When Cao Cao raised his army in Chenliu,he had kin such as Xiahou Dun and Cao Hong among his ranks,along with renowned warriors like Li Dian and Yue Jin.However,what he truly lacked were genuine strategists of great acumen.

The onerous task of logistics had fallen upon Cao Hong.Despite being a man of some roughness,known for his avarice and parsimony,he was far from adept at handling accounts,which were riddled with flaws.Each time Cao Cao inquired about the state of logistics and supplies,Cao Hong would invariably find himself on the receiving end of a reprimand.Hence,the sympathetic glances that now fell upon him from the others.

Yet this time,it was different.Cao Hong stood there,devoid of any nervousness.Instead,he stepped forward with confidence,saluted Cao Cao,and then retrieved a scroll of bamboo slips from within his robes.With smooth eloquence,he reported,"My lord,based on our current army's scale of twelve thousand men and five hundred warhorses,we have one hundred and fifty thousand shi of grain remaining,sufficient for a year's consumption.Additionally,there are fifty million in funds at your disposal."

Historically,when Cao Cao had mustered his army in Chenliu,he had exhausted his family's wealth and relied on the support of the Wei family,yet managed to recruit no more than five thousand soldiers.Now,with ease,he had assembled a force exceeding ten thousand,along with five hundred warhorses,and had ample grain and funds.All of this was owed to Lin Yu's audacious tomb-raiding strategy.

Cao Cao felt a swell of gratitude towards Lin Yu,but then a sense of suspicion tugged at him.He eyed Cao Hong askance and queried,"General Zilin,how is it that you can present the accounts with such clarity today?"

Everyone else also regarded Cao Hong in astonishment.In previous accounting sessions,he had always been evasive and muddled,often forcing Cao Cao to redo the calculations himself.Today's display was a world apart from his past conduct.

Cao Hong scratched the back of his head and flashed a sheepish grin."My lord,to be candid,it is all due to Mr.Lin Yu."

Cao Cao's interest was piqued."What do you mean by that?"

"A few days ago,when you acquired that large sum of military funds,you know my ineptitude in such matters.It gave me an excruciating headache.So,I sought Mr.Lin's assistance,"Cao Hong recounted in detail his plea for help from Lin Yu.

Upon hearing of the new accounting methods and numerical symbols,Cao Cao's heart quickened,and he said,"Zilin,let me examine the accounts."

Cao Hong dared not delay and promptly handed over the bamboo slips.Xiahou Dun,Xiahou Yuan,and the others nearby were consumed by curiosity and craned their necks to look.

After Cao Hong's explanation,all present grasped the purpose of the new accounting method and numerical symbols.Cao Cao's eyes sparkled,and he stroked his beard,murmuring,"These methods are truly both simple and efficient."

"Lord,it is evident that Lin Yu is a man of great talent and should be entrusted with significant responsibilities,"Xiahou Dun asserted.If Lin Yu's prior plan of tomb-raiding could be considered somewhat controversial,then his new accounting method and the symbols,which were known as Arabic numerals and could enable a rough-edged man like Cao Hong to manage the accounts with order,were ample proof of Lin Yu's capabilities.

Cao Cao nodded slightly,yet remained silent.Although puzzled,the others knew Cao Cao's nature and understood that he had his own designs,so they held their tongues.

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"Very well.Pass the order.We shall break camp at dawn tomorrow and make our way to Suanzao to rendezvous with Yuan Shao and the others,"Cao Cao commanded in a solemn tone.

"Understood!"came the unanimous response.

...

As night enfolded the camp,Cao Cao made his rounds,ensuring the soldiers were prepared for the morrow.Then he returned to his tent.Gazing at the solitary lamp upon the table,he let out a soft sigh.

Xiahou Dun,who had been following him,was startled and couldn't help but ask,"My lord,with our strong army,abundant supplies,and the impending alliance with Yuan Shao at Suanzao to oppose Dong Zhuo,why do you sigh so forlornly?"

"It is this very campaign against Dong Zhuo that plagues my thoughts,"Cao Cao replied with a rueful smile.In his early years,he had battled the Yellow Turban rebels and was no stranger to warfare.But Dong Zhuo,who held the emperor captive and represented the Han court,boasted the powerful Xiliang cavalry.Their actions against him were,in essence,tantamount to rebellion.

Xiahou Dun offered solace."Dong Zhuo's actions have incensed both heaven and the people.Our campaign against him will surely meet with success."

Seeing that Cao Cao's brow remained furrowed,Xiahou Dun paused for a moment,then suggested with a smile,"If you are so troubled,my lord,why not seek counsel from Lin Yu?"

"Consult him?"Cao Cao hesitated,then shook his head."It is not fitting."

"Why not?"Xiahou Dun asked,bemused.

"Although today's accounting matter has demonstrated his competence,to be honest,Yuanrang,I have not yet fully placed my trust in this man,"Cao Cao said slowly.In his eyes,while Lin Yu was clearly talented,his background was veiled in mystery.What if he were a spy dispatched by Dong Zhuo?

"You are being overly cautious,my lord!"Xiahou Dun couldn't help but chuckle."Since you are not at ease with him,it would be better to meet with him tonight and make a prompt decision."

Cao Cao considered this and consented.If Lin Yu were indeed Dong Zhuo's spy,it would be best to eliminate him posthaste.He rose to his feet and,accompanied by Xiahou Dun,made his way towards Lin Yu's quarters.

Before Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun could draw near to Lin Yu's tent,a deep,resonant voice boomed out,"Who goes there?!"

Then,a figure as massive as a small hill barred their path.It was none other than Dian Wei,Lin Yu's sworn brother.

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

"I've never laid eyes on Lord Cao.How am I to know if you're telling the truth?"Dian Wei snorted coldly."What business brings you here at this late hour?"

"How insolent!"Xiahou Dun scowled,his temper flaring.

But Cao Cao stayed him with a gesture and inquired with a smile,"May I know the name of this valiant man?"

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

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

"Wait here,"Dian Wei said gruffly before turning and entering Lin Yu's tent.

"Lord,he's just a lowly soldier,rude and disrespectful.Why be so courteous to him?"Xiahou Dun asked,perplexed.

"He has a formidable appearance and a fierce mien.He is clearly no ordinary fellow,"Cao Cao replied.Always one to appreciate talent,he was not bothered by Dian Wei's brusqueness,instead being impressed by his imposing presence.

In a short while,Dian Wei emerged from the tent,and Lin Yu hastened to greet them."Lord Cao!To what do I owe this late-night visit?"

"Mr.Lin,I hope you'll forgive this intrusion at such an hour,"Cao Cao jested.

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

Once they were seated,Cao Cao's gaze involuntarily drifted towards Dian Wei,who stood guard at the entrance,his massive form a silent sentinel."Mr.Lin,I must commend you on your choice of protector.Dian Wei is a formidable presence."

Lin Yu smiled,acknowledging the compliment."Dian Wei is indeed a loyal and valiant companion."

Cao Cao then turned to the matter at hand."Mr.Lin,I have come to discuss the strategy for our upcoming campaign against Dong Zhuo.Your insights have proven invaluable in the past,and I seek your counsel now."

Lin Yu bowed his head in respect."I am honored that you think so highly of my abilities,Lord Cao.I will do my utmost to provide you with the best advice I can offer."

As the night deepened,the tent was lit by the soft glow of the lamp,casting shadows that danced upon the faces of the men within.Outside,Dian Wei stood watch,his vigil unwavering as the discussions inside continued late into the night,shaping the course of the alliance against Dong Zhuo.