Chapter 103: Blessing or Calamity

Xu Chu was incensed.

If the Tiger Guards had suffered a pyrrhic victory, Xu Chu might have been able to endure it. After all, the coordinated combat capability displayed by the Tiger Brazen Army was far superior to that of his own Tiger Guards. Xu Chu would have admitted defeat—a clean, sportsmanlike loss. But this battle was a crushing humiliation, so severe that he could hardly bring himself to accept it.

While not a total annihilation, what was the difference? If Cao Cao had not ordered the gongs to sound and end the fight, Xu Chu could well imagine how it would have concluded. And it was precisely because he could foresee that outcome that he felt even more embarrassed. He was, after all, a prominent figure in Cao Cao’s camp, and the Tiger Guards were considered an elite force. To be wiped out so quickly, without even the slightest ability to retaliate—how could Xu Chu not be burning with rage? This battle had stripped him of all his dignity and reputation. He had to find a way to reclaim his standing.

"Zixiao! Zihe! Stop Zhongkang!"

Cao Ren and Cao Chun had just reached the main building when they heard Cao Cao’s sharp, commanding roar. The two immediately turned and dashed down from the watchtower. At the same time, Cao Zhen and others spurred their horses forward, forming a barrier in the middle of the drill ground.

"Uncle, go back!"

Xu Chu bellowed like a madman, "Dian Wei, do you dare to fight me?"

With Dian Wei’s explosive temper, he had always been the one to initiate challenges; how could he stand being challenged by someone else? Without a word, he urged his horse forward. "Move aside, all of you! Xu Chu, I shall fight you! Today, I will make you yield in heart and spirit!"

Dian Man rushed over and forcefully blocked his father’s horse. "Father, do not go!"

Meanwhile, Xu Yi also reached Xu Chu’s side, vaulted off his horse, and grabbed the reins of Xu Chu’s mount.

"A-Man, move aside! Is it not just a fight? I, Dian Wei, have even dared to challenge Lu Bu, so what is a foolish tiger to me? Xu Zhongkang, come at me!"

Xu Chu roared in fury, "Dian Wei, don't be smug! Today, I will settle this with you once and for all!"

The drill ground descended into chaos. Cao Cao, unable to attend to Cao Ji, left Dong Zhao in charge of the guest and hurried down from the watchtower. Cao Ji stood there awkwardly, not knowing whether to leave or stay; the sudden turn of events left him feeling deeply uncomfortable. Dong Zhao could only shake his head and offer a helpless, bitter smile.

Dian Wei, a tiger general of his age; Xu Chu, known as the "Tiger Fool." Cao Cao had pitted them against each other to balance the power within the Imperial Guards, but he had never expected Dian Wei to win so decisively. Neither could afford to be hurt. Both were the type to lose their senses in a fight; one was already crazed, and the other was a powder keg waiting for a spark. If they truly clashed, the result would be mutual destruction. Cao Cao could not sit idly by.

By now, the various generals on the watchtower had rushed down to separate the two. Cao Hong rubbed his cheek and suddenly chuckled.

"Let it be. They won't end up fighting."

"Uncle, aren't you going to stop them?"

"Stop them? Xu Chu isn't a fool. Do you think he really wants a duel to the death with Dian Wei? He’s just looking for a way to save face. Besides, in a real fight, Dian Wei has the advantage of the saddle and stirrups. If they were evenly matched before, now... well..." Cao Hong shook his head with a smile.

It was no wonder this man was not well-liked in Cao Cao’s camp. He was too clear-headed, too cold. Cao Peng felt that this coldness of Cao Hong’s was quite off-putting. Even if one knew they wouldn't fight, one should at least put on a show and rush to intervene. Could others not see that? Why did he have to be the only one so clever?

Cao Hong glanced at Cao Peng and said suddenly, "I know, many people don't like me. But so what? As long as my lord trusts me, that is enough. I can fight, I can lead troops, and I don't engage in cliques. My lord says Junming is the 'Heavenly Solitary Star,' but in truth, it is I who am the 'Heavenly Solitary Star.' A-Fu, sometimes you are forced by circumstances; if people dislike you, let them. But you must have talent."

Cao Peng looked at him in astonishment as Cao Hong sauntered toward the base of the building, his retreating figure carrying a peculiar air of desolation. Perhaps, as Cao Hong said, he was the true "Heavenly Solitary Star." And in history, Cao Hong had indeed achieved just that. Even if Cao Pi wanted to move against him, there would always be someone to speak up for him. Among the Cao clan, he was perhaps the only one who lived a long life and met a peaceful end.

In truth, he saw things very clearly. His so-called greed and stinginess were merely a disguise he wore within the camp. What was this called? Serving a monarch is like serving a tiger; even Xiao He had to accumulate wealth to smear his own reputation, let alone Cao Hong. After all, his kinsman was known throughout history for his suspicion and jealousy.

