With Cao Cao by my side, what do I have to fear from the world?

Chapter 204, The Situation of the Struggle Between the Two Yuans

Cavalrymen's biggest fear is being trapped. Once they lose their speed advantage, they are like mud oxen sinking into the sea, becoming fish on the enemy's chopping board.

Therefore, Cao Ren constantly attacked the enemy's weak points, which was the only way to truly bring out the advantages of cavalry.

As they drew closer, Cao Ren heard someone shouting, "Guan Yu has killed our lord! Stop him!"

"What? Yuan Shao is dead? Killed by Guan Yu?"

Cao Ren was half-believing and half-doubting, so he moved closer and closer, and the closer he got, the clearer he could hear.

Indeed, many people were shouting, "Stop Guan Yu! Don't let him escape! He killed our lord!"

Cao Ren laughed excitedly, looking up at the sky, "Truly, Heaven is helping me!"

Cao Ren decisively turned around and immediately charged back. He did not go to rescue Guan Yu, but rushed out of the enemy camp at top speed.

He needed to immediately inform Cao Cao of Yuan Shao's death, and seize this opportunity to launch a decisive attack with the entire army.

Cao Ren moved swiftly, and with hundreds of men gathered together, their explosive power was astonishing. Yuan's troops were leaderless, and many were besieging Guan Yu, which gave Cao Ren an excellent opportunity. He wanted to leave, and the enemy couldn't stop him at all.

Upon returning to camp and meeting Cao Cao, Cao Ren briefly informed Cao Cao of Yuan Shao's death.

"What? Yuan Shao is dead?" Cao Cao sat up abruptly in bed, his eyes wide with shock.

Xun You hurriedly advised, "My lord, with Yuan Shao dead, the group is leaderless. A golden opportunity is right before our eyes, and we must not miss it."

Cao Cao slapped his thigh and said, "Good! Immediately issue my order for the entire army to attack."

Cao Ren clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, "I accept the order!"

Cao Ren quickly gathered the men together, and even Yu Jin, who was wounded while defending Yanjin, insisted on joining the battle.

Cao Cao's massive offensive threw Yuan Shao's troops into complete chaos. Cao Cao's army surged into Yuan Shao's camp like a raging flood, with soldiers shouting and hacking and slashing, their momentum unstoppable.

Yuan Jun panicked even more, and no one had enough authority to step forward and stabilize the situation.

Even Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were not qualified, and no one else dared to overstep their bounds.

Yuan Jun ran in all directions, and a sense of panic spread everywhere. Those who had originally been blocking Guan Yu suddenly saw Cao Cao's army charging towards them like a flood of beasts. They no longer had the will to continue blocking Guan Yu. Some turned around to fight against Cao Cao's army, while others ran for their lives.

Guan Yu's pressure was immediately reduced by half. Despite his serious injuries, Guan Yu's fighting spirit was rekindled, and he seized the opportunity to charge forward.

With his Green Dragon Crescent Blade, Guan Yu slashed and hacked his way forward, killing enemies one after another, and clearing a bloody path for them.

Cao Ren led his men in a fierce attack, breaking through and throwing Yuan's army camp into chaos.

Zhang He, Gao Lan, and others tried to organize their troops, but due to Yuan Shao's death, the soldiers were somewhat confused and did not know whose orders to follow, making it difficult for any military orders to have a good effect.

Cao Ren brandished his sword and charged ahead, followed closely by Zhang Liao, Yu Jin, and others. The men drew their swords and spears, killing and slashing indiscriminately, showing no mercy whatsoever.

Yuan's army was now half its previous strength. Liu Bei had taken 30,000 men, Guo Tu had taken 40,000, and now Yuan Shao was dead. The chaotic scene was unimaginable, and less than half of Yuan's soldiers were willing to take up arms to resist.

Cao's army advanced with unstoppable momentum, united as one, roaring wildly as they charged forward with all their might, unstoppable and completely unleashing their full potential.

"Guan Yu, don't run away, surrender your life!"

When Yuan Shang charged close to Guan Yu, he nearly lost his mind, his eyes turning bloodshot.

With his father killed and even his head to be taken away by Guan Yu, Yuan Shang was naturally unwilling to accept it.

Yuan Shang shouted hysterically as he rushed to Guan Yu's side. Seeing that Guan Yu was already injured, Yuan Shang believed he had a chance to kill Guan Yu.

Unfortunately, Yuan Shang was wrong; he was too naive.

Yuan Shang had just unleashed a slash when Guan Yu easily blocked it. The weapons clashed, and the loud impact nearly knocked the sword out of Yuan Shang's hand, leaving his ears ringing.

More than a dozen spears thrust at Guan Yu from different directions. Guan Yu swung his broadsword and swept it out fiercely. A series of sounds of swords and spears clashing rang out. Some spears were quickly knocked off course, while others were broken in two.

Yuan Shang watched in horror as Guan Yu's Green Dragon Crescent Blade danced up and down, and in an instant, several of Yuan's soldiers fell straight down, blood splattering everywhere. A bloody head flew towards Yuan Shang, startling him into a cold sweat.

