Lu Li sneered and slowly said, "Oh? What are you preparing?"

"Do you intend to launch a surprise attack on Ji Province, using offense as a form of defense? Or will you have Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao join forces to attack Xu Huang from both sides?"

Lu Li's few words cornered Cao Cao, making Cao Cao's expression increasingly grim.

"How...how did you know? Are you even human?" Cao Cao said through gritted teeth. He couldn't understand how Lu Li knew at all.

"How I know this is not important. What's important is what you plan to do?" Lu Li said in an icy tone.

Cao Cao took a deep breath and said with a resolute look in his eyes, "I will not compromise. Even if my entire army is wiped out, I will protect the Han Dynasty and its people!"

"Heh, you think you can compete?" Lu Li chuckled mockingly.

Cao Cao did not speak, but his expression said it all: he would rather die standing than live kneeling.

Lu Li sighed and said, "Cao Mengde, you don't actually have to die. Perhaps we can cooperate."

Cao Cao frowned and said, "Cooperate? How can the two of us cooperate now?"

Lu Li did not answer his question, but said to Cao Cao, "Xu Huang's army has now retreated fifty li, Yuan Shao's army has been intercepted, and as for Dong Zhuo... he will not send troops."

"What?" Cao Cao asked, somewhat surprised.

Lu Li took a deep breath and said to Cao Cao, "Since you're here, I'll trouble you to stay here for a few days and watch how I break through Hulao Pass."

Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, then realized that Lu Li was serious this time and was about to make a move.

He suddenly realized that he had gotten himself involved this time as well.

However, his initial intention was to draw attention to himself, and then he ordered Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao to join forces with the garrison at Hulao Pass to besiege Xu Huang's army.

But to everyone's surprise, Lu Li saw through it so easily and even set up an ambush in advance.

Cao Cao couldn't help but curse Lu Li in his heart as insidious and despicable.

"Brother Mengde, please." Seeing Cao Cao in a daze, Lu Li urged.

Cao Cao glared at Lu Li through gritted teeth before walking out of the room.

Although he hated Lu Li, he was helpless because he knew that he had no chance of escaping from Lu Li.

He had just stepped out of the room when he ran into Xun Yu.

"Wenruo!"

"Brother Mengde!"

"What are you doing here?" Both of them were very surprised.

"Alas," Cao Cao sighed deeply, "I've been tricked, I've fallen for Lu Li's trap!"

Cao Cao then told Xun Yu everything.

Xun Yu was shocked upon hearing this; Lu Li's move was extremely ruthless.

If the army at Hulao Pass were to attack the Yellow Turban Army at this time, they would likely be isolated and helpless. If Xu Huang were to seize the opportunity, he could wipe out all the guards at Hulao Pass and completely destroy it.

Thinking of this scene, Xun Yu couldn't help but feel worried for the soldiers at Hulao Pass.

"I hope Fengxiao can... see through Lu Li's scheme, otherwise..." Cao Cao shook his head, his heart filled with worry.

Xun Yu patted Cao Cao on the shoulder reassuringly and said, "Brother Mengde, rest assured, I believe Fengxiao will be able to see through Mr. Lu's scheme."

"I hope so." Cao Cao nodded, but he didn't hold out much hope. Lu Li's plan this time was too perfect.

On the other side, inside Hulao Pass.

After Cao Cao left, Lu Zhi and the others prepared to besiege Xu Huang's Yellow Turban army according to Cao Cao's plan.

However, Guo Jia discovered that Xu Huang's Yellow Turban army had retreated fifty li, realizing that there was a trap. So Guo Jia quickly stopped Lu Zhi and the others, advising them not to act rashly.

But how could they be willing to sit and wait for their deaths?

Thus, the two sides reached a stalemate. Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, Zhang Fei and others argued that on the battlefield, opportunities are fleeting.

However, for Lu Zhi, Liu Bei, and others, Guo Jia's words made sense.

The Yellow Turban Army's sudden retreat of fifty li must be suspicious.

However, they were also afraid that Xu Huang was deliberately setting up a trap to lure them in.

Ultimately, after much debate, they reached a consensus: regardless of the circumstances, they had to give it a try.

"Mengde previously said that he would join forces with Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo's armies to encircle the Yellow Turban Army from three sides. Should we wait until they arrive before taking action?" Guo Jia finally suggested.

“I think Fengxiao’s words make sense, and we should wait and see for a while longer,” Huangfusong agreed.

But Cao Hong and Xiahou Dun couldn't sit still. It turned out that they hadn't captured their big brother!

Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan have both been captured by the Yellow Turban Army. If they don't take action soon, Cao Cao may be in danger.

"Wait a moment, everyone, I have something to say!" Xiahou Dun hurriedly stepped forward and said.

Everyone immediately stopped discussing and stared at Xiahou Dun.

"My elder brother Cao Mengde single-handedly conquered Ji Province, while you all stand here making a fuss. If you don't dare to fight, then we will!" Xiahou Dun roared angrily.

Cao Hong stepped forward and echoed, "That's right, let's go fight!"

Cao Chun was even more decisive, drawing his sword and saying, "That's right, let's go fight them! We can't rely on them!"

In an instant, Xiahou Yuan and the others drew their swords. The Cao family members were not to be trifled with and were not to be trifled with in normal times. Now that they had encountered such a situation, they were certainly not willing to tolerate it any longer, because if Cao Cao were to suffer any mishap, he would not be able to explain himself.

Xiahou Dun and the others all drew their swords, causing Lu Zhi and the others' expressions to darken immediately.

You bunch of brutes, you have absolutely no respect for the imperial court!

"Xiahou Dun, are you plotting a rebellion?" Lu Zhi angrily rebuked.

"Hmph, what treason? I don't understand. I only listen to my elder brother!" Xiahou Dun snorted angrily.

Cao Hong and the others nodded in agreement with Xiahou Dun's words.

"Yuan Rang, stop being so rude!" Guo Jia stepped forward and reprimanded Xiahou Dun.

Xiahou Dun sneered and said, "Fengxiao, am I wrong? They don't care about my elder brother at all!"

They respected Guo Jia quite a bit because Cao Cao had appointed him as his strategist. With Cao Cao absent, they had to carefully consider what Guo Jia said.

“It’s not that we disregard Mengde’s life or death, but what if we rashly attack and fall into a trap?” Huangfu Song stepped forward and said.

His words were essentially a sign that he had given in.

Xiahou Dun pursed his lips and remained silent.

Cao Chun couldn't help but jump up and shout, "Bah! You're just afraid my brother will threaten your power, so you don't want to send troops to help him, you bastards!"

"You..." Huangfu Song was so angry he almost vomited blood.

After saying this, Cao Chun left the military tent, clearly intending to lead his troops to fight the enemy.

Seeing this, Xiahou Dun and the others were also eager to lead their troops into battle.

"alright!"

Guo Jia frowned slightly and said to Xiahou Dun and the others, "All of you, please calm down and wait for orders!"