Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 1227 Cao Cao and Liu Bei Clash at the Gates of Xuchang

Outside Xuchang in May, the tents of Cao Cao's army stretched for miles, yet an atmosphere of anxiety permeated the air. Cao Cao stood before his command tent, clutching a letter from Qiao County, the paper crumpled in his hand. Only now did he learn of Cao Ang's arrangements in Chang'an—Cao Zhi, Cao Zhang, and Cao Chong had all been left behind in Xiliang.

"Ma Chao's move is truly..." Cao Cao cursed under his breath, unsure whether to be angry or sigh. Winning over Cao Ang wasn't enough; even his three young sons had become "regulars" in Chang'an. This move was both subtle and forceful, leaving Cao Cao unable to retaliate.

Inside the tent, Guo Jia was coughing. Hearing this, he looked up, a sharp glint in his eyes: "My lord, Ma Chao's actions, though seemingly kind, are actually a scheme. Keeping the three princes in Chang'an not only keeps the eldest prince in check, but also gives you a 'reassurance,' making you hesitant to act rashly."

Cao Cao turned and entered the tent, slamming the letter onto the table: "I was hesitant about the successor before, but now it seems I have no choice." He looked at the large banner with the character "Cao" fluttering outside the tent, and his tone became serious. "Zixiu is too soft-hearted. He was swayed by the warmth of Xiliang and even left his younger brothers in the enemy camp. How will he be able to take charge of the overall situation in the future?"

Guo Jia put down the medicine bowl and said slowly, "My lord has already made a decision. The second son, Cao Pi, is calm and reserved, and he showed his responsibility during the Xu Du Incident. Now, the eldest son... is inclined towards Xiliang, so the second son is indeed the most suitable candidate."

"Sigh," Cao Cao rubbed his throbbing temples. "Forget it, let's not think about these things for now. Xuchang has been under attack for over a month, and its defenses are strong. Lü Bu is quite tough. What's more troublesome is Liu Bei—he just occupied Runan, but instead of managing it properly, he's led his troops to the vicinity of Xuchang, clearly intending to reap the benefits."

The map on the table had several dots circled in red. Xuchang was completely surrounded by Cao Cao's army, and in the hilly area south of the city, scouts with the character "Liu" on their banners could be seen moving about.

"With Lü Bu holding firm and Liu Bei surrounding us, it seems we won't be able to take Xuchang anytime soon." Cao Cao pointed his finger at the city wall of Xuchang. "Our supplies are almost gone. If this drags on any longer, something might happen in the army."

Guo Jia pondered for a moment and said, "Why not divide our forces? Let General Cao Ren continue the siege, while you, my lord, personally lead an elite force to give Liu Bei a warning. He has just acquired Runan and his foundation is not yet stable, so he may not dare to truly confront our army head-on. If we defeat him, we can then turn around and deal with Lü Bu, which might break the deadlock."

Cao Cao nodded: "That's the only way. Liu Bei is the most cunning fellow. If we don't teach him a lesson, he'll really think our army is a pushover." He called out to the messenger, "Pass on my order: Cao Ren, continue the attack on the city without slackening! Yu Jin and Xu Chu, come with me out of the camp to meet Liu Xuande!"

The wind outside the tent whipped up dust, causing the commander's banner to flutter wildly. Cao Cao gazed at the tightly closed gates of Xuchang, then thought of his young sons left behind in Chang'an, his heart filled with mixed emotions. In chaotic times, family ties and ambitions are always intertwined; all he could do was tighten his grip on his sword.

In the hilly area bordering Runan and Xuchang, a faint aroma of tea filled Liu Bei's camp. Generals Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Wen Pin, and Mi Fang stood around the tent, each clad in armor, exuding a chilling aura. Pang Tong sat opposite Liu Bei, gazing thoughtfully at the map on the table.

"My lord," Pang Tong broke the silence, his voice sharp, "Cao Cao and Lü Bu are locked in a fierce battle in Xuchang, and are exhausted. Our army has just captured Runan, and our forces are at their peak. If we launch a surprise attack on Cao Cao's rear, we can not only take Xuchang, but also severely damage Cao Cao. At that time, Qiao County will be within our grasp."