Guan Yu spurred his horse forward again, brandishing his sword and charging straight at Yuan Shang. Yuan Shang barely managed to defend himself for a few rounds before his weapon flew out of his hand. Fortunately, his soldiers fought desperately to protect him; otherwise, he would have paid the price for his recklessness.

Someone protected Yuan Shang and helped him leave quickly, keeping a safe distance from Guan Yu.

When Yuan Tan saw Cao Cao's army charging in, he completely lost his composure. Guo Yuan mustered his courage and approached Yuan Tan, advising, "Young Master, Guandu cannot be held. Why don't we withdraw our troops and discuss this further when we return to Ye City?"

Yuan Tan was somewhat unwilling and gritted his teeth, saying, "We still have so many soldiers. As long as we stabilize the situation, we may not lose to Cao Cao. Besides, we are mortal enemies. As a son, how can I not avenge my father?"

Guo Yuan's eyes flashed with anxiety as he pointed to Yuan Shang in the distance. "Young Master, our lord has passed away, and the situation is hopeless. What you should be thinking about now is not revenge, but returning to Ye City to inherit Yuan Gong's mantle and take over his legacy."

Guo Yuan's reminder immediately pointed Yuan Tan in the right direction, making him think, "Good, withdraw the troops immediately."

Yuan Tan quickly gave up resistance and retreated with his loyal followers, running faster than anyone else.

By the time Yuan Shang realized what was happening, it was too late.

Yuan Shang, naturally, wouldn't be foolish enough to stay and resist, so he led his men to retreat.

With this, Cao Ren faced even less resistance, relentlessly pursuing his enemies, killing countless foes, and capturing an immense amount of supplies.

This battle lasted from nightfall until noon the next day, resulting in the deaths of over 30,000 enemies and the capture of no fewer than 40,000 surrendered soldiers.

The two brothers, Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, fled towards Ye City in a fierce competition. Even the Yuan soldiers who were ordered to deal with Liu Xie at Wuchao retreated in panic upon learning of Yuan Shao's death.

Ju Shou stood on the earthen slope, staring blankly for a long time, his eyes becoming somewhat vacant.

Yuan Jun's sudden retreat seemed to have taken Ju Shou's soul with him.

Liu Xie walked over softly, "I know you don't want to believe it's true, but it is the truth. Yuan Shao is dead, and Hebei will now enter a period of struggle between the two Yuans."

"The rivalry between the two Yuans?" Ju Shou's face darkened, and he seemed to have aged considerably all at once.

Intelligent people don't need extra explanations.

With Yuan Shao dead, Hebei was left leaderless, and Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were bound to fight each other, resulting in a dogfight.

"Yuan Shao did not designate anyone as his successor. With such a vast territory and four provinces, it would be hard for Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang not to be tempted. The brothers' falling out is a foregone conclusion, and your former colleagues will also face the great problem of choosing a new master."

"Sigh..." Ju Shou sighed helplessly. He had served Yuan Shao for so many years and really didn't want to see this situation. However, Ju Shou couldn't find any reason to refute Liu Xie's opinion.

The situation is already set in stone; to put it simply, it will descend into chaos! Hebei is destined for utter chaos!

Zhao Yun strode over and said, "Your Majesty, the eldest son has arrived."

When news of Yuan Shao's death arrived, Zhao Yun was also happy for Liu Xie.

Following behind Zhao Yun was Cao Ang, who was beaming with joy and excitement. "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Liu Xie quickly helped him up. "Zixiu, no need for formalities. What brings you here?"

Cao Ang mustered his courage and looked Liu Xie up and down for a while before asking, "Your Majesty, are you alright?"

Liu Xie shook his head, "No, no!" Afraid that he wouldn't believe him, Liu Xie repeated it twice and even moved his hands and feet.

Cao Ang breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good, Your Majesty. I never expected you to risk your life to come to Wuchao alone. But it's fortunate that you came, otherwise my father would have been in danger."

Cao Ang never doubted Liu Xie. He didn't know much about the Wuchao incident, but he knew that it was His Majesty who saved his father.

"Your Majesty, although Yuan Shao is dead, it is not safe to stay here any longer. You should come back to Guandu with me as soon as possible."

Liu Xie nodded, then glanced back at Ju Shou, "Gongyu, you don't mind coming back with me, do you?"

Ju Shou stiffened his neck and rolled his eyes helplessly. "Your Majesty, are you mocking me? Do I have any other choice?"

Having been captured for so many days, Ju Shou had been living and eating with Liu Xie and his men. Did he have any other choice?
Besides, even if Liu Xie lets him go back now, what can he do?

Whether you assist Yuan Tan or Yuan Shang, the outcome will not change.

Even Yuan Shao was no match for them, and the fates of Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were sealed long ago.

Cao Ang looked at Ju Shou and asked curiously, "Who is this gentleman?"

