On the northern bank of the Great River, countless corpses bobbed in the water. Anyone who saw those pale, swollen faces felt waves of cold wash over them and would wake from nightmares in the dead of night.
Cao's Camp.
Cao Cao sat at the head of the tent in leather armour, his face weathered, his beard dishevelled and plainly untrimmed for a long time.
A heavy odour filled the entire tent. Even Xun Yu, famed for leaving a lingering fragrance, had blended into it.
The longer the standoff lasted, the darker Cao Cao's expression grew. His strategists racked their brains but could not understand it.
What was Luo Yan trying to do?
That question haunted everyone. By confronting Cao Cao like this, Luo Yan was all but draining the pond to catch the fish, exhausting what little potential for war Zhao State still possessed.
If Luo Yan continued fighting this way, once this battle ended, not even Duke Wen of Luo and Guan Zhong reborn could save Zhao State.
Cao Cao asked incredulously, "Could Luo Yan be trying to drag me down to death with him?
"But my foundations are deep. I have two provinces and two of the Three Rivers commanderies. I can recover these losses within five years. What does he have to pit against me?"
Xun Yu had been pondering this all along. He turned his gaze northward, then said slowly, "My lord, north of Zhao State lies Yan State."
Hearing this, all the ministers of Liu Bei's Retinue bowed and collectively urged him to ascend the throne.
Liu Xie sneered coldly. "Then, Chancellor, you would not..."
That almost tangible killing intent frightened Liu Xie so badly that he dared say nothing more. He could only keep agreeing with Cao Cao. "You are right, Chancellor. They