The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 359 Good and evil are rewarded accordingly; a wicked hero is haunted by a vengeful ghost.
However, Cao Ren fell into a trap and was trapped in Shangyong City.

Arrows rained down from all sides, and Wei soldiers fell to the ground, their cries of agony echoing across the field.

Cao Ren's eyes widened in fury, knowing that only a desperate fight could save him today.

Then, he drew his sword and shouted:

"Soldiers, follow me and fight your way out!"

The remnants of the Wei army desperately rallied, forming a shield formation to protect Cao Ren, and broke through towards the city gate.

Seeing this, Zhang He sneered and brandished his sword, giving the order:

"Fire arrows! Leave no one alive!"

Arrows rained down like locusts, and the Wei army suffered heavy casualties.

Cao Ren personally led his elite troops, wielding swords and hacking and slashing, his battle robes stained with blood.

Guan Xing leaped down from the city wall, his long sword flashing coldly as he aimed straight for Cao Ren.

"Cao Ren, today is your death day!"

Cao Ren parried with his sword, and roared:

“You little brat, even when your father was alive, he was still somewhat afraid of me.”

"You're just a greenhorn, yet you dare to be so arrogant!"

The two were locked in combat, amidst the flashing of swords.

Although Cao Ren was brave, he was nearly fifty years old and his strength was gradually declining.

In the midst of the fierce battle, a "whoosh" sound suddenly pierced the air.

A stray arrow flew from the chaotic army and struck Cao Ren squarely in the face!

"General!"

"General!"

The guards on either side were shocked and rushed forward to protect him.

Cao Ren groaned, and blood gushed down from his forehead, staining half of his cheek red.

He gritted his teeth, broke the arrow shaft, and said sternly:
"Don't worry about me, keep breaking through!"

"We must make sure our brothers get back alive."

The remnants of the Wei army fought desperately and finally managed to break open a corner of the city gate.

Cao Ren, supported by his personal guards, staggered away.

Seeing this, Zhang He wanted to lead his troops in pursuit, but Chen Dao advised against it:
"General, we should not pursue a desperate enemy. Cao Ren has already been severely wounded and will hardly survive."

Zhang He pondered for a moment, then nodded and said:

"Very well, Shangyong has been obtained."

"Cao Ren's fate is in the hands of Heaven."

He then ordered his soldiers to clean up the battlefield.

In this battle, the Han army successfully ambushed the Wei army.

They beheaded over three thousand and captured over a thousand.

It was a long-awaited resounding victory!

Zhang He ordered a banquet to be held, and the entire army drank to celebrate their victory.

On the one hand, he submitted a memorial to the court, detailing the battle at Shangyong.

Not to be discussed.

As for the Wei Kingdom...

When Cao Ren was carried back to the camp, his face was ashen and his breath was barely a whisper.

Military medical practitioners took turns treating him, but all shook their heads and sighed:
"The arrow wound has penetrated to the bone, and the patient's spirit has been broken; it is likely that there is no hope of recovery."

Cao Ren lay on the couch, his forehead wrapped in blood-stained hemp cloth, his eyes slightly closed.

Lieutenant General Niu Jin knelt before the bed, choking back tears, and said:

"General, we have already sent men to find renowned doctors day and night. You must hold on..."

Cao Ren slowly opened his eyes and gave a bitter smile:
"There's no need to... comfort me."

He raised his hand with difficulty, pointing to the map on the table, "Zhang He... having captured Shangyong, the Qi army will surely attack Hanzhong..."

"You should...quickly inform the King of Wei...and take precautions..."

After speaking, he sighed deeply, his gaze gradually dimming.

"What a pity...what a tragedy..."

"I can no longer... fight for my country..."

All the soldiers present wept uncontrollably and prostrated themselves on the ground, kowtowing.

"General!!"

Cao Ren's breath grew weaker, and he murmured:

"Please convey this message to...King Wei..."

"Do not let benevolence...be your concern..."

Before he could finish speaking, his arm fell limply to his side.

In the summer of the fifth year of Zhangwu, Cao Ren, the Wei general who conquered the south, died in the army at the young age of forty-nine.

The following morning, white banners were hung high in the Wei camp.

All the soldiers removed their armor, donned mourning clothes, and knelt before the camp.

Niu Jin held Cao Ren's sword and tearfully addressed the three armies:

"General Cao sacrificed his life for the country. We should escort his coffin back for burial and inform the King of Wei!"

The soldiers wept bitterly, their cries echoing across the fields.

