Calm down…
Lu Yu tried his best to calm himself.
Whether it was a mistake or carelessness, in the end… Liu Bei had escaped.
So…
There were several major events now unfolding before him.
— Liu Bei heading to Xiapi City in Xuzhou;
— Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Sun Ce of Jiangdong marching north;
— Yuan Shao’s massive army advancing south, and sending envoys to contact the warlords in Guanzhong, Han Sui and Ma Teng!
It had to be said, these were all too coincidental, so coincidental that Lu Yu found it unexpected.
You must know…
Xiapi City in Xuzhou currently had not received any military orders. Liu Bei had a reputation for benevolence and righteousness there, and the commoners of Xuzhou would offer assistance. Moreover, he had departed earlier, and with a decree from the Emperor, it was very possible he could take Xiapi City without shedding a drop of blood.
As for Sun Ce marching north, instead of attacking Lu Jiang, he had chosen… Guangling City in Xuzhou. This was clearly premeditated. He intended to break through a gap in Xuzhou, connect with Liu Bei’s Xiapi City, and thus jointly defend against Cao Cao.
Perhaps, dealing with just Liu Bei was not difficult for Cao Cao!
But what if it were Liu Bei and Sun Ce combined? This would not be like the effect of Liu Bei and Lu Bu where one plus one was less than two. A union between Liu Bei and Sun Ce might even result in one plus one being greater than three!
As for Liu Biao…
Why had he moved? In Lu Yu’s impression, he was merely a bystander. Where did he get the courage to march north to Wancheng, pointing his sword directly at Xuchang?
And Yuan Shao…
This southern advance was too sudden, so sudden that Lu Yu… and even Cao Cao, and Cao Cao’s camp had not received any wind of it?
Even the mobilization of a three hundred thousand strong army had not drawn the slightest attention from Cao Cao’s camp!
An army crossing two provinces and descending south in an instant…
How could this not be premeditated?
Who was it? Who had woven this vast net? And who had the influence to make these various factions unite so harmoniously and launch their attacks simultaneously!
Wait?
Could it be…
Lu Yu’s eyes darted. Indeed, he had calculated everyone’s move in the grand scheme of things, but he had only… overlooked one person: himself?
He was the Hidden Dragon. Only he, the Hidden Dragon, possessed enough influence!
The reason this title had been concealed within Cao Cao’s camp previously was to prevent Cao Cao from becoming the target of public criticism. But… now, it was obvious that as Cao Cao grew stronger, the matter of him being the Hidden Dragon was an open secret!
It was for this reason that Cao Cao had become the target of public criticism!
And it was also why some high-ranking official had gathered these various lords, weaving a vast net to trap Lu Yu, to trap Cao Cao…
Hoo…
Thinking this, Lu Yu let out a long sigh. For the first time, he felt a sense of urgency.
— The wind fills the tower before the storm.
In the beginning, he had truly underestimated these lords!
At this moment, Cao Cao’s expression was also grim. He cast another gaze at the lush green leeks placed at the entrance of the plum grove, then waved his sleeve, and left in frustration…
As he walked, he loudly commanded, “Return to the mansion, we have matters to discuss!”
Even Cao Cao’s voice trembled slightly at this moment…
It felt like a lifetime ago…
For a moment, he felt that the current situation was eerily similar to the scene after he had taken control of Yanzhou!
Surrounded by enemies, facing internal and external troubles, a single wrong decision could cause his entire situation to collapse instantly!
All the civil and military officials here had furrowed brows, their faces clouded with gloom…
For the first time…
This was the first time since the Hidden Dragon had joined Cao Cao’s camp that they faced such turbulent times!
…
…
On the official road from Yanzhou to Xuzhou, over thirty thousand troops were resting and resupplying by a lake.
Liu Bei dismounted his “Red Hare” horse and quickly walked up to the two people still on horseback beside him, bowing respectfully with clasped hands.
“Mr. Xu, Great Hero Wang! Liu Bei thanks you.”
The Mr. Xu Liu Bei mentioned was naturally Xu Shu, Xu Yuanzhi. As for Great Hero Wang, he was the foremost swordsman in the world—Wang Yue!
You must know…
Liu Bei’s escape from Xuchang was entirely thanks to these two eminent figures.
Xu Shu devised the strategy, while Wang Yue assassinated the four generals Chen Ji, Lei Bo, Chen Lan, and Li Feng, helping Liu Bei gain military command!
It should be noted that these four generals had repeatedly distinguished themselves in battle and had been loyal since surrendering to Cao Cao. If they were not killed, the three thousand troops could not have been dispatched smoothly.
