Chapter 122: Lingering Resentments in Their Hearts

When Liu Bei was summoned by Yuan Shao, despite his inner turmoil, he maintained a perfectly composed expression. In his heart, he had already cursed Guan Yu a thousand times over. He had never imagined that Guan Yu, whom he had always considered to be firmly under his control, would actually betray him.

Yuan Shao immediately interrogated him: "The man who just killed my great general Wen Chou was clearly your second brother, Guan Yu. How dare you still claim you have not been colluding with the rebel Cao?"

Though inwardly unsettled, Liu Bei replied calmly and unhurriedly: "My Lord, why do you listen only to one-sided accounts? Since my defeat in Xuzhou, I have been separated from my second brother and have had no news of him since. There are far too many people in this world who resemble one another. Just because he has a crimson face, a long beard, and wields a great blade, does that prove it is Guan Yu? What if this is merely a ruse by Cao Cao to sow discord between us?"

Yuan Shao, a man lacking firm conviction, found some logic in Liu Bei's words. He turned to Ju Shou and asked: "You were the one who claimed the person on the battlefield was Guan Yu, yet Liu Bei says otherwise. How do you explain this?"

Ju Shou felt a vein throb in his temple, thinking Yuan Shao truly lacked a brain. He bowed and replied: "My Lord, I only said that the man bore a resemblance to Guan Yu; I did not dare to confirm his identity."

Indeed, how could he be certain it was Guan Yu? Yuan Shao smiled and looked at Liu Bei: "Xuande, it seems this was just a misunderstanding." He laughed it off, and Liu Bei, naturally, had no intention of dwelling on the matter. Yuan Shao then personally invited Liu Bei to sit, and they began to discuss their next moves. Whenever the conversation turned to military strategy, however, Liu Bei would deflect, claiming ignorance.

Just then, Xu You arrived, immediately drawing everyone's attention. He declared: "Although Cao Cao has lifted the siege of Baima, the balance of power cannot be reversed by a single victory. Our numbers still far exceed his."

"The gentleman is correct; that is exactly the case," Yuan Shao said, nodding repeatedly while stroking his beard.

Seeing this, Xu You continued: "We must not retreat; on the contrary, we must advance. We should immediately force a crossing of the Yellow River and strike directly at Cao Cao's main camp!"

At these words, Yuan Shao’s spirit flared, and he felt invincible again. "Excellent! We shall follow your advice, sir!"

Ju Shou stepped forward to object: "My Lord, I believe this is far too reckless. We should fortify our positions and send only one contingent to Guandu; that is the superior strategy."

Yuan Shao retorted coldly: "You short-sighted fool! Would that not squander our military advantage? Do you not even understand that speed is the essence of war?"

Ju Shou sighed deeply: "My Lord, if you are so blinded by greed for quick success, I fear the waters of the Yellow River will become our burial ground." Ignoring Yuan Shao’s contorted, furious expression, he claimed to be unwell and departed.

As Yuan Shao was about to erupt, Liu Bei stood up to steady him and said: "My Lord, do not be angry. I am willing to share this burden for you."

"Oh? And how would you do that, Xuande?" Yuan Shao asked.

Liu Bei smiled: "I am willing to lead a detachment into battle on your behalf to prove that I harbor no intentions of disloyalty."

"Very well. In that case, I will grant you five thousand troops to march with the main army." Yuan Shao, once again filled with confidence, convinced himself that the previous defeat was merely a minor oversight. With his army still vastly outnumbering Cao Cao's, he believed there was no way this campaign could fail.

Just as Yuan Shao was preparing to regroup and strike, discord was brewing within the Cao camp. Cao Peng was embroiled in a dispute with generals like Cao Ren, while Guan Yu, standing behind Cao Peng, glared at the men with fury.

Cao Peng said coldly: "Guan Yu killed Wen Chou and lifted the siege of Baima. What is wrong with bestowing upon him the title of Marquis of Hanshou for such a feat?"

Cao Ren immediately retorted: "Guan Yu is nothing but a surrendered general. Even if he killed Wen Chou this time, it is his first meritorious deed; how can he deserve such a reward?"

With Cao Ren leading the charge, others joined in the clamor: "Exactly! Guan Yu is the brother of that Liu the Big-Eared. The matter of their meeting has yet to be cleared up; at best, this is just a minor contribution. How can there be a reward?"

Cao Peng’s face darkened, and unable to listen further, he drew his Qinggang sword. The glint of the blade made everyone blink and gasp in shock.

"What—what are you doing?" Cheng Yu shouted sharply. "The Lord is here! How dare you be so insolent?"

Guo Jia also spoke up: "Anmin, sheath your sword. This is highly improper."

Cao Cao then stepped forward: "Anmin, let us set aside the matter of rewarding Guan Yu for the time being."

The generals like Cao Ren looked triumphant, as Cao Cao’s words effectively settled the matter. They had long been dissatisfied with Cao Peng, who had become the foremost figure in the army despite his short time there, fueling their jealousy.

Cao Peng remained silent, looking around. He realized that generals like Cao Ren, Xu Huang, and Le Jin, along with strategists like Cheng Yu and Guo Jia, had all begun to view him as a thorn in their side. He could understand the generals' jealousy, but he wondered why the strategists were also standing against him. Since he had no personal grievances with them, it was likely that the clans behind them were displeased with him. It seemed the consequences of suppressing the aristocratic families in Xudu were finally manifesting.

If it were only the jealousy of the generals and strategists, Cao Peng could have ignored it, but it was clear that Cao Cao himself now harbored reservations. How could he overlook that? Cao Peng commanded loyal and brave generals, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, the Brocade Guards, and strategists like Chen Qun and Mi Fang. He had become a faction that could not be ignored within the Cao camp. If he did not change his course, his conflict with Cao Cao would only intensify.

Perhaps...

"Uncle, the siege of Baima is lifted. I shall lead my own troops back to Xuzhou to wait for an opportunity," Cao Peng said, intending to leave the front lines for the relative tranquility of Xuzhou.

Cao Cao wanted to persuade him to stay, but found no words. "This, Anmin..."

Cao Ren interjected: "Wait! You may go, but leave behind the tiger tally for the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry!"

Cao Peng frowned; Cao Ren was truly determined to see this through to the end. "Fine!"

Leaving the tally on the table, Cao Peng departed with Guan Yu, not even bidding Cao Cao farewell. As they watched Cao Peng’s retreating figure, everyone realized that times had changed.