Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Meanwhile, Wen Chou faced an increasingly difficult situation, battling Xu Chu and Cai Yang alone. Xu Chu possessed immense strength, his sword wielding like a hurricane, each strike packing a powerful force that compressed the air wherever it passed. Cai Yang, a veteran commander with expert swordsmanship, coordinated seamlessly with Xu Chu, assisting in the attack, leaving Wen Chou stretched thin.

Despite his martial prowess, Wen Chou gradually found himself overwhelmed by the combined attacks of these two. He swung his spear with all his might, attempting to break through their encirclement, but Xu Chu and Cai Yang's attacks were relentless and relentless. Wen Chou could only sense the flashes of swords before his eyes, and his spear movements became increasingly strained.

Meanwhile, Yan Liang and Wei Yan had been engaged in a fierce battle for another forty or fifty rounds. Yan Liang gradually mastered Wei Yan's swordsmanship, and his attacks intensified. With a single swing of his broadsword, a curtain of blades descended upon Wei Yan like a torrential downpour of pear blossoms. Wei Yan dared not allow himself to be careless, concentrating his full strength in resisting, beads of sweat streaming down his forehead.

Yan Liang spotted an opening, raised his broadsword high, and like a flash of black lightning, he slashed down at Wei Yan. Wei Yan, startled, quickly dodged to the side, but the blade still slashed across his cheek, leaving a thin, bloody streak. Yan Liang seized the opportunity, raising his broadsword once again and slashing at Wei Yan with immense force. Wei Yan barely managed to parry with his sword, but a resounding clang left his knuckles cracked and his arm numb. The tide gradually turned in Yan Liang's favor, and he firmly established the upper hand.

Wen Chou, meanwhile, was increasingly at a disadvantage under the combined attacks of Xu Chu and Cai Yang. His movements began to slow, his breathing quickened, and his spear's resistance was no longer as sharp as it had been at the beginning. Several times, Wen Chou narrowly escaped being struck by Xu Chu's broadsword, relying only on his superb horsemanship and nimble reflexes to dodge. Wen Chou was utterly anxious, yet unable to escape his predicament, already at a disadvantage. The entire battlefield was in a delicate balance, with victory or defeat seemingly hanging in the balance. Everyone present was nervous, wondering how this intense battle would unfold.

Just as the battle was deadlocked, with both sides locked in a fierce struggle, a clear and rapid blast of trumpets suddenly rang out from the Hebei camp. Amidst the roaring battle, the sound was strikingly abrupt, yet distinctly audible. Yan Liang and Wen Chou, caught in the thick of a fierce battle with their foes, were startled by the sound. Though bewildered, they dared not disobey the military order, each feinting before quickly disengaging from the fray and turning their horses to gallop back towards their own camp.

Seeing this, Wei Yan, Xu Chu, and Cai Yang lost interest in the battle and, while keeping an eye on the Yuan army's movements, they slowly retreated back to the battle line, assisting the injured Qin Qi. Qin Qi was seriously injured, his face as pale as paper, his eyes tightly closed. His life or death was uncertain, and everyone was filled with worry.

Yan Liang and Wen Chou hurried back to the battle line, only to discover that it was Yuan Shao leading the rearguard steadily advancing. Mounted atop a majestic horse and clad in resplendent armor, Yuan Shao, flanked by his generals, appeared before the battle line in a stately manner. Upon seeing Yan Liang and Wen Chou's return, Yuan Shao smiled and praised their bravery, saying, "You two are truly valiant. Today's battle showcased the spirit of the men of Hebei and was a truly remarkable achievement!" Yan Liang and Wen Chou quickly dismounted, knelt on one knee, and declared in unison, "Thank you for your kind words, lord. We will continue to serve you faithfully!"

On Cao Cao's side, everyone looked at the imposing figure of Yuan Shao in the Yuan army's formation and understood that Yuan Shao's entire army had been chasing them. Cao Cao, fully aware that his own troops' strength and morale were suffering, dared not relax even a little. He decisively ordered another retreat, withdrew his army towards Chenliu City. Suddenly, the sound of trumpets and military orders echoed through Cao's ranks. The soldiers quickly reorganized their ranks and retreated in an orderly manner, raising a cloud of dust.

After Cao Cao led his army back to Chenliu, he immediately ordered the gates to be tightly closed and deployed his soldiers to their positions, demonstrating a desperate defense. The atmosphere in the city was tense and oppressive, with the soldiers on high alert and the people in a state of panic.

Yuan Shao's army followed slowly, pressing forward like a dark cloud, directly approaching Chenliu City. The momentum seemed to engulf the city in an instant.

Cao Cao and his companions had just taken a breather in the city, barely resting when they heard Yuan Shao, heavily guarded by his army, approach the gates of Chenliu. Yuan Shao called out to Cao Cao to speak with him. Despite a pounding headache and feeling unwell, Cao Cao knew he couldn't show weakness. Despite his illness, he forged ahead and, surrounded by the crowd, scaled the walls of Chenliu.

Below the city walls, Yuan Shao sat atop a majestic steed, clad in a magnificent brocade robe and crowned with a golden helmet. He looked up at Cao Cao on the city wall, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He spoke loudly, "Meng De, today, I remember our past friendship. If you are willing to surrender to me, I will forgive all past misfortunes. I, Yuan Shao, will certainly grant you a place in the army. We can work together for great things in the future. Why not?"

Cao Cao sneered and retorted loudly, "Yuan Shao, you have evil ambitions and are trying to overthrow the Han Dynasty. Such actions deserve death! Although I, Cao Cao, am weak, I will never associate with a traitor like you!"

