Chapter 84: Flooding of Xiapi, Lü Bu’s Crushing Defeat

Zhou Cang and Pei Yuanxhao both fell silent.

If it were Lü Bu, they would behave themselves, and Lü Bu would not trouble them. This, they believed. After all, they both understood that Lü Bu’s mind was occupied with other matters. Moreover, Lü Bu was arrogant; he thought that petty mountain bandits like Zhou Cang would never dare to defy him. It was precisely because of this situation that they had enjoyed such peace in recent times.

But Cao Cao was different. By nature, he was suspicious. A force of twenty thousand men lying beside him—what a threat that posed. Cao Cao would never allow their existence. Once he held Xuzhou, he would surely come to annihilate them. At that time, despite their numbers and the natural fortifications of Wolniu Mountain, facing Cao Cao’s massive army, they could not hold out.

Therefore, to retreat now was their best option.

“But, Your Majesty, where should we withdraw to?” Pei Yuanxhao spoke up. “Over twenty thousand people. If we all leave, it’s bound to cause a stir.” The others wore troubled expressions. Truly, it was a difficult matter.

“That’s simple,” Liu Xie replied. “Let the people of Wolniu Mountain descend in batches. As for where to go, let them settle throughout Xuzhou as ordinary citizens. These people are, after all, commoners by birth. Returning to civilian life would arouse no suspicion. We can secretly maintain control over them. When necessary, we can gather them once more. When all is calm, they can disperse, hiding everywhere.”

He laid out the plan, and at last, the group nodded thoughtfully.

“I think I understand Your Majesty’s intention,” Liu Xun said. “You wish to have these twenty thousand lie low throughout Xuzhou. If needed, they can assemble, becoming a hidden mine beneath Cao Cao’s pillow.”

Liu Xie nodded as he listened. He had to admit, Liu Xun possessed both courage and wit—a fitting description.

“I understand,” Liu Xun continued, “but Your Majesty, if we move everyone away, what of your affairs? How can we assist you?”

Zhou Cang was still concerned for Liu Xie’s next steps.

“No need to worry about that,” Liu Xie shook his head. “I will handle it myself. Not everyone needs to leave Wolniu Mountain—leave a few dozen behind. As long as they behave and do not pose a threat to Cao Cao, the rest matters little.”

Zhou Cang and the others nodded, agreeing.

“Your Majesty, what can I do?” Liu Xun asked eagerly. To have survived and followed Liu Xie here was all thanks to Liu Xie rescuing him in Lujiang. He felt a great debt and always wished to repay it.

Liu Xie turned to him and spoke softly, “Zi Tai, you need not act with me. Simply stay ready to leave with Qiao Lao and the two young ladies, prepared to join us at any time. As for the Imperial Uncle, these twenty thousand will be organized by you and the two generals.”

He gave instructions to Fu Wan.

“I will obey Your Majesty’s orders,” Fu Wan replied respectfully.

“Good. Since all is arranged, I must depart.”

With everything settled, Liu Qian led twenty Wolf Shadow guards away. Outside, the rain still fell. Liu Xie estimated that in a few hours, the rain would cease.

And once the rain stopped, the attack by Cao’s army would begin.

Liu Xie and the twenty Wolf Shadow guards rode hard toward Xiapi in Xuzhou. When they were within five li of Xiapi, the rain finally stopped. The cries of battle from Cao’s army began.

Liu Xie signaled everyone to halt, listening closely.

“Master, it seems Cao’s army has begun their assault,” a Wolf Shadow guard said.

Liu Xie scanned the surroundings. “Let’s go up the mountain to observe!”

He led the Wolf Shadows to the summit, took out his self-made telescope, and gazed toward distant Xiapi.

Sure enough, Cao’s army was launching a fierce attack. The defenders inside were unable to resist.

“Master, it looks like Lü Bu won’t be able to hold out,” a guard observed. Liu Xie nodded. “Yes, he cannot withstand it. He will surely lose.”

This outcome, Liu Xie had already anticipated. The flooding of Xiapi—Lü Bu’s defeat lay in his own arrogance.

