A Losing Deal I Won't Make

Sima Yi pointed at the head of Lu Meng and asked, "Great King, how should we handle the head of Lu Meng?"

"Since he was one of the Blue-Eyed One's men, just put it in a fine wooden box and send it back to Jiangdong." Cao Cao's head was splitting with pain; he gave a few perfunctory words and had no desire to speak further.

Seeing that Cao Cao was indeed unwell, the group left the main tent under the urging of Xu Chu.

As they departed, Cao Ren called out to Sima Yi from outside the tent, "Zhongda, wait a moment."

"Does General Zixiao have something important to discuss?" Sima Yi asked curiously.

Cao Ren replied, "Does Zhongda intend to send the head back to Xudu?"

"Since it is a task entrusted by the Great King, this subordinate dares not delay. I intend to send someone off tomorrow morning. Does General Zixiao also have letters or items to return?" Sima Yi guessed Cao Ren's intention.

Cao Ren nodded and replied, "It is not a matter of letters or items. My subordinate, Niu Jin, fell from his horse and suffered a head injury; he is now as foolish and simple-minded as a three-year-old child. I intend to send him back to Xudu for treatment, but as I must now follow the King of Wei to punish Guan Yu, I ask that you, Zhongda, take him back to Xudu and settle him in. After the war, there will surely be a great reward."

Sima Yi came from a prominent official clan and was currently a figure highly regarded by the Henan elite, so his influence in Xudu was quite significant. Cao Ren seeking him out was also due to this consideration.

"General Zixiao, please set your mind at ease. I will