Chapter 105: The Battle of Guandu (Conclusion)

“Wen Ruo, our army has held Yuan Shao for five months, but the supplies are running low. If we continue, there may be unrest among the troops.”

Xuchang, the residence of Xun Yu.

Cao Cao’s message was brief, but the intention to withdraw was unmistakable.

“Prepare the ink.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Xun Yu dipped his brush into the ink. “Master, Shen Pei is ambitious but lacks strategy. He manages the rear; if the Xu family breaks the law, he will show no mercy. Xu You’s eventual betrayal of Yuan Shao is inevitable.”

“Though our provisions are scarce, our situation is no worse than when Emperor Gaozu of Han and Xiang Yu struggled over Xingyang and Chenggao. Neither side wanted to retreat first; the first to withdraw would face disaster. Now, with fewer troops against many, we have held Yuan Shao’s forces for half a year. The enemy’s resolve is waning, their strength exhausted. The tide is bound to turn.”

Yuan Shao’s camp.

Xu You rose from his bed, looking somewhat weak. “I pay my respects, Lord Xu!”

A soldier left the tent and entered Ju Shou’s camp, who nodded and followed.

Ju Shou smiled. “Lord Xu has finally awakened. These days, the lord has often been hindered and owes much to your counsel.”

Xu You returned the salute. “I have troubled the lord greatly, but I must ask, Governor Ju, where are my wife and children?”

Ju Shou smiled faintly. “Lord Xu, just out of bed and already caring for family. To protect you from mistreatment in the camp, the lord has sent your family to Chaoge.”

Xu You narrowed his eyes without speaking.

“Governor Ju, the lord requests your presence for military discussion!”

“Right away,” Ju Shou replied, glancing at Xu You. “Lord Xu, will you accompany me?”

At Yuan Shao’s camp, upon seeing Xu You, Yuan Shao made little fuss, briefly greeting him before restoring his rank.

“Our forces are locked in a protracted struggle with Cao Cao. Recent assaults on his lines have met fierce resistance. It seems sending an elite force is impossible.”

Feng Ji smiled. “Lord Xu is skilled with special operations. Please share any strategies you have.”

Yuan Shao looked at Xu You. After a salute, Xu You said, “My lord, I have been unconscious for days and am unfamiliar with the current situation. Reckless tactics would only cause unnecessary losses.”

Yuan Shao stroked his beard. “Then it seems only a war of attrition can secure victory. That will be all for today. Dismissed.”

As Xu You left the camp, Shen Pei approached with a grin. “Your wife is quite useful, ha ha!”

Xu You’s expression changed sharply. He grabbed Shen Pei, who was turning away. “Where is my son?”

“I killed him long ago. His body has rotted,” Shen Pei said with a smile.

Xu You trembled slightly. “You killed my son?!”

“Don’t be like that, Xu You. It was the lord’s order. How dare I refuse? Go back and rest.” Shen Pei patted Xu You on the shoulder and laughed as he walked away.

Closing his eyes, Xu You took a deep breath, his gaze growing fiercer.

At night, a small boat slowly approached Cao Cao’s camp.

“Stop! Who goes there?”

“I am Xu You. I have been a longtime friend of your lord since childhood. Today I come to surrender!”

“Please, enter! Our lord has awaited you eagerly and will receive you with great honor!”

Xun You hurried to Cao Cao’s camp, but the guards stopped him. “Advisor, the lord is asleep. Approaching rashly could cost you your life!”

“Enough! Step aside—I have urgent news!” Xun You pushed them aside and entered. As he lifted the curtain, a sharp sword was suddenly pressed to his neck.

“Kill him!”

Cao Cao raised his sword but then laughed. “Ah, it’s Advisor Xun. I dreamt of killing someone and startled you. Bring me my robe!”

Inside Cao Cao’s camp, generals stood breathless in the cold.

“Hey, lean on my shoulder—I’ll nap a bit!”

“If the lord sees you like this, he might punish you severely!”

“The lord approaches!”

Cao Cao donned his armor, with Xun You following. “Summon Xu You!”

The generals snapped to attention as an unfamiliar strategist entered.

“Ah Man, long time no see. I’ve missed you!” The strategist’s words immediately riled the troops.

