Three Kingdoms: Cao Cao is stunned when he reveals his time-traveling identity.

The banquet began late at night.

Zhang Xiu specially hired several beautiful dancers to start the show, and everything was arranged in an orderly manner.

Cao Cao sat in the main seat, beaming with joy.

They couldn't detect the slightest bit of displeasure in Zhang Xiu's heart.

Those who know understand that this time Zhang Xiu surrendered, and Cao Cao accepted the surrender.

Anyone who didn't know better would think Cao Cao was visiting.

"Judging from this, Zhang Xiu is indeed acting normally."

"Perhaps I'm overthinking it?"

Cao Cao thought to himself.

Zhang Xiu's surrender was flawless.

It was as if they couldn't wait to rip their hearts out and show them to Cao Cao.

This made Cao Cao begin to doubt Su Chen's "prophecy".

He was only half-believing Su Chen's words.

Seeing this situation only confirmed my earlier thoughts.

"Sikong, are you willing to give me this opportunity to spare Wancheng from the ravages of war?"

"On behalf of the people of Wancheng, I offer a toast to the Minister!"

Just then, Zhang Xiu raised his wine cup with a smile and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing Zhang Xiu's honest expression, Cao Cao waved his hand and said:

"Nephew, what are you saying?"

"Back then, your uncle Zhang Ji and I were colleagues who worked together to pacify the world for the Han Dynasty."

"To be honest, we had a pretty good relationship back then."

"Now that you are under my command, I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Cao Cao was quite pleased with the view and had drunk some wine, so he couldn't help but become a little smug.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Zhang Xiu's eyes.

He responded with a smile:

"What you say is true, but... I have come to serve under you and offer up Wancheng."

"May I make a small request of Master Sikong?"

"I mentioned this matter in the previous envelope..."

Cao Cao waved his hand dismissively and said:

"Nephew, just speak."

Zhang Xiu pursed his lips, put down his wine cup, and said in a deep voice:

"Minister Sikong, I have always been in Wancheng and am quite familiar with the surrounding area."

"Although I am now under the command of the Minister of Works, I wish to continue to command troops in Wancheng, but I am at the Minister's disposal."

Cao Cao was taken aback at first upon hearing this, then chuckled:

"Nephew, is this considered a request?"

"Even if you didn't say that, I would still have done it."

Don't worry.

Zhang Xiu is not a rare military talent. If he were to leave Wancheng and be put in command of troops, it would be a waste of his abilities.

Moreover, Cao Cao did not have any generals familiar with Wancheng, so he was unable to take control of the city.

Forcibly taking Zhang Xiu to the north would actually restrict his actions.

Cao Cao was well aware of this principle.

"I have one more request. Please don't be angry after you hear it, Sikong."

Seeing this, Zhang Xiu continued:

"I hope that after you enter Wancheng, you will treat the people and my former generals well..."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's expression immediately darkened slightly.

Although Zhang Xiu did not say it explicitly, it was clear that he meant that they should not do what happened in Xuzhou, where a massacre took place.

As is well known, Cao Cao knew he was wrong, but he would correct his mistakes rather than admit them.

Even if he truly believed that the massacre of Xuzhou was inhumane and unwise, he absolutely disliked others bringing it up.

"I would have done it even if you hadn't said anything."

Thinking of this, Cao Cao's tone was still somewhat displeased.

However, it was merely unpleasant.

For Cao Cao, acquiring Wancheng was undoubtedly a great thing.

Although Wancheng is not large, it has a fairly complete supply of soldiers, provisions, and weapons.

After all, all of Zhang Ji's belongings were here.

With these supplies, transporting them to the north would give us greater confidence to confront Yuan Shao and his allies one day.

"I will not only treat the common people well, but also you and your uncle's former subordinates well."

"After we return to Xuchang, I will petition the Emperor to bestow upon you the title of Marquis of Wancheng."

"Is this alright?"

Cao Cao spoke calmly, his eyes half-closed.

For a surrendered general, this is the best possible outcome.

He was still in his familiar fiefdom, and was even granted the title of Marquis of Wancheng, certified by the Han Dynasty!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu's face lit up with joy, and he said:

"Thank you, Master Sikong!"

"Thank you, Master Sikong."

As Zhang Xiu stood up, Jia Xu, who was beside him, also slowly rose and echoed him.

Jia Xu's rise made Cao Cao's eyes light up:

"Is this Mr. Jia Xu?"

Jia Xu smiled slightly:

"Your Excellency, I am Jia Xu."

Cao Cao's face immediately broke into a smile again:

"Sir, your name is truly renowned."

"After we recapture Wancheng, why don't you join me in this campaign, sir?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu's expression changed drastically.

They're going to snatch Jia Xu away right in front of him? That's practically killing him!

But given the current situation, he remained silent.

Jia Xu, however, replied calmly:

"Thank you for your kindness, Minister, but I have been in Wancheng for quite some time, and I have followed the General for a long time, therefore..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Cao Cao waved his hand to interrupt him:

"What's the big deal? Your general is already under my command, so naturally you are too."

"After that, you will return to Xuchang with me."

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu, though unwilling, did not speak again.

However, this made Zhang Xiu secretly clench his fist.

He had long anticipated that his unconditional surrender would make Cao Cao look down on him and even bully him.

But unexpectedly, they tried to steal his strategist right at the beginning!

This further solidified Zhang Xiu's determination to punish Cao Cao.

However, for now, all we can do is remain silent and wait for the right opportunity.

"Minister Sikong, I have a request, and I hope you will grant it!"

"I have heard that General Zhang has a fierce general under his command named Hu Che'er."

"Taking advantage of the current mood, I would like to have a friendly spar with Hu Che'er!"

Just then, a gruff voice interrupted Cao Cao's laughter.

Cao Cao looked at the person beside him with a puzzled expression.

The speaker was none other than Dian Wei, who was standing behind Cao Cao!

Cao Cao was immediately struck by something unbelievable.

This Dian Wei, you can't get a fart out of him even if you hit him three times with a stick.

Why are you suddenly acting like you're having a fit and want to fight someone?

"Nonsense!"

Cao Cao frowned immediately:

"On such a joyous day, how can we turn against each other with swords drawn?"

Dian Wei lowered his head:

"This humble general will not use swords, but will instead spar with fists and feet."

Seeing his beloved general in this state, Cao Cao frowned slightly, then smiled and looked at Zhang Xiu, saying:

"Nephew, today is indeed a joyous day. Why don't you invite General Hu Che'er out so the two of them can have a friendly spar?"

"Just consider it as adding to the fun."

This sounds like a request, but it's actually an order.

A sudden, inexplicable rage rose within Zhang Xiu.

This is outrageous!

How could Cao Cao's generals be so arrogant and domineering!

They're calling out names, are they trying to bully their own subordinates?

Although it was supposed to be a friendly sparring match, Hu Che'er never dared to use his full strength.

If they lose and Hu Che'er gets seriously injured, Zhang Xiu will definitely be heartbroken, as Hu Che'er is his most beloved and fierce general.

If we win, Cao Cao will lose face and will definitely cause trouble for us in the future!

We definitely can't win this battle!

Cao Cao would even grant such an unreasonable request; this is practically a demonstration of power!

"General, I am willing to grant this general's request!"

……