Dian Wei couldn't tell him how he was feeling now.
He has no feelings for Xiahou Ba. If it were any other time, Xiahou Ba would be dead.
But now, Dian Wei is worried that the 4,500 soldiers in the city will not be able to return to Puyang.
If Xiahou Ba leads the army, as long as they don't encounter Lu Bu on the road, there will be no big problems, and there will be no need to worry about soldiers escaping halfway.
After all, I still want to do more for Cao Cao.
As soon as he surrendered to Wang Ding, he had to intercede with Xiahou Ba, which made Dian Wei feel very awkward.
In any case, he has been regarded as Wang Ding's person in the past three years.
Now he still wants to help Cao Cao.
Since he has made a three-part agreement with Wang Ding, he will not do anything to disgrace Cao Cao in these three years, but he also does not want to do anything to damage Wang Ding's interests.
That is to say, Wang Ding wanted to kill Xiahou Ba now, so Dian Wei asked for mercy.
If the king decided to recruit Xiahou Ba, Dian Wei would not speak.
After saying that, Dian Wei rarely showed a nervous expression.
Wang Ding said: "No problem, Xiahou Ba, you must thank Dian Wei. If it weren't for his intercession, you would be dead now."
Xiahou Ba knelt on the ground, kowtowing to Wang Ding and Dian Wei.
There was a look of fear and anxiety on his face.
Wang Ding said: "Okay, you can go."
Looking at Xiahou Ba who was kneeling on the ground and kowtowing constantly, Wang Ding was not happy at all, but felt disgusted.
It is true to be afraid of death, but as a general in the army, if he prays for life in such a humble way because he is afraid of death, he is already unworthy of being a general, and is worse than an ordinary man.
Dian Wei also turned his head and suddenly felt in his heart, shouldn't he beg for mercy?
Such a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death should die as soon as possible, and it is best to become a pig in his next life.
It looks really disgusting.
Wang Ding left with eight thousand cavalry.
Only Xiahou Ba was left, kneeling on the ground alone.
But the fear on his face has turned into a ferocious one.
Inside the city, more than 4,000 Cao Cao troops saw that Wang Ding's cavalry had left, so they opened the city gate and came out of the city.
Then they saw Xiahou Ba.
Xiahou Ba had already stood up and was waiting at the city gate.
He rode on the war horse that originally belonged to Dian Wei.
This war horse was also given to Dian Wei by Cao Cao. It was a good horse from Dawan.
It's much better than Xiahou Ba's original one.
Carrying Dian Wei on his back, the speed is not slow.
Xiahou Ba did not tell anyone else that he was captured.
Instead, he made up a lie, saying that he was just going out of the city to investigate and had been exploring the military situation around the Han army for the past few days.
With just a few words, Xiahou Ba cleared away all his guilt, and even made the soldiers below think that he was extraordinarily courageous.
Little did he know that he had been begging for mercy in front of Wang Ding these past few days.
In the end, it was Dian Wei who interceded for him and saved his life.
Xiahou Ba did not dare to stay in Juye for long, so he led more than 4,000 people and headed directly towards Puyang.
Wang Ding, on the other hand, took his people to the three counties previously controlled by Cao Cao.
Now that Cao Cao is out in force, there are almost no defenders in the three counties.
Instead, many more Yellow Turban troops were raging.
Wang Ding could take advantage of Cao Cao's absence to capture all the Yellow Turbans.
Cao Cao, who was in Puyang, quickly received the news.
At that moment, he almost returned to Juancheng, but was stopped by Xun You.
Wang Ding is still far away from Juancheng, and they are all cavalry.
Xun You also saw that Wang Dingzhi focused on population and had no interest in Yanzhou's territory for the time being.
Otherwise, he would not have just led the cavalry into Yanzhou.
The cavalry has an advantage, but when it comes to siege, it is at an absolute disadvantage.
Cao Cao was persuaded by Xun You and did not withdraw his troops immediately.
If Wang Ding really participated in the war between him and Lu Bu, it would be impossible for Cao Cao to win whether he continues to stay in Puyang or retreats back to Juancheng.
Under the attack of Lu Bu and Wang Ding, it was even difficult for him to escape from Yanzhou.
Cao Cao can only hope that Wang Ding, as Xun You said, has no interest in Yanzhou for the time being and will not interfere in the war between him and Lu Bu.
I just came to Yanzhou to destroy the Yellow Turban Army in Yanzhou.
Otherwise, Cao Cao must at least invite Yuan Shao, so that the two sides can be evenly matched.
Wang Ding's goal is indeed the Yellow Turban Army.
Not only the Yellow Turban Army, but also the people who had no food to eat and became refugees were also Wang's targets.
From the territory of the three counties occupied by Cao Cao, Wang Ding also gathered more than 50,000 people.
He did not attack the city of Yanzhou, but directly took tens of thousands of people and prepared to return to Luoyang.
