Chapter 14: Chen Liu's Exploits; Cao Cao is Rescued

  In the outskirts of Luoyang's Tiger Trap Pass, Cao Cao was currently dressed in tattered clothes, with a dusty face and disheveled hair, resembling a beggar. He leaned against a large tree, panting heavily, silently cursing: "Benchu, Ziyuan, you two are really ungrateful! You abandoned Mengde to run back alone, while you crossed the Yellow River safely, Mengde still has to go through the heavy checkpoints of Yanzhou to return to Qiao County! Thinking of this, Cao Cao helplessly looked up at the sky and continued his escape. Being caught by Dong Zhuo wouldn't be a pleasant experience; Dong Zhuo's methods of killing people were truly cruel - boiling, steaming, frying, you name it!

  Just as Cao was cautiously and carefully making his way through Dong Zhuo's encirclement, Lü Bu had already arrived in Chenliu. At this time, Lü Bu's identity was that of a wealthy merchant's son from Shandong. Hehe, having arrived in Chenliu, he still needed to conceal his identity; otherwise, if Dong Zhuo were to discover him, it would be unlikely that he would escape with his life intact.

  Near dusk, in the inn where Lü Bu was staying, Xu Shu, Dian Wei, Hua Tuo and Lü Bu sat around a small table. Lü Bu was waiting for the scout's report on whether Cao Cao had been captured by the county government or not arrived at Chenliu yet. The Records of the Three Kingdoms has too little records, there is no clear record of the day Cao Cao arrived at Chenliu, so Lü Bu can only try his luck.

  The scout soon returned to report, and upon seeing Lü Yi, he knelt down and said: "Your Excellency, we did not find any sign of Cao being detained in any prison within Chenliu City. Moreover, wanted posters of Cao are still being displayed throughout the territory of Chenliu. Should we expand our search area?"

  Lü Rui looked at the detective, shook his head, and the detective cupped his hands and left.

  Xu Shu watched Lv Rui from the side, thinking that this son is filial and righteous. Although Cao Cao is not his biological father, he is so concerned about him, going deep into Chenliu to gather information about Cao Cao's situation. Such filial piety is rare even among biological sons. Xu Shu's opinion of Lv Rui increased once again.

  Lv Rui did not expect that bringing Xu Shu out this time would bring such a gain. Xu Shu had agreed to follow Lv Rui mainly for the sake of his mother, and in order for Xu Shu to truly devote himself, Lv Rui must have something extraordinary about him!

  Looking at Lv Rui's changed expression from laughter to anger, with a worried look on his face, Xu Shu cupped his hands and said: "Lord Hou, since there is no news about Cao Da, it is good news, indicating that Cao Da is still safe. Let's wait for our scouts in Qiao County to return before making plans. In my estimation, Cao Da has not been captured by Dong Zhuo at present, and he should be heading towards Chenliu now."

  Lü Rui listened and looked at Xu Si without saying a word.

  Xu Shu said: "Lord Hou, according to the information we received, Cao Gong should have left Luoyang half a month ago. Luoyang and Chenliu are not far apart, and fast horses can arrive in three days. Cao Gong's prolonged absence is likely due to evading capture, and he may be returning to Qiao Prefecture on foot or by detour. Chenliu is a must-pass route, please Lord Hou wait patiently, there will definitely be good news." Xu Shu didn't know if the four-year-old child Lü Rui understood his analysis, but with Lü Rui's intelligence, he should understand!

  Lv Rui nodded and smiled slightly after listening, Xu Shu's analysis was almost the same as what was recorded in history. Dian Wei, who had been listening to Xu Shu's words on the side, grew impatient and shouted: "Lord Hou, it's time to eat, Old Dian is starving! If Lord Cao gets caught, I'll lead a team to rush into the prison and rescue him!" After finishing speaking, he rubbed his own belly.

  Looking at Dian Wei's appearance, Lü Bu pointed to him and smiled: "Alright, let's go eat!" After that, he went down with the three of them to have a meal.

  Lü Rui's inn was a merchant guild, providing rest and accommodation for traveling merchants. It was a complex place with all sorts of people coming and going, including many Jianghu artists performing their skills. This was Xu Shu's suggestion, hiding in plain sight, making it convenient for Lü Rui to move around and conceal his identity. The four of them found a relatively quiet attic room and sat down to eat dinner.

  Just as the four of them were having their meal, a Taoist-looking man suddenly walked in, glanced at Lü Rui, and shook the bell in his hand, saying: "Young master, you have something on your mind, and your food is not going down well."

