Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

"I understand. Tell the troops to speed up the passage."

"Yes!"

The lieutenant immediately turned and left to relay the order.

The Xiahou brothers, who were standing nearby, stepped forward and patted Cao Ren on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, we're here, nothing will happen. It's just Zhang Liao, we'll definitely be able to capture him."

Cao Ren smiled and nodded at what the two said.

He also felt that there would be absolutely no problem this time.

However, just as they were chatting and laughing along the way, preparing to pass through the woods...

A signal arrow suddenly appeared.

Immediately afterwards, countless logs and boulders suddenly fell from the height, injuring many people and blocking their path.

Immediately afterwards, screams came from the back of the group.

Cao Ren immediately looked around nervously.

Not long after, a soldier ran over.

"General, something terrible has happened! The road behind us is blocked by a pile of rocks."

Upon hearing this news, even a fool like Cao Ren would know what was going on.

"Everyone, enemy attack!"

As soon as Cao Ren finished speaking, a rain of arrows fell.

Caught off guard, the Wei army suffered countless casualties in a short time.

Screams filled the air.

Upon seeing this, Cao Ren immediately dismounted and cautiously surveyed his surroundings.

Since both the front and back are blocked, the only option is to climb the mountain from both sides, which will allow them to catch the people lying in ambush on either side.

After figuring it out, Cao Ren immediately ordered the Xiahou brothers to lead their men to start climbing the mountain peaks on both sides.

Although Gu Rubing had made thorough preparations, he still didn't have many good options when facing two famous generals.

He only had Zhong Hui by his side, but Zhong Hui was not a famous general, only a near-famous general. Once he faced the Xiahou brothers, he would surely die.

After dodging numerous boulders and logs, as well as a hail of arrows, the Xiahou brothers finally reached the mountaintop.

When they saw that it was Gu Rubing, the two of them froze on the spot.

"Liu Bei? What are you doing here? Weren't you in Jiangzhou?"

"Hehe, generals, it's been a long time. But since you're here, please don't leave yet."

After saying that, Gu Rubing waved his hand.

Another whistle-piercing arrow exploded in mid-air.

Immediately afterward, Zhang Liao, having finished counting his men, charged out from the corner.

This caused Cao Ren's army to become even more chaotic.

Under this double attack, Cao Ren's defeat was only a matter of time.

The Xiahou brothers knew the principle of "capture the king first"—since they were destined to lose, they might as well capture Liu Bei; at least that way they could lose less.

Having made up their minds, the two exchanged a glance and prepared to rush towards Gu Rubing.

However, at that moment, a silver spear appeared in front of the two of them.

They were both very familiar with this silver spear.

"Zhao Yun? You actually attacked us?"

The Xiahou brothers looked at Zhao Yun with shock.

"How you fight and make a scene is your own business, and I naturally can't be bothered with it. But if you want to touch my lord's flowers, then you'll have to ask my Zhao Yun's spear if it will allow it."

Upon hearing Zhao Yun's words, the Xiahou brothers knew that their plan to capture Gu Rubing was ruined, and they had no choice but to lead their men back into the battle in the valley.

With the addition of the Xiahou brothers, Zhang Liao's offensive was significantly suppressed.

But Cao Ren could also see that this time, defeat was inevitable.

Cao Ren regretted not listening to Jiang Wei's advice to come himself and simply send some people to provide support.

With so many people around, and given Gu Rubing's limited forces, it's clear that Jiangzhou City's defenses are weak.

Jiang Wei guessed all of this correctly.

Now Cao Ren only hopes that Jiang Wei can use his 30,000 men to take Jiangzhou City.

Of course, Cao Ren also knew that his wish was unlikely to be fulfilled. Even if Gu Rubing was worried about Jiangzhou, he couldn't possibly not release all 10,000 people in the entire city, could he?

With 10,000 men, defending Jiangzhou should not be a problem.

"retreat."

Cao Ren shouted to the soldiers around him.

Cao Ren's business was so large that even Gu Rubing, who was far away, heard this.

“They’re about to escape. We have to capture someone, otherwise I won’t be able to make a deal with Cao Cao.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao rushed over immediately.

However, it was still somewhat difficult for Zhang Liao to fight against the Xiahou brothers.

Half an hour later, not only was one person left behind, but even Zhang Liao had sustained some injuries.

Gu Rubing knew that he had underestimated the power of this general.

