He originally intended to surrender to Wei, so why did he end up restoring Han?

Sun Qian looked at Cao Cao again, his gaze intense: "If Lord Cao could forgive this irreconcilable hatred at this moment, and display the magnanimity of the ocean, how would the world view him? They would say that Minister Cao has a heart as vast as the sea, valuing talent more than personal grudges! At that time, which hero from all directions wouldn't be drawn to him, flocking to his side? To release one enemy and win the hearts of the world—Lord Cao, this is the way of the true king!"

Sun Qian paused briefly to allow Cao Cao to process his views before presenting the practical benefits.

"Moreover, Wen Yuan is of a fierce temperament. If Sikong (Cao Cao) were to launch a full-scale attack, he would surely fight to the death. What use would it be for Cao Cao to obtain Zhang Liao's corpse? It would only result in the loss of soldiers and generals, and the depletion of his strength. My lord is willing to exchange the city of Xiaopei for Zhang Liao's life, both to express his apology and to fulfill his desire to cherish talent. Cao Cao would gain real territory, demonstrate his benevolence, and avoid the losses of a siege. This is a win-win situation."

Finally, Sun Qian spoke softly, in a voice only Cao Cao could hear: "Lord Cao, Lü Bu is now a defeated fugitive, and can be defeated in a day or two. However, our formidable enemy, Yuan Shao, is still eyeing us covetously in Hebei. Killing Zhang Liao today will do no harm to Yuan Shao, but if killing a surrendered soldier chills the hearts of the soldiers in Hebei, they will fight to the death in future battles. What good will that do for our great cause?"

Cao Cao's gaze sharpened upon hearing this. Liu Bei's meaning was clear enough: don't fight to the death for petty gains, the big boss from the north is coming soon. The most urgent task now is for both sides to prepare and quickly accumulate strength in order to hold off Yuan Shao.

"Liu Bei, oh Liu Bei, I thought you truly regarded Yuan Shao as your elder brother. Turns out you're just like me," Cao Cao thought to himself, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow.

He stood up, took a step, turned his back to the crowd, and looked towards the earthen mound outside the tent. Finally, he waved his hand, indicating that Sun Qian and Guan Yu could go on their own; it was their skill to persuade him. Xiahou Yuan and the others wanted to say something, but were stopped by a look from Cao Cao.

When Sun Qian and Guan Yu heard that Cao Cao was willing to relent, a huge weight was lifted from their hearts. They were no longer worried about not being able to persuade Zhang Liao. However, if Cao Cao refused to relent at all, then Zhang Liao would definitely not be able to leave the mountain alive today.

He then bowed and thanked Cao Cao before leaving the tent.

Seeing the others leave, Xiahou Yuan finally couldn't hold back any longer: "My lord, are we just going to let Yuan Rang's grudge go like this?"

"How can we let it go? Once we've dealt with Yuan Shao, it'll be the death knell for those who weave mats and sell shoes! For now, we'll just leave our heads on their necks; we'll have plenty of opportunities to take them back later."

Zhang Liao remained calm. He had anticipated this day before joining the army, and when it arrived, he felt no panic. At this moment, his heart was utterly at peace.

He fought for Lü Bu to the very last moment, neither fleeing nor surrendering.

Zhang Liao stood quietly on the mountaintop, waiting for the final moment to arrive.

Suddenly, Cao Cao's army stirred slightly, and a group of men escorted the general in green robes to the mountainside. The man ordered everyone to wait at the foot of the mountain, and then went up the mountain alone without any weapons.

He ran quickly up the mountain, shouting, "Wen Yuan! Wen Yuan!"

Zhang Liao saw the man from afar and was filled with surprise and uncertainty. As the man drew closer, Zhang Liao realized that it was Guan Yu.

He turned his back to Guan Yu without looking at him, and responded to Guan Yu with a cold snort.

Guan Yu also stopped in his tracks: "General Zhang, do you perhaps wish to engage in a battle?"

"Without weapons, how can one speak of fighting?"

Zhang Liao said expressionlessly, "Could it be that Yun Chang has come to persuade us to surrender?"

"No!" Guan Yu answered without hesitation. He knew Zhang Liao's mentality all too well. If he admitted that he was there to ask Zhang Liao to surrender, Zhang Liao would most likely refuse outright.

Zhang Liao's face suddenly brightened: "So, Yun Chang came to rescue me and help me break through the encirclement?"

"No, not at all!"

Zhang Liao forcefully shoved his spear into the ground: "Since you're not coming to help me, what are you doing here?"

"Wen Yuan! Lü Bu, Chen Gong, and the others have disappeared. Wei Xu, the garrison commander of Xiaopei, and the others have surrendered to my elder brother. My elder brother has sent people to protect Lü Bu's family and not to disturb them. I have come here specifically to inform you, Wen Yuan."

"Are you trying to persuade me to surrender? I am now in dire straits and ready to die. Yun Chang, hurry back! I will descend the mountain immediately to meet you in battle!"

