Three Kingdoms: Fusion of Entries, Change of Destiny

Chapter 183 Xuzhou is in chaos, Cao Cao is about to march on Wancheng
Cao Cao was discussing matters with his colleagues when he suddenly heard footsteps outside the hall.

Xu Chu rushed in, knelt on one knee, and reported: "My lord, a scout from the front has urgently reported that Lü Bu took advantage of Liu Bei's unpreparedness to launch a surprise attack on Xiapi. Xuzhou has now changed hands, and Liu Bei has no choice but to sue for peace with Lü Bu and temporarily station his troops in Xiaopei."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the tent was taken aback.

Immediately, Xi Zhicai and Guo Jia exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

Guo Jia clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Excellent! That ungrateful wretch Lü Bu certainly didn't disappoint us; he stole it well!!"

Upon seeing this, Xun Yu, Xun You, and Cheng Yu exchanged glances and then offered their advice to Cao Cao.

Xun Yu stood up and slowly said, "My lord, the tribute from Jingzhou has been stalled for a long time, and Liu Biao already has rebellious intentions."

Furthermore, the land of Nanyang is currently jointly occupied by Zhang Xiu and Liu Biao. Our army currently only holds the cities of Luyang and Yexian, while Zhang Xiu has heavily fortified Wancheng in Nanyang, and is also supported by Liu Biao with military provisions, forming a mutually reinforcing defensive position.

Xun You then added: "In my opinion, Liu Biao is currently standing by and watching, not obeying the emperor's orders, which may be because he has secretly reached an agreement with Yuan Shao."

When Yuan Shu occupied Nanyang, Liu Biao served as our army's support, cutting off Yuan Shu's supply lines.

Now that Nanyang has fallen into Liu Biao's hands and there is no Yuan Shu to stop him, his ambitions are gradually becoming apparent, and he may become an enemy of our army.

The balance of power between friend and foe can shift in an instant.

Cheng Yu also bowed and advised: "The best course of action now is for us to take advantage of His Majesty's past merits and issue an order in the name of the Emperor to reward and persuade Zhang Ji to surrender."

If Zhang Xiu is sensible enough to surrender, Wancheng can become our army's southern gateway to defend against Liu Biao.

If Zhang Xiu continues to resist stubbornly, we will have no choice but to send troops to conquer him.

Cao Cao listened and nodded slightly.

He then turned his gaze to Cao Yan and said, "If Zhang Xiu does not surrender, I intend to personally lead an expedition to Wancheng in the south. What do you think, Zian?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Yan looked troubled. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Brother, why do you need to personally lead the troops? I am willing to lead the army and we will definitely be able to take Wancheng within a month."

Cao Yan added in his mind, "Moreover, with Jia Xu around, this battle won't even start; Zhang Xiu will surrender immediately. As long as you don't mess with your aunt, taking Wancheng will be a piece of cake."

Cao Cao looked around and said with a smile, "Everything in Xuchang is going smoothly, so I have nothing important to do here."

Now Yuan Shao is sending envoys everywhere to win over the various warlords, intending to oppose the court in Xuchang.

But he forgot that a verbal promise can never compare to the sincerity of a personal meeting with me, the Emperor's appointed Minister of Works.

Cao Yan wanted to persuade him again, but Cao Cao continued with a smile: "This expedition, you all will go with me, just like going south for a hunt, and taking the opportunity to investigate the people's conditions."

Having said that, Cao Yan couldn't insist any further and could only reply, "Yes."

Cao Cao patted Cao Yan on the shoulder again and said, "It's rare for you and Ang'er to come to Xuchang. Come to my house for dinner tonight, and let's have a good family gathering."

……

As night falls, the lights are on.

Cao Yan and Cao Ang went together to the Situ Mansion for a banquet.

Cao Yan specially brought Dian Wei along, as well as some newly distilled high-proof liquor from the workshop. This liquor had a rich and mellow aroma that made people feel intoxicated by its smell.

At Cao Cao's home, a family banquet had already been set out.

The old master Cao Song sat in the main seat, with his brothers Cao Ji, Cao Bin, Cao Yu, and others sitting on either side.

At this time, the Cao family had started using a large round table, and the men and women sat separately.

At the ladies' table, there was an additional woman of elegant bearing, none other than Cai Yan.

When they welcomed the emperor that day, they rescued Cai Yan from her predicament. Now it seems that Cai Yan has integrated well into the Cao family, chatting and laughing with everyone, and others also show her subtle respect.

