”
Second battlefield…
These words made Yuan Shao overjoyed. He wished Cao Cao would be attacked from all sides!
“Da da…”
Liu Bei galloped away on his swift horse. Xu You’s eyes, however, were darting around. He was somewhat astonished by Yuan Shao’s deployment!
He even had a feeling…
If that old Yuan had eaten just one more piece of food with his wine, he wouldn’t be this drunk, would he?
Just like that… he let Liu Bei go?
He immediately cupped his hands and reminded him, “Duke Yuan, Liu Bei’s departure… I fear… I fear… he will not return!”
Yuan Shao was unconcerned. “Liu Bei is a gentleman. Since he promised me, he will not break his faith. Besides… I don’t expect him to return. As long as he can lead those three thousand troops with Zhang Fei to surprise attack Xudu City, it will be of great benefit to me! Xu Ziyuan, you always judge a gentleman by the measure of a villain!”
Uh…
Xu You was bewildered. He realized… this matter was beyond persuasion!
Yuan Shao was like this; even persuasion would not move him!
He immediately offered a wry smile, cupped his hands, and said, “My Lord sees clearly, it is I… it is I who have misjudged Liu Bei.”
Actually…
What he was thinking was that Liu Bei was a figure that Cao Cao, and even Yinlin, feared!
To let him go to Runan like this is like a dragon entering the sea, a tiger entering the forest…
You, Yuan Shao, still expect him, Liu Bei, to attack Xudu and be your laborer, haha… Who knows who will be the fool in the end!
“My Lord sees clearly, My Lord sees clearly…”
His heart was honest, but his mouth… Xu You repeatedly praised!
…
…
South of the Yellow River, Yanjin City.
The sound of rain was gentle…
It seemed that the spring along the Yellow River, due to the climate, was particularly rainy. The drizzle was getting heavier, showing signs of intensifying!
At this moment, all of Cao’s army along the Yellow River had gathered here…
Including the Dragon Soaring Camp, there were now eleven or twelve thousand Cao army soldiers stationed in the small city of Yanjin, sharpening their blades, ready and waiting!
It seemed that due to Lu Yu’s two previous great victories, the morale of the three armies had soared, ready to fight Yuan Shao at any moment!
And at this moment… inside the command tent of the Dragon Soaring Camp.
Lu Yu was sitting in the main seat. Xu Shu was sitting in the position of “advisor” beside him, and standing in the center was the Cao army general who had just entered the tent to report something – Xiahou Yuan.
“It will still take three days to complete the tasks assigned by Situ Lu!”
Xiahou Yuan’s expression was quite nervous…
His words were filled with solemnity!
At this time, before engaging with Yen Liang, Lu Yu had entrusted him with a major task, or rather, a major engineering project!
Xiahou Yuan had initially thought he could complete it in ten days. He hadn’t expected… that with the defeat of Yen Liang and Wen Chou’s army, ten days had passed, but the progress was still three days short.
These three days were quite crucial!
Lu Yu’s eyes narrowed. He asked Xu Shu, “Mr. Xu? According to the speed of Yuan’s army’s advance, how long will it take to reach Yanjin?”
“About two days…” Xu Shu pondered slightly, then blurted out, “Yuan’s army has already begun crossing the river. They will definitely not stop. We can only estimate conservatively, calculating for two days…”
Xu Shu was a meticulous person.
His estimation of two days was basically eight or nine times out of ten accurate… The great battle was imminent!
Lu Yu’s eyes narrowed. He pondered… it’s a day short!
“The failure to complete the engineering project on time is my fault, General Xiahou. Situ Lu should punish me; do not show leniency to me just because I am a Cao army general!” Xiahou Yuan patted his chest, appearing ready to take responsibility.
Shaking his head…
Lu Yu merely shook his head. “Everyone in the Cao army knows that General Xiahou is famous for his ‘divine speed’ in marching five hundred li in three days and a thousand li in six days! If General Xiahou’s troops cannot complete this project on time, it is enough to prove that the workload is far greater than expected. The fault should lie with me, Lu Yu, and what does it have to do with General Xiahou?”
Speaking of this…
Lu Yu suddenly stood up. He paced back and forth within the military tent. He walked to the tent door. The rain outside had indeed become much denser. The raindrops were pattering on the ground with a "huahua" sound. At this moment, the atmosphere within the central command tent was also exceptionally quiet!
“We can’t wait any longer…” Lu Yu beckoned. “Issue an order. The three armies are to prepare immediately and withdraw to Guandu in batches. However… during the withdrawal process, we should employ some minor tricks! Mr. Xu… please assess how these little tricks of mine are.”
In the drizzling rain…
Lu Yu meticulously laid out his entire plan. Due to the delay in the “scheduled completion date,” Lu Yu had to re-formulate his plans.
And these plans… Lu Yu had originally considered them as secondary and tertiary options, not fully thought out.
However…
Xu Shu was an extremely meticulous person. With his help in identifying and filling gaps, the originally imperfect plan became much more precise and ingenious.
Actually, there was a saying by Old Cao that Lu Yu admired the most!
The battlefield of the Three Kingdoms was ultimately a battlefield of “talent”…
Lu Yu’s knowledge of ancient texts might help him for a while…
But in the final analysis, to contend for hegemony and unify the world requires – talent!
“So… so…”
Xu Shu continuously improved Lu Yu’s plans and strategies…
The two of them, along with Xiahou Yuan, discussed in detail until dawn, elaborating on every minute detail.
At this moment…
The sound of rain outside the great tent was already pattering!
There was also the wind… whistling past.
The wind had already risen…
…
…
Yecheng, northern border… at the foot of Feilong Mountain, inside a wine shop.
There was no continuous drizzle like along the Yellow River, but the sky was overcast, and the sound of trickling rainwater was constantly pattering at the foot of the mountain!
It seemed…
Because of this sudden rain, the road up the mountain had become extremely difficult to traverse.
A woman was trapped in the main hall of the wine shop.
She had come to buy wine for her master…
The wine had been bought, but she had missed the time to return.
“This time, I’m afraid my master’s drinking will be delayed… Master will surely be angry!”
This woman, dressed in a red robe, had a pure and stunning face, with remarkably striking sword-like eyebrows. Besides Lu Lingqi, the only female disciple accepted by Tong Yuan, who else could it be!
“Miss Lu”…
Just then, a man in a white robe and a bamboo hat called out to her. “May I ask, Miss Lu, are Old Master Tong and Madam Yan in good health?”
As these words left his mouth…
Lu Lingqi’s heart trembled. She quickly turned around. “You… you recognize me? And you recognize my master? My mistress? Who… who exactly are you?”
Her sword-like eyebrows furrowed. Lu Lingqi subconsciously reached for the long spear at her side, her entire demeanor like she was facing a great enemy.
And this man in the white robe and bamboo hat remained motionless…
As if Lu Lingqi’s expression was entirely within his expectations…
His extremely quiet voice followed immediately…
This was introducing himself!
“—Yuan Fang, eldest son of the Yuan clan of Runan!”
Merely a sentence…
But the tone was profound, his gaze exceptionally deep, making him seem unfathomable, and… and chilling to the bone!
Lu Lingqi naturally did not know…
This young master “Yuan Fang” had a well-known title among the Eight Wonders of Shuijing – the foremost among the Eight Wonders!
And her master, “Mister Shuijing” Sima Hui, preferred to use another title to address him:
—The Demon King! Yuan Fang!
…
…