Three Kingdoms: Zhang Fei was sent flying by a single spear thrust, leaving Liu Bei stunned.

The news that Cao Cao had defeated 30,000 Black Mountain troops and killed their leader Yu Du spread like wildfire throughout the Central Plains.

For a time, the whole world took notice.

No one expected that Cao Cao, who had left the Suanzao Alliance in disgrace due to defeat, would not only not be discouraged, but would instead raise an even stronger army and win such a glorious victory in just one month.

The name "Zhang Ziqian" in particular has been circulated in great renown.

He fought fiercely against Lü Bu at Hulao Pass, repelled pursuers alone at Xingyang Road, "persuaded" powerful figures in Chenliu City, and killed Yu Du with a single spear thrust outside Dongjun.

Each and every one of them exudes an inhuman, magical quality.

Some say he was the reincarnation of an ancient demon god, others say he was a celestial being descended to earth to assist Cao Cao. Various versions of the legend circulated in taverns and teahouses, making him the most sought-after "star" of the time.

Of course, this news also reached Hebei.

Jizhou, Yecheng.

The former leader of the alliance, now the overlord of Hebei, Yuan Shao, is holding a grand banquet for his guests in his mansion.

As a representative of a family that had held high office for four generations, Yuan Shao's power expanded rapidly after defeating Han Fu and occupying Ji Province. He recruited many famous scholars, and his subordinates included Shen Pei, Feng Ji, and Xu You in civil service, and Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan in military service. With well-trained troops and ample supplies, he was the most powerful warlord in the land at that time, without exception.

At this moment, he sat high in the main seat, full of vigor and enjoying the praise of the crowd.

"Report!" A messenger rushed in from outside the hall, interrupting the banquet's singing and dancing.

Yuan Shao frowned, somewhat displeased: "What's the matter with such a commotion, disturbing my enjoyment?"

"My lord, an urgent report from Yanzhou!" The messenger presented a scroll of bamboo slips.

Feng Ji, the strategist beside Yuan Shao, took the bamboo slip, unfolded it, and his expression changed slightly. He quickly walked to Yuan Shao's side and whispered the contents of the bamboo slip.

"Oh?" Yuan Shao's face showed a hint of surprise after hearing this. "Cao Mengde actually defeated Yu Du?"

He remembered clearly that back in Suanzao, Cao Cao was just a minor figure with fewer than ten thousand soldiers, relying on friends for money and provisions. How could he have defeated tens of thousands of Black Mountain troops in such a short time?

The generals under his command were also discussing the matter animatedly.

General Wen Chou said in a gruff voice, "The Black Mountain bandits are nothing but a bunch of brigands, a rabble. What's so great about defeating them?"

"That's not how it works," the strategist Shen Pei retorted. "Yu Du's troops are the elite of the Black Mountain Army, exceptionally fierce. Cao Cao was able to win a battle with newly recruited soldiers, which shows that his ability to manage and train troops should not be underestimated."

"Hmph, what military leadership skills?" Another strategist, Xu You, curled his lip with a hint of disdain. "I've heard that Cao Cao's victory was entirely due to that brute under his command named Zhang Ziqian. It's said that this man possesses the strength of ten thousand men, and Yu Du was impaled to death by him from hundreds of paces away with a long spear."

"Nonsense!" Yan Liang immediately retorted. "To kill someone by throwing a long spear from hundreds of paces away? How is that possible! It's clearly just a bunch of scoundrels spreading rumors!"

The crowd argued incessantly, but Yuan Shao waved his hand to stop them.

His fingers tapped lightly on the table.

Cao Cao's rise made him feel uneasy.

Back in Suanzao, the reason he ignored Cao Cao's defeat was because he felt the man was no longer of any use. But now it seems this dog he abandoned not only didn't die, but has grown even sharper teeth.

"Is Zhang Ziqian really that brave?" Yuan Shao asked Xu You.

"That's the rumor," Xu You said. "It's said that this man has an enormous appetite and a lazy personality. He's not interested in anything except eating. Cao Cao was purely lucky to have him."

Yuan Shao narrowed his eyes.

A brave and fierce warrior, but a simple-minded brute?

These kinds of people are the easiest to control.

He glanced in the direction of Chenliu, where Cao Cao was, and suddenly an idea came to him.

Although Cao Cao has won a battle, his foundation is still weak, and his territory consists only of Chenliu Commandery. On the other hand, I possess Ji Province, hold a strategic position in Hebei, and have a strong and well-equipped army.

