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At the banquet, Cao Cao and Dong Zhao exchanged cups and engaged in lively conversation. Noticing Dong Zhao's sharp words and keen insight into the situation, Cao Cao felt a growing trust in him and tentatively asked, "Duke Dong, the Han Dynasty is currently in turmoil. What do you think the court should do to truly stabilize the realm?"
Dong Zhao set down his cup, his gaze clear and his demeanor calm as he replied, "Honorable Duke, your establishment of the Righteous Army to quell the chaos and protect the emperor has already earned you great merit, comparable to the ancient hegemons. However, with the court newly established and the situation still unstable, although various factions may appear to submit on the surface, their hearts are not united. The generals harbor their own ambitions and may not genuinely comply. If you remain in Luoyang for too long, unforeseen changes may arise."
Cao Cao furrowed his brow slightly and asked in a low voice, "If that is the case, what good strategy do you propose, Duke Dong?"
Dong Zhao paused briefly before responding firmly, "Honorable Duke, it would be wise to request the emperor to move to Xu Du. Xu Du is uniquely situated; it has convenient transportation for supplies and allows for distance from various factions' constraints. It is currently the most ideal location for a base. However, this action must be approached with caution. The emperor has just returned to Luoyang, and the people far and wide see this as a sign of stability. If he were to relocate again, it could shake public sentiment. Yet I believe that extraordinary measures must be taken to achieve extraordinary results. If you can make a decisive decision, it will be a great achievement for generations."
Cao Cao fell silent for a moment, his gaze gradually becoming resolute. Suddenly, he reached out and grasped Dong Zhao's hand, laughing heartily, "What you say aligns perfectly with my thoughts! In fact, this has been my plan all along; I just haven't put it into action yet."
He then shifted his tone slightly to express some concern: "However, with Yang Feng stationed at Daliang and many officials in court harboring suspicions, if they were to hear about this relocation plan, it could lead to dissent. How should we soothe their hearts?"
Dong Zhao smiled slightly and confidently replied, "This matter is easy. First, write a letter to Yang Feng to reassure him that you have no intention of contesting power with him. At the same time, clearly communicate to the officials that this move is due to food shortages in Luoyang and that Xu Du is close to Lu Yang, facilitating food transport while temporarily avoiding war. In this way, all officials will surely accept it gladly."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's eyes sparkled with delight as he repeatedly praised him: "Excellent plan! Duke Dong truly possesses deep foresight; you are indeed my right arm!"
Dong Zhao stood up and cupped his hands in farewell: "Honorable Duke, if you have any ambitions, I hope you will consider them carefully. I would not dare let you down."
Cao Cao reluctantly held his hand tightly and spoke sincerely: "In future endeavors, please continue to guide me."
Dong Zhao smiled gently and performed a bow before departing into the twilight outside the tent. As Cao Cao stood within the tent gazing at his retreating figure, his expression was one of admiration mixed with contemplation.
The night deepened as bright lights illuminated Cao Cao's tent. He sat in the main seat with a serious expression while surrounded by strategists like Xun Yu and Guo Jia. Cao Cao spoke in a low voice: "Luoyang is severely damaged and transportation of supplies is difficult. I wish to petition the emperor to relocate the capital to Xu Du. What are your thoughts on this matter?"
Xun Yu nodded slightly with a calm and determined demeanor: "Honorable Duke's plan aligns with the mandate of heaven. Xu Du is close to Lu Yang; supplies are easily obtained there and its terrain is secure—an excellent place for restructuring the government. Though relocating the capital is an extraordinary measure, it can yield extraordinary results."
Guo Jia added with a hint of cunning in his tone: "However, Honorable Duke must be cautious; some may use this as an opportunity to accuse you of plotting against the throne."
Cao Cao chuckled coldly, a glint of sharpness in his eyes: "If there are those who harbor doubts, I have my ways of dealing with them."
Just then, a guard announced: "Grand Historian Wang Li has a secret report for Emperor Xian." Cao Cao frowned slightly and murmured: "Let us see what he has to say."
The next day, news spread through the palace that Wang Li had privately told Zongzheng Liu Ai, "I have observed the heavenly signs. Since last year, when the comet appeared and the planets aligned, it foretells that the Han Dynasty's fate is nearing its end. According to the mandate of heaven, the element that will rise to replace fire is earth, which will flourish in Wei territory."
This statement quickly reached Cao Cao's ears. He pondered for a moment and sent a message to Wang Li: "You are loyal to the court, but the ways of heaven are profound; those who speak must be cautious." Subsequently, Cao Cao informed Xun Yu of this matter.
