Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 236 Battle of Wancheng
A short while later, Lady Zou was brought to the mansion. Cao Cao was overjoyed when he saw her!
She really is the beauty I've been longing for!

The candlelight cast a dim, yellowish glow. Cao Cao carefully examined the beauty, then chuckled and asked her a question.

"Does Madam recognize me?"

Mr. Zou replied:
"I have long admired the Prime Minister's illustrious reputation, and tonight I am fortunate to have the opportunity to pay my respects to him. How could I not recognize him?"

"I accepted Zhang Xiu's surrender only because of my wife; otherwise, the entire city of Wancheng would have been slaughtered."

Lady Zou bowed respectfully and said, "The entire city of Wancheng is truly grateful for the Prime Minister's grace in giving us a second chance at life."

Cao Cao was very pleased with her submissive attitude, and then the true intentions were revealed.

"It is a great fortune to be able to see you today, Madam."

Tonight I wish to share your bed, and in the future, you will come with me back to the capital, where we will enjoy wealth and honor. What do you say?

Zou Shi: "."

Having been kidnapped and brought here for no reason, she naturally understood Cao Cao's intentions.

Anyway, she has been a widow for a long time since Zhang Ji died, so it is not unreasonable for her to enjoy the pleasures of love with the famous Han Dynasty official Cao Cao.

But the problem is that it's not possible right now.

As the main executor of Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu's plan.

She knew all too well that by the time she stepped out of the residence, the so-called prestige of Prime Minister Cao of the Han Dynasty would have come to an end.

At this point, she must have gone mad to agree to Cao Cao's request to do this. If Zhang Xiu catches them in the act, wouldn't everything be over?
As for reminding Cao Cao, it would be too late. Not to mention that Zhang Xiu was the nephew of her husband Zhang Ji, making them relatives, Cao Cao was an outsider who only sought a moment of pleasure, making him a distant relative.

Even the entire camp of Cao Cao's troops were mostly lax due to more than ten days of comfortable drinking and eating.

Jia Xu personally orchestrated the operation, the murderous intent subtly lurking beneath the surface.

For over ten days, they plotted, with Zhang Xiu, Jia Xu, and even trusted generals like Hu Che'er accompanying Cao Cao's army day and night in drinking and revelry, all for the sake of the day the plot would be exposed.

In the past, Zhang Fei lost Xuzhou in a drunken stupor, becoming a laughingstock of the world. How much more so today?
However, we cannot completely provoke Cao Cao, otherwise we can see his intentions from the fact that Zhang Xiu used himself to test Cao Cao.

He would most likely help himself get revenge, but not help himself save his life.

Ultimately, all Zhang Xiu cared about was whether his aunt's reputation was being bullied, whether she could gain Cao Cao's favor and respect, and her future prospects in Cao Cao's camp.

Therefore, Zou knew that Zhang Xiu must have received the news when she left the guesthouse, and that his troops would arrive at any moment. She only needed to feign compliance and delay for a while.

She bowed and declined, but accepted the offer respectfully.

"I am Zou, the wife of Zhang Ji. I am a withered flower and a fallen willow. How could I possibly receive the Emperor's favor?"
I fear it would tarnish the Prime Minister's health and tarnish his illustrious reputation.

"Madam, you are overthinking this!"
How could I not know your identity, Madam?
"I love my wife dearly; how could I care about such trivial matters?"

Upon hearing Lady Zou mention this matter, Cao Cao laughed and said, "My lady, you've mentioned the advantages, but what about the disadvantages?"

Seeing that Cao Cao was completely unconcerned upon hearing this, and even more intrigued, he reached out as if to make a move.

Ms. Zou was shocked!

He pretended to be a frightened deer and backed away step by step.

"Prime Minister, there are servants in the guesthouse who take care of my daily life."

"Seeing that I haven't returned for so long, Xiu will surely become suspicious. If she comes demanding me, it will cause trouble for you and my nephew over a woman like me."

Cao Cao laughed loudly and was about to pull Zou into his arms. "My lady has been dancing for me for more than ten days. Does she still not understand General Zhang's deep intentions?"

I fear he has long desired to offer his wife to me, and upon hearing of this, I am delighted that it will come to pass.

"The Prime Minister has misunderstood."

Having planned for so long, Zou had already prepared a response to escape in order to save her own life.

