Chapter 8: Leveraging Momentum

Step by step, they press forward, instilling fear at every turn. Cornered, Cao Chan has effectively utilized the power of the Wang family to achieve his objectives

What exactly does the brother want to do? Since he is aware of the Wang family's power, why would he let the tiger return to the mountain? This time, it was Liao Hua who asked the question first, as Cao Chan's words were truly difficult to comprehend

You truly seek your own demise. Xiong Hu was genuinely enraged, stepping forward to grasp Cao Chan by the collar. With arms as muscular as the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, he lifted Cao Chan off the ground by his collar, raising him three feet into the air.

"Then hurry and call the brothers above to come down the mountain, we must leave quickly," Liao Hua stated the truth. With the city so close, this person with the surname Cao should not be foolish enough to lie, and he felt anxious as he spoke.

If we do not gamble at this moment, then we have no choice but to ask Chief Liao to kill us and flee to another place. Cao Chan said to Liao Hua, cupping his fists and speaking calmly

If it is said that in the seemingly perilous environment created by Cao Chan through speculation and intimidation, the Wang family represents the ultimate power. In a moment of thought, they hold the lives and deaths of Liao Hua and others in their hands. Then Cao Chan finds himself in a precarious position, maneuvering skillfully, allowing Liao Hua the choice of life or death

However, what Cao Chan mentioned as being closer piqued Liao Hua's curiosity. He couldn't help but ask: "Closer?"

"What kind of way out is this?" This time, even Pei Pao couldn't help but ask.

And *the picture book* "This is a gamble with one's life." Liao Hua said with a frown.

In the distant past, there were Chen Sheng and Wu Guang; in more recent times, there were also great sages and virtuous teachers, as well as the three dukes and generals of heaven, earth, and humanity. Hehe, besides these, there are even more recent figures. Cao Zhan pointed to the sky, referring to the distant Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, and more recently, the Zhang Jiao brothers, while sneering.

"Let it return," Cao Chan said calmly, pointing to the cart behind him

Even Chen Wan, who was behind him, felt that Cao Chan's audacity was excessive, almost boundless. Unable to contain himself, he tugged at Cao Chan. However, Cao Chan brushed aside Chen Wan's hand and smiled at Xiong Hu, saying, "I believe, but with this delay of one night, the hope for the three leaders to escape becomes increasingly slim."

Chen Sheng and Wu Guang are historical figures, but Pei Pao and others are unaware of them. However, Liao Hua had read a few books in his early years and could read, so he naturally knew about them. The next situation is quite similar to that of the Zhang Jiao brothers

Since the three leaders have stayed in Chenliu, they will undoubtedly leave behind traces. The advantage of the imperial army lies in uniting with the people. Before you even leave Yuzhou, you will likely be ambushed on the way. Cao Chan, however, continued to sneer, leveraging the power of the Wang family.

"Brother." Xiong Hu turned his gaze towards Pei Po. He was the type of person who liked men with a certain boldness, yet he himself was not particularly daring. At that moment, he felt rather flustered, as if he had lost his composure, and things had taken a turn for the worse.

Cao Chan nodded in his heart, truly deserving of being a figure among the countless heroes of the Three Kingdoms, having risen to the rank of marquis. He could see at a glance that while this method seemed good, the initiative was entirely in the hands of the Wang family. Even the slightest misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences

"The city of Peicheng is not far away. If Chief Xiong does not believe it, he may inquire for himself," Cao Chan said, his expression unchanged, in a calm manner.

"Peicheng is so close; one can find out with just a little inquiry. He cannot be lying. It should be true." Before the already changed Pei Pao could respond, Liao Hua spoke in a deep voice.

There is no difference. After careful consideration, Liao Hua finally spoke with difficulty

Is there still a way out? To be honest, although Cao Chan spoke of the Wang family as being so illustrious, they were unaware of how esteemed the Nine Ministers in the court truly are. However, even the position of Inspector is quite formidable. Therefore, the deeply despairing Xiong Hu, upon hearing Cao Chan mention that there was still a way out, felt a surge of joy and could not help but ask excitedly.

Various distinguished figures and heroes rely on this kind of character to navigate among the heroes, preserving their lives and achieving continuous advancement, with countless examples to illustrate this

It is said that they have just migrated from Hebei to Chenliu. They have suffered the hardships inflicted by the imperial troops more than once or twice on the way. That experience is truly unpleasant

If the power of the Wang family is indeed as Cao Chan described, they could completely mobilize troops to eliminate the bandits in Chen Liu and other areas. Under a collapsed nest, how can there be intact eggs? The incident of the Wang family's young lady being kidnapped will eventually be discovered; it is only a matter of time. As Cao Chan previously stated, every step is a dead end.