Liu Xie laughed and said, "He is Ju Shou, a famous scholar from Hebei. If Cao Cao hadn't gone first, perhaps I would have gone to Ye City back then."

Although Yuan Shao did not adopt Ju Shou's proposal, Ju Shou's talent and insight were no less than those of Xun Yu and others, as he was able to put forward the strategy of "holding the emperor hostage to command the world" early on.

Cao Ang heard that Ju Shou was very talented and respected him greatly. Having spent so much time with Liu Xie, Cao Ang's character and conduct were greatly influenced by him.

Cao Ang deeply respected talented and prestigious people.

On the way back, Liu Xie asked if anything had happened at Guandu recently. Cao Ang stammered, his eyes somewhat evasive.

Cao Ang really didn't know how to explain the matter of Prince Chen being beaten, but he was unwilling to hide it from the emperor.

Looking at Cao Ang, Liu Xie smiled warmly and said, "Zixiu, we are not only ruler and subject, but also close friends. Is there anything you can't tell me?"

"This?" Cao Ang sighed deeply, biting his lip as if he had made a great decision. "Your Majesty, something has indeed happened..."

Cao Ang carefully recounted the events, glancing furtively at Liu Xie's expression as he spoke. Sure enough, Liu Xie's face gradually darkened.

If Cao Ren had attacked someone else, Liu Xie might have let it go, but he chose to attack the Prince of Chen.

Prince Chen was not only a member of the Han imperial family, but also a staunch supporter of Liu Xie, loyal to the end, and provided so many soldiers and generals with free support.

Without Prince Chen, Liu Xie would still be a commander without any troops.

The reason Liu Xie was able to perform so well at Guandu was because of the troops of Prince Chen. In the chaotic world of fighting for supremacy, the gun was the most important thing.

If Prince Chen is attacked, it's the same as if Liu Xie is attacked.

After Cao Ang finished speaking, Liu Xie remained silent for a long time, his expression becoming very serious.

To be honest, Liu Xie was very angry, but after so many years of experience, he was not a person who liked to act impulsively.

He needs to calm down and think carefully about how to deal with the situation.

Fortunately, Cao Ang told him in advance, giving Liu Xie time to consider.

Cao Ang couldn't help but advise, "Your Majesty, Cao Ren was just too anxious and worried about Your Majesty's safety. I even had a fight with him at the time, and my father also scolded him. I hope Your Majesty can be lenient in this matter and not investigate it further, considering General Cao Ren's many merits."

After all, they were relatives of the same clan, so Cao Ang had to plead for Cao Ren.

Although Cao Cao did not reprimand Cao Ren, Cao Ang lied against his will in order to appease Liu Xie.

Liu Xie waved his hand in finally, "I understand everything you've said. I will handle this matter accordingly."

After a while, they arrived at the ferry. Cao Ang directed the troops to cross the river, and Liu Xie called Chen Gong and Liu Ye to his side.

After telling them what had happened, Liu Xie asked, "What do you think we should do about this?"

Liu Ye frowned, pondered for a moment, and advised, "Your Majesty, I think we should downplay this matter. Cao Ren is Cao Cao's cousin and is highly valued. Especially now that Cao Xiu, Xiahou Yuan, and Xu Chu are all dead, Cao Ren will be even more important to Cao Cao."

Chen Gong snorted coldly, “Your Majesty, I think this is actually a golden opportunity. Since Cao Cao has already lost several trusted generals, why not take this opportunity to cut off another arm of his? Let’s just kill Cao Ren as well, and then take back the power from him in one fell swoop. Even if Cao Cao wants to turn against us, Your Majesty doesn’t need to worry with Liu Bei, Zhao Yun and others.”

Liu Ye was more cautious, while Chen Gong was relatively more radical. He felt that the opportunity had come, and Cao Ren had walked right into the line of fire, so he should decisively kill him.

Liu Xie shook his head. "This matter is of utmost importance. Killing Cao Ren is not difficult, but if it angers Cao Cao, it will be difficult to deal with. The incident at Wuchao has already made Cao Cao suspicious of me. If we kill Cao Ren, wouldn't that be adding fuel to the fire? Is Cao Cao so easy to deal with?"

This isn't a question of whether we're afraid or not, but rather whether it's worth doing.

Liu Xie would not turn against Cao Cao unless absolutely necessary, and he believed that Cao Cao shared the same thought.

Liu Xie looked ahead and saw Cao Ang carefully directing the crossing of the river. Cao Ang was a good boy. He came to pick him up and did not hide the truth. He told him about the beating of the Prince of Chen. Turning against Cao Cao would only make Cao Ang's situation more difficult.

Liu Xie ultimately decided to resolve the matter in a more peaceful way possible.

Having successfully crossed the Guandu River and just as they were about to continue their march, a group of people approached from the front.

A scholar rode a green horse, followed by several guards. The scholar was handsome and dashing, not very old, only in his early thirties, with a pair of bright eyes that held a charming smile.

If it's not Guo Jia, then who is it!

(End of this chapter)