Chapter 094: Forming Alliances

A sworn brotherhood bound by a single pact, living and dying together.

Before this, no one had ever staged such a solemn affair involving such controversy. Even Xun Yu was taken aback.

Eight members of the Cao family formed a brotherhood of different surnames while imprisoned, which left many incredulous.

Originally, their good relations were kept private, shared only in their hearts. But no one had ever brought such matters into the open, let alone sworn brotherhood in the presence of Confucius himself, which made many scholars feel a deep kinship. “Do not let fame and profit cause strife; do not let talent and virtue breed arrogance…” This phrase seemed to capture the truth entirely. Since ancient times, fathers have turned against sons, husbands against wives, siblings have fought among themselves—all because of fame and profit. The gold brotherhood pact so plainly and unabashedly stated this truth that many could not help but sigh in admiration.

These young fellows saw it all so clearly.

Xun Yu held the gold brotherhood pact in his hand and couldn’t help but smile bitterly to himself.

He had originally intended to use this as an opportunity to subtly curb the Cao family’s power. Unexpectedly, this very pact thrust Cao Peng and the others into the eye of the storm.

Xun Yu was loyal to the Han dynasty.

At the same time, he knew that only Cao Cao could revive the Han.

He hoped Cao Cao could control the court, but did not wish for him to wield absolute power. He had planned to use this chance to send a warning shot, but Cao Peng and company had stepped onto the stage instead, forcing Xun Yu to put aside many of his prepared strategies... If only the lord could clearly declare his position! But now, having lost that opportunity, the lord and the emperor might ultimately become adversaries.

This was not the outcome Xun Yu wished to see...

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In June of Jian’an’s second year, Cao Cao attacked Huyang County and captured Deng Ji, a general under Liu Biao.

He then ordered a withdrawal from Nanyang, stationing Man Chong’s troops in Queshan to prevent Liu Biao’s restless ambitions. This campaign was less about avenging Xun Ji and more about intimidating Liu Biao. The next enemy Cao Cao planned to face was Yuan Shu. If Liu Biao interfered, it would complicate and destabilize Cao Cao’s campaign against Yuan Shu.

Cao Cao, acting under the emperor’s mandate to command the lords, regarded Yuan Shu’s openly declared emperorship as that of a genuine traitor to the Han.

It was unjustifiable not to attack Yuan Shu. But honestly, Cao Cao also worried about Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu causing trouble from behind.

Attacking Huyang County was meant to send a clear message to Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu: behave, or I can strike you down anytime.

In fact, Cao Cao’s purpose was achieved.

In this campaign, Wei Yan, a valiant general under Man Chong, distinguished himself.

Since the campaign began, Wei Yan fought bravely. At Yiqiu, he slew Deng Long, a general under Deng Ji, then led three hundred warriors in a vanguard assault to capture Pingshi County, earning the first merit. However, he was wounded by three arrows during the battle and did not participate in the battle of Huyang. Still, Man Chong credited him with the primary merit and reported it to Cao Cao, who favored fierce generals and was particularly pleased. After the withdrawal, Wei Yan was appointed Sima of Runan and promoted to Commandant, stationed in Ruyin County to prevent Yuan Shu’s forces from attacking Runan Commandery.

Runan was, after all, Yuan Shu’s homeland.

Although Cao Cao occupied Runan, Yuan Shu’s ambitions for the land had never ceased.

The post of Commandant was largely titular, akin to a noble rank without real power but with corresponding salary. Wei Yan’s actual position was Sima of Runan Commandery, ranking below the Commandery Governor, Deputy, and Military Commander, placing him fourth in power—still a significant official role.

From a lowly garrison officer (in reality a company commander), Wei Yan had risen rapidly to become the fourth most powerful figure in the commandery.

And this rise occurred in less than half a year.

Thinking back, Wei Yan felt as if he had lived in another world...

He was truly grateful to Cao Peng; if not for Cao Peng urging him to join Cao Cao and rescuing Dian Wei in Wancheng, he might still be fleeing for his life.

Clad in new armor and mounted on horseback, Wei Yan looked toward Xudu.

“Afu, it’s almost time.

