bullyxtreme Chapter 18 Your brother-in-law alone is worth ten thousand soldiers!
Chapter 18 Your brother-in-law alone is worth ten thousand soldiers!
Xu Chu squatted to the side, watching Gu Cheng first take his mother's pulse, then lift her eyelids to examine her carefully. Every move he made seemed to be a master of medicine, but his methods were completely different from those of ordinary doctors.
"This young master, could it be that he is also skilled in medicine?"
Xu Chu pondered to himself, and suddenly hope surged in his eyes.
After a brief examination, Gu Cheng said, "Your mother has no external injuries. She must have been too frightened by the tiger, which caused her cardiac arrest."
"Heart...cardiac arrest? What does that mean?"
Xu Chu looked completely bewildered.
Gu Cheng pointed to his chest and said, "To put it bluntly, I was so frightened that my heart stopped beating."
"What?"
"If the heart has stopped beating, doesn't that mean the person is already dead?"
"Mother, my mother!"
Xu Chu's face was filled with grief and indignation. He rushed to his mother's side and was about to burst into tears.
Gu Cheng quickly comforted her, "Brother Xu, don't rush to cry. Your mother's cardiac arrest lasted only a very short time, so there might still be a chance to save her."
Xu Chu turned sharply to look at him, exclaiming in shock, "No heartbeat! He's clearly dead! How can he be brought back to life?"
Gu Cheng didn't have time to explain further. He turned around and sternly ordered Zhou Tai to have someone quickly bring over his first aid kit.
Zhou Tai didn't dare to delay for a moment and delivered a box in the blink of an eye.
Gu Cheng opened the first-aid kit, took out a vial of adrenaline, and was about to inject it into Xu Chu's mother.
Xu Chu was horrified when he saw that the man was about to give his mother acupuncture, and shouted sternly, "What are you doing?"
"If you want to save your mother's life, you'd better stay right there!"
Gu Cheng glared at him coldly and shouted in an unquestionable tone.
His stern shout carried an invisible pressure that actually intimidated Xu Chu, causing him to involuntarily retreat to the side.
Gu Cheng then carefully and cautiously injected the adrenaline into the old woman's body.
After completing this step, he immediately placed his hands together on her chest and began performing chest compressions.
Xu Chu was completely bewildered, squatting to the side in a daze, utterly unable to understand what Gu Cheng was doing.
"This person's heart has stopped beating, and they're not breathing. Can they still be saved?"
Even Zhou Tai, who was standing to the side, was secretly wondering to himself.
Sudden.
The old woman's body trembled violently, and she let out a weak moan, actually managing to catch her breath again.
Gu Cheng actually saved her!
"No way, can someone who's stopped breathing really be brought back to life?"
Zhou Tai was stunned, his eyes instantly filled with disbelief, as if he had witnessed a miracle.
"My mother came back to life! She really came back to life!"
Xu Chu was overjoyed and immediately pounced on him.
Gu Cheng let out a soft breath, then lowered his sleeves and jumped down from the carriage.
"Liheng, you can even bring someone back to life! Even Bian Que reborn couldn't do that. Your skill is truly miraculous!"
Zhou Tai's eyes were filled with undisguised amazement and admiration.
Gu Cheng simply smiled faintly.
After a short while, Xu Chu settled his mother down and jumped off the carriage.
He strode forward, knelt down before Gu Cheng with a thud, cupped his hands, and said loudly, "Young master saved my mother's life. For such a great kindness, please accept my deepest bow!"
Before he finished speaking, he knelt down in deep reverence.
"It was nothing, Brother Xu, there's no need for such formalities."
Gu Cheng remained calm and helped him up.
Xu Chu stood up and said solemnly, "I have no way to repay your great kindness. If there is anything you need me to do in the future, please feel free to ask."
Gu Cheng looked at Xu Chu in front of him, already having a plan in mind.
Xu Chu's martial arts skills were comparable to Dian Wei's, and what was even more remarkable was his loyalty and courage.
He already has Zhou Tai by his side. If he could also get Xu Chu as his personal bodyguard, who could threaten his safety when he travels the world?
Now that Xu Chu has taken the initiative to repay his kindness, how could he let such a good opportunity slip by?
