Chapter 68: An Impending Invasion? Time to Slip Away

Cao Cao’s defeat at Wancheng dealt him a heavy blow.

Not only was his entire thirty-thousand-strong army annihilated, but his son, nephew, and one of his trusted generals also perished on the battlefield. This loss went beyond mere physical damage; it felt akin to having an arm severed!

Upon fleeing back to Xu County from Wancheng, Cao Cao retreated into his study, refusing to emerge or see anyone, regardless of their importance.

This situation deeply concerned Xun You and other close advisors.

“What should we do about my lord’s state?” Xun You gazed anxiously at the tightly closed door of the study, his face filled with worry, yet unable to find a solution.

He understood that while losing troops in the battle of Wancheng was significant, the primary concern was Cao Ang’s death and the damage to Cao Cao’s reputation.

As the eldest son, Cao Ang held great promise and was considered Cao Cao’s successor. His comical demise at Wancheng stemmed directly from Cao Cao’s obsession with Boule!

It was clear that once this news spread, Cao Cao would become the laughingstock of the realm, leaving an indelible stain on his reputation.

This was the true reason for Cao Cao’s despondency.

Xu Chu, standing nearby, grew anxious and couldn’t help but interject, “Let me break down the door! My lord hasn’t eaten for three days. Surely we can’t just watch him starve to death in his study!”

Dian Wei’s death deeply saddened Xu Chu, as they were close friends who often drank together and sparred during their free time. However, despite his grief, he believed Dian Wei died honorably while protecting their lord, with no regrets.

Allowing their lord to perish from thirst or starvation, though, would be utterly absurd!

“Xu Chu, you must not,” Xun Yu intervened, restraining Xu Chu’s impulsive action. With a solemn sigh, he said, “The pain of losing a child is not easily overcome.”

“Let us wait a little longer.”

Hearing this, Xu Chu reluctantly suppressed his frustration.

As they continued discussing, a woman approached. The crowd hastily made way for her, bowing respectfully upon sighting her.

“Greetings, Madam.”

This woman was none other than Cao Cao’s wife, Madam Ding.

Madam Ding appeared to be around thirty years old, with delicate features. However, she looked gaunt now, her eyes red-rimmed, dressed entirely in plain white mourning attire.

Ignoring Xun Yu and others’ greetings, she stared fixedly at the study room and declared emotionlessly, “Cao Mengde, come out here!”

No sound emerged from within the study.

Madam Ding let out a cold laugh. “Do you think locking yourself away without eating or drinking absolves your guilt towards Zixiu?”

“Let me tell you, even if you starve to death, it won’t redeem your sins!

“It was your fault that both Zixiu and Amin died!”

Madam Ding unleashed a torrent of scathing words, showing no restraint whatsoever.

After a moment, the study door creaked open.

Cao Cao, who hadn’t left for three days, stepped out. His prolonged fasting inside the study had visibly thinned him, his eyes sunken and face drawn, yet his gaze remained intensely menacing, daring anyone to meet it head-on.

Looking at Madam Ding, Cao Cao spoke calmly, “Did you come just to berate me? If so, go ahead.”

“As if mere words suffice!”

Madam Ding clenched her teeth, tears welling up in her eyes as she spoke with bitterness and resentment, “You selfish, shameless bastard! You let Zixiu die needlessly for some woman! Why wasn’t it you who perished?”

“How dare you even return alive!”

Cao Cao lowered his head, remaining silent without responding.

Witnessing this scene, Xun Yu and others nearby felt their scalps tingling with unease. They were unsure whether to leave or stay, feeling trapped like sitting on pins and needles.

After venting her anger, Madam Ding finally paused, wiping away tears as she spitefully said, “If you have any conscience left, bring back Zixiu’s remains. I don’t want my son lying unburied in the wilderness!”

Her words unleashed an uncontrollable flood of tears, streaming down like broken pearls.

She covered her face, turned abruptly, and ran out of the courtyard.

Watching her depart, Cao Cao opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing, closing his eyes wearily.

“My lord…” Seeing this, Xun Yu wanted to offer some comforting words.