"Wen Yuan, won't you become a laughingstock for doing this!"

"I died for loyalty and righteousness, how could I be ridiculed?"

"Die? You think dying makes you loyal and righteous?" Guan Yu's voice rose a few decibels. "Open your eyes and look! Whose men are down the mountain? Cao Cao's! You shot Xiahou Dun blind, he's Cao Cao's darling! Even if you lay down your weapons and walk down now, do you think Cao Cao will spare you? You'd be lucky to escape with a thousand cuts! You're leading your brothers down a dead end, what kind of loyalty and righteousness are you talking about!"

"Besides, your death would be easy, but what about all your skills? Wouldn't they all be for nothing?"

These words pierced Zhang Liao's heart like a knife; his face paled, and he fell silent. He knew all too well what this outcome would be.

Seeing that he had taken his words to heart, Guan Yu softened his tone, stepped forward, and lowered his voice: "Wen Yuan, you know my elder brother's character. He respects you as a hero and cherishes your talent! He said he's willing to exchange Xiaopei City for you with Cao Cao! As long as you agree, you'll work for us from now on! My elder brother is benevolent and will never treat you and your brothers unfairly. This is the real way to survive, leaving some descendants for the people of Bingzhou, isn't that better than sending them to their deaths in vain?"

Looking down at the dark mass of Cao Cao's army below, and then back at his old comrades from Bingzhou who had fought alongside him to the death, now all wounded and gazing at him expectantly, Zhang Liao's eyes welled up with tears. Lü Bu was indeed not worth his dying for, and Cao Cao's side truly offered him no refuge.

He stopped being coy, threw away his dulled sword, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Good! Liu Xuzhou has treated me as a national hero, and I, Zhang Liao, will repay him as a national hero! From now on, I entrust my life to Lord Xuande!"

--------

Xiapi City

After finishing her work, Lu Wan, as was her habit, took a walk to stretch her muscles. She happened to see Chen Qun, his face grim, pointing at several minor officials and scolding them: "What's wrong with you all? You can't even handle such a small task?"

One of them said with a bitter face, "Lord Changwen, it's not that we're being negligent, it's just that the people from Xuzhou are unwilling to cooperate. We have to find all the information ourselves, they never give us any pointers, and the officials in charge of the archives ignore us. Under these circumstances, it's really difficult to get things done."

Lu Wan raised an eyebrow: "Changwen, what happened?"

"You two can leave now. Make sure to draft a plan as soon as possible." Chen Qun dismissed the two men before turning to Lu Wan and saying, "These two are people I recruited from my hometown. It seems they are still lacking in ability. It's just a simple data compilation, yet they've been dragging it out for several days without submitting it."

Lu Wan patted Chen Qun on the back: "It's okay. It's easy for young people to make mistakes when they do these things for the first time. You'll get used to it."

Chen Jiao, who was standing to the side, shook his head and said, "Wen Yuan, I feel that things are not that simple."

"Why do you say that?"

After a moment's thought, Chen Jiao began to describe what he had witnessed: "Xuzhou is now recovering from the ruins, and talents from all over the country are coming here to admire its reputation. However, the attitude of the locals is quite intriguing. They do not openly reject newcomers, but they also do not actively cooperate. On the surface, they are very polite, but in reality, they are distant and indifferent, and never develop deep friendships."

After escorting Lu Wan several times, Chen Zi was transferred to his side to work, mainly because the young man was skilled and quick-witted. Hearing Chen Jiao's words, he raised his hand to indicate that he had something to say: "May I say a few words?"

After receiving approval, Chen Zi said to Lu Wan, "Mr. Lu, have you heard the recent rumors circulating?"

"I'm so busy every day, I don't even have time to breathe. Where would I find the time to listen to rumors? Hey, tell me what those rumors are about."

Chen Zi immediately offered an emergency evasion: "This is not my intention. There are rumors circulating that Governor Liu won the war with the help of the people of Xuzhou. Only we old Xuzhou people are the most capable and reliable."

Lu Wan's heart tightened, and she gestured for him to continue.

"They also said... that all the scholars and generals in the Central Plains are loyal to Cao Cao and are spies sent by Cao Cao. They must not be trusted at all."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wan, Chen Qun, and Chen Jiao all paled. Oh no, the worst-case scenario had unfolded. A sense of foreboding crept into their hearts.

This ominous premonition was amplified and revealed at Zhang Liao's welcoming ceremony.

"Haha, General Zhang! I have long admired your illustrious name. It is truly my great honor to be able to join forces with you today to restore the Han Dynasty!"

Zhang Liao had changed into a clean set of clothes. His expression was complicated as Liu Bei held his hand, but he still cooperated with Liu Bei's movements and followed him step by step.

Liu Bei secretly considered the situation. Xuzhou had just been pacified, and there was a shortage of military generals, especially a lack of a commander like Zhang Liao with experience in leading cavalry. He had already been willing to spend a fortune to acquire talent, wanting to show the world his open-mindedness in recruiting capable people. Now, he was even more determined to appoint Zhang Liao as a Lieutenant General.

