Chapter 72: An Unexpected Honey Trap

For nearly half a month, the two armies observed a ceasefire.

The soldiers stationed at Sishui Pass lived as leisurely as old men taking a stroll after a meal. After eating and drinking their fill, they would climb up to the city walls, find a spot to lie down, and bask in the warm sunlight, as comfortable as could be imagined.

Life inside Sishui Pass was even more pleasant.

Though Yuan Shu remained somewhat conflicted, his overall mood was cheerful. When he was in good spirits, the troops ate well, and every few days there was even mutton bone soup, though there was little meat in it...

The soldiers’ daily routine revolved around “chasing after Chen Cong” and “watching Pan Feng.” These two activities had become the latest trend.

There was little need to elaborate on the former—after all, as the “Unbeatable Chen,” who wouldn’t want to bask in the aura of a godlike general, hoping perhaps a little luck would rub off on them?

As for “watching Pan Feng,” it was no longer truly about Pan Feng himself. Ever since General Pan had regained consciousness, he spent his days parading the enemy captive, Hua Xiong, around the camp.

Hua Xiong’s name still carried weight among the allied forces. Though most had never laid eyes on him, all had certainly heard of him—a mighty general from Xiliang, towering and formidable, who had once routed the coalition’s commanders and sent them fleeing in disarray.

If not for the personal intervention and capture by the indomitable Chen, who knew if the alliance would still be shivering outside the gates of Sishui Pass?

Now, with the chance to see him up close, who wouldn’t want a story to boast about in future conversations?

Today, the pass was especially lively, for both of these trends converged.

“Well, if it isn’t Feng’er! Out walking Hua Zi again, are you?”

At the sight of Chen Cong, Pan Feng immediately dropped his air of arrogance.

He straightened his back, tucked in his stomach, lifted the corners of his mouth at a forty-five-degree angle, and trotted over, bowing obsequiously. Even Chen Cong felt a chill at his sycophancy, half-expecting him to blurt out something like “Imperial Army”...

“General Zining, if I may! With nothing better to do, I thought I’d take the captive out for a stroll and let the troops see the spoils of your victory that day.”

Chen Cong could only twitch his lips.

He understood why Pan Feng would loudly address him by his courtesy name to show their closeness—after all, they were familiar enough that being overly formal would seem strange. But this mix of titles and self-effacing deference was just too much; they had no superior-subordinate relationship, so why all the ceremony?

As for “showing off the spoils of victory,” that was just nonsense. After all, with his feats of seizing the pass and battling fierce foes, did Chen Cong really need a captive to prove his valor?

It was clear Pan Feng was putting on a show, hoping others would assume he was the one who had captured Hua Xiong...

“Honestly, Feng’er, can’t you be a bit more sincere? If your martial skills are lacking, just work harder at them—what’s the point of all this posturing?”

Pan Feng looked embarrassed, then forced a bitter smile. “I’m not like you, blessed with superhuman strength. I couldn’t even best Hua Xiong.”

Hua Xiong, breathing heavily, retorted, “You wretch! What do you mean ‘couldn’t even best Hua Xiong’? And what of me? Back in Liangzhou, I was a man of renown! How is it that in your mouth, I’ve become some petty ruffian unfit to stand on ceremony?”

Chen Cong couldn’t help but laugh.

One uttered “not like you,” the other replied “back in my day.” He hadn’t expected them to be such a well-matched pair of rivals.

After a good laugh, Chen Cong clapped Pan Feng on the shoulder and spoke earnestly, “Don’t belittle yourself, Brother Pan. To wield a mountain-cleaving axe weighing a hundred catties is to surpass ninety percent of men in this world. If you can cast off superficialities and devote yourself to training, there’s no reason you too cannot earn a hero’s name.”

Pan Feng was deeply moved, his eyes reddening, and he lingered in the warmth of being called “Brother Pan.”

Had this been among the generals of Cao’s camp, they’d have long since slipped away. But honest Pan Feng patted his chest and promised solemnly, “Rest assured, Zining. I’ll heed your advice, dedicate myself to my training, and make a name for myself!”

