Chapter 072: The First Phase of the Nurturing Plan (Part One)
The position, also known as Assistant Scribe, was an aide to the Inspector, appointed directly by the Inspector himself.
Man Chong was not among the earliest followers of Cao Cao, yet as a trusted aide and advisor, he was certainly one of Cao Cao’s most reliable confidants.
Dian Wei, meanwhile, served as Cao Cao’s personal guard, and was held in equally high regard.
Thus, as early as their days in Yan Province, Man Chong and Dian Wei had forged a deep bond of friendship.
Man Chong was considered a notable figure in Yan Province, though not born into a noble family. Dian Wei, on the other hand, came from humble origins, earning Cao Cao’s favor through his unmatched courage and martial prowess.
Their paths were different, but their journeys were strikingly similar.
Man Chong’s strict enforcement of the law and upright character led to his dismissal from office, while Dian Wei’s boldness and exceptional skill aroused envy among his peers—he nearly lost his life as a result.
Therefore, when together, they found themselves able to speak freely.
After Cao Cao’s defeat at Wan City, Man Chong learned of Dian Wei’s tragic death and fainted on the spot, subsequently suffering a serious illness.
It was only three days ago that he finally recovered enough to walk.
Yet barely had his health returned, he received a report from Langling County: a group of noble youths was running rampant, committing murder with utter disregard for the law.
Man Chong was instantly enraged upon hearing this! His temperament was fierce, his hatred of evil profound.
Having studied the law from a young age, his standards were especially strict.
It was not that all noble youths were lawless, but indeed there existed a faction among them that tarnished the reputation of their kind.
Since the end of the Han dynasty, chaos had reigned, and the laws had collapsed.
For one who studied the law and aspired to restore order and promote virtue, the transgressions of noble youths were far more damaging than those of commoners.
The reason was simple: the aristocracy formed the backbone of Han’s upper echelons, and their offspring wielded great influence.
Should they flout the law, the result would be a widespread disregard for Han’s authority, unleashing reckless behavior across society.
Thus, Man Chong was even stricter with those of noble lineage.
Upon receiving the report from Langling, he wasted no time, immediately gathering his troops to intercept the offenders.
What he did not expect was to encounter Dian Wei here...
Dian Wei was equally astonished. He was about to spur his horse forward, but suddenly paused, pulling the reins to halt his steed. “Berming, are you here to arrest me?”
Man Chong, after the initial shock, regained his composure.
The smile on his face gradually faded.
His sharp brows knitted together as he sighed, “Junming, was it truly you who did this?”
He was perplexed; Dian Wei had been presumed dead at Wan City.
Why was he now serving as an attendant to these noble youths? Which family did they belong to? And why would Dian Wei assist in such wrongdoing?
His gaze unconsciously slipped past Dian Wei to those behind him.
He saw a carriage drawn by three horses, standing quietly some ten meters behind Dian Wei.
Around the carriage, a dozen robust men brandished weapons in vigilant formation.
Man Chong’s glance swept over them, finally settling on Cao Peng and Deng Ji.
It was not that these two radiated the aura of kings, but their bearing set them apart from the rest.
Deng Ji was missing an arm, his face pale.
His thin cheeks were sharply chiseled, the contours bold and rugged.
Sometimes, temperament is a mysterious thing—hard to describe, impossible to define.
Some people, despite handsome features, provoke dislike, while others with the same appearance elicit respect, even affection.
Deng Ji was not particularly handsome, nor was he unattractive.
He had once seemed frail, but after enduring a series of ordeals, his demeanor had changed dramatically.
His body seemed weaker than before,
but his presence now inspired respect.
This was a man of steely resolve! Man Chong mused to himself.
When his gaze fell upon Cao Peng, he was taken aback.
Here was another interesting youth—appearing no older than fourteen or fifteen, yet exuding a composure far beyond his years.
Man Chong had met many noble sons, but none quite like Cao Peng.
How to describe it? There was a certain indifference in the boy’s eyes, a kind of detachment born of seeing through life and death.
It was cold, yet not the sort of cold that repels others, but rather a chill that evokes compassion and care.
Man Chong was stunned!
A flash of anger crossed Dian Wei’s face.
“Berming, do you remember what you once told me?”
“Hm?”
“You said you wished to restore order among the officials, so the people would abide by the law and dare not transgress.”
Man Chong withdrew his gaze, speaking earnestly, “I am still striving for that, and have never forgotten. What do you mean by this, Junming?”
“If you wish to restore order, why is your jurisdiction plagued by oppressive taxation?”
“Oppressive taxation?”
Dian Wei retorted angrily, “I recall the Lord once commanded that the trade routes between Runan and Nanyang must remain open.
Yet, under your governance, there are those who establish unauthorized checkpoints at Langling, extorting taxes.
Berming, ten coins per person, fifty per horse, five thousand per carriage, and extra tax for carrying weapons.
Is this your way of restoring order? Is this your strict adherence to the law? Are you blind?”
Man Chong was dumbfounded. “Junming, are you telling the truth?”
Dian Wei snorted, “Everyone behind me can testify.
If you doubt it, send your men to inquire—it can be confirmed.”
Man Chong’s face twitched before he forced a bitter smile.
“This matter, let us discuss it back at the office, shall we?”
