Chapter 20: The Assistance of Cao Ang

Cao Peng’s decision to venture into business was one born out of desperation. His family’s fortunes had fallen into ruin, and in his urgent quest for wealth, he immediately thought of the system reward he had received earlier—the recipe for Erguotou. In this era, there were no spirits in the true sense; all alcoholic beverages were merely fruit wines or rice wines. If he could brew Erguotou in these times, it would surely cause a sensation.

He sought out Cao Ang precisely to leverage the influence and network of connections the man possessed. Once his first batch of product was ready, his initial target for promotion would naturally be the nobles and aristocrats. Only by elevating his product into something truly luxurious could he entice those wealthy enough to pay high prices willingly, enabling him to amass wealth swiftly. Otherwise, what was he to do—hawking his wares in the streets and alleys? Not only would it be time-consuming and exhausting, it would hardly yield any profit.

After dining at home, Cao Peng prepared to head out; he had an appointment with Cao Ang that afternoon. In his preoccupation with business, he had unintentionally neglected his wife, Zou, but fortunately she was understanding and voiced no complaints. Still, a young woman in the prime of her life, left alone in an empty house, would inevitably feel a touch of loneliness.

As Cao Peng was about to leave, Zou accompanied him to the door.

“My lord, I hope you return early,” she said, her eyes filled with gentle longing. The sight stirred something within Cao Peng; he pulled her into his arms and planted a tender kiss upon her delicate cheek. At once, her face flushed with rosy color, bashfulness clearly written in her expression.

“My lord, it’s broad daylight—you mustn’t,” she protested softly.

Cao Peng replied with indifference, “I am kissing my own wife; what does it matter to anyone else?”

Zou, her cheeks crimson, dared not respond further, her heart filled with a sweet happiness akin to tasting some mysterious confection. She still cherished the chocolate they had discovered in the mountain cave that night, having saved the remaining two pieces, unwilling to indulge in them just yet.

Cao Peng arrived at the agreed meeting place and, together with Cao Ang, proceeded to Dian Wei’s military camp. The reason for involving the army was simple: his business required military support. First, only within the army could he procure grain of sufficient quality; second, the equipment and manpower needed could be easily mobilized there.

Upon hearing that Cao Ang and Cao Peng had arrived, Dian Wei emerged from his tent at once.

“Prince, Young General, what brings you to my camp today?” he asked.

Cao Ang laughed heartily, “Does one need a reason to visit the General?”

“Not at all, Prince. Please, come in!” Dian Wei replied. The three exchanged smiles; having weathered the crisis at Wan City together, a camaraderie had grown among Dian Wei, Cao Ang, and Cao Peng.

After some brief conversation, Cao Ang spoke first. “Truth be told, we came today with a request to trouble Captain Dian Wei.”

“Prince, whatever it is, speak freely,” Dian Wei said. Though rough in manner, he was shrewd beneath the surface. He agreed readily, but if the request were improper, he would surely report it to Cao Cao. If it was trivial, however, he would gladly oblige, earning Cao Ang’s goodwill. After all, barring unforeseen events, Cao Ang, as the legitimate eldest son, was destined to inherit the main lineage.

“I have a business opportunity that requires…” Cao Ang began. After hearing Cao Ang’s proposal, Dian Wei hesitated. Mobilizing personnel and equipment was trivial, but using military grain to brew alcohol—that was another matter entirely, forbidden by law.

Cao Ang had anticipated this hurdle, even with Dian Wei’s help, and had prepared his argument.

“Here’s what I suggest: I will purchase the grain at a price well above the market rate, and should the Minister of Works discover it, you can simply place all blame upon me.”

Cao Ang’s words left Dian Wei little room to refuse—if he did, it would be tantamount to slighting Cao Ang.

“Very well, we’ll do as you say, Prince.”

With business settled, there remained only the pleasure of drinking together. Before the meal, however, there was a bit of time to spare, so Dian Wei led his guests on a tour of the camp’s training grounds.

The visit left Cao Peng deeply impressed. No wonder Cao Cao could sweep across the land—his soldiers were truly well-drilled and disciplined. With a commander like Dian Wei at the helm, morale would soar, and facing overwhelming odds would be nothing remarkable.

Watching Dian Wei ahead, a sudden idea took hold of Cao Peng—one he could not shake. He finally called out to Dian Wei.

“Captain Dian Wei, I have a presumptuous request.”

“Young General, speak your mind,” Dian Wei replied.

Under the attentive gaze of Dian Wei and Cao Ang, Cao Peng made his astonishing proposal.

“I wish to challenge you!”