Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Cao Cao watched his eldest son, Cao Ang, step forward at this crucial moment, and saw Guo Jia smiling, a mixture of emotions welling up within him. Aristocratic families always place great value on the eldest son, and the Cao family was no exception. Cao Cao had high hopes for Cao Ang since he was young. This child was indeed a promising talent, both civil and military, and he was praised highly by generals and advisors in the army and at home.

However, Cao Cao harbored a lingering concern. Cao Ang was too upright, single-minded in his patriotic pursuits, much like Ma Chao before him, whose relentless pursuit of success was akin to a refusal to resign. Cao Cao felt that while this character would be impeccable as a loyal minister and general, it lacked the cunning and adaptability to become a powerful ruler.

Cao Cao held his forehead and pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Fengxiao, is Zixiu really capable of taking on this important task?"

Guo Jia laughed heartily and said, "The eldest son is of such noble status. He is your eldest son, extremely intelligent and ambitious. He will definitely live up to your trust on this mission."

Cao Cao was still a little worried and said, "But Li Ru, that old fox, is in charge of Chang'an. How can Zixiu convince Li Ru if he goes there?"

Guo Jia smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, my lord. Since I have proposed this, I will not let you go alone. I am willing to accompany you to Chang'an."

Seeing how confident Guo Jia was, Cao Cao, who had always regarded Guo Jia as his think tank, thought that this was indeed a good arrangement.

Guo Jia smiled and said to Cao Cao, "Sir, this trip isn't just to negotiate peace with Xiliang. I have another plan. If the opportunity is right, I'd like to bring back a man as talented as Xiao He."

When Cao Cao heard this, he was overjoyed and said, "Are you serious, Fengxiao?"

Guo Jia smiled and nodded, saying, "Mr. Xun You's uncle, Xun Yu, is currently in Chang'an. Xun Yu has always considered himself a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, but he has been detained in Chang'an for many days by Ma Chao. He had previously exchanged letters with Xun You. If you don't believe me, you can ask Mr. Xun You."

At this moment, Xun You hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "My lord, my uncle previously sent a letter through someone, asking how the emperor is being treated here, and whether he's been treated with disdain. My Xun family has been loyal and righteous for generations, and my uncle is dedicated to serving his country, but unfortunately, he's been detained in Chang'an by Ma Chao. If there's an opportunity this time, with Fengxiao's wisdom, I'll definitely be able to bring my uncle along."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes were filled with anticipation, and he said with emotion, "I've always known Xun Yu's abilities. If I could get his help, I'd be in great shape. So, let's make this arrangement. However, Luoyang is currently under siege, and the road to Chang'an might not be smooth."

Guo Jia thought for a moment and said, "Of course, your safety is the most important thing. I plan to change the route with you to Hanzhong. Now that Zhang Lu in Hanzhong has openly surrendered to Xiliang, I think we won't be harassed if we go there as envoys."

Cao Cao nodded in agreement and said seriously, "Even so, we must arrange for personnel to protect your safety. Cao Hong, you will lead a group of elite cavalry to accompany you. You must ensure the safety of Zixiu and Fengxiao. If anything goes wrong, you will be held accountable!"

Cao Hong clasped his fists and accepted the order: "Rest assured, my lord. I will do my utmost to ensure the safety of the eldest son and Mr. Guo!"

Thus, everyone frantically prepared for Cao Ang and Guo Jia's diplomatic mission to Chang'an. They meticulously planned their itinerary, gathered necessary documents and gifts, and made final preparations for this mission, fraught with both challenges and opportunities. Cao Hong also quickly selected a squadron of battle-hardened cavalry, training them day and night, awaiting the order to depart. The entire Cao camp was filled with a mixture of tension and excitement for this crucial operation, each aware that this mission could profoundly alter the current situation.

At Hangu Pass, Wen Chou personally led 100,000 soldiers and, together with Zhang He, launched a multi-day siege. Short of manpower to defend the pass, Cao's troops inside faced the fierce attack of Yuan's army and could only hold their ground, not daring to venture out to fight.