A thought flashed through his mind, and Gu Cheng asked, "Brother Xu, where are you planning to go?"
"That scoundrel Yuan Shu sent his troops to plunder and loot the people everywhere. Even Ruyin County was looted by Yuan Shu's troops. I originally planned to take a group of my clan brothers and head north to avoid the disaster."
"Who would have thought that such an accident would happen halfway there? Luckily, I was fortunate enough to meet you, young master."
Xu Chu recounted the whole story in detail, his face filled with hatred when he mentioned Yuan Shu.
Gu Cheng nodded slightly and then said, "My name is Gu Cheng, and I am from Xudu. My family is fairly well-off. If Brother Xu is willing, you can bring your clansmen to stay at my Xu family in the future. We can share the food and the wealth together."
He gave Xu Chu ample face, without directly revealing his intention to hire him as a bodyguard, but the implication in his words was quite clear.
Xu Chu understood the meaning behind Gu Cheng's words and hesitated for a moment.
"A true man's word is his bond, especially since Young Master Gu saved our lives. What are you still hesitating for!"
From inside the carriage came the stern voice of Xu's mother.
Xu Chu instantly realized his mistake, immediately bowed deeply, and solemnly said, "I am willing to follow you, young master, and swear to protect you with my life."
"Alright, I, Gu Cheng, have decided that you're my brother."
Gu Cheng helped him up again and said with a smile, "I will send someone to take your mother back to the Gu family in Xudu first. Zhongkang, you come with me to Xia Cai first, and then we will return to Xudu together."
Xu Chu readily agreed, "I will follow your orders, young master!"
Gu Cheng burst into laughter, raised his hand, and shouted, "Bring all the best wine from our ship! Tonight, I'm going to have a good drink with Brother Zhongkang!"
Xu Chu had not expected him to be so bold and unrestrained, and felt an even stronger affinity with him, so he couldn't help but burst into laughter as well.
South of Xu County, at the Ying River ferry crossing.
Dozens of warships flying merchant flags were already moored at the ferry crossing.
Cao Cao's elite soldiers were quietly boarding the ships under the cover of night.
"My dear son-in-law, I hope your brilliant plan will help me take Shouchun in one fell swoop!"
Cao Cao stood with his hands behind his back on the pier, watching the soldiers board the ships one after another, silently reciting to himself.
The rapid sound of hooves suddenly rang out, and a man galloped over on horseback; it was Cao Jie's servant who had accompanied her in her dowry.
"Reporting to the Minister, the young lady has a letter to present to you."
The servant leaped off the horse and presented a letter with both hands.
Cao Cao took the letter and read it, his brows furrowing deeply: "Why does Liheng, that child, suddenly want to go to Xiachai without even giving us a heads-up?"
Gu Cheng left in such a hurry that Cao Jie did not have time to report to him in person. He could only send a servant to inform Cao Cao of the matter before Gu Cheng's departure.
"Father, why is my brother-in-law going to Xia Cai? Doesn't he know we're about to send troops to attack Xia Cai? It's a place rife with trouble and dangerous people!"
Cao Ang's face was full of confusion and bewilderment.
He was one of the few people, besides Xi Zhicai and Dian Wei, who knew Gu Cheng's identity.
"Who can say for sure? Your brother-in-law's actions have always been unpredictable."
Cao Cao sighed helplessly, tapping his forehead with his fingertip, his face full of trouble.
After pondering for a while...
Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "Ang'er, after we take Xia Cai, you don't need to do anything. Just take a group of men, find your brother-in-law, and protect him well."
"Father, on this southern expedition, I still long to fight on the front lines and earn merit for you!"
Cao Ang was filled with the fighting spirit to go into battle and kill the enemy, but his face showed a hint of reluctance.
"Foolish!"
Cao Cao glared at him fiercely: "Your brother-in-law's wisdom is comparable to Zhang Liang's; he alone is worth a million soldiers. Your ability to protect him is a tremendous achievement!"
Cao Ang was instantly jolted awake by the shout and quickly bowed, saying, "Your son was confused. Father is right. Father, please rest assured, your son will not let my brother-in-law lose a single hair!"
