Chapter 32: Cao Cao at Rock Bottom

“If we don’t drive back Wen Chou and Liu Bei, it will be difficult for us to retreat safely to Guandu.”

Rarely did Yuan Shao’s cavalry pause to rest, and so Cao Cao seized the moment to gather the advisors and generals who had accompanied him, seeking counsel for the next move.

No matter the era, before absolute power, unless one devises a strategy that astonishes gods and ghosts alike, all efforts pale in comparison.

Cao Cao was seated in a rather humble tent, surrounded by his ministers and generals. Though he was over forty, dressed in armor with a sword at his waist, sitting with imposing dignity, his face was veiled in dust and his eyes bloodshot from exhaustion.

The generals below fared even worse in appearance—armor coated in dust and blood, lips cracked, hair dry and yellowed—yet when they looked at Cao Cao, their faces were full of hope.

This time, the plan had been devised by Xun You, who stood among those before Cao Cao. Upon hearing Cao Cao’s somewhat pessimistic words, Xun You stepped forward once more.

He had naturally considered the risks that might arise from their limited numbers when crafting this strategy. Now that problems had surfaced, he had to take the lead in finding a solution; otherwise, would Cao Cao ever dare to use his counsel again?

“Lord Chancellor, it is understandable that Yuan Shao sent Wen Chou to avenge Yan Liang, but Liu Bei commanding together with him signals a deeper intent.”

Xun You paused, casting a subtle glance at Guan Yu, who stood behind him.

After slaying Yan Liang, Guan Yu’s reputation among the Cao army had soared; generals who had once looked down on him—those from the Cao and Xiahou clans—gradually began to accept him.

Now, Liu Bei appeared in Yuan Shao’s army, directly opposed to Guan Yu. The meaning was obvious.

Yet Guan Yu, as if oblivious to Xun You’s gaze, remained aloof, making no effort to explain.

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“I am well aware of Yuan Shao’s tricks. However, since Yun Chang has slain Yan Liang, he and Yuan Shao are mortal enemies. Even if Liu Bei comes in person, it has nothing to do with Yun Chang. If we meet Liu Bei on the field, we should, for Yun Chang’s sake, give him a chance. What does Yun Chang think?”

Hearing these words, Guan Yu knew he could no longer avoid a direct answer.

“In that case, thank you, Lord Chancellor. In this battle, I am willing to serve as vanguard once more and cut down Wen Chou for you!”

At this, Cao Cao finally showed a satisfied smile, though he did not directly respond to Guan Yu, instead turning toward Xun You, whose earlier words remained unfinished.

Everyone knew this was a critical moment for Cao Cao; he would not undertake reckless actions, no matter how much he trusted Guan Yu.

Xun You glanced at Guan Yu again, understanding that Cao Cao had expressed his trust, and so could hide nothing further, revealing his plan in full.

“Lord Chancellor, we must defeat the pursuers or else it is only a matter of time before they catch us. Yuan Shao’s army is indeed fierce, but these thousands of cavalry are hastily assembled. It is said even the remnants of Liu Bei’s forces from Xuzhou are among them. As long as we weather this initial onslaught, Yuan Shao’s troops will be no threat!”

He looked to Guan Yu once more, noting his composure, then continued with the heart of his plan.

“Liu Bei and Wen Chou will not act in unison. Liu Bei is not one to stay long under Yuan Shao. Therefore, if we tempt them with a small profit, we can blunt their momentum. I propose: when the enemy pursues us tomorrow, we abandon all baggage and supplies except armor and weapons along the road. Upon seeing this, Yuan Shao’s troops will be thrown into chaos. Amid their disorder, our opportunity arises. Our victory over Yan Liang was achieved because Generals Wen Yuan and Yun Chang captured the leader first; the key to this battle is Wen Chou.”

Xun You’s analysis was methodical, and the generals nodded in agreement. Clearly, Xun You had accurately grasped the weakness of Yuan Shao’s seemingly formidable cavalry.

Cao Cao sat upright, expressionless, stroking his beard in contemplation for a moment.

“Closely monitor the enemy. At the first sign of movement, follow Xun You’s plan: feign disorder, abandon all baggage and supplies on the road. But remember, leave them directly on the road. Once most of the enemy dismount to seize the spoils and block the way, we must immediately turn and attack, focusing solely on Wen Chou’s command banner. Kill Wen Chou and then retreat to Guandu!”

After a brief silence, Cao Cao issued his final command and ordered the army to eat their fill and rest.

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The next day, as dawn barely broke, the scouts of Cao’s army saw a dark mass in the distance—Yuan Shao’s forces had followed with no warning.

Though Wen Chou and Liu Bei nominally led the vanguard, Wen Chou paid little heed to Liu Bei, who had once been entangled with Cao Cao. In their eyes, Liu Bei was not much different from a servant who changed masters.

Moreover, Wen Chou and Yan Liang were famed Hebei generals under Yuan Shao, and their friendship was strong. Thus, Wen Chou treated Liu Bei like a subordinate, never consulting him, always acting as he pleased.

Liu Bei, for his part, was content with leisure. Wen Chou gave orders, and Liu Bei followed with his trusted aides, unhurried.

This time, Wen Chou sought to swiftly annihilate Cao’s army, believing that Yan Liang had merely been careless to meet such a fate, and with thousands of troops at his command, he feared nothing.

“Kill! Whoever brings Cao Cao’s head will be made a marquis and rewarded by Lord Yuan! Slay Guan Yu, and you will be honored and rewarded just the same!”

With such shouts, Wen Chou led his army in a wild charge, until they discovered the abandoned baggage and supplies left by Cao’s troops along the road.

In this era, whether serving Yuan Shao or Cao Cao, few soldiers had complete armor and weapons. The abundance of warlords led to constant conflict; the war machine ground on relentlessly, while the forging of armor and arms nearly ground to a halt. The result was inevitable.

Every soldier longed for better protection. So when they saw helmets and armor casually discarded along the road, few could resist temptation.

“Pass the order: ignore it. Cao’s army has lost its fighting spirit. First, cut down Cao Cao!”

Though Wen Chou had issued this command long before, when the first soldier stooped to pick up a helmet and put it on, the thousands of cavalry were like dominoes knocked over.