Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Deal is Sealed

After settling their affairs, the wine that night tasted exceptionally smooth. After a few more cups, Cao Hong and Liu Xun set down their drinks, and the contented Liu Xun rose to take his leave. Cao Hong escorted him all the way outside the villa before returning to his room, where Sheng Meizhen had already lit the hearth and prepared a large wooden tub. Two maids were adding water, and as soon as Cao Hong entered, Sheng Meizhen stepped forward to assist him in undressing for a bath.

While bathing, Sheng Meizhen spoke, “Husband, you’ve been in Wu Commandery for many years now. Is there a family you favor? Last time I brought up the matter of taking a concubine—do you perhaps have someone in mind?”

Cao Hong laughed, “Let us meet with Father-in-law first, before making any decisions. First, we must respect our elders, and second, it shows my filial piety.”

Sheng Meizhen readily agreed, and after the bath, the two retired to rest.

The next day, Cao Hong rose early and ordered his servants to gather everyone who managed his properties in Shuxian at the main hall of the villa. He announced his intention to sell his assets, promising each a settlement allowance. Those willing to follow him could bring their families to Chenliu, Xiangyi, and wait for his arrangements.

These were seasoned business people, especially the pawnshop managers who possessed keen skills in appraisal. Such people were indispensable to Cao Hong; in these times, wherever one goes, business must be conducted. Relying solely on a meager official salary to sustain appearances, maintain troops, and host grand banquets—such notions were pure fantasy.

Having served Cao Hong for quite some time, most expressed their willingness to leave their homes and follow him. Only a few elderly ones and those firmly rooted in Shuxian declined. Cao Hong did not press them; he had their severance pay tallied and distributed, while the others were instructed to await his departure north.

Once these arrangements were made, Cao Hong directed them to return to their stores, inventory their goods, and organize the accounts for transfer to Liu Xun. After everyone left, Shi A arrived at the villa to report. Upon seeing him, Cao Hong asked, “Are the Xiangyi county soldiers adapting well to the camp?”

Shi A laughed heartily, “They’re more than comfortable! The commander sent a hundred camp women to the brothers—two each. They’re enjoying themselves immensely!”

Cao Hong thought to himself, Liu Xun is truly generous! Clearly, connections are an eternal wisdom—were it not for their close relationship, would Liu Xun treat the Xiangyi soldiers with such hospitality? Certainly not.

Shi A continued, “The county soldiers praise you endlessly, saying you truly come from a noble house. Just upon entering Yangzhou, a prefect came out to greet you! These simple folk usually see the county magistrate as a grand official, but the commander treated them with respect and even gifted them women. It was an eye-opener for them.”

Cao Hong laughed, “The brothers worked hard escorting Meizhen and me all the way here. They deserve it.”

In this era, the cohesion of an army isn’t achieved merely through swearing oaths or making emotional pleas. It requires living and dying together, offering women, money, and settlement allowances—otherwise, who would risk their lives for you?

If you tell them to go east, they go east; to go west, they go west. Obedience must be earned. Cao Hong understood this well, which is why he sent wine and meat to reward the Xiangyi soldiers—he simply hadn’t expected Liu Xun to be so accommodating.

After several battles, Shi A and Cao Hong had grown closer, especially after the perilous fight with Xu Rong. Their conversations had lost much of the distance between master and servant. Now Shi A asked about recruiting soldiers, “Young master, has the recruitment gone smoothly?”

Cao Hong smiled, “Smoothly indeed! An absolute bargain.”

Shi A, delighted, asked, “How many have you recruited? What kind of troops?”

Cao Hong replied, “Only one.”

“This…”

“Haha! Qingmang. This man is worth a thousand soldiers, but he’s not for my use—I intend to recommend him to our lord.”

Shi A, no fool, recalled that the day before, besides Liu Xun, the one who spoke most with Cao Hong outside the city was Liu Ye. He asked, “Is it the Han imperial relative you wanted?”

Cao Hong answered, “Exactly. Under Brother Zitai’s command, he is a hidden gem! Our lord issued his proclamation to attract talent from all over. Now that such a man is here, how can we let him slip away?”

Shi A nodded, “Young master’s eye is always sharp. I used to think Pan Wen Gui was quite ordinary, just skilled in martial arts. But that day, when he saved the general from the encirclement, Wen Gui acted calmly, feigned death amidst chaos, and escaped. Truly unmatched in resourcefulness! Now I see you are indeed a judge of talent.”

Cao Hong waved his hand, “Qingmang, you give me too much credit.” He pulled Shi A outside, continuing, “Since you’re here, come with me to the county office. Let’s see if Brother Zitai has everything settled.”

Shi A agreed, and together they left the villa, boarding a four-horse carriage waiting at the entrance. With the coachman’s shout, the carriage rolled toward the Lujiang county office.

Upon arrival, Cao Hong ordered the guards to announce them, and soon someone led the pair into the inner hall. Inside were only two people: Liu Xun, the prefect of Lujiang, and Liu Ye, the man Cao Hong had sought.

Entering, Cao Hong and Shi A exchanged greetings, and Cong Aihong introduced Shi A. The Sword Sage Wang Yue of Luoyang was famous among military men, and Shi A, being his disciple, naturally earned Liu Xun’s respect. Liu Xun was also surprised that such a man would willingly serve under Cao Hong.

But his curiosity was outweighed by his interest in Cao Hong’s assets in Shuxian. Once the four had taken their seats, Liu Xun spoke, “Zilian, I’ve already consulted Ziyang. He finds the lengthy stay here stifling, and since I promised to care for his family, relieving any worries, he’s willing to assist Mengde alongside you.”

Cao Hong bowed to Liu Xun, “Thank you, Brother Zitai, for parting with your cherished aide!”

Liu Xun laughed, while Liu Ye respectfully said to Cao Hong, “What virtue or ability does Liu Ziyang possess to deserve such favor from the general? I feel quite undeserving!”

Before Liu Xun, Cao Hong couldn’t say that Liu Ye was a talent for national affairs and that joining Cao Cao would be like adding wings to a tiger—such words might offend Liu Xun, as if he failed to recognize talent.

So Cao Hong replied instead, “I hope, sir, you won’t mind our army’s small numbers and uncertain prospects.”

This meant that Liu Xun’s household was vast and stable—losing Liu Ye was insignificant—but for Cao Hong’s forces, small and unsettled, talent was urgently needed, hence his request for Liu Ye. In this way, he flattered Liu Xun’s strength and avoided offense.

Liu Ye quickly protested, while Liu Xun said, “Ziyang! At noon today, I’ll host a banquet here for just the four of us as a farewell for you.”

Cao Hong followed, “Then tonight I shall host a banquet at my villa, celebrating my young master’s fortune in meeting a worthy mentor.”

Liu Ye thanked them both, and Liu Xun added, “Ziyang, take Qingmang and tour Shuxian. I’ll have some private words with Zilian.”

Cao Hong understood that Liu Xun wanted to discuss the asset transfer, so he said, “Qingmang, go with Ziyang, and return for the banquet at noon.”

After Liu Ye and Shi A had left, Cao Hong said, “Brother Zitai, rest assured—I’ve had the goods tallied and the accounts organized. The handover will be clear and orderly.”

Liu Xun laughed loudly, “Doing business with you is always a pleasure! Zilian, I have something for you! Come with me.” With that, he stood, and Cao Hong followed. Liu Xun led him out of the inner hall and toward the back courtyard.