Chapter 18 The Eastern Expedition Against Lü Bu (Part Two) Who spread the rumor about the Imperial Censor being gay before? ...
After the great victory at Pengcheng, the troops sounded the retreat, the cleanup was complete, and preparations were made to break camp and depart.
When Guo Jia returned to his tent, he saw Deng Jie diligently packing his belongings.
He quickly stepped forward and pressed Deng Jie's hand down, saying, "Say it, I'm almost fully recovered, so don't bring these cumbersome instruments."
"But you're not fully recovered yet, what if..."
“It’s nothing serious now,” Guo Jia straightened his chest and smoothed his shirt, his gaze falling on her shoulder as if he could see through her clothes the lingering marks from the straps. His tone softened, “Compared to me, your injuries are…”
Deng Jie hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright." He then began packing Guo Jia's belongings.
"If I could, I'd really like to find you a horse..." Guo Jia sighed softly, looking at her slender back.
Deng Jie smiled and replied with a hint of smugness, "Let's keep a low profile."
Don't let my appearance fool you, my stamina is much better than before!
Now that we're traveling light, we're sure to be able to keep up with the team!
"But I've made you suffer again..."
Guo Jia's voice lowered as she thought about how, in addition to physical exhaustion, she also had to face those vile rumors alone. She wished she could slap herself twice for coming up with such a terrible idea.
Seeing that her already small face had become even thinner, she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. "I will definitely find a way to make you stand tall and proud in front of everyone."
Deng Jie didn't want to dwell on this topic, and was even more afraid that he would cause some trouble again, so he just gave a vague "hmm" and silently prayed: Please don't cause any more trouble.
When Deng Jie returned to the camp, she found that there were many more supplies in the camp for some reason.
Although people would always try to subtly inquire about her relationship with Guo Jia, it didn't stop those with good judgment from taking a donkey from the spoils of war from the front lines to save her the trouble of traveling.
After all, having always been hiding in Guo Jia's tent, how could she know what kind of terrible things Pengcheng had gone through to earn the lavish treatment of a mere military doctor by Cao Cao's army?
They moved to Xiapi and set up camp. After more than a month of arduous fighting, the cold wind became increasingly biting, but there was no hope of any victory.
Seeing that morale was low, Cao Cao discussed countermeasures with his civil and military officials in his tent.
Besides Cao Cao's troops, Liu Bei, accompanied by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, arrived at the camp on horseback, and Chen Deng sent an envoy to attend.
The atmosphere inside the tent was oppressive, with everyone brainstorming and trying to find the key to breaching the city.
A sense of helplessness, like "it's right in front of you, but you just miss the mark," enveloped the entire tent.
“My lord,” Guo Jia said, his voice hoarse as he tried to recall his earlier suggestion, “the city of Xiapi is well-fortified. A hasty and forceful attack would not be the best course of action. I believe we should proceed with a slow and deliberate attack, waiting for the situation to change.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Dong Zhao and Man Chong. "If we can ascertain the true situation within the city and shake their morale, then there is hope of taking the city."
Liu Bei looked worried. "Entering the city will not be easy. I recently sent the Mi family merchant caravan, but they were all turned away. They said that without Lü Bu's personal signature and authorization, they would not be allowed to pass."
“Fu Chuan…” Guo Jia’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. “What about physicians? Ordinary physicians might find it difficult to use, but the nameplate of Hua Tuo’s direct disciple is valid in the three provinces of Yu, Xu, and Yang. I wonder if it would work now?”
Upon hearing this, Chen Deng's messenger exclaimed, "What the Grand Master says is true. My lord's brother, Young Master Lingde, carried this very item back and forth to Xiapi to personally deliver messages for the lord!"
These words made Cao Cao's eyes light up; he seemed to already know Guo Jia's plan.
As expected, Guo Jia smiled and bowed to him, saying, "My lord, you are wise enough to know that there is such a nameplate in the army right now."
Cao Cao raised his hand, and Guo Jia turned to the rest of the puzzled crowd to explain: "To be honest, this young master Lingde is my wife's senior brother. And right now, my wife herself... is in the camp."
Therefore, Jia suggested that the two of us disguise ourselves and enter the city together to investigate the situation and, incidentally, spread a 'pardon decree' throughout the city!
