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As Dong Zhuo discussed Cao Cao's actions with Lü Bu, Li Ru hurried in, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Dong Zhuo recounted the recent events, his tone filled with indignation. "Why is Cao Cao being so secretive? The reflection of the blade in the mirror shows he is in a panic."
Upon hearing this, Li Ru furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment before speaking. "My lord, I believe we can test the waters here. Cao Cao has no family in Luoyang and usually lives alone. We should send someone to summon him. If he comes without hesitation, it would be clear he is up to no good; if he makes excuses or even flees, then we can be certain of his treachery."
Dong Zhuo nodded slowly. "That makes sense. Let’s proceed as you suggest." He then waved over four jailers and coldly commanded, "Quickly go to Cao Cao's residence and deliver my order for him to report back immediately."
The four men complied and hurried off, returning a few hours later, looking alarmed. They knelt before Dong Zhuo and reported, "My lord, Cao Cao is not at his residence. Earlier, he rode out through the east gate. When stopped by the gatekeeper, he claimed he was urgently summoned by you and then rode away without a trace!"
Li Ru's expression darkened upon hearing this. "Since Cao Cao fled overnight, there can be no doubt about it. He must have sinister intentions; fearing repercussions for an assassination attempt, he left in haste."
Dong Zhuo was furious at this revelation, slamming his hand on the table with a fierce glare. "After I have treated him so well, he dares to plot against my life! This is truly despicable!"
Li Ru calmly advised him, "My lord, do not be angry. This action by Cao Cao cannot be solely his own; there may be accomplices aiding him. We should issue a decree to hunt him down across the land. Anyone who dares to harbor him should be punished severely; but if someone captures this traitor and presents him to you, they will be richly rewarded and granted nobility. This way, Cao Cao will find it impossible to escape."
A cold light flickered in Dong Zhuo's eyes as he gritted his teeth in agreement. "Let’s do as you say! Draw up his likeness and announce it far and wide! Let him try to flee to the ends of the earth; there will be no place for him to hide!"
Meanwhile, Cao Cao galloped away on horseback without stopping, covered in dust and anxious thoughts of evading pursuers from Luoyang. He raced towards Qiao County but was intercepted at Zhongmou County by Soldier. Seeing Cao Cao in disarray and visibly nervous raised suspicions, prompting Soldier to detain him and take him to the county magistrate for questioning.
Facing the magistrate, Cao Cao forced himself to remain calm and cupped his hands in greeting. "I am merely a traveling merchant named Huangfu. Due to urgent business, I did not have time to prepare documents; I only seek passage through this checkpoint."
The magistrate scrutinized Cao Cao closely, frowning slightly as he sensed something amiss. He did not speak immediately but carefully compared Cao Cao's face with the likeness he had memorized. After a moment, he let out a cold laugh tinged with mockery. "Cao Mengde, do you think I wouldn't recognize you? I have seen you multiple times while seeking an official position in Luoyang; how dare you impersonate someone else? You are the very person Chancellor Dong is hunting down—do you still dare to quibble here?"
Cao Cao's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and smiled. "Sir, you must have mistaken me for someone else. I am just a humble merchant; how could I possibly compare myself with that notorious Cao Cao?"
The county magistrate snorted coldly and waved his hand at Soldier, saying, "Still daring to be stubborn! Guards, take him to the prison. Tomorrow, I will personally send him back to Luoyang and ask Chancellor Dong to make the final decision."
Soldier bound Cao Cao tightly and dragged him into the cell. Seeing that Cao Cao seemed unable to break free, the magistrate finally felt relieved and instructed the soldiers on duty, "You have worked hard tonight. Bring some wine and meat as a reward, and make sure he is well taken care of."
Cao Cao was thrown into the damp and cold cell, filled with anxiety but still refusing to show a hint of panic. Leaning against the wall, he coldly contemplated, his gaze gradually revealing a trace of murderous intent. He thought to himself, "This small official is foolish and has yet to comprehend Dong Zhuo's ruthlessness. If I cannot escape quickly, my life may be in danger."
As night deepened, the moonlight faintly filtered through the branches in the courtyard behind the county office, casting mottled shadows on the ground. The magistrate donned his official robes and carried a lantern, moving lightly but hurriedly. He secretly brought Cao Cao out of the cell and into a hidden room in the backyard. A servant presented a cup of tea, and the magistrate waved away those around him, fixing his intense gaze on Cao Cao.
