Chapter Eighty-Three: Reunion with an Old Friend

The city of Pingyu County was vast, boasting six main thoroughfares—three running vertically, three horizontally—dividing the city into nine wards. Each ward had its own bustling marketplace, which meant the city possessed nine separate centers of commerce. In the sparsely populated late Han era, such prosperity was exceedingly rare.

From the flourishing scene in Pingyu, it was clear that Yuan Shu’s power was formidable. With the backing of prominent local clans and dominion over both Runan and Nanyang—two great commanderies—coupled with the inherent might of the Yuan family, Yuan Shu’s territory and influence were second only to Dong Zhuo at that time. Liu Biao had yet to establish himself in Jingzhou, Tao Qian in Xuzhou was preoccupied with pirates and Yellow Turban remnants while trying to appease local gentry, leaving his foundation unstable, and Liu Yan in Yizhou was just beginning to raise his banners. Only Yuan Shu held sway over a populous and loyal realm, with wealth, soldiers, and followers at his disposal.

It is not difficult, then, to understand why Yuan Shu harbored imperial ambitions. After Dong Zhuo’s death, convinced of his own supremacy, he could hardly suppress his desire to declare himself emperor.

The Runan commandery office stood in the central ward, its architecture grand and exquisite. The Yuan family had invested in its upkeep for generations, with every newly appointed Runan governor seeking their support upon arrival. Naturally, this commandery office had benefited from Yuan patronage more than those in Chenliu, Wu, or Lujiang, and was resplendent by comparison.

The banquet was held in a pavilion atop a six-story terrace within the commandery office. Decked in splendid attire, Yuan Shu had already taken the seat of honor, awaiting Cao Hong.

Yuan Shu was the half-brother of Yuan Shao, sharing the same father but not the same mother. However, since Yuan Shao was born to a concubine, Yuan Shu, as the legitimate eldest son of Sima Yuan Feng, enjoyed higher status. The Yuan family’s fine lineage was evident in his appearance; though in his thirties, he still looked young and handsome, his neatly trimmed goatee lending an air of aristocratic grace. At first glance, he was every bit as distinguished as Yuan Shao, and far more so than Cao Cao.

Aside from Yuan Shu, several martial men in long robes were seated—presumably his generals. There were also refined scholars present, undoubtedly his strategists. Among them, one caught Cao Hong’s eye—a man he recognized. As his gaze swept over this person, realization struck him: “It’s him!”

The man offered Cao Hong a slight smile. This was none other than Zheng Tai, known at court for persuading Dong Zhuo to avoid direct confrontation with the coalition of eastern lords, and for assisting Cao Cao at Hulao Pass by acting as an insider. A month prior, when Zheng Tai had taken his leave of Cao Cao at Hulao Pass, Cao Cao had tried to persuade him to stay, but Zheng Tai had made clear his intention to join Yuan Shu, declining the invitation.

Cao Hong had met him once before; it was likely that Yuan Shu’s plan to recruit him had originated with this acquaintance. If, after he took his seat, Zheng Tai attempted to persuade him, then the strategy was surely his.

“Though a mere scholar, his role as an inside agent at Hulao Pass and Xun You’s high regard for him make him a formidable opponent. With him present, will Liu Ye’s scheme still prove effective?” Cao Hong pondered, feeling for the first time the true significance of strategists in these turbulent times. If he had come alone, with someone like Zheng Tai present, it would be all too easy for his intentions to be laid bare, leaving himself vulnerable to being outmaneuvered and giving Yuan Shu an excuse to act against him.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Yuan Shu stood and laughed, “Zilian! I’ve long heard of your name during your ventures in Yangzhou. Wherever the Flying Tiger Banner goes, bandits vanish. To do business so successfully—none can match Cao Zilian of Wu Commandery!”

History remembers Yuan Shu as a man arrogant and oblivious to changing tides, yet at this moment, there was no trace of conceit in his manner. His words were gracious, even pleasing, though this did not alter Cao Hong’s judgment of him. People have many faces; now, seeking to recruit him, Yuan Shu would not dare act superior. As for his son-in-law Huang Yi’s arrogance, it could only be explained by the fact that Yuan Shu’s chosen son-in-law was, in fact, utterly insignificant.

To the well-traveled Cao Hong, Huang Yi’s attitude was no mystery. It was common for a local upstart’s son, upon marrying into high office, to become unbearably haughty—such is human nature.

Cao Hong returned the courtesy, replying, “Lord Yuan flatters me too much! For one of such noble descent—tracing your lineage back to Emperor Shun—to even know my humble name is a great honor for me indeed!”

His words, though somewhat abrupt, sounded entirely natural from his lips. After all, while Yuan Shu descended from four generations of high officials, Cao Hong’s own grandfather, Cao Teng, had been Grand Chamberlain, one of the Nine Ministers; his uncle Cao Song was among the Three Excellencies, and he counted two more uncles of high rank. Though the Cao family boasted fewer great officials than the Yuans, they were not without prestige of their own. Had Cao Hong professed admiration for Yuan Shu’s exalted ancestry, it would have seemed hollow—after all, the Cao family had its own dignitaries.

To praise the Yuan clan for its scholarly tradition would have been even more disingenuous; before taking up arms, Cao Hong was a merchant, hardly versed in classical learning. What did he know of Confucian scholarship? Nonsense!

But referencing the descent from Emperor Shun struck just the right note. Though the Cao family might claim high office, how could they compare to a house descended from a sage emperor? For such a nobleman to know his name was, indeed, a singular honor.

Cao Hong may not have grasped all these nuances, but Liu Ye had thought of them, instructing him to say this to win Yuan Shu’s favor. Now, seizing the opportunity, Cao Hong spoke as advised.

Sure enough, Yuan Shu’s handsome face lit up with the same delighted smile he had worn earlier with his son-in-law. All previous courtesy gave way to unrestrained pride.

“Ahahaha! Zilian, truly… haha, truly you are a kindred spirit!” With that, he clasped Cao Hong’s shoulder and led him to his seat, then returned to the head of the table, calling, “Music and dance! Tonight, I shall treat Zilian to a feast!”

Luxurious music filled the air, and a fragrant breeze accompanied the entrance of a troupe of dancing girls whose enchanting movements delighted the guests.

In an instant, the hall was awash with gaiety. Yuan Shu raised his cup, urging Cao Hong to drink. The company joined in, Cao Hong reciprocated, and the feast was formally underway.

As the revelry began in earnest, a look of gravity flashed across Zheng Tai’s face as he regarded Cao Hong with surprise. The man he had thought an easy target had, with a few words, made his lord forget the business at hand. Was this by accident or design?

“Hmph. If I could toy with the traitor Dong Zhuo, why should I fear Cao Zilian? Let’s see what stratagems you possess,” Zheng Tai mused silently to himself.