Chapter One Hundred Forty-One: The Heroes of Mount Tai
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Since Cao Song retired from office, Cao Hong had not seen him and naturally had no idea where Cao Song’s residence was located in Huaxian County. He had assumed it would take some time to find it, but the reality was quite different.
When he stopped a young man dressed in a silk robe to ask about Cao Song’s residence, the man looked at Cao Hong as if he were an idiot, as if to say: “You don’t even know where the Cao family mansion is? How foolish you are!”
However, seeing Cao Hong’s fine horse and weapons, the man did not dare to voice such thoughts and merely said, “There are two grand mansions on either side of the county government in the county center. The one on the left is the Cao residence, and the one on the right is the Yi residence. Everyone knows that in this county, it’s Cao on the left and Yi on the right.”
After thanking him, Cao Hong mused inwardly: Old Cao really holds sway here, quite the local overlord! No wonder he waited until his son became governor before seeking support.
But then he thought again: Cao Ren is well-established in Pei State, and he himself is influential in Wu Commandery. It’s no surprise that Cao Song has a strong standing in Cao County. After learning the location, Cao Hong and Ying Shao headed straight toward the Cao mansion.
From outside the walls, the pavilions inside Cao Song’s residence were clearly the most numerous in the entire county. Nearly every ten meters there stood a pavilion towering over five meters high. Judging by the circumference of the walls, the estate consisted of at least seventy-two courtyards, each with its own uniquely shaped pavilion. Even the ten or so central pavilions were connected by floating sky bridges, a truly magnificent sight befitting the residence of a high-ranking retired official of the Han dynasty.
But the Yi residence to the right of the county government was no less impressive; it must belong to a prominent local family.
As Cao Hong and Ying Shao approached the Cao residence, two burly men dressed in combat attire, each with a short halberd at his waist, raised their hands and shouted, “Halt! Who goes there?”
Ying Shao stepped forward and said, “I am Ying Zhongyuan, governor of Mount Tai. This gentleman is Cao Zilian, commander of the elite Eagle Guard under Governor Cao Mengde, and a kinsman of Old Master Cao. We have come to pay our respects. Please inform the master.”
Though Ying Shao was dressed in ragged clothes, his speech was orderly and refined, clearly from a scholarly background. Coupled with the impressive titles he gave—governor, commander, and a family member of the lord—they dared not be disrespectful. One immediately went inside to pass the message, while the other courteously asked them to wait.
After a while, the man returned, accompanied by a roughly thirty-five-year-old man in elegant robes whose face was so ugly it lacked any charm. He bore some resemblance to Cao Cao—equally ugly—but while Cao Cao still possessed a certain dignity beneath his ugliness, this man was utterly repulsive to the point of vulgarity.
Upon seeing this man, Cao Hong immediately recalled his identity from memory and greeted him with a smile, “Cousin, long time no see!”
This was Cao De, Cao Cao’s half-brother by the same father but different mothers. Cao Hong had met him many years ago.
Cao De immediately returned the salute with a laugh, saying, “Zilian, you are too courteous. Ha ha ha! Long time no see, you’ve grown into a fine and valiant man.” As he spoke, he came to stand beside Cao Hong and lightly patted his shoulder.
No wonder he was called Zhongcao—the “Zhong” meaning “second,” and “cao” referring to Cao Cao himself. Clearly, this man regarded Cao Cao as his role model, mimicking even his emphatic manner of speech and gestures. Yet in Cao Hong’s eyes, Cao De’s cultivation was far inferior.
Cao Hong smiled and then introduced Ying Shao: “This is Ying Zhongyuan, governor of Mount Tai.”
Cao De laughed and said, “Ah! The honorable governor! I am but a humble countryman who has heard your name but never seen your noble countenance. It is a great honor to meet you today!”
Ying Shao replied modestly, “Not at all, Lord Cao De.”
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Regarding official titles, Ying Shao was quick-witted. Cao De held no official position and wasn’t sure how to address him, so “Lord Cao De” was just right. He was Cao Cao’s brother and second in command in Huaxian after Cao Song; “Lord Cao De” suitably reflected his status.
Cao De accepted the compliment with pleasure, smiling, “Ha! The hall has already been prepared with steaming rice wine and lamb legs. My father awaits there as well. Please, come in.” Saying this, he led the two into the Cao mansion.
In the main hall, they saw an elderly man nearing sixty seated in the place of honor. Though his face remained as ugly as ever, a few wisps of white beard floated elegantly, giving him a refined aura that came from years in high office. Despite his plain looks, when he sat there, he commanded respect—no wonder Cao Cao’s temperament was shaped by his father’s influence.
Cao Hong and Ying Shao came forward to pay their respects. Cao Hong performed the ritual of a younger family member, while Ying Shao bowed as a subordinate official. Cao Song smiled gently and said, “My virtuous nephews, no need for such formality from a governor. Please be seated.”
They thanked him and sat down, while Cao De took the seat at the lower end of the hall. Aside from a maid, the four of them were alone in the room.
Cao Song raised his cup in a toast. After three rounds of drinking, he turned to Cao Hong and asked, “Zilian, I did not receive a letter from Mengde about your visit. What brings you here?”
