"Hmph!" Zhang Xiu snorted coldly at Yuan Shu, sheathed his blade, and stepped aside.
Lü Bu continued, "General Zhang, abandoning darkness for the light and surrendering the city was a wise decision indeed. I shall certainly report your achievements to the Son of Heaven and have you commended."
"Thank you, General!" Gratitude immediately appeared on Zhang Xiu's face, while secret delight stirred in his heart.
He had rendered a great service, something Jia Xu, who had gone to Ye City all alone, could hardly compare with.
If even Jia Xu could become Minister of the Imperial Clan, surely being appointed a third-rank Central Army Commander would be no problem for him?
Lü Bu turned to Liu Bei and said, "Xuande, you deserve the greatest credit for taking Shouchun. Once we have fully assumed control of the city, accompany me in escorting the rebel Yuan Shu to Ye City to pay our respects to the Son of Heaven."
Having persuaded Zhang Xiu to surrender the city and taken Shouchun without bloodying a single blade, Liu Bei undoubtedly deserved the greatest credit.
"Thank you, General." Liu Bei readily accepted.
"Good!" Lü Bu swept his hand through the air, his eyes blazing as he declared in high spirits, "Pass down my command! The army will enter the city and take control of Shouchun!"
With Zhang Xiu's surrender, Lü Bu's army entered the city.
Yuan Shu's ambitions were utterly shattered.
Cao Cao, who had been keeping a constant watch on Lü Bu's movements, was so shocked by the news that he did not even bother getting dressed before rushing onto his warship's deck to gaze toward Shouchun.
When he saw troops streaming through Shouchun's wide-open gates, his expression turned utterly dark.
"That whelp Zhang Xiu keeps ruining my plans!" Cao Cao cursed through