My brothers are all warriors capable of taking on ten thousand men; I'll roam freely in the Thr

In Yingchuan, beside the official road.

It was early summer, and the wheat was just beginning to turn golden. It should have been the busy season for farming, but all that could be seen on the roads were defeated soldiers and refugees.

Ji Xuanyuan rode in a carriage in the procession, closing his eyes to rest.

Outside the carriage, Xiang Yu rode ahead on horseback, carrying the Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd, while Dian Wei, wielding two halberds, escorted the carriage. Zhao Yun led three hundred light cavalry to scout the way, and three thousand soldiers, lightly equipped with only three days' worth of provisions, quietly set off.

"Report—"

A scout galloped up and dismounted before the carriage: "General! There is battle going on fifteen li ahead!"

Ji Xuanyuan opened his eyes, his gaze clear and bright: "Where are the troops? What is their status?"

"Judging from the banners... one side is the remnants of the Yellow Turbans, utterly routed; the other side is all red flags, led by a seven-foot-tall general with narrow eyes and a long beard, dressed as government troops. Among the Yellow Turbans are banners bearing the names 'General of Earth' and 'General of Man,' which should be the remnants of Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang's forces!"

Ji Xuanyuan's heart stirred.

Thin eyes, long beard... red flag... at this time...

"But is it the Cao banner?" he asked.

The scout was taken aback: "It was too far away to see clearly... but there was definitely a large flag."

Ji Xuanyuan smiled.

That's really Cao Cao.

"Brother, should we go up and help?" Xiang Yu rode his horse to the side of the carriage, a fighting spirit flashing in his double pupils.

"Go, why wouldn't I go?" Ji Xuanyuan lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage, standing still with Dian Wei's help.

He gazed toward the direction of the battle, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon.

Historical records state that Zhang Liang and Zhang Bao fled from Changshe, where Cao Cao led his army to intercept them, inflicting a great defeat, beheading over ten thousand, and seizing numerous banners, drums, and horses. However, the two traitors ultimately escaped...

If we can capture and kill Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang today, it will not only be a great achievement, but it will also end the Yellow Turban Rebellion sooner.

"Zilong, Brother Yu."

Ji Xuanyuan ordered: "You two lead a thousand soldiers and go to provide support immediately. Keep a close eye on Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang. It would be best to capture them alive; if not, beheading them is also acceptable."

He paused, then added, "Remember to identify yourself, and avoid friendly fire incidents."

"promise!"

Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun accepted the order and set off, leading a thousand elite troops like arrows released from a bow, straight to the battlefield.

Fifteen miles away, the battle was nearing its end.

Cao Cao led 5,000 troops and was decimating more than 10,000 remnants of the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

This cavalry captain was only twenty-nine years old, with a slightly dark complexion, narrow eyes, and a long beard. Although he was only seven feet tall, he exuded an air of authority as he rode his horse and held a spear. He commanded with composure, and his soldiers moved with ease.

"Mengde! Another army is coming from the northeast!" Xiahou Dun rode in, the man's eyes were piercing, and his long sword was dripping with blood.

"Flying a flag with the character 'Princess' on it! Who knows if they're friend or foe!"

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes: "Ji? Could it be Ji Xuanyuan of Zhuojun?"

"No serial number reported!"

Cao Cao laughed loudly: "Among the Yellow Turban rebels, how could there be a general with the surname Ji? They must be allies! Send orders to clear the northeast passage, lest we injure them!"

Before the words were even finished, a deafening roar of battle cries erupted from the northeast!

Then an army descended the mountain like tigers. At the forefront were two generals: one riding a black horse, wielding a heavy black halberd, his double pupils wide open in anger—it was Xiang Yu; the other riding a white horse, his silver spear like a dragon, his white robe fluttering in the wind—it was Zhao Yun.

"Under the command of General Ji Xuanyuan, who is tasked with subduing the enemy, Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun are here! Assist our allies in defeating the enemy!"

The sound shook the surrounding area.

Cao Cao's eyes lit up: "Excellent! Issue the order to join forces and attack the enemy!"

With the two armies joining forces, the remnants of the Yellow Turban army collapsed instantly.

Xiang Yu wielded his Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd like a black dragon overturning a river, leaving a trail of blood and flesh in its wake. His gaze was like lightning as he charged straight at the banner of the "Earthly General," while Zhang Bao hurriedly ordered his personal guards to break through the encirclement.

"Don't run, you traitor!" Xiang Yu roared, cleaving three of his personal guards in two with his halberd before heading straight for Zhang Bao.

Zhang Bao was shocked and immediately ordered his personal guards to intercept them.

But Xiang Yu was fierce and, after only a few exchanges, he had already closed in. Zhang Bao gritted his teeth, raised his sword to meet the attack, and in just one exchange, his sword was knocked away from his hand!

