Chapter Sixty-Two: Boss Cao in Peril

Yuan Shao’s scheme of two rivals fighting while a third profits brought immense benefit to Dong Zhuo, alleviating much of his pressure. Cao Cao could no longer sit still. Homeless refugees filled the streets, children’s cries mingling with the shouts of the displaced, and Dong Zhuo’s plan to move the capital was gradually unfolding. He abducted most of the wealthy merchants and veteran ministers from Luoyang, emptied the city of gold and treasures, and took away all those useful to him. To add further strain and chaos for the coalition, Dong Zhuo personally ordered the Xiliang army to pillage, burn, and kill in Luoyang without restraint.

Thus, the impoverished commoners had no choice but to migrate outside the city. Each citizen was gaunt and frail, their faces waxen, clothes tattered and worn, some smeared with dried blood, which, though clotted, still struck terror in those who looked upon them.

An old man staggered forward, his face covered in dust, eyes bloodshot, clothes torn to shreds and fluttering in the wind, one leg crooked, his whole body streaked with blood. Cao Cao stood at the head of his horse, quietly observing it all.

“For Dong Zhuo, I swear never to serve him,” Cao Cao cursed in rage, then ordered his soldiers behind him to distribute rations among the people—a small kindness for the commoners. Though it would not fill their bellies, it might keep them alive.

As a cunning and shrewd warlord, Cao Cao was ruthless, yet he could not match Dong Zhuo’s cruelty. The scene before him stirred a rare compassion within his heart. He led his army onward, determined to catch up with Dong Zhuo. Scout after scout returned with news only of Dong Zhuo’s men slaughtering innocents; never did they bring word of Dong Zhuo himself.

“Form up quickly! We must overtake Dong Zhuo!” Cao Cao urged.

“My lord, if we advance rashly, with no support behind us, Dong Zhuo's Xiliang troops are fierce and seasoned—none are easy foes. Should the armies clash, the consequences may be dire,” Cao Ren cautioned, saluting.

“Now Dong Zhuo has taken the Emperor and many court officials to Chang’an; Luoyang is but a ruin. As subjects, it is our duty to serve the state. Enough words—follow my command,” Cao Cao declared resolutely.

The night was pitch-black, as if heavy ink blotted the sky, with not a star in sight. Dusk hung like a gray net, silently draping over the land. Cao Cao ordered torches to be lit and set up camp, planning to resume pursuit at dawn. Days of relentless marching had exhausted the troops; men and horses alike were worn out.

The sound of hoofbeats approached and receded, and from afar came billowing clouds of dust. Suddenly, drums thundered and Hua Xiong led his troops in a surprise attack.

Hua Xiong laughed loudly, “Just as the Chancellor predicted—someone advances recklessly. Today I shall earn great merit!”

Cao Cao, startled awake, rushed from the camp, seized his sword, and pointed it at Hua Xiong’s brow: “You villains aiding tyranny, holding the Emperor hostage, oppressing the people—traitors, surrender now, dismount and submit!”

Hua Xiong retorted, “You scoundrels, surrender now and spare Grandfather the trouble!”

Cao Ren quickly led his troops to clash with Hua Xiong; the two battled fiercely, neither gaining the upper hand, and the armies fell into a deadlock.

Thundering hoofbeats marked out a martial rhythm on the earth, mournful and fierce. A large force emerged from the right flank—Li Jue, one of Dong Zhuo’s commanders.

Cao Cao was stunned, cold sweat beading on his brow. The Liang Province troops were brave and seasoned, their coordination flawless. With Hua Xiong alone, he was already struggling; now Li Jue had joined, and disaster seemed inevitable.

Yet the Xiliang cavalry, fleeing all the way, was fatigued, and Cao Cao’s forces held advantageous terrain. Victory or defeat was possible either way. Cao Cao quickly ordered Xiahou Yuan to lead troops to meet the enemy, while he himself directed the soldiers’ formation.