However, Cao Cao raised his hand to interrupt, suddenly opening his eyes which now radiated chilling malice and overwhelming fury.

“Convey my military command!”

“Assemble the generals, prepare for immediate deployment!”

“Raze Wancheng to the ground!”

Meanwhile, back at Wancheng, Zhang Xiu was deeply troubled.

Despite defeating Cao Cao’s thirty-thousand-strong army and securing Wancheng, he couldn’t find it within himself to rejoice.

He knew all too well that although losing three thousand troops dealt a significant blow to Cao Cao, with his dominance over Yanzhou and Yuzhou, the number of soldiers under his command far exceeded this loss!

Given the death of his son and nephew at Wancheng, Cao Cao would undoubtedly assemble a massive force for revenge and return to attack!

What could Zhang Xiu possibly use to defend against such an onslaught?

Growing increasingly anxious, Zhang Xiu turned to Jia Xu beside him and asked, “Sir, what should we do?”

In contrast to Zhang Xiu’s fretful demeanor, Jia Xu remained composed, leisurely sipping his tea.

“There is a solution, and it’s quite simple,” Jia Xu said calmly after taking another sip. “Abandon Wancheng and flee immediately with your men.”

“Flee?” Zhang Xiu was taken aback, expecting some ingenious strategy from Jia Xu, not a suggestion to simply abandon the city and run.

Jia Xu looked up and replied, “Do you truly intend to face Cao Cao head-on, General? He won’t give you another chance to surrender now. Not only does he seek vengeance for his son, but he also aims to make an example out of you, sending a message to the world about the consequences of defying the Emperor’s decree.”

“If we stay, there is no escape from our fate.”

Zhang Xiu fell silent at this suggestion. Honestly, he had grown weary of living like a stray dog, and abandoning Wancheng to flee elsewhere was not appealing.

However…they had no choice but to run.

After some contemplation, Zhang Xiu asked, “Sir, where do you suggest we flee? Should we return to Liang Province?”

“No, not at all.” Jia Xu shook his head with one finger raised, then smiled. “Xu County has its Emperor, but does Jizhou lack one as well?

“General, if you flee to Jizhou, Yuan Shao will undoubtedly accept you. No matter how powerful Cao Cao may be, he cannot compare to Yuan Shao.”

“This would ensure our safety.”

Upon hearing the proposal to join Yuan Shao, Zhang Xiu hesitated, expressing concern: “But Jizhou is far from Wancheng; we’d have to cross through Yuzhou and Yanzhou. How could we possibly make it there?

“Moreover, Yuan Shao commands vast armies and numerous generals. Even if I go, I doubt I’ll receive significant favor. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to seek refuge under Yuan Shu instead?”

Zhang Xiu remained cautious about aligning with Yuan Shao. However, Yuan Shu was different - having declared himself emperor amidst attacks from various warlords, he desperately needed capable individuals at this time.

If he led his troops there, he might still have a chance to distinguish himself. Moreover, Yangzhou was prosperous and close to Wancheng.

After careful deliberation, Zhang Xiu made up his mind. Looking at Jia Xu, he declared, “Sir, I’ve decided—to join Yuan Shu!”

“You…” Stunned, Jia Xu regarded Zhang Xiu as if looking at a fool before setting down his teacup.

“Since General, you have already resolved, there is little more for me to say. Let us part ways here.”

With that, Jia Xu rose, bowed courteously to Zhang Xiu, and strode towards the door without any hint of reluctance.

He had offered his advice; whether it was heeded lay with Zhang Xiu alone. One cannot dissuade fate from claiming its due.

Now, it was time for him to find his own path forward.

“The Emperor in Yecheng, perhaps…”

As Jia Xu walked away from the residence, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Truthfully, he held no fondness for Yuan Shao, whose narrow-mindedness and lack of tolerance made him far from an ideal choice. However, exploring the situation around the Emperor under Yuan Shao’s control could be worthwhile.

In any case, with the talents of Jia Wenhe, were there truly places across this vast land where he would not be welcome? A slight smile tugged at Jia Xu’s lips as he confidently stepped out of Zhang Manor.