Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3893 Respect Ghosts and Gods, But Keep Them at a Distance

"Only after fasting for three days to show sincerity and reverence, and calming the mind and clearing the thoughts, can one undertake this great matter concerning all living beings."

Cao Cao used impeccable ancient etiquette as a pretext to postpone the so-called "peace talks in Taiwan" by three days.

These three days were not only the necessary preparation period that Cao Cao publicly declared, but also a crucial window for him to buy time and secretly make his plans.

Of course, Cao Cao didn't say he wanted to go himself...

In reality, Cao Cao dared not go to the meeting.

They dared not take the emperor with them.

After all, Cao Cao himself had actually done something like taking someone hostage...

To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, Liu Ai and Liang Shao were "respectfully invited" to a relatively quiet, but clearly under-close surveillance, independent courtyard. The reason given was that it would allow the two angels to calmly purify themselves, eliminate distractions, and be in the best possible condition to shoulder the important responsibilities entrusted to them by the court.

In reality, Cao Cao's personal guards strictly guarded the outside of the courtyard, and apart from a few servants ordered to serve him, there were no other idlers inside.

Liu Ai and Liang Shao's activities were strictly confined to the courtyard, and they were almost completely cut off from contact with the outside world.

This practice, known as "fasting and meditation," is actually a form of house arrest.

Cao Cao needs these three days.

According to Cao Cao's plan, Cao Ren would arrive in three days...

After his disastrous defeat in Jingzhou, Cao Ren did not give up. Instead, he gathered some of his elite remnants and retreated to the southern part of Yingchuan Commandery, where he reorganized his forces while simultaneously deterring the potentially unstable southwestern region of Yuzhou.

He desperately needed this loyal army, led by a senior general from his clan, to help him firmly secure the border defenses and deter any potential disturbances within the pass, including those restless court officials and the soldiers who were feeling uncertain. Although young generals like Xiahou Wei and Xiahou Jie were brave, their experience and prestige were far from sufficient to quell the potentially complex situation.

Another reason was the echo of support from various "loyal" forces in Shandong who had a past relationship with him or were likely to respond due to shared interests...

Even in this unfavorable moment, Cao Cao was doing everything he could to gain every possible advantage and disrupt Fei Qian's plans.

Of course, simply placing someone under house arrest and waiting is not enough.

The evening of the second day of fasting was particularly bitterly cold.

Exhausted and hungry, and filled with anxiety about the future, Liu Ai and Liang Shao sat facing each other in silence in the cold, quiet room.

The howling wind outside the window blew intermittently, sounding like the wailing of wolves and the howling of ghosts.

As for fasting, the saying goes, "Abstinence is prohibition of external things, fasting is purification of the internal." Therefore, they truly had no way to resist Cao Cao's "house arrest" of the two of them...

In the Han Dynasty, the first rule of fasting was to "bathe and change clothes, and go to a special fasting room," which meant to cleanse the body, change clothes, and leave one's usual residence to live in a special fasting room.

Therefore, Cao Cao allowed them to stay in this secluded courtyard, which was in accordance with etiquette, and they had no reason to cause any trouble.

Moreover, during the fasting period, it is required to "not drink alcohol or eat meat," so the diet is extremely bland, with no oil or fish at all, which makes them feel even more empty and miserable.

The first day was alright, but by the second day, the hunger was like a burning fire, making it difficult for Liu Ai and Liang Shao to rest.

Just as the two were tossing and turning, they suddenly heard some soft voices coming from outside the courtyard wall...

At first, Liu Ai and Liang Shao didn't pay much attention, but the cold wind carried these conversations intermittently into the courtyard, into Liu Ai and Liang Shao's ears, which they couldn't help but perk up.

"...This damn weather is freezing! I heard they're cutting back on the charcoal supply again. With so little, what are the guys on guard duty going to do tonight?"

