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As Cao Song's group traveled between Hua and Fei, the sky darkened, heavy clouds looming overhead, and the thick humidity signaled an impending downpour. Soon enough, a torrential rain swept in, with raindrops falling like beads, turning the road into a muddy mess. Sensing the situation was dire, Song immediately ordered the team to halt and seek shelter from the rain.
"There is an ancient temple ahead!" reported a scout.
Cao Song commanded the troops to head towards the temple. Upon arrival, the monks greeted them respectfully and ushered them inside. Song settled his family in the main hall and instructed Commandant Zhang Kai to arrange the horses and soldiers along the sides of the temple corridor, preparing for an overnight stay. As night fell, the rain showed no signs of letting up; cold droplets seeped through the eaves and dripped onto the soldiers' armor, leaving everyone in a state of disarray.
The soldiers in the corridor, wrapped in their soaked garments, displayed their dissatisfaction, grumbling among themselves.
"What kind of job is this? We're drenched like drowned rats while that old man enjoys warmth in the main hall!"
"Look at those carts; they must be filled with gold and silver treasures. Yet here we are, starving and freezing while guarding them—where's the justice in that?"
Zhang Kai stood nearby, his cold gaze sweeping over the faces of these soldiers, a smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth. He signaled a few trusted subordinates to follow him and turned towards a secluded area behind the temple's side hall, whispering, "Brothers, I see today as a great opportunity."
The eyes of several subordinates brightened at this. One of them lowered his voice to ask, "What does the general propose?"
Zhang Kai stepped closer, his voice low and icy: "We are all remnants of the Yellow Turbans; surrendering to Tao Qian was merely a temporary measure. What benefits have we gained since then? It would be better to seize our own fortune!"
Another questioned hesitantly, "What do you mean by that, General?"
Zhang Kai sneered: "Look at this convoy—over a hundred carts loaded with countless supplies. They must contain wealth beyond measure. Cao Song’s family is powerless and now isolated. We only need to act tonight under cover of darkness—slay them all and seize their riches, then head into the mountains to live freely. Wealth will come our way!"
The group exchanged glances upon hearing this. After a moment, one person grinned widely: "General's plan is indeed a heavenly opportunity!"
However, another expressed doubt: "But Cao Cao is powerful; if he comes after us, won’t we be doomed?"
Zhang Kai snorted coldly, his gaze sharpening: "We are already outlaws; what do we have to fear? Rather than being controlled by others, we should take a gamble! As long as we act swiftly and cleanly, once we leave here, Cao Cao won't be able to touch us!"
The others felt their blood boil with excitement and nodded in agreement: "We'll follow your lead, General!"
Zhang Kai surveyed the surroundings and said coldly, "Alright, we will act at the third watch tonight. We must be swift and ruthless. Anyone who falters at the last moment should not blame me for being merciless!" With that, he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
The night was thick with darkness, and rain poured heavily outside the temple, the fierce wind threatening to extinguish the flickering candlelight in front of the hall. Cao Song sat inside the abbot's chamber, his brow furrowed, an inexplicable sense of unease rising within him. He looked at the mottled shadows on the wall and listened to the sound of rain outside, as if it were mingled with low murmurs.
"What is happening?" Cao Song muttered to himself as he rose and walked to the door.
Suddenly, a deafening battle cry erupted, accompanied by the sound of military boots pounding on the ground, rushing towards the temple from outside. The walls trembled as the cacophony seemed to engulf the ancient temple entirely. Startled, Cao Song turned pale and was about to call for help when Cao De rushed out with his sword drawn to investigate.
"Who dares to be so reckless here!" Cao De shouted angrily. Just as he stepped over the threshold, several spears suddenly lunged from the darkness. Before he could defend himself, he was struck in the chest by a flurry of weapons, blood gushing forth as he collapsed heavily to the ground, lifeless.