Years ago, I promised you we would charge across Jiangxia together. Now, I have taken the first step. I wonder if you are well in Xudu?”

————————————————————————————————————

“Wait!”

Inside the prison cell in Xudu, Cao Zhen’s eyes were bloodshot and fierce, his face twisted with rage.

He rolled up his sleeve, reached out, and grabbed a tile, frowning and gritting his teeth as he glared fiercely at the three others around the table.

“Damn it! I’ve been losing all day, but this time I finally got a win—a four-bamboo, self-drawn!”

He slapped the tile down on the table, threw back his head, and laughed wildly. “Self-drawn! Pay up, pay up quickly!”

On the table lay a set of mahjong tiles, the national treasure.

Cao Peng knew that if Cao Zhen and his gang stayed in the cell much longer, trouble would inevitably arise. No one knew when they would be released, so they needed something to occupy their time. He thought of mahjong—an activity requiring little skill, easy to craft by a skilled artisan, and simple enough for people of all ages to understand. Dian Wei had arranged for the mahjong set to be made and sent into the prison. Cao Peng only needed to explain the rules briefly, and Cao Zhen and the others quickly grasped the game’s essence. At first, Cao Zhen scoffed, “What’s the point of this?”

He underestimated the power of mahjong.

Cao Peng added some stakes, and Cao Zhen and the others immediately became engrossed.

Gambling is a human nature.

It knows no class, gender, or age—once addicted, there is no escape.

Cao Peng kept the rules simple, without complicated regional variations or scoring systems—just basic play was enough to entrap Cao Zhen and the others, who soon found themselves unable to pull away. Initially, Cao Peng played with them, but he was so skilled he was soon driven aside, having crushed Cao Zhen repeatedly.

In less than a day, he had taken all their winnings.

A true gambling god.

For a seasoned player like Cao Peng to play against novices like Cao Zhen was simply robbery.

Inevitably, who would want to continue playing with him?

But Cao Peng was ruthless and did not know when to stop. After a day of play, he was always the winner, and Cao Zhen, Dian Man, and Xu Yi were growing weary.

So, after driving Cao Peng away, the others took turns playing.

But today, Cao Zhen’s luck was dismal. From morning until noon—four or five hours—he did not win a single hand.

Such awful luck was truly difficult to bear.

“The young general won!”

Several prison guards outside watched the chaotic cell and, instead of intervening, began placing bets themselves.

“I told you, the young general’s luck is unbeatable. This round is a sure win.”

One guard immediately flattered Cao Zhen, who laughed heartily.

“Big brother, I think that’s not right.”

Just as Cao Zhen was about to collect his winnings, a large hand stopped him.

Xu Yi, bloodshot and weary, smiled oddly. “You were clearly waiting on a single three-bamboo tile, but you picked a four-bamboo. How can you win?”

“Impossible! I clearly won on a one-four bamboo,” Cao Zhen shouted angrily. “Xu Datou, don’t talk nonsense.”

“Look for yourself.”

Cao Zhen looked down and found he actually held two three-bamboo tiles and one four-bamboo.

“...Impossible. I clearly picked a two or three-bamboo just now.”

“Big brother, what two or three-bamboo? The two-bamboo is with me; I already made a concealed kong. Where did you get another two-bamboo?”

Cao Zun shook his head helplessly and flipped over the tiles face down on the table.

“I…”

“You’re bluffing. Each pays one guan. Old Six’s concealed kong adds one guan—for a total of four guan.” Dian Man croaked, eyes sharp.

“Damn it, I had the winning hand but you made me lose by bluffing.”

The guards outside the prison immediately fell silent.

“This young general is so unlucky—thirty rounds, and no wins?”

“Little Lord Cao said it’s because he didn’t wash his hands after using the latrine, otherwise his luck wouldn’t be so bad.”

All the guards nodded in agreement.

Cao Peng approached and threw his arm around Cao Zhen’s neck. “Big brother, rest a while... fortunes turn, maybe taking a break will bring a change.”

“Alright, I’ll rest a bit.”

Cao Zhen was truly exhausted.

