My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

The ministers were taken aback.

Why did Cao Cao suddenly fly into a rage, not only cursing Xiao He but also shouting that he wanted to launch a surprise attack on Xuchang?
Weren't you just hesitant?
All eyes then turned to the secret letter from Chen Qun on the ground.

Cao Chong picked it up first, and Cheng Yu, Jiang Ji, and others followed suit.

After reading it, everyone looked at each other and suddenly understood.

No wonder Cao Cao was furious, no wonder he was so angry and determined to attack Xuchang; it turns out he was humiliated by Xiao He.

Your wife and children stole your Imperial Seal and defected to Liu Bei, your mortal enemy; that's already shameful enough.

Now, Liu Bei's strategist is right under your nose, and he wants to take your daughter as a concubine!

Isn't this just slapping Cao Cao in the face again?

Anyone in that situation would be so angry they'd vomit blood.

"Father--"

When Cao Chong wanted to persuade him again, he swallowed his words back.

Seeing Cao Cao's fury, he ultimately hesitated.

Jiang Ji swallowed hard, naturally unable to object any further.

He was indeed fair and outspoken, but he wasn't stupid enough to provoke Cao Cao when Cao Cao was already in such a state.

"Your Majesty, Xiao He is holding a grand wedding banquet at this time. I believe it is mostly due to his arrogance and complacency."

"At that time, all the Chu generals in Xudu will be attending his wedding banquet. Xudu's defenses will surely be lax, which will be the perfect opportunity for us to launch a surprise attack."

"Moreover, there are people like Chen Qun who have troops under their command and can act as inside agents."

"This is a golden opportunity for Your Majesty to recapture Xuchang and reclaim Yuzhou!"

Cheng Yu immediately cupped his hands in greeting and excitedly offered his advice.

Cao Cao stiffened, the anger on his face faded instantly, and a hint of excitement gradually ignited in his eyes.

He immediately snatched the secret letter from Chen Qun again and examined it once more with a calm mind.

"Zhongde is right, this is Heaven's help to me, Heaven's help to me, hahaha—"

Cao Cao waved the secret letter and sneered:
"You've all seen it, haven't you? The Big-Eared Bandit's troops have retreated from Suiyang, Guan Yu has led the main force north to invade Xinzheng, and that wicked Big-Eared Bandit is holding a grand wedding banquet. Chen Qun and the others are willing to be inside agents, and everything is ready for a surprise attack on Xuchang!"

"I am determined to personally lead a large army to raid Xuchang and capture and kill Xiao He, that sorcerer, in one fell swoop. Do you have any objections?"

Cao Cao was ecstatic and reiterated his decision.

If his previous decision was an impulsive one made in a fit of anger and embarrassment, his current one is a calm and deliberate decision made after careful consideration.

Cao Chong remained silent, and Jiang Ji kept quiet.

Xin Pi and other advisors from Yingchuan strongly encouraged this.

Cao Pi, Sima Yi, Jia Xu, and the others remained calm and observed from the sidelines, refusing to express their opinions.

With no objections, Cao Cao made the final decision and settled the grand plan.

Two days later.

Cao Cao left more than 50,000 troops to guard Chenliu, and personally led more than 50,000 troops to leave the city under cover of night, traveling lightly south towards Xuchang.

...

Xuchang, the Grand Commandant's residence.

A grand wedding banquet is underway.

The area in front of the Grand Commandant's mansion was bustling with carriages and horses, while inside the mansion, it was filled with distinguished guests and a lively atmosphere.

Who would dare disrespect the wedding banquet of the King of Chu's strategist and the Grand Commandant of Chu?

High-ranking officials, dignitaries, and prominent figures in Xuchang all came to pay their respects with generous gifts.

As the mother-in-law, Ms. Bian was moved to tears by the long-awaited lively scene and the fact that her daughter was having such a grand wedding.

When all the ceremonies were completed and Cao Jie was led into the bridal chamber, the heavy weight in Bian Shi's heart finally lifted completely.

This means that their daughter, Cao Jie, has officially become Xiao He's wife.

