Chapter 154: The Two Daughters of the Zhen Clan

If he refused, Cao Cao would likely not let the matter rest easily.

"Very well! Since that is the case, I shall exert myself once more for my uncle."

"Uncle, once the north is unified, I wish to take a proper rest."

"No problem," Cao Cao agreed readily.

After parting ways with Cao Cao, Cao Peng was soon sought out by Man Chong.

This fellow Man Chong had previously acted as a hostage in Yuan Shang's camp, completely wrapping Yuan Shang around his finger.

It was precisely this feat that laid a solid foundation for Cao Peng to successfully annex Yuan Shang.

Seeing him approach in such a hurried manner, Cao Peng realized that important intelligence was likely in hand.

"Boning, what is the matter?"

"There is bad news. According to intelligence received by the brocade-clad guards, Yuan Tan likely escaped under the protection of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei," Man Chong said.

Since the city was breached and Yuan Tan had not been captured, Cao Peng had long suspected that martial arts experts were assisting him.

Cao Peng analyzed, "If I am not mistaken, that fellow Yuan Tan will likely head for the Liaodong region."

Man Chong immediately said with admiration, "The general is truly divine in his foresight; the direction they took is indeed Liaodong."

"Leave this matter to me to handle. You should go back and rest!"

With that, Cao Peng went to find Cao Cao.

Upon hearing that Yuan Tan was heading toward Liaodong, Cao Cao immediately suspected that he was plotting something malicious.

"Anmin, what do you suppose his intentions are in going to Liaodong?" Cao Cao asked.

Cao Peng replied, "Nothing more than attempting to ally with Gongsun Du, and possibly borrowing the strength of the Wuhuan people."

The Wuhuan people!

Thinking of these troublesome fellows residing north of Liaodong, Cao Cao suddenly grew rather angry.

"Then what should we do?" Cao Cao asked.

Cao Peng said, "We can write a letter to Gongsun Du with stern wording, demanding that Gongsun Du bind Yuan Tan and deliver him to us!"

This suggestion was adopted by Cao Cao. A letter was immediately drafted, and the brocade-clad guards were dispatched on swift horses to gallop rapidly to Liaodong and deliver it to Gongsun Du.

Busy affairs left Cao Peng mentally and physically exhausted. By the time he left the city, the sky was already growing late.

He still had to go to the military camp outside the city, because two peerless beauties were waiting for him there.

During the time Cao Peng was away, Zhen Mi and Zhen Jiang had stayed entirely within Cao Peng's central military tent.

After all, this was the safest place.

When Cao Peng returned, he found the two peerless beauties curled up on his bed, fast asleep.

Seeing them sleeping so soundly, Cao Peng chose not to disturb them. Instead, he pulled up a chair, sat by their side, and watched them quietly.

Until Zhen Jiang's beautiful eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if she were about to awaken.

As she gently opened her eyes, the very first person she saw was Cao Peng.

A flash of panic crossed Zhen Jiang's eyes, and she softly said, "General, you have returned—why didn't you wake us up?"

A blush suffused Zhen Jiang's cheeks. Although she had already become Cao Peng's woman, she was still somewhat unaccustomed to being gazed at so intently while asleep.

Moreover, in this era, men were revered while women held a humble status.

Women were naturally meant to serve men, a rule that would not change simply because she and her younger sister possessed peerless beauty.

Zhen Jiang attempted to wake her sister, but Cao Peng stopped her.

Her favorable impression of Cao Peng instantly soared within her heart.

Not only was Cao Peng a peerless hero, but he was also a man who understood how to be considerate of women.

Such a trait was rarely seen in this world.

Zhen Jiang hurriedly got out of bed, tidied her appearance slightly, and stood beside Cao Peng.

"General, would you like to eat something?" Zhen Jiang asked.

"I am indeed rather hungry," Cao Peng smiled.

Zhen Jiang hastily said, "Then please wait here for a moment, General. I shall go prepare some food for you."

After Zhen Jiang left, only Cao Peng and Zhen Mi remained in the tent.

Looking at Zhen Mi's pretty face, so close at hand, and breathing in her faint, delicate fragrance was an irresistible temptation for Cao Peng.

Just as Cao Peng intended to steal a kiss from this alluring peach-like beauty, the fair maiden stirred awake.

Much like her elder sister, the first thing she saw upon spotting Cao Peng caused her to sit up in startled surprise.

Then, Zhen Mi smiled shyly, "Oh really? When did the General arrive? Why didn't you wake me up?"

"Even Eldest Sister is at fault, just wanting to make a fool of me..."

These softly spoken words entered Cao Peng's ears, setting his heart aflutter.

He could only offer a bitter smile; truly, this was a daughter favored by the heavens.

Her peerless visage made even his own heart beat erratically.

"General, what are you looking at?" Under such close proximity, Zhen Mi felt somewhat embarrassed by Cao Peng's gaze.

A rosy blush bloomed across her snow-white cheeks, appearing exceptionally charming in Cao Peng's eyes.

"This time, I have come to take the two of you into Ji Province City with me," Cao Peng said.

Zhen Mi was slightly stunned.

Ji Province—had it finally been conquered?

Gazing at Zhen Mi, Cao Peng gently gathered her into his embrace.

The woman did not struggle, instead resting her cheek against Cao Peng's chest.

"Do you miss home?"

"Mm..."

Although Zhen Mi had previously told Cao Peng that she considered herself to have severed ties with the Zhen family, aside from her beastly brother, that household still held the mother who had given birth to and raised her, as well as the maidservants with whom she shared deep emotional bonds.

Seeing Zhen Mi's somewhat haggard appearance, Cao Peng told her the situation of the Zhen family.

Zhen Yan was already dead.

The Zhen family had also been plundered amidst the flames of war.

It was not looted by Cao's army, but rather ravaged by Yuan Tan's undisciplined troops even before Cao's army entered the city.

Zhen Mi was momentarily dazed, speaking only after a short while, "Take me to see it, please?"

Cao Peng nodded.

Under such circumstances, the two Zhen sisters followed Cao Peng into Ji Province.

Arriving at the ruined Zhen estate, Zhen Mi collapsed against a shattered railing and wept softly.

Cao Peng pulled her into his arms, comforting her in a low voice.

Standing to the side, Zhen Jiang had initially tried to remain strong, but she too was overcome by the sorrowful atmosphere and began to sob quietly.

Cao Peng reached out and gathered her into his other arm as well.

After weeping for a while, the heavy sorrow subsided, and the two sisters gradually regained their composure.

Looking at Cao Peng with tear-stained faces, Zhen Mi asked, "General, can we rely on you from now on?"

Cao Peng smiled warmly, "You little fools, isn't that stating the obvious? Since you have become my women, of course you must rely on me."

"I shall help you rebuild the Zhen family right here in Ji Province City!"

Zhen Mi asked again, "After rebuilding the Zhen family, will the General stay to accompany us?"

Cao Peng could only reply with a helpless sigh, "I must still lead my troops on an expedition to the Liaodong region..."

Zhen Jiang asked with a trembling voice, "General, did you promise Lord Cao that you would continue fighting campaigns across the south and north for him?"

The two of them had already regarded themselves entirely as Cao Peng's women.

Having found a sense of belonging, they naturally did not wish to see Cao Peng suffer wounds and bloodshed on the battlefield, let alone face mortal danger at every turn.

Noticing the lingering worry in the eyes of the two women, Cao Peng could only hold them tighter in his embrace, offering gentle words of comfort.