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

The messenger left to carry out the order, and the atmosphere in the banquet hall became somewhat subtle.

Xu You, holding his wine cup, was completely at ease, as if he had Cao Cao firmly under his thumb. In his view, Cao Cao was just a warrior; no matter how brave he was, how much insight could he possibly have? He himself represented the rising power of Yuan Shao, offering him high-ranking positions and generous rewards—wouldn't that be a piece of cake?

Cao Cao's generals, however, all wore grim expressions. They all sensed that Xu You's intentions were ill-intentioned; he had come to poach Cao Cao's men right in front of their lord. This was an utter disgrace.

Only Cao Cao remained smiling, seemingly oblivious to everything, and continued to urge Xu You to drink.

After quite a while, a lazy figure finally appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Zhang Ziqian yawned, looking like he hadn't woken up yet, and swayed as he walked in.

He had just fought a fierce battle for three hundred rounds in the VR world with a muscular man named "Shattered Star Rataen," and was completely overwhelmed by the attack. He finally managed to find a chance to quit and was about to take a nap when a messenger dragged him out of bed.

He's in a very bad mood right now.

"Boss, what's wrong? Why did you have to call me over now?" he complained, rubbing his eyes.

"Ziqian, come here, let me introduce you." Cao Cao smiled and beckoned to him, "This is Xu You, Mr. Ziyuan, an advisor under Yuan Shao. Mr. Ziyuan has long admired your name and has specially wished to meet you."

Zhang Ziqian then looked up and sized up the guy named Xu You.

The man was dressed in fine clothes, with a pointed mouth and monkey-like face, and a shrewd look on his face. He looked at him as if he were a commodity waiting to be sold, which made him very uncomfortable.

"Oh, hello." Zhang Ziqian greeted him insincerely, then asked Cao Cao directly, "Are you done meeting him? If you're done, I'm going back to sleep."

"..."

The entire hall was silent.

Everyone was stunned by Zhang Ziqian's blunt and rude attitude.

Xu You's smile froze. As Yuan Shao's envoy, he was always treated as an honored guest wherever he went. When had he ever received such cold treatment?

Cao Cao quickly smoothed things over: "Ahem, Ziqian, you mustn't be rude. Mr. Ziyuan is an honored guest."

"Oh," Zhang Ziqian replied, then found an empty seat and sat down by himself, picking up a chicken leg from the table and starting to gnaw on it, completely ignoring Xu You.

Xu You's expression immediately turned somewhat unpleasant. He took a deep breath, suppressing his displeasure, and decided not to argue with a "brute."

He stood up, walked up to Zhang Ziqian, forced a smile back onto his face, and said in a persuasive tone, "General Zhang, seeing is believing. You truly have the bearing of a hero, extraordinary indeed."

Zhang Ziqian's mouth was full of meat, and he mumbled an indistinct "hmm".

Xu You didn't mind and continued, "General, you possess the courage of ten thousand men, truly a contemporary Xiang Yu and Cao Cao! However... I observe that Chenliu is a small city, and Cao Cao's army is weak and his generals few, so I'm afraid... it's not a place for you to stay for long."

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Dun slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Xu You! What do you mean?!"

"Yuanrang, calm down." Cao Cao raised his hand to stop Xiahou Dun, but the smile on his face also faded.

Xu You glanced at the enraged Xiahou Dun, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes. He didn't take these "loyal subordinates" of Cao Cao seriously at all. His only target was Zhang Ziqian.

"A tiger like you, General, should roar in the mountains and forests, not be confined to a small pond," Xu You's voice was full of allure. "My lord, Yuan Shao, comes from a family that has held high office for four generations. He commands a powerful army in Hebei, with well-trained troops, ample supplies, and countless fierce generals. He has always valued talent and has long admired you, General. If you are willing to abandon your allegiance and serve under my lord, he will surely grant you the title of Supreme General, the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, and the choice of gold, silver, and beautiful women! What do you say, General?"

After saying this, he looked at Zhang Ziqian with confidence, waiting for his ecstatic reaction.

In his mind, the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households and Supreme General was the pinnacle that countless military men dreamed of their entire lives. No one could resist such temptation.

However, he was disappointed.

Zhang Ziqian finished the chicken leg in his hand and licked his fingers with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

He looked up at Xu You and asked a question that caught everyone off guard.

"Who is Yuan Shao? Is he very rich?"

"puff--"

Cao Hong spat out the mouthful of wine he had just taken a sip of.

Xu You was also stunned.

Who is Yuan Shao?

Is there still anyone in the world today who doesn't know who Yuan Shao is?

He suppressed his anger and explained, "My lord is the leader of the eighteen warlords who oppose Dong Zhuo, and the current ruler of Hebei, Lord Yuan Shao!"

"Oh, I remember now." Zhang Ziqian nodded. "Isn't that the guy who saw my boss lose a battle in Suanzao and then just packed up and ran away with him?"

Xu You's face instantly turned a deep liver color.

This was a disgraceful act by Yuan Shao, and now Zhang Ziqian has exposed it mercilessly in front of so many people, which is a public slap in the face.

"You...you mustn't talk nonsense!" Xu You shouted, his voice stern but his voice weak.

"Am I talking nonsense?" Zhang Ziqian looked at Cao Cao innocently. "Boss, I didn't say anything wrong, did I?"

Cao Cao suppressed a laugh and nodded: "Ziqian has a good memory."

Having received confirmation from his boss, Zhang Ziqian turned to Xu You and continued, "You just said he wanted to appoint me as a Supreme General and a Marquis of Ten Thousand Households?"

"Not bad!" Xu You thought he was interested, so he quickly nodded, his expression regaining a hint of arrogance. "As long as you nod, all of this is within your grasp!"

"Does he provide meals?" Zhang Ziqian asked.

"Provides...provided meals?" Xu You was taken aback again.

"Yeah, that's right," Zhang Ziqian said matter-of-factly. "I have a big appetite. Is the roast chicken there as good as my boss's? Can I eat it every day, or only on holidays?"

Xu You was completely dumbfounded.

He had prepared a whole speech about wealth, fame, and fortune, but the other person was actually concerned about whether the roast chicken was delicious.

How can we continue this conversation?

"My... my lord's mansion has all kinds of delicacies! A mere roast chicken is nothing to mention!" Xu You finally managed to squeeze out these words through gritted teeth after a long pause.

"Oh, never mind then." Zhang Ziqian waved his hand decisively.

"What?" Xu You couldn't believe his ears.

"I said forget it," Zhang Ziqian explained. "I'm a very loyal person. I'm used to the roast chicken from this place, and I can't stand eating it anywhere else. Besides, my boss is a nice guy, and he speaks very kindly. I really enjoy being here. Tell your lord to stop thinking about me."

The way he spoke made him sound like a seduced young wife professing her loyalty.