Liu Bei stroked his beard, his brows furrowing slightly: "Shiyuan, you are unaware of this. Our march to Xuchang was originally to investigate the cause of the late emperor's death, not to make enemies of Cao Cao or Lü Bu. If we were to rashly launch a surprise attack on Cao Cao, wouldn't it be a case of gaining more than we lose? People would say that I, Liu Xuande, am using the name of the world to do unjust things and have lost my morals."

He paused, his tone growing more serious: "Moreover, Cao Cao and Ma Chao have just formed a marriage alliance. If I were to wage war against Cao Cao at this time, it would inevitably put my junior brother (Ma Chao) in a difficult position. The Xiliang army is strong and well-equipped, and Ma Chao's bravery is unparalleled in the world. If we were to develop a grudge against him because of this, we would have to face Cao Cao, Lü Bu, and Xiliang at the same time, making enemies on three sides. How could we possibly withstand that?"

"Brother, what are you afraid of!" Zhang Fei couldn't contain himself and shouted in a rough voice, "If Ma Chao dares to interfere, I, Zhang Fei, would like to have my Serpent Spear challenge his Golden Spear again!"

Liu Bei looked displeased and said in a deep voice, "Yide! When will you change your reckless nature? Putting aside personal feelings, Ma Chao was able to defeat Lü Bu. How can you and I easily match his fighting strength? If we really fight, what are our chances of winning?"

Zhang Fei's neck turned red from the scolding. Although he was still indignant, he knew that his elder brother was right. He had personally witnessed Ma Chao's bravery when they attacked Dong Zhuo, and last year, Lü Bu was defeated by Ma Chao. He was still a little scared. He muttered a few words and then fell silent.

Zhao Yun stepped forward and said gently, "My lord's considerations are very thorough. However, Cao Cao and Lü Bu are locked in a stalemate. If our army does not take action at this time, we may miss a golden opportunity. Perhaps we should hold back and observe the situation?"

Liu Bei nodded: "Zilong is absolutely right. Let's set up camp outside Xuchang first and see if Cao Cao and Lü Bu fight to the death before we make any further plans."

Just as they were discussing the matter, a scout rushed in to report: "My lord! Cao Cao has personally led his elite troops out of the camp and is heading straight for our garrison!"

"Hey! Speak of the devil!" Zhang Fei immediately perked up, grabbing his spear. "Brother, this isn't us looking for trouble, he's come knocking on our door! We should teach this old scoundrel a lesson this time, shouldn't we?"

A fierce glint flashed in Liu Bei's eyes as he slowly rose to his feet: "In that case, let's go and meet Cao Mengde. Let's see if he wants to defeat Lü Bu first, or if he wants to take me, Liu Xuande, down first!"

The generals inside the tent responded with a thunderous roar, the clanging of their armor sending dust flying from the tent roof. Each general stood ready for battle.

Liu Bei stepped out of the tent, gazing at the rising dust in the distance, and sighed inwardly—in chaotic times, morality ultimately cannot withstand the blows of war. He had intended to reap the benefits without lifting a finger, but he hadn't expected Cao Cao to be so decisive, daring to divide his forces to attack as soon as he was locked in a stalemate with Lü Bu.

"Send the order down, all troops line up!" Liu Bei shouted. "Today, let Cao Mengde see that my army, Liu Bei's army, is not to be trifled with!"

The war drums thundered, echoing across the hills. Liu Bei's army's banner bearing the character "Han" unfurled in the wind, facing off against Cao Cao's banner bearing the character "Cao" in the distance.

Before the two armies, yellow sand swirled and banners fluttered in the wind. Cao Cao stood on his horse at the front of the battle, clad in black armor and a red robe, his eyes blazing as he gazed at the large banner bearing the character "Han" on the opposite side of the battlefield. He proclaimed in a loud voice, "Xuande, it's been many years! How have you been? Now that we've met here, why not come out and reminisce about our old times?"

Before he finished speaking, Liu Bei had already spurred his horse out, wearing a green robe and jade belt, followed by Zhao Yun and Wen Ping, and said loudly, "Mengde's demeanor is still as elegant as ever, but there seems to be a bit more fierceness between his brows."

Cao Cao sneered: "I am acting on the Emperor's decree to punish the traitor Lü Bu and reclaim Xuchang to secure the Han Dynasty. Xuande has already obtained Runan, why are you so greedy and have led your troops to invade? Do you also want a share of the spoils?"