Chen Cong laughed. “Brother Pan, you still don’t understand.”

“Huh?”

“The important thing isn’t simply diligent training, but to cast off superficialities and settle your heart.” Chen Cong stressed the words “cast off superficialities.”

Pan Feng scratched his head. “And how does one do that?”

“It means being clearly aware of your weaknesses and shortcomings, and not showing off.”

Pan Feng nodded thoughtfully. It was true—he’d always used weapons that were too heavy. Maybe he should lighten them in the future.

Looking up, he found Chen Cong still smiling at him. “Do you have further advice, Zining?”

Chen Cong was no dispenser of inspirational platitudes; he wouldn’t come just to enlighten Pan Feng. The real purpose was now clear.

“If your giant axe is too much for you to handle, don’t just let it go to waste. If you don’t mind, brother, I’d be honored to take your fine weapon and earn glory on the battlefield.”

That’s right—Chen Cong had come to make a deal.

It couldn’t be helped. His Tiger Wing Spear was gone, and while the Flying Tiger Halberd was an acceptable substitute, who knew when it might break? It was always wise to have a few spare weapons.

And as luck would have it! Pan Feng loved to show off, and his mountain-cleaving axe was both heavy and beautiful—naturally, it was Chen Cong’s first choice.

Pan Feng’s eyes sparkled.

If Invincible Chen wielded Peerless Pan’s weapon to sweep all before him, wouldn’t they both become legends?

“Of course! Since Zining doesn’t mind, I’ll fetch it for you now!”

“No need for such formality, Brother Pan. Let’s go together.”

Hua Xiong snorted, “Fool, he’s just buttering you up to get your weapon.”

“Bah!” Pan Feng didn’t even bother to glance at Hua Xiong.

Did he not know? Of course he did! So what?

Chen Cong had been perfectly polite—what was he supposed to do, have Invincible Chen point at his nose and say, “Feng’er, your axe is mine now”? Would Pan Feng dare refuse even half a word?

A short while later, Chen Cong returned to his tent, mountain-cleaving axe slung across his back, thoroughly satisfied.

He had barely settled in when a soldier arrived to report.

“General, there is a man at the foot of the wall calling himself Li Su. He requests an audience with you outside the city.”

Chen Cong gave a light “oh?”—clearly, business was at hand.

This Li the Broker was known as Dong Zhuo’s foremost persuader, and had once lavished Lü Bu with gifts.

A bringer of fortune such as this naturally deserved to be received warmly and reaped for all he was worth.

With this in mind, Chen Cong led his steed Jue Ying out and leaped into the saddle, riding out of the pass in no time.

…

Beyond Sishui Pass, at the foot of the city, stood a man of about seven feet, with high brows and a broad forehead—an honest-looking fellow.

Chen Cong suspected nothing and greeted him amiably, “Might you be Brother Li?”

Li Su was taken aback.

The renowned Invincible Chen, so easy to meet? And so friendly?

He remembered being frightened out of his wits by Lü Bu’s guards when he approached that camp. He had expected that a figure even fiercer than Lü Bu would be surrounded by at least a thousand horsemen.

“I am Li Su. Greetings to General Invincible.”

“Haha, well met, well met!” Chen Cong dismounted and clasped his hands in greeting. “What brings Brother Li here today?”

Li Su glanced at the armored soldiers atop the wall, then gestured, “Might I trouble you for a private word?”

Chen Cong did not refuse. The two led their horses a good thirty or forty paces away, well out of earshot of the guards.

Li Su spoke slowly, “The Grand Tutor wishes to invite you to become his son-in-law. What is your opinion, General?”

Chen Cong nearly stumbled, gasping in shock.

Remembering Dong Bai’s lovely face, his heart began to race uncontrollably.

“I’d love to! Why wouldn’t I?” Chen Cong grabbed Li Su’s arm. “Where is she? Where is she?”

Li Su, startled by the fervent green gleam in Chen Cong’s eyes, quickly withdrew his hand. “The lady is far off in Luoyang, but if you give your consent…”

Chen Cong nodded frantically.

Li Su: …

Could it really be this easy?