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

It turns out that Gongsun Zan wasn't idle in Youzhou either. The Black Mountain Army was caught in the middle and was routed by Gongsun Zan, which is why Zhao Yun chased after them all the way here.

"Oh! What are you saying!" Cao Cao waved his hand. "In the fight against bandits, there's no distinction between different factions. It's just that I see your forces seem to be... short of provisions?"

Zhao Yun looked slightly embarrassed. Although the White Horse Cavalry was elite, they were still light cavalry. After several days of long-distance raids, their rations were long gone, and their warhorses had lost weight.

"To be honest, we have indeed run out of food for a day."

Cao Cao laughed: "In that case, why don't you come back to Dongjun with me to rest? Although I am not rich, I can still feed the brave men and their warhorses."

Zhao Yun hesitated for a moment: "This... I've heard that General Cao is on good terms with Alliance Leader Yuan, while my lord has a long-standing feud with Alliance Leader Yuan..."

"That's between them, what does it have to do with you and me?" Cao Cao's expression turned serious, and he spoke righteously. "Besides, both I and Governor Gongsun are allies in the campaign against Dong Zhuo. Now that the traitor Dong Zhuo has not been defeated, we are all subjects of Han. If I were to not even provide him with a meal while you, General, are helping me kill the traitor, wouldn't I be ridiculed by all the heroes of the world?"

These words are both righteous and humane.

Looking into Cao Cao's sincere eyes and recalling the "righteous deeds of Lord Cao" he had heard about along the way, Zhao Yun's wariness lessened considerably.

"In that case, I will trouble General Cao."

The city gates of Dongjun were wide open.

Xun Yu, along with Xun You, Xun Hao, and the remaining generals, had been waiting for a long time.

As the sun set, its golden-red afterglow bathed the official road. In the distance, Cao Cao's triumphant army could be seen returning in triumph.

In the sea of ​​black and red armor of Cao Cao's army, that splash of silver-white stood out starkly.

Xun Hao stood behind his elder brother, initially feeling rather bored. He had been feeling much better these past few days, having been well-fed by Guo Jia, who was like a human power bank, and even felt a bit overwhelmed with energy.

Until he saw the figure riding a white horse.

The iconic silver armor and the long spear, whose chill could be felt even from a distance, gleamed silver in the sunlight.

Zhao Yun!

Xun Hao's eyes lit up instantly, then he became puzzled: Why would Zhao Yun come back with Cao Cao?

He was so engrossed in watching that he didn't even notice Guo Jia walking right up to him.

Guo Jia was originally overjoyed.

He followed the army through wind and rain, and fought such a brilliant battle. When he saw Xun Hao coming to greet him, he was about to go forward when he realized that Xun Hao hadn't even looked at him.

Xun Yanruo, who usually clung to him and couldn't live without him, was now staring at Zhao Yun behind him with shining eyes.

Guo Jia followed Xun Hao's gaze and looked over.

Zhao Yun dismounted with a swift and graceful movement, the sunlight shining on his silver armor and reflecting a dazzling halo.

Guo Jia narrowed his eyes. Ha, back in Suanzao, he said that his real purpose was to see the White Horse Cavalry and Zhao Zilong, right?

Guo Jia, unaware of the truth, asked, "What are you looking at so intently?" His voice was somewhat chilly, as if laced with a hint of vinegar.

"...Fengxiao." Xun Hao finally came to his senses and realized his lapse in composure. He awkwardly looked away. "You're back."

"Xun Yanruo, it's not easy, you still see me in your eyes?"

Xun Hao was speechless for a moment after hearing this. "I'm just wondering why General Zhao is here?"

Over there, Cao Cao warmly took Zhao Yun's hand and introduced him to everyone: "Come, let me introduce a hero to you all! This is Zhao Yun, Zhao Zilong, a separate commander under General Gongsun Bogui! This great victory over Yu Du was entirely due to General Zilong's assistance in intercepting and killing the bandit leader!"

Upon hearing this, all the generals clasped their hands in salute to Zhao Yun, praising him endlessly.