  Lü Rui was taken aback, looked up and saw the fortune teller. Had his own distraction just now, flipping through the dishes in his bowl, attracted this person? Lü Rui felt annoyed, threw down his chopsticks and said: "No fortune telling, get out!"

  Dian Wei, standing beside him, clenched his fists and said: "Fortune teller, are you not leaving? I'm angry with the young master, and I'll twist your head off!"

  The fortune teller shook his head, smiled, and rang the bell in his hand. He chuckled and said: "A song of 'Rì' falling on Western Mountain, if there's no one to appreciate it, isn't it like the high mountain flowing water, Bo Ya not meeting Ziqi? What a pity!" After finishing speaking, he sang a song of 'Rì' falling on Western Mountain and was about to leave.

  Lü Rui and Xu Shu were both taken aback for a moment, what does "one tune" mean? Cao's character? Fallen Western Mountain, there is a hint in the words. Thinking of this, Lü Rui and Xu Shu simultaneously said: "Slow!" After finishing speaking, the two exchanged a glance, Lü Rui thought to himself, indeed worthy of being Xu Shu, thinking of it so quickly, while Xu Shu thought, Master Hou is indeed clever, at such a young age he already understands riddles!

  Xiang Shi smiled and said: "Sir, your words seem to have a hidden meaning. My young master would like to invite you to sit down and have a good chat."

  The scholar nodded and adjusted his clothes before sitting down. Xu Shu asked, "Sir, where are you from and what brings you here?"

  The fortune teller bowed and said: "I am just a wandering person in the rivers and lakes, good at physiognomy, traveling everywhere, relying on this to make a living. My way of doing business is: fortune telling, collecting money, leaving a message, and leaving!

  Lü Rui smiled to himself upon hearing this, thinking that he had run into a fortune teller. He hadn't expected to meet one here, but listening to his words, he didn't seem like an ordinary fortune teller.

  The fortune teller looked at Xu Shu and said, "This gentleman, I see that your fate has changed recently. Congratulations, sir! You will definitely be able to make a name for yourself in the future!"

  Xu Shou listened and didn't think so. The fortune tellers in the world are not credible, and the fate has changed? Isn't this nonsense? He said with a sneer!

  Lü Rui was taken aback, this person is not simple! After Xu Shu defected from Liu Bei to Cao Wei in history, he never spoke again and remained unknown. A strategist who defeated Cao Ren, the wise general of the Cao army, disappeared like this. The physiognomist's words, Xu Shu's fate has changed, could it be that his fortune was really revealed by physiognomy?

  The fortune teller saw Xu Shu's disbelieving expression, smiled and said: "Sir, your family has an elderly mother who should have died an untimely death. Now, sir, your fate has changed, go to welcome your mother back, support her in her old age, this is truly a blessing in life!"

  Xu Shou was taken aback for a moment, how did he know that he wanted to go pick up his mother? Thinking of this, Xu Shou bowed and said: "Sir is a superior man, I admire you!" Although Xu Shou didn't quite believe his words, he could see that the other person knew about going to pick up his birth mother, so this person was not simple, and he needed to get a good understanding of him.

  Lü Rui listened, could it be true that there was such a divine person? Could he really see Xu Shu's future? No, it was impossible for such a person to exist in the world! Just as Lü Rui was deep in thought, the physiognomist bowed his hands again and said to Lü Rui: "This young master, I see that you have a noble appearance, your future official career can reach the position of a first-class official, and your lifespan is one hundred years."

  Lü Rui smiled and thought to himself: Even if you can calculate Xu Shu's fate, can you also calculate mine? Do you know where I come from? Lü Rui was feeling annoyed at the time, but seeing a fortune teller coming over to chat him up, he thought it would be a good way to pass the time. Eight-character divination? Ha ha, I'd like to see what you can do.

  Lü Rui glanced at the fortune teller and said, "Big beard, can you figure out where I'm from? If so, this young master will reward you with a gold brick. If not, heh heh, I'll smash your signboard!" After finishing speaking, he drew out his wooden sword and swung it a few times. Come on, let's see what you're capable of!

  The fortune teller took a look at Lü Rui and said: "Young master is from Qiao County, coming from the east!"

  Lü Rui burst out laughing and said, "Big Whiskers, you're right! Xu the steward will give Big Whiskers a gold brick. Off with you, this is enough to keep you going for a long time!"

