Previously...
In Xudu, Cao Cao suddenly suffered a splitting headache, so painful that he wanted to cleave his skull open with a sharp axe.
His attendants suggested inviting Ji Ping, a renowned physician of the age, to treat him.
Ji Ping?
Cao Cao shuddered, suddenly remembering what Liu Dai and Wang Zhong had told him upon their return.
"Liu Xuande said he had no intention of opposing the Chancellor."
"He asked us to convey his greetings to Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng, General Wang Zifu, and Wenruo—Xun Yu."
"He also said that if the Chancellor suffered from headaches, he could invite the renowned physician Ji Ping to treat him."
Cao Cao had found this suspicious, for he had never heard of Liu Bei having any friendship with the imperial uncle, General Wang Zifu, or Xun Yu.
After considering it carefully...
Cao Cao burst out laughing.
Guo Jia, standing beside him, hurriedly asked, "Why do you laugh, Chancellor?"
Cao Cao asked in return, "Fengxiao, do you know how Emperor Gaozu dealt with Fan Zeng?"
Guo Jia recalled, "Fan Zeng was Xiang Yu's foremost strategist. Resourceful and wise, he was honored by Xiang Yu as his 'Second Father.' To eliminate him, Chen Ping used forty thousand in gold to bribe the Chu army's officers and spread rumors about Fan Zeng, ultimately driving him away."
Cao Cao nodded. "I laugh at no one but Liu Bei and his lack of strategy. He actually tried to imitate Chen Ping and drive a wedge between Wenruo and me. How could I fall for such a clumsy ploy?"
He had seen through the scheme at a glance.
Cao Cao certainly wasn't stupid, but unfortunately for him, he had run into Jia Xu and his intelligence advantage.
That day...
A man came to Cao Cao's residence, claiming to