Chapter 80: Yu Jin's Resignation

Zhao Yun hurriedly interjected, "Xiaotian, both of us are aware of the character of these three brothers. I believe they have already understood your good intentions. Let's just leave it at that, don't take it to heart."
Zhang Xiaotian solemnly said: "There are national laws for the country and regulations for the military. It seems that I should consider how to train you all into a disciplined and formidable army!"
After Zhang Xiaotian finished speaking, he returned to his hidden residence. Even before stepping through the threshold, cheers and applause from the women in the courtyard could be heard.
When he hurried over and looked, it turned out that his wife and maidservants had all changed into lightweight robes and were playing a game of throwing balls. Chunxiang and Xiaxiang saw Zhang Xiaotian coming and quickly embraced him, pulling him into the field.
This day was spent in a joyous atmosphere. At dusk, He Miao sent someone to invite him to a feast at Cao's mansion.
Just the thought of being able to see Cao Cao, a figure who dominated the Three Kingdoms era and influenced the entire late Eastern Han Dynasty, made Zhang Xiaotian feel a bit nervous.
How could he imagine that his fate would be completely changed just because of one extraordinary person!
At this moment, the carriage slowly entered the magnificent gate, passing through the circular archway, and arriving at the square in front of the main hall.
Powerful and majestic soldiers stood on either side of the gate, while two battalions of troops camped beside the gate. These two battalions of troops were the famous "Tiger Leopard Cavalry" commanded by a captain. After the customary inquiry, twenty-four riders were sent to protect the carriage of Zhang and He and hurried towards the inner palace.
Although Cao Fu is not as luxurious as Dong Fu, it still follows the layout of "front hall and back bedroom". The outer hall is where Cao Cao handles political affairs and holds meetings, while the inner hall is where Cao Cao and his wives and concubines reside.
In the distance, Zhang Xiaotian saw palaces, pavilions, and gardens with pavilions, terraces, and long corridors, all extremely strict in terms of architectural style and atmosphere, far beyond what can be compared to the Dong Mansion.
It occurred to Zhang Xiaotian that one day the owner of this place would become a prisoner under Xiao Ben's command, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The place where Cao Cao held the banquet was the "Fengyi Hall" in the rear hall, which was also the most magnificent wooden structure in the rear hall. It was a three-story high platform building.
On the high platform were two-story pavilion-style halls, connected by corridors and ramps. The walls were adorned with colorful silk paintings, and the corridors were paved with geometric patterned bricks, while the halls and long stairs were paved with square bricks, grand and elegant.
马车停在那大殿堂台阶下的广场之中，曹操特别遣他那智囊荀彧在那里恭候他们，见面之时那自是一番客套。
步上长阶之时，荀彧低声说道：“今晚除曹公之外，还有众位将军，在众位将军当中有一位自恃当年曾为曹公出过力，骄傲专横，目中无人，连曹公都让他三分，请两位小心应付。”
Xun Yu revealed his deep trust in their son-in-law, which made them delighted and continuously agreed to his requests.
Zhang Xiaotian suddenly realized that one day he would have a falling out with Cao Cao. At this moment, he felt a great sense of sorrow. It was perhaps the pain of foreseeing his own fate, unable to suppress his desolate emotions, and further deepening his desire to retreat from the world.
Just as they entered the hall, a loud laughter came to their ears. They saw a towering figure, with narrow eyes and long beard, dressed in splendid clothes, striding towards them like a dragon or a tiger. He wore a silk woven tall crown on his head, adding to his imposing demeanor.
This person is about forty years old, with a striking appearance that is both heroic and cunning. He possesses literary talent and the qualities of a great general. His appearance is awe-inspiring, except for his slightly narrow eyes. However, his eyes sparkle with brilliance, giving off a deep and formidable aura.
何苗这时慌忙拉着张笑天行跪叩之礼，高呼曹公。
Before they could pay their respects, Cao Cao rushed forward to support the two of them. His piercing gaze fell on Zhang Xiaotian, and he exclaimed, "No wonder..."
Ronghou and Mr. Xun both speak highly of you, Xiaotian. I, Cao Cao, have traveled all over the world, but this is the first time I have seen such a talented person like you."
Like the sound of a bell, the voice reverberated and drifted in the hall.
Zhang Xiaotian saw that Cao Cao, who was only slightly shorter than him, came with a powerful momentum. He secretly praised and quickly stepped aside, saying, "Cao Gong, you're too kind!"
Then he glanced around and saw that besides the three seats set at the top, there were two seats on each side of the hall, with two maids standing beside each seat. He sighed in relief, no need to deal with so many people, naturally feeling a bit more relaxed.
Cao Cao has no pretensions. He walked to the seat on the right side of the seat, with his left and right hands holding two people, and whispered in Zhang Xiaotian's ear, "Although I have soldiers and generals, I lack a talented commander. Xiao Tian, you came at the right time. How can I fail in my great cause?" He then laughed heartily.
"Then it will depend on your guidance, General Cao." He Miao on the other side exclaimed with joy;
Zhang Xiaotian, however, secretly lamented in his heart. As humans are not plants, how can they be without feelings? If Cao Cao values him so much, how can he escape to enjoy the idyllic life he dreams of!"
At this time, the three of them came to the table, and Cao Cao waved his hand to order the maidservant to retreat before whispering, "After much deliberation, I have decided to appoint you, Xiao Tian, as General Li's deputy."
General Li was originally a remnant of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. After I subdued him, he has consistently achieved military exploits. Due to his straightforward personality, he has been marginalized by other generals and has been frustrated without fulfilling his ambitions.
