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

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Especially for someone as extremely arrogant as Lü Bu.

Sure enough, upon hearing these words, Lü Bu's expression softened considerably. Looking at the "girl" in his arms who was full of admiration for him, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction rise within him.

The Prime Minister's residence, the rear garden.

Cao Cao had already circled around to behind Dong Zhuo.

He slowly drew the Seven-Star Sword from its wooden box, its cold light gleaming. Just one more step forward, and the blade would plunge into that fat man's back…

Cao Cao almost couldn't suppress his killing intent and stabbed Dong Zhuo.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a bronze mirror used for decoration beside the pavilion.

In the mirror, a tall and imposing figure was striding towards the back garden.

It's Niu Fu! Dong Zhuo's son-in-law!

It seems that this is the will of Heaven.

Without the slightest hesitation, Cao Cao's knees buckled, and he knelt down with a thud!

He raised the precious sword high above his head, his voice booming like a bell: "I've heard that the Prime Minister has recently acquired a magnificent steed, unparalleled in the world! My family possesses an ancestral treasured sword named 'Seven Stars,' which I have come to present to the Prime Minister, to complement this hero!"

This sudden shout startled Dong Zhuo, who was drinking alone.

He turned around and saw Cao Cao kneeling on the ground, with the gleaming sword in his hand.

At this moment, Niu Fu also walked over and looked at the scene with a puzzled expression.

"Mengde?" Dong Zhuo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"

"This is but a small gift, nothing to show my respect!" Cao Cao said with a smile, but he was not without regret in his heart.

Dong Zhuo took the precious sword and drew it from its sheath.

"What a fine knife!" he exclaimed, flicking the blade with his finger, which produced a clear, resonant hum.

Cao Cao's heart nearly leaped out of his chest, but he remained calm and composed, even exchanging a few casual words with Dong Zhuo about how a fine horse is a fitting match for a hero.

After Dong Zhuo had finished playing with the knife, he handed it to Niu Fu to put away, and then Cao Cao bowed and took his leave.

The moment he stepped out of the Prime Minister's residence, the back of his clothes was soaked with cold sweat.

He dared not look back, dared not stop, and ran wildly towards the city gate.

Thanks to his military officer badge and the privileges of his position, he was not questioned at all and rode out of Luoyang before the city gates closed!

Seeing the adoring gaze of the "young girl" before him, Lü Bu felt his pride greatly satisfied.

The eight-character phrase "Among men, Lü Bu; among horses, Red Hare" is now used to praise both men and horses extensively.

"General's bravery is unmatched in the world." Xun Hao added softly, then let out a muffled groan, clutching his chest, "However... I was shaken by the jolt just now and feel a little unwell, so I must take my leave now."

His pitiful appearance softened even Lü Bu's hardened heart.

"In that case, I will send someone to escort the young lady back to her residence."

"I dare not trouble the general." Xun Hao struggled to stand up from his embrace, bowed gracefully to him, and said, "I will remember your kindness today."

After saying that, he hurriedly left with the few servants who were equally frightened.

Lu Bu watched the slender figure disappear around the street corner and stroked his chin. The "girl's" eyes were clear and focused, giving him an indescribable feeling.

He did not linger there, turned his horse around, and continued towards the Prime Minister's residence.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's residence was undergoing a dramatic transformation.

Dong Zhuo toyed with the Seven-Star Sword, and the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

"Prime Minister," Niu Fu, who was standing nearby, also noticed something amiss and whispered, "Could Cao Mengde be...?"

Before he could finish speaking, a thought exploded in Dong Zhuo's mind!

Assassination!

Cao Cao didn't come to offer the sword; he came to assassinate me!

"Bang!"

He smashed the priceless sword to the ground.

"Damn it!" Dong Zhuo's obese body trembled with rage, his small eyes flashing with ferocity. "Bring him back! Alive or dead!"

"Seal off the city gates! Conduct a city-wide manhunt!"

The orders were passed down through the ranks, and the air in Luoyang tightened. Xiliang soldiers surged into the streets like wolves, beginning house-to-house searches.

However, Cao Cao had already ridden away, leaving behind only an empty city with a tense atmosphere.

When the news reached Wang Yun's residence, Xun Hao had just changed out of his cloak.

"Young Master, the Prime Minister's residence has issued an order to arrest Commandant Cao throughout the city," the steward reported in a low voice.

Wang Yun's face turned extremely grim. He paced back and forth in his study, lamenting, "What should we do? With Mengde fleeing, Dong Zhuo will surely take his anger out on us!"

"My lord, there is no need to panic," Xun Hao's voice rang out, calm and undisturbed.

He walked to the desk, took out a small bamboo whistle from his sleeve, and handed it to Wang Yun's steward: "Give this to my spies in the southern market of Luoyang, and have them spread a message throughout the streets and alleys of Luoyang."

"What did you say?" Wang Yun asked.

"Cao Cao's assassination attempt on Dong Zhuo was actually instigated by Yuan Shao."

One sentence left Wang Yun stunned on the spot.

Xun Hao continued, "Cao Cao relied on Yuan Shao in his early years, and in many people's eyes, he was Yuan Shao's lackey. Now that he has been implicated in the assassination attempt, it is perfectly reasonable. Dong Zhuo is inherently suspicious, so he will not care whether it is true or not, and will definitely believe it to be true immediately."

Wang Yun's eyes lit up: "Better to die for my friend than for me."

"Good! Yuan Shao deserved to bring the wolf into the house!" Wang Yun clapped his hands in praise and immediately said to the steward, "Do as Young Master Xun said! Also, send some of our people to add fuel to the fire in the streets."

A media storm targeting Yuan Shao, orchestrated by Xun Hao and promoted by Wang Yun, silently swept through the entire city of Luoyang.

Meanwhile, a real storm is brewing for Xun Hao.

When Guo Jia learned from Wang Yun that Xun Hao had actually driven his own chariot to ram Lü Bu, he was completely stunned.

When he came to his senses, an uncontrollable surge of anger rushed to his head.

Without saying a word, he turned and left, his steps quick and hurried, carrying a terrifying aura. Wang Yun tried to stop him, but was forced back by the unapproachable aura emanating from him.

The door to Xun Hao's room in the courtyard was violently pushed open from the outside with a "bang".

Xun Hao was sitting on the couch, adjusting his breathing, when he was startled by the loud noise and looked up, meeting Guo Jia's peach blossom eyes burning with anger.

"Are you crazy?"

Guo Jia rushed to him and grabbed his wrist with such force that Xun Hao frowned.

"Brother Fengxiao, you're hurting me."

"Pain?" Guo Jia laughed angrily, leaning down and speaking through gritted teeth, "When you drove your carriage to ram Lü Bu, didn't you think about whether it would hurt? Do you know that if Red Hare had reacted even half a step slower, you would be a cold corpse right now!"

His voice was low, yet it made Xun Hao tremble more than any roar.

"I……"

"What do you mean, 'what are you saying!'" Guo Jia interrupted him, his eyes reddening slightly. "I promised Uncle Xun I would take good care of you! Is this how you expect me to take care of you? You just went to your death? Xun Hao, do you think your life is worthless?!"