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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Silverriver
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“Alright, let’s begin.”
Xun You began his explanation. Unlike Xi Zhicai, he didn’t behave inappropriately or flirt with the courtesans. His broad shoulders and confident demeanor inspired trust.
“The lord was furious when he heard about the attack on his father, Grand Commandant Cao, in Xu Province.”
“Hmm… my grandfather.”
“Yes. The lord was enraged and vowed to punish those responsible if any harm came to his father. That’s why he sent me to Jing Province.”
Both Cao Ang and I listened intently.
“Liu Biao, the Governor of Jing Province, is a man of integrity and despises Yuan Shu and Tao Qian. So, I was sent to gauge his reaction to our attack on Xu Province and to see if he would attack Huainan, where Yuan Shu is base d. However…”
“Yuan Shu sent reinforcements to Xu Province, but Liu Biao didn’t attack Huainan.”
“Precisely.”
I recalled the earlier conversation between Cao Cao and Xun You.
[Is that so?]
[Yes, my lord. It seems the situation in Jing Province remains unchanged.]
[Tsk, that’s typical of that miser.]
So, he was talking about Liu Biao.
“And while I was in Jing Province, the lord tasked me with something else…”
Xun You paused, then looked at Cao Ang and me and nodded.
“The lord already has a plan, so I suppose it’s alright to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“While I was in Jing Province, the lord sent me another letter, instructing me to investigate the merchant guilds in Jing Province and Huainan.”
“Merchant guilds?”
“Guild Leader Wei, the owner of this establishment and a prominent merchant in the Central Plains, provided assistance. Merchants have extensive information networks throughout the land.”
I was starting to understand why Xun You had taken a concubine here and why we were dining at Wei Hong’s establishment.
“So, what was the purpose of investigating the merchant guilds?”
“Well, Young Master Zishu, what do you think?”
Xun You posed the question to Cao Ang, who cautiously replied,
“Large-scale movement of funds within merchant guilds usually indicates preparations for major construction projects or war.”
“You’re almost right.”
I felt I should speak up. I knew the answer. But revealing it would put several people in a difficult position.
“Young Master Wenlie, you seem to know something. Speak freely.”
“I’m not sure if I should… it’s just a hunch…”
“Haha, that’s how discussions begin. Tell us.”
“Perhaps Uncle… was also investigating the whereabouts of the wealth stolen from his family in Xu Province?”
“What…? Are you saying it wasn’t Tao Qian who colluded with the bandits?”
Cao Ang was astonished, and Xun You’s eyes narrowed.
Could it be true?
Was the theft of Cao Song’s family’s wealth orchestrated by Yuan Shu and Tao Qian? If that were true, Yuan Shu would have used the stolen wealth to fund his army. He wouldn’t be the “noble head of the Yuan family,” but a “petty thief who used stolen wealth to bolster his power.”
His reputation would be ruined.
“Could Yuan Shu really have…”
“Nothing has been confirmed yet. And the timing of major financial transactions varies between regions, so it’s difficult to draw conclusions. Such rumors could easily turn the political landscape into a chaotic free-for-all, with everyone accusing each other of theft.”
Despite his words, Xun You’s lips curved into a slight smile. He seemed to be suggesting we leave it at that for now.
“I think… I’ve just heard something incredible.”
“It’s enough that Young Master Zishu’s understanding has broadened.”
“Master Gongda, then I have another question. You said I only understood ‘half’ of the alliance between Yuan Shu, Tao Qian, Gongsun Zan, and Zhang Yan. Does that mean they’re not truly allied?”
“Yes, let me explain that as well.”
Meeting Xun You tonight was proving to be quite fruitful.
Xun You raised his empty cup, and I immediately picked up the wine bottle and refilled it. He drained his cup in one gulp and continued.
“An alliance isn’t like a sworn brotherhood, sealed with blood. It can be strong or weak, depending on the circumstances. Have you heard the saying ‘Wu and Yue in the same boat’?”
“Even enemies can share a boat… meaning they can become allies if their interests align?”
“Exactly. That’s the situation with Gongsun Zan, Zhang Yan, Tao Qian, and Yuan Shu.”
Xun You picked up an empty plate and used his chopsticks to pick up various dishes.
“This chicken leg represents Zhang Yan in the north. He was originally a bandit leader but received amnesty and became an official. However, he was soundly defeated by Yuan Shao and Lü Bu. So, he naturally resents Yuan Shao.”
“Hmm.”
“This chicken wing is Gongsun Zan. He also opposes Yuan Shao in Hebei and constantly tries to expand his influence south from You Province and Qing Province. He has ambitions to spread his power.”
Indeed, both of them were confined to the north, blocked by Yuan Shao.
“So, while Zhang Yan is too far away in Bing Province, Gongsun Zan saw the rescue of Xu Province as an opportunity to expand his influence. Of course, their alliance isn’t particularly strong, so he’ll just put on a show of fighting and then return with a strengthened reputation and Tao Qian’s gratitude.”
This explained Gongsun Zan’s personal involvement. If it had been a true emergency, everyone would have come, regardless of their personal ambitions.
“Tao Qian of Xu Province is in a similar situation. Not only did he dare to attack the lord’s family in his own territory, but he also opposes Yuan Shao. He gladly accepted the assistance of Yuan Shu and Gongsun Zan out of necessity.”
“And Yuan Shu…?”
“He claims to be the noble head of the Yuan family, opposes his half-brother Yuan Shao, and sees the lord of Yan Province, Yuan Shao of Ji Province, and Liu Biao of Jing Province as thorns in his side.”
So, they were united by their shared animosity towards Yuan Shao and Cao Cao.
