The Three Kingdoms: The entire Cao Cao camp thought I was weak and frail.

The Xun family of Yingchuan held considerable influence. Xun Yu had just been released from the Imperial Prison by Prime Minister Dong and reinstated to his original position. To those unaware of the truth, he appeared to be enjoying the Emperor's favor.

Du Bo's expression softened somewhat: "So it's Young Master Xun. But this treacherous official injured one of my comrades in the street; the evidence is conclusive, and according to the law, he should be executed. I beg you, Young Master, not to interfere."

"What you say is true, sir." Xun Hao actually nodded in agreement. "A country has its laws, and an army has its discipline. This man committed a crime in the street, so he should naturally be punished."

Upon hearing this, not only was Du Bo stunned, but even the man surrounded in the middle looked at Xun Hao with a scrutinizing gaze.

Ignoring the gazes of the crowd, Xun Hao continued, "However, there are nuances to the punishment."

He took two steps forward, his gaze sweeping over the wailing soldiers on the ground before finally settling on Nadubo's face.

"Sir, the Prime Minister now holds absolute power and intends to rectify the atmosphere in Luoyang to demonstrate his new policies. Whether it's true or not, these soldiers forcibly abducted women in the street is something the neighbors have all witnessed. If you were to execute these men in the street, what would the people say? They wouldn't say you are enforcing the law strictly; they would only say that the Xiliang army is barbaric and domineering, allowing its soldiers to commit atrocities and indiscriminately killing innocent people."

Du Bo's expression gradually turned ugly.

Xun Hao's words were like daggers to the heart.

"However, if Your Excellency were to escort this man to the Court of Justice or the Prefect of the Capital for public execution, firstly, it would uphold the law of the land; secondly, it would demonstrate to the entire city that Your Excellency governs the army with strict discipline and impartiality, investigating and punishing even those who err. Only in this way can the majesty of the Prime Minister and Your Excellency's fairness be truly displayed."

Guo Jia's lips involuntarily curled up.

Du Bo was no fool; he understood the implications of the situation.

Xun Hao seemed to read his mind, and changed the subject, turning his gaze to the man, his voice tinged with amusement: "Besides, this gentleman is dressed in official robes, so he must be a high-ranking official of the court. For you, sir, to execute a court official in the street without even asking what happened, if this were to reach the ears of the Prime Minister…"

A layer of cold sweat appeared on Dubo's forehead.

Only then did he notice the official robe the other person was wearing. Although it was somewhat worn, the style was genuine.

"What...what is your official rank?" Du Bo's tone had softened considerably.

The man glanced at Xun Hao, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, then straightened his chest and said loudly:

"The Commandant of the Army, Cao Cao, Cao Mengde!"

Cao Cao!

When this name came out of the mouth of this living person, the shock of history and reality intersecting still made him feel a little dizzy.

This is the "good wood" he has been searching for, the future ruler of the North.

Du Bo's face instantly turned even more ashen than a pig's liver. The rank of Commandant of the Imperial Guard wasn't high, but he was a close advisor to the emperor, a legitimate official in the capital. Du Bo, a mere garrison commander, truly had no right to punish him.

"So it's Commandant Cao, my apologies, my apologies." Du Bo forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, waved his hand, and said, "It was all a misunderstanding, all cleared up!"

Having said that, he led his men, carrying his wounded comrade, and slunk away.

The storm has thus subsided.

Cao Cao sheathed his sword and returned it to the trembling Xiliang soldier on the ground. He walked up to Xun Hao and bowed deeply to him.

"Thank you for coming to my rescue, young master. If it weren't for your righteous words, Cao Cao would probably be dead on the spot today."

"Commander Cao, you flatter me." Xun Hao returned the salute, his expression calm and composed. "Commander, you spoke out for the people, unafraid of powerful figures. I merely spoke a few words of justice."

"What a fair statement." Cao Cao's gaze swept back and forth between Xun Hao and Guo Jia. His eyes, though not large, seemed to see right through people. "Both of you possess extraordinary bearing. Yingchuan is a land of outstanding people, producing many exceptional individuals. May I ask who this gentleman is?"

"My name is Guo Jia, courtesy name Fengxiao, and I am also from Yingchuan." Guo Jia stepped forward, his peach blossom eyes slightly curved, and cupped his hands in greeting to Cao Cao, exuding a free and unrestrained air.

Cao Cao's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then he burst into laughter.

"Guo Fengxiao of Yingchuan! Excellent, very good!" He patted Guo Jia's shoulder heavily, with a force that carried the warmth characteristic of a warrior. "If it weren't for you two today, I, Cao Mengde, would have suffered a great loss. This isn't the place to talk. Would you do me the honor of coming upstairs for a chat?"

His gaze fell on the teahouse where Xun Hao and Guo Jia had just come down.

Xun Hao glanced at Guo Jia, who returned a look that said, "It's up to you."

"Since Commandant Cao has invited me, how could I dare refuse?" Xun Hao nodded, acknowledging his acceptance.

Inside the private room of the teahouse, the waiter served fresh hot tea.

Outside the window was the bustling street of Luoyang, but inside, three people sat facing each other, creating a subtle atmosphere.

"Dong Zhuo has acted perversely, poisoning the people and bullying the nobles. This Luoyang is no longer the capital of the Han Dynasty, but his slaughterhouse!" Cao Cao spoke first, picking up his teacup and drinking it all in one gulp, as if he were drinking strong liquor rather than tea. His words were undisguised, his resentment towards Dong Zhuo overflowing.

Upon hearing this, Guo Jia chuckled and said, "Dong Zhuo is nothing but a military man who seized a high position by chance, relying on his large and powerful army. What he truly relies on are nothing more than 'ruthlessness' and 'profit.' He intimidates the officials with his cruelty and buys off his henchmen with benefits. He seems invincible, but in reality, he is all bark and no bite."

"Fengxiao is absolutely right!" Cao Cao's eyes shone brightly, as if he had found a kindred spirit. "He is now forcibly conscripting laborers to build roads, ostensibly for the benefit of the people, but in reality, he is paving the way for his own retreat! This traitor has no intention of managing Luoyang at all!"

"He wants to retreat to Chang'an," Guo Jia replied, their words perfectly synchronized.

"Indeed! Chang'an is protected by the strategic Hangu Pass and is close to the stronghold of the Western Liang, making it a place that can be attacked or defended at will. Once he has plundered all the wealth of Luoyang, he will take the emperor westward, leaving the warlords of Guandong with nothing but scorched earth!"

The two men found themselves getting along very well, discussing everything from Dong Zhuo's character and the shortcomings of the Liangzhou army to the thoughts of the officials in the court, as if they had endless things to say.

Xun Hao sat quietly to the side, without interrupting.

He simply held his teacup, his eyes lowered, his slender fingers occasionally stroking the warm rim of the cup. Most of his attention was focused on Cao Cao.

This is Cao Cao.

He wasn't particularly tall, nor was he exceptionally handsome, but there was something in his eyes that most people lacked. It was ambition, decisiveness, a keen insight into the current situation, and a spirited determination to never be second to anyone.

He was born a ruthless and ambitious man.

Guo Jia and Cao Cao were having a pleasant conversation, but his eyes never left Xun Hao.

He noticed that Xun Hao's gaze was almost entirely fixed on Cao Cao.

It was a focused gaze, filled with scrutiny and inquiry.

Guo Jia felt inexplicably displeased.

This little thing usually looks at me with either dependence or admiration. When has it ever looked at someone else with such eyes? Cao Mengde may have some ability, but surely he wouldn't be so mesmerized by Cao Mengde's gaze?