"Mengde, you are mistaken." Liu Bei reined in his horse, his tone solemn. "We both knew how Emperor Liu Xie ascended the throne when we were in Chang'an. His ascension was illegitimate, and the cause of the late emperor's death is unclear. I have come here today only to seek the truth, not to contend with you for territory. But you, Mengde, previously allied with Lü Bu, only to have Xuchang seized by him. Now you speak of 'restoring the Han Dynasty,' is that not chilling?"

Cao Cao's face darkened: "It seems we have nothing to discuss today."

"I'll fight to the bitter end," Liu Bei said firmly, turning his horse back to his formation.

Cao Cao watched his retreating figure, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes. He said to his men, "That Liu Bei is a scoundrel! How dare he spout nonsense here! Who will go and confront his soldiers?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a loud shout came from the opposite side: "I, Old Zhang, am here! Who dares to fight me?"

Zhang Fei held his spear upside down, his black horse pounding the ground, his eyes wide open, exuding a terrifying aura. His reputation as a "warrior capable of defeating ten thousand men" had already spread throughout the land, and for a moment, no one in Cao Cao's army responded.

Cao Cao frowned, about to appoint his generals, when Xu Chu beside him could no longer contain himself. This fierce general from Qiao Commandery, with a fiery temper, could not tolerate such provocation. He immediately spurred his horse forward and roared, "You scoundrel, stop your arrogance! Xu Chu of Qiao Commandery is here! Watch me slay you, you pig-slaughtering dog-killer!"

"Well done!" Zhang Fei, seeing someone accept the challenge, was immediately invigorated and thrust his spear forward. Xu Chu didn't reply, but instead swung his sword to meet the attack. The two horses clashed, spears and swords collided, producing a deafening clang of metal against metal, sparks flying everywhere.

Zhang Fei's spear was heavy and fierce like thunder, each move aimed at Xu Chu's vital points; Xu Chu's sword was as powerful as a whirlwind, never giving an inch. The two exchanged blows, fighting for more than twenty rounds in the blink of an eye, neither gaining the upper hand.

The soldiers on both sides watched in terror, cheers and shouts rising and falling. Cao Cao squinted at the scene, nodding to himself; Xu Chu was indeed brave, managing to fight Zhang Fei to a draw. Liu Bei, on the other hand, was sweating bullets. He knew Zhang Fei was fierce, but he was also wary of Xu Chu's fearlessness.

After another twenty or so rounds, Xu Chu was secretly alarmed. Zhang Fei's spear technique, seemingly rough, was actually full of hidden variations; each thrust carried immense force, making Xu Chu's arm numb. Xu Chu secretly considered a plan to feign defeat. When Zhang Fei came to pursue, Xu Chu would feign a strike with his meteor hammer, then suddenly turn his horse and flee, shouting, "You fool, rest now! We'll fight another day!"

"Trying to leave? Not so easy!" Zhang Fei wasn't about to let him go, and spurred his horse to give chase.

"Zilong, go and provide backup!" Liu Bei shouted upon seeing this.

Zhao Yun stepped forward in response, blocking Zhang Fei with his spear: "Yide, don't pursue a desperate enemy!"

Xu Chu felt a pang of regret, but seeing Zhao Yun go into battle again, he had no choice but to head back to his own camp.

Zhang Fei then reined in his horse, watched Xu Chu's departing figure, and spat, "He's lucky he ran fast!"

Seeing Xu Chu retreat, Cao Cao realized that although he had not won, he had not lost either. He then raised his voice and said, "Let's call it a day! Xuande, we'll settle this another day!"

Liu Bei knew that a prolonged war would be pointless, so he ordered his troops to withdraw.

Both armies sounded their retreat and slowly withdrew. The yellow sand before the battlefield gradually settled, leaving only a carpet of hoofprints, as if telling the story of this undecided battle. After returning to his camp, Cao Cao gazed towards Xuchang and thought to himself: Liu Bei indeed has capable men under his command; it seems the battle for Xuchang will be even more troublesome. Meanwhile, Liu Bei returned to his tent and sighed to Zhao Yun, "Xu Chu's bravery is no less than Zhang Fei's. Cao Cao has many fierce generals under his command; we must not underestimate them."

As the sun set, it bathed the two armies' camps in a golden hue. This brief exchange, though ending in a draw, heightened tensions on the outskirts of Xuchang. Everyone knew this was just the beginning; the real battle was yet to come.