Dian Wei’s eyes blazed as he stepped forward. “How dare you address our lord by his childhood name!”

Xu You shivered. “You startled me! This general looks even fiercer than Yan Liang!”

“You’re asking for death!”

“Stop! Dian Wei, stand down!” Cao Cao scolded sharply, stepping down from his throne and warmly greeting Xu You. “Xu You and I have been friends since childhood. Calling me by my childhood name feels only natural.”

“Zi Yuan’s visit must bring good news,” Cao Cao smiled. “How has Yuan Benchu mistreated you?”

“He had my son killed, and my wife taken as another’s concubine.”

Cao Cao’s eyes flickered subtly, unnoticed by Xu You. “It seems Zi Yuan has suffered much. You will be treated well here. It’s late now; I’ll have quarters prepared for you.”

Xu You shook his head. “It is precisely because night has fallen that this is the best time. I have a plan to surprise attack Wuchao. Ah Man, what say you?”

Cao Cao’s gaze shifted slightly, but Cao Ang interrupted. “You were a strategist for Yuan Shao. Why should we trust your plan, especially coming suddenly to us?”

Xu You replied proudly, “Only with me can you achieve great victory. If this plan can help you defeat Yuan Shao, will you listen?”

Cao Cao glanced at Xun You, who nodded. “Very well. Since Zi Yuan comes with sincerity, I shall not disappoint. Cao Hong, Xun You, obey my orders!”

“At your command!”

“You two will guard the camp. The rest, follow me to battle!”

Late at night, men bit chopsticks in their mouths, horses muzzled, moving slowly yet swiftly.

A patrolling soldier yawned and took a few steps. Suddenly, seeing a shadow approaching, he sat up abruptly.

“Who are you?”

“We are sent by the lord to garrison Wuchao’s supplies! Clear the way!” Xu You shouted. The soldier saluted. “Forgive our intrusion. Greetings, Lord Xu!”

“Hmph! Move on!”

Cao Ang slipped his short sword into his sleeve unnoticed.

Wuchao. Chunyu Qiong poured a cup of wine and ate roasted lamb, savoring each bite.

“Report: reinforcements sent by the lord to Wuchao have arrived. Awaiting your orders!”

Chunyu Qiong burped. “Nonsense! When did the lord order reinforcements? Our army already has ten thousand men here. Cao Cao is trapped at Guandu; him reaching Wuchao is a fantasy. You must be drunk and seeing things.”

“I swear I’m not mistaken. Troops have arrived and entered Wuchao…”

“Fire! Fire!”

“Save the camp! Who are you? Ah!”

Chunyu Qiong’s face darkened as he dropped his wine and rushed outside. Flames engulfed the tents.

“Report this to the lord immediately!”

At Yuan Shao’s camp, he paced anxiously. Zhang He stepped forward. “My lord, Wuchao is our vital supply center. We must not lose it. Cao’s forces are tough to breach; we should focus on rescuing Wuchao.”

Yuan Shao roared, “Cao Cao appearing at Wuchao is our chance! We will not rescue Wuchao. All generals, obey my orders—attack Cao Cao’s camp directly!”

“My lord, please reconsider!” Ju Shou urged.

Shen Pei retorted, “Governor Ju, do you know why Cao Cao reached Wuchao? It was because of the pleas of Xu You, who led him there. Are you perhaps in cahoots with Cao Cao?”

Yuan Shao glared coldly at Ju Shou. “Arrest him. After we capture Cao Cao’s camp, we will settle accounts. Send five thousand troops to aid Wuchao!”

“Yes!”

At Wuchao, the flames raged endlessly. Chunyu Qiong guarded his camp while outside, Cao Cao’s forces surrounded them.

Only two thousand defenders remained.

Cao Ang approached Cao Cao. “Father, Yuan Shao’s troops are coming. Should I intercept?”

“No need. Order the whole army to capture Chunyu Qiong’s camp!”

“Yes!”

“Attack!”

Dian Wei charged through the wooden palisades, axes swinging fiercely. Xiahou Yuan followed on horseback, striking down enemies whose heads shattered under the blows.

At Guandu, Cao Hong reinforced the wooden barricades. The ground had deep trenches lined with sharp spikes.