When the news reached Chengdu, Cao Cao was discussing the defense of Hanzhong with his ministers.

Suddenly, Huang Quan, the Chamberlain, staggered into the hall, holding a military report in his hand, his face ashen.

"Your Majesty... an urgent report from Shangyong..."

Upon seeing this, Cao Cao's heart tightened, and he snatched the bamboo slips to read them.

It was clearly written on it—

"General Cao Ren, who was sent to conquer the south, was seriously wounded by an arrow and died in the army camp."

"Zixiao!!"

A mournful cry echoed through the palace, and the bamboo slips in Cao Cao's hand fell to the ground with a thud.

This once-mighty warlord, who had swept through countless battles throughout his life, staggered back several steps, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, and collapsed unconscious.

"Your Majesty!"

Cheng Yu, Huang Quan, and others rushed forward to help him up.

The crowd urgently summoned the imperial physician to administer acupuncture and moxibustion. After a long while, Cao Cao slowly regained consciousness.

"Zhang He... Zhang He!"

Cao Cao's eyes were bloodshot, and he pounded the ground with his fist, "I swear I will personally lead my fierce army to crush Shangyong and avenge Zixiao!"

He then summoned his ministers to discuss the matter of conquering Shangyong.

Cheng Yu, holding his scepter, stepped forward and earnestly advised:
"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences."

"Now that our Great Wei has just pacified Xichuan, the most urgent task is to consolidate our foundation."

"The roads to Shu are treacherous, making it difficult for the Qi army to enter. It would be better to conserve our strength and build up our resources."

"Let's find another opportunity for revenge."

"Zhongde!"

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table and stood up, shouting:
"My son has followed me for thirty years, and now he has died tragically at the hands of the enemy. How can I not avenge him?"

Huang Quan also stepped forward to offer his advice:
"Your Majesty is wise."

"In the past, Emperor Gaozu endured the humiliation at Hongmen and eventually succeeded in establishing his imperial dynasty."

"If we raise an army now out of anger, we may fall into the trap set by the Qi people to lure us away from our base!"

Cao Cao's hair and beard stood on end, and he was about to erupt in anger when Jiang Ji suddenly stepped forward:

"Your subject requests to take command of General Cao's former troops and garrison Hanzhong."

"Only when the country is prosperous and the army is strong can we plan a northern expedition, so as not to fail General Cao's spirit in heaven."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Cao Cao closed his eyes for a long time, and finally sighed:
"That's enough... posthumously honor Zixiao as Marquis Zhong."

"His sons Cao Tai, Cao Kai, and Cao Fan all inherited their titles and stipends."

Cao Cao ultimately chose to accept reality.

He allowed Jiang Ji to temporarily take charge of Cao Ren's troops and granted his sons and grandsons high welfare benefits.

The situation between North Korea and China has been temporarily stabilized.

Just then, an urgent message arrived.

"Report——"

"Ma Qin and Gao Sheng of Qi County have gathered tens of thousands of people and have already captured Zizhong. They are only a hundred miles away from Chengdu!"

"what?"

Zizhong is very close to Chengdu. When the bandits gathered tens of thousands of people and broke into Zizhong, they directly threatened the safety of Chengdu.

Therefore, the officials urged Cao Cao to mobilize troops from other prefectures to come to Chengdu to defend the emperor.

Cao Cao waved his hand, "No need."

"It's just a minor ailment like scabies, why make such a fuss?"

He then mustered 5,000 troops from the county and personally led the expedition.

Although five thousand men is a small number, they are all elite troops defending the capital.

It was during a period of continuous summer rain, and the roads were muddy and difficult to travel.

The hooves of the Wei army trampled through the mud, splashing up murky water.

The soldiers in the army were all veterans who had followed Cao Cao in many battles.

Despite the long journey, everyone was in high spirits.

Cao Cao rode on his warhorse, wearing a red battle robe, his face cold and stern.

At this point, his physical condition was actually much worse than before.

Faced with bandits rebelling near Chengdu, Cao Cao still decided to personally lead the campaign.

He was followed by strategists such as Sima Yi and Fa Zheng, as well as generals such as Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen.

This expedition is to quell the rebellion of Ma Qin and Gao Sheng.

Taking advantage of the chaos under Liu Zhang's rule, these two traitors gathered tens of thousands of followers, claiming to have 200,000 men.

The burning, killing, and looting in the Zizhong and Han'an areas have become a major threat to Sichuan.

The sudden uprising today suggests that they believe they now have the power to challenge the central government.

"Report——"

A scout galloped up and reined in Cao Cao's horse.