Even if the three leaders hold this young lady captive, the Wang family will still respond promptly. This is probably no different from letting a tiger return to the mountain. Cao Chan carefully analyzed the ultimate path of this group of Yellow Turbans. In the minds of Liao Hua and others, it is deeply rooted that having offended the Wang family severely, there is only the path of destruction ahead.

Since that is the case, why not return the young lady? She comes from a prominent family and values her reputation. Surely, she would not disclose the fact that she was kidnapped by robbers. At most, she could fabricate a story, claiming that she encountered robbers on the road and managed to escape. Furthermore, even if the Wang family were to learn of this incident, given the nature of officials who are concerned about their reputation, since the young lady has returned safely, they would likely not make a big fuss about it. Cao Chan maintained a calm expression as he explained this in detail.

"Stop it." Liao Hua stepped forward in a swift motion, extending his hands to restrain Xiong Hu. With great force, he forcibly retrieved Cao Chan, not even having the time to offer an apology. With a glint of unusual intensity in his eyes, he asked, "If what my brother says is true, do we brothers have no way out?"

Indeed, they remained unperturbed even when faced with the collapse of Mount Tai before them

Liao Hua's complexion changed only slightly, akin to a book, while Xiong Hu's face turned pale, incredulously exclaiming: "Isn't it just that we went out and robbed a carriage attended by a few servants? How could this involve such a prominent family?"

Where are you going?

He nodded and said: "Yes."

Cao Chan is not someone who lacks appreciation; the words just spoken were already sharp and cutting. It is not appropriate to provoke these three individuals any further now

Feeling weak, after being lifted into the air for a while, Cao Chan's face turned pale, cold sweat streamed down his face. After taking a few deep breaths, Cao Chan coldly said to Xiong Hu: "That depends on how the leaders act. If they behave like Leader Xiong, then the path to survival will turn into a path to death."

After arriving in this era, for the first time engaging in such activities, Cao Chan unexpectedly experienced a feeling that he had never encountered since coming to this time.

Upon hearing those words, Liao Hua's expression changed. The coachman claimed to be from the Wang family of Peicheng, and it was initially thought that he was merely from a prominent local family. However, it turned out that he was actually from an official family, and his official rank was quite significant.

In Cao Chan, the demeanor that various renowned figures and heroes of this era relied upon for survival began to emerge, known as character and integrity, which is most likely to garner people's favor, especially that of those who consider themselves heroes

For the Yellow Turbans, it does not matter whether it is the main lineage or a branch; as long as there are high-ranking officials such as the Inspector and the Nine Ministers mentioned in the court, it can intimidate people. Today, Cao Shan is leveraging the power of the Wang family to exert some control over these Yellow Turbans

Hehe," Cao Chan chuckled as he turned around, pointing to the magnificent carriage behind him, "Do the three leaders know whose young lady you have kidnapped? The Wang family. The Wang family of Peicheng, while considered a family of officials, is not very large; at most, they have held the position of a county governor. However, the Wang family you have encountered is a branch family, while the main lineage belongs to the Wang family of Taiyuan, which is the true family of officials, with numerous officials holding positions such as Inspector and Nine Ministers. The three leaders have kidnapped the legitimate young lady of the Wang family today; tomorrow, it is possible that the entire military of Yuzhou will come to Yuzhou. But they are merely a branch family, and the main lineage belongs to the Wang family of Taiyuan, which is the true family of officials, with numerous officials holding positions such as Inspector and Nine Ministers. The three leaders have kidnapped the legitimate young lady of the Wang family today; tomorrow, it is possible that the entire military of Yuzhou will come to Yuzhou. What difference does it make to die today or die tomorrow?

"You little brat, don't get too cocky. Do you believe that before the official army arrives, I could kill you all first and then comfortably snuggle up with the young girl in the carriage for a nap?" Seeing Cao Chan's unwavering confidence and disregard for them, Xiong Hu was infuriated.

"You are right; those wealthy families value their reputation above all else," Xiong Hu said with a look of relief and happiness on his face

The excitement and anxiety of staying at home made Cao Chan's blood almost accelerate at double speed. Yet strangely, Cao Chan's expression grew increasingly calm, as if he were quietly and coldly observing Liao Hua.

Taking advantage of others' momentum to suppress them