Cao Peng sighed and followed Cao Hong down from the watchtower.

Cao Cao rushed to the center of the field and, without a word, raised his whip and struck Dian Wei, then brought it down heavily on Xu Chu as well. "Are you two still going to fight? Why not spar with me instead?"

Dian Wei rolled off his horse and knelt with a thud before Cao Cao. Xu Chu, seemingly sobered, also dismounted and knelt beside him.

"Xu Chu was overcome with rage and lost his senses. I beg my lord for punishment."

"Dian Wei should not have become arrogant. In truth, I have no grudge against Zhongkang; I simply could not swallow my pride. My lord, please do not ruin your health over this."

Cao Cao glared fiercely at them, looking from one to the other. "Zihe!"

"The general is here!"

"Take these two bastards and throw them into the dungeon. Remember, put them in the same cell. If they want to fight, let them fight to their heart's content in there."

"My lord, I was wrong!"

Dian Wei and Xu Chu panicked, and the other generals stepped forward to plead for them. Unfortunately, Cao Cao seemed determined. "Go to the dungeon and think clearly about where you went wrong. When you understand, then come see me."

Cao Cao turned and rode off in a huff. Cao Chun let out a wry smile: "Offending people, in the end, still falls to me."

"Junming, Zhongkang, my apologies."

Dian Wei and Xu Chu followed Cao Chun, heads hanging in defeat. The other generals left the field with Cao Cao. Dian Man and Xu Yi looked at each other, faces full of awkwardness, unsure of what to do.

"Don't worry, everyone. The lord has no intention of truly punishing the two generals. It is just... letting them cool off is good. Once they have calmed down, the lord will naturally release them."

"But... won't they start fighting?" Xu Yi asked, worried. He knew that the atmosphere between them moments ago was one of irreconcilable enmity. Locking them in the same room—if a wrong word was said, a brutal fight would be inevitable. He even wondered if a prison cell could contain them.

"Surely not!" Dian Man hadn't thought of it, but hearing Xu Yi’s concern, he grew anxious too. "Otherwise, should we lock them in shackles? If they are shackled, they won't be able to fight, right?"

Cao Zhen was driven nearly mad by Dian Man. He could see through Xu Chu’s intentions—Xu Chu wanted a way out, and Dian Wei couldn't back down. Thus, Cao Cao appeared, gave them both a lash, and provided the perfect excuse to stop. And yet, here was his son suggesting they chain up his own father!

"No. I must go and check; otherwise, I cannot rest easy."

"I'll go too!" Dian Man and Xu Yi mounted their horses and left without another word.

Cao Peng watched their retreating backs and suddenly laughed. "Enemies always meet."

Cao Zhen paused, then understood. Indeed, Dian Wei and Xu Chu were enemies, and judging by this, their sons, Xu Yi and Dian Man, were following the same path as their fathers.

"Let's go, I'll treat you to a drink."

Cao Peng shook his head. "Forget it, I have to wait for my father."

"Where is Master Cao?"

"Zhou Cang just told me that Lord Cao invited him to the residence for a banquet. You know my father isn't used to such grand settings, so I must go and keep an eye on things."

Cao Zhen nodded. "In that case, I shall take my leave."

At this moment, Xiahou Lan and Zhou Cang approached with their horses. "Young Master, where are we heading?"

Cao Peng replied, "To the Tiger Brazen Manor. Let’s wait there."

The tournament at the West Garden training grounds ended with a resounding victory for the Tiger Brazen Army. The outcome defied everyone's expectations; the Tiger Brazen Army had essentially swept the field. In an instant, Dian Wei’s name became incredibly renowned.

As the Tiger Brazen Army gained fame, the family of Cao Ji gradually stepped into the light. At the Cao residence, Cao Ji admitted he was no "Master of the Mohist School," and Cao Cao did not blame him. Instead, he praised Cao Ji greatly, considering him a man of open heart and honest character. Upon learning that Cao Ji did not have a courtesy name, he happily bestowed one: "Junshi." "Jun" carried the meaning of depth and far-reaching influence, often used to describe noble virtue; "Shi" (stone) alluded to his background in ironworking, born from the rock.

Cao Cao asked, "How did you conceive of these two treasures of the horse?"

The "two treasures" referred to the saddle and stirrups. Cao Ji hesitated, then replied softly, "Lord Cao, it is not two treasures, but three."

Cao Cao was taken aback.

"I ask that you bring a horse from the Tiger Brazen Army, and I shall explain the three treasures."

