Cao Cao sighed. Much as he hated to give up those civilians and supplies, he had no other choice now.
Besides, Cao Ren weighed even more heavily on his mind.
Cao Ren was still holding off Lü Bu at Guandu. Once Zhang Liao took Huainan Commandery, he would certainly advance into Yu Province and encircle Cao Ren from behind.
When that happened, Cao Ren, Xiahou Yuan, and the others would all be in danger. They could very well die caught between Lü Bu and Zhang Liao.
Troubles came one after another, each hard on the heels of the last. Cao Cao felt his thoughts tangle like hemp, and his head began to throb faintly again.
"Xu Chu!"
Cao Cao sat up in bed and called toward the door.
Xu Chu had been waiting outside all along. Hearing Cao Cao call, he immediately pushed the door open, entered, and cupped his hands. "My lord, what are your orders?"
Cold sweat beaded on Cao Cao's forehead. Only after taking a good while to recover did he ask, "Has Xu You gone to sleep?"
"My lord, he has not."
"Take me to see him."
Cao Cao threw on his clothes, rose, and strode out of the bedroom.
He had brought his entire establishment from Xu County to Wu Commandery. Naturally, he had brought Xu You too, keeping him confined under his watchful eye just as before.
Before long, the two reached a side chamber.
Cao Cao pushed the door open and entered.
Inside the side chamber, Xu You was drinking and reading by a candle stand. He looked considerably thinner and more haggard now.
Seeing Cao Cao enter, Xu You did not greet him warmly as "Aman" as he once had. He did not even offer a smile, his expression utterly cold.
Cao