"I intend to appoint Wen Yuan as a Lieutenant General, in charge of the defense of Xu County and Xiaqiu, and to oversee the training of the Xuzhou cavalry. What is your opinion, Wen Yuan?"

Just as Zhang Liao was about to answer, a voice suddenly interrupted Liu Bei: "My lord, please reconsider!"

Liu Bei turned his head and saw Mi Fang walking out of the crowd. Liu Bei's smile remained unchanged, but he glanced at Mi Zhu out of the corner of his eye. Mi Zhu, seeing his brother suddenly make trouble, was already terrified and hurriedly shook his head to indicate that he had nothing to do with the matter.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Mi Fang didn't even notice the many changes in Liu Bei's expression. He bowed deeply to Liu Bei and said, "My lord, it is probably inappropriate to grant General Zhang such a high position so soon after his arrival. Moreover, General Zhang is new to the area and is not yet familiar with our army's tactics and the geography of Xuzhou. Promoting him to such a high position so hastily would be detrimental to his future development."

Other local officials from Xuzhou chimed in, "Yes, yes, we urge Governor Liu to consider this carefully."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao quickly replied, "Yes, my lord, I have yet to achieve any merit, and it is truly inappropriate for me to occupy such a high position. How about I start with a basic post?"

This was far from Liu Bei's initial plan. Liu Bei's original intention was to place Zhang Liao in an important position in his General Who Guards the East, or to directly lead an army to guard a region. He knew Zhang Liao's talent well and wanted to use this to show the world his sincerity in seeking talent regardless of background.

At this moment, after being tricked by Mi Fang, his smile faltered slightly, but he did not immediately lash out. He simply held Zhang Liao's hand tightly, his gaze sweeping over Mi Fang and a group of Xuzhou officials who had voiced their objections, and said slowly, "What Zifang and you all said is not without reason. Wen Yuan has just arrived and certainly needs time to familiarize himself with the laws and regulations of our army and the geography of Xuzhou."

He changed the subject, looking at Zhang Liao again, his tone exceptionally sincere: "However, those with great talent are not bound by convention. I know Wen Yuan's abilities well. How can we, because of convention, stifle such a great talent and discourage the brave men of the world from coming to join us?"

After a moment's thought, Liu Bei made a decision: "In this way, we will temporarily entrust Wen Yuan with the task of serving as a military advisor in my General Who Guards the East, assisting in military affairs. Once he has rendered meritorious service, he will be promoted according to regulations to lead an army independently! What do you all think?"

Liu Bei's words were reasonable and well-founded. He acknowledged the need to follow procedures while adhering to the principle of giving Zhang Liao important positions. The "military advisor" was a core staff member in his general's office, holding a high position and participating in confidential matters. However, this position was more of an advisory role than a direct grant of military power or important positions such as local governor. This largely appeased the sentiments of the local faction and gave them a way out.

Liu Bei's gaze was intense, and though he smiled, he exuded an undeniable air of authority. Seeing that Liu Bei's mind was made up and his arrangements were reasonable, the crowd fell silent, unable to find fault with him.

--------

"Zifang, why did you have to interrupt today? Didn't you see how much the magistrate cherishes him?"

Mi Fang looked at her elder brother with a puzzled expression: "Brother, this is Xuzhou! Why let these outsiders get involved? Look at the two battles Liu Shijun fought, weren't they both fought with the help of our Xuzhou families who provided manpower, money, and effort? Now that we've finally managed to set things up, how can we let these outsiders reap the rewards?"

Mi Zhu felt a splitting headache. Xuzhou had barely been pacified, and these powerful families were already eager to divide up power. Even more ridiculous was his foolish younger brother, who was being used as a pawn without realizing it—the powerful families were clearly using someone like him, eager to integrate into their circles, to test the waters. If it succeeded, the benefits would go to the powerful families; if it failed, Mi Fang would have to bear the infamy of defying Liu Bei alone.

If it were in the past, Mi Zhu might have tried to persuade his younger brother, but now? Mi Zhu could only respect and offer his blessings.

Mi Zhu smiled and said to Mi Fang with feigned delight, "You're so clever, Zifang! How could I not have thought of that? I'm sure that after this succeeds, you'll be highly valued by the magistrate for your righteous and outspoken words today, and your aristocratic friends will also look at you with more respect. You've really grown up; you're already capable of handling things on your own!"

At first, Mi Fang was quite pleased, but the more her elder brother spoke, the more unsettling it became. Mi Zhu, however, ignored Mi Fang's inner turmoil and continued praising her: "You're becoming more and more mature. In a few days, go find a good match, and after the wedding, you can separate your household. I'll be from the Mi family of Qu County, and you'll establish the Mi family of Xiapi. How about that?"

"Brother, isn't it a bit too early to split up the family business now?"

Mi Zhu shook his head with a smile: "Not too early, not too early. I couldn't wait to separate now."