Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Cunning Hero, Cao Cao

As Cao Hong was puzzled over what Cao Cao intended, Cao Cao turned to the two beautiful maidservants who had just attended him and said, “You two, tonight I shall purchase you together with the Prefect! Henceforth, you shall serve my bodyguard. If you do well, I will reward you handsomely.”

Dian Wei, embarrassed, replied, “Master, this is not proper…”

“Ah, Dian Wei, such words put distance between us,” Cao Cao interrupted. “In days to come, I will need you to guard me well.”

After the two maidservants agreed, Cao Cao said immediately, “Go now and find a room to attend to Dian Wei. As long as he is satisfied, I will reward each of you with two thousand coins.”

The two maidservants’ eyes sparkled with delight, smiling seductively as they drew close to Dian Wei, gently inviting him to the side chamber. Dian Wei hesitated, saying, “I have yet to make any merit, I truly…” After all, in these times, a beautiful maidservant cost twenty to thirty thousand coins, equivalent to three acres of fertile land. Cao Cao, with a single gesture, bestowed two, which was the same as granting six acres of prime land to Dian Wei, taking on their expenses as well. Such generosity was extraordinary.

Cao Cao laughed, “Dian Wei, enjoy yourself well!”

Dian Wei could only give thanks and left with the two maidservants, leaving only Cao Cao and Cao Hong in the hall. Cao Cao’s smile faded as he asked, “Zilian, what makes Dian Wei exceptional?”

Cao Hong had long noticed that people of this era lacked clear concepts of martial cultivation; strength was often only known through contest, and few had the discernment to judge another’s prowess—just as Cao Ren could not see through Xu Chu’s abilities. Thus, Cao Cao’s question was natural.

This made Cao Hong admire Cao Cao’s breadth of mind even more. He valued Dian Wei, rewarding him with two maidservants—not because he knew Dian Wei’s strength, but to show his trust in Cao Hong.

The message was clear: I, Cao Cao, fully trust those recommended by you, Cao Zilian. This subtle gesture of closeness was enough to move anyone—such was Cao Cao’s greatness.

“Elder brother, this Dian Wei’s cultivation is extremely advanced—slightly above Yuanrang and Miaocai, only a shade inferior to the top six masters. Moreover, he deeply admires your proclamation against Dong Zhuo, and is the perfect choice as your bodyguard,” Cao Hong replied.

Cao Cao was moved. “I’ve long heard from Zixiao that Zilian can discern a person’s cultivation; surely such a rare skill comes from Xu Deng! Zilian, you truly married a fine wife!”

Cao Hong chuckled dryly, saying nothing. Sheng Meizhen’s master Xu Deng was now the source of his burgeoning abilities, and this was the best explanation, so he gladly accepted the assumption.

Cao Cao continued thoughtfully, “A bodyguard must indeed be skilled. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion swept the realm, the Grand Teacher Zhang Jiao died in less than a year, and the great army crumbled. The reason was nothing more than the Three Friends of Dongting striking down Zhang Jiao. Martial experts are countless in this world, and many excel at assassination. Without a good bodyguard, it’s easy to be undone. Since Dian Wei possesses such skill, it’s a fortunate coincidence. My original intent was only to keep him by my side, sending him as vanguard against Dong Zhuo. If he lacked ability, he would die in battle; but now, it seems I must win him over.”

This last remark sent a chill through Cao Hong’s heart! This man was truly cunning! He had arranged everything from the start: keeping Dian Wei close meant sending him to the front lines, and if he died, the maidservants could be reclaimed and given to another. Damn! History’s judgment of this man was spot-on! Though he valued me, I must guard against him—he is far too treacherous! Cao Hong resolved silently.

But he outwardly smiled, “Elder brother, you are wise indeed!”

Cao Cao glanced at him and smiled, “Of course. Zilian is family, I treat you with all my heart.”

Cao Hong’s heart skipped a beat, but he calmly replied, “Elder brother’s care for his kin is beyond reproach.”

Cao Cao laughed loudly, then, after a while, rubbed his head and said with some frustration, “These past days, planning with Zixu to raise troops, dealing with provisions and arms has truly troubled me. My old headaches have returned. Lately, the pain is severe, but only during intercourse does it ease somewhat.”

…Intercourse relieves headaches? No wonder you crave women so much. Cao Hong immediately recalled Cao Cao’s historical reputation for his amorous pursuits. Naturally, he could not discuss such matters in depth with Cao Cao, so he deftly changed the subject, “Elder brother’s proclamation against Dong Zhuo is now widely known. If you perform well in battle against Dong Zhuo, talents from across the land will surely be drawn to you.”

Cao Cao smiled, “Zilian, you are quite right. That is exactly what I hope for, so I must carefully prepare for raising troops! Tonight, after drinking with Meng Zhuo, we must hurry back to Xiangyi. Time is short, only twenty days remain before we set out for Suanzao to join the alliance. Every moment is precious.”

Cao Hong agreed, then said, “Elder brother’s headache, I won’t disturb you further. I’ll take my leave and join you for tonight’s banquet.”

Cao Cao nodded, “Go on.” Cao Hong left and returned to his room to rest. In the evening, Cao Hong accompanied Cao Cao to Zhang Miao’s Laba Banquet. Shi A, now Cao Hong’s subordinate, lacked the rank to attend, so he drank with Shi Huan, Liao Hua, Dian Wei, and Zhang Miao’s officers.

This time, the atmosphere was much more harmonious. Thanks to Cao Hong’s display, the three of the Northern Four Friends no longer targeted Cao Cao, for none in their ranks could match Cao Hong. The blame lay on Zhang Miao’s lack of discernment; having Dian Wei, such a master, yet elevating Shi A instead. Had Dian Wei been recognized earlier, last night’s duel with Cao Hong would have been his, and with Cao Hong’s current cultivation, defeat was certain.

Unfortunately, Dian Wei was grateful and concealed his prowess. Shi A knew of Dian Wei’s abilities but chose not to recommend him, wishing to stand out himself. Thus, Zhang Chao and Zang Hong’s plans failed. This series of events unfolded like a domino effect, and perhaps could be credited to Cao Cao’s remarkable luck.

So after the banquet, the fortunate Cao Cao, accompanied by Cao Hong, Shi Huan, Liao Hua, Dian Wei, and twenty cavalrymen, departed from Chenliu County. Cao Cao even purchased the two maidservants who attended Dian Wei from Zhang Miao, bringing them on a separate carriage and having Dian Wei drive himself. This attention deeply moved Dian Wei, who vowed to protect Cao Cao with his life.

He even began making plans to bring his son, Dian Man, from his hometown to Xiangyi, believing he had found a master worthy of lifelong service.

Twenty-six riders and two carriages departed from Chenliu County into the night, braving wind and snow, rushing back to Xiangyi without rest.

PS: Friday night, flew from Sydney to Guangzhou, arrived at 5 a.m., transferred at 8:30 to fly home. Even though it was all first class, my mind is a mess and I can’t manage more, so only one chapter today. Tomorrow, I’ll resume normal speed. Apologies.