Chapter 061: The Dilemma of "Wan City" Once More?

Others were no fools; seeing him in such a state, they immediately grew suspicious. As he passed by Xu Chu, he was stopped in his tracks.

"Young General, this really isn't fair of you. We're all brothers here—if you've got something to say, why not just say it out loud?"

Cao Peng shook his head repeatedly. "No, no, truly, it's nothing. I'm just not feeling well and can't drink. You all go on, enjoy your food and wine..."

With that, he made to leave again, only for Cao Ang to grab hold of him.

"An Min, on a day as good as this, we ought to be celebrating. Why do you look so troubled?"

Dian Wei chimed in, "That's right, Young General. It's a joyful occasion, yet you seem burdened—something must be wrong! If you don't speak up today, I won't let you leave."

Cao Peng glanced around at the others and, with a bitter smile, sighed helplessly, "Since you insist, come closer and I'll tell you."

Seeing how mysterious he was being, Cao Ang and the others quickly crowded around, listening with rapt attention. Zhang Liao and his companions felt awkward, deliberately distancing themselves since they weren't yet close enough with Cao Peng's group. Still, curiosity got the better of them, and they sipped their wine while eavesdropping on the exchange.

Lowering his voice, Cao Peng said, "You all should know—my uncle has an affection for women."

At these words, Cao Ang and the others were momentarily stunned.

An affection for women?

Xu Chu blurted out loudly, "Sir, what's wrong with that? I like women too!"

His straightforwardness set everyone laughing, but Cao Peng only managed a rueful smile. "It's not the same. The women you like are very different from the ones my uncle likes."

He paused deliberately, then looked at Cao Ang and Dian Wei.

"Do you still remember what happened in Wan City?"

At this, both men's faces changed drastically. How could they forget? That affair had been fraught with peril—had it not been for Cao Peng's decisive action, they all would have been in grave danger.

"You don't understand. Tonight may well be ten times more dangerous than that night..."

"What?"

The others thought Cao Peng was being alarmist. Xuzhou was now firmly in their hands—what danger could there possibly be?

"An Min, what do you mean by that?"

"Yes, Young General, explain yourself!"

Cao Peng cast a seemingly careless glance toward Zhang Liao and his men, then lowered his voice even further. "Tonight's victory banquet is so grand, yet my uncle isn't here. I suspect he's gone to White Gate Tower! What's more, I know for a fact that Diao Chan is there as well, and tonight, my uncle intends for Diao Chan to share his bed!"

The mood turned grave. If this were true, it was no small matter.

Xu Chu looked especially grim. Because of Diao Chan, he'd been reprimanded twice by Cao Cao that very day.

Cao Peng went on, "Diao Chan is by no means an ordinary beauty. Back then, Minister Wang used her as a wedge between Lü Bu and Dong Zhuo, and in the end, Lü Bu slew Dong Zhuo. Diao Chan followed Lü Bu, and his tragic end is inseparable from her as well. Tonight, if my uncle indulges himself with this woman, he will surely fall under her spell. Such a baleful woman could spell disaster for the entire army."

By now, Cao Peng's tone was heavy as lead. He spoke with such gravity to convey the seriousness to everyone present.

Xu Chu, emboldened by drink, slammed the table and bellowed, "That cursed witch! I'll go kill her right now!"

Cao Peng quickly hushed him. "Zhongkang, mind your words!"

He shot a meaningful glance in the direction of Zhang Liao and his companions, seated not far away.

Sure enough, when Cao Ang looked over, he saw that Zhang Liao's group, though pretending not to look or listen, all wore expressions as dark as thunderclouds. Though they had surrendered, they were once Lü Bu's trusted men. Diao Chan, while only a woman, had been Lü Bu's consort.

It wasn't that they were particularly loyal to Lü Bu, but in an age so concerned with reputation, such an act by Cao Cao was nothing short of an affront. Cao Ang and Dian Wei were already breaking out in a cold sweat; it seemed the situation was becoming as perilous as Wan City all over again.

If Zhang Liao or Zang Ba were to rally the troops, disaster might indeed break out before the night was through.