Chapter 76: The Emptied State of Chen, Visiting Your Wives and Concubines Another Day

In the second year of Jian'an, at the beginning of the eleventh lunar month in winter, everywhere within the borders of Chen State teemed with displaced people. The sudden heavy snowfall made this forced migration all the more arduous. Consequently, Chu Feng issued several orders each day, dispatching them to relay stations along the route, instructing them to prepare supplies against the cold and to receive the refugees. He also requisitioned boats along the river, ordering the elderly, women, and children to travel downstream.

Meanwhile, in the southeast, Sun Ce, upon learning that Chu Feng had utterly defeated Cao Cao, abandoned his assault on Yuzhang and marched his troops day and night, preparing to rush to the aid of Niuzhu Water Fort. Sun Ce could no longer withstand the pressure. Chu Feng’s resounding victory meant that if Niuzhu fell, he could easily imagine what the great clans of Wu Commandery and Danyang would do.

———

At the same time, in Xuchang, during the morning court session, all the civil and military officials were assembled below the dais, and the Emperor was already present. Yet all waited for one man: Cao Cao.

Previously, many officials had eagerly anticipated the approach of Chu Feng’s army, but the expected news never arrived. Instead, word came of Cao Cao’s return the previous night. As a result, a low buzz of conversation filled the court. Many officials shook their heads in silent grief; some even beat their chests and stamped their feet, lamenting in their hearts that Heaven aided the traitor Cao but not the Han.

Of course, these were the very people who became the most obedient in Cao Cao’s presence. The dogs that bark the loudest do not bite; those that bite do not bark.

On the throne, Emperor Liu Xie wore an expression of utter panic. He could not have been more distressed. Wasn’t Chu Feng supposed to be nearly at Xuchang already? Why hadn’t he arrived?

Just as the whispers swelled, Cao Cao entered the court clad in armor and sword at his side. Seeing the anxious faces of the assembled officials, he gave a sly chuckle.

“Your humble servant, Cao Cao, pays his respects to Your Majesty!”

“Rise, beloved subject,” Liu Xie stammered.

“Your Majesty, in recent days, your humble servant has heard rumors in the streets that the rebel Chu Feng has led his army to defeat me and is preparing to march on Xuchang, intent on overthrowing the Han dynasty!”

“These are pure fabrications!”

“Nevertheless, I beg Your Majesty to rest assured. So long as I draw breath, I shall not permit any traitor to harm Your Majesty in the slightest!”

With a respectful bow, Cao Cao’s words rang out with unshakable conviction.

“With you at my side, beloved subject, the realm is secure indeed,” Liu Xie replied, his words empty, forcing a smile while cursing Cao Cao inwardly.

Turning to the assembled officials, Cao Cao’s gaze grew meaningful. “Esteemed ministers, with Cao Mengde present, can the Han dynasty not be protected?”

At his words, most of the officials lowered their heads.

With a sharp clang, Cao Cao drew his sword and looked them up and down.

This startled the officials so much that many shuddered.

“General Cao excels in both civil and military affairs—none dare challenge him!”

“With General Cao here, Xudu is as impregnable as stone!”

“Indeed, General Cao is the loyal pillar of the Han dynasty!”

The civil officials forced smiles more bitter than tears as they echoed their praise. They knew full well that Cao Cao was issuing a warning: any hint of rebellion would be met with death.

Cao Cao gave a cold snort. This bunch of pedantic officials was more trouble than they were worth. Reversing his sword, he bowed low and presented it.

“Your Majesty, this sword has accompanied your servant for many years, claiming over a hundred enemy heads. Today, I offer it to Your Majesty for the cleansing of the court and the execution of traitors.”

Liu Xie swallowed hard and hastily signaled a eunuch to take the sword. Forcing a smile, he said, “With you at my side, beloved subject, the Han dynasty stands firm. Attend me, someone—reward him with a thousand acres of good land and ten thousand taels of gold!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Cao Cao bowed again. “However, Your Majesty, I have heard that there is unrest in Chen State. I beg your permission to lead troops to quell the rebellion and safeguard the Han lands!”

“Your devotion is commendable. Hear my command: I promote Cao Cao to Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, grant him the imperial staff of authority, and order him to suppress the rebellion in Chen State with his troops!” Liu Xie declared loudly.

———

That same year, in mid-November, outside the city of Chen in Chen State, Cao Cao arrived at the head of his army, his face as cold as frost.