Wang Ding gained a lot from this trip to Yanzhou.
In addition to gaining another nearly 100,000 people, what pleased Wang Ding the most was the acquisition of Dian Wei.
This was something Wang Ding had not expected before coming here.
Wang Ding was more happy to get a Dianwei than to get a hundred thousand elite soldiers.
The Yellow Turban Army in Yanzhou has also been swept away by Wang Ding.
Wang Ding returned home with a full load of people.
The battle under Puyang City doesn't seem to be that important now.
Wang Ding's withdrawal made Cao Cao feel relieved.
Now he could finally deal with Lu Bu with peace of mind.
However, when Xiahou Ba arrived outside Puyang City with 4,500 elite soldiers, Cao Cao was not happy.
"My lord, it is decided that Dian Wei will surrender." When Xiahou Ba saw Cao Cao, his first words made Cao Cao lose his composure.
"Impossible, absolutely impossible."
Cao Cao stood up and waved his hands. He did not believe that Dian Wei would surrender to Wang Ding.
If Xiahou Ba surrendered, even if it was just a pawn who came back to report, Cao Cao would believe it.
But Dian Wei surrendered, and even if Xiahou Ba came back to report, Cao Cao would not believe it.
It was possible for the other soldiers under his command to surrender, but not for Dian Wei.
Cao Cao didn't believe it.
Not only Cao Cao, but also Xun Youxi Zhicai and others found it hard to believe it.
They all know about Dian Wei, a fierce warrior.
Each of these counselors is smarter than the last, and their judgment of people is also more accurate than the last.
But Xiahou Ba was steadfast in his oath, and there were 4,500 soldiers to testify.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Cao Cao killed several people in a row, but the result was still the same.
Dian Wei really followed Wang Ding.
But Cao Cao also knew the reason.
Xiahou Ba could conceal his experience of being captured.
But the battle between Dian Wei and Ma Chao was clearly visible to thousands of Cao's troops on the city wall, and Xiahou Ba could not hide it.
He does not have such great prestige that he can make all four thousand soldiers obey his orders.
Can't stop everyone's mouth.
Xiahou Ba did not dare to make up any nonsense in front of Cao Cao, but just gave Dian Wei some eye drops.
He knew about the agreement between Dian Wei and Wang Ding, but he did not tell Cao Cao.
Now Cao Cao can only make a rough guess through Xiahou Ba and the soldiers who came back.
Cao Cao was always unwilling to accept it, but the facts were already in front of him.
He could only think that Dian Wei was forced and had no choice.
Cao Cao said: "One day, if Dian Wei comes back, he will still be my general."
Xun Youxi Zhicai and others analyzed that even if Xiahou Ba concealed something, Cao Cao could guess that Dian Wei must have used himself to exchange for 4,500 elite soldiers and returned.
Otherwise, given Wang Ding's emphasis on population, how could he easily let go of these 4,500 people?
Outside Puyang City, in the military camp of Cao Jun.
Cao Cao quickly calmed down and stopped thinking about Dian Wei.
What he has to face now is Lu Bu.
Wang Ding has already evacuated from Yanzhou.
This is a good thing for him.
He could finally stop worrying about Wang Ding and focus on dealing with Lu Bu wholeheartedly.
Just when Cao Cao was about to start an attack and forcefully attack Puyang City.
In Puyang City, people from the Tian family came quietly to see Cao Cao.
"Let's meet with Duke Cao in Xiatianqing."
Cao Cao said, "Are you interceding on behalf of Lu Bu?"
Tian Qingdao: "Mr. Cao, I represent the Tian family and come to submit to Gong Cao."
"Why?" Cao Cao asked confused.
On his side, he had only been stationed outside Puyang City for a few days and had not yet started a formal attack.
Cao Cao, who was suspicious by nature, did not quite believe Tian Qing's words.
Tian Qingdao: "Lü Bu is unruly and unscrupulous in the city. He recruits troops by force and steals the people's fat and anointing. The people in the city have been resentful for a long time."
"My Tian family is willing to be in the city and respond to Duke Cao, helping him to capture Puyang City and destroy Lu Bu."
Cao Cao still had some doubts in his heart.
But if the Tian family is really willing to cooperate internally, it will be easy for him to attack Puyang this time and defeat Lu Bu.
Even if Wang Ding has already led a large group of troops to evacuate from Yanzhou.
But Cao Cao was still quite stressed when facing Lu Bu alone.
Cao Cao was not sure whether he could defeat Lu Bu.
Lu Bu was brave and famous all over the world.
Cao Cao has just lost his general Dian Wei.
Cao Cao neither agreed nor refused.
He wanted to discuss this matter carefully with Xun Youxi Zhicai and others.
Let Tian Qing wait outside for Cao Cao to look at Xun You and others.
"Gentlemen, do you think the Tian family can be trusted?" Cao Cao said.
Xun You said: "Tian Qing's words cannot be fully believed."
They don't know what is going on in the city now.
