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

"Ziqian, don't act impulsively!"

Cao Cao was completely bewildered by Zhang Ziqian's sudden request to lead the troops into battle.

His mind was now preoccupied with the important military and national affairs of dealing with Tao Qian's invasion and guarding against Lü Bu, a potential threat. He had no time to think about something like stealing horses.

"My lord, what General Zhang said might not be an opportunity." Xi Zhicai, standing to the side, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

"Oh? What do you mean by that, Zhicai?" Cao Cao looked at him.

"My lord," Xi Zhicai said in a low voice, "consider this: Tao Qian's army is pressing in, and our main force will inevitably be transferred eastward to defend against this powerful enemy. At that time, the heartland of Yanzhou will be vulnerable." He continued, "Lu Bu is a ruthless and cunning man, and Chen Gong and Zhang Miao are not peaceful either. If they learn that our rear is undefended, it's hard to guarantee they won't harbor rebellious intentions and seize Yanzhou! This is a grave threat!"

Cao Cao nodded, his expression grave. This was precisely what he was most worried about.

"Therefore," Xi Zhicai continued, "instead of passively defending, we should take the initiative! We must eliminate the threat of Lü Bu before we march on Xuzhou!"

"But Lü Bu has just joined Zhang Miao. If I were to launch a campaign against him without cause, I would have no legitimate reason to do so," Cao Cao said, frowning.

"Therefore, we cannot 'conquer' him, but rather 'pay a visit'," Xi Zhicai smiled slightly. "My lord and Zhang Miao, the governor of Chenliu, are old friends. Now that you have heard that your old friend has taken in the world-renowned General Lü, it would be perfectly reasonable for you to personally visit him with generous gifts, to make friends with this flying general, wouldn't it?"

"As for how to 'solve' this hidden danger..." Xi Zhicai's gaze flickered almost imperceptibly towards Zhang Ziqian, who was carrying a new weapon and eager to try it out. "Well, that depends on General Ziqian, doesn't it?"

Cao Cao instantly understood Xi Zhicai's plan.

This is a tactic of "striking the mountain to intimidate the tiger," or even "luring the snake out of its hole."

He took Zhang Ziqian to Chenliu, ostensibly to pay a visit, but in reality to demonstrate his power.

If Lü Bu is sensible and intimidated by Zhang Ziqian's imposing presence, then the purpose of this trip will be achieved.

If Lü Bu is tactless and a conflict breaks out...

Cao Cao glanced at the gleaming halberd in Zhang Ziqian's hand and sneered inwardly. Perfect! He could use Zhang Ziqian's title of "Number One Under Heaven" to test just how sharp his "Invincible Under Heaven" blade truly was!

Incidentally, it also fulfills Qian's desire for a BMW, killing two birds with one stone.

"Alright! We'll follow Zhicai's plan!" Cao Cao decided immediately.

"Issue my order: Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren are to immediately prepare the troops for battle against Tao Qian! I will personally lead a contingent of guards, along with my sons Qian and Lian, to Chenliu to pay our respects to Prefect Zhang Miao!"

……

Three days later, in Chenliu County.

Inside the prefect's mansion, lanterns and decorations were hung, and a grand banquet was being prepared.

Zhang Miao, the prefect of Chenliu, was entertaining the two most important men in his life with a beaming smile.

One of them was his longtime friend, Cao Cao, who is now the governor of Yan Province.

The other was Lü Bu, the famous general he had just taken in.

The atmosphere at the banquet was somewhat eerie.

Cao Cao brought only Zhang Ziqian, Cao Chun, and a few dozen personal guards. He chatted and laughed, appearing relaxed as if catching up with old friends.

Meanwhile, Lü Bu brought his trusted generals, including Zhang Liao and Gao Shun. He himself was clad in armor, his sword never leaving his hand, sitting there like a god-like figure exuding a menacing aura. His expression was arrogant, his gaze disdainful, and apart from occasionally showing a slight smile to his master Zhang Miao, he didn't even bother to look at anyone else, including Cao Cao.

The subordinates of both sides were clearly divided. Cao Cao's personal guards were disciplined and stood ramrod straight. On the other hand, Lü Bu's Bingzhou wolf cavalry were all unruly, their eyes filled with wildness and murderous intent.

The entire banquet hall was filled with a tense atmosphere, as if swords were about to be drawn.

Only one person stood out as a breath of fresh air in this tense atmosphere.

Zhang Zi-Qian.

From the moment he sat down, his mouth never stopped.

He didn't care about any political maneuvering or undercurrents. All he saw were the dazzling array of delicious food on the table.

"Hmm, this roast chicken is good, crispy skin and tender meat, but the sauce is a bit salty."

"Wow, this fish is cooked well, there's no fishy smell at all."

"Boss, look at that, doesn't it look like the venison we had last time?"

While eating, he whispered "food reviews" to Cao Cao next to him, completely ignoring the scrutinizing and unfriendly gazes coming from across the table.

Cao Cao smiled and nodded in agreement from time to time, but he was secretly on guard.

Lu Bu's gaze finally fell on Zhang Ziqian.

There's no other reason than that Zhang Ziqian is just too eye-catching.

It wasn't just because of his nonchalant eating habits, but also because of the enormous halberd he casually placed next to his seat.

That halberd was almost identical in design to Lü Bu's own weapon, only seemingly more exquisite and imposing in its details. Moreover, judging from its heavy texture and the occasional glint of cold light, it was clearly a rare and divine weapon.

Very few people wield the halberd, and this is the first time Lü Bu has ever seen someone dare to use such a weapon in front of him.

He sensed a silent provocation.

He then recalled the magnificent warhorse that had been tied up at the door when he entered. Although it wasn't Red Hare, it was undoubtedly a rare and exceptional steed, yet Zhang Ziqian hadn't even glanced at it when he came in.

Who exactly is this young man?

He calmly raised his wine cup, faced Cao Cao, and said with a forced smile, "I have long heard that Cao Mengde's forces are full of talented people. Not long ago, he even acquired a peerless general who single-handedly defeated hundreds of thousands of Yellow Turban rebels from Qingzhou. I, Lü Bu, have long admired him. I wonder if I will have the honor of seeing this hero's true face today?"

His voice was loud and clear, carrying an undeniable sense of authority.

All eyes were now on Cao Cao.

Cao Cao laughed heartily, pointed to the young man beside him who was engrossed in eating a chicken leg, and said, "Fengxian, you flatter me. I dare not claim to be a hero; I am merely a gluttonous brute by my side."

"Ziqian, stop eating. General Fengxian is talking to you."

Zhang Ziqian raised his head, his mouth still full of meat. He glanced blankly at Cao Cao, then at the guy opposite him who looked respectable but had an unfriendly look in his eyes.

"Oh, you're Lü Bu?" he mumbled.

Lu Bu frowned slightly.

Is this young man the legendary fierce general? He looks ordinary, even a bit... simple-minded.

However, Zhang Ziqian's next words caused the temperature in the entire hall to plummet to freezing point.

He swallowed the meat in his mouth, glanced over Lü Bu's shoulder, looked outside the hall, and then asked with a serious expression:

Where's your horse?

"I heard you have a horse named Red Hare, which is very fast. Where is it? Bring it out so I can see it."