Although she was only a concubine, this marriage relationship was still established.

Whether she, as the mother, or Cao Zhi, as the brother, had finally found a powerful patron like Xiao He.

From now on, with Xiao He's protection, the mother and her two children finally had a foothold in the State of Chu.

The bride was led to the bridal chamber, and Xiao He took turns toasting the guests.

"Shizai, did you see clearly? Who are the people who didn't come?"

After several rounds of drinks, Xiao He, feigning slight intoxication, sat down and asked Deng Ai in a low voice.

Deng Ai cupped his hands in greeting and said in a low voice:

"As the Grand Commandant predicted, at least half of the surrendered officials of the pseudo-Wei regime, such as Chen Qun and Du Xi, did not personally attend the event."

"Just now, General Sheng came to report that Chen Qun, Du Xi, and others are still in the camp and have not left."

The Zisheng mentioned by Deng Ai is Zhang Fei's eldest son, Zhang Bao, who was recently transferred from Yingtian to Xudu to serve in the military.

To prevent Chen Qun and others from becoming suspicious, most of the veteran military officers in the city came to attend the wedding banquet.

Xiao He secretly ordered Zhang Bao and other young military officers to temporarily take over the command of the various camps.

At this time, Zhang Bao was leading his troops to monitor the surrendered generals Chen Qun and Du Xi, and keeping a close eye on the movements of the seven thousand private soldiers and surrendered troops from the aristocratic families.

"Over at Yanling, the General has almost engaged Cao Cao in battle. Pass down the order and proceed according to the plan."

Xiao He waved his hand slightly, a cold glint in his eyes.

Deng Ai bowed and accepted the order. Then, carrying a wine cup, he strolled among the guests with a smile, pretending to drink with everyone, but subtly conveying Xiao He's orders.

Liao Hua and the others understood, and under the pretext of going to the toilet, they all quietly left their seats.

Xiao He then continued to drink and chat with the remaining guests.

North of Xudu City, a certain military camp.

More than 7,000 surrendered Wei soldiers were fully armed and ready for battle.

Inside the main tent, Chen Qun, Du Xi, and other surrendered Wei officials were also clad in armor and holding swords, their expressions solemn.

“Minister Chen, if we really launch a mutiny, there will be no turning back.” Du Xi couldn’t help but speak up, his words clearly implying a desire to back down.

Chen Qun's face darkened, and he said solemnly:
"Liu Bei's equal-field system and the imperial examination system were digging graves for our gentry and powerful families. You know that."

"Even if you and I are highly valued in the State of Chu, our family will surely decline and disappear from the world within two generations."

"Only if the King of Chu wins the world can our noble families prosper forever."

"We both understand this principle!"

Chen Qun analyzed the pros and cons again, then looked at everyone:
"The King of Wei's army should have already crossed the Wei River, and should be able to reach the walls of Xudu by midnight at the latest."

"Guan Yu's main force is attacking Xinzheng, and Xiao He is holding a grand wedding banquet. All the Chu generals in charge of the army in the city are at Xiao's mansion, and most of them are already drunk."

"This is a chance given to us by Heaven to redeem ourselves and return to the Great Wei. It is a battle that is almost risk-free and guaranteed to be won. What do you have to hesitate or worry about?"

"The arrow is already on the bowstring; how can it not be released!"

Du Xi stiffened, the lingering hesitation and concerns in his eyes instantly dispelled by Chen Qun's explanation of the advantages and disadvantages.

So he took a deep breath and said with a sigh:

“Chen Shizhong’s words are reasonable. We are irreconcilable enemies with Liu Bei. How can we bow down to him and submit to him, and live a life of ignominy?”

"Since Heaven is helping King Wei this time, how can I, Du Xi, not follow the will of Heaven!"

Once Du Xi expressed his stance, the doubts of the other surrendered generals from Wei were dispelled, and they all expressed their support generously.

Chen Qun breathed a sigh of relief and laughed heartily:
"Very well, with everyone so determined, let's work together and we're sure to succeed!"