He had been at the mahjong table nearly every day these past few days, both mentally and physically drained.

Moreover, his losses were staggering—adding up to nearly five hundred guan over these days, almost a year’s worth of his salary.

Cao Zhen held a military post and received a salary.

Additionally, he received about fifty guan monthly from the Cao household.

Though Cao Cao was the Grand Minister of Works and controlled the court, he was strict with his kin. Monthly allowances were capped. Cao Zhen’s allowance was among the highest; when Cao Ang was alive, he received only thirty guan monthly.

Cao Zhen sat down, his head swimming with drowsiness.

Cao Peng handed him a cup of water, which he drank at once and felt somewhat refreshed.

“Afu, this thing you invented is really harmful.”

“It’s just human nature, harmful or not doesn’t matter. I only know small bets entertain, large bets hurt. Playing for fun is fine, but if it’s taken seriously, the harm is severe. Even without mahjong, people gamble outside—like the dog fighting arenas in Xilishu. One harms animals for entertainment; the other harms oneself for entertainment. That’s the only difference.

Big brother, do you think this thing is interesting?”

“Of course it is.”

“I have a few other small games, even more interesting than this.”

Cao Zhen suddenly raised his head and stared at Cao Peng.

“Afu, what exactly do you mean? I feel there’s more in your words... Do you have a special plan?”

Talking to a smart man was always so easy.

Cao Peng smiled and nodded.

“Big brother, are there many rich people in this world?”

“Many.”

“You risk your life, but in the end, you just enrich a bunch of fools.”

Cao Zhen was silent, eyes narrowed, no reply.

“This money should be ours... why should we risk our lives and still let fools profit, then have them ride roughshod over us?”

“You mean...”

“I have an idea. I wonder if you’re interested in joining.”

Cao Zhen said, “Tell me.”

Cao Peng took a deep breath and whispered in Cao Zhen’s ear. Cao Zhen’s face first lit up with excitement, then grew serious.

“Will this work?”

It was clear Cao Zhen was intrigued but had many reservations.

Cao Peng smiled and hooked his arm around Cao Zhen’s neck. “Big brother, you’re not married yet, and you have no worries. But one must look ahead. Are you going to rely on Lord Cao forever? When you marry and take concubines, you’ll want your own house. That costs money. Food, clothing, shelter, travel—all cost money. You have a generous nature like the ancient Lord Mengchang. Can your salary alone support that?

And if you have children, you must plan for them.

If a man has no foresight for three generations, his descendants will suffer. Lord Cao can protect you for a time, but not forever. Even if he could, what then? We cannot come into this world naked and leave it naked. We must leave something for our descendants.”

————————————————————————————————

Cao Zhen was indeed moved.

True, he had no worries about food or drink now.

He earned six hundred shi of grain annually, which came to seventy hu a month, or seven thousand liters of grain (one hu equals ten dou, one dou equals ten liters. In Qin and Han times, the ratio was one hu to ten dou, but later one hu was five dou). This seemed impressive but was actually insufficient. Coupled with fifty guan in monthly allowance, Cao Zhen had little savings. Also, his background was special—he was not Cao Cao’s biological son but an adopted one.

His original surname was Qin; his biological father was Qin Shao.

Qin Shao died saving Cao Cao, and young Cao Zhen was adopted by Cao Cao and given the Cao surname. Cao Cao treated him like a son, but he was not truly a Cao by blood. Thus, Cao Zhen was more thoughtful and cautious than peers.

Cao Peng’s words touched him deeply.

Yet he still hesitated, whispering, “Afu, you may not know, Lord Cao isn’t very approving of such matters. In Xudu...”

“Who said we have to set it up in Xudu?”

“If not Xudu, then where?”

Cao Peng smiled slightly. “I’ve long planned this but lacked the chance and right people. Xudu is the imperial capital, but such a small place—how many wealthy families could it have? If we want to start, it must be Luoyang.”

“Luoyang?”

“Yes, Luoyang,” Cao Peng said confidently. “Brother, don’t look down on Luoyang, ruined as it is from the Dong Zhuo rebellion. Its location and heritage guarantee its future prosperity. It is the crossroads of the eight directions, connecting the East and Guan, and the Central Plains. As Lord Cao grows stronger, commerce there will flourish.

