Light and Shadow

Chapter 18 - Secret Plots and Blackmail

Xun Yu's eyes widened out of shock and disbelief. He couldn't believe that his Lord's showdown against Yuan Shao was approaching so quickly.

"Two days?" Xun Yu echoed.

"Yes, in two days," Cao Cao replied. He grinned mischievously. "What's the matter? Are you worried about me?"

"Of course I am. Although I do not doubt your ability to emerge victorious, I am still worried that something could happen. Something about this situation feels off." Xun Yu stated thoughtfully.

"In what way?" Cao Cao inquired.

"The use of spies is completely out of character for Yuan Shao, and we have not encountered any of them in a while. What if they plan to make a move and seize Xu while you are away?" Xun Yu answered.

"That is why I am leaving you in charge of Xu while I am away. You are more than capable of handling a crisis like that, should it occur." Cao Cao replied seriously.

Xun Yu frowned. There is something else that is troubling me, but I am not entirely certain what. It's not just the spies, I have an eerie feeling surrounding the entire battle. I suspect that Yuan Shao is merely bluffing, it would be incredibly difficult to supply such a massive army, even if he is an aristocrat; however, it is still possible that he has more troops, just not in as massive a supply as he claims. I know that my Lord can win, but why do I feel so anxious? What is going to happen once my Lord leaves for Guandu? If he is leaving in two days, doesn't that mean that Xiahou Dun and Guo Jia will be leaving as well? I'm sure that Xiahou Dun will notice the discrepancy in days and inform me of the change in plans for our lessons.

"I suppose you are right. I will do my best to please you and live up to your expectations." Xun Yu stated stoically as he bowed to the man.

Cao Cao frowned and grabbed Xun Yu's hands.

"Wenruo, there is no need to be so formal, especially not now," Cao Cao said gently. He then smirked. "If you're so eager to please me, come to my chambers tomorrow night."

Xun Yu blushed and sheepishly laughed at the man's statement as he looked down at their entwined hands. He waited a few moments for the man to say that he was joking, but he appeared to be serious. Xun Yu returned his gaze to Cao Cao, who eyed him with hope as he expectantly waited for a response. His eyes then widened with realization, and he chuckled.

"Oh, I know what you're thinking. I didn't mean it in that way. I just meant that it would make me happy if you spent time with me before I left, that's all." Cao Cao stated.

Xun Yu gave him a dubious look.

"If you say so," Xun Yu replied, still not entirely convinced. "I planned on spending time with you tomorrow anyway, so I will plan to see you then. Are you planning on returning to the palace soon?"

"Good, I am looking forward to it," Cao Cao said as he released Xun Yu's hands and stood up. "I was about to leave. Why do you ask?"

"May I accompany you? There are some things that I need to take care of at the office." Xun Yu admitted shyly as he got up.

"Of course." Cao Cao replied happily.

He was eager to walk with Xun Yu, even if it was not for very long. He enjoyed basking in the man's presence. Night washed over the land, bathing the city of Xu in an inky black veil that was pierced by the light of the moon. Xun Yu walked with Cao Cao to the front door and quickly closed it as they exited the building. He then began walking to the palace with Cao Cao, who wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close. Xun Yu blushed, feeling somewhat anxious and startled by the man's public display of affection.