Chapter 011: Things Are Not as You Imagine

Cao Peng has returned?!

As soon as Cao Cao heard this news, he immediately summoned him for an audience.

He was eager to see how this nephew of his, who had undermined him, would explain himself.

Cao Peng had returned precisely to meet with Cao Cao.

So he followed the soldier who delivered the summons and made his way toward Cao Cao's central command tent.

On the way, he ran into Cao Ang.

“Anmin, you really pulled it off! I was stunned when I heard what you’d done this morning,” Cao Ang said, his face wearing a half-smile, half-smirk.

“Uh…” Cao Peng hesitated.

“Zixiu, it’s not as you imagine. Once we’re before my uncle, everything will be made clear!” Cao Peng replied.

Cao Ang, of course, was not convinced in the slightest, and pursed his lips skeptically.

To prevent Cao Cao from spending the night with Lady Zou, Cao Peng had gone so far as to fight Dian Wei, and then snatched Lady Zou away himself. Now he was claiming it wasn’t what everyone thought—how could that be?

It wasn’t just Cao Ang who wanted to know the answer; Cao Cao was even more eager for an explanation.

Accompanied by Cao Ang, Cao Peng arrived before the entrance of Cao Cao’s central command tent.

Cao Ang politely addressed Dian Wei, who stood guard at the tent, “Captain Dian, would you kindly announce us? Anmin and I wish to see the Commander.”

“Please wait, my lords. I shall return at once!” Dian Wei replied.

Throughout, Dian Wei did not spare Cao Peng a single glance, as if the unpleasantness of the previous night had never occurred.

Cao Peng glanced at Cao Ang, feeling a surge of gratitude.

He knew that Cao Ang was not here for the spectacle, but because he was worried about Cao Peng facing Cao Cao alone.

If Cao Cao were to mete out harsh punishment, Cao Ang would surely speak in his defense.

Though not particularly tall, this sturdy young man, usually so playful and mischievous, could be relied upon at crucial moments.

Moved, Cao Peng recalled their shared past.

Cao Ang’s mother, Lady Zhang, had died young, so he was raised by Cao Cao’s principal wife, Lady Ding, who had no children of her own. Thus, Cao Ang became the legitimate eldest son.

Yet, humble by birth, Cao Ang never let his status make him arrogant or domineering; on the contrary, he was generous and kind.

Cao Peng and Cao Ang were close in age and had been constant companions since childhood—bosom friends.

It was a pity that such a fine young man had met a tragic end in the original course of history.

During the Battle of Wancheng, when Cao Cao was fleeing in defeat and his horse Jueying drowned, it was Cao Ang who gave his own mount to Cao Cao, allowing his father to escape with his life.

As for Cao Ang, he was overtaken by Zhang Xiu’s soldiers and killed; his body was never found.

Cao Peng averted his gaze. Now that he was Cao Anmin, he was determined to change that fate.

He would not let Cao Ang meet the same tragic end as before.

“Send that rascal in here!” came Cao Cao’s irritable and somewhat morose shout from within the tent.

Startled by the call, Cao Ang and Cao Peng quickly entered.

“Father!”

“Uncle!”

The two bowed with cupped hands, but Cao Cao’s expression turned stern as he reprimanded them.

“There are no fathers and sons in the army! What kind of discipline is this?”

Both men flushed with embarrassment, knowing full well that Cao Cao was seizing upon their greeting to vent his displeasure.

“Minister of Works!”

“Minister of Works!”

This time, Cao Cao said nothing, but fixed Cao Peng with a strange, scrutinizing gaze.

After a moment, he spoke, “Cao Anmin, explain your actions last night. If your explanation is unsatisfactory, I’ll see to it you receive a sound beating—personally administered by Captain Dian!”

Cao Peng cursed inwardly. Cao Cao wanted Dian Wei to flog him? He’d be lucky to survive!

Of course, that was only in his thoughts. Outwardly, he bowed respectfully and said, “Minister, the situation last night was urgent. I had no choice but to act as I did.”

He then turned to Dian Wei, bowing again in apology. “Captain Dian, I was greatly at fault last night. Please accept my apologies.”

Dian Wei rolled his eyes. He, undefeated in battle, had actually been caught off guard and bested—if word of this spread, he’d be the laughingstock of the camp.

Though he thought this, he simply waved his hand and said heartily, “Young general, you overstate it…”

In truth, Dian Wei’s report to Cao Cao had omitted the fact that he had been delayed by Cao Peng.

“Whether Captain Dian forgives you is his concern. You have yet to explain the reason for your actions yesterday. And what were your intentions in abducting Lady Zou? Do you realize Zhang Xiu has already sent people this morning to inquire? Are you hoping I’ll hand you over to Zhang Xiu?”

At these words, Cao Ang’s face changed. He quickly interjected, “Father, the facts aren’t clear yet—how can you hand Anmin over to Zhang Xiu?!”

He was genuinely anxious. To hand Cao Peng over would be to cast him into the fire.