"Reporting to the King of Wei, the main force of the rebel army has set up camp in a valley thirty miles outside Zizhong County."

"The number of people was about 50,000, and the rest were scattered in various places to plunder."

Cao Cao nodded slightly; he was not intimidated by the numbers of Ma Qin and Gao Sheng.

Throughout his life, Cao Cao had no shortage of experience in fighting "bandits".

The Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou back then claimed to have a million people, but in reality, they were all men, women, children, and their families.

Their combat strength is utterly negligible.

Although Ma Qin and Gao Sheng claimed to have 50,000 soldiers, it's hard to say whether at least 10,000 were actually able to fight on the battlefield.

As for those 10,000 men with formidable fighting prowess comparable to a regular army, their numbers would not exceed 2,000.

Therefore, with 5,000 against 2,000, the advantage lies with me.

Cao Cao's eyes shone brightly as he asked:
"Are Ma Qin and Gao Shengke together?"

"Reporting to King Wei, both traitors are in the army."

"Gao Sheng is the vanguard, and Ma Qin is stationed in the central army."

Cao Cao sneered and snorted:

"They are just a bunch of rabble, nothing to worry about."

He turned to Cao Xiu and said, "Wenlie, tonight you will lead a thousand elite soldiers to bypass the enemy's rear."

"When our troops engage the enemy head-on, we will launch a surprise attack from the rear, and we must kill the enemy generals and capture their flags!"

Cao Xiu clasped his hands in agreement:

"I will obey your orders!"

At midnight, Cao Cao's army quietly approached the rebel camp.

Although the rebels were numerous, they were undisciplined.

The camp was sparsely lit, and the sentries were drowsy.

Cao Cao stood on high ground, overlooking the enemy camp, and said to Sima Yi beside him:

"What does Zhongda think of this battle?"

Sima Yi cupped his hands in reply:
"Although the bandits are numerous, they are untrained. It's like driving sheep to attack a tiger; they are bound to fail."

"The King of Wei defeated 100,000 with only 5,000 men. After this battle, the people of Shu will know that the might of Heaven is inviolable."

Cao Cao laughed loudly upon hearing this:

"good!"

At dawn, Cao Cao's army launched a frontal attack with the sound of drums.

The rebels were caught off guard and their formation was thrown into chaos.

Gao Sheng donned his armor, mounted his horse, and led his personal guards to meet the enemy, where he encountered Cao Zhen.

The two exchanged blows for no more than ten rounds when Cao Zhen shouted and thrust his spear, knocking Gao Sheng off his horse.

Upon seeing their commander dead, the rebel army was thrown into chaos.

At this moment, Cao Xiu had already led his army to attack from the rear, heading straight for the central army.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Ma Qin tried to escape, but Cao Xiu shot him in the back with an arrow, causing him to fall from his horse and die.

The rebel army, leaderless, scattered and fled, pursued by Cao Cao's army for dozens of miles, leaving corpses strewn across the fields.

After the war, Cao Cao held a meeting in the Zizhong County government office.

Outside the county government office, there were many captured rebel soldiers kneeling, most of whom were ragged farmers.

Cao Cao ordered his men to bring them to the front of the hall and shouted sternly:

"You are citizens of the Great Wei, yet you do not think of serving your country."

"What crime should be committed against those who rebel and join the enemy?"

The crowd prostrated themselves on the ground and wept bitterly. An old man kowtowed and said:

“King Wei, you are wise to know that we are all good people of Shu, but we were forcibly conscripted into the army by Ma Qin and Gao Sheng.”

"If I don't comply, my family will be destroyed and I will die. It's truly a last resort!"

Cao Cao gazed at the crowd for a long time, his expression gradually softening:
"Since you were forced to become traitors, I will spare your lives."

"Return to your hometowns and farm in peace. Anyone who dares to cause trouble again will be executed without mercy!"

The crowd kowtowed repeatedly:

"Thank you, King Wei, for sparing my life! Thank you, King Wei, for sparing my life!"

After everyone had left, Cao Cao addressed his generals:

"Order the three armies to set off for Qi County tomorrow."

Everyone was puzzled and asked:

"Now that the rebels have been defeated, we should return to Chengdu."

"Why advance further to Qi County?"

Cao Cao then spoke up to explain:

"The people of Zizhong can be forgiven, but the people of Qixian cannot!"

"This is the ringleader of a mass rebellion, and he should be killed as a warning to others."

General Yangwu Fazheng stepped forward and advised:

"King Wei, many people in Qi County were also forced to join the rebels."