"I have long admired the Prime Minister's reputation and longed to be like him, so I volunteered to perform this dance."

He once said to Xiu: "If I personally perform a dance, it will show my sincerity in surrendering to you." So she agreed.

However, Xiu knew nothing about what happened tonight.

Your Excellency may not know this, but my nephew is an impatient man who cannot tolerate even the slightest imperfection.

If they hear about our affair and become enraged, they will lead their troops to attack us. What should we do then?

"Prime Minister, why don't you let me go back, and we can discuss this further another day?"

Zou's words were pitiful, but at this point, how could Cao Cao let her go? He sneered and rebuked her.

"He dares?"
Since the lady is of one mind with Cao Cao, what is there to fear?
It would have been better if he hadn't come. But if he had dared to come, Cao Cao would have annihilated his entire army and massacred Wancheng.

What I just said was for the sake of the lady, so I accepted Xiu's surrender; otherwise, I would have slaughtered the entire city of Wan!

"Does the lady still not believe it?"

Cao Cao's words already contained a threat, forcing her to comply.

"Very well, since the Prime Minister says so."

If Xiu'er becomes enraged and truly attacks, Prime Minister, you must protect me.

Seeing that Lady Zou had yielded, how could Cao Cao not be overjoyed?

As for his claim that Zhang Xiu was an impatient man who would lead his troops to attack in a fit of rage, he genuinely didn't take it seriously.

An impatient person? I've been drinking with him for so many days, how come I haven't noticed it at all?
Enraged, he'll send troops to attack? It's uncertain whether Zhang Xiu will even find out. Even if he does, he might not dare to wage war against me for the sake of a woman like you.

Even if he was truly enraged and wanted to start a war, where would he find the time to arrange and deploy troops in such a hasty situation?
Even if he really sends troops to attack, I have 40,000 troops in this city, while Zhang Xiu only has 20,000. He might not be able to defeat me.

So Cao Cao really didn't think there was anything to be afraid of?

However, out of his usual caution, he still instructed Cao Anmin, who was guarding outside the palace, to order the three armies to be on high alert and be wary of Zhang Xiu's attack.

But how could it be too late?

With their calculated strategy and numerous prior preparations, even the most vigilant Cao army could not keep up with the speed at which Zhang Xiu's army attacked.

Before Cao Anmin could even run out to deliver the order, he bumped into Xun You, who was rushing over, at the gate of the mansion.

This frail scholar grabbed Cao Anmin by the collar, his face contorted with tension.

"Where is our lord? Where is our lord?"

"Uncle him"

Knowing that his uncle was about to do something important, Cao Anmin, not wanting to be disturbed, even tried to help cover it up.

Little did he expect that in just a moment of hesitation, his own strategist would instantly draw the decorative sword from his waist, the cold blade pressed against his throat.

"Is my lord with that vile woman?"
Did he really kidnap Zhang Xiu's aunt?

Anmin did not answer, but Xun You had already confirmed his guess from his eyes, and could not help but rebuke him angrily.

"You don't know, Zhang Xiu rushed through the pass in a fit of rage for his aunt, and his army arrived in an instant."

"You traitor! How dare you ruin the nation! Your hand will destroy our glorious legacy!"

"I was on my way to inform the three armies of their defenses, how... how did they arrive so quickly?"

Upon hearing this news, Cao Anmin was terrified. He was not going to take the blame for this terrible mess!
"It was my uncle who forced me to do it!"
His uncle gave the order, and Anmin had no choice but to obey.

Furthermore, you gentlemen have also heard that he inquired about the affairs of beautiful women. You did not advise against it before, and now you wish to punish me for it?

Xun You seemed speechless after being rebuked by his words. Yes, the gradual relaxation of everyone in Cao Cao's camp over the past ten days or so was partly responsible for how things had turned out this way.

"How do we know that the beauty you found for the lord is Zhang Xiu's aunt?"
"If you knew her status, you should have informed me sooner to persuade her!"

"Report to you?"

Now that things had come to this, Cao Anmin, determined not to take the blame for this terrible situation, stubbornly sneered:

"Are you the prime minister? Or is your uncle the prime minister?"

"The matter is urgent, and I have no time to argue with you!"
Where is our lord?

Cao Anmin knew he couldn't push Xun You any further, so he quickly pointed out the direction.