Of course…
There was also a special reason for choosing this particular force. Their subordinate officers had long been bought over by the Emperor’s uncle, Dong Cheng. Originally, the plan was to use the Emperor’s blood-letter to assassinate Cao Cao successfully, then lead this force into Xuchang to rectify the imperial court…
However, who could have imagined that Cao Cao would not die? Who could have imagined that Liu Bei would escape Xuchang?
These hidden forces, connected by Xu Shu, were perfectly aligned and interlocked.
As for… joining forces with Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Sun Ce, and others, that was another of Xu Shu’s schemes. In the past, when eighteen lords attacked Dong, it was because Cao Cao held an imperial decree, rallying the world.
Xu Shu was merely repeating what Cao Cao had done in the past when attacking Dong…
After Cao Cao escaped Luoyang, he could raise an army and rally eighteen lords to attack Dong. So, why couldn’t Xu Shu rally the lords? With Liu Bei as the pivot, couldn’t he repeat the story of Cao Cao attacking Dong in the past?
“Xuan De, there is no need to thank me,” Xu Shu slowly dismounted and murmured, “Although this plan was arranged by me, the credit does not belong to me, but to the Hidden Dragon!”
“Hidden Dragon?” Liu Bei was taken aback. Xu Shu’s words clearly surprised him. “Why is the credit due to the Hidden Dragon?”
“This…” Xu Shu explained in detail. “Cao Cao’s ambition to dominate the Central Plains, and the Hidden Dragon being within Cao Cao’s camp is almost a ‘secret’ known to everyone in the Han Dynasty. And the Hidden Dragon’s reputation is so illustrious, his achievements so brilliant. Cao Cao has transformed from a mere prefect of a commandery into the overlord of the Central Plains, now possessing the four provinces of Si, Xu, Yan, and Yu! The various lords? Who doesn’t envy Cao Cao? Who doesn’t fear the Hidden Dragon?”
Having said this, Xu Shu paused, his eyes gleaming.
“It is precisely for this reason that my proposal for this alliance, this plan for the various lords to eliminate Cao Cao, could be realized! The strategists under Yuan Shao in the north would put aside their past grievances and work together wholeheartedly; Sun Ce of Jiangdong would decide to avenge the past strategy of the Hidden Dragon and the great defeat in Lu Jiang! And Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Zhang Xiu’s surrender in Wancheng has caused Jingzhou’s territory to border Cao Cao’s? Even if Liu Biao is a bystander, when faced with Cao Cao’s dominance and the Hidden Dragon’s schemes, rather than be controlled, it is better to strike first!”
“As for Han Sui and Ma Teng, although they still have hostages in Cao Cao’s hands, it is expected that under this grand situation, they will also advance westward to take a share of the spoils. They are both extremely greedy!”
Xu Shu rattled off this long string of words.
Hoo…
Liu Bei let out a long sigh. His gaze towards Xu Shu now became filled with admiration. Was this not the strategist he needed?
Cao Cao had Lu Yu to ascend to dominance in the Central Plains!
If Liu Bei had Xu Shu, Xu Yuanzhi, he would surely be able to look down upon the nine provinces!
Indeed, looking back at this period of the Three Kingdoms, Xu Shu had always been an underestimated strategist. How could someone whom Xun Yu described as having “ten times my talent” not be a remarkable figure?
“Heh heh,” Liu Bei chuckled, “Yesterday, I was still discussing the heroes of the world with Cao Cao over wine!”
“Cao Cao claimed that Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Sun Ce, Han Sui, and Ma Teng were not heroes, but today, these ‘non-heroes’ have joined forces, what can Cao Cao do?”
“He only called Cao Cao and the Hidden Dragon heroes. So… at this juncture, how will these two heroes make their choice?”
When mentioning this, Liu Bei deliberately concealed the fact that Cao Cao had also called Liu Bei a hero.
Of course, Cao Cao was currently facing internal and external troubles, and Liu Bei felt quite pleased. In the current situation, Cao Cao’s margin for error was almost zero. If any of his decisions were even slightly flawed, the entire situation in the Central Plains could collapse instantly!
This situation was like when the five states formed an alliance to attack Qin. At that time, Qin had the strategist Zhang Yi’s planning. What about Cao Cao now? The only hero he could rely on was “Lu Yu.” And could Lu Yu compare to Zhang Yi of the past?
“Let’s wait and see…” Xu Shu waved his hand. “I’m quite curious how the ‘Hidden Dragon,’ who can stabilize the world, will make his move in the face of such internal and external troubles?”