"De'er!" Cao Song cried out, trembling uncontrollably. He immediately supported a Concubine and stumbled towards the back of the abbot's chamber.
"Quickly, follow me!" While helping the Concubine, he desperately pushed open the back door in an attempt to escape over the wall. However, the rain had turned the ground into a muddy mess; the base of the wall was slick and impossible to climb. The Concubine, heavyset and clumsy, could not scale it and cried helplessly, "My lord, save me!"
Cao Song looked around in desperation with nowhere to flee. In a panic, he dragged the Concubine into a restroom within the temple, curling up in a corner and holding his breath. Yet, the sounds of battle grew closer; flames erupted outside, illuminating the entire temple as if it had transformed into hell.
"Over here!" A shout suddenly came from outside, followed by hurried footsteps. The restroom door was kicked open and several soldiers rushed in with murderous intent in their eyes.
"Please! Spare us!" Cao Song shouted as he tried to shield the Concubine with his body. But they showed no mercy; a flash of blades later, both fell into a pool of blood.
At that moment, Ying Shao was escaping through a side door. Battling against torrential rain, he stumbled over a hillside and fled into darkness, ultimately managing to save himself by seeking refuge with Yuan Shao.
Inside the temple, Zhang Kai led his men in rampant looting, loading all of Cao Song's family's possessions onto carts. Once they had finished pillaging everything of value, he stood before the main hall and smirked coldly. "We cannot stay here any longer; set fire to it!"
Flames engulfed the entire ancient temple as thick smoke billowed into the sky. Zhang Kai led over five hundred men away with their laden carts disappearing into the night rain heading towards Huainan.
Late at night, Cao Cao was reviewing military reports in his study when a soldier burst in breathlessly, panic etched across his face as he stammered out a report: "My lord! Terrible news! A soldier from Ying Shao's camp has returned saying that Governor Zhang Kai has rebelled and ambushed your father Lord Cao and your entire family!"
Cao Cao felt as if struck by lightning upon hearing the news, his bamboo slips falling to the ground. He swayed, nearly losing his balance, murmuring, "Father..." Suddenly, he let out a mournful wail, collapsing to the ground in tears, pounding his fists into the earth as his sorrow flowed like a spring.
Beside him, Xun Yu and Cheng Yu hurriedly stepped forward to help him up. Xun Yu spoke softly, "My Lord, please restrain your grief. In light of the pressing matters at hand, we must remain calm."
Cao Cao raised his tear-streaked face, a fierce hatred igniting in his eyes. Gritting his teeth, he shouted, "That old thief Tao Qian! He allowed Zhang Kai to conspire against my father, leading to my family's unjust deaths. I swear that I will not rest until I avenge this! This is a deep-seated grudge between Tao Qian and me!"
Cheng Yu reminded him quietly, "My Lord, although Tao Qian has handed over Zhang Kai, he cannot escape blame. However, due to the circumstances of war, we must be cautious in our strategies."
Cao Cao's fury boiled over as he interrupted sharply, "Enough! I vow to leave no blade of grass standing in Xuzhou! Command Xun Wenruo and Cheng Zhongde to guard Jucheng, Fan County, and Dong'a to secure our rear. The rest of the army will march south to Xuzhou with me!"
With that command given, the drums of war echoed across Yan Province. Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei were appointed as vanguards and led their troops straight toward Xuzhou. Clad in armor and stepping onto the battlefield, Cao Cao's gaze was sharp as a blade; his voice thundered like a bell: "In every city we pass through, all citizens shall be slaughtered! Let Xuzhou flow with blood to honor my father's spirit in heaven!"
With the military orders issued, soldiers eagerly prepared for battle; the calamity facing Xuzhou was now unavoidable.
Soon after, news reached Xuzhou that Cao Cao was raising an army. Tao Qian was filled with anxiety. Governor Bian Rang of Jiujiang had always been on good terms with Tao Qian; upon hearing the news, he immediately gathered five thousand troops and marched north under the cover of night to provide assistance.
