Chapter 034: Lü Bu Sets an Ambush, the Mi Family of Xuzhou

The sudden retreat of Lü Bu’s army was a most peculiar affair. Coupled with the soldiers’ cries that Cao’s forces had arrived, it led everyone to a certain speculation.

“Elder brother, Cao Cao must have brought his army, which forced Lü Bu to withdraw in haste,” Guan Yu voiced the guess held by many.

Zhang Fei, his eyes wide as bronze bells, protested loudly, “Hmph! Come and go as you please? Where in the world is there such easy fortune?”

“Brothers, this time that traitor Lü Bu attacked without cause, and so many of our men died—can we simply let this go?” Zhang Fei pressed.

“Of course not. Now that he wishes to leave, he must pay a price,” Guan Yu answered coldly, his tone brimming with murderous intent.

Liu Bei quickly caught the deeper meaning behind Guan Yu’s words, understanding there was more than mere anger. He promptly asked, “Second brother, what do you propose?”

Guan Yu declared, “Naturally, we should lead our troops out at once, join forces with Cao’s army, and surround Lü Bu. Surely, we can destroy him.”

This suggestion stirred Liu Bei’s thoughts. He knew well that if Lü Bu were annihilated, Xuzhou would inevitably fall to Cao Cao. Yet he had no choice; from the moment Lü Bu turned against him, their conflict could only end with the death of one.

“Brother, don’t hesitate! The chance for vengeance is right before us!” Zhang Fei urged.

“Very well!” Liu Bei no longer wavered and immediately ordered the entire army to leave the city and pursue Lü Bu.

However, it was not long after the troops exited the city that Liu Bei noticed something was amiss. Lü Bu’s forces were retreating in an orderly fashion, showing no signs of panic. Moreover, he had only recently sent for help—how could Cao’s army have arrived so quickly?

“Brother, it seems there are troops hidden in the woods up ahead,” observed Guan Yu, ever vigilant on the battlefield, and his judgment rarely erred.

Liu Bei realized he had fallen into an ambush and shouted urgently, “It’s a trap! Retreat quickly!”

But it was already too late. The soldiers concealed in the forest revealed themselves as soon as Liu Bei cried out.

Lü Bu led his army, surrounding them all, and so began a sudden skirmish in the wilderness.

“Ha ha... Big-eared thief, prepare to die!” Lü Bu roared, wielding his coiling-dragon halberd and riding the fiery Red Hare horse at full speed toward them.

“Protect the elder brother!” Guan Yu dragged his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, its edge scraping the ground, sending a trail of sparks. With a fierce surge of strength, the blade’s light flashed, meeting Lü Bu head-on.

“Second brother, I’ll help you!” Zhang Fei shouted wildly, brandishing his serpentine spear and charging at Lü Bu from another direction.

Meanwhile, the two armies fell into chaotic battle.

...

Elsewhere,

Cao Peng, who had split from Cao Cao, had already led his forces to the gates of Xuzhou. The mighty army assembled beneath the walls, and soon the city responded—the Chen father and son appeared atop the battlements.

Having earned Lü Bu’s trust, the Chen family had been left to guard Xuzhou.

Chen Deng called out loudly, “Who goes there?”

“I am Cao Peng. Open the gates at once! Your father and son have rendered great service—when the Grand Minister arrives, you shall be richly rewarded!” Cao Peng replied.

The Chen family was overjoyed at these words and immediately opened the city gates.

Thus, Cao Peng entered Xuzhou without any resistance. Even he had not expected that capturing Xuzhou would be so easy.

The Chen father and son hurried over, showering Cao Peng with courtesy and concern, though he cared little for it. He directly inquired,

“Is everything proceeding smoothly?”

“Thanks to the dozens of loyal warriors you lent me, I managed to eliminate the troublesome elements within Xuzhou,” Chen Deng answered.

“Well done. Now go at once and find out how the Xuzhou gentry are reacting to our army’s entry tonight.”

“I was just about to report—Xuzhou’s Mi clan sent vast sums of money and grain for the troops, merely requesting an audience with the general.”

This surprised Cao Peng. He knew the Mi clan: a prominent family in Xuzhou, reputed for their business dealings.

“Very well, let’s arrange it for tomorrow.”

“As you command. I will make the preparations at once.”

Meeting with the Mi clan of Xuzhou meant little to Cao Peng; after all, they had brought so much money and provisions, and granting a little face was hardly an inconvenience.

After Chen Deng departed, a thought suddenly struck Cao Peng.

“The Mi clan of Xuzhou... Isn’t Lady Mi, Liu Bei’s wife, from this family?”

Everything became clear—Cao Peng realized another opportunity to undermine Liu Bei had presented itself.

Cao Cao was still engaged in battle with Lü Bu; it would be some time before he arrived in Xuzhou. Until then, the city was under Cao Peng’s control.

He resolved to seize the moment and establish contact with the Mi clan, loosening the foundations of Liu Bei’s support.

The true prize in the battle for Xuzhou was, of course, Lü Bu’s wife and daughter, and Cao Peng would never confuse priorities. Yet if he could also win over Liu Bei’s Lady Mi, would that not be the icing on the cake?