Zhao Yun was a humble man, and the warm welcome he received from everyone made him appear somewhat reserved, though he repeatedly returned the greetings. Xun Hao looked at Zhao Yun, who was surrounded by the crowd, and then at Guo Jia, who was radiating an aura of "I'm not happy," and suddenly found it somewhat amusing.

There's no way around it. In modern times, who hasn't heard the story of Zhao Zilong's seven charges into and out of Changban Slope? How could anyone not admire a hero with unparalleled courage? I didn't have time to look at it last time, so I'll take a closer look this time.

However, considering that some later analyses suggest that Zhao Zilong's seven charges into and out of Cao Cao's camp were due to getting lost, and that his ability to pursue Yu Du all the way to Yanzhou and then coincidentally encounter the Black Mountain Army lying in ambush, the claim of getting lost needs further verification, but his luck was truly remarkable.

The victory banquet was held in the main hall of the prefectural governor's mansion, which was brightly lit and bustling with people.

With Yu Dushou's head taken, the main force of the Black Mountain Army collapsed and fled. This great victory came cleanly and decisively, enough to keep the people of Dongjun at ease for a long time.

Cao Cao was in a great mood and personally led Zhao Yun to the chief seat beside him.

Guo Jia saw all of this, and he nudged Xun Hao beside him with his elbow, lowering his voice: "Our lord is determined to poach talent, and he's not even bothering to hide it anymore."

Xun Hao wasn't much better off than Cao Cao. He ate absentmindedly, glancing at the chief disciple every now and then, wondering if Cao Cao could win over the loyal and devoted Zhao Zilong.

Guo Jia's smile faded. He followed Xun Hao's gaze and saw that Zhao Yun was indeed an outstanding figure, clad in white robes and silver armor, exuding a commanding presence, standing out even among a group of fierce generals. But no matter how outstanding he was, he shouldn't have caused Xun Hao to be so captivated. This heartless brat had never been so focused when looking at him.

Cao Cao raised his wine cup, stood up, and his booming voice drowned out all the noise in the hall: "Gentlemen! This battle was a great victory. If it weren't for General Zilong's slaying of Yu Du in battle, how could our army have repelled the enemy so easily? I, Cao Cao, raise a toast to General Zilong!"

Zhao Yun quickly rose, raised his cup in return, and said, "General Cao, you flatter me. I was ordered by Prefect Gongsun to pursue and suppress the bandits, and I happened to be there at the right time. I dare not claim credit for it."

Cao Cao drank the cup to the brim, his eyes fixed intently on Zhao Yun, his affection for him almost overflowing. "The White Horse Cavalry under your command are all elite warriors who have fought countless battles. However, the soldiers have suffered greatly during this long pursuit. If Zilong does not mind, you may rest here for two days before continuing your journey."

Zhao Yun was an upright and honest man who did not like to shirk responsibility. In addition, the purpose of his return to Dongjun with Cao Cao was to replenish supplies. After thinking for a moment, he clasped his hands and said, "In that case, I will trouble the general for two days."

"Good!" Cao Cao clapped his hands and laughed, then personally filled Zhao Yun's cup, making the atmosphere at the banquet even more lively.

The celebration banquet has ended.

The lively atmosphere in the hall gradually cooled down as the generals dispersed, leaving only the aroma of wine and meat filling the room.

Zhao Yun was arranged to rest in the best guest courtyard. Cao Cao personally saw him off at the door, held his hand and talked for a long time before reluctantly returning.

The crowd gradually dispersed, but Cao Cao kept only Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, and Xun Hao behind.

"Sigh!" Cao Cao plopped back into his seat, his earlier arrogance largely gone, replaced by a look of unfulfilled longing. "Truly a fine general, a tiger among men! What virtue or ability does Gongsun Bogui possess to have such a man as his advisor!"

His appearance was exactly the same as when he watched Guan Yu leave at the Suanzao camp, his regretful sighs were practically identical.

Xun Hao's heart stirred, and he suddenly found it somewhat amusing: "My lord, Guan Yu, who warmed wine before beheading Hua Xiong, and Zhao Zilong, who slew poison in battle today, are both men of unparalleled bravery. Which one do you prefer, my lord?"