Lu Li's few simple words were concise yet meticulously planned, clearly indicating that it had been premeditated.

Upon hearing this, generals such as Ma Chao and Ma Dai stared wide-eyed at Lu Li with admiration.

"Your humble servant obeys!" Ma Dai said excitedly, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

After saying this, the generals dispersed, taking all their troops with them.

Xu Ermao swallowed hard and said, "My lord, what if Cao Cao launches a direct and fierce attack on Shangdang County?"

"Hehe, Cao Cao wouldn't dare! Go and prepare a guzheng for me and place it on the city wall."

"When Cao Cao's army arrives, we will open the gates wide!"

Upon hearing Lu Li's words, Xu Ermao's pupils immediately contracted, and he asked in confusion, "My lord... you don't have to go to such lengths to seek death, do you?"

Xu Ermao felt that Lu Li had gone mad!

"Hahaha!"

Lu Li laughed and said, "Er Mao, I never do anything without being sure of success. I have my own plans, you can make them!"

Seeing Lu Li's resolute attitude, Xu Ermao, though puzzled, could only follow orders.

…………

Fifty li south of Shangdang Commandery, Cao Cao indeed made a comeback.

He personally led an army of 300,000 to attack Bingzhou. He was determined to win this battle and take Bingzhou.

"My lord, we are only fifty li away from Shangdang County," Xiahou Yuan reminded him.

Cao Cao sat in the carriage, lifted the curtain and laughed, "Send down the order to set up camp on the spot!"

"Huh?" Xiahou Yuan was taken aback, thinking he had misheard.

"My lord...shall we set up camp here?"

Cao Cao nodded.

"Why?" Xiahou Yuan asked, puzzled.

"Miaocai, if you were in his shoes, what would you do upon learning that an army of 300,000 was attacking Shangdang County?" Cao Cao asked.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiahou Yuan seemed to understand and replied, "I will ambush them on the road in advance, and once the main army approaches Shangdang County, I will lead my troops to attack!"

Cao Cao laughed heartily, patted Xiahou Yuan's face, and said, "Go and do it!"

"Here you go!"