The hurried sound of the wind echoed outside the tent.

Cao Cao awoke from his sleep, perhaps due to his age or his persistent headaches.

His quality of sleep was deteriorating, and any slight disturbance outside would wake him.

Cao Cao wrapped himself in a blanket.

He lay alone on the bed, beneath him was the soft bear skin obtained from a hunt by his son Cao Zhang.

Inside the tent, it was very dark, though he could see the light outside.

The gentle light cast a tall silhouette against the tent.

Every time he saw Xu Chu's back standing guard at the door, Cao Cao's anxiety would ease.

Xu Chu had always been his most trusted general.

Yet, even with him around, Cao Cao had to keep a sword by his bedside when he slept.

Only by gripping the sword tightly could he feel at ease.

I enjoy killing in my dreams.

Cao Cao thought of the clumsy excuse he fabricated to avoid anyone attempting to assassinate him in his sleep.

He closed his eyes, trying to let himself fall asleep again to get through the long, dark night.

But as one ages, all the body's organs start to betray and not function according to one's will.

Including the brain.

Despite promising not to think about certain matters, many complex and bothersome issues rushed back into his mind.

He thought of Guan Yu, who was in Fancheng, and suddenly felt a bit of regret.

If at that time, he hadn't turned down Guan Yu's request and bestowed Lady Du upon him.

Would the situation have been different?

Unfortunately, time never rewinds.

Back then, although he admired Guan Yu, it wasn't enough to overcome the allure of Lady Du's beauty.

Not until Guan Yu took Yan Liang's head from within thousands, did Cao Cao feel a sudden stir in his heart, thus conferring the title of Marquis of Hanshou.

He wished to keep Guan Yu in his service.

Yet, Guan Yu resolutely resigned his post, forsaking the high position and wealth bestowed upon him, and went to the destitute Liu Bei.

This action made Cao Cao even more regretful, why couldn't Guan Yu be of use to him?

That night, Cao Cao faced yet another wave of regrets in his heart.

This particular sentiment made Cao Cao eager to personally lead troops to Fancheng, and yet reluctant to do so.

He even entertained the thought that Guan Yu might defeat Xu Huang, just like taking Yan Liang's head among thousands, and ride his horse towards him.

At that time, what should be said?

Such conflicting emotions intertwined in his heart, making Cao Cao feel that he would hardly get a peaceful sleep tonight, should he have a midnight snack?

As this thought arose, Cao Cao frowned slightly, remembering how in his younger days, he had mocked Yuan Shu, thinking him too pretentious for carrying so much jade and silk on campaigns, never forgetting to indulge himself.

Now, Cao Cao looked down at the quilt, the surface of which was made of smooth silk.

His distinction from Yuan Shu was perhaps just living to the end.

Cao Cao fell once again into memories of his youth in Luoyang.

Benchu...

Suddenly, the sound of Xu Chu conversing with someone came from outside the tent, pulling Cao Cao back to reality. He shouted outside: "Xu Chu, what is happening?"

"King of Wei, Yin Shu returned hastily on horseback, saying there's an urgent military matter that needs to be reported directly to you."

Xu Chu responded truthfully.

Cao Cao swiftly sat up, the pain in his head seemed to momentarily fade away.

Yin Shu was one of the leading generals he sent to support Xu Huang, returning in haste indicated a critical military issue at the front line.

And this military issue could very well be bad news.

If it were good news, there would be no need for urgent delivery at night.

Yun Chang, has he really created a miracle?!

Thinking of this, Cao Cao felt a fierce flame igniting within his decaying body.

Perhaps this is the last battle of his life.

Cao Cao wanted to give it his all to win this war, "Quick! Let him in!"

Xu Chu lifted the curtain, and a small eunuch entered immediately, responsible for lighting the lamps inside the tent, dispelling the darkness.

Cao Cao wrapped himself in the quilt, sitting casually on the bed.

He was not tall, his face marked by the ravages of time, his gaze cold and commanding like a vulture spotting carrion.

Being locked by those eyes, anyone with a guilty conscience would feel weak in the knees.

Xu Chu stood silently to the left.

Four armored soldiers entered one by one, followed by Yin Shu.

As soon as Yin Shu entered, his legs gave way, he knelt on the ground, his face pale, shouting: "King of Wei, something terrible has happened!"

Cao Cao remained unmoved, he had experienced all kinds of turmoil in his life, from the high spirits before the Battle of Red Cliffs, to shaving off his beard and abandoning his robe at Tong Pass.

"With me here, the sky won't fall. How did Guan Yu breach General Gongming's camp and defeat you all?

Tell me everything."

Cao Cao sat cross-legged, still looking spirited.

Yin Shu said with a bitter face: "Reporting to the King of Wei, Guan Yu had the assistance of a Heavenly Deity, transforming into a gigantic fireman.

The troops, including General Xu, have already surrendered to Guan Yu, and I barely managed to rush back to report to you.

Fancheng must not be approached!"

Cao Cao had been prepared to hear about some clever stratagem of Guan Yu's, but never expected Yin Shu to concoct such a tale.

"Guan Yu got the help of a Heavenly Deity?"

He remained expressionless, only Xu Chu, who knew him well, understood that the King of Wei was now very angry.

"Yin Shu, are you making a mockery of me?"

Yin Shu hastily shook his head, loudly declaring: "King of Wei, how dare I deceive you? If you don't believe, send someone to inquire at Yancheng, General Xu and all the troops have surrendered.

Fancheng might have been conquered by Guan Yu with the deity's power."

Cao Cao furrowed his brow slightly.

If he were younger, he would have immediately had the person taken out and executed, not believing in ghostly tales at all.

But with aging, he couldn't help holding a skeptical attitude towards certain things, unable to firmly dismiss them as mere trickery like when he was young.