"Now that Your Majesty has bestowed favors upon the people of Zizhong, why not extend those favors to the people of Qi County as well?"

Cao Cao raised his hand to interrupt, his gaze cold and stern as he said:

“Qi County was the stronghold of Ma Qin and Gao Sheng, and the source of the rebellion.”

"If we don't punish them severely, how can we deter others from doing the same?"

"Today I spare the people of Zizhong, which is an act of kindness; tomorrow I will slaughter the people of Qixian, which is an act of power."

"Only by combining kindness and severity can we stabilize the Shu region."

Two days later, Cao's army arrived at Qi County.

Upon hearing that Cao Cao was approaching, the people in the city had already scattered and fled, leaving only the old, weak, sick, and disabled who were unable to escape.

Cao Cao ordered the city gates to be closed and sent troops to search house to house, driving the remaining people to the city center square.

The square was filled with deafening cries as people knelt and begged for mercy.

Cao Cao stood on the high platform, expressionless.

Seeing this, Fazheng stepped forward again to offer his advice:
"King of Wei, when Emperor Gaozu of Han entered Guanzhong, he abolished the harsh laws of Qin."

"With the establishment of three laws, the people's hearts were won over, and the imperial enterprise was eventually established."

"Now that the Shu region has been newly pacified, it is appropriate to implement benevolent policies to win over the hearts of the people."

Before Cao Cao could respond, Sima Yi stepped forward to retort:
"Fo Xiaozhi is mistaken!"

"You only know one thing, but not the other."

"They only know the surface, but not the inside."

"At the end of the Qin Dynasty, the world was in chaos. Emperor Gaozu established the Three Laws because the Qin laws were too harsh."

"The problem in Sichuan today lies precisely in the laxity of law and discipline!"

As he spoke, Sima Yi turned to Cao Cao, his voice resounding:
“In the past, Liu Zhang was weak and incompetent, and he did not cultivate virtuous governance, nor did he establish authority and punishment.”

“In Sichuan, powerful local magnates abused their power and acted arbitrarily, gradually corrupting the proper relationship between ruler and subject.”

"If we do not impose severe punishments and harsh laws, how can we deter wicked people?"

"Qi County is the root of all evil; slaughtering it will serve as a warning to hundreds of cities!"

Historically, Sima Yi was known for his extremely cruel style of doing things.

For example, during the conquest of Liaodong, in order to eliminate future troubles, he ordered the massacre of men over the age of fifteen.

More than 7,000 people collected the corpses and built a mound of corpses.

In this world, Sima Yi's entire family was slaughtered.

Logically speaking, he should know all too well the pain of his people being slaughtered.

Instead of fostering empathy, this incident further distorted his mind.

The saying goes, "Because I've been caught in the rain, I want to break someone else's umbrella."

Sima Yi strongly supported Cao Cao's act of making an example of someone to scare others.

The massacre at this evil place was meant to teach these unruly people of Shu that rebellion comes at a price.

Otherwise, let it go.
Isn't this telling the people of Shu that even if you rebel, it's okay, because the government will eventually let you off the hook?

Therefore, Sima Yi wholeheartedly agreed with Cao Cao's decision.

Fa Zheng said urgently:

"King Wei! Indiscriminate killing of innocent people will likely alienate the people of Shu!"

"Although the people of Qi County have joined the bandits, they were mostly coerced. We beg for their leniency."

A cold glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, and he retorted:

"Popular support? The support of a rebellious populace?"

"Xiaozhi is too kind-hearted."

"If we don't kill them today, even more people will follow the example of Ma Qin and Gao Sheng tomorrow!"

Ignoring the advice of officials such as Fa Zheng, he insisted on ordering the massacre of the people of Qi County.

Upon seeing this, Sima Yi bowed deeply to the ground:

"Your Majesty, I have something to say."

Cao Cao glanced at him sideways and said, "Speak."

Sima Yi stood upright, his gaze piercing:

"The way of a ruler is to show kindness to the outside world while concealing power within."

"The massacre in Qi County today is an act to establish authority."

"However, King Wei's body is of great value and it is not appropriate for him to personally carry out this punishment."

He bowed deeply again, saying, "Your subject is willing to do it in my stead."

The implication is that I'll take the blame, while you, Mr. Cao, reap the rewards.

This is a very high level of emotional intelligence.

The city gate tower fell silent, with only the sound of banners fluttering in the wind.

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and, for the first time, seriously examined the usually unassuming Sima Zhongda.

"Oh?"