"Tie him up!" Xiang Yu snorted coldly, not even bothering to look at him. His personal guards rushed forward and tied Zhang Bao up tightly.

Xiang Yu did not turn back and continued straight towards the banner of "General of the People".

Seeing that the situation was not good, Zhang Liang abandoned his subordinates and led several dozen personal guards to flee into the mountains to the southwest.

"Where do you think you're going!" Xiang Yu spurred his horse to give chase.

"Brother Yu, wait!" Ji Xuanyuan's voice came from afar.

Ji Xuanyuan, protected by Dian Wei, had reached the edge of the battlefield.

He glanced in the direction Zhang Liang had fled and said calmly, "Don't pursue a desperate enemy."

Xiang Yu, bringing Zhang Bao as a prisoner, asked in confusion, "Brother, that fellow..."

"He won't be able to keep going for long." Ji Xuanyuan coughed twice, a smile appearing on his pale face.

"With General Huangfu Song's army at our side, he can't escape. Why waste our forces?"

That's half true and half false.

The truth is that he knew Zhang Liang would soon be wiped out by Huangfu Song in history; the falsehood is that he did not want to reveal too much of his strength here, as Cao Cao was by his side and he had to hide his true abilities.

Just then, Cao Cao rode up on horseback.

The future tycoon narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze lingering on Ji Xuanyuan for a few moments, a flash of amazement in his eyes before returning to normal.

He dismounted, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Are you General Ji Wenlie of Zhuojun? I have long admired your name!"

Ji Xuanyuan returned the greeting: "It is indeed I. I have long heard of Commandant Cao's illustrious reputation."

The two looked at each other, each lost in their own thoughts.

Cao Cao sized up Ji Xuanyuan: This boy is only sixteen or seventeen years old, sickly and weak, but with an unparalleled appearance. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, who would believe that this is the famous general who defeated Cheng Yuanzhi and Zhang Jiao?

Looking behind them, the double-pupiled youth stood solemnly, wielding a halberd, exuding a chilling aura; the white-robed young general's silver spear was stained with blood, radiating heroic spirit; and the giant man stood like a mountain, his twin halberds menacingly menacing...

"Under Wenlie's command, there is truly a tiger and wolf army," Cao Cao exclaimed sincerely.

"That general with double pupils captured Zhang Baoru with ease, and that young general in white robes had unparalleled marksmanship... I'm so envious!"

Ji Xuanyuan smiled: "Mengde, you flatter me. I was unaware of your arrival..."

"By order of General Zhu Jun, we are to pursue the routed enemy," Cao Cao said, his narrow eyes gleaming.

"Wen Lie is also here in Yingchuan to suppress bandits?"

"That's right." Ji Xuanyuan nodded, but said nothing more.

Cao Cao, being a shrewd man, saw that Cao Cao was unwilling to discuss the matter further and did not press him for details. He simply smiled and said, "In that case, we shall travel together. Ahead lies Changshe, where the camps of Generals Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun are located. Why don't we go together?"

"That is exactly what I wish for."

That night, the two armies joined forces and set up camp on the banks of the Ying River.

Cao Cao ordered the slaughter of pigs and sheep to reward the soldiers of both armies.

Inside the central command tent, he sat facing Ji Xuanyuan, drinking.

Xiahou Dun stood behind Cao Cao, his eyes occasionally glancing outside the tent, where Dian Wei stood guard like a mountain in front of Ji Xuanyuan's tent, while Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun each led their personal guards to patrol the camp.

"Wenlie, this year...?" Cao Cao raised his cup.

"Seventeen years old (by Chinese reckoning)."

"Seventeen..."

Cao Cao sighed, "When I was seventeen, I was still a court official in Luoyang, spending my days fighting cocks and chasing dogs, while Wenlie had already made unparalleled achievements. I am truly ashamed of myself."

Ji Xuanyuan took a sip of tea instead of wine and said, "Mengde was appointed Cavalry Commandant at the age of twenty-nine, leading an army on his own. He is truly a hero in his youth."

The two exchanged compliments, creating a harmonious atmosphere inside the tent.

After several rounds of drinks, Cao Cao changed the subject: "Wenlie, when do you think the Yellow Turban Rebellion will be quelled?"

Ji Xuanyuan put down his teacup and slowly said, "Zhang Jiao is dead, Zhang Bao has been captured, and Zhang Liang is barely clinging to life... At most three months, the world can be pacified."

"March..." Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly.

"What about after the chaos? Has Wenlie ever thought about that?"

This question was too probing. Ji Xuanyuan looked up at Cao Cao and saw a look of inquiry in the other man's eyes. He knew that Cao Cao was testing him.

"After the chaos..." Ji Xuanyuan coughed twice.

"We must appease the people, rectify official corruption, and repair our weapons and armor to prevent further chaos."