The crowd gasped, but Cao Cao avoided eye contact, while Xun You half-closed his eyelids.
Dong Zhao composed himself and raised his hand to ask Guo Jia, "Chancellor, what is the meaning of this 'amnesty decree'?"
"Lu Bu is brave but lacks strategy, and is mean and ungrateful. He has long lost the hearts of the people."
Although his generals were loyal and brave, they were not necessarily without ulterior motives.
If the news can be spread within the city, proclaiming the lord's benevolence and that only the ringleader Lü Bu will be executed, those who surrender the city, capture Lü Bu, or abandon their allegiance to the righteous will be pardoned and not prosecuted!
This order, combined with your letter of persuasion to surrender, will surely breed suspicion within Lü Bu's ranks and shake the morale of his army!
Upon hearing this, Man Chong also offered his own suggestion: "I also have a secret, Grand Master, see if it can be used:"
Under Lü Bu was a cavalry commander named Hou Cheng, a trusted confidant of Lü Bu and a former subordinate of Bingzhou, who was in charge of the allocation and care of the Red Hare warhorse.
However, he was recently punished and whipped by Lü Bu because of a personal grudge, and he harbors resentment.
"If we can seize this opportunity to turn this person against us, perhaps we can steal Red Hare and demoralize our troops?"
Cao Cao and Guo Jia exchanged a glance, then Cao Cao turned to Liu Bei: "What does Governor Liu think?"
Liu Bei had no objection to the three men's plan, but he was even more shocked that Cao Cao would allow his advisors to bring their families with them to the army.
Cao Cao then made the decision: "Then let's do as Fengxiao says. Everyone, please make your own preparations and lend Fengxiao a hand."
Deng Jie was standing in Guo Jia's tent, trembling with fear, being extremely cautious, and dutifully fulfilling his duties... when the tent curtain was suddenly flung open with a "whoosh".
Guo Jia strode in with a beaming smile, followed by a large group of people. Deng Jie was so frightened that he scrambled to hide.
"Hey! Speak up, don't hide!" Guo Jia strode forward, grabbed her body, and dragged her out from the corner with his arms around her waist, introducing her to everyone with a smug look: "My wife!"
Deng Jie stared in disbelief, frozen in place, speechless as he watched the five people enter the tent.
Among the visitors, a burly man with a dark face exclaimed in a gruff voice, "Your Excellency is truly blessed! I never imagined your sister would be such a beauty. When we return to Xuchang, I will have Fei present you with a painting!"
"Yide, stop being rude." The red-faced, long-bearded general beside the dark-skinned man stroked his beard and stopped him, but his eyes were also silently observing the source of the rumors in the camp.
"I have long heard of the remarkable achievements of the Lady and the Chancellor on their missions. Seeing them today, I can confirm that they are indeed no less capable than men." After the two stepped aside, a man in a black robe with long earlobes reaching his shoulders stepped forward with a composed smile.
Xun You, standing to the side, gently raised his hand in a salute, saying, "Fengxiao has arranged for his wife to accompany him to Xiapi, and now the entire camp knows this."
The envoy Chen Deng, who was at the front, was overjoyed: "My lord had previously made arrangements with the Grand Master, and I didn't expect that the lady would also be here!"
Deng Jie was completely confused, but seeing that everyone's attitude had softened, he loosened his grip on Guo Jia's arm slightly.
After she understood the whole story, she secretly resented Guo Jia for being so audacious.
Liu Bei casually picked up a writing brush from the table inside the tent, wrote down an address, and handed it to Guo Jia.
"I have heard that the Chief Minister has a very close relationship with Lord Xun. This Chen Changwen is Lord Xun's son-in-law and is currently in Xiapi City."
The long article advised me that Lü Bu was not trustworthy, but unfortunately I didn't listen to him...
Instead of sending the chief priest into the city, it would be better to seek his help; perhaps that would be much more efficient.
Guo Jia casually picked up the bamboo slip and glanced at it. "Chen Changwen... Ah, it's been many years. It would be interesting to go and meet him."
Upon hearing this name, Deng Jie felt a chill run down her spine, her heart stirred with unease, and she glanced sideways at her husband's intrigued expression.