" Mengde, the Chancellor has favored you greatly. Why do you seek your own death by attempting such an assassination?" The magistrate's tone was stern, yet it could not conceal his curiosity and underlying respect.
Cao Cao looked up and sneered coldly, showing no signs of disdain: "How can a sparrow understand the ambitions of a swan? Someone like you, who is content with a petty position, would never comprehend!" His tone was calm, but each word was sharp.
The magistrate frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "Don't think that I am just a local official! I am not an ordinary person; I have simply not encountered a worthy lord."
Cao Cao's lips curled slightly as he met the magistrate's gaze directly. His tone suddenly softened: "If you truly are not an ordinary person, how could you have fallen into such a predicament? I, Cao Cao, am a loyal minister by lineage, favored by the Han for generations. If I do not serve my country, how am I different from a beast? I took the risk of approaching Dong Zhuo only to find an opportunity to eliminate him and restore clarity to the world! Though this attempt has failed, my ambition remains undaunted. This is not my fault; it is simply fate's denial."
The magistrate stared at Cao Cao; under the light of the lantern, his gaze was sharp as if probing the truth behind Cao Cao's words. "You dare openly declare your intention to assassinate Dong Zhuo? If that is truly your aim, then your ambition is indeed admirable. But now, how do you plan to handle your situation?"
Cao Cao raised his chin slightly and replied firmly: "I will return home. I will gather all available forces to issue an edict calling upon all loyal ministers and righteous heroes across the land to rise up as the Righteous Army and eradicate Dong Zhuo, this scourge of our nation!"
The magistrate fell silent for a moment as if weighing Cao Cao's words. His gaze swept over Cao Cao's disheveled clothing before landing again on those sharp eyes. "If I hand you over to Dong Zhuo, I will gain great wealth and status; if I let you go, I will abandon the glory that comes from mediocrity."
Cao Cao sneered: "If you assist Dong Zhuo, you will merely be a dog beneath a powerful minister; but if you grant me my freedom today and I achieve success in the future, you will be hailed as the greatest righteous hero in all the land!"
The county magistrate pondered for a long time, as if he had undergone a fierce internal struggle. Finally, he sighed deeply, stepped forward, personally untied the ropes binding Cao Cao, and helped him to a chair. Kneeling on the ground, he bowed and said, "You truly are a man of loyalty and righteousness in this world! I am Chen Gong, styled Gongtai. To meet you today is indeed a blessing beyond my wildest dreams!"
Cao Cao hurriedly rose to return the gesture, his tone filled with gratitude. "Chen Gongtai, your insight and integrity are indeed a gift from heaven. I shall remember this in my heart and never forget."
Chen Gong raised his head, his eyes filled with determination. "If we part today and I were to hand you over to Dong Zhuo, though I might gain wealth and status, I would be ashamed before heaven and humanity! Such trivial gains—how could I pursue them? It would be better to abandon this official position and follow you in rebellion, to eradicate the traitor and repay the people."
Cao Cao's gaze flickered with surprise but quickly transformed into deep admiration. He grasped Chen Gong's hand, his voice low yet powerful. "With such aspirations as yours, I will not let you down! If we succeed in the future, I shall honor you as a national hero."
Chen Gong smiled lightly, his tone carefree. "Fame and fortune mean nothing to me; I only wish to serve you faithfully and act without regret."
That night, Chen Gong dismissed his trusted aides, gathered the remaining gold and silver from his home, and handed Cao Cao a set of ordinary merchant clothing. "My lord, change into these clothes to avoid raising suspicion."
Cao Cao looked at this local official who had just resolved to abandon his post to follow him and nodded deeply. The two of them each took up a sword, disguised themselves as common merchants, and mounted their horses. Chen Gong couldn't help but glance back at his former office, a hint of resolution in his gaze. "This place is no longer suitable for us; as long as the traitor remains at large, there can be no peace in the world."
Cao Cao gently patted his horse's neck and whispered, "Do not look back; our path lies ahead."
The two rode forth under the cover of night, their eyes fixed on the long road ahead—a road fraught with danger and uncertainty—but their steps were resolute and unwavering.
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