It is difficult to enter the city if you are careful.
To take a risk, choose to trust Tian Qing, cooperate with the opponent, directly enter the city, and capture Lu Bu.
If you are more conservative, you can treat Tian Qing as a fake surrender, and continue to slowly besiege Lu Bu according to the original plan.
Cao Cao asked: "How credible are Tian Qing's words?"
Xun You said: "Four points at most."
Even the counselors who were good at observing words and emotions could not tell whether Tian Qing was lying or not just by relying on his words and demeanor.
Xi Zhicai said: "Five points."
They are relatively conservative.
Xi Zhicai said: "If General Dian Wei is still there, he can enter the city. Even if there is a trick, Dian Wei can protect the safety of the lord."
But now, Dian Wei followed Wang Ding and left.
Xi Zhicai did not recommend that Cao Cao enter the city.
It doesn't matter if you fall into the trap, as long as you are still alive, you have a chance to fight back.
But if you die, it will be over.
Xi Zhicai did not advise Cao Cao to take risks.
Xun You and others also have similar ideas.
Wang Ding would never have thought that taking Dian Wei away would affect whether Cao Cao entered Puyang City.
At this moment, Lu Bu in the city was also discussing with Chen Gong.
After he got Wang Ding's tips, he discussed with Chen Gong and finally selected the Tian family as their representative to pretend to surrender to Cao Cao.
Lu Bu and Chen Gong were not sure whether Cao Cao would fall into the trap.
The Tian family is in the city, so Lu Bu is not worried that Tian Qing will really fall to Cao Cao.
Before the Tian family, they were not dissatisfied with Cao Cao.
And now, he is not at a disadvantage.
Although Wang Ding had left, Lu Bu didn't care.
Without Wang Ding, he could still defeat Cao Cao.
If Cao Cao wants to fight a protracted war with him, Lu Bu is still a little worried.
After all, food and grass are a big problem.
He is an outsider, if he cannot defeat Cao Cao in a short time.
The family in Yanzhou that supports him now may have second thoughts.
He turned around and really went to join Cao Cao again.
What they look after is their own interests after all.
Outside the city, inside Cao Jun's camp.
Cao Cao did not hesitate for long.
He had to make a decision immediately.
Otherwise, even if the Tian family is really willing to surrender again, Lu Bu will find out if time goes by.
Cao Cao still decided to trust Tian Qing and enter the city.
He invited Tian Qing in and said: "I need the Tian family to burn down the gates of Puyang City. In this way, my soldiers can take advantage of the situation and enter the city. Can the Tian family do it?"
Tian Qing hesitated for a moment and said: "Now, there are people from my Tian family in the Puyang West City garrison, and there may be a chance to burn down the city gate."
Cao Cao stared at Tian Qing and said: "Very good, as soon as the city gate is burned, I will rush into the city immediately. However, if the city gate is not burned, I will not enter the city. Do you understand?"
Tian Qingdao: "I understand."
If the Tian family failed to burn the city gate, the Tian family would be an abandoned son, and everyone in the family would be executed, and Lu Bu would not leave anyone alive.
Tian Qing also understood that Cao Cao still had doubts about him.
Burning the gates is harder than opening them in secret.
With the fire and light, nothing can be hidden.
But if the city gate is burned, even if Cao Cao really falls into the trap, he doesn't need to worry about having no way out or being caught in a trap.
At least he could take his people and retreat outside Chengdu.
Although it is still somewhat risky, it will be a bit risky.
But in striving for world hegemony, everything cannot go as planned. It always involves taking risks.
Cao Cao's character is very cautious and suspicious, but when it's time to make a decision, he won't be sloppy.
When it's time to take risks, you have to take risks.
If you are indecisive, you will miss opportunities.
Cao Cao also had many adventures in his life.
Some failed and some succeeded.
This time, he also wanted to take an adventure.
If it succeeds, Yanzhou will be returned to his hands immediately.
If it fails, the worst possible outcome is to return to Juancheng and look for another opportunity.
Tian Qing stayed in Cao Ying until night, and then quietly returned to Puyang City.
He had made an agreement with Cao Cao to burn down the city gate at dawn tomorrow to welcome Cao Cao into the city.
The reason why he did not choose to do it in the middle of the night was that Cao Cao was still worried that he would fall into the trap.
Although midnight is a good time for a sneak attack, if it were Lu Bu and Chen Gong's plan, Cao Cao would be in a desperate situation if he attacked in the middle of the night.
In the dark night, even if the city gate is burned down, Cao Cao may not be able to escape.
Tian Qing returned to the city in the middle of the night and was immediately brought to Lu Bu's palace.
The two of them haven't rested yet and have been waiting for Tian Qing to come back.
Tian Qing quickly walked a few steps and came to Lu Bu. He bowed and said: "Marquis Wen, Cao Cao said that at dawn, as long as I burn the city gate, he will raise his troops and rush into the city."