With this large group blocking the road, some things were best left unsaid for the moment.
Dian Wei was about to protest, but Cao Peng rode forward, stopping him. “Uncle Dian, with so many people here, it would be better to explain everything to Uncle Man when we reach Pingyu.”
Knowing Dian Wei well, Man Chong expected an outburst.
Dian Wei disliked being interrupted—aside from Lord Cao Cao, not even Xiahou Dun or Cao Ren would dare interject.
Yet Dian Wei showed no anger, pondering a moment before nodding in agreement.
Man Chong gave Cao Peng a meaningful look, then waved his hand and commanded, “Return to the city!”
The five hundred elite soldiers behind him turned as one, marching in neat formation.
Though Man Chong was a civil official, the discipline of his troops showed he was no stranger to military training.
Wei Yan’s eyes lit up with a peculiar expression.
Others missed this subtle reaction, but Cao Peng noticed.
He paused, then seemed to comprehend something, glancing at Man Chong and then at Wei Yan, giving a slight nod.
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Pingyu County lies at the border of three cities—Zhumadian, Zhoukou, and Fuyang—where the provinces of Henan and Anhui meet in later times.
During the Xia and Shang dynasties, Pingyu was known as Zhi, a feudal state.
In the Zhou era, it became part of the State of Shen.
Its name, Pingyu, comes from the family letters of Lady Tai Ren, mother of King Wen, which mention “arriving at Pingyu.”
The terrain here is flat, the land fertile, making it the seat of Runan Commandery’s administration.
After bringing Dian Wei and his party back to the prefectural office, Man Chong ordered his men to stand guard outside.
He instructed his household to prepare a banquet to welcome Dian Wei and his companions.
During the feast, Dian Wei recounted his harrowing escape from Wan City in detail, stating his intention to take Cao Peng and the others to Xudu for safety.
Upon hearing this, Man Chong bowed deeply to Wei Yan and Cao Peng.
“Junming is my dear friend; thanks to your righteous intervention, he was rescued from peril. I am profoundly grateful.”
His words conveyed genuine warmth.
Cao Peng and Wei Yan quickly rose to return the gesture. Cao Peng then asked, “Governor Man, you seemed to have something to tell Uncle Dian on the road?”
Dian Wei immediately recalled the earlier scene and leaned forward to ask.
Man Chong hesitated, then sighed, “The magistrate of Langling indeed committed a heinous crime by establishing unauthorized checkpoints.
He was originally the magistrate of Wuyin in Nanyang. When the Lord campaigned against Wan City, Cheng Yao surrendered the pass and gained the Lord’s favor.
But it’s not that the Lord values him greatly.
Lord’s use of him serves two purposes: first, to attract scholars from Jing and Xiang; second... because someone recommended him to the Lord.”
“Junming, it’s not that I condone his actions, but...”
Dian Wei’s face darkened. “Who?”
Man Chong smiled bitterly, “It was Zilian.”
Dian Wei fell silent, his expression growing even more grim.
Cao Peng couldn’t help but whisper, “Who is Zilian?”
Xiahou Lan, beside him, replied quietly, “He is the Lord’s kinsman, the current Censorate advisor, Cao Hong—Cao Zilian.
It’s said that Cao Zilian was among the earliest to follow the Lord. When the coalition attacked Dong Zhuo and forced him to move to Chang’an, the Lord pursued and nearly lost his life, saved only because General Cao Hong gave up his mount and fought on foot to protect the Lord. Thus, he enjoys the Lord’s favor.”
Cao Peng was unfamiliar with Zilian, but the name Cao Hong was well-known to him...
So Cheng Yao was backed by Cao Hong?
Historical accounts of Cao Hong note not only his abilities but also his greed.
Cheng Yao’s extortion under the guise of suppressing bandits was clearly a pretext.
No doubt he used such tactics to amass wealth and curry favor with Cao Hong.
Cheng Yao was an outsider, with no foundation in Cao’s camp.
Without a patron, he could not have secured his position.
He was not particularly capable, but adept at political maneuvering.
Dian Wei slammed his palm on the table. “If Zilian is shielding him, must we simply stand by?”
Man Chong looked awkward, opening his mouth but unsure how to explain...
He was indeed resolute, but not blind to the realities.
In Xian County, Man Chong had already offended Cao Hong once while enforcing the law.
Though Cao Hong did not retaliate, it was unlikely he bore no grudge.
If he acted with force again, Cao Hong’s dignity would suffer.
After all, Cao Hong was Cao Cao’s kinsman, and even Cao Cao might struggle to mediate.
Man Chong was caught in a dilemma.
Seeing Man Chong silent, Dian Wei’s anger grew.
“If you dare not deal with him, let me handle it.”
“Junming, what are you saying?”
“What am I saying? The truth!” Dian Wei thundered, “The Lord’s achievements have not come easily.
I do not wish to see his great reputation ruined by such a scoundrel.
You may fear Cao Hong, Berming, but I, Dian Wei, do not fear offending Cao Zilian!”
“Who says I fear Cao Hong...” Man Chong was incensed!
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Attending a friend’s wedding outside, uncertain if I can update at midnight.
If not, there will be an update in the afternoon... The timing may be delayed; I ask for your understanding, brothers and sisters.