Chapter Two: Rebirth

“Sink your breath to your lower abdomen, focus your mind on your spirit platform!” The Reaper’s Scythe, after all, was a master of martial arts. He quickly steadied his spirit. Science has long since proven that after death, a person’s brainwaves can cross the boundaries of time and space to affect another individual.

There are those who, perfectly fine one day, awaken the next claiming to be someone else, speaking words that make no sense. Some call it possession, others name it schizophrenia, but in truth, it is merely the influence of powerful brainwaves.

Now, the brainwaves of the Reaper’s Scythe had taken over this Cao Hong’s mind, possessing him completely. He did not know why this had happened—perhaps it was his profound martial skill, or perhaps it was the mysterious gamma ray burst, that cosmic force always shrouded in enigma, or maybe it was both.

By now, the chaotic memories had been sorted out by the Reaper’s Scythe. Cao Hong’s memories, his views, opinions, and impressions, all had been wholly absorbed. When he opened his eyes once again, he was greeted by the anxious, caring gaze of a young woman.

Her name was Sheng Meizhen, a native of Wu County, Yangzhou. Her father, Sheng Xian, style name Xiaozhang, was a renowned scholar known for his magnanimity and refined character. He was a close friend of Cao Hong’s uncle, Cao Ding, who also served as the current Prefect of Wu County.

Cao Hong’s parents had died young. His uncle, Cao Ding, had no children of his own and so raised Cao Hong as his own son, sparing no effort in guiding him along the path of officialdom. At eighteen, he was recommended as a Filial and Incorrupt candidate, and soon after took up the post of county chief in Qichun, not far from Wu County. According to Han law, a county with over ten thousand households warranted a magistrate; if not, a county chief. Regardless, both were the highest authorities within their jurisdiction, akin to a modern director-level official.

It was now the sixth year of the Zhongping era, 189 AD. Cao Hong had served as the chief of Qichun County for a year.

Moreover, Cao Ding had vigorously expanded Cao Hong’s business prospects. At sixteen, Cao Hong married Sheng Meizhen, the thirteen-year-old daughter of Sheng Xian, the head of the Sheng family. The Shengs were a prosperous clan with a thousand acres of good land and dominance over the grain transport along the Yangtze in Wu County—a fortune to rival any in the region. Raised alongside his uncle, Cao Hong had lived a life of luxury, studying literature and martial arts, carefree and content. By fifteen, he had gathered three hundred retainers in Wu County, earning a reputation as a local hero. After becoming Sheng Xian’s son-in-law, he expanded his trade, exchanging goods with his kinsman Cao Ren in Peiguo and conducting business with Chen Wen, the Inspector of Yangzhou. In just a few years, he had amassed considerable wealth, and even after taking office in Qichun, his ventures in Yangzhou continued to flourish.

As Cao Hong’s life flashed rapidly through his mind, the Reaper’s Scythe slipped into the role at once. A true mercenary should adapt to any circumstance. Besides, his own name included the character for “scythe,” while Cao Hong’s name bore the word for “incorrupt”—perhaps a sign of fate. He had lived nameless in his previous existence; now, to have a family name was no small fortune. Thus, he resolved to use Cao Hong’s name from now on.

“Meizhen, I’m fine. My head just hurt a little, but I’m all right now.” Cao Hong smiled gently.

“Headache? Your elder brother also suffers from headaches. Could this be a family affliction in the Cao clan?” Sheng Meizhen asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

The elder brother she spoke of was none other than the future Emperor Wu of Wei, Cao Cao, the acknowledged leader of the new generation of the Cao family. If Cao Hong was the wealthiest among his generation, and his cousin Cao Ren the most militarily gifted, then Cao Cao was unmatched in statecraft. The famous scholar Xu Shao once remarked, “A cunning villain in times of peace, a hero in times of chaos.” Though not the kindest of assessments, it was a testament to Cao Cao’s talent.

At present, Cao Cao served as one of the Eight Commanders of the Western Garden in the Han capital, Luoyang. Hailing from a prestigious family, his lineage rivaled even that of Yuan Shao, whose family had produced three generations of high ministers. Compared to Cao Hong and Cao Ren, who made their way in smaller locales, Cao Cao’s starting point was far superior.