"Is that all?" Cao Cao asked with a half-smile.

"What does Mengde think?"

Cao Cao was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Wenlie, are you aware that the imperial court has allowed each prefecture and county to raise its own troops in order to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion?"

"Know."

"This order is hereby issued..."

Cao Cao lowered his voice: "This is the beginning of chaos in the world. Today, the prefectures and counties can raise troops to quell the rebels, and tomorrow... they can hold power and become independent. This Han dynasty has lasted for four hundred years..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

Ji Xuanyuan sighed inwardly: As expected of Cao Cao, he had already seen through the true nature of the chaotic world.

He remained outwardly calm: "Cao Cao, be careful with your words."

Cao Cao laughed heartily: "I misspoke! I'll have to drink a cup of wine as punishment!"

After drinking, he said, "However, Wenlie... Cao Cao observes that you have many fierce generals under your command and strict military discipline. You will surely become a great man in the future. If the world changes in the future, Cao Cao is willing to help Wenlie."

These words already blatantly imply an alliance.

Ji Xuanyuan smiled: "My frail body only wishes to quell the chaos of the world as soon as possible and restore peace to the people. If Mengde does not abandon me, I will certainly help him."

"Good!" Cao Cao raised his cup.

"Let's drink to this phrase, 'mutual support and assistance'!"

As night deepened, the banquet ended.

Ji Xuanyuan returned to his tent, where Xiang Yu, Zhao Yun, and Dian Wei were already waiting.

"Brother, what about Cao Cao..." Xiang Yu frowned.

"This person appears to be generous, but his eyes are deep and unfathomable; one should not be careless."

Zhao Yun also said, "Xiahou Dun under his command is quite skilled in martial arts and should be a fierce general."

Ji Xuanyuan leaned back on the couch, looking exhausted: "Cao Cao... a capable minister in times of peace, a ruthless hero in times of chaos. This man has a sharp eye and great ambitions; he will surely be a formidable enemy in the future."

He paused, then looked at the three of them: "The reason I asked you to hold back today is precisely this. Brother Yu has already shown his strength by capturing Zhang Bao alive, and Zilong's spear technique is exquisite, which he has seen... but it's not enough. We cannot reveal our true trump cards."

Dian Wei said in a muffled voice, "That...that Cao Cao, the way he looked at you, General, was wrong! Just like that eunuch Zuo Feng!"

Ji Xuanyuan chuckled: "E'lai, that's different. Zuo Feng was lustful, while Cao Cao... was greedy for talent."

He looked out of the tent; the moonlight was like water.

"After we arrive at Changshe tomorrow and meet Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun, we will take our leave. I have important matters to attend to in Yingchuan."

"Is Brother going to find those people on the list?" Xiang Yu asked.

"Not bad." A wise glint flashed in Ji Xuanyuan's eyes.

Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai... these talents are more valuable than 100,000 soldiers.

Cao Cao had not yet gained power, which was the perfect time to recruit him.

He started coughing, and Zhao Yun quickly handed him some medicine.

After drinking the medicine, Ji Xuanyuan said softly, "Remember, in front of Cao Cao, we are just ordinary righteous soldiers who came to suppress bandits. Our real purpose... must not be discovered by him."

"promise!"

Meanwhile, in Cao Cao's tent.

Xiahou Dun whispered, "Mengde, that Ji Xuanyuan..."

"He is no ordinary man." Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back, his narrow eyes gleaming.

"So frail and sickly, yet he can command such a fierce and powerful army... Yuan Rang, look at the generals under his command."

"Xiang Yu was brave and had the bearing of the Hegemon of Western Chu. Zhao Yun's spear skills were superb. As for Dian Wei... he was as strong as a mountain and could surely defeat ten thousand men."

"Not only that," Cao Cao said slowly.

"Did you notice that when Ji Xuanyuan gave the order, Xiang Yu and Zhao Yun didn't hesitate at all, and Dian Wei stayed by his side every step of the way... Such prestige cannot be built in a day, and in his words, he seemed to have a clear understanding of the general situation of the world..."

He turned to Xiahou Dun: "If this man is a friend, he can help me achieve great things; if he is an enemy..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"So, what Mengde means is..."

"Make friends with them, and deepen our friendship," Cao Cao said.

"Tomorrow when we go to Changshe, I will ask for credit for him. Zhang Bao was captured by his subordinates, and he will definitely be credited in the merit book. He has to accept this favor."

Xiahou Dun nodded, then asked, "And what about after Yingchuan...?"

"Let's go our separate ways," Cao Cao sneered.

"He must have ulterior motives, but it doesn't matter... This chaotic world can accommodate both heroes and tyrants."

Moonlight streamed into the tent, illuminating Cao Cao's face, which was half-lit and half-shadowed.