Chapter Sixteen: Historian Liu of Peiguo

In the study, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, and Xu Ding were seated in their respective places. The maids had already withdrawn, leaving only the three young men. Cao Ren was the first to speak: “Zilian, since my father’s passing, Bokan has always followed me, and the Xu family rendered great assistance in eradicating the remnants of the Yellow Turbans in Peiguo. What’s more, they gave their most beautiful daughter to me in marriage. So whatever is on your mind, speak freely—there’s no need for restraint!”

Cao Hong nodded, instantly understanding why, in the annals of history, when Cao Cao had seized full control over the Huai region years later, Xu Chu and his followers immediately pledged allegiance to him and were appointed as commanders, brought directly into the central guard, and made leaders of his inner circle. The connection between the Xu and Cao families had evidently been deep-rooted since their days in Qiao County, Peiguo.

Since there was no need for reservation, Cao Hong asked directly, “Now that our elder brother is about to take action, Uncle Jingjie instructed me to bring only our retainers and a portion of our wealth from Qichun to join the cause. The rest of our assets in Wu County remain untouched, to be kept in reserve should our endeavor fail and we need to rise again from the ashes. What are your intentions, cousin?”

Cao Ren’s circumstances were unlike Cao Hong’s. Cao Hong still had Cao Ding above him to make arrangements, but Cao Ren had lost his father early, and his mother passed away only days after his father. As for his father’s other wives and concubines, Cao Ren supported them but had no sway over their decisions. He was a man who led the household alone, making decisions based first on Cao Cao’s will and second on his own considerations.

After some thought, Cao Ren replied, “My plan is much the same as yours, dear brother. I also intend to sell off a portion of our assets and lead my retainers to join the cause. If we fail, at least we won’t be utterly ruined.”

He paused, then continued, “I plan to take my own retainers. As for the young men of your family, Bokan, they should remain in Peiguo: first, to look after the Cao family’s estates; second, to guard against bandits; and third, because I know both you and Zhongkang are filial sons, and as the saying goes, ‘When your parents are alive, do not travel far.’ Thus, it would not be right for you to join us in this venture, which could cost us our heads.”

Cao Ren spoke the unvarnished truth. With Dong Zhuo now holding the reins of power, for Cao Cao to raise the standard of rebellion was tantamount to treason. If they failed, not only themselves but their entire clans would be implicated.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ding apologized, “Zixiao, my predicament truly prevents me from accompanying you.” Though Cao Ren was younger, their families were now joined by marriage, so Xu Ding and Cao Hong did not stand on the formalities of master and servant.

Cao Ren laughed easily, “Why so formal, Bokan? Now that the Xu patriarch and matriarch are advanced in years, and Zhongkang is still young, you are the pillar of your house—how could we let you take such a risk? If we do fail, my wife, being of the Xu family, would surely bring trouble upon you as well. Ha!”

Xu Ding replied with sincerity, “Zixiao, you are mistaken. Should it come to that, I would fight to the last!”

Listening to their exchange, Cao Hong realized how close the two men were and laughed, “With Dong the Traitor running amok, how could we fail? Bokan, just wait for our cousin to return home in glory!”

Xu Ding nodded and said, “Though I cannot go with you, Zixiao may take Gongliu along. He will surely be a great support to you.”

Cao Ren nodded, noticing Cao Hong’s look of contemplation, and explained, “Gongliu is another of my valued aides, named Shi Huan. He is quite renowned along the Huai and Si rivers, and his martial prowess is no less than ours.”

At this, Cao Hong’s curiosity was piqued—someone whose skills rivaled his own must indeed be a master of internal cultivation. It seemed the warriors of this era were far mightier than those of later times. No wonder that, in these turbulent days, such men abounded.

He asked, “If he’s such a trusted assistant, why was he not at the banquet today?”

Cao Ren grinned, “Gongliu is out in the countryside training the local militia. Though our household boasts a thousand retainers, the region is filled with various clans, and we cannot oversee them all. It is common for him to assist them in drilling their men.”

No wonder the customs of the age were so fierce, with rebellion and the raising of armies so commonplace. A martial spirit pervaded the land, and Cao Hong gained a deeper appreciation for this era.