Cao Cao's voice held a hint of amusement, "Zhongda, are you willing to do this unrighteous thing for me?"

Sima Yi remained expressionless and replied:

"Thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all blessings from heaven."

"King Wei has pardoned Zizhong, and his benevolence has spread far and wide."

"The punishment in Qi County is now in accordance with the law."

"I am merely acting on behalf of Heaven to deliver the punishment!"

Cao Cao laughed loudly upon hearing this, and his laughter echoed on the city wall.

He patted Sima Yi on the shoulder and praised him, "Excellent! Since Zhongda has this intention, how could I not comply?"

Then he turned to Cao Xiu behind him and said:

"Order the three armies to temporarily return to Sima Yi's command."

When Sima Yi received the command arrow, his fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly for a moment.

This appears to be the first time since he began serving Cao Cao that he has truly taken over military power.

This was Cao Cao's first recognition of him.

His mind raced for a moment, then he became as steady as a rock.

Turning to his deputy, he instructed:

"Keep all four gates closed and search for people according to the household register, leaving no household out."

"At three quarters past the hour of You (5:45 PM), the execution will begin."

Upon receiving the order, Cao's soldiers drew their swords and charged at the helpless civilians.

Screams echoed through the sky, and blood stained the land of Qi County.

Cao Cao watched coldly until the last mournful cry disappeared into the sky.

This wasn't the first time such a thing had happened to either Cao Cao or his army.

Their hearts remained completely unmoved.

In Qi County that day, the wails continued until late at night.

Sima Yi ordered his men to pile the corpses in layers, mix them with rammed earth, and build a horrifying Jingguan (a mound of corpses) in the south of the city.

At the highest point were the heads of Ma Qin and Gao Sheng, and below them were layers upon layers of corpses of the people of Qi County.

Finally, he personally inscribed the words "A warning to the rebellious people" on the stone tablet.

By nightfall, Qi County was a ghost town.

That night, in the army's main tent, Cao Cao reviewed the list of those who had been massacred, presented by Sima Yi.

It was even accurate down to the number of people, their ages, and their genders in each household.

He looked up at Sima Yi, who stood with his hands at his sides in the tent, and asked, "I heard that Zhongda also built a mound of skulls?"

Sima Yi bowed and replied, "Traitorous officials and villains should be exposed to the public as a warning to others."

Cao Cao remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking:
"I always thought you were exceptionally cautious in your actions, but I never imagined you would act in such a way..."

He considered for a moment, then said, "...thorough."

Three days later, the army returned triumphantly to Chengdu.

At the victory banquet, Cao Cao announced to everyone—

"Sima Yi made decisive decisions on the spot and was capable of undertaking great responsibilities."

"Effective immediately, the Chengdu Magistrate is hereby appointed to oversee all government affairs in the capital region."

These words caused an uproar among the audience.

This position has always been held by members of the Cao family or important officials in Shu.

Cao Cao had always favored his elder brother Sima Lang, so even if this decree was issued, it should be given to his brother.

Why would it be given to Sima Yi?
What extraordinary feats did Sima Yi accomplish when he went out with the army to quell a rebellion?
Sima Yi hurriedly prostrated himself to express his gratitude.

He understood that he had made a wise decision on the day of the massacre.

I won the bet.

Cao Cao slowly descended the steps, approached Sima Yi, and said in a deep voice:
"Zhongda, do you know that I have always disliked pretentious people?"

Sima Yi replied respectfully, neither servile nor arrogant:
"Your Majesty, I only know how to share your burdens."

Cao Cao stared at him for a long time, then tossed something to him.

Sima Yi caught it; it was the seal of the magistrate of Chengdu.

"Make good use of this seal."

Cao Cao said meaningfully, "I don't like changing people."

After speaking, Sima Yi withdrew from the hall.

A night breeze blew, and I realized that my inner garment was soaked through.

He gripped the seal tightly, the sharp edges of the jade digging painfully into his palm.

Looking up, the city of Chengdu lay dormant like a giant beast under the moonlight.

He knew that from this night onward, he had truly stepped into the game of power.

That seemingly distant, deep-seated blood feud has finally taken its first step towards revenge.

That night, Cao Cao returned to the Chengdu palace, exhausted both physically and mentally, and fell asleep immediately.

However, as soon as he closed his eyes, he felt a chilling wind and heard what sounded like a thousand wails.

In a daze, he saw countless blood-soaked wronged souls pouring in from outside the palace; they were all people who had died tragically in Qi County.

Some were decapitated, some had severed limbs, and some women and children were crying incessantly.

