Chris Lewis had just heard the soldiers address him as General Evans, so he guessed this man might be Robert Evans. Seeing the murderous look in Robert Evans's eyes, he panicked and shouted, "Thomas Evans, are you trying to harm me?"

Robert Evans's courtesy name was Thomas, which very few people knew, not even many generals. Robert Evans was taken aback—how did this young man know his courtesy name? Unconsciously, he let go of Chris Lewis's collar.

Robert Evans sized up this nephew of William Lewis once more. He saw that he truly was a youth, about fifteen or sixteen years old, but he was very tall, seemingly around eight chi, with a robust and burly build.

"How do you know I'm called Thomas Evans?" Robert Evans asked coldly.

"Of course I know!"

Chris Lewis's mind raced, and he said loudly, "I have always admired the heroes of the world, and I remember all their deeds. General Evans was originally a subordinate of Bao Xin, repeatedly distinguished himself in battle, defeated Lü Bu's two camps south of the city, overcame Gao Ya at Xuchang, killed Qiao Rui under Yuan Shu, and in the battle of Wancheng displayed the style of Zhou Yafu, for which Lord Cao appointed him Marquis of Yishouting."

The Three Kingdoms era was not like later times—transportation was inconvenient and information was scarce. The deeds of Cao Cao might be known to the world, but the achievements of people like Robert Evans were probably known only to Cao Cao himself. Yet this youth before him knew them in detail, which greatly surprised Robert Evans.

Robert Evans sheathed his sword and stared at him curiously, asking, "How do you know so much about me?"

Generally speaking, knowing someone's background could be good or bad. If you knew someone's unsavory past, it could make you disliked, but if you knew their good deeds, it was a form of flattery.

Although Robert Evans's attitude remained cold, everything Chris Lewis mentioned was something he was proud of, so he couldn't help but feel a bit pleased, and his tone softened slightly.

Reading faces and gauging people's moods had always been Chris Lewis's forte. At this moment, he keenly sensed the change in Robert Evans's tone and felt reassured.

He noticed that Robert Evans's accent was somewhat similar to his own, and since Stephen Wood had said he was from Taishan Commandery, Chris Lewis immediately had a plan. Unhurriedly, he said, "I am from Gaoping County, Shanyang Commandery, and studied for many years in Taishan. I often heard people talk about General Evans's exploits, so I remembered them. When General Evans campaigned against Zhang Xiu at Wancheng, you suppressed the Qingzhou soldiers who were pillaging the people. The Qingzhou soldiers reported you to Lord Cao, but you built camps to resist the enemy, maintained military discipline, and displayed the style of Zhou Yafu, for which you were made Marquis of Yishouting, earning the admiration of all under heaven."

Although Robert Evans was not from the foot of Mount Tai, he was indeed a native of Taishan Commandery. Chris Lewis's explanation was reasonable, so he believed it.

More importantly, flattery always works. Robert Evans was an extremely proud man who only regretted that the world did not know of his deeds. Now Chris Lewis could speak of them at length, especially emphasizing his proudest achievement of building camps at Wancheng, which made him feel extremely pleased.

Robert Evans had completely let go of his hostility. Even if Chris Lewis really was a Yellow Turban deserter, he no longer wanted to kill him. It was rare to meet a youth who understood him. He laughed and said, "Mr. Lewis is truly extraordinary, worthy of being the nephew of Governor Lewis. Robert Evans is impressed!"

At this moment, Chris Lewis took out a family letter from William Lewis and handed it to him. Robert Evans checked it by torchlight and saw that he really was William Lewis's nephew. At this time, Cao Cao still needed to win over William Lewis to prevent him from allying with Yuan Shao, so Robert Evans knew he could not offend William Lewis.

He nodded. "Very well! Sorry to have disturbed you, Mr. Lewis."

Robert Evans waved his hand and ordered, "Mount up and continue the pursuit!"

He led the soldiers onward. Chris Lewis's back was drenched in sweat—he had truly escaped by a hair's breadth. He had already realized what Robert Evans meant earlier and that he was starting to suspect him. Fortunately, he had called out Robert Evans's courtesy name in time. If he had said anything wrong, Robert Evans would surely have ordered the soldiers to search the area, and then he and Richard Scott would have been finished.

Although he had just flattered Robert Evans shamelessly, which might seem lacking in manly spirit, it was, in fact, the only effective way in such a dangerous situation. Robert Evans had not suspected that Richard Scott was hiding nearby; he was just instinctively being thorough. Whether to search or not depended entirely on the general's whim.

Chapter 12: A Narrow Escape

Chris Lewis used the little Three Kingdoms knowledge he had picked up in his previous life, along with his quick wit and eloquence, to dispel Robert Evans's intention to search the area, thus resolving the crisis.

Seeing Robert Evans leave, he hurried back to the bushes, found Richard Scott, and carried him up the mountain. But just as he reached the slope, a man suddenly darted out from behind a large pine tree.

Startled, Chris Lewis took two steps back, drew his short sword, and stared at the man warily.

"Young master, it's me!" It was the voice of the scribe Stephen Wood.

Chris Lewis relaxed. So it was him. "What are you doing here? Where's your horse?" Chris Lewis asked in surprise.

Stephen Wood lowered his head, not daring to meet Chris Lewis's eyes, and said nervously, "I was thrown off my horse, and it ran away, so I had to hide in the mountains."

In his previous life, Chris Lewis had been an extremely shrewd person, so Stephen Wood's odd expression did not escape his notice. His mind turned, and he immediately understood.

The horse was probably let go on purpose, and he hid in the mountains. As long as Cao's army caught up with him and Richard Scott, they would withdraw, and he would be safe. When Chris Lewis was in danger just now, he must have been watching from nearby.