"What else can we do? Just endure it! What else can we do? Didn't you hear the grain official lamenting today? The grain reserves in the pass are almost gone! The Prime Minister has ordered that all officials' rations be halved! And even then, priority has to be given to the brothers defending the city..."

"What?! There's not enough food either?!"

Shh...you fucking keep your voice down!

"Sigh! When will this war ever end?"

Hey, have you heard?

"What did you hear?"

"Oh... I heard that too. The Prime Minister... the Prime Minister is already withdrawing the troops!"

"What?! Withdrawing troops?!"

Shh! Keep your voice down! Someone might hear you...

"They really left? How come I didn't know? Nobody said anything?!"

"How could this be said publicly? The Prime Minister sent men east yesterday... Besides, how could they possibly hold out with such lack of food and clothing?"

"Ah, that's true..."

Footsteps sounded, the voices gradually faded away, and finally disappeared into the cold wind.

The courtyard was once again deathly silent.

Liu Ai and Liang Shao, who were eavesdropping by the window, couldn't help but look at each other, both seeing deep shock and fear in each other's eyes.

Shortage of food supplies?

Officials' rations have been halved?!
No wonder it's been so bland and watery these past two days, with absolutely nothing to eat!

Prime Minister... no, Cao Cao has already begun withdrawing his troops?

So what's the deal between the two of them?
Delay?

Or should we sacrifice the pawn to save the king?

This information was like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, causing their already chilled hearts to sink even further.

The cold wind persisted, making the fasting courtyard even colder. Liu Ai and Liang Shao no longer had the mind to "calm their minds and clear their thoughts," only boundless fear of the road ahead remained.

……

……

On the morning after the fast, Liu Ai and Liang Shao, suffering from hunger, cold and great fear, were "escorted" out of the suffocating courtyard by a group of silent Cao soldiers and taken directly to the west gate of Sishui Pass.

There was no expected imperial procession to see him off, not even Cao Cao himself appeared; only Xiahou Jie, holding a command arrow, coldly and firmly conveyed the order…

Cao Cao was indeed not in the mood to talk to Liu Ai and the other man.

Three days have passed, and Cao Ren's reinforcements still haven't arrived!

Not even a message!

This gave Cao Cao a bad feeling.

But clearly, Cao Cao still hadn't realized that this ominous premonition was only just beginning...

Therefore, Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Jie to send two envoys immediately out of the pass to the high platform built by the General of the Flying Cavalry, to first contact the General of the Flying Cavalry, convey the Prime Minister Cao's intention that "after the fasting is over, we will meet again soon," and discuss the specific details of the meeting.

Liu and Ai both understood what this meant. It was clearly a ploy to send them out first to scout the way, to test the waters, and to act as pebbles for probing the way!

Recalling the words "retreat" and "running out of food" that they had overheard the night before, the two felt a chill in their hearts. But there was no way out now, so they had to muster their spirits and, under the almost driving gazes of Cao Cao's soldiers, set off on the road leading to the Flying Cavalry camp.

Once past the buffer zone where the two sides' forces intersected and entered the area controlled by the Flying Cavalry, the atmosphere changed abruptly.

The patrolling cavalrymen, their armor gleaming and their eyes sharp as eagles, swept over the two solitary carriages and their few followers with undisguised scrutiny, showing little awe or curiosity towards the 'angels,' as if they were merely ordinary enemy envoys or objects.

Then, a cavalry officer led a small team to take over Liu Ai and his companion without saying a word. They remained silent the whole way, not uttering a single word except for necessary instructions. They led them directly to the outside of the central army camp and handed them over to the civil officials.

The scene that Liu Ai and Liang Shao had imagined—the arrival of angels and the welcoming of the commander-in-chief—never happened...

They were received by Sima Yi.

Sima Yi introduced himself as a cavalry advisor, not even bothering to tell the two men his name. He was polite but distant, and recorded their identities in a businesslike manner. He inquired about their purpose and then told them to wait under a makeshift reed shed next to the camp gate, saying, "The General is busy with military affairs, but we will meet again when he has time."

