SFS Chapter 1006: Diao Chan is held hostage by Cao Ang and goes to Xu
Chapter 1006: Diao Chan is held hostage by Cao Ang and goes to Xu
In this way, several insiders successfully entered the city and gained Wei Xu's trust. They secretly contacted Cao Ang outside the city, informing him that everything was going well and that they only needed to wait for Cao Ang's order to launch a surprise attack.
Upon receiving the news, Cao Ang was overjoyed and immediately summoned Ma Yunlu, Yu Jin, Le Jin, and others to discuss the matter. He said, "Now that the traitors have successfully entered the city, we must seize this opportunity and attack as soon as possible. Late tomorrow night, we will launch an attack and catch them off guard."
Ma Yunlu nodded and said, "Okay. I will lead the Xiliang cavalry to break through the east gate and draw out the main enemy force. General Yu and General Le will attack the city from the south and north gates respectively. When the enemy is in disarray, the inner circle will open the west gate. Master Cao will then lead his army through the west gate and we will surely capture Xia Pi in one fell swoop."
Yu Jin and Le Jin responded in unison: "Okay, let's follow this plan!" Everyone then carefully discussed some details to ensure that there would be no mistakes.
The next day, as night fell and the wind grew increasingly biting, Cao Ang's army quietly approached Xia Pi City. Ma Yunlu led the Western Liang cavalry, charging towards the east gate like a black torrent. The thunderous sound of horses' hooves and the deafening cries of battle instantly shattered the tranquility of Xia Pi City's night.
The defenders on the tower were startled by the sudden attack and frantically sounded the alarm. Wei Xu, dozing in his tent, was instantly sobered by the alarm. He quickly arose and rushed to the east gate with his personal guards. Looking down from the tower, he saw the Western Liang cavalry, led by Ma Yunlu, charging forward like a tide. Each soldier was incredibly brave, desperately assaulting the city gate.
Wei Xu was startled, but quickly calmed down and shouted, "Archers, shoot! Shoot them back!" Suddenly, arrows rained down from the city walls, shooting towards the Xiliang cavalry. However, the Xiliang cavalry were well-trained. They continued to charge forward, wielding their long swords to deflect the arrows.
At the same time, Yu Jin and Le Jin led Cao's troops to attack from the south and north gates respectively. The defenders of the south and north gates were also caught off guard by the sudden attack. For a time, Xia Pi City was filled with shouts of killing and fell into chaos.
Wei Xu, surrounded by enemies on three sides, panicked and unsure what to do, suddenly heard a commotion coming from the west gate. It turned out that an insider had taken advantage of the situation and successfully opened the gate. Seeing the gate wide open, Cao Ang shouted, "Brothers, charge!" and led his army into the city through the west gate like a tiger descending from a mountain.
Under attack from all sides, the defenders of Xia Pi were thrown into disarray, their morale plummeting. They abandoned their armor and weapons and fled in all directions. Wei Xu, realizing his situation was hopeless, attempted to escape, but was spotted by Cao Ang's personal guards. One of the guards, quick-witted and quick-handed, threw a rope and unhooked Wei Xu from his horse. Wei Xu struggled to his feet, but was pinned down by the Cao army soldiers who arrived shortly after.
As Cao Ang's army continued to advance, the gates of Xia Pi City were successively breached. After a fierce battle, Cao's army finally succeeded in capturing Xia Pi City. Standing on the city wall, Cao Ang looked at the Cao army flags flying in the city, feeling a surge of emotion.
At this time, Ma Yunlu, Yu Jin, and Le Jin also led their troops to join Cao Ang. Ma Yunlu smiled and said, "Zi Xiu, we were able to successfully capture Xia Pi this time thanks to everyone's concerted efforts." Yu Jin and Le Jin also nodded in agreement.
Cao Ang said, "Thank you for your hard work, generals! Now that Xia Pi has been captured, we have the bargaining chips to negotiate with Lu Bu. Next, we must stabilize the situation in Xia Pi as soon as possible, and at the same time send someone to inform my father of the news and wait for further instructions." After hearing this, everyone accepted the order in unison.
At that moment, a soldier hurried to Cao Ang, knelt on one knee, and reported in a panic, "Sir, we have searched the city lord's mansion, but have not found Lü Bu's family." Cao Ang was shocked, thinking how could this be possible? Xia Pi had been captured, so Lü Bu's family should be in the city.
Cao Ang frowned, thought for a moment, and then ordered, "Bring Wei Xu here!" Soon, Wei Xu was brought before Cao Ang, bound and tied up. Although a captive, Wei Xu still wanted to show off his abilities, with a hint of stubbornness and disdain on his face.
Cao Ang was too anxious to waste time talking to him. Thinking of his father's legacy, his family in Xudu, and the complex situation, he grew furious. With a swish, he drew his sword from his waist, pointed it at Wei Xu's throat, and shouted, "Where are Lü Bu's family? If you don't tell me, I'll finish you off with one strike!"
Wei Xu looked at Cao Ang's murderous gaze with a wave of fear. Helplessly, he spoke, "Although General Lu is in Xia Pi, he doesn't live in the city lord's mansion all the time. After the Mi family left with Liu Bei, General Lu took over their magnificent manor and courtyard, and he and his family are now settled there."
After hearing this, Cao Ang acted decisively and immediately ordered Yu Jin and others, "You should quickly comfort the people in the city and stabilize the people's hearts. At the same time, carefully count the casualties of our army. Also, arrange for personnel to collect food and grass as soon as possible to ensure the supply of the army." After receiving the order, Yu Jin and others quickly took action.
Here, Cao Ang personally led the Xiliang cavalry, along with Ma Yunlu, as they galloped towards the Mi family manor at lightning speed. The dust raised by their horses' hooves spread out behind them like a thick, dark cloud.
