Chapter 116: Amending the Imperial Genealogy

Cao Peng had, of course, already received the message from the Jinyiwei. Although Wen Chou had led a large army to the borders of Qingzhou, he did not intend to waste time there. After leaving Zhang Liao to guard Xuzhou, he led the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry back to Xuchang. With his god-like perspective, he knew that the flashpoint of this Battle of Guandu would be Guandu itself, not Xuzhou. Although the atmosphere was heavy with the brewing storm of a major war, Cao Peng was not the least bit worried. When the time came for the war to reach a stalemate, he would simply lead his cavalry to burn Wuchao. Would victory not be easily within his grasp?

There was another matter to attend to upon returning to Xuchang: making Guan Yu truly see Liu Bei’s true colors. At this thought, Cao Peng glanced back. Guan Yu, riding a tall, majestic horse, met his gaze and, feeling somewhat embarrassed, looked away. To be honest, Guan Yu had never imagined that there would come a day when he would betray his elder brother. Glancing at Lady Gan, who sat behind him, his face flushed red once more. Since some things were already done, he could only continue down this path of error. He felt somewhat restless, hoping that what Cao Peng had told him was true—that Liu Bei was merely a man of empty reputation—so that he might find a justification of loyalty for himself.

Upon returning to Xuchang, Cao Cao immediately summoned Cao Peng. He patted Cao Peng on the shoulder and said, "To think you could actually persuade Guan Yu to surrender; you truly are a brilliant talent."

Cao Peng smiled. Wasn't this the very result you, Boss Cao, wanted? "Everything is due to the leadership of my lord; only then could we achieve today's victory."

Hearing this, Cao Cao chuckled. He hadn't expected this young man to be so adept at social graces. "Guan Yunchang is a man who cares nothing for fame or wealth. How exactly did you trick him into joining us?"

At this, Cao Peng merely smiled, thinking to himself: Guan Yunchang indeed does not care for wealth, but like you, Boss Cao, he has a fondness for beautiful women. Furthermore, he discovered that this Guan Yu was a man who hid his passions beneath a stoic exterior.

"That naturally required my own methods. Uncle, surely you trust my ability to poach talent!"

Why did Cao Peng's words sound so insufferable to his ears? Cao Cao felt the urge to raise his hand and slap him twice. But on second thought, wasn't this the unique, hereditary skill of the Cao family?

"Haha, I have long said you are the Qilin of our Cao family. I have ten thousand times the confidence in your abilities."

After this exchange of mutual flattery, Cao Peng got down to business. "Guan Yu still needs one last thing to resolve the final obstacle in his heart. For this, we must have the little Emperor’s help!"

Hearing that Cao Peng intended to use the power of Liu Xie, Cao Cao was curious about what his plan could be. Cao Peng did not keep him in suspense; he leaned in and whispered his strategy into his uncle's ear. Upon hearing it, Cao Cao’s eyes widened like copper bells.

"You rascal, how dare you come up with such a wicked scheme!"

"Heh, well, the student surpasses the master, does he not?"

With that, Cao Peng left immediately, before Cao Cao could react to the subtle dig. Cao Peng went straight to the imperial palace to see Emperor Xian, Liu Xie. Liu Xie, not expecting this little menace to return, was so startled he nearly knocked over his desk.

"General Cao has returned in triumph. That I did not come out to welcome you is truly my fault!"

Liu Xie had already been tamed; he was completely submissive to Cao Peng—he had no choice but to be.

Cao Peng laughed. "It is no matter. This time, I have returned with several women from Xuzhou for Your Majesty. I previously noticed that your inner palace lacked attendants, so I specially gathered a few for you."

"Many thanks, General. I never expected you to be so loyal." Liu Xie’s face immediately brightened. Ever since Cao Cao had taken away his only two women last time, there had been no one in the palace for him to speak with. The royalist ministers had already been slaughtered, and Liu Xie’s desire to overthrow Cao Cao had been thoroughly extinguished. As an emperor, his plight was so pathetic that it even made Cao Peng feel a touch of shame.

Cao Peng smiled. "Your Majesty, there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Since I am so loyal to you, should you not provide some return?"

Liu Xie was perplexed. He wanted to say that the entire world already belonged to his uncle and nephew, so what else could he possibly offer? "If you have a request, Minister, speak freely. I shall certainly... comply."

"Actually, it is quite simple. I just need to borrow the imperial genealogy!"

Seeing Liu Xie’s continued confusion, Cao Peng leaned in and whispered his plan. Liu Xie’s expression flickered between shadow and light, but in the end, he nodded. To Liu Xie, Liu Bei was now useless. Whether he was a true imperial uncle or a false one, Liu Xie could no longer rely on him for anything. However, in agreeing to this, Liu Xie felt he had betrayed his ancestors; to let an outsider borrow the royal lineage to alter it at will was a heavy burden.

After coordinating with Liu Xie, Cao Peng went to Guan Yu’s residence. The guards, seeing it was Cao Peng, did not block him and let him enter. While they were ostensibly sent to serve Guan Yu, in reality, they were there to monitor him. Guan Yu was currently sitting before a stone table, engrossed in a copy of the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. But the moment Cao Peng stepped into the courtyard, Guan Yu closed the book and stood up. For some reason, as he met Cao Peng’s gaze, he felt that Cao Peng was also a master of martial arts. Since they had never crossed blades, he was unsure of Cao Peng's true strength.

"General, may I ask when I might be granted an audience with the Emperor?" Guan Yu’s tone still carried a trace of reverence for the Han Emperor.

Cao Peng could not help but chuckle. It seemed the four hundred years of the Han Dynasty were truly deeply rooted in people’s hearts. When Liu Bei had visited the capital, Cao Cao had only taken him alone to the throne room, so Guan Yu had yet to see Liu Xie.

"Heh, Yunchang, no need to be so impatient. Rest for another day, and the day after next, I will certainly take you to the palace," Cao Peng said with a smile.

Since Cao Peng had said as much, Guan Yu could not press further. He bowed in thanks and returned to his *Spring and Autumn Annals*. Cao Peng did not disturb him further; he left behind some food he had brought specifically for him and took his leave. Based on Cao Peng’s observations, although Guan Yu was a man of the countryside, he was a man of great integrity. In his worldview, restoring the Han Dynasty was synonymous with upholding justice. And it was precisely because of this that he trusted Liu Bei like a devout believer.