Zhang Liao, Zhang He, and Zhao Yun also cast admiring looks at Sima Yi. Only Lü Bu scratched his head in bewilderment.
What in the world were they talking about?
Sima Yi said nothing. His hand inside his sleeve clenched a brocade pouch tightly, his gaze icy.
Zhuge Village Fool, just watch how I win!
Just as they were about to continue their discussion, Gao Shun strode into the hall and reported to Lü Bu, "General, Ma Chao has sent someone with a message!"
"What?"
Everyone was startled.
Ma Chao had sent a messenger?
Lü Bu slapped the table and roared with laughter. "That little colt must have heard I was personally leading an army against him and gotten so frightened he sent someone to sue for peace!"
"Where is he? Bring him here at once!"
Gao Shun cupped his fist and withdrew. Before long, he brought the soldier carrying the message into the main hall.
At the sight of the imposing Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, and the other generals in the hall, the soldier's face grew several shades paler. He stammered timidly, "G-greetings, Generals."
"Hmph! On your knees!"
Lü Bu's cold bark frightened the soldier into dropping straight to his knees. Then, keeping his face stern, Lü Bu demanded, "Tell me, did Ma Chao send you here to sue for peace?"
"This lowly one does not know!"
Overawed by Lü Bu's presence, the messenger shook his head repeatedly. He took a letter from inside his robes and said, "My general only sent this lowly one to deliver a letter. As for what it concerns, this lowly one truly does not know."
Lü Bu frowned, strode forward, and took the letter from the messenger's hands. Then he unfolded it and began to read.
But only a moment later, his ox-like