Chapter 013: The Dagger Revealed, A Strategy to Defeat the Enemy

Cao Peng had not expected that Jia Xu would act with such speed; he had only visited the camp in the morning, yet by afternoon, soldiers had already been dispatched. The most remarkable expressions belonged to Cao Cao and his companions. Just moments earlier, Cao Peng had said that Zhang Xiu would surely send someone, and now, so soon, his prediction was coming true.

“Let him in!” Cao Cao, eager to uncover the truth, ordered the officer be brought inside.

“Greetings, Lord Chancellor!” The officer saluted respectfully. Clad in silver armor with a long spear, lion helmet, and bestial belt, he was dressed in the proper attire of the Western Liang army. As he looked upon the officer, a flicker of intrigue crossed Cao Cao’s face.

The conquest of Zhang Xiu was not merely thrilling for Cao Cao because of the acquisition of Wan City, but also for gaining this elite force from Western Liang. The so-called Western Liang army had once followed Dong Zhuo in sweeping across the realm, and after Dong Zhuo’s death, the various divisions were inherited by his lieutenants. With Li Jue and Guo Si defeated, only Zhang Xiu and Lü Bu retained remnants of the Western Liang troops.

Cao Peng did not dare underestimate Zhang Xiu, and the presence of this formidable Western Liang force was a key reason. The region of Western Liang, situated on the frontier, bred fierce folk unafraid of death, and its peculiar terrain produced robust steeds; these two factors forged the mighty Western Liang cavalry. Thus, when Dian Wei claimed Zhang Xiu’s troops were mere wine-bags and rice-buckets, he was overly arrogant.

At that moment, the officer from the Western Liang army stated his purpose: “Lord Chancellor, my general says that with the thawing of the icy river today, the level of the Yu River has risen, and he wishes to move our troops to higher ground. During this process, we will pass by your camp, and he requests your assistance in facilitating this.”

Cao Cao was startled by these words.

He was always a suspicious man, and with Cao Peng’s prior warning, he could almost conclude that Zhang Xiu was determined to rebel. Cao Cao quickly pondered how best to respond. He had already assumed Zhang Xiu would rebel, as Cao Peng predicted, and if he refused Zhang Xiu now, it might arouse suspicion and even precipitate open revolt.

Cao Cao was deeply vexed—he had been careless, far too careless. With only two thousand men brought onto Zhang Xiu’s territory, if battle broke out, his forces would hardly stand against the Western Liang army. And if he tried to flee? That was laughable; his infantry could never outrun the iron cavalry of Western Liang.

Thinking thus, Cao Cao’s brow furrowed tightly.

Cao Peng, observing Cao Cao’s dilemma, stepped forward. “My Lord Chancellor, I discovered yesterday that the mountain road has collapsed. To move troops to higher ground would be most inconvenient. It would be better if General Zhang waits until our army repairs the road before moving.”

Cao Cao, ever quick-witted, seized upon the suggestion and continued, “Indeed, I nearly forgot this if not for your reminder. Go back and tell your general: once I have repaired the mountain road, he may move his troops without delay.”

The officer was taken aback; this differed from what Jia Xu had told him before setting out. Yet he could not refuse, so he nodded and agreed.

After the officer had left, the atmosphere in Cao Cao’s tent became tense and serious.

“Dian Wei, go out and make arrangements. No one is to approach without orders.” Dian Wei accepted the command and departed, leaving Cao Cao, Cao Peng, and Cao Ang to deliberate.

“I never imagined Zhang Xiu truly meant to rebel. Without your warning, we might have become unwitting victims,” Cao Cao said, somewhat disheartened. He had not even touched Lady Zou, yet Zhang Xiu was set on revolt; he felt greatly aggrieved.

“Perhaps we should return Lady Zou,” Cao Ang suggested. He reasoned that since the woman was the cause, sending her back to Zhang Xiu would resolve the matter.

“It’s useless. If we return Lady Zou, it would confirm we abducted her, and Zhang Xiu’s anger would not be appeased. Moreover, I suspect he has ulterior motives; Lady Zou is merely a pretext for him. Like a ravenous wolf, his true aim is to devour us,” Cao Peng replied, making Cao Ang shudder. He had not expected the battlefield to be so perilous, where a single misstep could lead to such a dire situation.

“Ha! We sought to recruit a wolf, yet he now wishes to bite back at me, Cao Cao. His appetite is truly enormous!” Cao Cao quipped. Despite the crisis, he remained composed as though Mount Tai collapsed before him, a quality that earned Cao Peng’s admiration—no wonder he could found the mighty Wei dynasty.

“My lord, grant me five hundred men. I will cover your retreat!” At that moment, Dian Wei, having secured the defenses outside, pushed open the door and heard their conversation.

Cao Peng glanced at this fierce warrior—his tawny hair stood upright, his whole body exuded a wild aura, murderous and intimidating. One could hardly imagine what sort of monster could stand against Dian Wei on the battlefield.

Before Cao Cao could speak, Cao Peng rejected the proposal outright. “No. Captain Dian’s strength is unmatched, but if it fails, we will have no escape.”

Cao Cao nodded in agreement. Indeed, the strength of the Northern Lands Spear King was still unknown, and this was his territory—any attempt would be fraught with peril.