This wait lasted for more than half an hour.

The winter wind blew through the reed shed without hindrance, lashing against Liu Ai and Liang Shao's thin official robes, making them shiver and their hunger gnaw at them.

The cavalry soldiers moved about, each performing their duties, but no one gave them a second glance, let alone offered them hot soup or food.

The initial shock and effort to maintain a semblance of dignity quickly melted away in the face of this cold reality.

Liu Ai and Liang Shao exchanged glances, both seeing undisguised embarrassment, anger, and a deeper fear in each other's eyes. They suddenly realized clearly that here, their status as "envoys of the Emperor" seemed to carry no weight. Fei Qian and his subordinates clearly did not regard the Xu Du court, or even themselves as "angels," as objects of veneration.

"Outrageous! We are imperial envoys, here on behalf of the Emperor and the court! How dare the General of the Cavalry treat us so disrespectfully?" Liang Shao couldn't help but complain in a low voice to a cavalryman guarding outside the thatched hut, trying to save face.

Oh dear!
If there's no wine or meat, at least give us some soup and rice!

The cavalryman turned and glanced at him, showing little anger, simply replying, "Orders have been given in the army to proceed in order. You will wait a moment."

Having said that, the cavalryman ignored him.

Proceed in order?

What 'preface'?
What kind of "order" can they be considered?
Liu Ai and Liang Shao were getting a little frustrated.

This utter disregard is more chilling than direct humiliation.

But if you were to argue or quarrel with these cavalrymen...

Liu Ai tugged at Liang Shao's sleeve, signaling him to calm down, but the little bit of composure he had as a high-ranking official shattered in the cold wind.

The waiting time was exceptionally long and agonizing.

The two huddled in a corner of the reed shed, unable to resist whispering and speculating.

To avoid being overheard, the two spoke softly, like the groans of wandering ghosts.

"Look at the imposing presence of the General of the Cavalry... their military bearing is magnificent, their commands are strict, and they are comparable to those within the pass..."

Liu Ai sighed softly, his words already carrying a comparison.

Liang Shao nodded, his face ashen. "The three conditions proposed by Prime Minister Cao… withdrawing troops from Gongxian, releasing prisoners, and supplying provisions… how could General Fei possibly agree to these? If… if the negotiations break down…"

What happens if negotiations break down?

In a fit of anger, will Fei Qian...

Is it more painful to have your ear cut off, or to have your nose shaved off?

They couldn't help but think of their predecessors who had been permanently mutilated...

It hurts no matter where you cut!

Even if Fei Qian doesn't kill them or harm them, and lets them go back, what then?
Return to Sishui Pass, where troops were said to have already begun a secret withdrawal and supplies were running out?
Go back to be Cao Cao's pawn, or even become the final sacrifice to cover the retreat?
The whispers outside the wall last night seemed to echo in their ears once more...

"Lord Liu," Liang Shao's voice was even lower, trembling, "if...if Cao Mengde truly intends to abandon Guandong and flee, wouldn't our return be...a suicide mission? We...we still..."

Liu Ai took a breath.

Liang Shao gritted his teeth, his voice soft, "Your Majesty...did Your Majesty say a single word for us back then?"

Liu Ai glared at Liang Shao, but quickly lowered his head as well.

When Emperor Liu Xie was mentioned, both of them felt a complex mix of emotions.

They are naturally 'loyal' to the emperor, but now in their hearts, there is more resentment and disappointment at not being protected by the emperor at that crucial moment.

When Cao Cao forced them to go on a mission, and when they were placed under house arrest and fasting, did that young emperor offer any substantial protection other than silence and helplessness?

Although they knew Liu Xie couldn't do anything, but...

At least give me a reply!
Their loyalty and sacrifice, before the emperor, seemed to be...

Worthless?
Or perhaps, it's all in vain?