He knew all too well that nearly the entire population of Chen City and the state had been evacuated—and he could do nothing but watch, helpless as one edict after another reached him.

“My lord, Chen City lies just ahead!” reported one of his aides.

Cao Cao said nothing, spurring his horse forward. He wanted to see for himself what remained of his domain.

Upon entering the city, he found the streets desolate. Almost no one remained within; only a few great clans had not fled.

Cao Cao felt a heavy blockage in his chest. He had always been the one to attack and plunder others, and now...

“My lord, a letter was found in the governor’s residence!” An armored soldier presented him with the letter.

On the envelope were the words: “To Mengde, personally.” Cao Cao tore it open at once.

“My thanks to my wise brother Mengde for the gift of one hundred thousand measures of grain and tens of thousands of people. Your painstaking efforts bring me great comfort. Should the chance arise, I shall visit your esteemed wives in person.

Your elder brother, Chu Feng. Do not fret, Mengde!”

After reading, Cao Cao’s gaze darkened, and his whole body trembled. Provocation—barefaced, undisguised provocation.

“Pursue them! Ready the troops and pursue at once!” Cao Cao roared, beside himself with rage. This man’s insolence was unbearable.

“My lord, our cavalry is limited, and Chu Feng began the migration over half a month ago. I fear it is already too late to give chase,” Guo Jia hastened to advise.

“After such humiliation, how can I let him go unpunished?”

Cao Cao ground his teeth in fury. This wretch truly knew how to get under one’s skin. Though not utterly defeated, he was left so enraged that his head spun.

“My lord, it is the dead of winter—ill-suited to military action. You should take immediate control of the counties within Chen State’s jurisdiction, gather the remaining populace, and prepare for spring planting,” Guo Jia quickly counseled.

He knew that it was unlikely they would catch up with anything of value now. Better to consolidate the territory. After all, Chen State still had a population in the tens of thousands; in just a month, Chu Feng could not have relocated that many.

Cao Cao steadied his emotions and was about to speak when an armored soldier arrived with a report: “My lord, there is a man outside the city calling himself Liu Bei, Inspector of Yuzhou, requesting an audience.”

“Liu Bei?” Cao Cao raised an eyebrow.

He had heard of this man, famed for his benevolent rule of the province, later defeated by Lü Bu and forced to garrison Xiaopei. Why had he suddenly appeared here?

“Let him in!”

Before long, Liu Bei entered, striding in with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The leading figure, Liu Bei, radiated poise and dignity, with a resolute brow and the air of one destined for greatness.

“I have long heard of Lord Xuande’s reputation. Now that I meet you, you are indeed extraordinary.”

“You flatter me, Lord Cao—I am but a defeated general.” Liu Bei responded with neither arrogance nor servility, even managing a warm smile as he bowed.

Cao Cao’s eyes brightened; he was somewhat taken aback by Liu Bei’s bearing. When he himself lost Yanzhou, he had hardly been so composed.

“Xuande, victory and defeat are common in war. If Lü Bu has bested you, then take it back!” Cao Cao declared. “Cao Ren, select three thousand elite troops and give them to Xuande!”

Cao Ren: “...Yes, my lord!”

“Lord Cao, what is the meaning of this?” Liu Bei frowned.

“Xuande, the lords of the realm are carving up the land, yet you are a scion of the imperial family. Can you simply stand by and watch? When I return to the capital, I shall memorialize His Majesty to appoint you Governor of Yuzhou! As for these several thousand troops, take them. Go to Peiguo, rally the scattered soldiers—I will supply you with rations and arms. Just focus on defeating Lü Bu!” Cao Cao said, patting Liu Bei’s shoulder with solemn intent.

“Xuande thanks Lord Cao and will surely do his utmost to pacify all the commanderies of Xuzhou for the Han,” Liu Bei replied, bowing with renewed confidence.

“Very well, off you go!”

With that, Liu Bei and Guan and Zhang departed.

Zhang Fei said, “Elder brother, this old fox Cao Cao is surprisingly generous!”

Guan Yu replied, “Third brother, it’s not generosity—it’s that he wishes to use a borrowed knife to kill. He intends to use our brother’s influence in Xiaopei to counter Lü Bu.”

“Damn that little schemer, trying to use my brother!” Zhang Fei cursed.

Liu Bei said, “Second and third brothers, do not speak rashly. Lord Cao’s gift of troops is a great favor, and we must remember it. In time, we shall repay his kindness.”

PS: Another chapter will be posted later!