Xun You threw his sword to the ground and said angrily.

"No wonder you were no match for Zhang Xun on the battlefield; now you're no match for a mere scholar like me!"

Having said that, Xun You hurriedly left, pushing open the door to Cao Cao's sleeping quarters. "Xun You, how dare you!"

Cao Cao had been delayed for a long time by Zou Shi's feigned reluctance, and now he was about to tear off her clothes when the door suddenly opened. How could he not be shocked and angry?
However, Xun You's cold words were like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head, leaving him feeling completely chilled.

"Zhang Xiu will arrive in an instant. My lord, please follow me to avoid his attack."

Cao Cao: "!!!"

Mr. Zou, are you a jinx?
What the hell? They just started attacking like that? Was it really necessary to be so quick?
Cao Cao, surprised, inquired about the details. Xun You, while pulling him along as they fled, hurriedly replied:
"It is said that Zhang Xiu was about to go to bed when he was shocked to hear that Anmin had kidnapped his aunt, and he was furious."

He immediately mobilized all the troops in Wancheng to attack. Xiahou Yuan's generals were drunk and convulsed, and caught off guard, they were caught off guard and took advantage of the surprise attack.

The city is now engulfed in chaos and fighting. Our troops are drunk and fast asleep. The generals in the camp only had time to hastily gather the nearby troops to meet the enemy, and there was no time to organize the army.

Currently, the generals cannot find the soldiers, and the soldiers cannot find the generals. Our army cannot withstand the enemy and has been retreating step by step, with countless casualties.

If my lord hesitates any longer, Xiu will likely arrive soon.

"What you say is very true, we should leave quickly!"

However, Zhang Xiu, who had already planned everything, would never let him escape.
He has already divided his forces and led small elite troops to break away from Xiahou Yuan and other Cao Cao's main army, and launched a surprise attack on Cao Cao's residence.

At that moment, a furious shout was heard from outside.

"Cao Cao, you traitor!"
You are not worthy of being called a son!
For more than ten days, Xiu has treated you with sincerity, and the whole county has surrendered.

Now you lust after my aunt and forcibly abduct her, intending to commit such a despicable act. This is truly outrageous!

Even if Xiu could endure it, his uncle in the netherworld would not be able to!

I will surely take your head and present it to your spirit tablet to atone for my uncle's sins in heaven!

Seeing the general with silver spear and white horse leading his troops to attack outside the mansion gate, who else could it be but Zhang Xiu?
Cao Cao wanted to carry out a secret matter, and the general guarding his residence tonight was none other than Cao Anmin!
Just by looking at Cao Anmin commanding his guards to charge and block Zhang Xiu's army outside the mansion, his hand holding the sword was trembling, and one could tell that he wouldn't be able to hold out for long.

Cao Cao was so shocked that he didn't even have time to put on his clothes. He just muttered to himself and hurriedly asked Xun You.

"What should we do?"; "How could it have come so quickly?"; "Why is Zhang Xiu so impatient and impulsive?"

Just then, Madam Zou slowly stepped out and said to him:

“The Prime Minister has suffered this calamity because of me; it is my fault.”

However, Xiu'er was acting on impulse. She has no past grudges or recent conflicts with the Prime Minister. I am willing to speak on his behalf.

"I have only claimed that I came to perform a dance for the Prime Minister, and have done nothing else. It is all a misunderstanding, and perhaps this can avert the war."

With Zhang Xiu already at the gates, how could Cao Cao refuse?
He couldn't very well kill Zou Shi in front of everyone; it would be pointless. Besides, that would truly leave no room for reconciliation, creating a deadly feud, and Zhang Xiu would definitely kill him.

Fortunately, because Zhang Xiu arrived so quickly, Cao Cao really didn't have time to do anything yet, and maybe he could really get away with it.

Given the current situation, Cao Cao could only hope for the best and look to Zou Shi for help.

"His life and death depend on Madam alone."

I promised you wealth and honor in Luoyang; do not betray me.

Lady Zou bowed and said, "Lord Cao, rest assured, I will not fail you."

After saying this, Madam Zou realized the matter was urgent and hurriedly ran out of the mansion.

Cao Cao's troops naturally did not stop her, and Zhang Xiu's men, upon hearing her reveal her identity, dared not interfere. The fierce battle between the two armies was temporarily quelled.