Cao Hong replied, “Uncle, I have come to persuade the Mount Tai commander Zang Ba to help my elder brother block the return route of the Yellow Turbans from Qingxu, in order to incorporate them.”
Hearing this, Cao Song nodded and said, “So that’s it. I suppose Governor Ying is aware that the person who does business for Zang Ba is here in Huaxian and has come to guide you.”
Ying Shao answered, “Indeed. But I fled alone after defeat and could hardly protect myself, so I joined General Cao on the way and also informed him there is a way to contact Zang Ba here.”
Cao Hong said, “Uncle, you have many connections here. Please lend a hand to support my elder brother.”
Cao Song stroked his white beard and smiled, “Mengde! Mengde! Truly admirable. Whether it was the Yellow Turban Rebellion or the campaign against Dong Zhuo, and now as a regional lord, I as your father can be proud. It is only right that I lend a small helping hand.”
Cao Hong was delighted and asked, “Where is this person who does business for Zang Ba?”
Cao Song smiled, “Left is Cao, right is Yi. Who else but my esteemed neighbor, Lord Yi the Third?”
Cao Hong was surprised, thinking of the mansion on the right side of the county government that rivaled the Cao estate in stature and scale. Its owner was the very person who did business for Zang Ba. Unexpected indeed—Lord Yi the Third! Who exactly is he?
Ying Shao asked, “Is he Yi Li, Yi Zhengping, who was left the sole survivor after bandits ambushed the caravan that included his two elder brothers?”
Cao De chimed in, “That’s him. Twenty years ago, he was only fifteen, traveling with his two elder brothers. Only he returned, inheriting the family business. Many say he colluded with the Mount Tai commander to murder his brothers.”
Ying Shao said, “Only a man so disloyal and unfilial would trade with bandits!”
Having been defeated by the Qingxu Yellow Turbans, Ying Shao, as Mount Tai governor for many years, could do nothing to Zang Ba and thus detested the bandits deeply.
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Cao Song smiled silently, while Cao Hong said, “Regardless of his character, he is the key to eradicating banditry in Yanzhou. I shall pay him a visit.”
As Cao Hong rose, Cao Song said, “Zilian, wait. Let me accompany you on this trip.”
Cao Hong hesitated, “But...”
Cao De laughed, “Rest assured, Zilian. We do a lot of business with Yi Li, and he will surely show some respect for my father.”
Hearing this, Cao Hong nodded, “In that case, thank you, uncle!” He then stepped forward to assist Cao Song.
Cao Song allowed Cao Hong to support him and then said to Cao De, “Zhongcao, make sure to entertain Governor Ying properly.”
After Cao De agreed, Cao Hong helped Cao Song out of the Cao residence. They bypassed the county government and arrived at the Yi residence. The guards at the gate clearly recognized Cao Song. One stepped forward with an apologetic smile, “Ah! Old Master Cao, what brings the esteemed elder here? Please come in!” He also sent someone to inform their Lord Yi the Third, then personally led Cao Song and Cao Hong into the main hall, ordering a maid to warm wine and brew tea to serve them. He stood respectfully by their side, showing full deference to Cao Song.
After a while, a short, stocky man under 165 centimeters tall with a plump figure entered the hall briskly, laughing heartily, “Ah! Old Master Cao! Honored guests! Honored guests! Quick, bring out the best wine!”
As he called out, he bowed deeply. Cao Song returned the gesture with a smile and said, “Old fool here came uninvited; please forgive the intrusion, Lord Third.”
The fat man’s face blossomed into a wide grin, “Not at all! Not at all! Your arrival truly brightens this humble abode. How could I ever take offense? Ha ha ha!” Then his gaze shifted to Cao Hong, who had been quietly observing him. “This young gentleman carries himself with extraordinary bearing, not just...”
Cao Song interrupted, “Oh, this is my nephew, Cao Hong, also known as Cao Zilian. Actually, he came today to ask Lord Third for a favor.”
Yi Li immediately laughed, “Ha ha! The nephew of Old Master Cao? Then he’s one of us. Whatever the matter, young sir, please speak.”
Cao Hong said, “I’d like Lord Yi the Third to help me contact Commander Zang, because my cousin, Governor Cao, wishes to discuss something with him.”
Upon hearing this, Yi Li’s smile faltered, and he awkwardly said, “Well... I only do small business for the commander. He usually sends people to find me. I have no way to contact him directly... I’m afraid...”
Cao Hong laughed heartily, “Lord Yi truly knows how to joke. Though corpulent in body, your footsteps are surprisingly light and nimble, clearly the mark of great agility skills. Your voice booms like a bell, your internal strength bursts forth—none of that was seen even in my elder brother’s battles against the Qingxu Yellow Turban leader Guan Hai. Moreover, your hands are smooth and uncalloused, yet the veins stand out clearly, showing your kung fu has reached the highest internal level—from the outside inward. Among my elder brother’s ranks, only a few possess such skill. If Commander Zang only used someone like you as a mere merchant, he would be grossly unwise. I believe, Lord Yi, you are truly a hero of Mount Tai, are you not?”