Xun Yu Panics, Old Cao Is Shocked

"When did the strategist leave the camp? How many men did he take with him?"

After a moment's thought, Xun Yu hurriedly asked.

The guard quickly replied:

"He just left the camp less than three quarters of an hour ago!"

"He only took Xu Yuanzhi with him!"

Hearing this, the clerk beside Xun Yu asked curiously:

"There's no fighting at present. Why would the strategist leave camp?"

Xun Yu immediately turned and shouted furiously:

"How can you be so ignorant? If the strategist were leaving camp on official business, he would certainly bring his personal guards!"

"Now he has taken only Xu Yuanzhi with him. He must be leaving after surrendering his seal!"

Without waiting for the clerk's response, he strode out and shouted:

"Someone, prepare a horse! Where is Young Master Ang now?"

"Take me to Young Master Ang at once!"

As the steward of the Cao Camp, he had to handle everything.

Now that the strategist had left, he had to go after him no matter what!

But before pursuing him, he needed to understand the full situation.

As Qin Tian's close disciple, Cao Ang was clearly the best person to learn the truth from.

Xun Yu hurried toward the central army camp.

The clerk, meanwhile, stood frozen where he was and muttered:

"The strategist has surrendered his seal and left? This is terrible!"

Strategist Qin Tian was, plainly speaking, the stabilizing pillar of their army. With the strategist gone, the camp would surely descend into chaos!

As Xun Yu moved, the news gradually spread throughout the entire military camp.

When the generals heard that the strategist had departed, none of them could believe it.

Everything had been fine yesterday. Why had Qin Tian suddenly left today?

For a time, the camp was filled with uproar.

Meanwhile, Xun Yu made his way to Qin Tian's main tent. Seeing guards standing outside and the tent flap tightly shut, he stepped forward and asked:

"Where is the strategist now?"

The two guards hurriedly shook their heads.

"We do not know!"

"Then why are you standing guard here?"

Xun Yu said angrily.

"You are all the strategist's personal guards. If you are not by his side, who ordered you to stand idly here?"

Seeing Xun Yu fly into a rage, the two guards were terrified.

Xun Yu had always been known as a modest gentleman and had never behaved so out of character. The two were frightened out of their wits, their legs trembling as they answered:

"Young Master Ang ordered us to remain here and not allow anyone into the tent!"

"Young Master Ang's order?"

Xun Yu's brow furrowed deeply. Stepping forward, he lifted the tent flap and saw Qin Tian's seal hanging before the desk. There was no sign of anyone inside.

Seeing this, his heart sank, and he sighed mournfully:

"Alas! Young Master Ang has ruined a matter of great importance for our army!"

Clearly, Cao Ang had known Qin Tian was leaving!

Otherwise, Cao Ang would not have actively helped Qin Tian conceal it.

But the question was, if you knew, why did you not tell anyone?

Even if Old Cao would not listen, you could have told me!

If he had known Qin Tian intended to leave, he would never have allowed Qin Tian to step one foot outside the camp!

After all, few in the entire Cao Camp understood Qin Tian's abilities better than he did.

The man was a complete master of both civil and military affairs!

If he remained in the Cao Camp, he would be its stabilizing pillar. But if he defected to another warlord, Old Cao could just wait to cry!

In only a few years, he could create a terrifying enemy for Old Cao.

How could Cao Ang be such a burden to his father?

After thinking for a while, Xun Yu's expression changed repeatedly. He quickly looked at the two guards and asked:

"Where exactly has Young Master Ang gone now? Do you know?"

The two guards hurriedly answered:

"Reporting to the Imperial Secretary, Young Master Ang has gone to find General Yu Jin!"

Hearing this, Xun Yu did not hesitate and hurried toward Yu Jin's camp.

Before he had gone far, he saw a cold-faced Cao Ang walking out of Yu Jin's camp.

The moment Xun Yu saw him, he hurried forward and demanded:

"Does the young master know that the strategist has already left the camp?"

"If you knew the strategist was leaving, why did you not inform us?"

Seeing Xun Yu approach, Cao Ang gave him a cold glance and sneered:

"What does the Imperial Secretary mean by this? Wasn't it all of you who forced Master away?"

"By rights, should you not be celebrating his departure?"

"Now that Master has left, why has the Imperial Secretary come to criticize me?"

His four consecutive questions each carried resentment toward Xun Yu and the others.