They all reached out to grab him, screaming in agony:
"Give me back my life! Give me back my life!"

Cao Cao was shocked and sat up abruptly, his clothes soaked with cold sweat.

Looking around, the hall was empty.

Only the flickering candlelight cast ghostly shadows on the palace pillars.

He gasped for breath for a long time before realizing it was a dream.

However, the fear in my heart lingered, and I could no longer fall asleep.

For several nights afterward, he was plagued by nightmares.

Some saw people from Qi County surrounding their beds, demanding their lives, while others saw Ma Qin and Gao Sheng holding heads and glaring angrily.

Even worse,
He even dreamt that Sima Yi stood in a pool of blood, smiling sinisterly at him.

It then transformed into three horses, which thirstily drank the blood of the Cao family.

They wouldn't stop until they had sucked all the blood out.

Cao Cao had never believed in ghosts or gods, but these strange dreams made him uneasy and even during the day he felt dazed and restless.

Several days later, Cao Cao summoned his ministers and said in a deep voice:

"I have been unable to sleep lately, and I often wake up in a fright, not knowing why."

The officials looked at each other, speechless.

Cheng Yuna stepped forward and reported:
“King Wei, the old palace in Chengdu is old and there may be evil spirits causing trouble.”

"It would be better to build a new temple to ward off evil spirits."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then nodded and said:

"……good."

"I wish to build a hall, named 'Jianshi Hall'."

"However, the craftsmen in Sichuan are crude, and there may be no skilled craftsmen to entrust with their work."

Cheng Yu said:
"There was a skilled craftsman in Chengdu named Zhang Heng."

“He is skilled at building palaces; we can summon him and ask him about it.”

Cao Cao then summoned Zhang Heng to the palace and ordered him to draw up a design for the Jian Shi Palace.

Zhang Heng accepted the order and soon presented the blueprints, which depicted a nine-room main hall.

The front and back corridors are connected, and the pavilions are magnificent.

The flying eaves and brackets are extremely magnificent.

Cao Cao was overjoyed upon viewing the map and said:

"This picture suits my taste very well, but such a grand hall requires huge timbers for its beams."

"I fear there are no such talented individuals in Sichuan."

Zhang Heng bowed and said:
"Thirty li from the city, there is a deep pool called 'Leaping Dragon Pool'."

"There is a shrine by the pool, named 'Yuelong Shrine'."

"Beside the ancestral hall stands a thousand-year-old tree, over ten zhang tall and several wei in circumference, truly a pillar material."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao immediately issued an order:
"Quickly send craftsmen to cut it down!"

Upon receiving the order, the craftsmen immediately set off.

However, they soon reported back:
"This tree is as hard as iron, and cannot be penetrated by axes or saws."

"When you try to cut it, it makes a clear, ringing sound, but you can't even scratch it!"

Cao Cao did not believe it and personally led several hundred cavalry to investigate.

Upon arriving at Yuelong Temple, one indeed sees a giant pear tree, towering into the sky.

Its branches and leaves are as lush as a canopy, reaching straight into the sky.

The tree trunk is thick and sturdy, with patterns resembling coiled dragon scales, exuding a faint mystical aura.

Cao Cao stared at it for a long time, then gave the order:

"I have never believed in ghosts, gods, or demons. Quickly help me defeat them!"

Before he finished speaking, several village elders rushed out, knelt down, and tearfully remonstrated:
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

"This tree is a sacred tree, which has protected this place for hundreds of years. Cutting it down will surely bring divine retribution!"

Cao Cao was furious upon hearing this and shouted angrily:

"I have roamed the world alone for over forty years."

"From the emperor to the common people, all were in awe and submission."

"How dare you compare a mere tree to Liu Bei and defy my will?"

After saying this, he drew his sword and personally swung it.

When the sword touched the tree trunk, it produced a resounding clang of metal against metal.

Even more horrifying, bright red blood seeped from the cracks in the tree bark, splattering all over Cao Cao's robes.

Cao Cao was greatly alarmed upon seeing this and hurriedly asked those around him:

"Have you seen the tree bleeding?"

The group looked at each other, shook their heads, and said they hadn't seen any blood.

Cao Cao was taken aback. He wiped the blood off his body and then gestured to the crowd:

"Such dripping blood, and you all turn a blind eye?"

The group looked at each other and shook their heads again.

"Your Majesty's hand is intact, and we have not seen any blood."

