What war was ever fought without deaths?
Yuan Yao was dead, and Cao Hong was dead too.
What difference did noble birth make?
Before life and death, all things were equal.
Tears kept spilling from Cao Chun's eyes as he wept over Cao Hong's body. "Zilian, you saved my life. From now on, your parents will be my parents, and your son will be my son. If I break this oath, may the Sage King Sovereign and Her Majesty the Luo River Goddess strike me dead."
Standing where he was, Cao Cao personally laid Cao Hong's body on the cart beside him and covered it with a white cloth. He sighed softly. "Send Zilian back to Qiao County for burial, and send his son to my residence.
"When I return, I will adopt him as my son."
Xiahou Dun and the others all stepped forward to console him. "My lord, Zilian died a worthy death. He had no regrets."
Clad in armor, Cao Chun knelt before Cao Cao with difficulty but determination. Sobbing, he said, "My lord, Zilian died holding the rear to cover my retreat and that of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
"When we attack Yuan Shu, I volunteer to lead the vanguard. If I cannot avenge Zilian, I will never know peace for the rest of my life. Please grant my request, my lord."
Cao Cao pressed a hand to Cao Chun's shoulder and asked calmly, "Zihe, are you angry with Yuan Shu?"
Then he signaled Xi Zhicai and Guo Jia with his eyes. Both were strategists Xun Yu had recommended to Cao Cao, men who specialized in devising unconventional schemes.
Meanwhile, Yuan Shu's camp was jubilant. They had won their very first engagement and had even killed one of Cao Cao's senior generals outright.
Xun You