At this point!
“Dada da…”
Suddenly, kicking up dust and stones from behind, the sound of horses’ hooves echoed… it was clearly pursuers!
Liu Bei immediately became fully alert. Wang Yue, who had not yet dismounted, also placed his hand on his sword sheath. Liu Bei, however, waved his hand. “Great Hero Wang, do not reveal yourself. His Majesty still needs you…”
After saying this, his eyes turned to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. “Third Brother, quickly form ranks to meet the enemy! Second Brother, according to the ambush prepared by Mr. Xu… if the enemy approaches, leave none alive!”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei responded in unison, especially Zhang Fei, who puffed out his chest. He had been holding back for nearly half a year, waiting for this day!
“Waaaaaah!”
…
…
Two armies faced each other.
Zhang Liao and Xu Chu reined in their warhorses…
It was true that Zhang Liao was adept at surprise attacks, but the current situation was not about surprise attacks. It was that Liu Bei’s side was already prepared.
“General Xu, Liu Bei has already set up his formation. It seems that even if he is fleeing, it is a planned escape!”
Zhang Liao’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Liu Bei’s army formation before him, and the faint movement of heads in the bushes. A sense of foreboding rose in his heart.
“If you want to fight, fight! I’m not afraid of him!” Xu Chu raised his saber. The elite troops of the Tiger Guards he brought with him were not afraid of death.
But… not being afraid of death did not mean going to their deaths.
Zhang Liao maintained his composure. “Commander Lu ordered us to guard Liu Bei, not to engage in combat…”
“He got away? And we’re not fighting? Can we capture him?” Xu Chu bellowed.
“We only have five hundred soldiers… but they have tens of thousands!” Zhang Liao scanned the armored soldiers beside him. The three hundred Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry and over a hundred Tiger Guards were an overestimate at five hundred.
Moreover, this was not a surprise attack. “Eight hundred” couldn’t break through “ten thousand” just like that!
“Then what do you suggest?” Xu Chu scratched his head, at a loss.
In any case, their few hundred men had somehow lost Liu Bei. This was no longer a disgrace, it was a great shame!
No matter how thick Xu Chu’s skin was, he felt a bit embarrassed at this moment.
“General Xu, you lead the troops here. I will go and deliver a message to Liu Bei… If I do not give the order, you absolutely cannot come forward.”
As he said this…
“Dada da…” The sound of horses’ hooves echoed. Zhang Liao, alone, spurred his horse forward.
He alone stood before the two armies. Liu Bei understood and rode out with Zhang Fei.
“General Zhang Wenyuan, are you well? In the past… at Bai Men Tower, I, Liu Bei, even pleaded for you! I wonder why you are here?”
“I am ordered by Situ Lu to invite Envoy Liu back to Xuchang. Situ Lu and Situ Cao have other arrangements for Envoy Liu. How can you leave without saying goodbye?” Zhang Liao retorted.
“Haha, General Wenyuan worries too much. I specifically left a letter for Situ Cao, and I have delivered the leeks promised to Situ Cao as agreed.” Liu Bei replied with a smile. “Besides, the world is so vast, and I want to see it. It’s inevitable that I can’t unfold my hands by staying within the confines of Xuchang!”
“So, Envoy Liu is unwilling to return to court?” Zhang Liao asked again.
“I will not return!” Liu Bei shook his head. “Please convey to Situ Cao on my behalf that Liu Bei will not let down Situ Cao, nor will he let down the imperial court! Let him await the ‘good’ news!”
Speaking of which, Liu Bei did not forget to glance at Zhang Fei beside him, and the armored soldiers behind him. He said with some pride.
“General Zhang? I thought the enemy was attacking, so I preemptively set up a formation, and also laid an ambush in the surrounding bushes. It turns out it is General Zhang who has arrived. If it were anyone else, I fear my third brother Yide, and my ambushing second brother Yunchang would have already led the troops out. General Zhang, please return, do not harm our cordial relations.”
Hoo…
Hearing this, Zhang Liao gritted his teeth. He surveyed the surroundings again. Indeed… killing intent filled the air.
His gaze was calm as he rode back.
He exchanged a few words with Xu Chu, and then… the two of them, leading over four hundred cavalry, retreated.
On the other hand, Liu Bei was about to order them to continue galloping west.
Xu Shu, however, cupped his hands in a bow.
“Xuan De, I can only help you this far. I have an elderly mother in Xuchang. My mother is not in good health, and I cannot rest assured, so I will not accompany you to Xuzhou.”