Xu Ding added, “Since our plans are settled, tomorrow I will summon my sons and allow you, Zixiao, to select the most robust among them for your campaign. The rest I will see to.”

Cao Ren nodded, “I must ask you, Bokan, to look after my wife and the women of my household.”

Xu Ding smiled, “That is only natural.”

Cao Hong asked in surprise, “Cousin, you will not take your wife to Chenliu?”

Cao Ren replied, “She is of the Xu clan; it is well for her to remain here. Besides, someone must oversee the household. Peiguo is the root of the Cao family; how could we leave it unattended?”

Cao Hong nodded, “You are right, cousin.”

After discussing a few more details, they took their leave. Xu Ding went to the martial hall to find his brother, Xu Chu, while Cao Hong, accompanied by a servant, went to rest in the guest quarters. Entering his room, he found a beautiful maid of about fourteen or fifteen waiting on the couch. Evidently, Sheng Meizhen and Madam Xu intended to talk late into the night and share a bed, fearing Cao Hong would be lonely, so they asked for a virgin maid to attend him. Clearly, Cao Ren would receive similar treatment.

Such was the difference between ancient and modern women. In those days, most women regarded a man’s desire for women as perfectly natural, not only not interfering but even encouraging it, as a mark of grace and generosity. Cao Hong, of course, would not refuse such hospitality. After a delightful night, he rose the next day to find Liao Hua standing at the door, looking exhausted. “Yuanjian, you don’t look well today!” he asked.

Liao Hua pulled a face. “Young master, that little fat fellow is really something. I sparred with him, and now I’m sore all over—couldn’t even best him with one hand.”

Cao Hong laughed heartily to himself—if you had won, that would have been the real surprise. After washing up, he and Liao Hua went to the main hall, only to find it empty. Asking a nearby maid, he learned that Cao Ren had left early for the Xu family stronghold, while Sheng Meizhen and Madam Xu had gone to the city market. No doubt, in a small place like Qichun, Sheng Meizhen had grown quite bored. Qiao County was a big city, its market much larger, and shopping was a woman’s nature, whether ancient or modern.

Left idle, Cao Hong asked a maid where the martial hall was, intending to practice his boxing, when a clear male voice called out, “You must be Master Cao Zilian! I am Shi Gongliu, a retainer of Master Zixiao.”

Turning, Cao Hong saw a young man of about twenty, slender and handsome, standing with a smile. Though not heavily muscled, his vigor was remarkable—his cultivation of internal energy had clearly reached a high level, on par with Cao Hong’s present abilities. However, Cao Hong’s foundation was deep, and his daily progress rapid; soon, he would surpass this man.

To reach such a stage at twenty was impressive, though he still fell far short of Xu Chu’s level, Cao Hong thought to himself. Outwardly, he rose politely and said, “So it is Brother Shi. My cousin is not at home; he’s gone to the Xu family stronghold.”

Shi Huan smiled, “I am here at Master Zixiao’s command to escort you to the Xu stronghold to select your brave men.”

Cao Hong returned his smile, “I see! Then please, lead the way.”

Shi Huan replied, “The horses are ready outside. If you would follow me.”

Cao Hong gladly accompanied Shi Huan out of Cao Ren’s residence. At the gate, two fine steeds awaited them. “Truly the descendants of cavalry generals—such magnificent horses,” he thought.

Mounting, the two of them rode swiftly out of the city.

Author’s Note: Shi Huan, courtesy name Gongliu, was from Peiguo (modern Suixi, Anhui). In the late Eastern Han, he served under Cao Cao as Central Army Colonel, Inspector General, and Chief Commandant of the Central Army, ultimately ennobled as a marquis. Renowned for his loyalty and courage, Shi Huan was already a noted knight-errant in his youth. After Cao Cao raised his banner, Shi Huan joined him as a guest officer. In 199, Cao Ren, Shi Huan, and Xu Huang attacked Sui Gu at Quancheng; in 200, Cao Cao sent Xu Huang and Shi Huan to burn the supply wagons protected by Han Meng. By 207, Shi Huan was made Chief Commandant of the Central Army for his loyalty and valor; in 209...