In his view, aside from Cao Cao's neglect, the pressure from these aristocratic clans was also the reason Qin Tian had left.

Simply because Qin Tian came from humble origins while holding a high position, these aristocratic clans had long found him displeasing.

Ever since the court moved here, Xun Yu and the others had all risen rapidly through the ranks, entering the court as officials and clerks, receiving marquisates and high ministerial posts.

But what about Qin Tian? Cao Cao had originally intended to grant him an official post, but those court officials had objected on the grounds of Qin Tian's background.

For an entire year, Cao Cao had risen to Grand Commandant, while Qin Tian had only been promoted to Gentleman Consultant for his achievements.

Xun Yu had even risen three times in succession, from a lowly post to Palace Attendant, then to Director of the Secretariat.

But aside from being a Gentleman Consultant in name, Qin Tian's only other position was Military Adviser-General, a post with actual authority but no official rank.

Did Xun Yu not know about these matters? Could he not have dealt with them?

Of course he knew, and of course he could have submitted a memorial!

But for the sake of compromise, he had continued to turn a blind eye.

Even though Qin Tian's contributions were beyond anything these aristocratic clans could hope to match, he had been isolated from their circle simply because of his family background.

How much injustice had Qin Tian endured? Did you really have no idea at all?

Hearing Cao Ang's words, Xun Yu looked ashamed. To be honest, he and Qin Tian had been on good personal terms.

Yet when Qin Tian faced these matters, he could not say much.

Because compared with Qin Tian, he still had to preserve his friendships with other officials and maintain the balance of interests among the many aristocratic clans.

By comparison, Qin Tian—whom Cao Cao had grown wary of—seemed less important.

But no matter what, he did not want Qin Tian to leave!

After thinking for a moment, Xun Yu said solemnly:

"Young Master Ang is right. I was at fault before."

"But since the strategist intended to leave, why did he not inform Lord Cao?"

It would have been better if he had not mentioned Cao Cao. The moment he did, Cao Ang gritted his teeth and said:

"What would be the use of telling Father? The strategist was driven away by Father!"

"Before leaving, the strategist went to see Father first!"

"But Father is addicted to wine and women. Not only did he refuse to heed the advice, he even angrily rebuked Master for meddling!"

"Master served with such devotion, yet Father rebuked him in anger. Tell me, Imperial Secretary—how could I, as his son, have the face to stop Master?"

"Ah? Lord Cao even rebuked the strategist? How outrageous!"

After hearing this, Xun Yu was overcome with anger. So the root of the matter lay with Cao Cao after all!

They might have gone too far, but at least they had their own considerations.

But Old Cao was the lord himself. Was it really acceptable for him to drive the man away personally?

At once, he declared to Cao Ang:

"Young Master, do not be angry. I will go see Lord Cao! I must ask him exactly what he means by this!"

With that, he headed toward Cao Cao's tent.

When he reached Cao Cao's main tent, he saw Dian Wei standing guard at the entrance. He said in a deep voice:

"Where is Lord Cao? Go announce me at once. I have urgent business with Lord Cao!"

As he spoke, he started toward the main tent.

But before he could step forward, Dian Wei reached out and blocked him.

"Imperial Secretary, wait. My lord has given orders that no one may enter without a summons!"

Seeing this, Xun Yu immediately shouted sternly:

"The affairs of state are paramount now! You dare block me? Let me see Lord Cao at once!"

Dian Wei did not move in the slightest. Standing straight, he replied:

"I am only carrying out my duty. I hope you can understand, sir!"

"You!"

Xun Yu's anger flared. Now he understood why Qin Tian had left.

Leaving aside everything else, Dian Wei, this guardian statue at the gate, was enough to make anyone furious.

Even if you would not let him in, you could at least announce him!

Fortunately, Cao Cao heard the commotion inside the tent and stepped out.

"Who is making such a racket outside?"

At that moment, he was barefoot, dressed only in undergarments, with his hair hanging loose.

Seeing his disheveled appearance, Xun Yu flew into a rage.

"Lord Cao, why are you indulging in wine and women while neglecting affairs of state?"

"Do you know that the strategist has already surrendered his seal and left? Having lost such a national talent, does Lord Cao not feel even the slightest regret?"

Cao Cao had wanted to retort upon hearing the first sentence.

But when he heard the second, his pupils suddenly contracted.

"You said Qin Tian has already surrendered his seal and left?"

He had thought he had made up his mind, but upon hearing this news, his heart still gave a violent thump.