In the fifth month of summer in the fifth year of Jian'an, Luo Zhang sent out letters, setting the gathering for the thirteenth day of the ninth month.
The Feudal Lords across the land were either on the road or, like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, had already reached Duke Zhao's State in early eighth month.
Outside Zhao City.
Autumn had already arrived, and the sky was naturally high, an expanse of deep blue without a cloud for ten thousand miles.
This was the first time Yuan Shao and Cao Cao had met since their last blood oath of alliance.
Yuan Shao stepped out of his carriage. His features were imposing, and his solemn, wide-sleeved robes lent him an even greater air of refinement. Behind him stood several carriages and mounted guards.
Although Cao Cao was unremarkable in appearance, he possessed a heroic bearing of his own. These two men, who had once stolen a bride together, now met in silence for a moment.
Filled with boundless emotion, Cao Cao rode forward and cupped his hands. "Benchu, I trust you have been well."
Yuan Shao looked at Cao Cao and the men behind him, narrowing his eyes slightly as he returned the salute. "Mengde, I trust you have been well. Has Liu Xie, King of Hongnong, not come?"
Cao Cao had not expected Yuan Shao to open with such a pointed question. A sharp gleam flashed through his eyes, and he said coldly, "Benchu, how can you address His Majesty by name? That is gross disrespect!"
At Cao Cao's expression, Yuan Shao gave a derisive laugh, though his voice carried a chilling coldness. He rode toward Zhao City. "Liu Xie?
"Once I defeat you, I will kill Liu Xie and show the world that a false emperor is still a