Chapter 123: The Reunion of Liu, Guan, and Zhang

After walking out of Cao Cao’s tent, Guan Yu immediately asked, “General, do you truly think I care about such empty titles? You needn’t quarrel with the Chancellor on my account.”

Cao Peng smiled. “This matter is not aimed solely at you. Some people have long since taken a dislike to me and are merely using this as an excuse to vent their anger.”

Guan Yu could not understand who could be so petty.

Cao Peng smiled faintly. “Do not dwell on it. When all is said and done, this matter is directed at me.”

After offering Guan Yu a few words of comfort, Cao Peng began considering the truth hidden behind the incident.

Just as he had analyzed moments earlier, the great clans were expressing their dissatisfaction with him through this opportunity to suppress him.

The Guo, Xun, and Xiahou clans all had intricate ties with Cao Cao, which was why they dared to act so boldly.

If Cao Peng continued to oppose them, he could indeed stand on equal footing with them.

But he felt that would be unwise. It would only create increasing friction between himself and Cao Cao.

He had merely wanted to request a title for Guan Yu, yet they had obstructed him so forcefully. If some major event occurred in the future, they would likely resist him even more fiercely.

This time, Cao Peng truly intended to return to Xu Province. Ever since he had sent Zhang Liao to station troops there and seize control of the region, Cao Cao had tacitly acknowledged Xu Province as Cao Peng’s territory.

Cao Peng would take only Guan Yu with him on this journey. He had already handed over the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and would not go back on his word.

However, before he could depart, Yuan Shao’s army had already arrived. The urgent signal from the messenger had reached the central command.

Under such circumstances, Cao Peng could not leave. He would have to wait until the battle was over, so he temporarily remained to observe Cao Cao’s command.

Everyone was as frantic as ants on a hot griddle, Cao Cao most of all. He hurriedly ordered his senior generals to attack at once.

“Anmin, what do you think we should do this time?” Cao Cao asked.

Cao Peng smiled. “Guo Fengxiao and Cheng Zhongde are here. How could a junior like me presume to instruct the masters? Uncle, why not ask for their opinions?”

Cao Cao knew that Cao Peng was deliberately avoiding the matter. Though irritated, he did not lose his temper.

Guo Jia was a man of genuine talent and learning, and naturally was not afraid of such a test.

He offered his strategy. “Let the supplies advance first as bait, while our army follows behind in an unusual formation. That should lure Yuan Shao’s forces into the trap.”

Cao Cao immediately accepted the proposal.

When the grain and provisions were pushed toward the banks of the Yellow River, they happened to encounter Yuan Shao’s army.

Shouts and cries of slaughter rose from every direction.

Yuan Shao had lost both Yan Liang and Wen Chou, so he could only appoint Zhang He and Gao Lan as his commanders.

The two men saw that Cao Cao had placed his grain and supplies at the front and was sending them straight toward Yuan Shao’s forces. They felt Cao Cao was treating them with utter contempt and were instantly enraged.

“Cao Cao truly thinks too little of us!” Zhang He shouted.

The entire army then charged out. They paid no attention to defense and knew only how to attack. Seeing the enemy rush straight toward him, Cao Cao laughed aloud.

Cao Ren and the others could no longer hold their ground and sent soldiers to request instructions.

Guo Jia immediately said, “We should avoid their initial momentum!”

The Cao army promptly withdrew behind a mound of earth.

As Yuan Shao’s forces surged forward in great numbers, the grain and provisions were completely seized by the enemy. The others began to grumble against Guo Jia.

“Master Fengxiao, what kind of strategy was that?”

“Our provisions have fallen into the enemy’s hands. Haven’t we suffered a disastrous loss?”

Guo Jia merely smiled. “The moment has come. All we need is a surprise force to charge straight into them.”

“Once we throw this enemy force into confusion, they will surely collapse on their own!”

Cao Ren fell silent. He did not possess such courage. With the army already at a disadvantage, how could he dare charge forward?

Seizing the opportunity, Cao Peng said, “General Xu Huang, General Xiahou—this is the moment for warriors to earn merit. Why are you being so modest?”

Xiahou Dun was a hot-tempered man by nature. He glared at Cao Peng and immediately volunteered for battle.

After Cao Cao nodded, Xiahou Dun and Xu Huang charged out together.

Still uneasy, Cao Cao ordered Yu Jin to cover their retreat.

The soldiers rushed down the slope, throwing Yuan Shao’s forces into immediate disorder.

However, the several commanders leading the Cao army were only mediocre in martial skill.

Yuan Shao also had capable men under his command, and his soldiers outnumbered Cao Cao’s by several times. Gradually, they began to suppress the Cao army once more.

Standing on the hillside, Cao Cao knew they absolutely could not allow this opportunity to pass. He turned to Cao Peng and said, “Anmin, this is no time for internal disputes. You must act!”

Having received Cao Cao’s order, Cao Peng also understood that it would be inappropriate to continue standing by.

“The title of Marquis of Hanshou must be granted to Guan Yu!”

Before setting out, Cao Peng repeated his condition.

Cao Cao smiled bitterly. “Very well. Lead the attack first. Everything can be discussed afterward.”

This time, no one dared to stop Cao Peng. If they obstructed him and he refused to fight, they might be plunged into a military crisis.

Cao Peng donned his armor, mounted his horse, and took up his Dragon-Scale Halberd. After giving it a light sweep, he looked toward Guan Yu.

Guan Yu held his Green Dragon Crescent Blade and mounted his warhorse, following close behind.

He had heard Cao Peng’s words clearly. He had never expected Cao Peng still to be thinking of requesting a title for him even now.

At that thought, Guan Yu resolved to win glory on the battlefield and repay Cao Peng’s wholehearted kindness.

If Cao Peng had known what he was thinking, he would certainly have laughed inwardly. You are reading too much into it. It was merely something he had done along the way.

Guan Yu led the cavalry in a charge left and right, moving through the enemy ranks as though no one stood in his path.

But just as he was reveling in the slaughter, an eighteen-span serpent spear suddenly came thrusting toward him.

Guan Yu used the power of his Green Dragon Crescent Blade to knock the spear aside, surprise appearing on his face.

The black-faced man wielding the eighteen-span serpent spear was none other than Zhang Fei.

“Second Brother,” Zhang Fei roared, “have you truly betrayed us for wealth and glory?”

For a moment, hesitation crossed Guan Yu’s face. He did not know how to explain himself to Zhang Fei.

“Third Brother, all this time we have been deceived by Liu Bei, that big-eared swindler!”

Zhang Fei gave a cold laugh. “You insolent wretch! You actually dare call your sworn elder brother a big-eared swindler? It seems that man has completely clouded your judgment!”

“Then give me your life!”

With that, Zhang Fei wielded his serpent spear and engaged Guan Yu in combat.

Just as their weapons clashed and the two men entered a tense stalemate, Liu Bei came galloping toward them from a distance.

“Yun Chang,” Liu Bei asked, “are you truly willing to cast aside the bond between us for wealth and glory?”

Though Guan Yu had cursed fiercely moments earlier, upon seeing Liu Bei, his expression still became somewhat troubled.

“You are not truly a descendant of the Han imperial house. You have deceived me all this time—is that not so?” Guan Yu demanded harshly.

Liu Bei had never expected Guan Yu to ask such a question. He was instantly struck pale with shock.

“Who is it that dares sow such discord?”