Cao Cao immediately ordered a horse to be brought over. Cao Ji had the horse's hoof lifted, revealing a circular iron shoe. "When a warhorse gallops, its hooves often suffer damage due to uneven roads or excessive stress. Once damaged, recovery is difficult. To be honest, these three treasures were conceived because of my son. His horsemanship was not excellent, so he often felt uncomfortable. Once, seeing the bridge over the Ji River, he had an idea and told me. It was because of his suggestion that I created the high-arched saddle. My son is small and physically weak, making it inconvenient to mount a horse. He suggested that if there were something to support his feet, it would be much easier. He designed the shape, which is what you see now as the stirrups. As for the horseshoes, it was also his reminder that gave me the idea..."

Cao Cao became even more intrigued. "Your son, is he Cao Peng?"

"Indeed!"

Cao Cao laughed. "In Xuchang today, your son is quite the celebrity. He pioneered the 'Golden Orchid Oath' and the 'Golden Orchid Scroll.' Who hasn't heard of the 'Little Eight Righteous'? I never expected the lad to have such brilliant ideas."

"Small tricks, that is all!"

Cao Cao laughed heartily, took Cao Ji’s hand, and returned to the main hall. "Junshi, the world is in chaos, and the imperial order is in decline. I wish to restore the Han, but I lack capable men. Since you possess such skills, would you be willing to serve the court?"

Cao Ji immediately kowtowed. "How could I not be willing to give my life for Lord Cao?"

Cao Cao was delighted by Cao Ji’s attitude. After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Dong Zhao. "Gongren, I recall Ziyang mentioning that the Office of Ironworks is currently lacking a Director. Is that correct?"

Ziyang, named Liu Ye, was a descendant of Emperor Guangwu of Han. He now served in the Ministry of Works, performing the duties of the Small Treasury, managing agriculture, iron, salt, and currency.

Dong Zhao nodded. "My lord is correct. Ziyang did mention it, but there has been no suitable candidate."

The Office of Ironworks oversaw the casting of iron and weapons. It had a Director and an Assistant, along with several craftsmen, clerks, and guards. Though the staff seemed small, the Director and Assistant held official rank, while the others were subordinates. Furthermore, the office oversaw many "craft officials"—those who held power but also ran their own private workshops. They acted as government-designated suppliers.

Cao Cao asked, "Junshi, would you be willing to take the post?"

Cao Ji, having learned some things about the court through his son and Deng Ji, was stunned. He had hoped for a position as a foreman, but this... this was a massive promotion to a substantive, powerful official position. The shock was so great he could barely react. After a long silence, he replied in a trembling voice, "I am willing."

Cao Ji left the Cao residence in a daze, his mind a complete blank. Fortunately, Cao Peng and the others were waiting at the Tiger Brazen Manor. Zhou Cang and Xiahou Lan, who had been watching the residence, hurried over to bring him back.

"Father, what is wrong?" Cao Peng asked, seeing his father’s distraught state.

Cao Ji swallowed hard. "Peng’er, I have become an official."

"What?"

Cao Peng was also shocked. He had planned for his father to start as a foreman, get familiar with the situation, and then rise through the ranks. The position of Director was not high in rank but was critical. If his father, inexperienced in officialdom, made a mistake, it would be a disaster.

"Father, what else did Lord Cao say?"

"He said that in a few days, files would be sent over for me to familiarize myself with, and before the end of the year, I am to report to the workshop in Xingyang."

"The Xingyang Workshop?" Cao Peng began to feel a headache.

The Xingyang Workshop, also known as the "River Workshop," was the largest ironworks of the Eastern Han. It had been abandoned after the Yellow Turban Rebellion and only reopened after Cao Cao moved the capital to Xuchang.

"Peng’er, I am an official!" Cao Ji suddenly laughed maniacally, looking up at the sky.

Cao Peng stepped forward and grabbed him. "Father, wake up!"

Sometimes, unexpected joy can cause a person to lose their mind, much like Fan Jin from *The Scholars*. Cao Peng tried his best to bring his father back to reality.

"Father, being appointed Director of the Office of Ironworks may not necessarily be a good thing."

Cao Ji sobered slightly, looking at him in confusion. "Peng’er, what do you mean?"

"Do you know the state of that office? You know what they do, but do you know the process? They manage the weapons for hundreds of thousands of troops across three provinces. What is the standard for a合格 (qualified) weapon? Which workshop officials have backing, and which do not? How many swords, spears, and sets of armor are produced annually? How do you manage the subordinates? Father, I wanted you to start small to learn the ropes. But now... let's go back immediately and consult with your brother-in-law. It's not about the skill—it's about the politics. You need means and strategy. We must find you a helper immediately."

Feeling the severity of the situation, Cao Peng lost his composure. "Xiahou, Zhou Cang! Prepare the horses. We are returning to the manor immediately!"