  Xu Shou nodded and took out a gold brick to give to the fortune teller. The fortune teller accepted the gold brick, bowed his hands and said: "Thank you, young master. Please grant me pen and ink, I will write a message for the two of you."

  Xu Shou looked at Lü Rui, Lü Rui nodded, and Xu Shou ordered someone to bring out pen, ink, and paper, which were handed over to the fortune teller. The fortune teller wrote a few words for each of them and then left.

  After the fortune teller left, Lü Rui smiled and muttered to himself: "When I'm feeling annoyed, having someone like this to relieve my boredom is also a pleasure. Little Xu Xu, was he accurate or not?"

  Xu Shou nodded and said: "Young master, the fortune teller's words, at first I didn't believe them, but he spoke out my intention to welcome my mother, it was a shock to me, however now I understand."

  Lü Rui listened and asked: "What did you understand?"

  Xu Shou showed Lü Rui the jade ring on his hand and said, "Sir, this is a custom from my hometown. When a traveler goes out and returns to visit his mother, he must wear this thing. This gentleman travels all over the world and must know the customs of my hometown. If he doesn't know the customs, he will definitely believe this person!"

  Lü Rui took a look at Xu Si and indeed, he was a wise man. He quickly saw the strengths of this person, who had traveled extensively, had broad knowledge, was well-read and had strong memory, relying on observing words and expressions to please others and gain wealth!

  Dian Wei heard this and loudly exclaimed, "So that's how it is! I thought he was a divine being who knew our itinerary, but it turns out he was just a coincidental fortune teller! He almost fooled me!"

  At this time, Hua Tuo, who had been silent for a long time, looked at the three of them and said: "This person is not an ordinary physiognomist. Those who have been physiognomized by him are extremely accurate, with nine out of ten being correct!"

  "What? Old man Hua Tuo, you know him?" Lü Rui was taken aback for a moment, how could Hua Tuo possibly know the fortune teller of the Jianghu?

  Hua Tuo smiled and said: "Young master, I don't know him, but judging from his appearance, I've guessed who he is.

  Lü Bu listened and pointed at Hua Tuo with his chopsticks: "Old man, who is he?"

  Hua Tuo nodded and said: "He is a native of Pei State, I heard about this person when I was practicing medicine in Xuzhou. His name is Zhu Jianping, he's good at physiognomy, famous in Qing and Xu!"

  Lü Rui was stunned, Zhu Jianping? Others may not know him, but for Lü Rui, who has read the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is the number one physiognomist in the Three Kingdoms. He can accurately judge people and horses, with a success rate of almost 100%. Thinking of this, Lü Rui revealed an evil smile again, haha, this person is indeed talented, the kind of talent that Lü Rui likes the most! An unexpected idea was born in Lü Rui's mind, he wanted to use Zhu Jianping as a money tree!

  Lü Rui looked at Dian Wei and said: "Evil has come, you quickly send someone to intercept the scholar who just left, and bring him back to me!"

  Dian Wei listened, was stunned for a moment, nodded and went down. Unfortunately, Zhu Jianping had long since disappeared. Lv Rui didn't take it seriously either. Anyway, this person would surrender to Cao in the future, and then he could be brought over. Heh heh, little piggy, being an unknown official under Cao Wei is not as good as making money for me!

  Zhu Jianping's matter was just a minor episode in Lü Rui's journey to Chenliu, and it passed like that. Lü Rui didn't pay attention to Zhu Jianping either, but continued to focus on the situation in Chenliu, hoping to respond to Cao Cao as soon as possible and return to Qiao County.

  For several days, Lü Rui disguised himself as a rich merchant's son and went hunting outside the city, hoping to meet Cao Cao. Unfortunately, nothing came of it. As dusk approached on this day, Lü Rui and his men slowly returned to Chenliu.

  Lü Rui's mood also became urgent, what unexpected event could have happened to Cao? Lü Rui's arrival had already triggered a butterfly effect. Originally, there was no Duke of Qi in history, but Lü Rui had become one. Could it be that Cao's history would change? Thinking of this, Lü Rui's heart skipped a beat. If something unexpected were to happen to Cao, wouldn't he lose everything? Oh heaven, isn't this how you're playing with me?!

  As soon as they arrived at the city gate, Lü Rui saw a group of officials surrounding someone who appeared to be a beggar. Lü Rui took one look and realized it was Cao! He was taken aback for a moment before turning to Dian Wei and saying: "Quickly, that man in front is my arch-nemesis. Catch him for me, knock him out, I'll deal with him!" The situation had arisen suddenly, so Lü Rui could only think on his feet and first get Cao into his hands before doing anything else!