Cavalry charged, but riders paled and pulled reins to halt. Sudden stops caused horses behind to crash into them, throwing riders, who screamed as the spikes pierced their bodies.

“Fire!”

Cao Hong commanded. Wine jars from catapults flew over trenches, landing amidst enemy troops.

“Retreat!” Zhang He shouted, soldiers falling back. Gao Lan blocked a jar but his arm caught fire. He tore his sleeve, but skin was scorched and twisted.

Guo Tu rode up. “Zhang He, why not lead a full assault?”

“Cao Cao’s trenches make direct attack suicide.”

“Zhang He, you’re a coward wanting to defect. I’ll report this to the lord!” Guo Tu whipped his horse around.

“Enough! Stop!” Zhang He watched soldiers fall into trenches, his grief and anger mounting.

On Wuchao’s path, reinforcements halted before enemy lines, horrified by corpses hanging from horses’ necks. Cao Cao ordered pursuit.

“Why can’t we break through?” Yuan Shao shouted, slapping a soldier.

“Report, my lord,” Guo Tu arrived. “Zhang He and his troops outside Cao’s camp refuse to advance. They appear to have surrendered.”

“Xu You, Zhang He and those scoundrels ruin my cause!” Yuan Shao coughed violently, fury blazing. “If I catch them, I’ll tear them apart alive!”

“Report! Wuchao’s supplies have all been burned!”

Yuan Shao’s eyes widened. He spat blood and fell from his horse.

“My lord! My lord!”

Chaos erupted. Xun You’s eyes hardened. “General, lead the troops to circle around and pursue Yuan’s forces!”

“Understood! All troops, follow me!”

“Charge!”

At the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao decisively defeated Yuan Shao, absorbing one hundred thousand of his soldiers. Yuan Shao fled north with only ten thousand men.

This victory not only crushed the enemy but greatly strengthened Cao Cao’s power.

Xiangyang, Prime Minister’s residence.

Lu Meng drank steadily. Sun Ce sipped occasionally. Nearby, women in silk skirts sang and danced, flaunting graceful figures and coquettish smiles.

Zhou Yu’s gaze wandered; his mind was elsewhere.

“Report, Prime Minister! News from Guandu!”

“Bring it here!”

Zhou Yu stood abruptly, pushing aside a dancing woman. Lu Meng frowned, pursing his lips.

Sun Ce signaled the others to leave.

Zhou Yu opened the bamboo scroll; his expression was grave. Sun Ce, never seeing his friend so serious, straightened. “How is it, Gongjin?”

“The Prime Minister has conquered his greatest foe!”

“Won?! Damn it, Cao Cao really won?!” Lu Meng exclaimed, utterly stunned. Twenty thousand fighting six thousand—more unbelievable than the Battle of Pengcheng, but undeniable.

It is like hearing about oil discovered somewhere, but when you actually dig it up yourself, it’s no longer mere amazement.

Though in the end, no oil was found—dreams aside.

But twenty thousand against six thousand!

Moreover, Hebei was full of talent, yet they lost. Lu Meng recalled his first meeting with Yuan Shao and admired his appearance. He truly seemed a fool.

Yet Yuan Shao lost!

“My goodness, this is the first time I’ve genuinely felt true admiration from my heart. I almost knelt before Changsu. As he said, Cao Cao is truly a dragon sleeping beneath the sea!”

“Having met him only once, he foresaw the man’s future greatness. Changsu truly is a sage,” Sun Ce sighed. Suddenly alert, Lu Meng snapped awake. “Liu Bei!”

Chang’an, the palace of Prince Qi.

Lü Bu, clad in royal robes, sat on the dragon throne. Chen Gong and Jia Xu remained silent.

Lü Bu smiled. “Prime Minister, the Chancellor need not be so anxious. It is only Cao Cao. With my Heaven-Piercer Halberd and Red Hare horse, I can slay him at will!”

“This is my fault,” Jia Xu sighed. “We should never have ceded Xuchang and Chenliu.”

Chen Gong comforted him. “Prime Minister, don’t blame yourself. Anyone with sense knew Yuan Shao should not have lost, let alone so completely.”