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Fei Qian truly hadn't expected that by the time his troops had finished preparing their supplies for the march, news would arrive that Bao Xin and Cao Cao had already returned.
The speed was astonishing!
Could wars during the Han Dynasty really be fought this quickly? It was almost unbelievable.
But when Fei Qian went out to investigate, he realized that Bao Xin and Cao Cao likely hadn't engaged in any actual battle—there wasn't a single wounded soldier in sight, nor any traces of combat.
What was going on?
Upon inquiry, he learned that before Bao Xin and Cao Cao could even reach Chenggao, they had encountered a "negotiation delegation" from Luoyang on their way to Suanzao to discuss terms with the Guandong Coalition.
Cao Cao had wanted to let the envoys proceed with their negotiations while he and Bao Xin continued with their original plan to march on Chenggao.
Unfortunately, Bao Xin disagreed.
Bao Xin's reasoning wasn't without merit—he argued that their campaign had been launched because of Dong Zhuo's tyranny and treachery. Since the court had sent envoys, they ought to at least hear what the imperial court had to say. Ignoring the envoys would make them no different from Dong Zhuo, who flouted the law.
And so, Bao Xin and Cao Cao turned back with the delegation…
Fei Qian was dumbfounded.
Was this even possible?
Had Bao Xin and Cao Cao just gone on a leisurely outing?
Who would believe this?
Since the envoys had arrived, they had to be received with due ceremony. The meeting was held once again in Zhang Miao's main tent.
Liu Dai, who had been keeping a low profile ever since the oath-taking ceremony, often excused himself on grounds of illness. No one knew what he was up to, so matters naturally fell to Zhang Miao—especially since Kong Zhou also spent most of his time lingering in Zhang Miao's camp.
When Fei Qian arrived outside the tent, he spotted Cao Cao standing outside instead of entering.
Cao Cao smiled faintly at Fei Qian and cupped his hands in greeting, but Fei Qian could sense a trace of bitterness hidden behind that smile.
"Senior Brother, why not go inside?"
Cao Cao shook his head. "No, if I enter, it'll only force Mengzhuo to explain…"
Explain what? Oh, right—Cao Cao was still technically a fugitive. While no one in Suanzao took the arrest warrant seriously, the arrival of imperial envoys made things awkward. If Cao Cao entered now, it would publicly confirm that Zhang Miao had been sheltering him.
Fei Qian nodded. "Then I won't go in either. But who exactly are the envoys?"
Cao Cao replied, "The main delegates are Grand Herald Han Yuanchang, Privy Treasurer Yin Zizhi, and Commandant of Capital Security Humu Jipi. There are also two others accompanying them—Imperial Architect Wu Changjian and Colonel of Rapid Cavalry Wang Yingyu."
Fei Qian's expression turned blank. Who were these people?
The Han that Cao Cao mentioned was likely from Yingchuan, given that the Yingchuan Han clan was quite prominent.
After some thought, Fei Qian vaguely recalled a figure from the older generation of famous scholars—someone on par with Xun Shuang of the "Eight Dragons." His name was probably Han Rong, a highly respected elder whose seniority matched Xun Shuang's.
No wonder Bao Xin had turned back. With such a venerable figure blocking their path, disregarding him would invite condemnation—unless they were willing to bear the infamy.
As for Privy Treasurer Yin Zizhi and Commandant Humu Jipi, Fei Qian had no idea who they were. Where did these esteemed figures come from?
Cao Cao motioned for Fei Qian to walk with him. As they strolled away from the tent, he explained, "This is likely another of Li Wenyou's schemes… Grand Herald Han Yuanchang—you may not have met him, but you've surely heard of him."
Seeing Fei Qian nod, Cao Cao continued, "Grand Herald Han Yuanchang is a senior clansman of Han Fu, the Governor of Ji Province. Privy Treasurer Yin Zizhi is from Nanyang and once served as Governor of Yingchuan, where he implemented benevolent policies. He's quite renowned in Yingchuan and Nanyang—I've heard even Guo Tu, Guo Gongze, was promoted by him."
"As for Commandant Humu Jipi, like Zhang Gong, he is one of the 'Eight Virtuous Providers.' He's also related by marriage to Wang Kuang, Governor of Henei." Cao Cao sighed. "With these envoys here, things are bound to drag on indefinitely."
Fei Qian fell silent. Li Ru truly was a terrifying strategist. Every envoy sent was either a relative or an old acquaintance, covering all angles.
Li Ru's cunning lay in the fact that even if his delaying tactics were obvious, there was no easy way to counter them. These were all esteemed scholars—any improper conduct would tarnish one's reputation. And with the entire scholar-gentry class watching, every action would be scrutinized.
Fei Qian didn't need to think hard to guess that the envoys carried an imperial decree ordering the Guandong Coalition to withdraw. But would the coalition simply comply?
Of course not. Yet by refusing, they would lose the moral high ground they had claimed under Yuan Shao's leadership.
They could argue that the decree had been coerced from the Emperor by Dong Zhuo, but whether others believed it was another matter. Either way, their initial advantage was now completely nullified.
Li Ru truly had the power to turn clouds into rain with a wave of his hand.
Now, the Guandong scholar-gentry faced a dilemma: if they claimed loyalty, they must accept the decree and disband. If they refused, they would be rebels in the eyes of the court.
There might be one other way…
Fei Qian shuddered. Was it really spring? Why did the air still feel so cold?
Never mind. This mess was for the Guandong factions to deal with.
Turning to Cao Cao, Fei Qian said, "Senior Brother, I originally came to bid farewell to the lords. Since they're occupied, I won't disturb them further."
"What?" Cao Cao seemed reluctant. "You're leaving now? Why not wait a couple of days? Grand Herald Han Yuanchang and the others will surely head north to meet Yuan Benchu. Traveling with them would be safer."
Fei Qian shook his head. "No, they're imperial envoys… It wouldn't be appropriate."
Cao Cao pressed, "It's nearly noon. If you set out now, you'll have to camp halfway. Why not leave tomorrow?"
"The road north leads straight to Yan County, and beyond that, the Yanjin Crossing. There are post stations along the way, so setting up camp isn't a concern. Besides… never mind. It's better to leave sooner." Fei Qian clasped his hands in farewell. "Senior Brother, take care."
Pausing briefly, he added, "Forgive my bluntness… but from what I've seen, most of your troops lack battle experience. If their formation breaks during combat, they'll be vulnerable. War is ruthless—please be cautious." With that, he turned to leave.
Cao Cao reached out slightly, as if to stop him, but in the end, his hand hovered mid-air before dropping with a soft sigh.