Even if he ultimately seized Yuan Shao's domain, it would be extremely detrimental to his efforts to recruit loyal ministers and renowned scholars in the future.
After Liu Xie's decree was issued, Yuan Shao sent men racing to Beihai by express courier at eight hundred li a day and publicized the matter far and wide, just as Cao Cao had.
Cao Cao dared invite Kong Rong over to distinguish the true Son of Heaven from the false one. If he did not dare do the same, it would mean he had a guilty conscience.
Yet very few people knew that he truly did have a guilty conscience.
He, too, had been placed over the flames to roast. He had no choice but to invite Kong Rong.
After his initial panic passed, Yuan Shao's thoughts were exactly the same as Liu Xie's. Both fervently wished that Kong Rong would not come.
Meanwhile, at Lü Bu's residence in Xiapi.
"Whoa-"
Lü Bu reined in outside his residence, casually tossed his riding whip to the servant who came to greet him, and hurried inside.
"General..."
Diao Chan came forward to welcome him, but Lü Bu interrupted before she could offer her greetings.
"Where are my wife and Qi'er?" Lü Bu looked around, searching for Yan Shi and Lü Lingqi.
At his words, disappointment immediately appeared on Diao Chan's face. Her eyes reddened as she said, "You treat me as though I'm invisible, General... have you already grown tired of me?"
Although she was not a woman who fought for affection out of jealousy, she could not help taking it to heart when Lü Bu ignored her and asked only after Lady Yan and Lü Lingqi.
Seeing this, Lü Bu hurriedly explained, "You've misunderstood! I have something important to discuss with my wife