Upon receiving this intelligence, Cao Cao sneered coldly: "Bian Rang thinks five thousand men can interfere in this matter!"
"Your subordinate is here!" Xiahou Dun stepped forward and knelt on one knee with a resolute tone.
"Lead your men to ambush Bian Rang on the way! If any reinforcements approach Xuzhou, they shall be executed on the spot!" Cao Cao's voice was as sharp as a knife cutting through ice, filled with endless murderous intent.
Xiahou Dun accepted the order and set off; his horse galloped like thunder toward Bian Rang's route. The storm of bloodshed could not be reversed; Cao Cao's thirst for revenge burned ever more fiercely.
As night fell deeply, Cao Cao's army encamped at their marching site. Outside the tents, soldiers patrolled while flickering flames illuminated their surroundings; the sound of war drums echoed ominously, signaling an impending bloody campaign.
Suddenly, a guard rushed in with an urgent report: "My Lord, Dongjun's official Chen Gong requests an audience."
Cao Cao furrowed his brows upon hearing the news, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. He set down the strategic map in his hands and said in a deep voice, "Chen Gong? What brings him here? Could it be that he is acting as a messenger for Tao Qian?" He then waved his hand dismissively, "Forget it. Considering past kindness, let him in."
Moments later, Chen Gong strode into the tent, bowed deeply to Cao Cao, and respectfully said, "Honorable Duke, I have come to see you. I apologize for the intrusion and ask for your forgiveness."
Cao Cao coldly regarded him, his tone laced with disdain, "Chen Gongtai, you abandoned me for another on that day. What face do you have to come see me now?"
Unfazed by the words, Chen Gong replied sincerely, "My departure was indeed a moment of misjudgment; it was not an act of betrayal. However, I must come today. I have heard that Honorable Duke's army is approaching with the intent to slaughter the people of Xuzhou, and my heart is troubled. I am here to offer my counsel."
Cao Cao's gaze was sharp as he coldly asked, "Counsel? Very well, speak your mind."
Taking a deep breath, Chen Gong looked directly at Cao Cao and spoke emphatically, "Tao Qian is a benevolent ruler who has always cared for his people like his own children; he is certainly not someone who forgets righteousness for profit. Your father’s death was caused by Zhang Kai's wrongdoing; what does that have to do with Tao Qian? Moreover, what sin have the people of Xuzhou committed? If Honorable Duke proceeds with indiscriminate killings, it will not only tarnish your own reputation but also lose the hearts of the people!"
Cao Cao slammed his hand on the table and stood up in a fury, "Enough! Chen Gong! My family has been exterminated; my father died a tragic death! How can this be unrelated to Tao Qian? He is the lord of Xuzhou; how can he shirk responsibility? This blood feud must be avenged; if I do not seek justice, what does heaven stand for?"
"Honorable Duke," Chen Gong replied earnestly, "While your father deserves to be honored, revenge must also distinguish between right and wrong. Slaughtering innocent people will only invite scorn from all under heaven and leave you outnumbered by enemies; it would be an unwise act!" His tone was passionate and sincere.
However, Cao Cao's anger did not wane in the slightest. With a cold laugh and narrowed eyes filled with malice, he said, "You come here to plead for Tao Qian; unfortunately, I will not heed a single word you say! This grudge shall be washed away with blood. Chen Gong, if you have no other business, feel free to leave!"
Seeing that Cao Cao was beyond reason and knowing further persuasion would be futile, Chen Gong could only rise sadly and bow deeply to Cao Cao once more. "I cannot sway Honorable Duke; I feel powerless. I must take my leave." He turned to exit the tent and looked up at the night sky with a long sigh. "I have no face left to see Tao Gong!"
With that, he mounted his horse and spurred it away at full speed, ultimately seeking refuge with Governor of Chenliu Zhang Miao.
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