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Chen Gong stood by the bedside, his sword raised before Cao Cao's chest, but turmoil surged within him like a raging flood. The moonlight illuminated his face, which shifted between hesitation and resolution.
"Cao Cao is ruthless and ungrateful; if I do not kill him today, he will surely become a great disaster in the future. However..." He lowered his head, his thoughts in disarray. "I joined him for the sake of the country, hoping to rid the world of Dong Zhuo and restore clarity to the realm. To kill him now would mean losing my original intention."
His hand slowly lowered, and he turned his gaze toward the cold moon outside the window. With a long sigh, he sheathed his sword and murmured, "Though this man is full of schemes, if he can truly eliminate Dong Zhuo's chaotic rule, perhaps it would benefit the world. If I kill him, am I not just like that traitor Dong?"
Having said this, Chen Gong gently opened the door and glanced back at the sleeping Cao Cao, a complex expression crossing his face. He spoke softly to himself, "Cao Cao, your path is yours to choose, but I will no longer accompany you on this journey."
Chen Gong hurried to the stable, leading out his horse. The armor glinted faintly in the moonlight as he mounted and rode off into the dawn breeze, his figure gradually disappearing into the night.
As dawn approached, Cao Cao awoke to find the room empty. Chen Gong was gone, and even the wine cup on the table was clean. He looked around silently for a moment before sitting back down on the bed, a bitter smile creeping onto his lips.
"Indeed, he has grown suspicious and believes me to be ungrateful; thus he has left me." Cao Cao murmured softly as he donned his outer garment, his gaze deep like an ancient well. "In this world, there are truly few who can understand me, Cao Mengde."
He quickly made his way to the stable and roused a young servant, instructing him to prepare for departure. "I cannot delay any longer; since Chen Gong has left, I must set out as well."
In one night, Cao Cao rode to Chen Liu and met with his father who was in hiding there. As soon as he entered, he knelt before his father and recounted all that had transpired in detail. His tone was impassioned; when he spoke of Lu Boshe's family being slaughtered, there was a hint of unease in his expression but more so a determination.
His father, Cao Song, stroked his beard with a furrowed brow. Upon hearing everything, he sighed softly and said, "Mengde, this journey is fraught with danger. If you wish to achieve great things now, you will need substantial funding; however, our family's resources are limited and may not suffice."
Cao Cao frowned in thought for a moment before his eyes brightened. "Father, I have heard that the filial and honest Wei Hong is generous and possesses great wealth. If we can persuade him to assist us, it may lead to success!"
Cao Song nodded solemnly. "Wei Hong is indeed a man of generosity and righteousness. This matter should not be delayed; you must visit him promptly and earnestly request his help."
Cao Cao rose in response, his eyes shining with determination. He clasped his hands and bowed to his father, saying, "Father, rest assured, I will persuade Wei Xiaolian to pave the way for our great cause!"
Cao Cao meticulously arranged a grand banquet, inviting Wei Hong to attend. The hall was illuminated by candlelight, filled with the aroma of exquisite dishes, creating a solemn atmosphere. As soon as Wei Hong entered, he was warmly welcomed by Cao Cao. Cao personally assisted him to his seat, his face full of sincerity and his eyes radiating steadfastness.
After several rounds of drinks, Cao Cao set down his cup and said gravely, "Wei Xiaolian, I have organized this feast not only to honor your virtues but also to discuss a matter of great importance concerning the world." He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued, "Now that Dong Zhuo is causing chaos in governance, deposing the rightful emperor and installing a puppet ruler, the court is engulfed in bloodshed and turmoil, leaving the people homeless. The righteous men of the world are filled with rage, while I, Cao Cao, harbor ambitions to restore order but find myself weak and isolated. Today, I boldly ask for your assistance in this noble cause!"
Upon hearing this, Wei Hong furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment. He raised his cup and looked at Cao Cao with piercing eyes, speaking firmly, "Mengde, although I Wei Hong am not a great hero, I have long been pained by Dong Zhuo's tyranny. If I can join you in this endeavor to eliminate treachery and bring peace to the people, it would be my lifelong wish!"
Cao Cao was moved and stood up to express his gratitude. Grasping Wei Hong's hand with tears in his eyes, he said, "With your support, my grand ambitions will surely succeed! The common people will eventually find relief!" Wei Hong clapped his hands in laughter and replied, "Mengde is too modest. Although my family's resources are not limitless, I am willing to offer what I have to assist you in this grand undertaking!"
