Most of Yuan Tan's civil officials and generals had been captured. Only Guo Tu had escaped.
Bai Xiaowen marveled inwardly. Guo Tu was remarkably good at running away. If Li Shuyi had not met him and confirmed that he was no Awakener, Bai Xiaowen would have thought Guo Tu had entered this world as one.
Zhang He and Gao Lan hated Guo Tu, but they could accept this outcome. By fleeing, Guo Tu had abandoned everything and become a fugitive.
Bai Xiaowen did not absolutely need Guo Tu dead, either.
Before long, Yuan Tan was brought before Bai Xiaowen in bonds.
Now came the test of his skill.
Bai Xiaowen rose and personally untied Yuan Tan. He sighed. "We are brothers. How did it come to this?"
Yuan Tan lowered his head. "I was blind to the truth and offended the Grand Marshal. I beg your forgiveness."
Bai Xiaowen said, "The Book of Songs tells us that brothers may quarrel within their walls, but they stand together against insults from outside. The traitor to the state remains undefeated, and our family's wrongs remain unavenged. We must unite to sweep away Cao Cao. It pains me to see things come to this."
Even if Yuan Tan's heart had been made of stone, he would have been moved—or at least would not have dared to appear otherwise. Tears ran down his face. "I was foolish to let others turn me against you."
Bai Xiaowen continued, "The court has already appointed you General of the Vanguard. From now on, you and our third brother will stay by my side and advise me on military affairs. Only by working together as brothers can we defeat Cao Cao and let Father rest in peace."
Yuan Tan had not expected to retain his honored position as