This…
Liu Bei grabbed Xu Shu’s hand. “My loss of Mr. Xu is like a tiger losing its wings, like a dragon being separated from water!”
Xu Shu shook his head, his tone more resolute.
“My mother raised me from childhood. Now that she has passed away, how can I leave her? The Han Dynasty values filial piety above all else. Without filial piety, what is the point of achieving fame and success? Envoy Liu, hurry along… the path has been paved. If you and I are fated, we will meet again!”
“Besides, by staying in Xuchang, I can also pass on some intelligence regarding Cao Cao and the Hidden Dragon to Envoy Liu!”
With that said, Xu Shu bowed to Liu Bei again, then turned his warhorse and headed down a narrow path.
Liu Bei stared blankly at him…
As if he had lost his soul.
He did not notice Wang Yue riding up to him.
“Envoy Liu,” Wang Yue spoke.
“Great Hero Wang!” Liu Bei, who had regained his senses, immediately clasped his hands.
Strictly speaking, Wang Yue was the greatest contributor to Liu Bei’s escape this time.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Wang Yue was Liu Bei’s reborn benefactor!
Killing enemy generals, inciting enemy sub-generals, Wang Yue did more than just these things…
It was Wang Yue who led people to dig the secret tunnel.
“I can only escort Envoy Liu this far.”
Wang Yue proclaimed loudly, “His Majesty sent me to convey to Envoy Liu that the reason he poured all his efforts, even using the hidden forces of the Fu family, and the forces I had planted in the martial world, to rescue you, was precisely for you to establish a great enterprise outside!
“In the past, Cao Cao’s assassination attempt on Dong failed, he raised an army in Chen Liu, and rallied eighteen lords to attack Dong, thus making his name known throughout the world! Today, you, Liu Bei, Liu Xuan De, have escaped from the tiger’s mouth, holding His Majesty’s blood-sealed edict, you can also follow the example of Cao Cao of the past, and unite the lords to punish this traitorous official! From now on, the safety and honor of the Han dynasty will be entrusted to Envoy Liu!”
Upon hearing this, Liu Bei bowed respectfully. “Liu Bei will never fail His Majesty!”
“His Majesty also said,” Wang Yue continued, “From today onwards, he will burn incense and pray for Envoy Liu in the palace, wishing Envoy Liu success!”
As soon as these words were spoken…
Liu Bei’s eyes became extremely solemn. This time, he cupped his hands towards the sky. “Your subject Liu Bei, has received imperial grace all his life, and will repay it even in death! Please rest assured, Your Majesty!”
With that said…
Wang Yue turned his horse, intending to leave, but… before departing, he hesitated for a long time and then turned back again.
He wanted to tell Liu Bei something he had kept in his heart.
“Envoy Liu does not know yet, do you?”
Wang Yue’s tone became meticulously serious. “The tunnel you escaped through was dug by His Majesty from outside the city towards the imperial palace. It took a full three years to dig to the outskirts of Xuchang. His Majesty originally planned to take ten years to complete this tunnel, find an opportunity, and escape Cao Cao’s clutches, but now, he has chosen to hand over the hope of escape to you! From now on, His Majesty has no retreat!”
Wang Yue paused.
“From the time you, in the past, did not fear hardship and led a mere few hundred men to rescue Kong Rong, the Prefect of Beihai, who was besieged by tens of thousands of rebels, His Majesty felt that you were a person worth entrusting. At this moment, His Majesty is handing over the hope of escape entirely to you, Liu Xuan De! I hope you do not fail His Majesty, nor the Han court!”
As these words left his mouth…
Wang Yue stepped on his horse’s back and leaped up. He abandoned his horse and disappeared into the bushes like a phantom. In just an instant, he vanished from Liu Bei’s sight.
At this moment, Liu Bei’s eyes were inexplicably moist.
He had originally been wondering…
How was it possible to dig a tunnel in such a short time and with such little commotion!
So, it turned out this was dug by His Majesty’s men for three years, it was His Majesty’s hope to escape Cao Cao’s clutches!
And now… this hope had been passed into Liu Bei’s hands!
The tunnel, the blood edict, the last remaining troops!
His Majesty had given everything he could…
The burden on Liu Bei was no more than a thousand catties!
Hoo…
He let out a long sigh. At this moment, his heart was inexplicably filled with confidence.
He could be like Cao Cao of the past!
He could issue a proclamation calling upon the heroes of the world to punish Cao Cao!
Just like Cao Cao, who had fled from Luoyang in embarrassment in the past, rallying the lords to attack Dong Zhuo!
He would…
He would definitely be able to do it!
…
…