Chapter 023: Rumors in the Streets, A Buzzing Uproar
The business of Erguotou, arranged by Cao Ang, had found its way into the estates of every noble and dignitary; soon, even high-end restaurants were serving Erguotou. The reputation of this exquisite, celestial liquor was growing ever greater. Some curious souls began to investigate the identity of the owner behind it all. Yet they soon discovered that the proprietor was shrouded in formidable secrecy, rumored to be connected to the Cao family’s royal lineage. With such whispers circulating, those merchants who initially wished to carve out a share of the business quickly abandoned their ambitions. Firstly, they had no desire to offend the powerful figures at court; secondly, Erguotou catered only to the elite, leaving ordinary wine sellers unaffected. Cao Peng’s purse swelled rapidly, and every time he split the profits with Cao Ang and Dian Wei, he was thoroughly satisfied. Even Cao Ang, for the first time, understood what it meant to be in a truly lucrative trade, let alone Dian Wei. As their business flourished, the day when the secret could no longer be kept was drawing near.
...
Within Xudu, Cao Cao had rediscovered his happiness. He had a cherished and beautiful wife, and occasionally went out seeking pleasure; his life was one of ease and delight. Tonight, for instance, he felt inclined to seek a bit of amusement. But his attendant informed him that Cheng Yu had arrived.
“Zhongde, it’s late. What brings you here?” Cao Cao asked.
Cheng Yu hesitated; it was no small matter to disturb Cao Cao’s pleasure at this hour, but the issue was grave. “My lord, I have received reliable intelligence that someone is using the army’s finest provisions to brew fine wine.”
“What? Who would dare such a thing?”
Cao Cao was stunned, then immediately demanded in anger.
...
It was no wonder Cao Cao was furious; after all, corruption, though serious, paled in comparison to the crime of misappropriating military supplies. In these turbulent times, whoever held troops was like a king, and military provisions were of utmost importance. Imagine, if the reserves ran short and the soldiers went hungry, mutiny would erupt instantly.
Cheng Yu, under the weight of Cao Cao’s anger, continued: “The intelligence points to Cao Peng as the ringleader, with Captain Dian Wei and young master Ang implicated as well.”
Cao Cao’s brows furrowed upon hearing this report. If the information was accurate, then Cao Peng had committed a serious breach of military discipline. However, if only a small amount of provisions were involved, the matter could be handled with discretion.
“Zhongde, call Fengxiao. Come with me. I must see for myself whether this is true.”
As the saying goes, hearing is unreliable—seeing is believing. Cao Cao was not one to be deceived by rumors. He also wanted to personally assess the scale of this operation. If it was insignificant, he would not bother to interfere. In this era, such speculative ventures, though openly corrupt, would not cause much turmoil so long as they were not excessive.
“Zhongde, I must say, since you know the crown prince is involved, why trouble yourself with this?” Guo Jia, already preparing for bed, was called up by Cheng Yu and grumbled as they walked.
“Ah, I’d rather not meddle either, but word on the street is that someone’s using military supplies to brew wine. Many complaints have reached me, and since the lord put me in charge of provisions last month, the matter has become a public scandal—I can hardly conceal it now.”
Guo Jia shrugged, expressing his sympathy for Cheng Yu. Ever skilled in scheming, Guo Jia could see at a glance that someone was trying to stir up trouble, with Cheng Yu being used as a pawn. As to who that might be, it remained a mystery.
Late at night, Cao Cao, accompanied by Guo Jia and Cheng Yu, made his way to Dian Wei’s camp, with Xu Chu guarding them.
“Who goes there? Stand fast! This is a military stronghold—no unauthorized entry!” a soldier called out.
...
Because the firelight was dim, the soldier did not recognize Cao Cao’s party.
“Insolence! The Grand Minister is here!” Xu Chu’s voice thundered like a tiger, startling the soldier so much he nearly dropped to his knees.
“Enough talk! Bring the night duty officer!”
“Yes, sir!”
Afterwards, Cao Cao and his companions, guided by the soldier, entered the wine cellar.
“What are these for?” Cao Cao asked.
“This... this is...” The soldier trembled, terrified that a wrong word might cost him his head. Even if he survived this encounter, he feared Dian Wei’s wrath upon his return.
“Rest assured, I understand your predicament. Speak freely; I will not trouble you,” Cao Cao comforted him.
Yet, despite these reassuring words, once the soldier stammered out the truth, Cao Cao ordered Xu Chu to dispose of him.
“My lord, what now?” Xu Chu asked.
“Ha, since they have the leisure to run wine houses, let us join their festivities as well!” Cao Cao replied coldly.
From the soldier’s account, Cao Cao learned that Dian Wei was resting at home, while Cao Peng and the others were merrily enjoying themselves at Cao Zhi’s estate.