The two sides remained deadlocked for several days until one day, when the brothers Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan arrived with reinforcements, which slightly eased the critical situation at Hangu Pass.

Xiahou Dun was known for his bravery and fierceness, while Xiahou Yuan was known for his meticulousness and consideration. During the Yuan army's siege of Tongguan, they daily launched verbal attacks and challenges from the gate. Upon hearing these insulting words, Xiahou Dun flew into a rage and immediately demanded to lead his troops out of the pass to confront Wen Chou in a decisive battle, to put a stop to their arrogance.

Seeing this, Xiahou Yuan rushed forward to stop them, saying, "Brother, don't be impulsive at this moment. The Yuan army is coming with great force and has been well prepared. We need to take a long-term approach."

However, Xiahou Dun turned a deaf ear and roared with his eyes wide open: "Your Excellency treats us like brothers, and Meng De and I are as close as brothers. Now I am treated like a slave by a general like Wen Chou. How can I swallow this!" After that, Xiahou Dun ignored Xiahou Yuan's dissuasion and insisted on leading his troops out of the pass to fight.

Xiahou Yuan knew Xiahou Dun's temper very well. Seeing that his persuasion was ineffective, and fearing that his brother would be in danger, he had no choice but to lead his troops to support Xiahou Dun in case of any accidents.

At the foot of Hangu Pass, Wen Chou's army was arrayed in an orderly manner. The soldiers in the array insulted Cao Cao unscrupulously. Their words were unbearable to hear. They made a fuss about Cao Cao's background, saying that Cao Cao was the descendant of a eunuch and had been as lowly as a slave under Yuan Shao.

At that moment, the gates of Hangu Pass suddenly swung open with a dull thud. Immediately afterwards, Xiahou Dun, like a flash of black lightning, led the Cao army in a magnificent charge. A massive figure, his armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight, Xiahou Dun pointed his spear at the Yuan army and shouted, "Enemy generals, stop your rhetoric! I am Xiahou Dun, a general under Cao Gong. Who dares to challenge me to a fight to the death?" This furious cry, like rolling thunder, reverberated across the battlefield, shaking the very earth.

Upon hearing this, Wen Chou sneered and rode out into the battle. Wearing a golden helmet and a red robe, his broadsword gleaming coldly in his hand, he approached Xiahou Dun with a commanding presence and declared proudly, "Hmph, I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's you, a foolhardy fellow with courage but no strategy! Today, I'll show you how powerful I, Wen Chou, am!" With that, Wen Chou clamped his legs against the horse's belly, and the warhorse neighed as it charged towards Xiahou Dun. He raised his broadsword high and, with a tremendous force, slashed down at Xiahou Dun's head like a streak of black silk.

Xiahou Dun showed no fear. With a loud shout, he charged forward with his spear. A resounding clang, like the tolling of a bell, sent sparks flying. Both men struck with all their might, their arms numb from the shock. But both were fierce and valiant, neither willing to yield, and they instantly launched a second attack.

Wen Chou's swordsmanship was fierce, with powerful swings and resounding blows. Each strike was accompanied by a whistling sound, as if tearing the very air apart. His swordsmanship was unpredictable, sometimes slashing straight, sometimes slashing horizontally, sometimes slashing diagonally, each one deadly. Xiahou Dun's spearmanship was steady, using defense as an attack. His spear danced impenetrably in his hands, like a nimble dragon, deftly neutralizing Wen Chou's every attack while waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

The two men exchanged blows, swords flashing and spears darting back and forth, the fight raging. In a blink of an eye, dozens of rounds had passed. On the battlefield, dust billowed, and the sound of horses' hooves, the clash of weapons, and the shouts of soldiers intertwined, as if the entire world was shaken by this fierce battle.

The soldiers on both sides were captivated by this spectacular battle, holding their breath as they stared intently at the two men at the center of the battlefield. Yuan's soldiers cheered for Wen Chou, their roars resounding, while Cao's soldiers cheered for Xiahou Dun with equal intensity.

