New Year's Eve was precisely the opportunity he had long been waiting for.
"What a nuisance!"
Learning that his excitement had once again been for nothing, Lü Bu was deeply disappointed. After glancing at Sima Yi, he turned and left the Drill Platform in a sullen mood.
Sima Yi looked astonished. He glanced worriedly at Chen Gong and asked cautiously, "Duke Wen, is he...?"
Chen Gong smiled. "Do not worry, Military Advisor. That is simply Duke Wen's nature. He just feels a little out of place among us. After some wine and a night's sleep, he will be fine."
"When it comes to leading troops into battle, Duke Wen is indeed unrivaled under heaven. But in matters of strategy, we must still follow your judgment. Proceed freely, Military Advisor."
Only then did Sima Yi breathe a sigh of relief.
Lü Bu was an imperial relative, the general the Son of Heaven trusted most, and he commanded a powerful army. Sima Yi had no desire to offend him.
The sight of Lü Bu beheading Xun Chen with a single stroke in the hall that day remained vivid in his mind. Even now, recalling it sent a chill down his spine.
Xun Chen, of all people-killed without a moment's hesitation.
Setting aside his misgivings and worries, Sima Yi continued discussing matters with Chen Gong for a while, settling the details of how to carry out the Heart-Attacking Stratagem.
Night fell little by little.
Under Gao Gan's orders, the number of men patrolling and defending the walls had been doubled that night, and all the soldiers within the city stood ready for battle.
If anyone attacked, the soldiers waiting in the barracks would immediately rush to the walls to defend them.
As the sun set, the weather grew colder still.
Bitter winds