433. Cao Cao's Family Time & Dong Cheng's Death

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As the meeting adjourned, Cao Cao's advisors left the room with a sense of resolve. The shift in strategy was necessary, but it also marked a pivotal moment in their campaign. Cao Cao remained in the room, staring at the map of the battlefield. His thoughts were a whirlwind of strategies and contingencies. The losses had been severe, but he was determined to turn the tide. He knew that in the art of war, adaptation and resilience were key.

Cao Cao's intense focus on the map was interrupted by a knock on the door. He looked up, a mix of curiosity and irritation crossing his face. The door opened, revealing his eldest son, Cao Ang, followed by his younger brothers, Cao Pi and Cao Zhang.

Cao Cao's expression softened slightly at the sight of his sons. "What brings the three of you here to the palace?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and fatherly concern.

Cao Ang stepped forward, a respectful smile on his face. "Father, Mother Ding and Mother Bian sent us to ask you come home for lunch. They believe you need to take a break and spend some time with the family to relieve the pressure you have right now."

Cao Cao's stern demeanor melted a little more. He knew his wives were right. The constant strain of war and the weight of leadership had been taking its toll on him. A break, however brief, would be a welcome respite especially since his headache would worsened everytime he was under pressure.

Cao Pi, ever the observant one, added, "Mother said it's important for you to take some rest, Father. You've been working tirelessly."

Cao Zhang, the youngest and most enthusiastic, chimed in, "Yes, Father! We miss you at home. You also need to eat and rest too so that you could be like the here on the story you told me!"

Cao Cao couldn't help but smile at his sons' earnest pleas. He knew that despite the heavy responsibilities he bore, his family was his true strength and solace. "Very well," he said, rising from his seat. "Let us go home and have lunch together."

As they ride back to the Cao residence, Cao Cao felt a rare moment of peace. His sons chatted about their activities and shared stories, bringing a touch of normalcy to his otherwise tumultuous life.

When they arrived, Lady Ding and Lady Bian welcomed them warmly. The table was set with a variety of delicious dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and love.

As they sat down to eat, Cao Cao felt the tension of the past weeks ease a little. Surrounded by his family, he allowed himself to relax and enjoy the moment, allowing his mind and body to rest for a short time.

Lady Ding, always the considerate one, placed a bowl of his favorite soup in front of him. "You need to take care of yourself, My Lord. I know how desperate the situation is, but the war can wait for a little while as you recuperate your body and mind."

Lady Bian nodded in agreement. "Your health is important, My Lord. We cannot afford to lose you due to sickness or even painting due to overworked."

Cao Cao looked around the table at his family. He knew they were right. The war would continue, and his responsibilities would not diminish, but these moments with his family were precious.

For a while, the worries of the battlefield faded into the background. The laughter and chatter of his children, the loving presence of his wives, and the comfort of a good meal reminded him of what he was fighting for. It was not just power and territory, but the safety, happiness, and continuity of his family.

As they enjoyed lunch together, Cao Ang couldn't help but voice the question that had been on his mind. "Father, has the situation deteriorated so badly that we have to be on the defensive now?"

The dining room fell into a heavy silence. Lady Ding and Lady Bian exchanged concerned glances, ready to scold Cao Ang for bringing up such a serious topic during a rare family meal. But before they could say anything, Cao Cao raised his hand to silence them, his gaze fixed on his eldest son.

"It's alright," Cao Cao said calmly. "He has a right to know." He put down his chopsticks and looked at each of his children in turn. "The truth is, yes, the situation has become difficult."

As Cao Cao said this words, he sigh before continuing his sentence. "We've faced significant setbacks and have lost some key battles and valued commanders. For now, we must focus on fortifying our positions and preparing for a prolonged defense."

Cao Pi, even though had just entered 11 years old, was always sharp and inquisitive, leaned forward. "What caused this change, Father? Was it the battle strategies, or are we facing stronger opponents than expected?"

Cao Cao sighed, a mixture of pride and weariness in his eyes. "A bit of both. The opponent we face, Lie Fan, have proven to be very formidable. His strategies are clever and the power of his army and generals is very strong."

"We've underestimated them, and it's cost us dearly. But this isn't the end. We are adjusting our tactics and learning from our mistakes." As he finishes his word, Cao Cao take his chopstick and take a bite of the meat in his bowl.

Cao Zhang, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "Don't worry Father! I'm sure that we'll bounce back, Father! Your Army are also strong, and we have Father to lead them alongside the Uncles who always visit our house to see you!"

