Chapter 038: The Siege of Xiapi

“Cao Peng, is it? I swear I’ll capture you alive, devour your flesh, and sleep on your skin!”

Lü Bu exploded with rage. Even after hurling these threats, he was not satisfied and continued to curse with vile language.

Cao Peng couldn’t be bothered to reply. He looked at Lü Bu as one might look at a child throwing a tantrum, shook his head, and left the city walls.

Watching Cao Peng disappear from sight, Lü Bu gnashed his teeth in hatred but was powerless to act. Left with no options, he turned to Chen Gong for counsel.

“Gongtai, what should we do?”

Chen Gong sneered inwardly. Hadn’t I told you not to put your trust in the Chen family? But you wouldn’t listen, and now look—you’re locked outside the city.

He kept these words to himself, for he was a rational man who knew that complaints served no purpose.

His mind raced, then Chen Gong said, “Xiapi has not yet fallen. It is surrounded by water on all sides and well-stocked with provisions. If we retreat there, we can hold out for some time.”

“Very well,” Lü Bu said, bitter but resigned to reality.

So, leading his defeated troops, he made his way to Xiapi.

…

On the other side, Cao Cao was preparing to lead his army out again, intending to press the advantage and finish Lü Bu for good.

“Uncle, I wish you a swift and decisive victory!”

“What are you saying? Aren’t you coming with me to deal with Lü Bu?”

“Xuzhou has just been secured, and there are many pressing matters here. Dealing with Lü Bu is best left in your capable hands, Uncle. I’ll stay behind and help you consolidate the region.”

“Enough nonsense! What could you possibly accomplish staying in Xuzhou? The real task is to subdue Lü Bu. Besides, you are the vanguard general—how would it look if you didn’t go? Take five thousand men and clear the way. I’ll watch your performance from behind!”

Having just taken Xuzhou and driven off Lü Bu, everyone was in high spirits.

Cao Peng knew Lü Bu’s defeat was only a matter of time and had no desire to be further embroiled in the conflict, so he requested permission from Cao Cao to remain in Xuzhou.

But Cao Cao intended to temper him, so how could he allow Cao Peng to stay and simply watch the proceedings?

Thus, the above exchange took place.

The final outcome: Cao Peng led five thousand troops as the vanguard to Xiapi. To assist him, Cao Cao sent Cheng Yu as his deputy.

Additionally, Cao Cao deployed his commanders—Cao Ren, Xu Chu, and others—each with their own forces, to surround Xiapi.

Cao Peng gazed at the formidable, easily-defended city, then suddenly spurred his horse forward.

“General, where are you going?” Cheng Yu asked.

“I’m going to call Lü Bu out for a parley beneath the city walls. Perhaps, with the power of persuasion, I can convince him to surrender,” Cao Peng replied.

When Cao Cao and the others heard of Cao Peng’s plan, they were astonished.

To ride alone to the enemy’s gates—Cao Peng certainly had courage.

But to make Lü Bu surrender with words alone? To most, this seemed like nothing but an absurd fantasy.

Cao Cao alone harbored a measure of belief. He thought Lü Bu a simple-minded brute. Now that Lü Bu’s fortunes had waned, perhaps a promise of great reward might truly lure him to surrender.

It would all come down to Cao Peng’s eloquence.

“Soldiers on the wall! Have Lü Bu come out—Grand Minister Cao has a message for him!” Cao Peng shouted from below.

At once, the soldiers atop the wall went to inform Lü Bu.

Lü Bu was tempted; he was curious what Cao Cao wanted to say.

“The Cao army stands at our gates—what is there to discuss at such a time? General, you need not heed him,” Chen Gong cautioned.

He understood Lü Bu all too well and feared his master might be swayed by a few honeyed words, only to suffer loss again. Thus, he urged Lü Bu not to engage with Cao Peng.

But Lü Bu was nothing if not stubborn.

“I’ll go hear him out. If he speaks nonsense, we can simply ignore him,” Lü Bu said.

Since Lü Bu ignored his advice and insisted on going atop the walls, Chen Gong could only accompany him.

“Cao Peng, what do you have to say?” Lü Bu asked.

Cao Peng paced on horseback, then called out in a loud voice, “General Fengxian, your cause is lost. At the command of my uncle, Grand Minister Cao, I’ve come to offer you a path to salvation.”

“Enough with the riddles! If you have something to say, say it!” Lü Bu snapped.

Cao Peng ignored his rudeness and spoke directly: “You have lost Xuzhou, Lü Bu; do you really think you can turn the tide with only Xiapi left?

Grand Minister Cao recognizes your talent and has sent me to persuade you. If you cease resistance and surrender, he will recommend you be appointed Grand Protector General by the Emperor. Then you may lead campaigns for the Han and win eternal glory—would that not be a joy?”

Lü Bu was tempted and asked, “If I surrender, can you truly secure for me the title of Grand Protector General?”

Cao Peng replied with a wry smile, “Of course. If you don’t trust me, surely you can trust Grand Minister Cao?”