Chapter 7: A Night Visit to Lin Yu

When Cao Cao raised his army in Chenliu, he had relatives like Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong, as well as famous warriors like Li Dian and Yue Jin under his command, but he lacked genuine strategists.

The heavy responsibility of logistics fell on Cao Hong. Although Cao Hong was known for his greed and stinginess, he was also a rough and ready man, and his management of accounts was full of holes. Every time Cao Cao inquired about the logistics and supplies, Cao Hong could not avoid being scolded, which was why everyone looked at him with sympathy.

However, this time was different. Cao Hong was not at all nervous; instead, he confidently stepped out of the line, saluted Cao Cao, and then took out a scroll of bamboo slips from his bosom, reporting smoothly: "Reporting to our lord, based on the current scale of our army with 12,000 men and 500 warhorses, we have 150,000 shi of grain left, enough for a year's consumption. Additionally, there are 50 million funds available for our lord's disposal."

Historically, when Cao Cao raised his army in Chenliu, he spent all his family's wealth and relied on the support of the Wei family, managing to recruit no more than 5,000 soldiers. Now, he could easily gather a force of over 10,000 men, plus 500 warhorses, with ample grain and funds to spare, all thanks to Lin Yu's strategy of tomb raiding.

Cao Cao felt a surge of gratitude towards Lin Yu, but then he sensed something amiss and looked at Cao Hong suspiciously, asking, "General Zilin, why are you able to report the accounts so clearly today?"

Everyone also looked at Cao Hong in surprise. In previous accounting sessions, he had always been evasive and unclear, forcing Cao Cao to recalculate everything himself. But today's performance was a stark contrast to his past behavior!

Cao Hong scratched the back of his head and grinned, saying, "My lord, to be honest, it's all thanks to Mr. Lin Yu."

Cao Cao quickly asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"A few days ago, when you acquired a large amount of military funds, you know I'm not good with these matters, and it gave me a terrible headache. So, I went to Mr. Lin for help," Cao Hong recounted his request for Lin Yu's assistance in detail.

Upon hearing about the new accounting methods and numerical symbols, Cao Cao's heart stirred, and he said, "Zilin, let me take a look at the accounts."

Cao Hong did not dare to delay and quickly handed over the bamboo slips. Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and others nearby could not contain their curiosity and leaned over to see.

After Cao Hong's explanation, everyone understood the purpose of the new accounting method and numerical symbols. Cao Cao's eyes brightened, and he stroked his beard, saying, "These methods are indeed simple and efficient!"

"Lord, it is clear that Lin Yu is a talent and should be given significant responsibilities!" Xiahou Dun affirmed. If Lin Yu's previous plan of tomb raiding could be considered a dubious path, then his new accounting method and the symbols known as Arabic numerals, which could make even a rough man like Cao Hong manage the accounts in an orderly fashion, were proof enough of Lin Yu's abilities!

Cao Cao nodded slightly but did not say more. Although puzzled, everyone knew Cao Cao's character and understood that he had his own plans, so they kept silent.

"Alright, pass the order, we will break camp at dawn tomorrow and head to Suanzao to meet with Yuan Shao and the others!" Cao Cao commanded in a deep voice.

"Understood!" everyone chorused in acceptance of the command.

…

As night fell, Cao Cao inspected the camp, ensuring that the soldiers were prepared, then returned to his tent. Looking at the lonely lamp on the table, he sighed softly.

Xiahou Dun, who was following behind, was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "My lord, with our strong army and ample supplies, and the upcoming alliance with Yuan Shao at Suanzao to confront Dong Zhuo, why do you sigh for no reason?"

"It is because of our upcoming campaign against Dong Zhuo that I worry," Cao Cao said with a bitter smile. He had fought against the Yellow Turban rebels in his early years and was not afraid of battle, but Dong Zhuo, who held the emperor and represented the Han court, had the powerful Xiliang cavalry, making him a formidable adversary. Cao Cao and Yuan Shao's actions were essentially no different from rebellion.

Xiahou Dun comforted him, saying, "Dong Zhuo's counterproductive actions has provoked the anger of heaven and people; our campaign against him will surely be successful."

Seeing that Cao Cao's brows remained furrowed, Xiahou Dun thought for a moment and suggested with a smile, "If my lord is troubled, why not consult with Lin Yu?"

"Consult him?" Cao Cao hesitated and shook his head, saying, "It's not appropriate."

"What's inappropriate about it?" Xiahou Dun asked, puzzled.

"Although today's accounting issue has proven his capability, to be honest, Yuanrang, I haven't completely trusted this man yet," Cao Cao said slowly.In his view, although Lin Yu had talents, his background was unclear. What if he was a spy sent by Dong Zhuo?

"You are overthinking, my lord!" Xiahou Dun couldn't help but laugh. "Since my lord is not at ease with him, it would be better to meet him tonight and make an early decision."

Cao Cao thought it over and agreed. If Lin Yu was indeed sent by Dong Zhuo, it would be best to eliminate him as soon as possible. So he stood up and, with Xiahou Dun, headed towards Lin Yu's quarters.

Before Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun could approach Lin Yu's tent, a deep and powerful voice rang out: "Who goes there?!"

Then, a figure as big as a small hill blocked their way—it was none other than Lin Yu's sworn brother, Dian Wei!

"You're blind! This is Lord Cao!" Xiahou Dun shouted sternly.

"I've never seen Lord Cao before; how should I know if you're telling the truth or not?" Dian Wei snorted coldly. "It's so late; what business do you have here?"

"How rude!" Xiahou Dun frowned, about to get angry.

But Cao Cao stopped him with a hand and asked with a smile, "May I know the name of this brave man?"

"I am Dian Wei, at the service of Mr. Lin Yu!" Dian Wei replied in a deep voice.

"Please inform Mr. Lin that Cao Mengde has come to pay a visit!" Cao Cao said with a light chuckle.

"Wait a moment." Dian Wei left these words and turned to enter Lin Yu's tent.

"Lord, this man is just a lowly soldier, so rude and disrespectful, why are you so polite to him?" Xiahou Dun asked, puzzled.

"He has a robust appearance and a fierce aura; he is clearly no ordinary person." Cao Cao, who always appreciated talent, did not mind Dian Wei's disrespect as he was impressed by his imposing presence.

In a short while, Dian Wei came out of the tent, and Lin Yu hurriedly greeted them, saying, "Lord Cao! What brings you here?"

"Mr. Lin, I hope you don't mind my late-night intrusion?" Cao Cao joked.

"Lord Cao, what are you saying? Please come in." Lin Yu invited Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun into the tent.

Once everyone was seated, Cao Cao unconsciously cast his gaze towards Dian Wei.