Chapter 076: The Schemes of the Royalist Faction

There was a strong possibility that the story these three had spun was nothing more than a fabrication, a deliberate attempt to confuse and mislead. When matters are overanalyzed, countless narratives can be conjured, and now Liu Bei’s ulterior motives had made Cao Cao deeply suspicious.

Regardless, the one who bore the blame—Old Cao—was rather displeased at the moment. Waving a hand at the assembled men, he said, “Enough, you may withdraw for now! Let’s observe how things unfold.”

At this point, no one suspected Cao Peng. Even if he had come forward and declared himself the “Lu Bu” from last night, no one would have believed him. Though men like Dian Wei knew that Cao Peng possessed some martial skills, to best Zhang Fei and drive away Guan Yu was not something an ordinary man could achieve.

Cao Cao had dismissed the others, yet Xun Yu remained.

“Is there something else, Wenruo?” Cao Cao inquired.

“There is one more matter for which I seek your guidance, my lord.”

“What is it?”

“Should the imperial hunt at Xu Field proceed as planned?”

As Xun Yu was in charge of organizing the hunt, he needed clarity.

“This…” Cao Cao hesitated. Plans often falter before changing circumstances, and to invite the Emperor to hunt at Xu Field immediately after such an incident might be… unseemly.

“My lord,” Cheng Yu broke in, “given the current situation, if we insist on inviting His Majesty to the hunt, it may provoke the discontent of the court officials.”

A cold laugh cut through the air—it was Cao Peng.

He drew all eyes, and even Cao Cao frowned, glancing at him.

“Since when must we measure every deed by the mood of the court?” Cao Peng declared. “I say the hunt should proceed as usual!”

Cao Cao, who had been wavering, found his resolve firmed by Cao Peng’s conviction.

“Very well. We shall do as Anmin suggests!”

Thus it was decided—the hunt at Xu Field would proceed as scheduled.

At that moment, a messenger rushed in.

“My lord, the Red Hare has returned of its own accord!”

Everyone was astounded.

“Where is it? Take me there at once!”

Among all present, Man Chong was the most affected. He had not brooded over the insults suffered earlier; his mind was still occupied with uncovering the truth. “It’s at the drill grounds!” he exclaimed.

Cao Cao led his retinue to see for themselves.

Arriving at the grounds, they saw the fiery Red Hare galloping playfully around, eluding all attempts by the soldiers to capture it. Even those who managed to seize its reins were sent tumbling by its powerful hooves.

Dian Wei leapt forward and grabbed the tether. Unexpectedly, the Red Hare, usually so wild, stood docilely, allowing itself to be led.

Though the horse was found, the incident became all the more perplexing.

Man Chong was at a loss—the truth remained elusive. And since horses could not speak, he could hardly ask the Red Hare to name the culprit!

While Cao Cao and his men were at the drill grounds, events were unfolding in the imperial palace at Xu.

At dawn, Dong Cheng hurried to Liu Xie.

“Your Majesty, have you heard? Liu Bei was attacked by an assassin last night!”

“What!” Liu Xie was shocked.

A torrent of possibilities flooded his mind. Could this be a sign that Cao Mengde intended to move against him—or perhaps a warning? After all, he had only just recognized Liu Bei as his imperial uncle, and now Cao Mengde’s men might have done this as a way to intimidate him into submission.

“Could it be that Cao Cao is making his move?” Fear and hatred mingled in Liu Xie’s eyes. Having weathered so many storms, he knew well the brutality of political strife. Had his provocation of Cao Cao yesterday brought disaster upon him?

Dong Cheng frowned, thinking Liu Xie was reading too much into things. “A friend of mine, Wang Zifu, witnessed the events last night. Perhaps we should summon him and hear his account.”

“Very well, summon him at once!” Liu Xie urged.

Before Wang Zifu arrived, the Imperial Uncle, Fu Wan, hurried in.

Seeing his anxious demeanor, Liu Xie immediately asked, “Uncle, why are you so agitated? What has happened?”

Catching his breath, Fu Wan replied, “Cao Cao has sent word—he invites Your Majesty to join him on a hunt at Xu Field three days hence!”

“What? How brazen he is!” Liu Xie felt deeply humiliated. Never in history had a minister dared demand the emperor join him on a hunt!

“They say the idea came from that Cao Peng by Cao Cao’s side!”

“I knew it! Cao Peng is just as cunning as Cao Cao. I was right all along!” Liu Xie fumed.

Just then, Dong Cheng returned with Wang Zifu.

“Your Majesty, the traitor Cao has gone too far—he must be slain!” Wang Zifu, barely through the door, thundered his outrage.

Liu Xie could only smile bitterly. In his heart, he had considered eliminating Cao Cao countless times, but without command of the army, how could he possibly succeed?

“Gentlemen, should I go or not?” he sighed.

Fu Wan analyzed, “This invitation is a test from Cao Cao. If you refuse, it will be tantamount to open hostility.”

Liu Xie sighed again. He knew all too well that he was at Cao Cao’s mercy—defying him was out of the question.

Seeing the despondent Emperor, Wang Zifu spoke up, “This hunt at Xu Field might actually present us with an opportunity.”

“How so?” Liu Xie asked.

“Cao Cao is always meticulous and cautious; it’s rare that we have a chance to get so close. If a loyal and brave man could seize the moment to eliminate him, the Han would be saved.”

Upon hearing these words, Liu Xie’s face flushed. Assassinating Cao Cao was a thought that had crossed his mind a thousand times. Now, with the opportunity before him, he felt a surge of excitement.

“Who could shoulder such a heavy burden?” Liu Xie asked.

“Your Majesty, we have already made arrangements. You know the man in question,” Dong Cheng replied.

“Who is it?” Liu Xie wondered aloud.

“Wang Yue of Yanshan in Liaodong,” Dong Cheng revealed.

Liu Xie fell silent. Indeed, this man might be capable of assassinating Cao Cao. But had he not already pledged himself to Cao Cao, now serving as Cao Pi’s swordsmanship instructor? Could this plot involve Cao Pi as well?

It seemed that, unbeknownst to him, the loyalist officials around him had been plotting much behind the scenes.