Chapter Eighty-Five: The Grand Deception

After the banquet, as expected, no one spoke of politics. Ji Ling and Zheng Tai ceased their persuasion of Cao Hong, instead keeping company with Yuan Shu and chatting about inconsequential matters.

When the banquet ended, Cao Hong stayed at the prefectural residence as instructed. Yuan Shu, ever attentive, sent servants to inform Cao Hong’s wife, Sheng Meizhen, and the Qiao sisters, then invited Cao Hong into his study.

Though it was early spring and the night deepened with heavy dew, Yuan Shu’s study was warm as spring itself. The tiger-headed brazier was burning bright, and two charming maidservants stood aside—one warming wine, the other brewing tea—creating a homely atmosphere.

Yuan Shu laughed and said, “These two are my most beloved maidservants. Even when discussing confidential matters, I have them attend me. But fearing they might leak secrets, I simply made them deaf and mute. Moreover, they are illiterate, so now, everything is secure!”

Cao Hong inwardly cursed him as a pervert. Surely, after the noble families have eaten their fill, they invent ways to torment others. The infamous practices of decadent pleasure all originated among the aristocracy. Now Yuan Shu’s preference is to render his favorites deaf and mute, no less strange than the others.

Seeing Cao Hong remain silent, Yuan Shu chuckled, “Zi Lian, do not blame me for my ruthlessness. Even today, as we discuss great matters, are you not afraid they might be leaked?”

Cao Hong glanced at the two maidservants and sighed, “Lord Yuan, you truly understand me. In truth, persuading my elder brother to take charge of Yang Province is fraught with uncertainty.”

After seating Cao Hong, Yuan Shu smiled, “If Cao Mengde truly wished to rule Yang Province, there would be no need to proclaim it to the world. He could have begun at any time while you were still in Yang Province.”

Cao Hong feigned distress and sighed, “Lord Yuan, your insight is sharp. I have advised my elder brother before, yet he would not heed my words.”

Yuan Shu laughed heartily, “Not everyone possesses ambition as grand as mine.”

Cao Hong showed hesitance and inner conflict on his face, and after some time, finally asked, “Does Lord Yuan truly intend to pursue the imperial enterprise?”

Yuan Shu smiled, “Naturally. My Yuan clan descends from Emperor Shun, inheriting the virtue of earth. The Han dynasty inherited the virtue of fire. Now, the world collapses and Han’s mandate is spent; it is time for fire to give birth to earth, as ordained by Heaven! I am the eldest legitimate grandson of the Yuan clan, rightfully so!”

Cao Hong fell silent, frowning in contemplation. His act made Yuan Shu nervous. At last, Cao Hong lifted his head and said, “Lord Yuan, I am but a merchant, and the aristocrats of Yang Province are mostly merchants and scholars. Their concern is the welfare of their own families. If Lord Yuan enters Yang Province and brings them profit, influential men will surely advocate for your ascension. With the traitor Dong Zhuo’s westward migration and the emperor’s safety uncertain, now is the prime opportunity. I hoped to use these words to persuade my elder brother, but seeing you today, I now understand what it means to possess the bearing of an emperor, and so I speak frankly.”

Yuan Shu laughed heartily, his spirits soaring. Never before had anyone told him he bore the visage of an emperor; only he himself had believed it. Now, to hear it from Cao Hong’s lips—how could he not be pleased?

“To grant them profit is easy enough! Zi Lian, if you are willing to work for me, I can provide as much wealth as needed,” Yuan Shu declared, full of confidence.

That was the very answer Cao Hong had awaited! He thought to himself, but said aloud, “No need for excessive wealth. If Lord Yuan grants the leading families of Yang Province a token gift, and I then persuade them, they will surely welcome you with open arms.”

Yuan Shu asked, “What sort of gift?”

Cao Hong replied, “Yang Province is full of aristocratic clans, but the four great families of Wu Commandery are the most powerful. All other clans follow their lead. If Lord Yuan gives each of the four families three hundred thousand taels of gold, and has them act on your behalf, all the aristocracy of Yang Province will praise your generosity and grandeur. Once you enter, the local nobles will support you as the great clans of Runan once did.”

Yuan Shu burst out laughing, “A mere three hundred thousand taels of gold! That is nothing! Tomorrow, I will open the treasury for you to take to Yang Province.”

Cao Hong rejoiced, “Thank you, Lord Yuan. My father-in-law is the renowned Sheng Xiaozhang, acquainted with Kong Wenju, the descendant of Confucius. If he writes for you, advocating your ascension, it will be a crowning touch!”

The name Sheng Xian was known throughout the land. Yuan Shu quickly asked, “How might we persuade him to write?”

Cao Hong replied, “If my wife intercedes, success is assured.”

Yuan Shu laughed, “Excellent! Excellent!”

Cao Hong continued, “I have another plan: I will return all the men, horses, and supplies I acquired with my family’s wealth to the aristocrats of Yang Province, saying it is by Lord Yuan’s command. This great favor will surely win their gratitude.”

Yuan Shu was taken aback, “But wouldn’t that mean a great loss for you, Zi Lian?”

Cao Hong smiled, “If I can become a chief minister of the new emperor, such trifling wealth is of no account.”

Yuan Shu laughed again, “Zi Lian, you truly are my confidant! I have countless talented men, yet none understand my true intentions! When our positions are secured, you shall be my prime minister!”

Cao Hong was delighted, “Thank you, Your Majesty!” He then added, “As I return to Yang Province, I must pass through your territory. I hope Lord Yuan will grant me a personal pass, as well as a letter to the four great families of Wu Commandery, explaining how your rule will benefit the people, so I may better convince them.”

Yuan Shu nodded repeatedly, “Certainly! I must carefully consider how to compose these letters. The pass is easy; tomorrow, I will prepare it for you. Tonight, I will draft the letter, gather the gold, and you may take your men and go to Yang Province.”

Cao Hong bowed, “Your humble servant obeys!”

Yuan Shu was amused and waved him off, “It is late; Zi Lian, rest early.”

Cao Hong replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave.” He departed respectfully. A deaf-mute maidservant quietly followed, tugging at Cao Hong’s sleeve and leading him to an empty room, indicating he should rest there. She closed the door, began to undress, clearly sent by Yuan Shu to attend to Cao Hong.

Cao Hong paid no mind to her undressing, thinking, “Everything is just as Liu Ye predicted. Yuan Shu fears nothing from me changing my mind, for he can send troops to intercept me if needed! He doesn’t require hostages, lets me take my people, foolish! When I stride out of Runan, I wonder if he’ll cough up blood in rage!”

At that moment, the maidservant was fully disrobed and climbed onto the couch. Cao Hong thought to himself that if he refused her, Yuan Shu might grow suspicious. Though it felt perverse, he reluctantly joined her on the couch...