Meanwhile, in Chenliu of Yanzhou.
"Lord Cao," Gong Ren pleaded, "Wen Li might have been at fault, but he is after all a noted scholar under heaven. Besides, he was considering the great cause of the Han Dynasty, and his intentions were ultimately good. I implore you, Lord Cao, to spare him this time!" Chen Gong rushed over as soon as he learned that Cao Cao intended to kill Bian Rang, hoping Cao Cao would abandon the thought.
"Gongtai, let us not discuss this matter any further. Bian Rang dared to collude with outer officials to seize Yanzhou from me—how can I not execute him!" Cao Cao glared at Chen Gong, saying with a gloomy face.
"Lord Cao, Wen Li was merely confused for a moment, and he did not intend to seize Yanzhou!" Chen Gong advised loudly, "He only wished to integrate the forces of several feudal lords to rescue the Emperor."