At the height of the battle, Wen Chou seized an opening and swung his broadsword, aiming for Xiahou Dun's throat. Xiahou Dun's expression changed, and he jerked his body to the side, narrowly avoiding the fatal blow. Simultaneously, his spear, like a venomous snake emerging from a burrow, pierced Wen Chou's chest. Wen Chou reacted with remarkable speed, dodging to the side, allowing the spear to grazed his armor.

The two exchanged blows, and in the blink of an eye, they had already exchanged seventy or eighty rounds. As the battle progressed, Wen Chou, with his superior martial arts and rich battlefield experience, gradually gained the upper hand. He wielded his broadsword with impenetrable force, each strike carrying a sharp gust of wind, pressing down on Xiahou Dun like a surging tide. Xiahou Dun fought hard, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his breathing became rapid.

Xiahou Yuan was watching anxiously from the side, fearing that Xiahou Dun would be in danger, so he shouted, "Don't hurt my brother, Xiahou Yuan is coming!" Before he finished speaking, he urged his horse and drew his sword, rushing into the battle group like a tiger descending from the mountain.

Seeing this, Zhang He in the formation also shouted loudly: "Enemy general, how dare you bully the minority with your numbers? Here comes Zhang He from Hebei!" After that, he rode out with a spear in his hand, and went straight to Xiahou Yuan to intercept him.

Xiahou Yuan held his long sword horizontally, thrusting it fiercely to block Zhang He's spear. A resounding clang, like the clashing of metal and stone, numbed both men's arms. Zhang He's spearmanship was fierce and swift, the tip of his spear flashing with a cold gleam as he thrust out with the swiftness of a snake, each strike aimed squarely at Xiahou Yuan's vital points. Undeterred, Xiahou Yuan wielded his long sword with unstoppable force, engaging Zhang He with sweeping, powerful strikes. His technique was steady and powerful, each blow carrying immense force, the blade flashing with a gleam of light, as if cleaving Zhang He and his horse in two.

On one side, Zhang He and Xiahou Yuan were locked in a fierce battle; on the other, Wen Chou and Xiahou Dun continued their fierce battle. Wen Chou's attack continued unabated, his broadsword slicing through the air with streaks of cold light, each blow inflicting increasing pressure on Xiahou Dun. Xiahou Dun gritted his teeth, resisting with all his might, his spear darting up and down, searching for a chance to strike back amidst the dense slashing of swords.

The four generals engaged in a spectacular battle before the battle line. The sun shone brightly on their armor, illuminating it with a dazzling radiance, intertwined with the sparks of their weapons clashing, creating a breathtaking spectacle. On the battlefield, the cries of battle, the clashing of weapons, and the neighing of horses intertwined, resounding through the air. Soldiers on both sides were captivated by the spectacular battle, their voices rising in chorus as they cheered for their respective generals.

Zhang He seized an opening and thrust his spear at Xiahou Yuan's throat like lightning. Xiahou Yuan's eyes glared, and he jerked back, practically pressing against his horse's back, the spear glancing off his nose. Then, taking advantage of Zhang He's inability to retract his spear, Xiahou Yuan swung his sword upward, aiming for Zhang He's wrist. Zhang He reacted quickly, hastily withdrawing his spear and dodging to the side, avoiding the fierce blow.

At the same moment, Wen Chou slashed down with his sword. Xiahou Dun, gripping his spear with both hands, thrust his spear upwards to block the blow. With a crack, Xiahou Dun's spear was slashed by Wen Chou's full-strength blow, leaving a deep crack. Shocked, Xiahou Dun dared not engage further. He feinted his spear and rode away. Wen Chou refused to let him go, spurring his horse in pursuit.

Seeing his brother in danger, Xiahou Yuan had no intention of fighting Zhang He anymore. He forced Zhang He back with his sword and then turned to rescue Xiahou Dun. Zhang He would not let him go so easily and chased after him on horseback.