Playing the Role of Yang Dezu

In the past, whenever Cao Cao led his army on a campaign, he possessed high military proficiency, whether in pre-battle deployment, frontline command, facing perilous situations, or holding the advantage. This time, however, he was clearly not in his right state of mind.

Although Cao Cao personally visited the battlefield every time, his facial expression was filled with distraction, as if he hadn't slept at night. Indeed, he found it difficult to fall asleep; aside from his chronic migraines, those twelve prophetic verses from Lan Tian were like a curse.

People are prone to anxiety about gains and losses in their twilight years. Having fought so hard and relied on the efforts of several generations to seize power, how could he be willing to see it replaced?

Over the past few days, besides being unusually quiet, Cao Cao's appetite had also diminished significantly, which further aroused the suspicions of the ministers accompanying the army.

The next day, after returning to camp following a defeat, Cao Cao offered a few words of perfunctory comfort before dismissing everyone to rest. No sooner had many of them stepped out of the main camp than they were invited over by Cao Ren.

The clan generals stood up at this moment; the rise and fall of the Cao family naturally had to be led by their own kin. Cao Ren gathered Cao Xiu, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Zhao Yan, Jiang Ji, Sima Yi, and Yang Xiu to discuss countermeasures.

Cao Ren stood up and said righteously, "You are all the King's close ministers and beloved generals. You have all seen the situation over the past few days. If we do not find a way to take action, we shall all die at the hands of Guan Yu."

"Does General Zixiao have any plans?" Sima Yi