Chapter Fifty-One: Xun You Offers a Strategy

The following day, the generals of Cao’s army began directing their soldiers to gather the refugees. Every squad had the task of distributing food, and of course, Cao Hong was no exception.

Cao Hong did not quite understand why Cao Cao wanted to gather the refugees. If the plan was to launch a surprise attack, wouldn’t rounding up the refugees draw unwanted attention? Although he was not well-versed in military strategy, as a mercenary, he understood the simple principle that secrecy was paramount in any covert operation.

Nevertheless, Cao Cao had given the order, and so Cao Hong carried it out. He instructed Pan Zhang to oversee the soldiers as they distributed food to the swarming refugees, while he himself leaned against the ruins of a house, observing the ragged masses.

In chaotic times, human life was worth less than that of a dog—such was the harsh truth.

At that moment, a tall man among the refugees caught Cao Hong’s eye. It was not merely his nearly six-foot-three stature that stood out, but rather the smooth, fair skin showing beneath his tattered, barely-there clothes.

Refugees had no opportunity for bathing; everyone was filthy. Yet here was someone whose skin was spotless. More notably, refugees were all from poor families—who among them would have such delicate, unblemished skin? If he were from a wealthy family plundered by Dong Zhuo’s forces, after wandering so far from Luoyang, he would have been caked in grime, not looking so pristine.

A skilled mercenary must have a keen eye for detail, and Cao Hong immediately sensed something odd about this man. Still, he did not at once conclude that he was an enemy spy; after all, spies, exposed to the elements for years, would not have such tender skin. Moreover, the man stood calmly among the refugees, showing no hint of nervousness—almost as if he wanted to be noticed.

Cao Hong stood up and strode toward him.

Amid the refugees, Xun You was feeling rather frustrated. He had managed to slip out of Hulao Pass and mingle with the refugees, pondering how to enter the Cao camp in Chenggao County without being mistaken for a spy, when he heard news that Cao’s army was gathering the refugees. Overjoyed, he had followed along and easily infiltrated the camp. He intended to seek out Cao Cao with his counsel but, wary that there might be Yang Ding’s spies among the refugees, he held back for the moment. Now he was troubled, wondering how to reach Cao Cao without drawing undue attention, so he deliberately behaved differently from the hungry masses, standing apart in the hope that someone from Cao’s camp would notice his peculiarities.

Yet half the day passed, and no one approached him. How could he not be vexed?

Just then, a voice sounded beside him: “May I ask your name?”

Startled, Xun You saw a young general clad in gleaming armor, smiling at him. A Han sword hung on his back, its hilt exquisitely carved—clearly a distinguished officer in Cao’s army.

His heart leaped with joy. In a low voice, he said, “My surname is Xun. I have urgent matters to report to General Cao. Please ensure the roads leading in and out of Chenggao are secured, and do not let any refugees leave, lest spies hidden among them escape.”

The surname Xun! Cao Cao had two formidable strategists bearing that name, but Cao Hong did not ask further just then. He only nodded and said, “Understood.” Then he walked over to Pan Zhang, whispered a few instructions, and Pan Zhang nodded before calling over a messenger.

Cao Hong returned to Xun You and said, “Sir, this way, please.”

With that, he led Xun You toward Cao Cao’s main camp. Now he understood why Cao Cao had ordered the gathering of the refugees.

As they walked, Xun You deliberately fell two paces behind Cao Hong in a show of humility. Cao Hong glanced back and said, “Please, let us walk side by side.” As he spoke, he took a closer look at the man—he appeared to be just over thirty, with a beard on his chin. Though his face was smeared with dirt and his beard was unkempt, making him look rather disheveled, on closer inspection he was quite handsome. With his tall, slender frame, he would surely have been considered strikingly attractive by modern standards.

Xun You clasped his hands in acknowledgment and stepped forward, asking, “May I know the general’s name?”

“I am Cao Hong, styled Zilian, of Peiguo. And you, sir?”

“I am Xun You, styled Gongda, of Yingchuan,” came the reply. The Yingchuan Academy was famed throughout the land and was established in the Xun family’s estate. Every member of the Xun clan took pride in it, yet Xun You spoke with great humility, showing no trace of the arrogance often found in those from distinguished scholarly families.

So this is Xun You! To dare slip out and deliver a message—such courage! Judging from his appearance, he seemed to have practiced some martial arts but was by no means a master. To call him a mere scholar would not be unfair. It seems that a strategist’s role is not limited to devising plans in the safety of the rear. Cao Hong found himself admiring Xun You all the more.

He smiled and said, “A pleasure indeed!”

As they spoke, they arrived at Cao Cao’s command tent. The two guards stationed outside recognized Cao Hong at once and saluted. “Greetings, Lord Inspector!”

Cao Hong nodded and said, “I have urgent business to report to General Fenwu. Please announce us.”

One of the guards replied, “Sir, the general has given orders—if any honored guests arrive within three days, the generals need not be announced.”

Xun You’s face took on a strange expression at this, thinking, “Did Cao Mengde gather the refugees precisely to facilitate my entry into Chenggao? That is truly divine foresight! This General Zilian, too, has sharp eyes and an open mind. The Cao army is indeed impressive.” His opinion of Cao’s forces rose considerably.

Cao Hong nodded and said, “Gongda, please.” He let Xun You enter first, then followed him inside.

Inside, Cao Cao stood, smiling. “An honored guest has arrived!”

Xun You bowed deeply. “Your humble servant, Xun Gongda of Yingchuan, formerly a Palace Attendant, pays his respects to General Fenwu.”

Cao Cao laughed heartily and stepped forward to help him up. “Your reputation precedes you, Gongda! You are famed throughout the realm—I cannot accept such a grand gesture!”

Xun You replied, “In the past, when we both served in Luoyang, I often heard of your renown, General. It is a pity we never met, though I have seen your kinsmen, and that only because we both served as Palace Attendants.”

Cao Cao laughed again. “Please, take a seat, sir! Zilian, you as well.”

After the two had thanked him and sat, Xun You began, “Zheng Gongye, the Inspector at Hulao Pass, has already agreed to our plan. Two days from now, at the hour of the ox, he will seize the gate tower, light a signal fire, and open the pass to welcome the general inside.”

Cao Cao nodded. “Excellent! In that case, I shall travel light two days hence and hurry to a place within sight of the fire.”

Xun You said, “There is one more thing the general must do to ensure nothing goes awry.”

Cao Cao asked, “What is it?”

Xun You replied, “Since the general has gathered the refugees, Yang Ding’s spies are sure to be among them. As the saying goes, ‘better to err on the side of caution.’ Before setting out, the general should consider executing all the refugees. That way, Yang Ding’s informants will be silenced, and the general may attack Hulao Pass without fear of discovery.”

Cao Hong, listening, thought, “How ruthless!”

Cao Cao laughed loudly. “Just so! I imagine the scouts and spies lurking nearby have all mingled with the refugees, never dreaming that we would kill them as well!” With these words, it was clear that Cao Cao intended to slaughter even the civilians.

Sure enough, he turned to Cao Hong and said, “Zilian, you shall take care of this.”

…Cao Hong felt a pang of dismay. He had killed many in battle, but never civilians. He hadn’t expected his first time would be here. Gritting his teeth, he responded: