011. Cao Mengde, Loyal and Unwavering

Upon awakening, rumors swept through Wan City, all targeting him—Cao Xin, the great General Cao. Some whispered that Cao Xin had led troops to surround Zhang Xiu’s residence, forcibly abducted the renowned beauty Lady Zou, and publicly humiliated her at his home, likening him to a ravenous beast, worse than an animal. Others claimed that Zhang Xiu intended to present Lady Zou to Prime Minister Cao, but midway, the lustful General Cao Xin intercepted her, disregarding the Prime Minister’s dignity. They said Cao Xin was like Lü Bu, born with rebellious bones and wolfish ambition, destined to betray the Prime Minister for beauty as Lü Bu once did to Dong Zhuo.

The rumors clamored, swirling in the city.

Cao Xin scoffed and said to Liao Hua, “Yuan Jian, go to General Zhang’s residence and tell them Lady Zou is safe with me. They needn’t worry or believe the rumors. I, Cao Ziyu, am not that kind of man.”

“General, about last night… Many people heard, hundreds—it’s impossible to hide,” Liao Hua said, scratching his forehead.

“Heh, General, we’re men. If you did it, you did it. What’s there to deny?” Li Dayan said with a cheeky grin.

“Get lost!” Cao Xin glared at them. “Last night was all an act. I was worried you wouldn’t stop Cao Hong, so Liniang and I staged a scene to make Cao Hong give up. Do you really think I’m so lust-driven?”

“Yes!” Liao Hua and Li Dayan nodded in unison.

“Out!” After driving them off, Cao Xin rode to the city lord’s mansion to explain last night to his eldest brother, lest he be misunderstood.

“Sixth General, there’s no need to wait. The Prime Minister said he doesn’t want to see you,” the steward said as he came out.

“Steward Cao, relay my message again. Say I have urgent military matters to report.” Cao Xin slipped a gold ingot into the steward’s hand.

“Sixth General, I dare not accept.” The steward waved his hand and spoke softly, “Sixth General, the lord had a poor night’s sleep; his old headache flared up. This morning, he burned his mouth on porridge, got angry, smashed his bowl—he’s in a foul mood. Perhaps you should come another day?”

“No need.” Cao Xin tossed the gold to the steward, strode to the steps, and shouted into the courtyard,

“Big brother, are you there? Don’t listen to that scoundrel Cao Zilian’s nonsense! Last night, that wretch brought two hundred armored soldiers, surrounded General Yangwei’s residence, smashed the doors, and abducted an elder in mourning. Brother, is this something a human would do?

No, not even animals would commit such an outrageous act.

Worse yet, that bastard claimed he acted on your orders to snatch a woman from General Yangwei’s house.

I laughed then; brother, you’ve always been the paragon of a good man—loyal to your wives, never abusing men or women. How could you send someone to steal another’s woman? Impossible.

Brother, am I right? If you agree, come out and say so.”

Cao Xin bellowed.

“Sixth General, please, stop shouting!” Steward Cao and several guards pleaded beside him.

Cao Xin waved them off. “The Prime Minister said not to see me, not that he didn’t want to hear me. If you don’t believe me, ask again.”

Without waiting for their intervention, Cao Xin shouted again, “Brother, your silence—is it consent?”

“Pfft~”

Inside the hall, Cao Cao was sipping tea, scalding his lips yet again. The blister grew redder.

“This scoundrel!”

Cao Cao slammed his cup onto the table, fuming as he shook his sleeve in agitation.

“This is outrageous! Whether Cao Hong acted on orders or not, he didn’t wait for my command but seized her on his own—utterly out of line.” He thumped the table again, hurting his own hand.

On the lower seat, Cheng Yu bit his back teeth, fighting laughter—he was a professional. Mao Jie, the registrar, took advantage of a sip to let out a few hearty chuckles.

“Prime Minister, calm yourself!” Cheng Yu said, waving a white feather fan. “Yesterday, it was indeed General Zilian who broke into General Yangwei’s residence, threatening Zhang Xiu to hand over the woman.”

“But Lady Zou’s wish to see you was genuine,” Cao Cao said, his face dark. “Zilian’s methods were aggressive, but it did suppress Zhang Xiu’s prestige, helping us reorganize the Xiliang troops faster. That fool Cao Ziyu knows nothing and ruined the plan with his interference.”

“Prime Minister, the Sixth General was unaware of our scheme. Ignorance is not a crime. Besides, his friendship with General Yangwei moved him to act—a sign of loyalty and righteousness. This is a good thing for you, Prime Minister. I congratulate you,” Mao Jie said, fists clasped.

Cao Cao stroked his beard and nodded.

“Brother, are you listening?” Outside, Cao Xin continued to shout, “Brother, tensions between our army and Wan’s forces are mounting. A single misstep could cause catastrophe. Yet that bastard Cao Hong is inciting conflict, escalating clashes between us and Wan’s troops.

Prime Minister, I suggest executing Cao Hong—his death will quell the discord, smothering unrest in its cradle. Prime Minister, to kill one Cao Hong wins the hearts of tens of thousands of Xiliang soldiers—a bargain!”

“Cao Ziyu! Prepare to die!!”

Suddenly, Cao Hong’s furious roar echoed outside.

“Prime Minister, trouble! General Hong and Sixth General are fighting!” The steward rushed in.

Cao Cao’s face darkened. “Bring those two scoundrels here.”

“Yes, Prime Minister!”

Soon, Cao Xin and Cao Hong entered, faces flushed with anger, radiating menace.

“Prime Minister…” Cao Xin began, but Cao Hong slid to his knees, hugging Cao Cao’s leg, crying out, “Prime Minister, Cao Xin is a born rebel, wolf-hearted and ambitious. Keeping him will bring disaster! I beg you to execute him to eliminate future harm!”

Cao Xin paused, then laughed. “Born a rebel? Wolf-hearted? Cao Zilian, you really sink your teeth in deep.”

Cao Cao shook his head. “Zilian, let go first. Speak slowly.”

“Prime Minister, have you forgotten Dong Zhuo and Lü Bu?” Cao Hong suddenly shouted. “Lü Bu killed Dong Zhuo for a woman, forsaking loyalty and virtue. Now Cao Ziyu defies your orders for a woman, insulted your woman before us. Such disloyal, shameless scoundrels are no different from Lü Bu!”

“Cao Hong, shut up!” Cao Cao kicked him over, cursing, “Don’t spout nonsense. Ziyu is not that kind of man.”

Cao Hong, eyes rolling, stood and bowed. “Prime Minister, I also believe Cao Ziyu is not that kind of man—just as Lü Bu once stood behind Dong Zhuo with the Sky Halberd, intimidating heroes. Dong Zhuo trusted Lü Bu, gave him his back. But he never imagined Lü Bu would stab him for a woman. A lesson of history.”

“Silence!” Cao Cao’s face was black as he hurled his teacup at Cao Hong, splashing hot tea. Cao Hong danced about, shaking his robe and chuckling, “Prime Minister, forgive me. From now on, I’ll not utter another word.”

Cao Hong leaned against the door, looking smug.

No matter if the Prime Minister believed him or not, from now on, a nail was lodged in his heart—a nail named Cao Xin. The Prime Minister would never fully trust Cao Xin.

Cao Cao shot him a glance, then smiled at Cao Xin, “Ziyu, ignore that fool. We’re brothers; I’ll never doubt you.”

Cao Xin bowed. “Thank you, Prime Minister. But Cao Hong maliciously sows discord between us, his heart dangerous. If you truly trust me, permit me to execute him to set the record straight.”

“Ah… My head aches terribly, help me sit.” Cao Cao clutched his brow, and Mao Jie helped him to his seat.

Cao Xin curled his lip, sneered at Cao Hong. “Fat Cao, you think your scheme succeeded?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Cao Hong replied, his fat face smug.

Cao Xin shook his head. “Fat Cao, you’ve misunderstood. My father is Lord Cao, not the Prime Minister. Even if I argue with the Prime Minister, it’s a family matter—blood thicker than water. Don’t you get it?”

“Hmph! You think you’re closer than me?” Cao Hong scoffed. He was Cao Cao’s cousin and considered himself more kin than an adopted brother.

Cao Xin didn’t bother debating kinship.

“Before joining the Prime Minister, I was a notorious bandit in Qing and Xu, commanding thousands. Yuan Shao, Tao Qian, Gongsun Zan, Liu Bei—all tried to recruit me, but I refused. After saving my foster father, I pledged myself to the Prime Minister, who then was beset by Chen Gong’s rebellion, holding only three cities.”

“Ziyu, enough. I have never doubted you,” Cao Cao said, grabbing his arm.

Cao Xin smiled gently. “Thank you, Prime Minister. But let me finish. At that time, you hadn’t brought back the Emperor, were merely Governor of Yan, and could offer me only a minor rank—far below what Yuan Shao promised.”

Cao Cao’s expression darkened.

“For three years, I fought east and west, earning dozens of merits, yet I remained a minor general—still three ranks below the promised title. Do you think I joined the Prime Minister for wealth, women, or rank?”

Cao Xin stared at Cao Hong, who did not reply.

“And you compare me to Lü Bu, likening the Prime Minister to the tyrant Dong Zhuo. But Dong Zhuo and the Prime Minister are not the same.”

“Indeed!” Cao Cao nodded approvingly.

“When Dong Zhuo recruited Lü Bu, he gifted him the divine steed Red Hare. The Prime Minister has many fine steeds—Shadow, Black Cloud Snow, Jade Lion—yet in three years, not one has he given me. In winning people’s hearts, Dong Zhuo far outdoes the Prime Minister.”

Cao Cao’s face was pitch black.

Beside him, Cheng Yu hid his face behind his fan, shoulders shaking. Mao Jie clamped his face with both hands, barely suppressing laughter.

Cao Hong glared at Cao Xin—shameless, demanding rank one moment, a horse the next.

Cao Xin ignored him and continued, “Moreover—”

“Ziyu, lunchtime approaches. Let’s eat first, then talk,” Cao Cao interrupted, fearful of more wild words.

“No hurry. Let me finish. The rest is praise.” Cao Xin gave Cao Cao a reassuring look.

Cao Cao nodded, signaling him to proceed.

Cao Xin continued, “Don’t forget, Prime Minister once tried to assassinate Dong Zhuo. A warrior bold enough to stab a dragon will not become a dragon himself. I do not believe the Prime Minister will become cruel and depraved like Dong Zhuo.”

“Right, I will never become a tyrant like Dong Zhuo,” Cao Cao said, stroking his beard.

Cheng Yu and Mao Jie frowned slightly. ‘The dragon-slayer becomes the dragon?’ The phrase sounded odd but seemed to carry meaning.

“In the end, the conflict between Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo was about a woman. In that matter, there will never be discord between me and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the Han’s pillar, destined to be remembered as Zhou Gong, Shao Gong, Yi Yin, Huo Guang—his name shining through history. He is never indulgent in women, loyal to his wives. Even when encountering great beauties, he rewards them to deserving generals—like me—rather than keeping them for himself. Isn’t that right, Prime Minister?”

Cao Xin looked sincerely at Cao Cao.

Cao Cao’s face darkened, but he nodded forcefully.

“See, the Prime Minister isn’t lustful. Beauty traps are useless on him, so we’ll never clash over women.” Cao Xin laughed heartily and called everyone to dine.

Cao Cao glared at his back, pulling Cao Hong aside. “Whenever you see a beauty, never let Cao Ziyu know. Understood?”

“Understood!” Cao Hong nodded repeatedly.

——

The lunch at the Prime Minister’s residence was not lavish: a pot of stewed lamb, roasted venison, several Dan River grilled fish, four plates of fruits and vegetables, and coarse wheat meal as the staple—plentiful but not refined, with flavors far inferior to those cooked by Gan Yuniang and Zou Liniang. Cao Xin managed to eat some.

“Come, Ziyu, have more venison,” Cao Cao said, slicing a large piece of rare venison onto his plate. “Venison is excellent—the imperial physicians say it nourishes energy and blood, strengthens the waist and kidneys.”

“Thank you, Prime Minister!” Cao Xin smiled, accepting it. Though he didn’t need the supplement, it was Cao Cao’s kindness—he had to accept.

“Men often covet wealth, power, and fame—but what is more important than these three?” Cao Cao looked around at those present.

“Loyalty, knowing the rules!” Cao Hong answered, not quite the question, but the gist was there.

“Prime Minister, I believe in keeping one’s family safe in troubled times,” Mao Jie said. With four generations under one roof, family was his concern.

Cheng Yu nodded, agreeing with Mao Jie.

Cao Cao looked at Cao Xin.

Cao Xin considered carefully. “Women. Women are more important than wealth, power, or fame. I’d rather give up riches, a marquisate, and my reputation than lose a beauty.”

Cao Cao’s face darkened, and the others spat out their food.

Cao Cao glared and pointed at him, exasperated. “It’s health—your body! If you, a general, don’t have a strong body, what use are so many women? To tend flowers?”

Cao Xin nodded, agreeing with the point. His constitution exceeded 100, far above ordinary men, so he had no worries for now.

Cao Cao continued, “Confucius once said, ‘In youth, when the blood is unsettled, beware of lust.’ Meaning, do not indulge in women when young—it harms the body. Many do not heed this, leading to depleted vitality, weakness, and even premature death. Ziyu, you’re twenty-one—still young. You shouldn’t be lost in women, exhausting yourself daily. Keep yourself strong for the battlefield, to leave your mark in history. Ziyu, do you understand your brother’s earnest advice?”

Cao Cao sighed with heartfelt concern.

Cao Xin chuckled—so this was what he was waiting for.

“Prime Minister, I fully understand. You’re advising me not to have many women, right? But I don’t have many. At home, I have only Yuniang, and now Liniang—just two. As far as I know, Cao Zilian’s household has over thirty wives and concubines, yours has eight or nine, even Mr. Cheng and Mr. Mao have four or five wives. I have only two—is that too many?”

Cao Xin held up two fingers and looked at them.

“……” Cao Cao.

“……” Cheng Yu, Mao Jie, Cao Hong.

Cao Xin went on, “Besides, I never visit brothels nor consort with prostitutes. I hear the Prime Minister and the gentlemen…”

“Cough, cough—let’s eat, let’s eat,” Cao Cao waved, burying his head and shoveling wheat meal into his mouth.

Cao Xin curled his lip. Really? These old rogues with crooked values dare lecture me, a model youth of the new era?

Utterly laughable.

——

——

After lunch, Cao Xin hummed a tune as he returned to his residence. Liao Hua was back, holding a piece of ragged cloth.

“What’s this? The Evil-Repelling Sword Manual?” Cao Xin asked.

Liao Hua didn’t know what that was, but he was used to General Cao’s odd references.

“General, this is Zhang Xiu’s robe.”

“What?” Cao Xin took the rag, puzzled.

Liao Hua shrugged. “General, I went to General Zhang’s residence with your message, but they wouldn’t let me in. They cursed you as despicable, lecherous, shameless, and untrustworthy. General Zhang has cut ties with you, and this robe is the token.”

“Did you tell them it was all a show? A temporary measure?”

“I did, but it was useless. General, last night’s events—hundreds heard. Whether you did it or not, what difference does it make?”

Liao Hua smiled.

Cao Xin scratched his chin, annoyed. He considered himself a good man, willing to sacrifice his own reputation to help Cao Cao restore his honor, and risking offense to help Zhang Xiu save face. Yet, in the end, neither side was grateful; he ended up alienated everywhere. Being a good man was too hard.

Forget it, time to stop being human. He tossed the rag aside and went to the rear courtyard to accompany Zou Liniang.

——

The next day, while practicing brushwork with Zou Liniang in the study, he heard that Cheng Yu had arrived. Cao Xin hurried out to greet him.

“Ha ha, Brother Zhongde, what brings you here?” Cao Xin laughed, calling for tea.

“Ziyu, no need for ceremony. I’m here on official business.” Cheng Yu pulled a map from his sleeve, spreading it on the table—a simple map of Nanyang Commandery. Nanyang lay in northern Jingzhou, eastern Hanzhong, southern Henei, and western Yuzhou—the Han’s largest commandery.

Currently, Nanyang belonged to Liu Biao’s Jingzhou faction, including Wan City, Rang City, Xinye, Huyang, and over thirty counties.

Last year, after fierce infighting, Zhang Xiu’s uncle Zhang Ji brought tens of thousands of Xiliang troops to Nanyang, seized territory, and died from a Jingzhou arrow storming Rang City. Zhang Xiu took over the Xiliang army.

On Jia Xu’s advice, Zhang Xiu negotiated with Liu Biao, occupying Wan City and eight surrounding counties—about a third of Nanyang—to guard Jingzhou’s northern gate, mainly against the adjacent Yuzhou under Cao Cao.

“Brother Zhongde, what’s the business?” Cao Xin looked at the map.

“Ziyu, do you know why we’re attacking Wan City?” Cheng Yu stroked his beard.

“I don’t. Please enlighten me, sir.” Cao Xin knew some, but was happy to hear others’ perspectives.

“Ziyu, look—here is Nanyang, here is Jingzhou, here is Yuzhou. If we wish to march south to Jingzhou or west to Hanzhong and Bashu, Nanyang is the key. Taking Nanyang benefits our army greatly.

Also, see here—Wan City, and here—Xudu. From Wan City to Xudu is only about four hundred li; a fast horse could reach in a day.

Here, the Xiliang remnants are stationed. Remember, they once burned Luoyang, ravaged Chang’an, plundered countless counties, and slaughtered the fields. Having such an army near Xudu is dangerous; they could decide to pillage Xudu at any time, causing huge losses. We must eliminate this threat quickly. That’s why the Prime Minister left Liu Bei and Lü Bu in Xuzhou to lead troops against Wan City, hoping to solve this hidden danger once and for all.”

Cheng Yu explained patiently.

Cao Xin nodded—the logic matched his own. Last year, Cao Cao brought back Emperor Xian, establishing the capital at Xu County. Xudu became the stronghold.

Wan City was too close to Xudu, and Zhang Xiu and the Xiliang army were a disorderly force nearby. If they ever needed funds, they could raid Xudu. Cao Cao would suffer greatly. Wan City had to be conquered.

“Brother Zhongde, what does this have to do with the official business?” Cao Xin asked.

“Ha ha, Ziyu, look here.” Cheng Yu drew two lines on the map with charcoal. “After Zhang Xiu surrendered, Liu Biao of Jingzhou grew restless and sent twenty thousand troops from Jiangxia ten days ago to Rang City, Xinye, Huyang, and occupied Yuyang three days ago under Wan City, blocking our southern advance.

The Prime Minister wants you to lead troops to Jinyang County, both to prevent Jingzhou’s army from moving north and to test their strength. If the opportunity arises, after absorbing the Xiliang army, the Prime Minister will continue south to seize all of Nanyang Commandery.”

Cheng Yu covered the whole commandery with his hand.

“You want me to station in Jinyang?” Cao Xin frowned. At this moment, the Cao army was reorganizing the Xiliang troops and needed manpower. Yet now Cao Cao wanted him to leave Wan and station in a minor southern county. Clearly, he didn’t trust him, fearing he would turn into Lü Bu.

Cao Xin was displeased. “Brother Zhongde, did you explain to the Prime Minister for me? Did he understand my intentions? I am loyal.”

Cheng Yu coughed lightly. “Ziyu, don’t overthink. The Prime Minister assigning you to Jinyang is not a sign of distrust. In our army, only a few generals can command independently—you, General Cao Ren, General Xiahou Yuan, General Shi Huan, General Yu Jin, General Yue Jin. But most are unavailable—Yue Jin and Yu Jin are busy with the Xiliang reorganization. Only you can go.”

“Can I refuse?”

“Uh…”

“Fine, I’ll go!” Cao Cao was always suspicious; the Lady Zou incident had already planted doubts. If he disobeyed again, Cao Cao might kill him in his dreams.

“Brother Zhongde, how will the incident of Cao Hong’s nighttime raid on Yangwu General’s residence be handled? The camp is restless lately.”

Historically, Cao Cao’s defeat at Wan came from abducting Lady Zou, angering Zhang Xiu and triggering his rebellion.

But with his intervention, the situation had changed greatly. He wanted to know how both sides would handle it—whether Zhang Xiu would still rebel. If so, he hoped to get involved and earn attribute points.

“Ha ha, Ziyu, don’t worry. Everything is under my and the Prime Minister’s control.” Cheng Yu clenched his fist and smiled.

“What plan?”

“Uh…”

“....”

So they still don’t trust me.

Fine, I’ll go!

——