  Dian Wei heard this and immediately rode over, grabbing Cao from among the bailiffs with his left hand and binding him to the horse's back. With a blow of his right hand, he knocked Cao unconscious, then brought him to Lü Bu's side. The group of bailiffs was shocked by this sudden move, and after regaining their composure, they surrounded Lü Bu's cavalry.

  The leading yamen runner saw Lv Rui and his group, not being ordinary people, estimated to be a wealthy merchant or a young master of a noble family. The yamen runner shouted: "Who are you, daring to block the official interrogation?"

  Lü Rui took a look and immediately took down the whip beside the horse carriage, then fiercely whipped Cao, saying: "You damn rascal, how dare you steal from me? You're looking for death! I've finally found you, beat you to death, beat you to death!"

  Lü Rui's whip cracked with a zip, and Cao's body was lashed out with streaks of blood. The people around were shocked, Lü Rui actually had such strength, heh heh, learning from Wang Yue wasn't in vain!

  The official looked and was stunned. Is this a thief? Hua Tuo had met Cao before, seeing the situation, he immediately stood up and said: "Your Honor, this person is our family's old servant, half a month ago, he stole our young master's night pearl and ran out, unexpectedly meeting him here, our young master is still young and doesn't understand things, let the guard catch him, please forgive us."

  Xu Shou was a clever man, and at the sight of the situation, he knew that this person was going to be saved. He then took out two gold bars and handed them over to the officer, saying: "Officer, sorry about this, young master is new here and doesn't know the rules. We've been hunting around here for so many days, it's just a small token of our appreciation!"

  The leading official saw the gold and smiled, coughing a few times: "So that's how it is. From now on, don't do this again. When capturing servants, you must also consider the timing!"

  Xu Shou hastily cupped his hands and said: "Yes yes, sir, we will definitely pay attention."

  The leading yamen runner looked at Cao and then said: "You can go now. Don't do this again in the future."

  Lv Rui pointed at Cao and said: "Bring him, take him back, I will deal with him." After finishing speaking, he got into the carriage. The large team of people and horses then entered the city from the west gate. Cao was like a dead pig, tied to a horse by Dian Wei, and dragged into the city.

  Lü Bu entered the city and ordered his men to put Cao on a horse cart, then they sped away from the east gate of Chenliu towards Qiao Commandery.

  After Lü Rui left, a yamen runner said to the leading yamen runner: "Chief, I've been paying attention to that group of people for several days. Today I finally confirmed that the big man riding the horse is our Tian Wei from Chenliu!"

  The leader of the yamen heard this and said, "What, isn't Dian Wei rumored to have surrendered to Cao Cao's adopted son Lü Bu? Why didn't you say that earlier?"

  The yamen runner looked around and said, "Head, there are several hundred of them, they look like an army. Are we, the yamen runners, their opponents? Once the county soldiers arrive, won't we be lying dead in the streets already? Tian Wei killed people back then, you're not unaware of his bravery!"

  The leader of the constables was stunned and didn't speak for half a moment before saying, "Let's go, don't tell anyone about this, we'll continue to capture Cao!"

  In a broken temple outside the suburbs of Qiao County, after several days of traveling, Lv Rui and his group had already entered the territory of Qiao County. Today, everyone was resting here when suddenly, Cao's loud laughter echoed from within the temple!

  Cao Cao hugged Lü Bu and said, "Rui'er is clever, to think of the plan to flog Zhong Er in public, really formidable, worthy of being my Cao Mengde's foster son!" The words were all praise for Lü Bu.

  Lü Rui looked at Cao and was moved in his heart. Cao was indeed a true gentleman, broad-minded and magnanimous. Although Lü Rui had no choice but to do so, he had after all whipped Cao, yet Cao did not blame himself. Indeed, he was a true little man of great integrity!

  Lü Bu's whipping of Cao Cao is also recorded in history. The Book of Wei, Biography of Wenxinhou: Wenxinhou was naturally intelligent and on par with Emperor Wu's son Chong. At the age of five, he whipped Taizu, escaped danger in Chenliu, and it became a legendary tale! When Lü Bu saw Chen Shou writing this historical book, he burst out laughing, saying "I'm the one who whipped Cao Cao, the number one hero of the Three Kingdoms!"

  In the winter of 189 AD, Cao returned to Qiao Commandery, ready to start his career as a vassal lord. Lü Bu was also about to embark on his path as a Dragon's Minister! Cao Wei, Lü Bu has arrived!