Though the Cao family could not compare to the truly ancient aristocratic clans, they still far surpassed local magnates like Sheng Xian. One could not speak of the Cao family without mentioning Cao Hong’s uncle’s adoptive father, Cao Teng. Cao Teng was a eunuch who rose to the esteemed post of Grand Chamberlain, akin to the chief steward of the imperial palace, and was ennobled as Marquis of Feiting. Serving under four emperors, he was upright and honest, never guilty of great wrongdoing, and recommended many worthy talents to the court. He was a model eunuch. During Emperor Huan’s reign—the predecessor to Emperor Ling and thus to the Young Emperor and Emperor Xian—Cao Teng’s pivotal support in placing Huan on the throne saw him dominate the court, marking him as a powerful eunuch.

Cao Teng had three adopted sons: Cao Song, Cao Ding, and Cao Chi. Cao Song, Cao Cao’s father, surpassed his adoptive father, attaining the rank of Grand Commandant, one of the Three Excellencies—second only to the emperor. Though he never wielded power as Cao Teng had, he reached the pinnacle of officialdom. When the Ten Attendants’ Rebellion broke out, pitting eunuchs against imperial in-laws, Cao Song, himself an adopted son rather than a eunuch, chose to step aside. Having once controlled the state’s finances and made a handsome profit, he had no wish to stand in the eye of the storm, and thus retired.

Cao Ding, Cao Hong’s uncle, held posts such as Minister of the Secretariat, Administrator of Hejian, and Prefect of Wu County—high offices indeed. Cao Hong’s own father, the biological brother of Cao Ding before his adoption, was the reason for Cao Ding’s special affection for Cao Hong.

As for Cao Chi, he was the father of Cao Ren and Cao Chun, reaching the rank of Colonel of the Changshui, commanding cavalry near Chang’an, and also a high official. Yet, wounded in battle against the northern tribes, he died at thirty-nine from recurring illness. At that time, Cao Chun was fourteen, Cao Ren fifteen.

Though the Cao family’s younger generation descended from a eunuch, none could deny their long tradition of official service. Despite the gentry’s contempt for Cao Teng, a eunuch, all three adopted sons achieved high rank, with Cao Song attaining the very top. One must admit the Cao family’s genuine capability. With Cao Cao’s distinguished service, he stood on equal footing with the noble-born Yuan Shao as one of the Eight Commanders.

Sheng Meizhen’s casual reference to “elder brother” set Cao Hong’s mind adrift for a moment, as he replayed the family history. Seeing her husband lost in thought, Sheng Meizhen gently shook him.

Cao Hong came to himself and smiled. “Elder brother’s father and mine are but cousins, our blood ties are distant. His headaches are hardly contagious to me. I must have caught a chill of late, that’s all.”

Sheng Meizhen’s pretty eyes widened in surprise. “A chill? How can that be? It’s only early autumn, and hardly cold.”

Cao Hong laughed, “Perhaps it’s a chill within. A little rest will see me right. Meizhen, have one of the servants brew me a pot of hot tea.”

Sheng Meizhen was about to answer when a maid entered and announced, “Master, Madam, the assistant county chief has come. He says there is a difficult case he cannot resolve and wishes to consult you. He is waiting in the main hall.”

The assistant county chief’s role was to help the county chief or magistrate handle all manner of county affairs. In Cao Hong’s memory, the previous Cao Hong had rarely concerned himself with the affairs of Qichun, preferring to focus on his business. Thus, most county matters were delegated to the assistant for administration or the constable for military affairs. Only when an intractable problem arose would the assistant come to consult him.

Sheng Meizhen, evidently aware of the situation, said, “Please ask the assistant county chief to wait a moment. The master will come as soon as he is dressed.”

Only then did Cao Hong realize he was sitting on an antique wooden couch clad only in a loose white undergarment.

The maid acknowledged the command and left. Sheng Meizhen said softly, “Husband, allow me to help you dress.”

Cao Hong, hearing this, cooperated at once and let Sheng Meizhen clothe him.