Meanwhile, in Chenliu, Yanzhou...
"Lord Cao, although Wenli has indeed made a grave mistake, he is still a renowned scholar and his intentions were ultimately for the benefit of the Han Dynasty. I beseech you to spare him!" Chen Gong rushed in as soon as he learned of Cao Cao's plan to execute Bian Rang, hoping to persuade him otherwise.
"Gongtai, this matter is not up for discussion. Bian Rang conspired with outside forces to seize control of Yanzhou. How can I not execute him?" Cao Cao glared at Chen Gong, his face dark and grim.
"Lord Cao, Wenli was merely momentarily confused, and his actions were not intended to seize Yanzhou!" Chen Gong argued fervently. "He merely sought to unite the various warlords to rescue the Emperor."
"Rescue the Emperor? Such matters are for us, the governors and provincial leaders, to handle. What he did wasn't rescuing the Emperor; it was conspiring with Yuan Shao!" Cao Cao fumed. Realizing that his tone toward Chen Gong might have been too harsh, he sighed and softened his voice, trying to soothe him. "The world is in chaos, and our power is not yet dominant. Only by securing our own position can we truly protect the Emperor."
Chen Gong was taken aback, feeling as though the Cao Cao before him was a stranger. He lowered his head, deep in thought, unsure of what was running through his mind.
"Gongtai, was there some issue with that previous matter?" Cao Cao asked, seemingly wanting to change the subject and avoid further discussion of Bian Rang.
"Lü Bu's might is unparalleled," Chen Gong muttered quietly.
"Indeed, Lü Bu is extraordinarily powerful, far beyond ordinary generals. Fortunately, I have warriors like Dian Wei under my command," Cao Cao remarked, praising his own men instead of showing any disappointment.
Chen Gong left Cao Cao's quarters feeling despondent. He couldn't understand why Cao Cao had become so petty. Where was the bold and heroic Cao Mengde of old?
Chen Gong's mind wandered to the straightforward Lü Bu, recalling their earlier meeting. A strange and indescribable feeling began to grow within him.
Chen Gong found himself unknowingly thinking about Lü Bu. He couldn't explain it, but ever since meeting Lü Bu, he had developed an admiration for him. Previously, he had been prepared to eliminate Lü Bu and take control of his troops for Cao Cao. However, after their encounter, Chen Gong silently abandoned his plan and instead shared drinks with Lü Bu. If not for this change of heart, Lü Bu would likely be dead by now.
Chen Gong reflected on these thoughts, and as his frustration with Cao Cao grew, so did his resentment.
The more Chen Gong dwelled on it, the angrier he became. He was deeply displeased with Cao Cao's actions in executing a loyal servant of the Han.
Back at his home, still brooding over recent events, Chen Gong wrote a letter and sent it to Lü Bu, instructing him to stay in Henei for the time being. Chen Gong was clearly conflicted, but after a while, he once again steeled his resolve.
Though his actions might have been questionable, Chen Gong consoled himself, thinking that his plan to pit two tigers against each other would ultimately weaken Yuan Shao. After all, he still harbored some doubts...
In contrast to his previous incident with spitting blood due to duplicating Sima Yi's talent, this time, Xizhi Cai's condition was far worse. If last time had damaged his vitality, this time it struck at his very foundation. As he lay on his bed, coughing up blood, Xizhi Cai knew that his days were numbered—perhaps he wouldn't even survive this ordeal.
Despite his frail state, Xizhi Cai did not lose consciousness. Instead, he forced himself to stay awake, struggling to push a porcelain pillow off the bed to create a loud noise.
Hearing the commotion from Xizhi Cai's room, the guards immediately rushed in. Seeing his ashen face and frail body, they were shocked. "Quick, get a doctor!" one of them shouted.
"Call... Changwen..." Xizhi Cai managed to utter with great difficulty.
Upon hearing that Xizhi Cai had once again spat blood, Chen Qun rushed to the rear courtyard. "Zhizai!" he cried out.
"Return... to Chenliu... Give... the letter... to... my lord..." Xizhi Cai, seeing Chen Qun, mustered the last of his strength to point to a white paper on the bookshelf. But before he could finish, his vision went dark, and his raised hand fell limp onto the bed.
"Zhizai!" Chen Qun shouted in panic, rushing to his side.
"Move aside! If you touch him now, he's as good as dead!" An elderly man with white hair and a youthful face grabbed Chen Qun's shoulder, pushing him aside. As he spoke, he swiftly flicked several needles toward Xizhi Cai.