In fact, his military strategy and tactics are unmatched in my Yan province. If you, Xiao Tian, can become his support and achieve military achievements, I will not treat you all lightly.
Zhang Xiaotian secretly exclaimed in his heart, "Impressive! Cao Cao's method of winning people's loyalty is both direct and powerful. How can anyone not pledge their unwavering allegiance to him?" So he pretended to be moved to tears and said, "Lord Cao values Xiaotian so much. Even if it means giving up my life for Lord Cao, I would not hesitate for a moment."
The problem is that Liu Mang and Dong Zhuo, who are enemies of Xiao Tian, are still alive and well, making it difficult for Xiao Tian to focus on other matters.
At this time, Cao Cao grabbed his arm casually, a flash of coldness in his eyes: "I also want to peel their skin and tear their bones apart. Xiao Tian, go ahead and do as you please,"
"I will support you in everything. After taking their heads, be sure to bring them back to Yanzhou. I also want to witness it firsthand!"
Zhang Xiaotian didn't truly realize until now the deep and cunning schemes of Cao Cao, as well as his ruthlessness. No wonder he was able to go from a mere junior official to the founder of the most powerful state in the Three Kingdoms period, Wei.
Moreover, he saw through my plan to secretly return to Chang'an to assassinate Liu Mang and Dong Zhuo with just a few words, showing how sharp and quick-witted he is.
"General Li Tong has arrived!" The gate official sang at this moment;
At this time, Zhang Xiaotian and He Miao looked towards the main entrance and saw a tall and thin man wearing a brocade robe, striding into the hall with an dignified demeanor. From a distance, he bowed and said, "Li Tong pays respects to Lord Cao!"
Cao Cao greeted him with his unique and intimidating stride, warmly linking arms with Li Tong as they walked towards He Miao and Zhang Xiaotian.
Li Tong had a long and slender face, around the age of forty, with a dark complexion. His tired expression was marked with wrinkles of worry.
In addition to his determined features, it is evident at a glance that he is someone who is used to mental labor rather than physical labor, but his eyes conceal a sense of extraordinary uniqueness.
The body is very strong and flexible, obviously kept in excellent condition due to a lot of exercise.
Zhang Xiaotian secretly thought that with Cao Cao's cunning and ruthless eyes, Li Tong, who caught his attention, must not be an incompetent person.
Li Tong and He Miao were already acquainted, and after a greeting, his sharp eyes fell on Zhang Xiaotian's face.
Zhang Xiaotian didn't want to make eye contact with him, so he quickly performed the etiquette of a junior. At this time, Cao Cao introduced the two. Li Tong, apparently not good at socializing, had no smile on his tense face and said somewhat stiffly, "Nice to meet you! Nice to meet you!"
“Liu, Guan, and Zhang, the three brothers, have been here for a few days and have made friends with General Li's sons, often going to the wilderness for hunting and recreation,” Miao said with a smile;
“The skills of Liu, Guan, and Zhang are truly extraordinary. In such a short time in Yanzhou, they have defeated six renowned swordsmen from this region. However, they do not recognize anyone except Xiao Tian. It makes us all curious and eager to see your unparalleled swordsmanship, Xiao Tian,” Cao Cao said cheerfully;
At this moment, Zhang Xiaotian finally learned about the actions of the three brothers. He didn't know whether to feel happy or worried. It seems that he cannot leave Cao Cao for the time being.
Upon hearing someone mention his son, Li Tong showed a rare smile and said, "Xiaotian, whenever you have free time, please come to my house for a chat. My unfilial children all admire you!"
Zhang Xiaotian didn't have a chance to respond, and the gatekeeper bowed and announced, "General Cao Hong has arrived!"
Zhang Xiaotian looked towards the gate and saw a burly man, dressed in a battle gown, striding in confidently.
The atmosphere in Yanzhou is indeed different from Chang'an, with no entourage of family soldiers bustling around, nor a band playing music to welcome guests. It is simple and straightforward, which actually makes Zhang Xiaotian feel relaxed and at ease.
At this moment, Cao Hong's gaze was fixed on Zhang Xiaotian, and Zhang Xiaotian and He Miao quickly saluted. Cao Hong showed great demeanor and smiled in return.
"Dang!" A loud sound rang out. Eighteen imposing guards, with tiger-like backs and bear-like waists, entered the hall from the rear hall, holding long spears and walking in a neat formation on both sides.
The sound of footsteps descending the stairs followed, and at that moment Zhang Xiaotian realized that Wang Rong and Xiao Ben had been in the hall on the previous floor. Hearing that the guests had already arrived, they finally came down to host the banquet.
At the same time, it can be inferred that Cao Cao and Wang Rong had a close relationship as they were secretly discussing in the previous level.
At this moment, the people on both sides knelt down to welcome the arrival of Prince Bohai.
First, four eunuchs walked out solemnly, followed by eight pretty young maidservants. They were dressed mainly in blue, accentuated with shades of purple and red, giving off a somewhat rustic vibe, far from the luxurious robes and embroidered garments of the court.
They divided into two groups, with two men and four women in each group, standing on one side.
The sound of jingling pendants rang out, and Zhang Xiaotian's eyes brightened. He saw Wang Rong wearing a short jacket embroidered with patterns made of golden thread, shining brightly.
It is extremely eye-catching, with a skirt trailing on the ground and a high bun palace costume. When walking, it sways like a willow in the wind, further accentuating her slim waist, ample buttocks, and alluring charm deep in her bones.