Chapter 003: The Banquet in Full Swing, Drunk with Triumph
“Come, come, let me drink another cup with you all,” Cao Cao laughed heartily, raising his cup in salute.
The others hurriedly rose to drink with him.
The banquet was at its liveliest. Wherever Cao Cao passed, he was like the moon surrounded by stars, the entire atmosphere revolving around him.
When Cao Cao toasted Jia Xu, the two seemed to exchange glances, a subtle, flirtatious look passing between them.
Sitting not far off, Cao Peng remained on high alert, and naturally noticed this intriguing exchange.
At first, he was a bit surprised, but upon reflection, it seemed hardly odd. During the earlier negotiations for surrender, Zhang Xiu had sent Jia Xu to probe Cao Cao. Jia Xu, a top strategist, possessed his own allure. Meeting the talent-hungry Cao Mengde, it was only natural there would be a mutual appreciation, almost like a courtship.
Cao Peng also observed that Zhang Xiu, seated in the place of honor, was a little jealous, though he tried hard not to let it show. After all, he had already submitted to Cao Cao; even if Cao Cao did not immediately move against his forces, the power in his hands would inevitably dwindle. His former troops and strategists would be at Cao Cao’s disposal. The only issue was that Cao Cao was too impatient.
The reason for this, in Cao Peng’s view, was perhaps that things had gone too smoothly for Cao Cao of late, making him complacent.
As he pondered this, Cao Cao began another of his flashy performances. Drinking was not enough; he suggested that Zhang Xiu’s military officers perform sword dances for entertainment.
Zhang Xiu had no choice but to agree and summoned several favored generals.
Amidst the flashing blades and swords, Cao Cao noticed a general named Hu Che’er, who showed real skill.
Old Cao, ever the lover of talent, immediately rewarded Hu Che’er with a bit of gold.
Faced with such behavior, Zhang Xiu was instantly enraged.
What kind of joke was this? Hu Che’er was his subordinate; rewards should come from him. Cao Cao dared to reward him without even consulting Zhang Xiu, and in front of so many people—what was the meaning of this?
Not only did it embarrass Zhang Xiu, but it made him suspect Cao Cao’s motives were sinister.
He did not know that, in fact, Cao Cao had not thought much about it; he was simply drunk and acted on impulse.
Cao Peng frowned at the scene, cursing Cao Cao’s recklessness inwardly.
But his focus was elsewhere—the search for Lady Zou.
The banquet was nearing its end, yet the key figure, Zhang Xiu’s aunt Zou, had not appeared.
All the better—now it was time to return and sleep, and nothing would happen.
“Anmin, help father back first; I have matters to discuss with General Zhang,” Cao Ang called out and went about his business.
As the eldest son, he was already assisting Cao Cao with many affairs.
Cao Peng nodded, moved to support Cao Cao out the door, followed by the burly Dian Wei and a group of soldiers.
“Uncle, walk slowly!”
Cao Peng supported Cao Cao, intending to escort him back to rest.
Cao Cao was already dead drunk.
He slipped, fell to the ground, and refused to move.
“Anmin, I’m not done enjoying myself—quickly, find me a woman!”
Cao Peng frowned at this.
Good heavens, truly drunken lust.
Old Cao was a hero in troubled times, yet it was over a woman that he would stumble so badly this time!
On such a dark, windy night, where was he supposed to find a woman for him?
Cao Cao’s drunken demand left Cao Peng utterly helpless.
He did know there was a beautiful lady in the city, but how could he dare introduce her to Old Cao?
“Uncle, it’s late—let’s go back…” Cao Peng tried every kind word, but still could not persuade Cao Cao. Indeed, reasoning with a drunk was simply pointless.
“Lord Chancellor, I know of a woman who is quite stunning—not to say she could topple a kingdom, but she is certainly lovely and graceful…” Upon hearing this, Cao Cao’s eyes lit up, spirit instantly revived. He hurriedly pressed, “Where is she?”
Cao Peng looked over; the speaker was sharp-faced, sly-looking—a petty villain’s visage. It was none other than Hu Che’er, the general under Zhang Xiu, who had followed Cao Cao out after the banquet, clearly eager to curry favor.
Wait a moment…
The beautiful woman Hu Che’er spoke of—could it be…
Cao Peng’s nerves instantly tensed, fearing things would unfold exactly as he anticipated.
Hu Che’er grinned lewdly, “Lord Chancellor, the lady I refer to is the late General Zhang Ji’s newly taken concubine, Lady Zou. She had just arrived in Wan City when General Zhang Ji was tragically killed by a stray arrow. Such a pity—this young lady is in the prime of her youth, lovely as a flower, yet made a widow…”
Widow.
Upon hearing that word, Old Cao’s eyes gleamed.
It was common knowledge that this was precisely Old Cao’s preference; now, the opportunity matched his desire perfectly.