Chapter 105: The Challenge

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Indeed, things were no longer the same as before. When Liu Xie first arrived at Wancheng, he had only two generals under his command: Zhang Xiu and Hu Che’er. His sole strategist was Jia Xu. At that time, no matter the matter at hand, Liu Xie had to personally take charge because there simply weren’t enough capable men to delegate to.

But now, the situation was entirely different. He had many great generals and a large army under him. Initially, he gained reinforcements from Jingzhou—Huang Zhong, Wei Yan, Wen Pin, Gan Ning, and others. Later, he rescued Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and Gao Shun. Following that, he absorbed former followers of Liu Zhang from Yizhou and Zhang Lu’s men from Hanzhong. Altogether, Liu Xie now commanded over a dozen top-tier generals, plus dozens more capable officers.

Moreover, he had strategists like Jia Xu, Chen Gong, and the later-arriving Zhuge Liang. Now, there was no need for him to personally lead the armies into battle. He only needed to command these generals and strategists directly. After all, he was the emperor, not a general. If he took on every task himself, then what would be the role of these commanders and advisers?

In the days that followed, Liu Xie treated matters mostly as a spectator. Time passed gradually, and outside the city of Xuchang, three hundred thousand troops had already been stationed for more than ten days. Inside the city, the armies of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao had long guarded the gates. Neither side dared to make the first move, knowing full well that once a major battle erupted, casualties would be uncontrollable. Everyone sought the perfect moment to minimize their losses.

After more than ten days, Liu Xie grew restless. “Kongming, this can’t go on like this,” he murmured softly. “We must act. If we keep waiting, this war will never end.”

Zhuge Liang took a deep breath. He had not expected Cao Cao to be so patient and composed. It made sense, though—Cao Cao’s achievements were no accident.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The armies have been at a stalemate for over ten days,” Zhuge Liang replied. “This benefits no one. Moreover, the conflict in Yizhou has already begun.”

Indeed, though things seemed calm on their side and no one made a move, in Yizhou the fighting was fierce. Zhang Liao led thirty thousand troops, along with Zang Ba, Cao Xing, and others, already engaged with Yan Liang’s forces.

“This stalemate cannot continue. We must change our strategy,” Liu Xie said gravely.

All eyes turned to him.

“Your Majesty, what plan do you propose?” Zhuge Liang asked.

“A challenge,” Liu Xie declared loudly. “Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, where are you?”

“We are at your command!” the four answered in unison.

“You four, starting now, go to the foot of Xuchang and issue a challenge. No one is to accompany you. Do you dare?”

The four’s faces lit up with excitement.

“Yes!”

Lü Bu, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were proud and fiery by nature, so sending them was no issue. Zhao Yun, though calm and unassuming, was known to be resolute and resourceful—one of the reasons Liu Xie had chosen him for the Wolf Shadow Guard.

“Very well. From this moment, you may go and challenge them!”

At Liu Xie’s order, the four mounted their warhorses and charged out of camp toward Xuchang. Zhuge Liang watched with a hint of worry.

“Your Majesty, might they not be in danger? After all, inside Xuchang there are over three hundred thousand troops,” he whispered.

Indeed, the four were vastly outnumbered. Should Cao Cao order an attack, it could be perilous. Yet Liu Xie remained calm.

“Do not worry. Cao Cao will not make a move. Come, let us observe how Fengxian and the others raise our morale,” Liu Xie said, leading Zhuge Liang and others to follow behind Lü Bu and the others.

The reason Liu Xie sent these four was clear: they were his most formidable men. Sending them out alone ensured no one could match them in single combat.

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Soon, the four arrived outside Xuchang city. Their appearance stirred commotion within the gates. Inside Cao Cao’s residence, the news caused immediate tension.

“Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun are coming out here alone to challenge us,” someone reported anxiously.

“Everyone, what do you suggest we do?” Cao Cao asked sternly.

The officers’ faces darkened.

“Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun—each is stronger than the last,” one remarked. “Do we even have anyone who can match them?”

At that moment, everyone pondered this question. The strength of those four was well known.

“Commander, in my opinion, we shouldn’t face them,” a subordinate timidly suggested.

“Commander, that’s not an option,” Guo Jia was the first to speak. “If we refuse to fight, others will think we fear them. That would severely damage our morale.”

A heavy silence followed. Indeed, Liu Xie’s intention was the same. If Cao’s forces dared engage, those who went out would likely perish at the hands of Lü Bu and the others. But if they did not, their morale would suffer greatly.

Now Cao Cao was troubled. To fight was to risk death; to refuse was to lose face and spirit.

“What shall we do? Should we fight?” someone asked.

“But almost no one here can match them,” another replied. “If those who go out are killed, our morale will plummet.”

They had considered every angle. They were trapped between a rock and a hard place.

“No matter what, we must fight,” Cao Cao decided decisively. “Even if we lose, it is better than showing cowardice.”

“But who will go out and fight?” came the next question. It was a difficult decision. Sending a top general who died would be disastrous. Sending a weaker man meant sending him to his death.

“Commander, in my opinion, we should send whoever is available. There is no need to fight to the death. If the situation turns against us, withdrawal is an option,” Xun Yu suggested.

Cao Cao nodded approvingly. “Exactly. We need not fight to the death. Just engage. Win or lose, survival is what matters. Against such masters, living to fight another day is victory in itself.”

“Very well. General Wen Chou, let us each send two of our best generals to battle. What say you?”

Cao Cao turned to Wen Chou, who understood the gravity of the situation and agreed without hesitation.

“Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, you two will fight!” Cao Cao ordered, sending his top warriors.

Wen Chou dispatched his best as well: Gao Lan and Han Meng.

All four were considered formidable warriors in their respective camps.

After issuing the orders, the four mounted and rode out of the city.

Once arrangements were complete and the crowd dispersed, Guo Jia immediately sought out Xun Yu.

“Xun Yu, why did you advise Cao Cao with such a plan? What if something happens to His Majesty’s side?”

Guo Jia suspected Xun Yu was aiding Cao Cao against Liu Xie. Though they were in Cao’s camp, their hearts remained loyal to Liu Xie—after all, Liu Xie was the Son of Heaven of the Han, and Xun Yu a loyal servant of the Han dynasty. Guo Jia himself held Liu Xie in great respect.

Xun Yu rolled his eyes at him. “Fengxian, do you not know what kind of masters Lü Bu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun are? Do you think Cao Cao and Wen Chou’s men will have any chance to escape if battle breaks out?”

Guo Jia nodded in understanding. He knew the strength of those four well. If fighting erupted, Cao Cao and Wen Chou’s forces might not escape alive.

Outside the city, Lü Bu and the others had been calling out for some time, yet no one responded. After a long wait, finally four horses charged out fiercely.

“Brothers, at last someone comes forth. How about we split the spoils?” they joked lightly, all aware of each other’s strength.

“Split the spoils? Is this enough?” Guan Yu stroked his beard confidently. “I think I alone could slay them all.”

“General Guan, His Majesty sent the four of us out to build morale,” Zhao Yun interjected. “If it were only about killing, I believe General Lü Bu could handle it alone. But that would not achieve what His Majesty intends.”

Zhao Yun’s words hit the mark.

“Yes, Zilong is right. Let’s split up and show the proper spirit for His Majesty,” Lü Bu said unexpectedly, his tone less boastful than usual.

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