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Chen Gong stood by the bedside, his sword raised to Cao Cao's chest, but turmoil raged within him like a surging flood. The moonlight illuminated his face, revealing a constant shift between hesitation and resolution.
"Cao Cao is ruthless and ungrateful; if I do not kill him today, he will surely become a great calamity in the future. Yet..." He lowered his head, his thoughts in disarray. "I joined him for the sake of the country, hoping to eliminate Dong Zhuo and restore clarity to the realm. To kill him now would mean abandoning my original intentions."
His hand slowly lowered, and his gaze shifted to the cold moon outside the window. With a long sigh, he sheathed his sword and murmured, "Though he is full of schemes, if he can truly rid us of Dong Zhuo's chaos, perhaps he could still benefit the world. If I kill him, am I not just as guilty as 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 glimmered faintly under the moonlight. He mounted swiftly and rode into the dawn breeze, his silhouette gradually fading 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 edge of the bed, a bitter smile creeping onto his lips.
"Indeed, he harbors doubts about my loyalty and has chosen to leave me." Cao Cao murmured softly as he donned his outer garments, 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 called for a young servant to prepare supplies. "I cannot delay any longer; since Chen Gong has left, it is time for me to set out."
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. His tone was passionate; when he spoke of Lu Boshe's family being killed, there was a flicker 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, your journey is fraught with danger. If you wish to achieve great things now, you will need substantial funds; however, our family's resources are limited and may not suffice."
Cao Cao frowned in thought for a moment before his eyes brightened as he said, "Father, I have heard that the filial and upright Wei Hong is generous and possesses great wealth. If we can persuade him to assist us, we might succeed!"
Cao Song nodded solemnly. "Wei Hong is indeed a man of generosity and righteousness. This matter should be addressed swiftly; you must visit him at once 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 to equip the Army of Righteousness with armor and banners. Support from all directions poured in, with groups of people bringing supplies that transformed the entire village into a temporary military camp.
As these future renowned figures of the Three Kingdoms pledged their allegiance one by one, Cao Cao's forces gradually amassed an undeniable strength.
Yuan Shao received Cao Cao's urgent summons in Bohai, and he was deeply shaken. He immediately convened his civil and military officials for a discussion. With a serious expression, Yuan Shao scanned the crowd and said in a deep voice, "Cao Mengde has risen in righteousness to eliminate Dong Zhuo and restore order to the world. What do you all think?" The generals present eagerly volunteered for battle, their enthusiasm overwhelming. Yuan Shao promptly decided to mobilize thirty thousand elite troops to march south from Bohai to ally with Cao Cao and confront Dong Zhuo.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao distributed proclamations to various prefectures, calling upon heroes across the land with a powerful message of righteousness. The proclamation resonated with justice:
"We, Cao Cao and our righteous allies, hereby announce to the world:
Dong Zhuo, this treacherous villain, has openly usurped the throne and murdered the emperor, desecrating the palace and wantonly harming the innocent; his crimes are too numerous to count! His tyranny knows no bounds, treating the realm as a butcher's block and the people as mere meat—his cruelty is unfeeling, and his sins have accumulated to fill heaven and earth.
Now, under the imperial decree, I, Cao, together with righteous warriors, rise up to gather the Righteous Army from all corners of the land. We vow to cleanse Huaxia of evil and eradicate all foes, restoring peace to the realm!
We call upon those with noble aspirations to rally righteous forces, uphold justice, support the Han Dynasty, and join this grand endeavor; for the welfare of the common people and to express our collective indignation! Upon receiving this proclamation, you must prioritize righteousness and act swiftly!"
The proclamation quickly spread throughout the land, its stirring words igniting righteous anger among the people and gentry alike. Local strongmen responded enthusiastically; wherever the proclamation reached, righteous armies sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Thus began a nationwide movement against Dong Zhuo.
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