"The state is in peril, the emperor is in danger..." Liu Ai murmured, his eyes darting around. "As subjects, we should be ready to die for our country... but... but even dying for our country must have its proper way... If... if dying for our country only serves the selfish desires of powerful ministers, it will not bring any real benefit to saving the state or protecting the emperor, and may even... put the emperor in grave danger..."

Liang Shao's eyes lit up slightly, and he immediately continued, "What Lord Liu says is absolutely right! Cao Mengde has held the emperor hostage and coerced the officials, causing the government's orders to be ineffective, the empire to be in turmoil, and endless wars! His heart is no longer that of a loyal subject, and his actions are certainly not for the sake of the Han Dynasty! Now, trapped in an isolated pass, with no food or reinforcements, he still refuses to give up, fighting like a cornered beast, trying to drag the emperor and the officials down with him for his own selfish ends! This is not something a loyal minister would do!"

"But... what should we do?" Liu Ai asked feignedly, though he was already tempted.

Liang Shao leaned closer, his voice almost inaudible: "Although the General of Chariots and Cavalry...although his power is great, judging from his official documents, he still considers himself a subject, and always speaks of supporting the Han dynasty...His invitation to the Cao family to meet also refers to discussing the future of the people...Perhaps...he still has the Han dynasty in his heart? And this proposal to return west...perhaps it is also a way out?"

Liu Ai remained silent, lost in thought.

Liang Shao paused, then gritted his teeth and said, "Since we are both envoys, we have the responsibility to protect the Emperor's safety! Now that Cao Mengde's defeat is certain, we both know the true situation within the pass. Why not...why not secretly inform the General of the Cavalry of this situation? Ask him to quickly dispatch a large army, launch a swift and decisive attack, break through the pass, and rescue the Emperor! Rescue the Emperor from the clutches of Cao Cao! Only in this way can we truly be loyal to the country and save the nation from collapse! Even if...even if we bear the criticism of the moment, the annals of history may bear witness to my good intentions!"

What a convenient excuse for "rescuing the emperor"!

What a convenient excuse for "having no other choice"!
As Liu Ai listened, her guilt and hesitation were quickly overshadowed by this high-sounding reason and self-comfort.

Yes, this is not betrayal, nor is it cowardice; rather, it is an attempt to find the only possible way to save the emperor and preserve the bloodline of the Han dynasty in this desperate situation!

It is about enduring humiliation and bearing heavy burdens, and about saving the country through indirect means!
It is to preserve a seed of culture, and for the future of the Shandong gentry!

The more they talked, the more convinced they became of their reasons and how admirable they appeared.

His resentment towards Cao Cao, his fear of his own situation, his despair for the future, and his vague expectation of finding a way out in the new dynasty were all cleverly hidden under the banner of "loyalty to the emperor and saving the emperor".

"We...we request an audience with the General of the Cavalry!"

"Yes! I have something urgent to tell you!"

Liu Ai and Liang Shao straightened their clothes, exchanged a knowing glance, and took a deep breath, as if they were about to embark on not a meeting that might determine their fate, but a glorious mission.

……

……

The moment Liu Ai and Liang Shao stepped into the central command tent of the Flying Cavalry, they involuntarily held their breath, their senses captivated by the imposing atmosphere within.

The tent was not luxurious; in fact, it was quite simple.

The ground was compacted soil, simply covered with wooden planks.

In the center of the tent, a huge copper charcoal brazier burned, dispelling some of the chill from outside.

Torches were also tied to the tent's support poles, which provided some additional light.

Inside the tent, there was no incense, a common sight in Shandong and the Central Plains, only a faint, lingering smell of blood, which made Liu Ai and Liang Shao tremble slightly.

Several fully armored generals and a few civil officials stood silently on either side, their gazes fixed on the newcomer.

There were no roll calls, no elaborate ceremonies, only a somber, chilling sense of death, like the sharp edge of a cold blade.