Xun Yu contemplated for a long time before slowly saying, "The Han Dynasty rules with the virtue of fire, while the Honorable Duke's command belongs to earth. Xu Du is also of earth; with favorable timing, location, and support from the people, it rightfully belongs to the Honorable Duke as decreed by heaven. What Wang Li said is not unfounded."
Cao Cao felt reassured and immediately decided to begin plans for relocating the capital.
***
The following day, Cao Cao entered the palace to meet Emperor Xian. His expression was solemn as he respectfully knelt and said, "Your Majesty, Luoyang is in ruins and difficult to repair; moreover, the transportation of grain is perilous, causing great suffering among the people. Xu Du is close to Lu Yang, with strong fortifications and ample supplies; it is an ideal place to settle your majesty. I dare to request that you relocate to Xu Du for the peace of the realm."
Emperor Xian pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the silent courtiers in the hall before finally nodding in agreement: "In that case, let us follow what Cao Jiangjun has suggested."
The courtiers understood Cao Cao's immense power and dared not voice any dissent; they could only echo his words. After receiving the decree, Cao Cao immediately arranged for protective measures and chose an auspicious day for departure.
***
Days later, the imperial carriage set out from Luoyang, moving grandly toward Xu Du. Cao Cao personally led troops to escort it while officials followed on foot. The desolate scenery along both sides of the road starkly contrasted with the solemnity of the procession.
As they reached a high ridge with steep terrain, suddenly shouts erupted from all directions as ambushed soldiers surged forth from the mountains. Yang Feng and Han Xian led their forces to block the way, banners waving and shouts resounding.
Yang Feng rode out ahead and shouted loudly, "Where does Cao Cao think he is going with this imperial carriage?"
Cao Cao remained calm atop his horse and raised his hand to signal Xu Huang to engage the enemy. Xu Huang brandished a massive axe and charged forward with a roar: "Ignorant fools! How dare you obstruct His Majesty's carriage? I will take your head right here!"
A fierce battle was about to erupt as weapons clashed and cries of war echoed through the valley, smoke quickly enveloping the entire battlefield.
As the sounds of battle began to fade in the valley, Yang Feng and Han Xian's soldiers gradually retreated, though their fighting spirit had not diminished. Cao Cao rode forward to survey the battlefield filled with fallen soldiers and corpses when suddenly his gaze was drawn to one individual.
That person was Xu Huang, standing in the center of the battlefield with his axe in hand, covered in blood yet unafraid. His eyes blazed like torches, his presence as imposing as a mountain; it seemed as if all attention on the battlefield revolved around him. Inwardly, Cao Cao marveled: "This man truly is an exceptional warrior!"
Xu Chu, standing beside Cao Cao, bowed and requested, "My Lord, allow me to meet this person!"
Cao Cao nodded in agreement. Xu Chu immediately spurred his horse into the fray, shouting, "Come forth and reveal your name! I, Xu Chu, am here to challenge you!"
Xu Huang's eyes flashed as he saw Xu Chu's imposing presence and unwavering demeanor. He replied in a deep voice, "I am Xu Huang of Hedong, styled Gong Ming. Today, let us see your true abilities!"
The two horses crossed paths as their weapons clashed, producing a deafening sound of metal striking metal. They exchanged blows with blades and axes, locked in a fierce battle where cold light flickered and sparks flew. After fifty exchanges, neither side had gained the upper hand, and both warriors began to show signs of mutual respect.
Cao Cao observed the duel with approval and silently nodded. He then ordered the signal to retreat. Upon receiving the command, Xu Chu reined in his horse and turned back to the formation. Before leaving, he glanced at Xu Huang and declared loudly, "Xu General, today’s battle was just a taste; we shall have another chance to determine the victor!"
Xu Huang did not pursue him but stood his ground and cupped his fists in return. "You possess excellent martial skills, General Xu. I admire you!"
***
Back at the camp, Cao Cao gathered his strategists and spoke with a serious expression. "Yang Feng and Han Xian are merely names without substance; they are not a concern. However, Xu Huang is truly a rare talent. If I forcefully confront him, it may cost our soldiers' lives. It would be better to devise a plan to persuade him to join us."
The group fell silent. At that moment, the military officer Man Chong stood up with a slight smile. "My Lord need not worry; I have met Xu Huang before and he holds me in good regard. If you permit me, I can disguise myself as a soldier tonight and infiltrate his camp to persuade him to surrender."
Cao Cao's eyes brightened at these words as he laughed heartily. "Man Chong truly understands human nature! In that case, I entrust this matter to you; be sure to exercise caution."
Man Chong bowed respectfully and then exited the tent, instructing his men to prepare clothing. He donned the attire of an ordinary soldier and quietly set out with a few trusted guards under the cover of night towards Xu Huang's military camp.
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