Moreover, Lord Cao intends to take control of the Guanzhong region, but must first secure Luoyang. A prosperous Luoyang aligns with his interests. Then, wealthy merchants will gather, gold will be everywhere.”

Cao Peng painted a bright picture for Cao Zhen.

Cao Zhen nodded repeatedly, eyes filled with longing.

“Big brother, I think Afu’s words are right.”

Neither Cao Peng nor Cao Zhen noticed when Zhu Zan quietly approached. His health had improved much, though he still moved awkwardly and thus did not join the games.

Seeing Cao Peng and Cao Zhen whispering, he came closer and overheard Cao Peng’s views on Luoyang.

“Luoyang was once the capital, and many eastern clans have roots there. Once the lord pacifies the Central Plains, Luoyang will surely be reborn. The eastern clans will not abandon their interests, and Luoyang’s restoration is only a matter of time.”

If Cao Peng’s words stirred Cao Zhen’s interest,

Zhu Zan’s remarks plunged him into deep thought...

Cao Peng glanced at Zhu Zan with secret joy but maintained a composed face, continuing, “If we wait until the lord rebuilds Luoyang, it might be too late for us to get in.”

“Fourth brother, what do you say?”

Zhu Zan did not know what Cao Zhen and Cao Peng were exactly planning but only heard Cao Peng’s views on Luoyang’s development.

He pondered and said gravely, “Zi Dan, if we want to establish a foothold in Luoyang, we must act before anyone else.

Luoyang is currently desolate, and no one wants to go there. That’s why now is the best time... But what exactly are you planning?”

Cao Zhen laughed heartily, “Planning for our descendants.”

The vague answer left Zhu Zan puzzled.

Cao Peng racked his brain but could not recall Zhu Zan appearing in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As Cao Zhen’s close friend, he should be well-known—but why was he so obscure? Yet his idea of seizing the initiative earned Cao Peng’s respect. Cao Zun was usually quiet, but Cao Peng sensed he was thoughtful as well.

How many people have been buried in the long river of history?

“It wouldn’t be hard to go to Luoyang now,” Cao Zhen considered and said to Cao Peng, “Uncle Xiahou is the governor of Henan; Luoyang is under his jurisdiction. He values Fourth Brother and has tried several times to bring him over. Fourth Brother, would you be willing to take up a post in Luoyang?”

Luoyang was formerly the Eastern Han capital and on par with the Henan governor’s rank.

But after Dong Zhuo moved the capital and burned Luoyang, displacing the noble families, Luoyang fell into ruin. That was why Cao Cao did not choose Luoyang as the capital but Xu County instead. Luoyang was demoted to fall under Henan’s jurisdiction, currently governed by Xiahou Dun. The Cao and Xiahou clans were both prominent families from Qiao County, closely related. Thus, Cao Zhen and Xiahou Dun were familiar with each other.

“If big brother needs me to go, I don’t mind,” Zhu Zan answered cheerfully.

Cao Peng said, “Brother, relying on Fourth Brother alone may not be enough.”

“Oh?”

“Think about it: if our enterprise grows large, others will surely want to pry. Fourth Brother can offer some official support, but if powerful nobles intervene, can he withstand them? We alone are too weak. We need someone who can hold the fort.

This person must be trusted by Lord Cao, have prestige, sufficient authority, and a close relationship with you. Otherwise, how can we prevent him from scheming to take over?

Also, this person must not be a local noble and must value wealth highly... Brother, do you have such a candidate?”

Cao Peng’s eyes widened with expectation, staring at Cao Zhen.

Say the name, say the name!

He already had an ideal candidate but dared not speak it aloud.

Only Cao Zhen could utter the name most fittingly...

Cao Zhen frowned in thought, tapping the bed rail lightly.

“If we follow your criteria, there is indeed such a person.”

“Who?”

“How about the Remonstrance Official?”

“The Remonstrance Official?”

“My clan uncle, Cao Hong.”

At the mention of the name, Cao Peng’s face lit up...

...