The messenger, Chen Deng, stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the two men: "My lord has another matter to entrust to me. Lü Bu, dissatisfied with your army, has bound your three brothers to the city wall and threatened to force you to retreat."
They are certainly still being held in the city.
"If the Chancellor and his wife can rescue the three princes, they will surely help contact the righteous men in the city, working together from within and without to open the city gates for the army!"
"What?! What about Sixth Senior Brother?!"
Guo Jia restrained the agitated Deng Jie and said in a deep voice, "Don't panic. Your brother is, after all, just a physician. Lü Bu is stubborn and self-willed, so he may not be keeping a close watch on you. Let's go into the city and find out what's going on."
Seeing that they had entrusted their affairs and Liu Bei was about to leave with his men, Xun You pulled Guo Jia inside and whispered to him, "Fengxiao, I have observed the recent celestial phenomena and I fear there will be continuous winter rains. The Yi and Si rivers have clearly risen. When you enter the city, pay attention to the terrain and inquire with the farmers to confirm this."
Guo Jia clapped his hands lightly. “That’s right. I was also going to tell Gongda about this. After I enter the city, I will definitely keep an eye on the water situation and thoroughly investigate the river channels, dikes, city ditches and low-lying areas. I will try to pass on any news I have. Gongda, wait for the right time to act.”
Guan Yu deliberately slowed his pace as he left the tent. Turning back, he saw Xun You talking to Guo Jia. Seizing the opportunity, he slipped a jade pendant into Deng Jie's hand and whispered quickly, "If you see Madam Du of the Qin family in the city... please pass this on to her."
Deng Jie was taken aback, gripped the jade pendant tightly, and glanced at Guo Jia.
Guan Yu raised his hand in thanks and said softly, "Don't make a fuss about this for now... I will personally ask the Minister of Works for his favor."
Deng Jie nodded repeatedly and put the jade pendant into his sleeve.
After Xun You and Guo Jia parted ways, Guo Jia pulled Deng Jie along to see him out of the tent.
Wow!
Soldiers surrounded the camp, three layers deep, all craning their necks and standing on tiptoe, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity as they looked at them.
"They're out! They're out!"
"It really is a woman!"
"Who spread rumors about the Chief Priest being gay?"
"Wow, this looks great!"
A tidal wave of murmurs, gasps of surprise, and low laughter swept in, and countless eyes were fixed on Deng Jie, who stood beside Guo Jia.
Deng Jie felt a chill run down his spine, and the blush that had just faded instantly returned to his face. He let go of Guo Jia's hand and quickly scurried back into his tent.
Guo Jia felt both helpless and amused. As he turned around, he noticed Cao Cao, standing under the banner of the yamen in the distance, also looking in this direction with great interest.
Guo Jia cupped his hands in greeting to Cao Cao, who simply nodded slightly in response: Go quickly!
Liu Bei summoned Mi Zhu to bring supplies so that Guo Jia and his wife could disguise themselves, and then ordered him to personally drive a donkey cart to the city gate.
However, when Deng Jie changed into the clothes of a common woman and left the camp, it still caused quite a stir.
Guo Jia followed beside him, enjoying the envious glances from the crowd. He also caught sight of two soldiers with their heads down and eyes turned to the side, and couldn't help but glare at them a couple more times.
Mi Zhu specially led the two of them around the east side of Xiapi, escorting them all the way to the fork in the road near the city gate.
"Master, Madam, the city gate is not far ahead, so it is inconvenient for me to see you off any further."
Mi Zhu reined in the donkey and lowered his voice, saying, "Lu Bu's inspections are rigorous; you must proceed with extreme caution, sir. This thing..."
He handed over a wooden plaque engraved with the character "糜" (mi), saying, "It might save you two some money and provide some assistance within the city."
Guo Jia accepted the token and thanked him again: "Brother Zizhong, your timely help is truly appreciated!"
The two got off the carriage, bid farewell to Mi Zhu, and carried their medicine boxes and bags. Guo Jia confirmed with her again: "We were sent by our master to treat plague patients. The nameplate in your hand is our talisman."
Deng Jie nodded vigorously, took a deep breath, and said, "Yes! Let's go!"
The two straightened their clothes, took a step, and walked towards the city gate of Xiapi, a place filled with unknowns and dangers.
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