Cao Cao nodded in satisfaction.
Once all the troops had boarded the ships, Cao Cao gave the order, and the army sped downstream along the Ying River, heading towards Huainan.
...
Xia Cai County Town.
This city is located at the confluence of the Ying River and the Huai River, serving as the vital gateway to the west of Shouchun City.
Yuan Shu's troops were divided in two: half were stationed in the Xuyi area to confront Lü Bu, while the other half were stationed along the Hefei line to resist Sun Ce's large-scale attack.
Because Cao Cao remained silent, Yuan Shu concluded that Cao Cao intended to sit back and watch the two tigers fight, and had no intention of personally launching an attack against him.
Therefore, the garrison in Xia Cai City numbered only about two thousand men at most.
However, Yuan Shu was not entirely unprepared for Cao Cao's actions, and it was his crown prince, Yuan Yao, who ordered the city to be garrisoned.
On this day, the setting sun was casting its last rays in the west.
On the city tower of the North Gate, Yuan Yao stood with his hands behind his back, his face full of gloom.
"How hateful! I don't know what tricks Cao Cao used, but he managed to entice the two traitors, Sun Ce and Lü Bu, to betray my father! How hateful!"
Yuan Yao gritted his teeth in hatred, but deep confusion welled up in his eyes.
"Recently, there have been rumors that Cao Cao has gained the assistance of a reclusive and extraordinary person. This person is so wise that he is almost supernatural, comparable to Zhang Liang reborn."
"I dare to speculate that Cao Cao must have used this man's scheme to lure Sun Ce and Lü Bu into betraying Your Majesty!"
Situ Yang Hong, standing behind him, bowed and guessed.
"A reclusive eccentric?"
Yuan Yao gasped sharply: "No wonder Zhang Xiu was so easily wiped out by Cao Cao, and Liu Biao's 40,000-strong army was also defeated in a strange way. Could it all be the work of this reclusive eccentric, a scheme devised for Cao Cao?!"
That's most likely the case.
Yang Hong nodded slightly: "Although Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai are good at planning, they are not capable of planning to this extent. Apart from this reclusive genius, I really can't think of anyone else with such extraordinary wisdom!"
Yuan Yao couldn't help but shudder, and said with a worried expression, "If that's really the case, then if Cao Cao leads his army to attack Huainan, how could we possibly be his match?"
"Your Highness need not worry too much."
"Cao Cao simply wanted to use Sun Ce and Lü Bu to wear down our troops so that he could reap the benefits."
"But Sun Ce and Lü Bu are not fools either. Didn't Your Highness see that they were only confronting our army and not attacking with all their might? They just didn't want Cao Cao to reap the rewards for nothing."
"As long as we can stall until Yuan Shao unifies Hebei and marches south, Cao Cao will have no time to deal with us."
Yang Hong smiled and offered words of comfort.
Yuan Yao breathed a sigh of relief, a mocking look appearing on his face: "Minister Yang is right. Even if that traitor Cao has some extraordinary person helping him, I don't believe that person can be so extraordinary as to be omnipotent!"
The two men, master and subject, exchanged a smile.
Suddenly.
The soldiers guarding the city cried out, "Your Highness, it seems there's an army approaching from the northwest!"
Yuan Yao was shocked and quickly looked up into the distance.
A cloud of dust billowed into the sky and swept in.
On the official road north of the city, thousands of cavalrymen galloped towards the north gate of Xia Cai.
"It's Cao Cao's banner! Cao Cao's army is coming!"
Yang Hong was the first to recognize the flag, and he cried out in a trembling voice.
Yuan Yao's face instantly paled in horror, and he cried out in alarm, "Minister Yang, didn't you say that Cao Cao only wanted to sit back and watch the tigers fight? How come his army has suddenly appeared in Xia Cai?"
"This, this..."
Yang Hong was filled with shock and confusion, and couldn't explain himself at all.
Yuan Yao suddenly snapped out of his daze, drew his sword, and shouted sharply, "Quickly, close the city gates! The entire army must scale the walls to meet the enemy!"
The urgent sound of gongs as a warning instantly resounded throughout the city walls.
Below the city gate, Yuan's soldiers rushed forward in a panic, trying to close the city gate as soon as possible.