Cao Cao was even more alarmed and uncertain, thinking to himself, "Could it be that I am connected with ghosts and gods?"
He then threw his sword to the ground, mounted his horse, and hurriedly returned to the palace.

At the second watch of the night, Cao Cao was unable to sleep peacefully.

He sat alone in the hall, leaning against the table, seemingly dozing.

Suddenly a cold wind arose, extinguishing all the candles, and the palace doors opened by themselves without any wind.

A dark figure drifted in, with disheveled hair, carrying a sword, dressed in black, and with a ferocious face.

He pointed directly at Cao Cao and shouted:

“I am the god of the pear tree! You have built the Jian Shi Palace in vain, harboring rebellious intentions.”

"How dare you cut down my sacred tree! Now that your lifespan is about to end, I have come to take your life!"

Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly called out:

"Where are the samurai?"

However, there was complete silence outside the hall, and no one answered.

The man in black robes swung his sword and slashed, but Cao Cao hastily dodged.

He screamed and suddenly woke up.

I felt a splitting headache and almost fainted.

From then on, Cao Cao's illness worsened.

He summoned many renowned doctors for diagnosis, but none of them could offer a solution.

Inside the Prince of Wei's residence, candlelight flickered.

Cao Cao lay on his couch, veins bulging on his forehead, his face ashen.

He pressed one hand to his temple and gripped the edge of the bed tightly with the other, his knuckles turning white.

"It hurts me too!"

A roar startled the palace maids standing on either side, who trembled and could barely hold the medicine bowls in their hands.

"Your Majesty, calm down."

The physician knelt before the bed, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"We have exhausted all remedies, but this illness is so strange that it cannot be cured by medicine..."

"waste!"

Cao Cao suddenly threw the jade ruyi from his pillow, which hit the physician on the shoulder.

"What use are you if you're raised alone? You can't even cure a headache!"

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.

The Imperial Secretary Zhao Yan hurried inside. Seeing the mess in the hall, he was initially taken aback, then bowed and said:
"Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

Cao Cao barely managed to open his bloodshot eyes:

"speak."

Zhao Yan took a deep breath:

"Does Your Majesty know the legendary physician Dong Feng?"

"Dong Feng?"

Cao Cao frowned slightly. "Could it be the Three Divine Physicians of Jian'an, who were as famous as Zhang Ji and Hua Tuo?"

"Exactly."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Zhao Yan's eyes, and he continued:

"This man originally practiced medicine in Jiaozhou, and recently I heard that he has been traveling to Yizhou."

"He practiced medicine to save lives and cured diseases with his medicine."

“What’s even more remarkable is that he doesn’t charge a penny for treating patients, but only asks those who are cured to plant five apricot trees.”

"When the apricots ripened this summer, he built a granary under the trees to store them, exchanging the apricots for grain to provide relief to the poor."

"The people all call him 'Xinglin Chunnuan' (meaning 'warmth in the apricot grove'), and his medical skills and ethics are rare in the world."

"It was definitely Bian Que, back in the time of Cang Gong!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he hurriedly asked...

"Where is this person now?"

"According to our scouts, Dong Feng is currently residing in Nanchang, which is only three days' journey from here."

Cao Cao, suppressing his headache, propped himself up and said:

"Very well, send a fast horse immediately and fetch them under the cover of night!"

"Here!"

Zhao Yan bowed and accepted the order.

Three days later, a Taoist priest in green robes entered the mansion with a guard.

This man was about fifty years old, with a lean face and bright, piercing eyes.

Carrying a medicine bag on his back, he walked lightly as if treading on clouds.

It was none other than the legendary physician Dong Feng.

“Dong Feng, a man from the mountains and fields, pays his respects to the King of Wei.”

Dong Feng bowed respectfully, his voice clear and melodious.

Cao Cao leaned back on the couch, carefully examining the newcomer:

"I have long admired your name, sir."

"I suffer from a headache that all the doctors have been unable to cure. Do you have any effective remedies, sir?"

Dong Feng did not answer, but stepped forward directly:
"Please extend your hand, Your Majesty."

After taking his pulse for a while, Dong Feng's brows furrowed.

He then observed Cao Cao's complexion and tongue coating, and finally sighed softly:
"Your Majesty's illness is not in the skin or blood vessels, but in your mind and spirit."

"Oh?" Cao Cao narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Dong Feng stared directly at Cao Cao, his gaze piercing:
"Has Your Majesty been having trouble sleeping lately? Have you dreamt of any unusual things?"

Cao Cao's expression changed slightly.

It turned out that he had been plagued by nightmares for days, and every time he closed his eyes, he saw countless blood-faced vengeful spirits demanding his life.

