Chapter 125: Emissaries from the Zhen Clan Seek to Ransom Yuan Xi

Just as everyone was enjoying the mockery of Guan Yu, an imperial edict arrived from Xudu. The Emperor had proclaimed to the world that there was no such person as Liu Bei in the imperial lineage. This edict not only exposed Liu Bei’s crime of impersonating a member of the royal family but also included the imperial genealogy and bore the Emperor’s official seal. Its purpose was to prevent anyone from falsely claiming royal status to swindle others in the future.

This turn of events left the world bewildered. Not long ago, Liu Bei had bitterly denounced Guan Yu for his perceived infidelity in defecting to Cao Cao, but now, it turned out that Liu Bei himself was a fraud posing as a scion of the Han house. While this was a resounding slap to the face, it also led people to believe that Guan Yu had broken ties with Liu Bei precisely because he had grown weary of his hypocritical facade.

Liu Bei never imagined that he would end up being the clown. He had clearly consulted the royal genealogy, and the lineage of Prince Jing of Zhongshan was supposed to be authentic. Why was it different now? It must have been the work of Cao Peng. He cursed Cao Peng internally for being despicable and shameless, but it was to no avail; he had already become a known charlatan to the entire world.

Although Yuan Shao and his faction tried to sway public opinion, the Emperor was in the hands of their rivals, and since the Emperor himself had issued the decree, there was little they could do. In Yuan Shao’s military camp, he was so furious that he smashed his cup. "Damn it! To think that big-eared thief is such a fame-seeking impostor. It would have been bad enough if he were just impersonating the Han line, but now he has implicated me as his accomplice! Quickly, go and seize Liu Bei!"

Following Yuan Shao’s order, soldiers rushed out, but they soon returned to report that Liu Bei and Zhang Fei had already disappeared.

Cao Cao was the most pleased by this outcome. He immediately had Chen Lin draft a proclamation categorizing Yuan Shao and Liu Bei as co-conspirators. He branded them as two of a kind who colluded to impersonate royalty and forge imperial edicts, all with the intent of treason. Cao Cao, meanwhile, cast himself as the champion of a righteous army, justifying his campaign against Yuan Shao. In the war of public opinion, Cao Cao held the upper hand.

All of this was, for the time being, of no concern to Cao Peng. After returning to Xuzhou, he spent his days drinking and merrymaking with his generals. He was no longer concerned with the frontline battles, focusing instead on quietly building his strength. Until one day, a personal guard entered to report.

"Report to the General: the Zhen family from Zhongshan in Jizhou has come to pay a visit."

The Zhen family? Wasn't that the clan from Zhongshan known for producing beauties? Why were they coming to his doorstep voluntarily? Cao Peng was somewhat puzzled. "Who is the visitor?" he asked.

The guard replied, "He says his name is Zhen Yao."

Zhen Yao? Searching his memory, Cao Peng had a faint impression. Wasn't this the brother of the legendary beauty Zhen Mi? Though he didn't know the purpose of the visit, he decided to see him. Zhen Mi was the greatest beauty in the north; perhaps he could take an interest in that. Besides producing beauties, the Zhen family was also known for one other thing: they were incredibly wealthy.

As soon as Zhen Yao entered, he had a lavishly embroidered box presented. When Cao Peng opened it, he caught his breath; inside lay a priceless treasure of immense value.

"Interesting..." Cao Peng said with a faint smile.

Seeing that Cao Peng was smiling, Zhen Yao felt that today's mission might have a chance. He had not wanted to come to such a place, but to secure the favor of Yuan Shao and protect his family's honor, he had no choice. "This is but a small token of my family's sincerity. I hope General Cao will accept it!"

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Cao Peng sneered. "They say that those who bring gifts without cause are either sycophants or thieves; that describes you perfectly! Say what you have to say, and be quick about it. I have no time to waste on you."

Zhen Yao, a wealthy young dandy, was so terrified by Cao Peng’s outburst that he immediately knelt. "General, please calm your anger..."

Zhen Yao dared not even lift his head, for Cao Peng’s gaze was as chilling and lethal as the Grim Reaper’s. Cao Peng chuckled and clapped his hands. The soldiers at his side closed the doors, which only deepened the young man's fear. Cao Peng was intentionally cultivating this atmosphere of terror.

"Speak, what is the matter?" Not only did Cao Peng want to know, but Guan Yu and the others behind him were also deeply curious. For the Zhen family to be so generous from the start, they surely had a significant favor to ask of Cao Peng.

In truth, Cao Peng’s dismissiveness left Zhen Yao feeling extremely awkward. He forced himself to say, "To tell you the truth, I have come to visit you today to propose a transaction..."

Cao Peng sneered, "Do I look like a man who lacks anything? Why would I need to make any deals with people like you?"

"Er..." Zhen Yao coughed a few times. "The General is naturally a man of the world and lacks for nothing. I only hope the General will show mercy and allow me to trade 5,000 gold pieces for the return of the Second Young Master Yuan."

Cao Peng scoffed, "Yuan Xi? He couldn't even win a single battle; he's a waste. Why is he worth so much? Why do you want him back?"

Zhen Yao dared not hide the truth and braced himself to say, "I would not have dared to trouble the General, but my younger sister is already betrothed to Young Master Yuan Xi. Since he was captured by the General, my sister has been unable to eat or sleep, and she is wasting away day by day. I had no choice but to beg the General to show mercy..."

Cao Peng sneered repeatedly as he heard this; he did not believe it for a second. Even if it were true, it would be even more reason for him to refuse to hand over Yuan Xi. The reality was that they wanted to curry favor with Yuan Shao, and this marriage was their strategy. As for Yuan Shao, he had his eyes on the Zhen family's immense wealth, hence his willingness to marry into the clan. How could Cao Peng possibly facilitate such a perfect union? Breaking up a pair of lovers was much more his style.

"Zhen Yao, you are on good terms with Yuan Shao. During this war, you have provided him with substantial wealth and provisions. Coming to me now to ask for someone—I suspect you are just trying to please Yuan Shao. Do you take me for a fool?" By the end of his sentence, Cao Peng’s tone had turned ice-cold.

Zhen Yao was so terrified he collapsed onto the floor, stunned that Cao Peng was fully aware of these details.

"I suspect you didn't come here just to trade for that piece of trash! Yuan Shao has already massed his troops in Qingzhou with the intention of encroaching on Xuzhou. You are clearly here as a spy for him! Guards, take him away and behead him!"

This frightened Zhen Yao to his core. "General, spare me! That is absolutely not the case! I beg the General to investigate!"

Cao Peng deliberately ignored him and waved his hand. The guards stepped forward, each grabbing one of Zhen Yao’s arms. Terrified, Zhen Yao wet his pants on the spot.

Seeing that he had frightened him enough, Cao Peng finally spoke, "Actually, I could spare you, but I don't know if you are willing to do one thing for me."