Chapter 27: Cao Cao Was Humiliated Again

Lu Jin was only responsible for delivering the message and did not impose any requirements. Whether Cao Cao chose to see Lu Chuan was not his concern, so after relaying the message, he took his men and left.

Cao Cao watched Lu Jin’s retreating figure and asked, "Yuanrang, what do you think this Lu Chuan is up to?"

Xiahou Dun let out a cold snort. "Whatever he’s up to, let’s go in together. I’d like to see what kind of tricks he can pull!"

Cao Cao found this reasonable; he would only know Lu Chuan’s true intentions once they met. Moreover, he had originally intended to meet Lu Chuan, ideally to recruit him and convince him to hand over this vast Lu County.

Since that was the case, they might as well go.

Cao Cao instructed his hundred-plus remnants to tidy themselves up; they couldn't look too disheveled, after all. With four fierce generals—Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong—by his side, Cao Cao felt that even if Lu Chuan had any ulterior motives, he would be able to handle them.

After a brief cleanup, the group bypassed the ongoing construction site and entered Lu County through the city gate.

Unlike their previous visit, the guards at the gate did not stop them this time. They didn't even bat an eye as the hundred-plus soldiers entered the city.

Once inside, Xiahou Dun sneered, "Lu Chuan’s vigilance is truly lacking. We are over a hundred veterans who have survived the battlefield, seen blood, and killed men, yet Lu Chuan doesn't seem to care at all!"

Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong nodded in agreement. Having just suffered a defeat, they were particularly cautious. Even though they only had a hundred men, if a real fight broke out, the soldiers in such a small county could never stop them.

Cao Cao remained silent, though he also felt that the security in Lu County was indeed slacker than before.

"Yuanrang, pass the order: no one is to leave the ranks without authorization, and absolutely no one is to plunder the property of others!"

"Understood!"

Xiahou Dun nodded. Despite being remnants, they still adhered to military discipline.

However, just as he was about to issue the order, the sound of uniform footsteps suddenly echoed from ahead. Xiahou Dun turned to look in the direction of the sound, and his expression changed instantly.

Dian Wei, fully armored and wielding a pair of iron halberds, approached with a squad of elite soldiers equipped with armor, blades, and shields. Even without saying a word, his hulking frame, the cold sheen of his iron halberds, and the subtle, lingering bloodlust he emanated easily intimidated every soldier present.

There was no need for Cao Cao to give an order; in the presence of Dian Wei, these soldiers dared not act out of line. Not to mention that behind Dian Wei stood three hundred elite soldiers, each with sharp eyes, high spirits, and strong morale. Such orderly military bearing, combined with such high morale and fighting intent, was enough to make even Cao Cao feel a twinge of envy.

"Are you Cao Cao?"

Dian Wei was a crude man; he had no concept of politeness. He only restrained himself in front of Lu Chuan because he couldn't beat him. Lu Chuan’s method of disciplining Dian Wei was simple: whenever Dian Wei acted rudely in his presence, Lu Chuan would beat him. At first, Dian Wei refused to submit, but after being beaten a dozen times, he dared not misbehave. There was no helping it; Lu Chuan might look lean and weak, but when he fought, he didn't hold back, leaving Dian Wei bruised and battered each time. Dian Wei didn't fear pain, but he feared losing face.

When Cao Cao had last seen Dian Wei, he had already taken a liking to him. Such a fierce general—he wished he could be in his service.

"So, it is County Lieutenant Dian. I am indeed Cao Cao, Cao Mengde."

"Hmm, as long as it's you, follow me. My lord wishes to see you."

Dian Wei waved his hand, and the three hundred soldiers quickly dispersed, surrounding Cao Cao and his hundred-plus remnants.

Cao Cao’s face changed drastically, and Xiahou Dun and the others gripped their swords, filled with caution.

"County Lieutenant Dian, what is the meaning of this?"

Dian Wei replied, "I mean nothing by it. It’s just that your men are visiting our Lu County for the first time, and they probably don't know our rules. Whoever plunders property in Lu County will be severely punished, and if they take a life, it is a capital offense! Our Lord Lu said that since you’ve just suffered a defeat and entered our city, it’s inevitable that you might harbor some ill intentions, so he had me keep an eye on things to avoid any misunderstandings."

Cao Cao’s expression darkened. This Lu Chuan was going too far! Inviting him into the city and then sending troops to watch them—what did Lu Chuan take him for? Could he not even control his own men? Lu Chuan was truly underestimating Cao Mengde...

"You! Step out! Where did you get that meat bun in your hand?"

Just as Cao Cao was feeling dissatisfied, Dian Wei suddenly let out a thunderous roar. A soldier who had entered the city with Cao Cao shuddered, hurriedly trying to hide the steaming meat bun behind his back.

"W... what meat bun? What are you talking about?"

"Still trying to hide it? I saw it! Men! Seize him!"

Two soldiers rushed out from behind Dian Wei and grabbed the soldier who had hidden the bun.

"I’m asking you, where did you get this meat bun?"

"I... I bought it!"

"Bought it?" Dian Wei sneered. "Our Lord Lu, out of sympathy for the laborers performing corvee duty, ordered meat buns to be made today. Everyone doing corvee work can receive one free hot bun. Apart from those outside the city, anyone else who wants one must buy it at the meat bun shop ahead. You haven't reached the shop yet, so where did you buy it?"

"I..." The caught soldier was speechless.

Back outside the city, he had smelled the aroma of the buns and couldn't resist. Relying on his status, he had snatched a bun from a laborer and started stuffing his face. He never imagined that stealing a bun from a laborer would be treated as such a big deal.

Dian Wei showed no mercy. "According to the laws of Lu County, plundering property is punishable by ten to fifty lashes. Considering this is your first offense, you shall receive ten! Men, carry out the punishment in public!"

"Yes!"

The same two soldiers drew whips from their waists and struck the man with a sharp *crack*. A cry of pain rang out.

Cao Cao watched his soldier being whipped in public by Dian Wei. He felt extremely annoyed, but thinking about how his own soldier had been so disgraceful, he found himself unable to say a word. Just moments ago, he had felt that Lu Chuan sending Dian Wei to watch them was an insult to his dignity. How could the soldiers he brought possibly commit such a petty act as stealing property? Yet, reality had slapped him in the face.

The ten lashes were quickly finished. The whipped soldier lay on the ground, his face pale, but he still refused to submit.

"What right do you have to hit me? I’m not the only one who took a bun! Why are you only targeting me?"

Cao Cao’s expression shifted, his gaze turning sharp, and a murderous intent welled up within him. What kind of incompetent fool had he brought with him?