There was Lü Boshe's family, the people of Xuzhou, and the women and children who had recently been massacred in Qi County.

These dreams were like a persistent, malignant tumor, making it difficult for him to eat or sleep.

"How did you know that, sir?" Cao Cao asked in a low voice.

"Your Majesty, dark clouds are swirling between your brows and your forehead is dark; this is a sign that your mind is disturbed."

Dong Feng bluntly stated, "This is no ordinary illness."

"It is truly due to the heavy karma of killing that he is plagued by demonic obstacles."

"They were under a spell and thus began to hallucinate."

The hall fell silent instantly.

All the guards and physicians held their breath and lowered their heads, not daring to look up.

Cao Cao's expression was uncertain, and after a long while he finally said:
"In your opinion, how should this illness be treated?"

Dong Feng said frankly:

"...The one who tied the knot must untie it."

"If Your Majesty can do more good deeds and bring blessings to the people in the future, evil spirits will naturally not be able to invade."

"The world has been in turmoil for a long time, and the people are suffering."

"Liu Bei restored the Han dynasty three times, and the people's hearts were with him."

"Why doesn't Your Majesty lead the people of Shu to surrender to the court?"

"In this way, the people of Shu and the people of the Central Plains can be spared from the scourge of war."

"Your Majesty can now relieve yourself of your burdens and focus on recuperating."

"Those who do good deeds and accumulate virtue will surely enjoy long life and happiness in the future."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole palace was in an uproar.

Zhao Yan's face turned ashen. He quickly gave Dong Feng a meaningful look, but saw that the Taoist priest was calm and showed no fear.

Cao Cao sat bolt upright, his eyes flashing with cold light:
"Sir, you want me to atone for my sins? What sins have I committed?"

Dong Feng did not retreat but advanced, his voice clear and resonant like a bell:
"When the king fled from Zhongmu County, he slaughtered Lü Boshe's entire family of nine."

"In the campaign against Xuzhou, not a single chicken or dog was spared, and the Si River stopped flowing because of the massacre."

"Recently, on suspicion that the people of Qi County had joined the rebels, the entire county was massacred and the dead were built into a mound of corpses."

"If this is not a sin, then what is?"

"Be bold!"

Cao Cao slammed his fist on the table and stood up. His headache seemed to disappear instantly, replaced by a raging rage.

"I am doing this for the sake of the world; I have no other choice!"

Have you not heard the saying, "I would rather betray others than be betrayed by them"?

"You are but a commoner, how dare you presume to discuss state affairs!"

Apart from Li Yi, there was no other person who dared to speak sarcastically to Cao Cao's face.

Li Yi had power and a powerful backer, so Cao Cao had no choice but to tolerate him.

But what is Dong Feng anyway?
How dare a humble country bumpkin like me speak so sarcastically?
Most people would be terrified and their legs would go weak in the face of Cao Cao's rage.

After all, his swords never discriminate between men, women, or children.

But Dong Feng remained calm, only sighing helplessly as he said:
"……Ugh."

"Although I, a hermit, possess a thousand kinds of good medicines that can cure all diseases, I cannot cure karmic obstacles."

"If Your Majesty wishes to live, the only way is to turn back to the right path."

Cao Cao was so angry that he laughed instead.

"Wow! What a 'miracle doctor'!"

"This is clearly a spy sent by Liu Bei to sow discord among our troops! Guards!"

The armored soldiers outside the hall entered upon hearing the noise.

"Take this madman to jail and interrogate him thoroughly!"

Cao Cao shouted sternly.

Dong Feng, though restrained by armored soldiers, remained calm and turned back before leaving, saying:

"Your Majesty, the disease has progressed to the point of no return without the patient's knowledge; even if Bian Que were to be reborn, he would be unable to save the patient."

"Drag it out!!!"

Cao Cao roared, veins bulging on his forehead.

After Dong Feng was taken away, Cao Cao suddenly staggered and grabbed the table for support.

The headache came like a tidal wave, ten times worse than before.

His vision went black, and in a daze, he saw countless bloody hands reaching out from the ground, trying to drag him into an abyss.

"Your Majesty!"

Zhao Yan hurriedly stepped forward to help him up.

Cao Cao shoved him aside, gritting his teeth:

"Investigate! Thoroughly investigate the background of this Dong Feng!"

"If he is indeed a spy sent by Liu Bei... I will make him wish he were dead!"

After saying this, he fainted and collapsed to the ground again.

……

(End of this chapter)