Cao Cao should know how to make the right choice.

"Ziyuan," Yuan Shao said.

"Yes," Xu You replied quickly.

"Go to Chenliu for me," Yuan Shao said slowly. "Firstly, to congratulate Mengde on his victory and to deliver some gifts on my behalf as his former leader, as a sign of my concern."

"Secondly..." Yuan Shao's lips curled into a meaningful smile, "Go and see that Zhang Ziqian, and find out his true strength. If he is as brave as the rumors say, you might as well... ask him for me if he would like to eat somewhere else."

Xu You understood immediately, bowed, and smiled, "My lord is wise! A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a wise minister chooses a good lord to serve. How can Cao Cao's small Chenliu hold such a fierce tiger? As long as I subtly hint at my lord's intention to recruit him, Zhang Ziqian will surely come to surrender gladly!"

"Hmm." Yuan Shao nodded in satisfaction. "Tell Cao Cao that I have submitted a memorial to the court recommending him as the governor of Dongjun. Tell him to guard the eastern gateway of Yanzhou well for me. In the future, I will certainly reward him handsomely."

These words were spoken in a condescending manner, full of a sense of charity.

It was ostensibly a recommendation, but in reality, it was an appointment.

They are allies in name only, but subordinates in reality.

He wanted to make Cao Cao understand who the real boss was now.

……

Several days later, Chenliu.

Yuan Shao's envoys marched into the city in a grand procession.

Xu You, who was in the lead, rode a tall horse and was dressed in fine clothes. Behind him were hundreds of elite guards and dozens of carriages full of gifts, making quite a grand entrance.

He held his head high, surveying the city with a scrutinizing gaze.

In his view, Chenliu was a small city with dilapidated streets, and compared to the prosperity of Yecheng, it was simply a small rural place.

Cao Cao personally led his generals to greet them at the city gate.

"Brother Ziyuan, you must be tired from your journey!" Cao Cao greeted him with a warm smile. He and Xu You had known each other since their youth and were old friends.

"Mengde, it's been a long time! You're still as dashing as ever!" Xu You jumped off his horse, patted Cao Cao on the shoulder, his posture appearing very intimate, but his eyes held an undisguised arrogance.

"I heard you won a great victory. My lord in Hebei was very pleased when he heard about it and specially sent me to congratulate you." Xu You pointed to the convoy behind him. "These are all congratulatory gifts from my lord. In addition, my lord has already submitted a memorial to the emperor recommending you as the governor of Dongjun. The appointment will be issued soon."

He spoke loudly, and the Cao army soldiers and civilians around him could hear him clearly.

Xiahou Dun, Cao Hong, and the others all looked rather grim.

Xu You's words sounded like congratulations and a reward, but his tone was clearly that of a superior addressing a subordinate.

What does "my lord" mean? What does "I recommend you as governor" mean?

This clearly shows that they did not regard Cao Cao as an equal warlord, but rather as Yuan Shao's subordinate!

Cao Cao's smile remained unchanged.

"I am deeply grateful for your concern, Brother Benchu. Brother Ziyuan, you are a guest from afar. Quickly, a banquet has been prepared in the city to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."

He seemed oblivious to the arrogance and condescension in Xu You's words, and warmly welcomed Xu You into his residence.

At the banquet, Xu You was in high spirits and spoke eloquently.

He spoke at length about Yuan Shao's achievements in Hebei, how many fierce generals and strategists he had under his command, and how popular he was, making him seem like the ruler of the world.

Cao Cao's generals were all furious, but since Cao Cao didn't speak, they couldn't do anything about it.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xu You changed the subject and finally brought up another purpose of his trip.

"Mengde, I've heard that you have a fierce general named Zhang Ziqian under your command who has repeatedly performed extraordinary feats. I wonder if you could allow me to meet him today?" He squinted his eyes, looking curious.

Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat; he knew the real topic was about to be discussed.

He smiled and said, "Ziqian... he's a bit eccentric and doesn't like these kinds of occasions. Right now, he's probably resting in the camp."

"Oh? Is that so?" Xu You feigned surprise. "No matter how strange he is, he's still one of your generals. Could it be that Mengde is afraid I'll kidnap your precious darling and hide him from me?"

He said this half-jokingly and half-testingly.

Cao Cao laughed heartily: "Ziyuan, you jest. Ziqian is one of my most trusted ministers; how could I not trust him? Guards!"

He called out to the door, "Go and invite General Zhang over. Tell him that a distinguished guest wishes to see him."