Upon seeing this scene, Cao Cao felt a surge of hope, and Lady Zou was deeply moved, running to Zhang Xiu with tears welling in her eyes.

She pointed at Cao Cao and said loudly:
"Now that I am a wife, how can I serve another man?"

This scoundrel forcibly abducted the concubine here, intending to commit evil deeds, but fortunately Xiu'er came to her rescue.

Otherwise, to preserve my innocence, I would have already taken my own life to join my deceased husband.

Xiu was furious!
"You traitor Cao! What else do you have to say?"

"You have dared to bully my aunt to this extent! I, Xiu, will surely kill you!"

Cao Cao: "."

grass! ! !
"All troops, listen to my command! Whoever captures and kills the head of Cao Cao will be my adopted son!"
"Once I become Lord Yuan's adopted son, you will be Lord Yuan's grandson!"

The saying goes, "Where there is a great reward, there will be brave men." And the reward is nothing more than money, grain, official rank, and titles.

But what is General Zhang offering as a reward now?
Grandson of Yuan Gong?

Is this something that these low-ranking soldiers can hope for?
This is like rising to the top in one step!

Zhang Jun's soldiers, as if injected with chicken blood, stared intently at Cao Cao's head, their eyes gleaming red.

How could Cao Cao not be alarmed and furious?

"Zhang Xiu'er dares!"
So you had long harbored the intention to surrender to Yuan Shao, and deliberately sent Jia Xu to deceive me.

"joke!
It is clearly you, Cao traitor, who first insulted my aunt, and I, Xiu, could not bear the humiliation and decided to abandon you.

Stop distorting the truth and spreading rumors here.

Cao Cao: @*#&!

"Uncle! There aren't many guards here, and the gates of the mansion are too weak to defend. What should we do now?"

Seeing that the gates of the mansion were about to fall, Cao Anmin was the first to retreat, subtly protecting his uncle in front of him.

Cao Cao glared at him, snatched the long sword from his hand, and said, "Things have come to this point, we have no choice but to fight to the death."

"Anmin, you and your men will protect me as I break through the encirclement."

Cao Anmin: "???"

No, Uncle!
Didn't you see? That Zhang Xiu came on horseback.

You want me to protect you on foot as you break through the encirclement?
hiss~
Why don't we discuss this with Zhang Xiu again?

Before he could say anything more, Cao Cao had already led his troops to break through the encirclement. Zhang Xiu saw this and said sternly:

"Don't run, you thief!"

A spear was thrust straight at Cao Cao's chest. Cao Cao dodged quickly, but his right arm was already struck by the spear.

The guards in the mansion were all his personal bodyguards. They risked their lives to grab Cao Cao and protect him as they fled.

Zhang Xiu was about to give chase when he heard someone shout urgently:

"Don't hurt my lord!"

Immediately, a small halberd flew out. By the time Zhang Xiu reacted, it was too late to dodge. He narrowly escaped with his hand and raised it to block.

He gripped the halberd in his left hand, his palm already dripping with blood, and stared coldly at the newcomer, gritting his teeth in hatred.

"Dian Wei! Do you intend to die for the traitor Cao Cao?"

The newcomer had a ferocious face, resembling the ancient evil spirit Dian Wei.

His 800 elite troops accompanied Cao Cao to banquets every night, remaining extremely vigilant and never drinking alcohol.

If Cao Anmin hadn't intended to present Zhang Xiu's aunt as a confidential matter, he should have been guarding her in the mansion.

Even though they were temporarily away, they were still near Cao Cao, so when the incident occurred, they were the first to arrive.

"Dian Wei is here! My lord, leave immediately!"

Cao Cao was able to escape through the back of the mansion with the help of Cao Anmin, who led his elite troops to block the gate. He was then protected by Xun You.

"Don't worry about him, we mustn't let Cao Cao escape."

Zhang Xiu led his troops to abandon Dian Wei and rush after Cao Cao. Dian Wei was greatly alarmed when he saw this. He charged into the enemy army alone, and no one could stop him. He got close to Zhang Xiu.

"You want to kill my lord?"

I'll kill you first!

Having said that, he swiftly drew his pair of iron halberds and attacked Zhang Xiu.

Xiu was horrified and cried out in alarm:

Where is Hu Che'er?

(End of this chapter)