Chapter 31: Cao Thief's Ambitions Are Grand

Liu Bei stood with furrowed brows, his expression filled with sorrow. His eyes reflected endless difficulty and sadness. "I, Bei, as a descendant of the Han, am deeply pained to see the people suffering, the elderly without support, and children crying. It feels as if a thousand arrows are piercing my heart!"

The tent fell silent. Liu Bei strolled to Wang Yan's side, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Suddenly, he gathered his spirit and raised his voice.

"Brother Ziyuan, we are both subjects of the Han, bound by blood. The rise and fall of this nation and its people's welfare are closely tied to us. We must stand shoulder to shoulder and support the country together."

"Moreover, you possess extraordinary skills and great strength. You are destined to become a pillar of the state."

"I firmly believe that as long as we work together, we can restore the grandeur of the Han, allowing the people to live in peace and prosperity once more!"

After Liu Bei's impassioned speech, he looked at Wang Yan with bright, hopeful eyes. However, Wang Yan noticed that Liu Bei's gaze occasionally flickered towards Zhao Yun, who stood nearby. 

No wonder, after the recent battle where Zhao Yun held his ground against both Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang, he was the standout among everyone except Wang Yan.

Wang Yan's lips twitched slightly. "It's one thing to deliver a speech, but trying to poach my people?"

Fortunately, Zhao Yun remained unmoved.

Huangfu Song nodded frequently. "Brother Xuande, as a relative of the Emperor, you are indeed righteous. Though you have few soldiers, your assistance in this battle is commendable. I'm sure the Emperor will reward you accordingly."

"We, who are used to seeing bloodshed, must also care for the suffering. The people are the foundation of the nation."

With his large, round eyes, Zhang Fei glanced at his brother. "Few soldiers? Sure, but Second Brother and I are hardly few."

Liu Bei's five hundred volunteers suffered significant losses in this battle, mainly leaving commanders. Hence, the high proportion of generals.

Hearing Huangfu Song praise Liu Bei's "benevolence," Wang Yan silently mocked in his heart. "Since you speak of benevolence, I'll help you reach higher."

Wang Yan then said, "Brother Xuande, what do you think we should do with the thirty thousand Yellow Turban prisoners and the remnants of the defeated army?"

Liu Bei was about to reply when Wang Yan added, "They too are common people, misled by Zhang Jue and forced into rebellion due to poverty."

The people are human, and so are the prisoners. Wang Yan directed the focus toward how the Han army should treat the Yellow Turban prisoners and handle subsequent operations.

This issue was on everyone's mind at the moment. The battle was over, and military merits depended on the number of enemy heads collected. Historical records show that the Han army was brutal towards the Yellow Turbans. When Huangfu Song attacked Quyang, he slaughtered over a hundred thousand people, building a "Jingguan" with their heads—a method typically used against foreign tribes for intimidation.

Building Jingguan had become a way for Han generals to gain fame.

Liu Bei's expression stiffened. As a general, seeking military merit is paramount. He knew the sensitivity of this issue and how dangerous it was to suggest mercy.

"Brother Ziyuan, what do you think?" Liu Bei tried to pass the question back.

Wang Yan smiled. "Brother Xuande, what do you think?"

Caught off guard, Liu Bei hesitated. His persona of benevolence and righteousness was at stake. After a moment, he said, "In the past, Emperor Gaozu gained the world by accepting surrender. If we don't accept the enemy's surrender, they will fight to the death, leading to greater chaos."

This statement made many generals exchange strange looks. "You, Liu Bei, advocate mercy, preventing us from achieving military merit. How does that benefit anyone?"

The atmosphere turned hostile as the generals' faces darkened. Liu Bei had stirred a hornet's nest, and the troops were agitated.

"The Yellow Turbans have rebelled, burning government offices, looting, killing, and committing atrocities. How can we show mercy?"

"Against such scoundrels, we should kill to instill fear, making them understand the cost of rebellion!"

"Exactly, we can't let them go!"

Just then, a young man of short stature stepped forward and saluted Huangfu Song.

"General, I believe the rebels should be dealt with selectively."

The surrounding soldiers calmed down. Wang Yan was intrigued. "Who is this person? He seems insightful."

Huangfu Song nodded. "Continue."

The short man began, "For the leaders and core members of the Yellow Turbans, those who hold positions and have power, their crimes are severe and must be punished severely to set an example."

"But for the ordinary soldiers whom Zhang Jue misled, we can offer them a chance to reform, return them to civilian life, and allow them to farm and resume their livelihoods."

"Thus, combining severity with mercy, the general retains his authority, and the Emperor maintains his benevolence."

Huangfu Song pondered and then agreed. "Good. As Mengde suggested, we will announce this, punish the leaders, and show mercy to the common soldiers. If any Yellow Turban rebels resist, they will be killed without mercy."

Wang Yan studied the young man, his eyes lighting up. "Cao Thief?"

"The one who later becomes infamous for slaughtering cities is now advocating mercy?"

In his view, Cao Cao, with his clear and bright eyes, appeared spirited and remarkable despite his short stature.

"Of course, he's still a young patriot, just like Dong Zhuo once was, not yet corrupted."

Grateful for Cao Cao's support in preventing further slaughter, Wang Yan nodded slightly towards him.

Cao Cao reacted enthusiastically. "I am Cao Cao, styled Mengde. It is a pleasure to meet you, Brother Ziyuan."

Cao Cao stepped forward and grasped Wang Yan's hands warmly. At twenty, Cao Cao had just started his official career, but Wang Yan, at seventeen, had already achieved such incredible feats. How could he not admire him?

Wang Yan, somewhat embarrassed, smiled. "Brother Mengde, I've heard much about you."

"Oh? Ziyuan has heard of me?"

"Of course, anyone who can be described as a hero in peace and a villain in chaos by the Yue Dan Ping is unparalleled."

Wang Yan's words struck a chord with Cao Cao. "Ha! Ziyuan and I are indeed kindred spirits. Once this war is over, we must drink and celebrate."

Cao Cao was often looked down upon due to his family's history, and few appreciated him. Except for the elder Qiao Xuan, who valued him, Cao Cao was often seen as an outsider among scholars. His actions, like assassinating Zhang Rang and killing Jian Shuo's uncle, were attempts to dissociate himself from the eunuchs' stigma.

At this moment, Cao Cao clasped Wang Yan's arm tightly as if wanting to embrace him, though he could only reach Wang Yan's chest, making the scene resemble a child hugging an adult.

Cao Cao's admiring gaze made Wang Yan increasingly uncomfortable. "Liu Bei is just eyeing Zhao Yun, but you... Are you targeting me?"

"Cao Thief's ambitions are indeed grand."

"I'm aiming to build my legacy. How could I end up working for you?"

Unexpectedly, Cao Cao, while holding Wang Yan's arm, pulled Liu Bei over with his other hand.

"Brother Xuande, come, come. The world is full of heroes and talents. Today, let's make a pact. After we quell the Yellow Turbans, we'll gather in Luoyang, drink to our hearts' content, and celebrate!"

Wang Yan was momentarily stunned. "The heroes of the world, only Cao and the Governor... and me?"