Section 3: Competition

"If there is an opportunity, I will plead with my father, but it may not be granted." Cao Chong said to the delighted Cao Zhang, honestly admitting that he truly did not have absolute confidence.

Cao Chong smiled; he certainly knew the importance of self-protection. At this moment, he felt a sense of regret for not having studied martial arts manuals earlier. In his previous life, the seventy-two unique skills of Shaolin were widely available online, yet he had never paid attention to them. Others who had traversed worlds would practice Tai Chi or Bagua, while he, on the other hand, remembered Tai Chi, but only as a form of exercise for elderly people on the streets. It was fine for maintaining health, but as for self-defense, he might as well not dream about it.

Fortunately, Chang Shu is fine

Cao Zhang looked around and lowered his voice, saying: "Father is making arrangements for the southward expedition to Jingzhou. You and Zihuan are definitely going along. Could you possibly intercede with Father on my behalf, so that I can accompany you? It would be best if I could join Zihe and Uncle's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. I have already pleaded with him several times, but he has not agreed. If he does not relent, Zidan and the others will not dare to agree either. I am already twenty years old and have never truly been on the battlefield, unlike Zihuan and you, who have been following Father since childhood."

However, Zhang Zhengqing still does not understand who it is, and who is Xuanwu Hou? Does he have a feud with the Cao family?

Cao Cao pondered for a while, released his right hand, and raised his head to Xu Chu, saying: "There is no need for you to investigate this matter; let it be handed over to the assassin order under Kong Shi Gao Rou."

Without giving it much thought, Cao Chong looked at him carefully for a moment, then clapped his large hand and laughed, "Cang Shu, your complexion has improved a lot these past two days. I estimate that in another couple of days, you will be able to get out of bed. I have already prepared a saddle for your fine Wuhuan horse, and you can ride it once you recover."

Cao Zhang interrupted him with a smile, saying: "You are just being sour, everything else is fine"

Cao Chong, upon being reminded by Zhou Buyi, recalled who Zhang Ziwei was. Although he did not know who the General of the Anti-Invaders was, who does not know the renowned Zhang Liao, also known as Zhang Wenyuan? He is the foremost of the Five Great Generals. Zhang Liao's son seems to be named Zhang Hu, which is likely the same Zhang Ziwei.

Xu Chu lowered his head slightly and said, "Yes, my son is indeed lacking in ability. It is quite beyond him to serve as a general for a hundred men. I kindly request that the lord allow him to serve as a tiger warrior instead."

***

Since he has come to assassinate, he will certainly leave no flaws in this regard. Cao Cao rubbed his brow, frowning, and narrowed his slender eyes to stare at the flickering candlelight. His right hand slowly formed a fist. The fact that someone dared to assassinate his beloved son Cang Shu in Ye City made him feel a challenge to his dignity, and a fierce anger burned in his heart. He wished he could immediately send out an order to search the entire city and root out the mastermind behind this.

I have checked; the assassin was killed outside the city. Judging by the wound, he was stabbed to death, with a single thrust through the throat. Xu Chu paused for a moment and continued, From the calluses on his palm, it is evident that he was skilled with a blade. However, apart from that, no other clues were found. The assassin's face was also mutilated, and his clothing was that of a common ranger in the city, making it impossible to identify him.

Elder brother, please speak freely

Cao Chong looked at Cao Zhang's face filled with discontent and couldn't help but smile. Historically, Cao Zhang's ambition was to become a general, yet he had not truly been on the battlefield until now. Even a renowned general has his struggles. Since that is the case, let me lend him a hand. After all, historically, his father Cao Cao also held him in high regard, so this request is likely not too excessive.

"Certainly," Xu Chu replied calmly, his voice remaining steady, ensuring that Cao Cao could hear him clearly without finding it jarring

Cao Chong almost laughed out loud; just a moment ago, he said there was no need to be polite, and now he is asking for help again. This Cao Zhang is truly amusing

Cao Cao looked at the fierce general who had followed him through thick and thin, and suddenly spoke: "Isn't that kid of yours just a captain of a hundred men now?"

