Cao Cao was overjoyed upon hearing this. Although he had expected it, how could he not be happy to have gained such a great general before even formally launching his rebellion?
However, he did not become complacent. He had not forgotten that he was in Luoyang and was still in danger.
He didn't ask Zhang Liao about Gao Shun and Cao Xing's situation at the moment, and immediately decided to leave the capital.
The two rode at full speed and arrived in Zhongmu County in just three days.
Seeing Cao Cao stop, Zhang Liao couldn't help but ask, "My lord, why aren't we heading straight towards Chenliu? What are we doing here in Zhongmou County?"
Zhang Liao was speechless. The two had been on the run for three days. He had fought off three groups of pursuers, and even Hua Xiong was almost killed by him. But his lord had come to Zhongmu County in a roundabout way.
Cao Cao had relied entirely on Zhang Liao for the past few days and had finally witnessed Zhang Liao's bravery.
His horsemanship was truly remarkable; the broadsword seemed weightless in his hands, and cutting people down was as easy as chopping melons and vegetables!
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao laughed and said, "Wen Yuan, what else do those who achieve great things need besides brave and skilled generals and soldiers?"
Zhang Liao was taken aback, then replied, "Of course, strategy is still needed."
As soon as he said it, he realized what he had said and asked in a daze, "Could there be a great talent in Zhongmu County?"
"Of course, otherwise why would I bring you here?"
"My lord, we should disguise ourselves before we go in to pay our respects."
Cao Cao waved his hand and said, "A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on. It's not enough for this great talent to just visit. I guess he doesn't think much of me. I should first show my sincerity in order to move him."
He then ordered Zhang Liao to enter the city first and make preparations so that he could come to his rescue should anything go wrong.
Cao Cao had information in his mind that guided him, and he was prescient. He was determined to get Chen Gong from that county!
He hadn't made his fortune yet, but his courage was extraordinary. Without further hesitation, he swaggered towards the city gate of Zhongmu County.
"Stop! Raise your head!"
The city gate clerk recognized Cao Cao and immediately called him aside.
Upon closer inspection, his suspicions were confirmed. He immediately ordered the surrounding soldiers to surround Cao Cao and imprison him, while he himself rushed to the county government office.
Inside the prison, Cao Cao sat calmly in the center, his expression completely unreadable, belying the face of someone about to face death.
"Cao Cao, I never thought you would fall into my hands. Now I have a good chance of getting promoted and making a fortune."
As soon as the voice rang out, a middle-aged man walked straight to Cao Cao's cell, scrutinized him closely, and spoke with a mocking tone.
Cao Cao merely glanced at the person who had spoken and then ignored him.
He naturally understood that the person who came must be Chen Gong, whose talent set him apart from the people around him.
Chen Gong was greatly impressed by Cao Cao's fearless expression, but outwardly he still had to test him.
"Cao Cao, Dong Zhuo has treated you well, why do you rebel against him?"
Cao Cao said hatefully, "You lackeys of Dong Zhuo will one day die by the blade. I will pave the way for you on your way to the Yellow Springs!"
"Cao Cao, everyone looks out for themselves. Dong Xiang said that whoever captures you can become an official in the court and receive a reward of five hundred taels of gold. I am grateful to you for such a good thing."
"Hmph, you dog! Judging from your scholarly air, you must be well-read, but you can't distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and you're helping the wicked. Do you deserve all the knowledge you've acquired?"
Chen Gonghao wasn't angry; he simply felt an even greater admiration for Cao Cao!
"Enough with the nonsense, I'll take you to the capital now to prevent my path to promotion."
He then ordered his men to tie Cao Cao up tightly, and left the city with two soldiers.
Following behind them, Zhang Liao secretly admired his lord's courage, as if he had no worries about not being able to save him.
He was about to make a move when he suddenly stopped, watching in surprise as Chen Gong raised his knife and killed the two soldiers one by one while they were off guard.
They then untied Cao Cao's ropes.
Although Cao Cao had his own guesses, Chen Gong's actions now proved the information in his mind to be correct. He pretended to be stunned and asked, "What do you mean by this?"
Chen Gong bowed and said, "I hope Brother Cao will forgive me. When I was in prison, I was just testing you. I never expected you to be so fearless. You are truly a great hero of our time!"
Cao Cao pretended to come to his senses and immediately returned the greeting, saying, "So Brother Chen is also a heroic figure. May I ask your name?"
Chen Gong clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Chen Gong, courtesy name Gongtai."
Cao Cao feigned surprise and asked, "You are Chen Gong?"
Chen Gong was a little confused. He thought to himself that he shouldn't have such a big reputation, so how did Cao Cao know about him?
"Brother Cao knows me?"
"Hahahaha! Chen Gong, a native of Wuyang in Dongjun, is upright and resourceful, a great talent of our time!"
Chen Gong was surprised that Cao Cao actually knew him and seemed to understand him very well, which made him feel as if he had met a mentor.
"Brother Cao, you are wonderfully right."
"Just call me Mengde. Gongtai, what are your plans from now on?"
"I haven't thought about it yet."
Cao Cao grabbed his large hand and earnestly pleaded, "Gongtai, you know I am quite wealthy. I intend to give up all my wealth to recruit soldiers and horses, and carve out a foundation for myself in this chaotic world. Can you help me?"
Chen Gong was more than willing. Who wouldn't want their talents to be recognized and put to good use? Moreover, Cao Cao was currently penniless, making it a good time to invest. So what was there to hesitate about? He immediately bowed to his lord.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Cao Cao summoned Zhang Liao. When they met, Chen Gong realized that Cao Cao had a backup plan. If he had killed Cao Cao earlier, he would probably be beheaded by now.
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