News of Yuan Shao’s massive army marching south quickly reached Xuchang. The atmosphere in the Sike (Minister of Works) office was as tense as iron. The shadow of war hung over the city—there was no room to maneuver.
Cao Cao sat at the main seat, face calm, yet the unconscious tapping of his fingers on the table betrayed his inner tension. Around him were his core advisors and generals: Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Yu Jin, Yue Jin, Zhang Liao, and others.
“The news of Yuan Shao’s mobilization has reached everyone, I presume,” Cao Cao said in a low voice. “Yuan Benchu is skilled. His vanguard, General Yan Liang, has already reached Liyang, while his main army will move shortly. They claim seventy thousand troops, advancing with overwhelming force.”
Latest reports confirmed that Yan Liang, leading several tens of thousands of elite troops, had crossed the Yellow River. Without lingering at Liyang, he was heading straight for the strategically crucial Baima City on the southern bank. Governor Liu Yan fought desperately, but the odds were grim—Baima was on the brink of falling.
Baima, under Dongjun jurisdiction (with its seat at Puyang), was a key river crossing in Cao Cao’s northern front line against Yuan Shao. Historically, the first battle of Guandu took place here.
“Yan Liang is fierce. If Baima falls, our defenses will be wide open, and Yan Province will be shaken! We must save Baima at all costs,” Cao Cao said gravely, his gaze sweeping over his generals.
General Xu Huang stepped forward, voice booming: “I volunteer! Yan Liang may be brave, but I am not afraid of him!”
Zhang Liao also requested to fight: “I will go with General Xu, and together we shall crush the enemy!”
Other generals, like Xiahou Yuan, also expressed their willingness to join the battle.
Advisor Xun You spoke: “My lord, Yan Liang is full of vigor. To face him head-on, even if victorious, will likely result in heavy losses. I propose a plan: you lead the main army to feign an advance toward Yanjin, creating the impression of crossing the Yellow River northward, threatening Yan Liang’s rear or even Ye City. Yuan Shao is suspicious by nature; he will be alarmed and split his forces to defend. At that moment, the pressure on Baima will lessen. I can then lead elite troops to strike swiftly, achieving a decisive effect.”
Cao Cao’s eyes lit up: “Your plan to ‘besiege Wei to rescue Zhao’ is brilliant! We shall proceed accordingly.”
Xun You, courtesy name Gongda, was a nephew of Xun Yu and a key strategist for Cao Cao, known for his cunning.
He immediately assigned commands: “Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, Yue Jin, follow me with the main force, make a bold advance toward Yanjin!”
“Xu Huang, Zhang Liao! You two lead the vanguard. Once Yuan Shao’s forces split, ride rapidly to Baima with elite cavalry and lift the siege! You must defeat Yan Liang and relieve Baima!”
“Understood!” Xu Huang and Zhang Liao responded with resolute fervor.
Cao Cao nodded approvingly, then glanced casually at Cao Pi, standing slightly behind the generals.
“Zhenhuan,” he called. (Zhenhuan being Cao Pi’s courtesy name.)
“I am here!” Cao Pi stepped forward, voice tinged with anticipation.
“You shall accompany me with the central army to Yanjin. You will coordinate troop movements, manage encampments, assist Xun You with military correspondence and orders. This is the backbone of the campaign. Not a single error is allowed—it is a chance to train your organizational skills.”
Cao Cao then looked at Cao Zhi: “Jian.”
“I am here,” Cao Zhi replied.
Cao Cao’s tone carried expectation: “You have assisted in military planning recently and shown insight. But war is life and death; it cannot be mastered on paper alone. General Zhang Liao is brave and experienced. You shall follow him to Baima as his adjutant, gaining real military experience. Observe, learn, and follow his orders—do not act independently. Can you do this?”
Cao Zhi, recognizing this as a signal that his father was beginning to cultivate his military abilities, suppressed his excitement and answered with respect: “I obey! I will follow your teachings and humbly learn from General Zhang, never acting presumptuously.”
Zhang Liao assured him: “Rest easy, my lord. I will protect him and impart all I know.”
Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction: “Very well. Wen Yuan, I entrust Jian to you. Take care of him at Baima!”
“Understood!” Zhang Liao and Cao Zhi answered in unison.
To conceal their movements, the main army left the main road, while Xu Huang and Zhang Liao led elite cavalry along a secluded hilly path toward Baima.
Cao Zhi followed Zhang Liao, experiencing a completely different military life: the speed, stealth, reconnaissance, and tense pre-battle atmosphere. Zhang Liao and Xu Huang’s tactical discussions were eye-opening.
Though exhausted, Cao Zhi was exhilarated. Riding alongside Zhang Liao, he conversed, learning about the art of command. As evening fell, the troops sought a suitable campsite.
Suddenly, distant shouts, cries, and the characteristic whistles of Xiongnu cavalry came from behind a hill.