In the end, they could only watch as the Xiahou brothers and Cao Ren left.

Without Cao Ren's reinforcements, the entire Jianwei Commandery was quickly and completely annexed by Zhang Liao.

However, Gu Rubing only made a symbolic defense and did not send a large number of troops into Jianwei County.

After all, the number of troops he had was still limited.

After settling everything in Jianwei County, Gu Rubing immediately returned to Jiangzhou City.

At this time, Wei Yan and Zhang He had already arrived in Jiangzhou City, and they had brought with them 50,000 reinforcements.

"My lord, Mr. Lu Su, we are here to support you."

After saying that, the two knelt down in front of Gu Rubing.

"Alright, get up, everyone. Tell me what's going on?"

"My lord, there are no more Wei troops around Jiangzhou City. Jiang Wei has withdrawn his troops. However, when I came to provide support, I saw Wang Yue, and he brought more than 20,000 reinforcements. If it weren't for these people, Shi Zai would not have been able to hold Jiangzhou City."

Wei Yan recounted everything he had seen to Gu Rubing.

Six days have passed since Deng Ai was arrested, and Gu Rubing is not entirely sure what Deng Ai's current condition is.

He only knew that Deng Ai had not fallen into the hands of Cao Ren or Cao Cao, but was very likely still in the hands of Jiang Wei.

However, Jiang Wei's subordinates were the place where Gu Rubing had the fewest informants.

Jiang Wei rigorously vetted everyone who came to his side, almost to the point of searching their ancestors for eighteen generations. Anyone found even slightly suspicious would be driven away. As a result, Gu Rubing was unable to infiltrate any of Jiang Wei's personal guards.

Gu Rubing felt quite at ease with Jiang Wei by his side, at least Jiang Wei wouldn't kill Deng Ai.

Gu Rubing wanted to send someone to contact Jiang Wei, but the messenger was sent back by Jiang Wei, who told Gu Rubing that if he wanted Deng Ai, he should contact Cao Cao.

Left with no other option, Gu Rubing had to contact Cao Cao.

However, Cao Cao was already restless and didn't even need Gu Rubing to make any contact.

Jianwei Commandery was lost, and without any resistance whatsoever. Cao Cao was so enraged that he smashed up his own room.

He couldn't understand how he could have lost the 150,000 troops he had deployed at the front. Were all 150,000 soldiers incompetent?

Enraged, Cao Cao traveled directly from Chengdu to Guanghan.

Upon seeing Cao Cao, Cao Ren immediately knelt before him.

He knew in his heart that he had caused Cao Cao a great deal of trouble this time.

"My lord, this whole affair is my fault."

Cao Ren then told Cao Cao the whole story.

Upon hearing Cao Ren's words, Cao Cao's anger flared up immediately.

This was clearly Gu Rubing's scheme. How could Cao Ren be so stupid as to fall for it?

Upon realizing this, Cao Cao immediately understood that even if Cao Ren had fallen for the trap, Jiang Wei shouldn't have.

When asked where Jiang Wei was, Cao Ren stammered and didn't know what to say.

At this moment, a voice came over.

"My lord, we are back."

As soon as the voice faded, Jiang Wei walked over with Guo Huai.

"What's going on with you guys? What were you doing?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wei immediately knelt before Cao Cao without saying a word.

On the contrary, Guo Huai told Cao Cao everything.

Upon hearing about the unfair treatment Jiang Wei received in the military camp, Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh.

Cao Ren and others around him are capable, and Cao Ren is a military genius, but his stubborn and self-willed personality is still a problem.

Cao Ren initially recommended Jiang Wei, but Jiang Wei's stubborn and self-willed personality led to growing disagreements with him. Cao Ren eventually grew to dislike Jiang Wei, causing him to lose his last supporter and making his life in the army extremely precarious.

"My lord, now that Deng Ai is in my hands, it doesn't matter if we lose Jianwei County. We can use Deng Ai to exchange for Jianwei County."

Upon hearing that Deng Ai was in Jiang Wei's hands, Cao Cao became somewhat excited.

"Good, quickly hand Deng Ai over to me. You've done a great service this time."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wei glanced at Cao Cao and then shook his head.

"I'm sorry, my lord, I cannot hand Deng Ai over to you. I promised Deng Ai that I would guarantee his absolute safety."

Cao Cao did not expect that Jiang Wei would refuse him.