"My lord." The tall Xu Chu walked with surprisingly light steps, his stride remarkably standard, as if each step had been measured with a ruler for precision. He quickly approached Cao Cao, standing with his arms crossed, his expression calm, revealing not a trace of emotion.

Cao Chong and Zhou Buyi exchanged glances, both amused by the straightforward Cao Zhang. After listening to Cao Zhang talk about the martial arts competition for a while, Cao Chong gradually understood. The person known as Zhang Zhengqing was actually Zhang Xiu's son, Zhang Quan. After Zhang Xiu surrendered to Cao Cao, he fought bravely and was quickly promoted. He participated in the Battle of Liucheng last year but died on the way. However, there are reports suggesting that his death was due to an incident where he invited Cao Pi to dinner; Cao Pi not only declined but also mentioned Cao Ang's death in front of him, which frightened Zhang Xiu into committing suicide. Naturally, his Xiliang cavalry was also effortlessly absorbed by Cao Cao. Zhang Quan, being young and impetuous, had not yet learned the art of feigning submission like his father, Zhang Xiu. In front of Cao Cao, he dared not lose his temper but could find various excuses to decline Cao Zhang's martial arts challenge. In short, if we cannot provoke them, can we not avoid them?

He sighs here, yet is unaware that historically, Zhang Quan harbored resentment against the Cao family due to the death of Zhang Xiu, and participated in the Wei Feng Rebellion twelve years later, ultimately perishing in that turmoil

Thank you, brother. Cao Chong leaned slightly on the bed, genuinely fond of this generous older brother. The joy he felt when he woke up that day continued to give him a sense of warmth, unlike Cao Pi, who, despite wearing a smile, seemed so insincere. Although this perception might stem from preconceived notions derived from history, it instinctively led him to believe that this Cao Pi was not a good person

"We are brothers, no need for formality." Cao Zhang waved his hand and said casually. After a moment, he hesitated and added, "If you really want to thank me, then do me a favor."

Cao Cao looked at the departing ministers, flipped through the bamboo slips on the table in front of him, raised his head, and called out: "Zhongkang!"

How is the investigation into that matter progressing?" Cao Cao asked softly, his eyes fixed on the bamboo slips.

Cao Zhang spoke enthusiastically about the martial arts competition and then got up to leave, leaving behind two talented young men, one true and one false, who exchanged smiles. He Tu and Zhou Wuyi laughed for a while and then Zhou Wuyi said, "Young Master, I think you should practice martial arts as well; otherwise, next time..." He did not finish his sentence. Since someone had tampered with the situation this time, it was hard to guarantee there wouldn't be a next time. In the face of force, it is always better to have stronger force.

However, there are too many important figures' families residing in Ye City, and he cannot conduct searches openly, especially since he is deploying troops for the southern campaign against Jingzhou. At this moment, he cannot create a state of panic in Ye City; if the people of Ye City become unsettled, the entire realm will also fall into chaos

Cao Zhang, however, did not think so. He excitedly rubbed his hands together and said, "As long as you tell Father, there is nothing that cannot be done, hahaha. Then I must practice hard; if Zhang Ziwei knocks me off my horse again, I will truly lose face."

Cao Chong let out a long sigh. Although he was not very knowledgeable about political matters, he understood that Cao Pi's actions were indeed somewhat misguided. If one were to take action, it should be done only when the world is at peace. Although the north had been pacified and the Central Plains occupied, there were still the Gongsun family in Liaodong, the Xiliang people led by Ma Teng and Han Sui in Guanzhong, and in the south, Liu Biao and Sun Quan, along with Liu Bei who was roaming around with Guan, Zhang, and Zhao. The death of Cao Ang had now forced Zhang Xiu into a corner, which was certainly not a reassuring factor for those who had surrendered.