Lady Ding reached over and gently squeezed Cao Cao's hand. "We believe in you, My Lord. No matter the challenges, we are here to support you."

Lady Bian nodded in agreement. "And don't forget, you have loyal advisors, generals, and brave soldiers who are dedicated to your cause."

Cao Cao felt a renewed sense of determination welling up inside him. "Thank you, all of you. Your support means more to me than you know. We will face these challenges together, and we will overcome them."

The atmosphere in the dining room lightened slightly, and they resumed their meal, with sense of unity could be deemed in the room. As they shared stories and laughter, Cao Cao knew that this moment of respite was essential.

Unlike Cao Cao, who could take a momentary respite with his family, Dong Cheng and his group were now facing the harsh consequences of their actions. Their efforts to sow chaos within Xuchang and other towns under Cao Cao's control had initially borne fruit.

However, the tide had turned with Lie Fan gaining the upper hand and pushing back Cao Cao's forces, even capturing several key towns in the central plains.

With the Oriole agents, who had been instrumental in Dong Cheng's schemes, being pulled back by Jia Xu for other critical tasks, the delicate balance that had allowed their activities to go unnoticed began to crumble. Cao Cao's advisors, relentless and astute, soon started to uncover the roots of the disruptions.

One by one, members of Dong Cheng's group were identified, captured, and brought to justice. The interrogations were swift and ruthless, designed to unearth every detail of the conspiracy.

Dong Cheng himself, realizing the net was closing in, tried to organize an escape but found that his options were rapidly dwindling.

In a dimly lit room, Dong Cheng sat with several of his closest confidants, the atmosphere heavy with tension. "We underestimated Cao Cao's advisors," he admitted, his voice strained. "I don't know how, but our network which shoudk have been very safe and secure is now exposed."

One of his loyal subordinate, a grizzled veteran named Huang Shui, nodded grimly. "I think we need to leave Xuchang immediately, Master Dong Cheng. Staying here will only lead to our deaths and implicate the Emperor and the Empress whoc couldn't be known was involved in this plan, as even without any evidence Cao Cao will punish them as they had connections with you."

"But where will we go?" another conspirator, Yu Fu, asked. "Every town in the central plains within our reach is either under Cao Cao's influence or was embroiled in a fierce fight. Our options are limited."

Dong Cheng clenched his fists. "We need to split up. It's our only chance. Some of us will head south, others west. We must survive to continue our resistance, ensuring that your majesty get back his rightful throne!"

As they hastily planned their escape, Cao Cao's men were already closing in. Dong Cheng's group scattered, each taking different routes to avoid detection.

However, their pursuers were relentless. Many were captured within days, their fates sealed by swift executions and their families was either made slave or sold to brothels.

Dong Cheng himself managed to evade capture longer than most, using his knowledge of the Xuchang's back alleys and hidden paths.

Yet, he knew it was only a matter of time before he was caught. His heart heavy with regret and resolve, he sent a final message to Lie Fan, informing him of their predicament and urging him to continue the fight against Cao Cao.

Unbeknownst to him, when the letter arrived at Lie Fan's hand he just laughed and immediately burned the letter, doesn't care about what is inside the letter as in his eyes Dong Cheng and his group was just expendable pawns.

As dawn broke over Xuchang, Dong Cheng found himself cornered in a dilapidated warehouse. Surrounded and outnumbered, he faced his captors with defiance. "You may kill me," he said, "but your days are numbered as Lie Fan is coming for all of you! Cao Cao's tyranny will not last forever."

His execution was carried out swiftly, and news of his death spread quickly through Xuchang. It served as a grim reminder to those who dared to oppose Cao Cao, but it also steeled the resolve of those who believed in the cause Dong Cheng had fought for.

When both Emperor Xian and Empress Dong heard the news of Dong Cheng's death, Emperor Xian could only slam his fist on the table in front of him while Empress Ding fainted causing her handmaidens and Emperor Xian to help her.

Inside his office at the Palace, Cao Cao received the news of Dong Cheng's capture and execution. He sighed, knowing that while one threat had been neutralized, the war was far from over. His eyes narrowed with determination. "Raise the security level at Xuchang," he ordered. "We will not let Lie Fan or any other insurgents cause chaos. This is far from over as Dong Cheng's death are just a raindrop in a vast ocean."

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Three Heroes Who Defeat Lu Bu

Age: 31 (198 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 825

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 936 (+20)

VIT: 598 (+20)

AGI: 583 (+10)

INT: 587

CHR: 96

WIS: 509

WILL: 397

ATR Points: 0