Madam Ding remained dignified and serious, rarely smiling, but when she looked at Cao Yan, there was a hint of a smile in her eyes, and the look she used to give him was no longer like that of someone looking at a lump of dirt.

Lady Bian was warm and generous, and upon seeing Cao Yan arrive, she kept praising his recent achievements.

Cao Ang has grown taller and looks even more heroic and upright, and he received a lot of praise during the banquet.

Cao Yan took out a bottle of baijiu (Chinese white liquor). The moment the seal was opened, a rich and mellow aroma filled the air, invigorating everyone present. In a rare moment of relaxation, the family banquet was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation, as everyone toasted and exchanged toasts in a harmonious atmosphere.

……

Sending troops into battle is not something that can be done overnight; the preparations are complex and tedious, requiring a great deal of time, manpower, and energy.

Moreover, the main force this time was not under Cao Yan's command, so he was essentially just a bystander. Therefore, Cao Yan returned to Chenliu the next day.

Upon returning to his residence, Cao Yan went straight to his study.

Zhuge Mengxue had already neatly arranged a table of account books on her desk in the study, waiting for him to check the accounts.

Looking at the table full of account books, Cao Yan couldn't help but exclaim, "We have so many accounts in our family..."

Zhuge Mengxue said with a smile, "My husband, now that your family is so large and your business is so big, you naturally have a lot of account books."

Cao Yan sat in a chair, and Zhuge Mengxue stood behind him, massaging his shoulders.

Cao Yan casually flipped through a few books, just to make an appearance.

He knew very well that Zhuge Mengxue, who was focused and simple-minded, would never make a mistake on the books.

Moreover, with Zhuge Liang and Zhuge Jun frequently coming to help, there would be absolutely no problem with the accounts.

Seeing Cao Yan's expression, Zhuge Mengxue said softly, "Husband, you should at least check these accounts."

Cao Yan looked at her with a half-smile and asked, "Wife, do you really want me to check the accounts, or do you have other intentions?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Mengxue's fair face flushed crimson, but she still feigned composure and said, "I don't understand what you're saying, my husband."

Cao Yan smiled and picked up Zhuge Mengxue, carrying her towards the bed. As he walked, he said, "I've come back from this long journey not to check the accounts, but to reunite with my wife after this long journey."

"?" Zhuge Mengxue was slightly taken aback.

Before he finished speaking, Cao Yan had already picked up Zhuge Mengxue in his arms, turned around, blew out the oil lamp, and drew the curtains.

At this moment, Zhuge Mengxue finally realized what was happening, and playfully punched Cao Yan's arm, saying, "Husband, you've corrupted me again!"

Cao Yan chuckled and replied, "I don't need to teach you that, Madam. Don't you know everything?"

The night is quiet and beautiful.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the window frames, filling the room with a unique atmosphere.

After equipping [Super Endurance], Cao Yan fought for most of the night.

Cao Yan fell into a deep sleep only after the rooster crowed, and slept until noon the next day.

When Cao Yan groggily woke up, Zhuge Mengxue had already prepared toiletries for him and told him that Guo Jia had been waiting in the study for a long time.

Cao Yan quickly finished washing up and hurried to the study.

Upon entering the study, he saw Dian Wei and Guo Jia sitting to one side, with his treasured white wine on the table. The two of them were drinking until their faces were flushed.

Guo Jia gave Dian Wei a thumbs up and said, "Good wine! Old Dian, you're really generous, bringing out such good wine for me to enjoy."

Dian Wei grinned and said, "I've always coveted this jar of wine, my lord, but I never dared to drink it by myself. Only today, with Guo Jijiu here, have I dared to take it out."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia was taken aback at first, then thought to himself, "Who said Dian Wei is simple-minded and only knows how to fight and kill? His mind is anything but simple!"

Cao Yan walked into the study and saw this scene, which made him both annoyed and amused.

When Dian Wei saw Cao Yan enter, he smiled and pointed to Guo Jia, saying, "My lord, Guo Jia said he was thirsty, so I brought out your wine to entertain him."

Cao Yan's lips twitched slightly. He kicked Dian Wei in the backside and laughed, "Get out of here with that wine jar in your arms!"

Dian Wei chuckled happily and said, "Alright!"

He then picked up the wine jar, strode out of the study, leaving Cao Yan and Guo Jia sitting opposite each other.

(End of this chapter)