Liu Ai slightly raised her head and looked at the person sitting at the head of the table...

General Fei Qian, the cavalry commander, was not dressed in magnificent court robes, but only in armor and a worn fur coat. His face was imposing and dignified, especially his eyes, which had a penetrating sharpness that seemed to easily pierce through all the schemes and pretenses hidden beneath the crown.

Liu and Ai quickly lowered their heads and stepped forward to pay their respects.

There was no scene as expected, with "angels arriving and the commander-in-chief descending to greet them."

Fei Qian merely raised his hand slightly, gesturing for them to come closer, his voice steady: "You two must be Liu Zongzheng and Liang Guanglu? You must be tired from your journey. Please sit."

The fact that they were addressed neither as "angel" nor "Your Majesty" instantly shattered the last vestiges of Liu Ai and Liang Shao's sense of superiority as "imperial envoys." They sat down on the two stools brought by their personal guards, their postures slightly stiff, struggling to straighten their backs and maintain the last vestiges of scholar-official decorum.

"What brings you two here?" Fei Qian asked directly, without any pleasantries or formalities.

Liang Shao adjusted his posture, his face displaying a complex expression of mixed sorrow, indignation, and loyalty. He deliberately lowered his voice, as if recounting a crucial secret concerning the survival of the nation: "General, you are wise! We have come here on...on the orders of Prime Minister Cao, but our hearts and minds are constantly concerned with the safety of the Emperor, and we are always mindful of the decline of the Han Dynasty!"

As Liang Shao spoke, Liu Ai nodded in agreement.

This was something they had agreed upon beforehand; they needed to first establish the tone of "loyalty to the emperor," indicating that their stance remained for the Han Dynasty, for the people, for the world, and for the emperor...

Then, changing the subject with obvious anguish, he said, "That Cao Mengde, nominally the Chancellor of Han, is in reality a traitor to Han! He held the Emperor hostage in Xuchang, and now he's forcibly confining the Emperor at the isolated Sishui Pass, preventing his decrees from leaving the palace, rendering the Emperor a prisoner! Furthermore, his relentless military campaigns have plunged the Central Plains into chaos, causing immense suffering and death—all these are his crimes!"

Liang Shao glanced at Fei Qian's expression, seeing that the other listened calmly without showing any emotion, and continued to intensify his tone, throwing out the "real news": "Now, within the pass, the situation is extremely dire! Food supplies are running low, soldiers are complaining, and morale is low! To maintain the situation, Cao Cao has embezzled the rations of officials and reduced the amount of charcoal for soldiers, leading to widespread resentment! His so-called fasting, in my humble opinion, is nothing more than a delaying tactic; I fear he is secretly planning an withdrawal, intending to take the Emperor east again to prolong his own life! The Emperor's safety hangs by a thread!"

Liu Ai then spoke up, his tone even more somber and earnest: "General, you have led the royal army to purge the emperor's inner circle, and the world is watching with bated breath. Now the rebels are weakened, and we know a little about the strength and weakness of the passes. The emperor longs for the royal army day and night, like a parched land yearning for rain. To prevent the emperor from suffering further hardship and to prevent Cao Cao from resorting to desperate measures and harming His Majesty… we implore you, General, to swiftly dispatch your divine troops and launch a fierce attack on Sishui Pass! Though we are unworthy, we are willing to act as inside agents, reporting in detail on the defenses within the pass, the stockpiles of provisions, and the residences of Cao Cao's trusted confidants, to help you break through the pass in one fell swoop, welcome back the emperor, and restore the Han dynasty! This is our loyal heart as Han subjects; we earnestly hope that you, General, will consider this!"

The two men, working in unison, packaged their "informing" and "offering advice" as a righteous act of "saving the emperor." They leaned forward slightly, their faces a mixture of anxiety, anticipation, and ingratiation.

If they had tails, the two of them would probably wag them right away...