Yuan Shao's face darkened, and he angrily shouted, "Cao Cao, don't I know what kind of person you are? I've left you a chance to live, out of consideration for our past friendship. Do you really want to continue down this path of no return?"

Cao Cao's expression was resolute. He cupped his hands and said, "Benchu, I, Cao Cao, have done nothing but have a clear conscience. As the head of an aristocratic family, you have not considered supporting the Han Dynasty, but have instead chosen to bring chaos to the world. Although I, Cao Cao, may be powerless, I am willing to accompany you to the end and fight you to the end!"

Yuan Shao's face turned blue with rage, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Well, Cao Cao, you're such a fool! Since you refuse to change your ways, don't blame me for being rude!"

Cao Cao was not afraid at all and responded loudly: "If you want to fight, then fight. I, Cao Cao, have nothing to fear!"

The two sides parted ways unhappily. Yuan Shao waved his whip and turned, his army slowly retreating and setting up camp. Cao Cao watched Yuan Shao's retreating figure, his eyes revealing a resolute determination. He knew that a more brutal war was about to come, but he was ready, determined to fight for his beliefs and ideals no matter the hardships and dangers. Atop Chenliu City, a bitter wind blew, rippling Cao Cao's robes with a rustling sound, as if playing a prelude to the coming battle.

The night, thick as ink, hung heavy over Chenliu City. The atmosphere in the city was oppressive and suffocating. Inside Cao Cao's tent, candlelight flickered as Xun Yu again addressed him.

Cheng Yu frowned, his face filled with worry as he spoke, "My lord, Yuan Shao's army is now approaching. Even if Chenliu defends with all its might, it will likely be difficult to withstand their force. In my opinion, it would be better to abandon Chenliu for now and try to recapture Xudu first. After recapture Xudu, we can link up with Cao Ren, Cao Ang, and the others. Using Xudu as a stronghold, we can then dispatch troops from Yanzhou and Qingzhou, creating a two-pronged attack. Otherwise, if we continue to stalemate in Chenliu, once the situation in Xuchang stabilizes and the enemy cuts off our retreat, we will be caught in a dilemma with Yuan Shao in front and Xudu occupied by someone unknown behind. We will inevitably be at a disadvantage, and the situation will be disastrous."

Xun You nodded in agreement and added, "My Lord, Wen Ruo is absolutely right. The current situation is critical, and Xudu is of paramount importance. If we can recapture it, we will have a foundation and room for maneuver. However, if we miss this opportunity, the consequences will be disastrous."

Guo Jia stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before saying, "My lord, we must act decisively now. We might as well make a decisive move. Even if Yuan Shao occupies Chenliu, as long as our army can quickly recapture Xudu and link up with Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Cao Ang, and others, we can fight a protracted war against Yuan Shao. We can then dispatch troops from Yanzhou and Qingzhou to strengthen our forces, and we will definitely be able to fight again."

Cao Cao sat in his tent, his face heavy with worry, his head still lingering. He listened to everyone's suggestions, weighing them over and over again, knowing that every decision depended on the survival of the army. After much deliberation, Cao Cao finally spoke slowly and decided, "Things have come to this. This is the only way. Send my orders to summon Cai Yang and Wei Yan."

Soon, Cai Yang and Wei Yan arrived at the camp. Cao Cao looked at Cai Yang and said solemnly, "General Cai Yang, the situation is critical now. I have decided to lead the army to recapture Xudu. The important task of defending Chenliu is now entrusted to you. You must hold Yuan Shao back while we await reinforcements." Cai Yang's expression was resolute. He clasped his fists and said, "Rest assured, my lord. Defending this land is my responsibility. I will do my utmost, even if it means death!"

Cao Cao turned his gaze to Wei Yan, a look of shame on his face. He said, "General Wei, you were originally a guest, and I, Cao Cao, am deeply ashamed to have you face Yuan Shao directly. But the situation is urgent now. I hope General Wei can lend a hand to General Cai Yang and defend Chenliu to the death." Wei Yan laughed heartily and said proudly, "Go ahead, Cao Gong! We will retreat first. General Cai Yang and I will defend Chenliu to the death and will not allow Yuan Shao to advance a single step!"

Cao Cao looked at Wei Yan gratefully and said, "With General Wei and General Cai Yang here, I feel relieved. Once I recapture Xu Du, I will surely send troops to support you."

The night fell, like a vast sheet of black silk, silently enveloping everything in the world. Cao Cao knew the moment was urgent; a single misstep would lead to irretrievable doom. Under Xiahou Dun's meticulous protection, Cao's soldiers hurried yet cautiously retreated from Chenliu City under cover of darkness. The sound of horse hooves was muffled by the thick, soft cloth, a faint clattering noise audible only, as if afraid to disturb the slumbering night.

Cao Cao, perched on his horse, gazed back at the towering walls of Chenliu City, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. This city had held so much hope and so much worry, and now he had to abandon it temporarily. But his gaze remained resolute, knowing that only by retaking Xudu could he have a chance of turning the tide.

Xiahou Dun led the charge, vigilantly observing the surroundings like a lion guarding his territory, unwilling to allow any potential threat to approach Cao Cao. The soldiers formed neat columns and advanced in an orderly fashion, their figures looming in the night like ghosts.

Under cover of darkness, Cao Cao and his men hastily evacuated Chenliu, heading towards Xudu. Along the way, Cao Cao frowned, his heart filled with worry. The fall of Xudu had been too sudden, and they still didn't know the exact force that had captured it. This unknown enemy, like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, was impossible to guard against.

Xiahou Dun observed this and consoled him, "My lord, no matter who controls Xudu, I will do my utmost to protect you and recapture it." Cao Cao nodded slightly and said, "Yuan Rang, Xudu is extremely important to us. We don't know the enemy's strength yet, so we must act with caution."