“They are all acting in their own self-interest. If any one of them falls, the others will use the pretext of their alliance in Xu Province to absorb their territory and resources.”
“So, if Tao Qian dies, Yuan Shu and Gongsun Zan will try to take his territory. If Gongsun Zan dies, Yuan Shu and Tao Qian will do the same. And if Yuan Shu dies, Tao Qian and Gongsun Zan will make their move.”
“Precisely.”
This analysis was similar to Xi Zhicai’s, yet different.
This conversation reinforced my belief that I needed to meet and learn from as many people as possible. Cao Ang, beside me, listened with rapt attention, eager to hear more.
“So, that’s the current political landscape. You two young masters have much to do in this situation.”
“I… I suppose so.”
Cao Ang had impulsively declared his desire to join his father in battle. But after meeting Xun You and hearing this insightful analysis, he seemed ashamed of his naiveté.
“Young Master Zishu, what do you intend to do now?”
“I want to continue meeting people like you and broaden my understanding.”
“That’s a wise decision. And you, Young Master Wenlie?”
“I want to further hone my martial skills and military strategy.”
“Hmm?”
“After hearing this analysis, I’m even more certain that Uncle’s planned invasion of Xu Province next year will be crucial. I need to improve myself as a warrior before then.”
“Haha, you intend to become a spear in this game of power?”
Cao Ang suddenly looked at me intently.
The evening continued with a fruitful discussion. However, mindful of Lady Ding’s warning, we kept the gathering respectable, and I decided to see Huayan another time. Xun You, of course, went to see his concubine.
We returned to the residence before it got too late, and Lady Ding greeted us with a warm smile.
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That night, as I was preparing for bed, slightly tipsy, Cao Ang called for me.
“Wenlie, I apologize for disturbing you so late.”
“Don’t worry about it. What is it?”
He had called me to the archery range within the residence. He couldn’t possibly want to practice archery in the dark. He must have something important to discuss.
“I was… quite shocked today. I realized I’m just a naive, ignorant young master.”
“That’s not true. Your father simply wants you to continue your studies and improve yourself.”
“But didn’t today’s discussion prove how lacking my knowledge is? Even what you told me was quickly revealed.”
“I only heard that from Master Xi…”
I needed to reassure Cao Ang. He was Cao Cao’s eldest son, the heir apparent, and Cao Cao had specifically instructed us to become friends.
“I want to learn martial arts and military strategy, just like you. Will you help me?”
“Uh… me?”
He wanted me to teach him martial arts?
“I’ll formally request it of Father tomorrow. Will you help me?”
“Ah, you’ll ask Uncle? Yes, I can do that.”
Cao Ang grasped my hand tightly.
“Thank you. Thank you, Wenlie. You’re my most trusted friend.”
“Haha, it’s nothing…”
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“It seems you’ve learned much from Xun You yesterday. You seem more motivated.”
“Yes, Father.”
Cao Cao, as usual, spoke with Cao Ang after dinner, while drinking tea.
“So, what have you decided? If you wish, I can give you a position as a military officer in Yan Province.”
“Father, after discussing it with Wenlie, I’ve decided to start from the beginning. Spear techniques, archery, horsemanship, and even military command.”
“Hmm, you want to start as a warrior. And Wenlie will be joining you?”
Since Cao Cao had asked, I had to play my part.
“Uncle, after participating in the battle of Xu Province, I realized I still have much to learn. I’d like to train with Zishu and prepare for next year’s invasion of Xu Province.”
“That’s commendable. So, how do you plan to train?”
Cao Ang spoke up.
“Father, we’ll go to Qiao County and learn from Uncle Zihua.”
“Zihua? You mean Cao Chun?”
Cao Chun was Cao Ren’s younger brother. Now that he mentioned it, I hadn’t seen him around. Cao Ren had said he was in Qiao County, training cavalry and serving as the magistrate.
“You once told me that Uncle Zihua is training a ‘cavalry unit with the ferocity of tigers and leopards’ in Qiao County, and that their name will spread throughout the land.”
“The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry… Did I tell you that? Ah, I must have mentioned the name of the special forces unit I’m developing while I was drunk…”
The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry? That was one of Cao Cao’s most elite units, instrumental in his conquest of the realm.
But they were being trained by Cao Chun, Cao Ren’s brother, in Qiao County? Could it be…?
“I request permission to go to Qiao County and train with Wenlie under Uncle Zihua!”
Wh, what?! Cao Ang, you’re bringing me along too?
“Hmm, Wenlie, is that what you want as well?”
“Uh… what?”
Wait a minute, this wasn’t what I had in mind… I thought we would be training here, in Cao Cao’s residence!
I thought I would be learning from Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Yuan, Xiahou Dun, or even Cao Cao himself. And I was planning to build relationships with the other generals while serving as Cao Cao’s bodyguard. But now, we were suddenly going to Qiao County for training?
“Wenlie.”
“Y, yes, Uncle!”
“Qiao County is where your mother lives, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
My mother lived there. I could stay with her while we trained.
“Hmm, Father, Cao De, and the others have expressed their desire to live in Qiao County, our homeland, rather than Chenliu. This works out perfectly.”
“What?”
“Zishu, Wenlie, go to Qiao County and take care of the family. I’ll write to Cao Chun and tell him to train you both properly.”
“Thank you, Father!”
So, I was going to Qiao County with Cao Ang? But this could be an opportunity. The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry were just being formed… perhaps I could eventually command them?
Well, I had no choice but to go along with it. This was like… training to unlock my potential.
And then, “one year later”… I would return, stronger and more capable!
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