NOVPUB"Zichuan, you stay behind to collect supplies, and I, along with Fengxiao, Ziyang, Yunchang, Yide, and Zilong, will lead fifty thousand men to rescue Tao Gongzu. Once you’ve gathered the supplies, lead Zijian and the others to act as the situation demands. You, Anguo, will act as Zichuan’s guard," Liu Bei decided after a brief consideration, resolving to stop Cao Cao’s slaughter himself. 𝚗𝚘v𝚙𝚞b.𝚌𝚘m
Now, Liu Bei could not afford to concern himself with the fact that Tao Qian had not requested his aid. His sole focus was to annihilate Cao Mengde.
"Very well, Lord Xuande can go ahead. I will collect the supplies and, once everything is ready, I too will lead troops to Xuzhou," Chen Xi nodded, confident that with fifty thousand soldiers, along with Guan, Zhang, and Zhao, and strategists like Guo Jia and Liu Ye, they would be no less formidable than Cao Cao’s forces.
"Then, let’s move out. I can’t wait any longer!" Liu Bei, abandoning his previous composure, issued the command directly, his hatred for Cao Cao evident.
"Zilong, take three thousand cavalry and get to Xuzhou first. Block Cao Hong’s army that’s spreading towards Langya," Liu Bei ordered, pointing towards the region around Xuzhou Langya. Only the White Horse Soldiers, the fastest cavalry in the land, could reach the battlefield in such short order.
"Understood!" Zhao Yun’s scholarly countenance took on a hint of icy resolve; Cao Cao’s actions were utterly indefensible in the eyes of a people-loving military general like him—their values were completely at odds, irreconcilable. After saying this, Zhao Yun left the hall with a clasped fist to prepare his troops for battle.
"Yunchang, Yide, Fengxiao, Ziyang," Liu Bei rose and addressed the men, "There’s no need for a rallying oath, no need for a declaration of war. March directly to Xuzhou. I, Liu Xuande, will wage an unannounced war this time. Cao Mengde must die! Let’s go!"
"Understood!" The four men followed Liu Bei out of the hall, with Xuu Chu and Li Youu quickly falling in step behind them.
After Liu Bei had left, the assembled civil officials and military generals looked towards Chen Xi. Liu Bei had not taken back the power, instead entrusting half the military authority to Chen Xi, inspiring envy in everyone present.
"Prepare the supplies; we’re going to destroy Cao Mengde!" Chen Xi said coldly for the first time, Cao Cao having crossed a line that not even pretense could cover. He had hoped that Cao Cao would consider his reputation and reckon with his enemies, but Cao Cao had disregarded everything.
["Wrong once, there can’t be a second time. Cao Mengde, it’s time for you to die!"] A fierce light flashed in Chen Xi’s eyes. "Wen He, get ready to make contact with Chen Gongtai and Yuan Gonglu. For Yuan Benchu’s side, also make contact. To this extent, as long as Yuan Benchu is not foolish, he will not aid Cao Mengde."
"Understood!" Jia Wenhe didn’t say more and nodded immediately.
"Zizhong, the collection of supplies depends on you," Chen Xi instructed Mi Zhu.
"Understood." Mi Zhu, recognizing the urgency of the matter, naturally nodded in agreement.
"Weishuo, it’s up to you to ensure that this incident becomes known throughout the land!" Chen Xi turned to Liu Yan. "Round up all the scholars in the land who are skilled in literature and of good conduct; let the entire world know what Cao Mengde has done!"
"It will take some time. I can contact quite a few scholars skilled in this area, but the ones meeting your criteria are probably only Chen Kongzhang and Mii Zhengping," Liu Yan did not simply agree to the task, since the heavy snow made spreading proclamations difficult. Nevertheless, he was confident he could rally a few high-level combat powers.
"Just the two of them!" Chen Xi’s pale face revealed a hint of a smile, astonished at how widespread Liu Yan’s connections were. The money spent before had not been in vain; he had even managed to reach out to top-tier Three Kingdoms trash-talkers like Chen Lin and Mii Heng.
"No problem, it takes just around a dozen days to Jizhou and Qingzhou. Just send them a jar of good wine, and they will produce excellent writings for me." Liu Yan confidently stated, assured of his status within the circle of noted scholars. He belonged to the very top echelon, capable of receiving grand receptions anywhere, just like Zheng Xuan.
"I’ll leave this matter to you, and then you must find a way to stir up the entire scholar class of the Great Han to denounce Cao Mengde, ensuring that no more talented officials will ever consider joining him!" Chen Xi instructed Liu Yan. After spending so much money to almost entirely penetrate the noted scholars’ circle, it was time to use Cao Cao as practice.
"That will be somewhat difficult; I will need time to prepare. But from what you said, are you implying that Cao Mengde will not meet his end in Xuzhou?" Liu Yan asked in surprise. The entire force of Mount Tai couldn’t eliminate Cao Cao?
"Just in case. If he dies, then let his Cao Family bear the sin." An icy smile crossed Chen Xi’s pale face.
"Zijing, prepare supplies and provisions, ready to accommodate refugees at the border between Qingzhou and Xuzhou, and try to minimize the death toll." Chen Xi directed Lub Su. "After the refugees enter, handle the land allocation and residencies thoroughly, and make sure they have no grievances."
"Understood," Lub Su sighed, relieved that they had a substantial reserve of supplies; otherwise, it would have been a disaster.
"Xianhe, you personally go to meet with Yuan Benchu. Yuan Benchu is also a mighty lord, but he is indecisive. Speak clearly about the pros and cons, and he will remain unsure even after this matter concludes." Chen Xi beckoned Jian Yong, sending this diplomatic expert to detain the possible ally of Cao Cao for as long as possible. What remained was to beat Cao Cao to the ground!
"Xiaozhi, you must collect all intelligence regarding this matter in Xuzhou. List any unusual movements among the Xuzhou officials. I want the direct cause of Cao Song’s death, so don’t broaden the scope. The people of Xuzhou still require an explanation," Chen Xi said calmly, now fully engaged in his role.
"Understood." Fa Zheng bowed to Chen Xi, no longer as nonchalant as before, knowing when to perform his duties.
"Zichuan, are you planning to take over Xuzhou?" Jia Wenhe frowned. "This is not in line with our established strategy. After all, the local powers of Xuzhou are still extremely strong, and even if we take it, we will have to compromise with the nobility."
"Compromise?" A harsh light flashed in Chen Xi’s eyes. He had never before declared he would eradicate the nobility upon seeing them, but this time, if they dared to stand in their way, they should not hope to live.
"Leave this matter to me to resolve. There’s no need to tarnish our image. After all, it has not been easy to have some nobles begin to defect. There’s no need for self-harm. Even without taking over Xuzhou, we can still gain the greatest benefits," Jia Xu quickly discerned Chen Xi’s ruthless intentions and knew he was prepared to cut through the mess with a swift strike.
"Good." A flicker of intrigue passed through Chen Xi’s eyes. Since Jia Xu was so confident, the handling of Xuzhou affairs would be observed to see how flawlessly he managed it.
By the time Chen Xi finished arranging government affairs, Zhao Yun had already led the White Horse Soldiers, which now included other elements, with only five days’ worth of rations and clad in fur coats, setting off for Xuzhou in advance. Meanwhile, Liu Bei was also transporting provisions and mobilizing troops, ready to depart within three hours; the great battle with Cao Cao was on the brink of erupting. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (qidian.com), recommend monthly tickets, and your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)