When they arrived at the Mi Family Manor, Lü Bu's guards fought desperately. Knowing the weight of their responsibility to protect Lü Bu's family, they showed no sign of retreat, even in the face of Cao Ang's vast army. However, Cao Ang was utterly anxious, determined to find Lü Bu's family as quickly as possible to secure favorable terms for negotiations. Seeing their stubborn resistance, Cao Ang's eyes flashed with ruthlessness, and with a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"
The Xiliang cavalry descended like tigers, brandishing their long swords as they charged towards the guards. Shouts and screams mingled, and blood instantly dyed the manor ground red. After a fierce battle, Lü Bu's guards were ultimately outnumbered and slaughtered.
Cao Ang and Ma Yunlu rode into the manor and, in an inner chamber, finally encountered Diao Chan and Lü Bu's daughter, Lü Lingqi. Diao Chan tightly protected Lü Lingqi, and both trembled, their eyes filled with fear. Even Diao Chan, a seasoned warrior, was horrified by the bloody scene before her.
Seeing this, Cao Ang put away the sternness on his face and said softly, "Madam, don't worry. I, Cao Ang, guarantee with my integrity that I will not harm your lives. However, the current situation is like this. I hope Madam can cooperate. Only then can I take you away with peace of mind in exchange for my Cao family members trapped in Xudu. I hope Madam understands."
Diao Chan raised her head, tears in her eyes, and looked at Cao Ang, nodding slightly. She knew that in these turbulent times, her own and her daughter's fate was no longer in her control. And Cao Ang's actions were perhaps also helpless. Although Lü Lingqi was filled with anger, seeing her mother nod, she could only bite her lip and remain silent.
Seeing Diao Chan's agreement, Cao Ang felt relieved. He turned to Ma Yunlu and said, "Yunlu, arrange for a few attentive female relatives to take good care of the lady and the young lady. Don't neglect them in the slightest." Ma Yunlu nodded and said, "Don't worry, Master Cao." Then, he made all the arrangements and left the Mi family estate with Diao Chan and Lü Lingqi.
At this time, in Xiapi City, Generals Yu Jin, Le Jin, and others were methodically handling various matters according to Cao Ang's instructions. Thanks to their efforts, order in the city was gradually returning to normal. The inventory of food and fodder, the treatment and resettlement of the wounded, and the comforting of the civilians were all proceeding intensively and orderly.
After everything was settled, Cao Ang looked around at everyone with a serious expression and slowly said, "Now that everything is ready, it's time to go to Xudu to negotiate with Lu Bu." Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought and immediately began to discuss heatedly who should be selected as an envoy to Xudu.
Cao Ang said without hesitation: "My mother and my younger siblings are all trapped in Xudu. As the eldest son, how can I feel at ease about this? The position of envoy belongs to me." When everyone heard this, they were shocked and worried, and they all stepped forward to dissuade him.
Yu Jin, looking anxious, spoke earnestly, "Sir, Xudu is now under Lü Bu's control. It's undoubtedly a dangerous place. As Cao Cao's eldest son, you shoulder a heavy responsibility. If you make a mistake, the entire situation will be disastrous. You can appoint someone else to serve as the envoy. You must not be put in danger yourself!"
Le Jin echoed this, his face filled with worry as he advised, "Yes, young master! Lü Bu is suspicious and ruthless by nature. You will face numerous dangers if you go this way. How can we bear to see you take such a risk? It would be better to send a man of eloquence and skill to Xudu in your place. He will also be able to complete the negotiations."
Ma Yunlu frowned slightly and softly advised, "Zixiu, I understand your concern for your family, but this matter requires further consideration. If you find yourself in danger, how can we explain this to Lord Cao? Besides, negotiations require strategy and wisdom, not personal effort."
However, Cao Ang had made up his mind. He waved his hand and said calmly and resolutely, "I appreciate your kindness, everyone. But I have made up my mind. This seemingly dangerous place is not without hope. Lü Bu has always been extremely fond of beautiful women. Now that Diao Chan and his daughter are in our hands, he would be afraid to act rashly, so how could he dare to attack me? Moreover, only if I go there in person can I reassure my mother and my siblings and better stabilize the situation. Otherwise, how can I face my father when he returns?"
Seeing that Cao Ang was so determined, everyone was worried, but their persuasion was in vain. They knew that they could not change his decision, so they could only helplessly let Cao Ang go.
Cao Ang resolutely led the Western Liang cavalry, marching alongside Ma Yunlu towards Xudu. The team included not only the elite cavalry, but also Diao Chan, Lü Lingqi, and the families of many of Lü Bu's generals. Along the way, the biting cold wind howled, rustling the military flags, a thrilling yet unsettling prelude to this uncertain journey.
Cao Ang sat tall, his posture erect, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. In his mind, he was rapidly formulating various strategies for negotiating with Lü Bu. He knew that this journey to Xudu was a mission that depended on the safety of the entire Cao family and the entire situation. Success or failure depended on this single move, and no mistakes could be made.
Meanwhile, after bidding Cao Ang farewell, Yu Jin, Le Jin, and other generals, fully aware of the dire situation, made decisive and crucial arrangements. Yu Jin selected several elite soldiers with exceptional riding skills and solemnly instructed them: "Ride with all your might to Yanzhou and report the situation in Xudu and Xiapi to our lord in detail. He is facing Yuan Shao in Dongjun, and we must know of the fall of Xudu, the capture of Xiapi, and the preparations for negotiations between Master Cao and Lü Bu. He must be informed as soon as possible so he can make a decision."
After receiving the order, several soldiers immediately jumped on their horses and galloped towards Yanzhou like an arrow. The horses' hooves raised clouds of dust and they quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.