It's too late.
Cao Jun's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry arrived too quickly; before Yuan Jun could even raise the drawbridge, they had already rushed to the city gate.
Xiahou Yuan took the lead, charging into the city gate and cutting down hordes of Yuan soldiers who were busy closing it.
Yuan Jun was instantly terrified and retreated, no one daring to take another step forward.
The main force of Cao Cao's army, like a raging torrent, poured into the city gates and crushed the panicked Yuan army.
In an instant.
Yuan's army was slaughtered, their cries of agony echoing as they scattered and collapsed.
The army collapsed like a house of cards!
Cao Cao's cavalry led the way, followed by infantry that surged into the city and began fighting everywhere.
The entire city of Xia Cai had become a living hell for Yuan's army.
As the sun set, the shouts of battle gradually subsided.
The battle flags of Cao Cao's army were already flying above all four city gates of Xia Cai City.
Cao Cao climbed the city wall and looked south into the distance, where the rolling Huai River was already within reach.
By crossing the river here, his army could march straight towards Shouchun City.
"Li Heng's calculations were absolutely accurate. That traitor Yuan Shu was indeed completely unprepared for me!"
Cao Cao stroked his long beard, sighing inwardly.
At this time.
Xiahou Yuan strode up the city wall and forcefully pinned the two prisoners down in front of Cao Cao.
"I hereby report to the Minister of Works, these two traitors are none other than Yuan Yao and Yang Hong. One is Yuan Shu's eldest son, and the other is his trusted advisor. Please make your decision!"
They actually captured Yuan Shu's eldest son alive!
A glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes, and he shouted sternly, "Yuan Yao, you traitor, do you know your crime!"
"It was my father, Yuan Shu, who was misled by treacherous people and insisted on usurping the throne. I have tried to dissuade him many times. I beg Minister Cao to see the truth."
At the critical moment of life and death, Yuan Yao's will collapsed instantly, and he chose to kneel down and beg for mercy without hesitation.
His cowardly and shameful behavior drew contempt from all the Cao army soldiers around him.
Cao Cao sneered, "Yuan Shu, that all-knowing but empty-headed man, has fathered a son who is just as incompetent. Like father, like son!"
Yuan Yao was ridiculed in public, but he didn't dare to utter a single word.
"Someone come here!"
A murderous glint flashed in Cao Cao's eyes. He raised his hand and shouted sharply, "Drag this traitor out and behead him! Hang his head on the city wall to intimidate all the rebels in Huainan!"
The Tiger Guards immediately swarmed forward, grabbed Yuan Yao, and dragged him away.
"Lord Cao, spare my life! Spare me! I am willing to surrender to you!"
Yuan Yao howled pitifully all the way, but was still mercilessly dragged away.
Cao Cao turned his gaze to Yang Hong and said coldly, "Yang Hong, you traitor, do you have anything to say before you die?"
Yang Hong's face was deathly pale, and he was filled with despair.
He was Yuan Shu's trusted advisor. Many of Yuan Shu's ministers advised against Yuan Shu's claim to the throne, but he was the only one who fully supported him.
Given the heinous crimes he committed, even if he knelt down and begged for mercy, Cao Cao would never have spared him.
Yang Hong raised his head shakily, his face full of bitterness, and said, "The victor is king, the loser is villain. I have nothing to say. I only want to ask Cao Sikong one question: Was this plan of your surprise attack on Xia Cai once again suggested by some reclusive genius?"
Cao Cao did not answer.
This silence is tantamount to acquiescence.
Yang Hong then cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Before you kill me, I beg you to tell me who this extraordinary person is, so that I may die in peace."
Cao Cao coldly replied, "A traitor like you is unworthy to know his name. Guards, drag him away and behead him!"
Tiger Guards immediately stepped forward, grabbed Yang Hong, and dragged him away.
"Cao Cao, Cao Aman, please tell me, who is that extraordinary person? Who is he?!"
The mournful and desperate cries echoed for a long time atop the city wall.
Cao Cao looked south and cracked his whip: "Send the order: the army shall immediately cross the Huai River to the south, besiege Shouchun City, and give Yuan Shu a huge surprise!"