Chapter 138: Miss Zhen of the Zhen Family

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Cao Peng spoke of capturing Jizhou City with such casual ease. Such boldness was truly unmatched under heaven. Cheng Yu hurriedly expressed his gratitude; he genuinely admired Cao Peng from the bottom of his heart, knowing that only by following him could they reap the rewards.

“All right, now that the weight’s off your shoulders, you can relax and enjoy the feast, right?” Cao Peng teased.

Xun Yu and Cheng Yu felt a bit awkward, realizing Cao Peng had long known their true purpose in coming here.

...

Not far from Cao Peng’s military camp, a carriage slowly approached, heading straight for Cao Peng’s central army.

The carriage was extravagantly ornate, clearly the product of a wealthy and noble family. The occupants must be of great wealth or status.

The coachman’s face was pale, showing signs of prolonged exhaustion. Beside him sat a young man.

The youth was dressed in splendid clothing of fine material, though it appeared worn and soiled from lack of proper care.

Inside the carriage sat a refined-looking “young man” with delicate features. His skin was as white as snow, his face exquisitely shaped. Despite wearing men’s attire, it could not conceal the feminine charm he radiated.

It was clear she was a young woman disguised as a man.

She was the young lady of the Zhen family from the Kingdom of Zhongshan.

Her life had once been one of luxury and ease.

Her presence here was tied to the death of Yuan Shao.

A trace of melancholy shadowed the young lady’s face, stirring a tender sympathy.

Originally betrothed to Yuan Shao’s son, Yuan Xi, she had become a widow before the marriage was consummated, as Yuan Xi’s head had been severed by Cao Peng.

With the elders of the Zhen family already deceased, leadership fell to her two brothers, Zhen Yan and Zhen Yao.

Previously, Zhen Yao had attempted to ransom Yuan Xi from Cao Peng, but instead was coerced into becoming a spy.

Upon learning the truth could no longer be concealed, Zhen Yao immediately informed his elder brother.

Though a mere merchant, Zhen Yan was no stranger to turbulent affairs.

From Zhen Yao’s account, Zhen Yan was certain Cao Peng was a ruthless man.

Disobedience could very well mean the utter destruction of the Zhen family.

Thus, while feigning allegiance to the Yuan clan, the Zhen family secretly provided intelligence to the embroidered guards infiltrating Jizhou.

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The situation changed with the suddenness of a fierce storm.

News of Yuan Shao’s army’s supplies being burned had only just arrived when reports of a complete rout soon followed.

Then, the once-mighty Lord of Four Provinces, General Yuan Shao, unexpectedly died.

Yuan Tan, by all accounts, was to succeed him without dispute.

But Yuan Shang returned at this critical moment, bringing with him Guo Tu, Shen Pei, and others.

The brothers’ rivalry had escalated to open warfare.

As one of the wealthiest true families, the Zhen family became a coveted ally both sought after by the two brothers.

Both proposed marriage alliances with the Zhen family.

However, Zhen Yan and Zhen Yao were clear-headed.

Compared to Cao Peng, these two young masters were insignificant.

Cao Peng’s northern campaign to unify the surrounding lands was merely a matter of time.

Marrying into the Yuan family would be courting death.

After deliberation, the brothers decided that Zhen Yao would set out immediately under cover of night, bringing their eldest sister, Zhen Jiang, to pay respects to Cao Peng.

If Cao Peng could swiftly dispatch his forces to defeat the Yuan brothers and command the Four Provinces, the Zhen family’s fortunes would be reversed.

Moreover, allying with Cao Peng could elevate them to even greater heights.

Zhen Yao was confident of success, especially since Cao Peng was known for his fondness of women, and had previously shown interest in the women of their family.

Originally, he wished to bring along the most beautiful sister, Zhen Mi, but the stubborn girl refused outright.

Reluctantly, he settled on bringing their eldest sister, Zhen Jiang.

Though not as breathtakingly beautiful as Zhen Mi, Zhen Jiang was still a rare and exquisite woman.

Due to Cao Peng’s intervention, the Zhen brothers guarded their sisters fiercely, and no outsiders had ever seen the true faces of the five daughters—they were all untouched treasures.

As the carriage neared Cao Peng’s camp, Zhen Yao’s excitement grew.

Should his sister be promised to Cao Peng, his own rise to prominence would surely follow.

Clinging to Cao Peng’s powerful patronage, the future of the Zhen family was boundless.

With these thoughts, his tone softened.

“Little sister, we’re almost there!”

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The woman disguised as a man leaned out, revealing her flawless, radiant face.

A shadow of worry clouded her delicate features.

Compared to her sister Zhen Mi, Zhen Jiang was more sensible, yet that did not mean she was pleased with this marriage.

Having never met Cao Peng, she could feel no affection for him.

In her heart, this was all for the salvation of their family’s future.

Still, she harbored some hope and curiosity about the famed hero General Cao Peng, praised so highly by her brothers.

After all, this was the man she was to marry and spend her life with.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the camp’s gate.

Before her fluttered a flag emblazoned with the character “Cao” in bold, flowing script.

Zhen Jiang’s heart pounded wildly—there was no denying her nervousness.

She gazed upon the camp's grim atmosphere, the sturdy, disciplined soldiers, the gleaming swords and polished armor.

Her mind conjured an image of Cao Peng.

Would he be somewhat older?

Would his face bear the marks of hardship?

As the most powerful figure under Chancellor Cao, her brothers had already recounted his heroic deeds countless times.

While she was lost in thought, her brother had already descended and was pleading quietly with the soldiers at the gate.

The guards were rude and hostile, refusing even to allow them entry to notify Cao Peng.

Helpless, Zhen Yao produced some gold and silver.

Only then did the guard’s countenance soften and instruct them to wait before entering the tent.

But even after some time, the soldiers blocked their path repeatedly, each more difficult to persuade than the last.

By the time Zhen Yao’s funds were nearly exhausted, they had yet to secure an audience with Cao Peng.

Fortunately, the general’s central command tent lay not far ahead.

Once more, Zhen Yao bowed with a forced smile.

“Commander, please be so kind as to inform General Cao that the Zhongshan Zhen family has arrived.”

He handed over a purse of coins.

Unexpectedly, the soldier weighed the money, cast a cold glance, and sneered, “Who is this Cao General that the likes of you should be granted an audience?”