Chapter 037: The Furious Lü Bu

After defeating Lü Bu, Cao Cao, full of pride and satisfaction, led his army toward Xuzhou. Scouts had already returned with news: Xuzhou was now occupied by Cao Peng, and all that remained was for Cao Cao to take possession of it.

In contrast to Cao Cao’s high spirits, Liu Bei, following behind, was deeply despondent. He had lost his city, his brothers were scattered, and he could not help but feel disheartened. The only reason he followed Cao Cao now was that he had no other path left; if he did not go with Cao Cao, he might not even survive.

At that moment, a soldier arrived with a report. “Minister, there is a remnant force ahead blocking the road. They say they are looking for their elder brother, Liu Bei.”

At these words, Liu Bei’s spirits lifted at once. Cao Cao smiled and said to him, “I told you, your two brothers are warriors that can face ten thousand alone. Nothing will happen to them.”

Liu Bei said nothing, instead gazing ahead, hoping to see his brothers appear.

Soon, two voices, all too familiar, nearly brought Liu Bei to tears.

“Brother!”

“Brother!”

With these cries, the red-faced Guan Yu and the black-faced Zhang Fei, weapons in hand, came striding toward Liu Bei. Liu Bei walked forward to meet them, and the three brothers embraced tightly, the reunion brimming with emotion.

Cao Cao approached, interrupting their heartfelt reunion. He said, “Xuande, now that you’ve found your brothers, come with me to take the city!”

Liu Bei did not wish to become further entangled with Cao Cao, but he feared that refusing might lead to his death. So he said, “Minister, please go ahead. Allow me a moment here to gather the scattered soldiers, and I will come to assist you soon.”

Cao Cao nodded. “Then I shall await you in Xuzhou, Xuande.” He was not worried that Liu Bei might not come; Liu Bei was now in the palm of his hand and would not act rashly.

…

“General, Minister Cao has arrived!”

“Oh, Uncle has come quickly—let us go greet him at once!”

After receiving the soldier’s report, Cao Peng quickly rose, taking a few guards with him to greet Cao Cao. On his way out, he was told that Cao Cao was entering from the north gate, which puzzled him—why not use the main gate? Still, he did not dwell on it and proceeded to the north gate.

There, Cao Cao rode a tall steed, flanked by his bodyguards Xu Chu and Dian Wei, while his advisers Guo Jia and Cheng Yu followed behind.

“Uncle!” Cao Peng immediately stepped forward to salute.

“Anmin, well done. You took Xuzhou without bloodshed—this merit is yours!” Cao Cao was very pleased with Cao Peng’s performance.

“Uncle, why did you not use the main gate, but came in through the north?” Cao Peng asked directly.

“You will understand soon enough,” Cao Cao replied, keeping his intentions hidden.

Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, and the others who knew the plan laughed—Minister Cao was certainly in the mood for some amusement.

As Cao Peng wondered, a soldier rushed up with a report. “Minister, General, Lü Bu has arrived at the city gate with his army and is shouting insults!”

Cao Peng was taken aback; he had not expected Lü Bu to arrive so swiftly. Suddenly, he realized that Cao Cao’s decision to enter through the north gate must be so they could watch from the city walls Lü Bu’s reaction upon discovering his stronghold had already changed hands—a sight sure to be memorable.

Before they even reached the walls, Cao Peng could already hear Lü Bu’s angry shouts.

“Chen Deng, I have treated you and your father well—why have you betrayed me?!”

Lü Bu was furious. He had entrusted the city to this father and son out of trust, never expecting to end up in such a predicament.

“You traitorous villain, the whole world seeks your death. We act by imperial edict to oppose you; we have merely turned from darkness to light,” Chen Deng responded, not the least bit ashamed, but righteous and resolute.

As the two spoke, Cao Cao and his entourage arrived atop the wall.

“Greetings, Minister!” Chen Deng hurriedly bowed.

Cao Cao waved his hand, signaling him to step aside; he wished to speak with Lü Bu personally.

With his face bristling with a thick beard, Cao Cao stood atop the wall and shouted, “Fengxian, why have you come to my Xuzhou? Have you come for a cup of tea?”

At the sight of Cao Cao, Lü Bu bellowed in fury, “Despicable scoundrel! You seized my city while I was away—if you have any courage, open the gates and face me in real battle!”

Cao Cao said nothing, instead motioning to Cao Peng to answer. He felt Cao Peng had a talent for verbal sparring and might provide some entertainment.

Since Cao Cao had given him the floor, Cao Peng spoke up: “Lü Bu, this city was never truly yours. From the moment you usurped it, you should have known—those who live by the sword die by it.”

Lü Bu did not recognize Cao Peng, but seeing a mere youth daring to lecture him, he demanded, “And who are you?”

Cao Peng was tempted to reply, “I am the one who will someday take care of your wife and daughter.” But instead, he said, “I am Vanguard General Cao Peng, and I took Xuzhou while you were away.”

Now Lü Bu understood—this was the man who, while he fought Cao Cao, had seized Xuzhou from him.