“When shall we act, Master?” The guards were restless.

Liu Xie put down the telescope and took a deep breath. “No hurry. Let them fight. It’s not yet our time.”

For now, if they intervened, they might alter the outcome, perhaps even help Lü Bu turn the tide. But that was not his aim. He had to strike at the critical moment—at White Gate Tower.

The battle cries continued. Gradually, Xiapi was breached. Liu Xie and his Wolf Shadows stood atop the mountain, not intervening.

The Wolf Shadows watching grew anxious. “Master, when do we act? If we wait longer, it may be too late!”

“Don’t rush, wait a bit longer,” Liu Xie replied, eyes fixed on Xiapi.

As time passed, the city grew quiet. Clearly, Cao Cao had taken Xiapi. Lü Bu was defeated and captured.

“Now is the time. Let’s go.”

The moment was ripe. Liu Xie led the Wolf Shadows from the mountains. They did not boldly enter through the gates, but slipped over the walls unnoticed, as Cao Cao’s forces had not yet fully deployed.

“One squad, be ready to seize the gate and find Lü Bu’s men. Two squad, come with me to White Gate Tower.”

He gave instructions and took ten men to approach White Gate Tower in secret. When they arrived, a crowd had gathered.

At the center, a great platform stood, with a man bound atop it. Though bloodied, he was tall and handsome, exuding heroic spirit.

Liu Xie recognized him at once—it was Lü Bu.

In front of Lü Bu stood Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and their generals.

The White Gate Tower incident was about to begin.

“Master, they may execute Lü Bu. You must not be seen,” a Wolf Shadow whispered.

Liu Xie nodded. Indeed, he could not appear, for both Cao Cao and Liu Bei knew him.

“Yes. Let’s watch for now. Once One squad acts, we move as well,” Liu Xie murmured.

Below, on the execution platform:

“Xuande, have you forgotten the arrow shot at the gate? Have you forgotten my kindness to you?” Lü Bu shouted at Liu Bei. In this moment, he hoped Liu Bei might help him, for he had no other options—he did not wish to die.

Cao Cao, slightly smug, glanced at Liu Bei, “Xuande, what do you think?”

Liu Bei, silent until now, bowed slightly. “Mengde, do you recall Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?”

His words darkened Lü Bu’s face. It was clear—he was to die.

“Liu Bei, you are faithless!” Lü Bu cried angrily.

“Lü Bu, you are hateful to the extreme. It is better to kill you now. Keeping you is a future calamity,” Cao Cao declared, his intent to kill evident.

“Cao Cao, even as a ghost, I will not let you go!” Lü Bu screamed, but no one paid him heed. Death drew near.

Just then, shouts and cries erupted from afar.

“What’s happening? Someone, report!” Cao Cao demanded.

Soon, a soldier rushed over, “Master, Lü Bu’s surviving men are rebelling. A dozen black-clad men stormed the prisoner camp, rescuing Lü Bu’s followers.”

The report soured Cao Cao’s expression.

“What did you say? A dozen black-clad men?”

At the mention of black-clad men, Cao Cao instantly thought of Liu Xie.

As he hesitated, another commotion arose. He saw nearly ten more black-clad men suddenly appear, leaping lightly onto the execution platform like swallows. Their curved blades flashed, severing the ropes binding Lü Bu.

“Who are you?” Lü Bu was bewildered.

“General Lü, come with us,” the Wolf Shadows replied, wasting no words, immediately escorting Lü Bu out.

“Master, it’s them—the ones who rescued Zhang Xiu in Xuchang!” Cao Ren, nearby, recognized them at once.

“Liu Xie! Liu Xie is likely here as well,” Cao Cao thought, suspecting Liu Xie’s presence.

“Men, stop them! Kill them all!” Cao Cao shouted frantically.

Countless soldiers surged toward the Wolf Shadows, who showed no fear. Two guarded Lü Bu in the center, following their leader out.

What followed was a display of strength so impressive that even Lü Bu was stunned. Against the relentless waves of Cao’s soldiers, the Wolf Shadows fought ever more fiercely.