Chapter 015: Cao Cao’s Defense

“Lord Sikong, I have come today because I acquired a cart of fine wine. Knowing that you are a lover of good drink, I decided to deliver it personally. Since you happen to be here, I’ll hand the wine over to you and take my leave so as not to disturb your military affairs.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao burst out laughing. “You Wei, now that you’ve pledged loyalty to me, we are all family. Why speak so formally? Besides, as I said, I happen to need to discuss something with you—come with me back to the camp for a talk.”

Zhang Xiu found himself in a predicament, unable to decide whether to go or stay. If he went, it would mean entrusting his life to another’s hands; if he refused, it would expose the unease in his heart. The thought of acting now crossed his mind again and again, but he was wary of the fierce Dian Wei standing behind Cao Cao. This man, clad in armor and armed, showed no weakness whatsoever. With his strength alone, he could fend off a thousand men.

Jia Xu, seeing Zhang Xiu hesitate, feared he might betray himself and arouse Cao Cao’s suspicion, so he spoke up, “General, since Lord Sikong’s invitation is so earnest, let us accept and go to his camp.”

“Very well…” Zhang Xiu replied, resigned.

Cao Peng breathed a sigh of relief; only a peaceful resolution would fulfill his task. The group followed Cao Cao into his camp. Zhang Xiu looked around, noting that Cao Cao’s troops were stationed atop rugged peaks—high ground, easy to defend and hard to assault. He thought to himself that if force were necessary, his own men would suffer heavy losses.

That night, Cao Cao held a banquet to entertain Zhang Xiu and his fellows.

At the feast, Cao Cao spoke casually, and Zhang Xiu responded in kind. Throughout the evening, Zhang Xiu remained vigilant, wary that this was a trap, a banquet filled with hidden assassins. Yet as the banquet drew to a close, nothing suspicious happened. Zhang Xiu began to think he had been overly cautious.

“Ah…” Cao Cao let out a tactical sigh, and Cao Peng and the others knew his performance was about to begin.

“You Wei, there is something I am deeply ashamed of, and I wish to apologize to you!”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiu, who had just relaxed, instantly became alert again. Jia Xu, beside him, perked up, curious about what Cao Cao would say.

“Why do you say so, Lord Sikong?” Zhang Xiu asked.

Cao Cao merely sighed and shook his head, then called out towards the door, “Bring it in!”

Moments later, a soldier entered, carrying a lavishly decorated box and set it before Zhang Xiu.

“You Wei, this is my token of apology. Please, open it and see.”

Seeing Cao Cao’s solemn manner, Zhang Xiu took the box in confusion and slowly opened it. To his shock, inside was the severed head of Hu Che’er!

Zhang Xiu, seasoned in battle, was not frightened by the sight of a bloodied head, but he immediately looked at Cao Cao with puzzled eyes.

Previously, Cao Cao had valued Hu Che’er highly, publicly rewarding him with gold and silver. Hu Che’er himself had been eager to curry favor, even leading Cao Cao to the countryside manor of Madame Zou when Cao Cao sought her company. Given all this, why had Cao Cao killed Hu Che’er, and why present his head to Zhang Xiu?

“What does this mean, Lord Sikong?” Zhang Xiu asked with a frown.

Cao Cao replied with bitterness, “I know there were misunderstandings between you and me, all caused by this villain! Today, I have severed his head and present it to you, hoping you will no longer hold our past grievances against me.”

Cao Cao’s words, in the end, were spoken with utmost sincerity. Then he went on to recount the entire matter in detail—though, of course, the account had been carefully crafted and polished by Cao Peng. Still, the tale was so vivid, so convincing, that it gave no hint of falsehood.

Cao Peng, observing from the side, could not help but admire him. If nothing else, Cao Cao’s composure alone justified his reputation as a formidable leader.

After all, who else could face someone intent on his own demise and still speak so calmly and confidently?

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiu, listening to the story, was utterly stunned. He was so shaken by the tale that he was left speechless, unsure how to react to this sudden turn of events.