Meanwhile, Guo Huai kept pushing Jiang Wei with his hands, trying to get Jiang Wei to give in.

However, Jiang Wei completely ignored Guo Huai and persisted in his own ideas.

Cao Cao suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Jiang Wei, what are you doing? Does our lord need your permission to ask for someone?"

When Cao Ren saw that Jiang Wei dared to disrespect Cao Cao, he immediately stood up and pointed at Jiang Wei.

Jiang Wei ignored Cao Ren's words and then looked at Cao Cao.

"My lord, please forgive Jiang Wei. I promised Deng Ai that I would never let him be in danger. Only in my hands is Deng Ai truly safe."

Seeing Jiang Wei's appearance, Cao Cao felt a surge of anger, but he quickly suppressed it.

After all, Jiang Wei has made a great contribution this time. This is not just the work of a general, it's a gold mine!

"Alright, just leave it here for now. But you must ensure Deng Ai's safety. If anything happens to him, it will be difficult to explain to Liu Bei."

"Please rest assured, my lord."

Just as they were talking, Gu Rubing's messenger finally arrived before Cao Cao.

Upon hearing that it was Gu Rubing's envoy who had arrived, Cao Cao immediately found the highest spot in the camp and sat down.

The messenger was brought before Cao Cao.

"Greetings, King Wei."

The envoy was neither servile nor arrogant towards Cao Cao. Although he bowed to Cao Cao, he did not kneel on the ground.

Cao Cao didn't care about this; he was more concerned with tangible benefits.

"Hmm, what brings you here?"

"Your Majesty is too kind. With your intelligence, you certainly know why I've come. My lord wishes to meet with you. What do you think?"

"A meeting? Sure, but I wonder if your lord is prepared, and what he'll offer in return?"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, my lord said he will give you a satisfactory result."

"Alright! See you in Guanghan County in two days."

"Ok!"

After the messenger left, Cao Ren frowned in dissatisfaction.

"My lord, this envoy of the King of Lie is far too arrogant. He didn't even kneel before you. How can he have no manners at all?"

Upon hearing Cao Ren's words, before Cao Cao could even speak, Jiang Wei immediately spoke up from the side.

“General Cao, what you said is a bit wrong. When the envoy is outside, he represents his lord. King Lie is equal to the lord, so naturally he does not need to kneel when meeting the lord.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Ren glanced at Jiang Wei.

He certainly knew this principle; he was only saying it to vent his anger on Cao Cao's behalf.

Now Jiang Wei chimes in, as if he really doesn't know anything.

Cao Cao said nothing, but looked at Jiang Wei beside him with some dissatisfaction in his eyes. However, Cao Cao didn't care. After all, talented people naturally have their own personality.

As long as you don't cross Cao Cao's bottom line, he has always been a very easy person to talk to.

And Cao Cao couldn't be happier right now.

He hadn't caught anyone important to Gu Rubing in a long time. The last time was with his informants, which made him a fortune. This time, it wasn't just about informants; it was a famous general.

If Jiang Wei hadn't refused to hand it over to him, Cao Cao might have chosen one of the famous generals present who was close to being promoted and killed him, making him a legendary general.

Although this approach might make him the weakest legendary general, like Sun Ce, he is still a legendary general.

As long as they are legendary generals, it doesn't matter how powerful they are, as long as they are intimidating enough.

Thinking of this, Cao Cao looked at Jiang Wei beside him.

The resolute look on his face constantly told Cao Cao that he couldn't take Deng Ai with him.

Left with no other choice, Cao Cao could only sigh and wait to meet Gu Rubing two days later.

Gu Rubing quickly received Cao Cao's reply.

Gu Rubing didn't dare to delay for a moment and immediately led Zhao Yun and Pang De to Guanghan County, where Cao Cao was located.

Gu Rubing had already considered everything Cao Cao might want along the way, and was prepared for Cao Cao to make exorbitant demands.

However, Gu Rubing underestimated Cao Cao's appetite.

Gu Rubing did not rest along the way and arrived in Guanghan City as quickly as possible.

However, to Gu Rubing's surprise, Cao Cao did not greet him outside the city; instead, he was greeted only by a deputy general.

This was clearly done intentionally by Cao Cao.

Upon seeing Gu Rubing arrive, the deputy general immediately stepped forward.

"Greetings, King Lie. My lord has been waiting for you in the city for a long time. Please follow me, King Lie." (End of Chapter)