“Situation!” Zhang Liao immediately alerted the troops, raising his hand to halt their advance. “Scouts forward! Full vigilance!”
The scouts quickly returned: “General! In the valley ahead, dozens of Xiongnu cavalry are chasing a group of civilians! Their attire identifies them as Han women!”
“Xiongnu scum! How dare they trespass!” Zhang Liao’s eyes flashed, turning to Xu Huang, who also looked grim.
“Xu Huang, you guard the main force here in case of ambush. I will take a squad to investigate,” Zhang Liao said.
“Be careful, Wen Yuan,” Xu Huang nodded.
“I will go with you, General!” Cao Zhi insisted—he could not stand idly by while his fellow countrymen were slaughtered.
Zhang Liao hesitated briefly: “Fine, but stay close and do not rush ahead.”
“Understood!”
Zhang Liao led about a hundred of the finest cavalry, charging like a whirlwind toward the valley.
They saw dozens of Xiongnu cavalry mercilessly chasing and cutting down a group of terrified, ragged Han women. Several lay dead on the ground, their cries piercing.
“Kill!” Zhang Liao roared, leading his troops like a tiger leaping down a mountain.
Cao Zhi followed closely, witnessing the enemy up close for the first time—their savage faces, curved blades, and brutal intent. His heart raced, but his hands clenched the sword with blue-veined strength from rage.
The elite troops under Zhang Liao struck suddenly, scattering the Xiongnu. Swords flashed; several enemies were slain or unhorsed.
The remaining Xiongnu fled north in panic. Zhang Liao ordered a brief pursuit, killing a few more, but avoided deep chase to prevent falling into a trap.
The battle ended quickly. The shaken women gathered, bowing in gratitude to Zhang Liao and Cao Zhi. They were haggard, clothed in rags, bearing the marks of long torment, yet relief shone in their eyes.
“Thank you, General, for saving our lives!”
Cao Zhi dismounted gently: “Please rise. Where are you from, and why were you being chased by the Xiongnu?”
An older woman sobbed, stammering: “We… we are civilians from the Yanmen region of Bingzhou… Several years ago, the Xiongnu raided south, capturing us… we suffered endless torment…”
Cao Zhi’s gaze swept over them, noticing one woman standing slightly apart. Her clothes were tattered, yet her posture was calm and composed. Unlike the others, she did not cry or plead. Her face was not dirty but had an even, darkened tone, as if smeared with plant dyes or ash over time. Only her eyes, lowered but clear, revealed her inner state.
Another younger woman, face bloodied but eyes bright with hope, spoke eagerly: “It was… a general on a white horse with a silver spear! Last night, he infiltrated the Xiongnu camp alone, caused chaos, and rescued us!”
Cao Zhi and Zhang Liao exchanged surprised glances. Who had such courage and skill in these lands?
The young woman continued: “That general is highly skilled. He ordered us to flee south while he held off the pursuing troops… We never thought a second Xiongnu patrol would catch up… Were it not for your timely arrival, sir…” She sobbed again, “He covered us, fighting nearly a hundred Xiongnu! Please, send troops to rescue him!”
Cao Zhi asked urgently: “Do you know this Zhao general’s name?”
She shook her head: “I was too focused on escaping to notice.”
At this moment, the silent woman with the unusual appearance stepped forward. She bowed gracefully to Zhang Liao and Cao Zhi in a precise, old-style courtly gesture. Despite her tattered clothes, her posture was impeccable.
Her voice, hoarse from the ordeal but clear and steady, rushed out: “Generals, forgive my impertinence. Last night, during the chaos, I faintly heard the Xiongnu leader shouting in their language, repeatedly mentioning ‘Changshan’ with fear. I only speculate that it relates to the brave man who stayed behind. I know little of military matters and speak only to aid you.”
Changshan? The words jolted Cao Zhi. Could it be… Zhao Yun of Changshan? One of the top warriors of the Three Kingdoms!
Cao Zhi turned to Zhang Liao: “If true, this Zhao general is a hero of unmatched loyalty! He would never leave civilians to die!” He immediately ordered his subordinates: “Report to Xu Huang and request immediate reinforcement! The rest of you, follow me to assist!”
Zhang Liao met Cao Zhi’s resolute gaze and, without a word, led the hundred elite cavalry toward the direction the woman had indicated, charging like the wind.
“Wait here for now. We will leave guards to protect you,” Cao Zhi told the women.
The silent, remarkable-looking woman bowed slightly again: “Thank you, generals. May you triumph and return safely.” Her words were polite, neither humble nor arrogant.
Cao Zhi turned his horse, and with Zhang Liao and the elite cavalry, rode off. Yet the image of that calm, extraordinary woman was imprinted deeply in his mind. Who was she? Among so many details, she stood out—and why did she deliberately conceal her appearance?