Chapter 113: Promoting the Curved-Shaft Plow

This statement left Guan Yu speechless, as Liu Bei had indeed acted in such a manner not long ago.

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, seemingly disdaining to argue with Cao Peng, Guan Yu closed his eyes.

Cao Peng, however, sat down beside him on his own accord, picked up a wine flagon, filled two bowls, and said, "It is quite laughable, really. You consider your eldest brother the legitimate heir to the Han Dynasty, but in truth, he is nothing more than a reputation-seeking fraud. He is not a descendant of the Han royal house at all!"

This remark seemed to touch a raw nerve; Guan Yu’s eyes snapped open, blazing with fury.

"Do not insult my eldest brother, or do not blame me for being discourteous!"

Watching Guan Yu’s reaction, Cao Peng could not help but click his tongue in secret. Good heavens, he really was a loyal lapdog for Liu Bei.

Cao Peng continued, "I can tell you responsibly that every word I said is true. If you do not believe me, I can take you back to Xudu, and you may ask the Emperor yourself."

Seeing Cao Peng’s air of absolute confidence, a sliver of doubt began to creep into Guan Yu’s heart.

A master at reading the hearts of men on the battlefield, Cao Peng saw at a glance that Guan Yu was wavering and immediately struck while the iron was hot.

"General Guan, if you are willing to surrender for the time being, I can guarantee that the former subordinates of Liu Bei we have captured will be released immediately. Furthermore, what of Lady Gan, whom Liu Bei calls his 'Jade Beauty'? Can you bear to watch her perish? If you surrender, I can entrust her care to you."

Torn by the dilemma, Guan Yu gritted his teeth and finally gave a reluctant nod.

"Very well, I shall surrender temporarily, but you must guarantee..."

Cao Peng cut him off instantly. "Understood. I guarantee Lady Gan will be handed over to you."

"No, you... this..."

Guan Yu’s already ruddy face turned even redder. He wanted to say more, but Cao Peng pressed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a smile that every man understands.

That evening, Cao Peng had Guan Yu released and sent Lady Gan to his residence.

Suddenly, a synthesized electronic voice echoed in his mind. Cao Peng’s spirits soared; this was the first time the system had appeared since it vanished. Had he successfully "snatched the opportunity"?

"Congratulations to the host for successfully intercepting Liu Bei, obtaining Zhao Yun, occupying Xuzhou City, and capturing Guan Yu."

"Reward: Iron Smelting Technique!"

Cao Peng was invigorated. This technique came at the perfect time. Upon returning to Xudu, he could promote this technology; with sharper weapons and stronger armor, the strength of the Cao army would undoubtedly reach a new level.

However, that was a matter for after his return. For now, he had no time to spare, as there was another matter to attend to. He summoned all the aristocratic clans of Xuzhou. Given his military might, no one dared to refuse. They arrived, though they were deeply curious about what Cao Peng wanted.

"You must all know why. The reason Liu Bei was able to control Xuzhou so easily was because of your duplicity!"

It turned out Cao Peng was here to settle scores. His words terrified them, fearing another display of heads rolling.

"General, please, let us explain!" An elder attempted to speak, but Cao Peng gave him no chance. He drew his blade and struck.

The head fell, blood spraying three paces.

"Brutal!"
"You scoundrel, how dare you!"

They did not believe Cao Peng would dare to carry out a massacre, fearing it would unite the entire Xuzhou aristocracy against him.

"Dian Wei!" Cao Peng roared. Dian Wei, looking like a wild beast, stepped out from behind him. Wielding two massive weapons, he gestured, and his armored soldiers surrounded the aristocrats.

"Kill them all!"

At Cao Peng’s command, the armored soldiers charged forward with their spears. Only then did the aristocrats realize Cao Peng was not joking. He was truly a ruthless man!

News of the slaughter spread, striking terror into the hearts of the Xuzhou gentry. Only the Mi clan felt they had made a wise choice in clinging to Cao Peng’s side. After this, no other power in Xuzhou could rival the Mi clan.

Chen Deng and his father, dissatisfied with Cao Peng’s actions, came to confront him on behalf of the city. Cao Peng merely smiled faintly at their arrival. The father and son found his attitude baffling.

"General, are you aware that your actions yesterday have utterly lost the hearts of the people?"

"Indeed. How will you answer to the Prime Minister when you return?"

Cao Peng laughed. "To me, these matters are not worth mentioning. But pray tell, why would I be unable to answer to the Prime Minister?"

Chen Gui replied, "It seems the General is determined to remain deluded. I have nothing more to say. Just consider the autumn grain tax—will the major clans hand it over to you?"

The Chens took Cao Peng for another Liu Bei, thinking he could be easily manipulated. Unfortunately, they had been wrong from the start.

"Seize them!"

At Cao Peng’s low command, his guards pinned the father and son to the ground.

"Cao Peng! My son and I have been loyal to your Cao house! What crime have we committed? You will lose all support for this!"

Cao Peng sneered, "Chen Gui, Chen Deng, did you really think I was unaware of your betrayal?"

His words left them stunned.

"Did you never wonder why I waited two days before attacking the city? It was to give you time to send word to Yuan Shao! I was merely playing along!"

The color drained from their faces in terror. They had not realized Cao Peng held everything in his palm. After they were dragged away, Mi Fang asked, "General, they were not entirely wrong. If we offend these clans, the grain supply..."

Cao Peng waved his hand. "No matter."

He had other arrangements for the grain. The very next day, he summoned Mi Fang and Mi Zhu.

"Gentlemen, I have a blueprint here. Take it and have these manufactured in large quantities."

Upon receiving the design, Mi Fang and Mi Zhu were astonished. With such a tool, cultivating ten thousand acres of fertile land in a short time would be no difficult task. Beyond the curved-shaft plow, Cao Peng provided three types of seeds.

"Sow these three types of seeds," he said, "and by the autumn harvest, when the army sets out, we shall have no need to worry about grain."