Chapter 41: Cao Cao’s Victory Banquet

On this day, in celebration of having taken Wancheng, Cao Cao prepared a grand banquet in his camp. At the same time, as Cao Cao busied himself with preparations for the feast, Liu Xie was making his own arrangements.

He dispatched a member of the Wolf Shadow unit, who slipped out of the inn at dusk.

Within the residence where Zhang Xiu was staying, the man was donning his attire, ready to attend the banquet. But just as he was about to depart—

Whoosh!

A faint sound sliced through the air. An arrow shot through the window on the door and lodged itself firmly in the table beside Zhang Xiu.

The instant he saw the arrow, Zhang Xiu tensed. Without hesitation, he drew his blade and dashed out of the room, his eyes darting anxiously about. He found nothing out of the ordinary.

He glanced back at the arrow still quivering in the tabletop. Upon closer inspection, he noticed something wrapped around the shaft. Curiosity piqued, he pulled the arrow free and discovered a slip of paper tied to it.

There were only a few terse words written upon it:

“Take care of your aunt.”

Indeed, such a cryptic message caused Zhang Xiu’s brow to furrow. He knew well who was meant by “aunt”—his uncle’s widow, Lady Zou.

But what did this warning mean? Why should he be mindful of her?

“Master,” a voice called from outside.

Moments later, Hu Che’er and Jia Xu entered the room. “Are you ready, Master? We should be going,” Hu Che’er asked quietly. Since they had surrendered and come here, he no longer troubled himself with doubts; as the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. He intended to participate in the feast with a clear mind.

“I’m ready. Let’s go.” Zhang Xiu crushed the slip of paper in his hand and departed with the other two.

Night fell at Cao’s mansion. A grand celebration was underway. All present were famed generals under Cao Cao’s command—including the likes of Cao Hong, Cao Ren, and Cao Zhen, among other members of the Cao family, as well as a number of stalwart warriors from the Xiahou clan, such as Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan.

During the festivities, Cao Cao himself greeted Zhang Xiu with cordiality, praising his timely surrender and opening of the city gates. Zhang Xiu, for his part, mingled well with the assembled guests.

Midway through the banquet, however, Cao Cao excused himself, claiming he felt unwell.

Meanwhile, back at the inn, Liu Xie sat with a gentle smile, though he did not attend the banquet and could not see what transpired. Still, he kept abreast of every development, not due to any foreknowledge from his twenty-first-century origins, but because a constant stream of information was being relayed to him.

A knock came at the door. One of the Wolf Shadow operatives hurried to open it.

A slender, plainly dressed young woman entered. She immediately approached Liu Xie, bowed slightly, and reported, “Your Majesty, Cao Cao has left the banquet. Zhang Xiu’s aunt has been taken to Cao’s mansion. The feast continues, and Zhang Xiu and the others remain unaware.”

She recounted every detail of the evening’s events.

Liu Xie nodded approvingly. “Well done. Go back at once and find a way to inform Zhang Xiu. Remember, put your safety first. If there’s no opportunity, let it be.”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do everything in my power. I only ask that you continue to care for my family,” the woman replied gratefully, bowing again.

“There’s no need to worry. Your family lacks for nothing; your brother is already attending private school. Don’t let these tasks weigh heavily on you. If you can complete them, so be it; if not, there will be other chances.”

Indeed, all those who brought him reports were former palace maids and eunuchs. Liu Xie treated them with remarkable leniency, never demanding the impossible. He had learned to be shrewd, understanding that these people saw themselves as his own, and that his forbearance inspired their utmost loyalty. The greater his leniency, the harder they worked.

Though his methods were in some ways calculated, he was confident there was no wrong in what he did, for he truly aided them, and their efforts were not without benefit to themselves. Should he reclaim the throne one day, he would remember each and every one of them.

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty. I take my leave.” The woman departed to resume her duties at Cao’s mansion.

Soon after, several more so-called palace maids and eunuchs arrived in succession, bringing fresh news from Cao Cao’s side.

At the same time, at the celebratory banquet in Cao’s residence, the drinking continued apace. Zhang Xiu was still among the revelers.

Just then, a serving girl approached from behind. “Master Zhang, allow me to pour you some wine,” she said respectfully.

Without much thought, Zhang Xiu handed her his cup.

As she finished pouring, she quietly murmured, “Master Zhang, your aunt is in Lord Cao’s chambers. Be on your guard.”

Startled, Zhang Xiu stared after her, but she had already turned away. He was left bewildered, pondering her words. His aunt in Cao Cao’s chambers? Wasn’t she supposed to be at home? How could she be with Cao Cao?

Confused, he fell deep into thought.

“Master Zhang, why so absent-minded? Drink up!” one of Cao Cao’s generals called out heartily.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just need to step out for a moment,” Zhang Xiu replied, making an excuse to visit the privy.

His companions, thinking he’d simply had too much to drink, paid him no mind.

Once outside, Zhang Xiu made his way through the darkness, searching for Cao Cao’s quarters. After some time, he finally arrived at the door, only to hear sounds from within.

One voice was all too familiar—the voice of his aunt, Lady Zou. From the sound of it, she was arguing with Cao Cao.

Zhang Xiu’s fists clenched, rage surging within him. He understood now; he knew what Cao Cao was doing. He wanted nothing more than to storm inside and tear Cao Cao limb from limb.

After all, Lady Zou was the widow of his uncle Zhang Ji, entrusted to his care on his uncle’s deathbed. Now, to suffer such indignity at Cao Cao’s hands—how could he not be furious?

Yet, trembling with fury, Zhang Xiu forced himself to endure and suppress his wrath.