Soon after, relying on Wei Hong's support, Cao Cao began to make plans. Under the pretense of issuing an imperial edict, he sent urgent messages throughout the land calling for all to join in the fight against Dong Zhuo. At the same time, he personally oversaw the recruitment of soldiers and raised a massive white flag outside Chen Liu City emblazoned with two large characters: "Loyalty and Righteousness."
This move sent shockwaves throughout Chen Liu and beyond; however, the righteous men were stirred with excitement. Within days, news spread far and wide as people flocked from all directions. The training grounds outside the city were bustling with activity as young farmers put down their plows eager to become warriors; even reclusive wanderers from the mountains came forth with swords in hand, all hoping to contribute to the fight against Dong Zhuo.
Standing atop the training ground's platform overlooking the assembled soldiers below, Cao Cao's expression was resolute. He announced loudly, "Today we gather here not for personal gain but to eliminate treachery and restore clarity to the Han Dynasty! I vow alongside all of you that we will stand together through life and death until our goals are achieved!"
News of Cao Cao's uprising spread far and wide; many talented individuals aspiring to restore order came rushing to join him. One day, a man named Le Jin arrived in Chen Liu. He hailed from Yangping Wei and was known as Wen Qian; he was well-versed in military strategy and held great respect for Cao Cao. They engaged in deep conversation, and immediately after their discussion, Le Jin was appointed as an important advisor.
Not long after that, Li Dian from Julu in Shanyang also came to offer his allegiance. Known as Man Chen, he was calm by nature with exceptional martial skills and a keen intuition for battle. Cao Cao greatly admired his talents and personally arranged a position for him.
Then came two figures walking side by side—Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan. Both hailed from Pei Commandery Qiao and were cousins of Cao Cao. Xiahou Dun was known as Yuan Rang; he had trained in martial arts since childhood and gained fame early on for avenging his mentor; his cousin Xiahou Yuan was noted for his decisiveness and agility. Each led over a thousand valiant men who joined Cao Cao with unwavering loyalty. After years apart from them, their reunion overflowed with brotherly affection as Cao Cao welcomed them warmly.
Moreover, another group of important figures from the Cao family also arrived to lend their support. Cao Ren known as Zi Xiao and Cao Hong known as Zi Lian each led over a thousand men into service. Both were skilled in military tactics and possessed great physical prowess. Their arrival significantly bolstered Cao Cao's forces.
Wei Hong spared no expense, using his entire fortune to equip the Army of Righteousness with weapons and banners. Support from all directions flowed in continuously, with groups of people bringing supplies that turned the entire village into a temporary military camp.
As these future renowned figures from the Three Kingdoms era pledged their allegiance one by one, Cao Cao gradually gathered an undeniable force under his command.
Yuan Shao received Cao Cao's urgent edict in Bohai, and he was deeply shaken. He immediately summoned his civil and military officials to discuss the matter. With a serious expression, Yuan Shao scanned the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Cao Mengde has risen for righteousness, seeking to punish Dong Zhuo and restore order to the world. What do you all think?" The generals below responded eagerly, all requesting to take part in the battle, their voices booming. Yuan Shao promptly decided to mobilize thirty thousand elite troops to march south from Bohai to meet with Cao Cao and join forces against Dong Zhuo.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao distributed proclamations to various prefectures, calling upon heroes across the land for a righteous cause. The proclamation was powerful and resonant, filled with the flames of justice:
"We, Cao Cao and our righteous allies, hereby announce to the world:
Dong Zhuo is a treacherous villain who openly destroys nations and murders kings, corrupting the palace and wantonly harming the people; his crimes are too numerous to list! His brutality knows no bounds; he treats the world as his butcher's block and the common folk as mere meat. His wickedness has accumulated to such an extent that it fills heaven and earth.
Now, under the secret decree of the Emperor, I, Cao Cao, rise alongside righteous men to gather the Righteous Army from all corners of the land. We vow to cleanse Huaxia of evil and eradicate all villains, restoring peace to the world!
We call upon those with ambition to rise for righteousness, uphold justice, support the Han Dynasty, and join this grand endeavor; seek welfare for the common people and avenge their grievances! Upon receiving this proclamation, you should prioritize righteousness and act swiftly!"
The proclamation quickly spread throughout the land, its passionate words igniting righteous indignation among the people and gentry everywhere. Local powerful figures responded one after another, as calls for justice sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Thus began a nationwide movement against Dong Zhuo.
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