The battle raged fiercely. Cao Cao’s troops were well-trained, his officers brave, and the fighting was evenly matched. Suddenly, drums sounded again on the right, and shouts rose as Guo Si led his forces in a fierce assault. Brandishing his blade, Guo Si shouted, “Cao the traitor, dismount and face death!”

Cao Cao was alarmed, forced to split his army further, urgently ordering Cao Hong to lead troops into the fray.

Three forces clashed, outnumbering Cao Cao’s men. The Xiliang troops were numerous and valiant, overwhelming the Cao army, which could only retreat in stages. Unable to capture Cao Cao despite their numbers, Hua Xiong, furious, led a thousand armored cavalry deep into Cao’s ranks, aiming to seize the general’s head amidst the chaos. Though he shattered their formation and drove them back, he could not find Cao Cao, so he urged his horse toward the central camp.

Seeing Hua Xiong’s aggressive advance, intent on capturing Cao Cao, Cao Ren rushed forward: “My lord, go quickly—I will cover the rear. Flee while there is still time!”

Defeat had become inevitable; the enemy forces were overwhelming. Cao Cao, helpless, gathered the remnants and fled north.

Fortunately, Hua Xiong pursued only briefly before halting to secure the battlefield and count the spoils, making no further chase.

The battle had drained the soldiers; each was famished, collapsing onto the cold ground, panting heavily. The night’s pursuit and combat had left them utterly spent.

Cao Cao saw his exhausted troops and, realizing the enemy had not come after them, ordered the army to camp, cook, and rest before deciding their next move.

He gazed at the battered survivors and felt a deep desolation. Tears welled up as he recalled how he once commanded tens of thousands, now reduced to three thousand. Thinking of his bold ambitions and the verses he had written, hoping to restore the Han and bring peace to the people, he lamented how fate had brought him to this ruin.

That night, as all slept, suddenly drums thundered, and shouts rose all around—the camp was attacked by Xu Rong’s ambush, a night raid. Clearly, Dong Zhuo was well informed of Cao Cao’s every move.

“Cao Cao, dismount and surrender at once! Those who submit will be spared!” Xu Rong shouted.

This shout sowed thoughts of surrender among Cao Cao’s troops. Weary and spent, they had no strength to resist; many laid down their arms, knelt, and surrendered.

Seeing this, Cao Cao sighed to the heavens, “My fate is finished!”

Cao Ren urged his horse forward: “My lord, flee while you can. If we keep the green hills, we need not fear lacking firewood. Even if I die fighting, I will ensure you escape!”

Though Cao Ren was valiant, his body bore many wounds, and he led only a handful of loyal guards.

Cao Cao’s bitter laughter echoed in the night; bereft of options, he was about to dismount and surrender.

Suddenly, behind Xu Rong’s army, shouts erupted and dust billowed—it was Zi Fan arriving with his troops.

“Attack!” Zi Fan cried, brandishing his long spear, with Dian Wei following close behind, charging at Xu Rong.

In a single clash, the Liang Province troops were scattered. The iron cavalry broke their ranks, and with Dong Zhuo’s strict orders not to fight Zi Fan head-on, lest it prove costly, they were forced to withdraw.

What seemed an easy task—to kill a warlord—was once again thwarted by Zi Fan. The impact of the You Province cavalry shattered the Xiliang formation; if they did not retreat, they would be surrounded themselves.

“Withdraw!” Xu Rong commanded, and the Xiliang army retreated. It must be said, the Xiliang troops were elite—whether fighting or withdrawing, they remained orderly, with no chaos in their ranks.

“Zi Fan, my brother, I owe you my life! Without your timely arrival, I, Cao Cao, would have perished here.” Supported by Cao Ren, Cao Cao stepped forward, clasping his hands in gratitude: “For saving me, I have no way to repay you. Twice you have aided me; while I live, I shall return the favor.”

“Mengde, you are too courteous. Dong Zhuo is a villain deserving death by all. Tend well to your wounds, brother,” Zi Fan said, gently helping Cao Cao up, saluting him in return.