The atmosphere in the military tent suddenly became lively.

Just then, a soldier rushed in excitedly, shouting:
"Reporting to the generals, Wei flags have suddenly appeared in the north of the city, indicating that a large Wei army is approaching."

"The Chu army at the north gate is in complete chaos, and the sounding of gongs to warn of danger is already deafening!"

Everyone's spirits were lifted.

Wei flags, a large contingent of Wei troops…

It must be Cao Cao leading his army to attack!

Chen Qun jumped up and shouted excitedly:
"Gentlemen, the King of Wei's army has arrived! What are you waiting for? Immediately charge out of the camp, attack from both inside and outside, seize the North Gate, and welcome the King of Wei's army into the city!"

The crowd leaped up in a roar, creating a scene of jubilation.

“Minister Chen, didn’t you just calculate that the King of Wei’s army wouldn’t arrive until midnight? How come it’s several hours earlier?”

While Du Xi was excited, he also had some doubts.

After his eyes darted around a few times, Chen Qun said:

"Most likely, the King of Wei crossed the river very smoothly, and fearing that Xiao He would receive a warning, he sent a light troop ahead."

"Never mind all that. In short, the King of Wei has arrived. We don't need to wait any longer. Let's take action immediately!"

Du Xi then had no further questions, drew his sword, and shouted sharply:

"Gentlemen, the time has come for us to make amends and return to the Great Wei."

"What are we waiting for? Follow me to capture the North Gate, welcome the King of Wei's army into the city, and retake Xuchang!"

Everyone drew their swords and responded enthusiastically.

Chen Qun and his surrendered generals immediately mounted their horses and led more than 7,000 private soldiers out of the camp, sweeping towards the north gate.

When the army was mobilized, the Chu troops patrolling along the way collapsed at the first contact.

Seven thousand men arrived at the main street without any obstacles.

Looking north, one can see that outside the north gate of Xuchang, the firelight stretches for miles, illuminating half of the night.

The sounds of battle cries, bugle calls, and war drums were incessant.

This is clearly the Wei army outside the city, launching a surprise attack on the north gate.

The Chu army's attention was focused on the Wei army outside the city, which presented them with a golden opportunity to launch a surprise attack from behind and seize the city gate.

Chen Qun and the others looked at each other, their expressions filled with wild excitement, and immediately urged themselves to run.

Seven thousand soldiers surged toward the North Gate along the main street.

As they approached the north gate, their expressions suddenly changed, and they involuntarily stopped in their tracks.

"Minister Chen, what... what's going on?"

Du Xi's excitement turned to horror, and he turned his head tremblingly to look at Chen Qun.

At this moment, Chen Qun's mouth was wide open, and his eyes were bulging like copper bells, as if he had seen a ghost.

Below the city gate, nearly a thousand Chu soldiers had already raised their shields and held their spears, forming an impregnable wall that blocked their way.

On the city wall, the Chu soldiers, whose spears should have been pointed outwards, were now all pointing inwards.

A barrage of sharp arrows, positioned high above, were already aimed at them.

Chen Qun was stunned.

Shouldn't the North Gate be in a state of chaos at this moment, hastily defending against Cao Cao's attack from outside the city?

Why did they turn their guns around and point them towards the city?

This tense and prepared formation seemed to have anticipated their arrival.

At the city gate tower.

Liao Hua, who was supposed to be attending a wedding banquet at the Xiao residence, appeared and raised his hand.

The sounds of drums, battle cries, and horns ceased in an instant.

The entire area inside and outside the North Gate suddenly fell silent, as if nothing had happened.

Liao Hua sneered and shouted loudly:
"Chen Qun, Du Xi, you fickle and treacherous villains."

"Grand Commandant Xiao had long anticipated that you were secretly colluding with the traitor Cao, intending to stage a mutiny and seize the gate, allowing the Wei army to storm into Xuchang."

"I have been waiting for you here for a long time on the orders of Grand Commandant Xiao!"

This statement came out.

Chen Qun's face paled in shock. (End of Chapter)