Chapter 043: Cao Cao's Suspicion and Liu Bei's Acting

The reason why Cao Cao was so eager to learn what kind of person Liu Bei was stemmed from his concern over Guo Jia’s words.

Was this man someone who should be killed, or allowed to live?

“Uncle, there’s no need to worry. Liu Bei is hardly a threat, at least for now,” Cao Peng said, showing little desire to interfere with Liu Bei’s affairs. At present, he believed Liu Bei was unlikely to become a major player. He intended to regard Liu Bei as a wild herb—one to be carefully nurtured.

As long as he, the greatest variable, refrained from interfering, then considering Liu Bei’s extraordinary fortune, he would surely not die by Cao Cao’s hand.

Cao Cao, hearing Cao Peng’s words, temporarily set aside some of his doubts about Liu Bei. “Very well, if there’s no need to worry about Liu Bei, then help me plot how to win over his most trusted followers!”

Cao Peng was taken aback. “Win them over? Who? And how?”

Cao Cao chuckled. “Of course, I mean his two sworn brothers! Especially Guan Yu—I’m absolutely taken with him. As for how to bring them over, you are the expert!”

Cao Peng broke into a cold sweat. His expertise in winning over people was limited to women, not men. The very thought of Cao Cao’s obsession with Guan Yu convinced him he must not take on this task.

“Uncle, you jest. If there’s nothing else, I’m busy with military affairs and mustn’t linger.”

With that, Cao Peng stood up and made his escape as fast as he could.

“Heh, that boy…” Cao Cao, noticing Cao Peng’s reluctance, began plotting how to persuade him to help win over Liu Bei’s brothers another time.

Meanwhile, inside Liu Bei’s tent, the three sworn brothers of the Peach Garden were deep in discussion.

“Big brother, I think Cao Cao is a honey-tongued schemer and can’t be trusted. Why should we risk our lives for him? Wouldn’t it be better to seek our fortunes elsewhere?” Zhang Fei exclaimed in his booming voice.

“Third brother, I believe that though Cao Cao is detestable, he is not as bad as Lü Bu. If we can use Cao Cao’s power to destroy Lü Bu, it will at least give us some satisfaction,” was Guan Yu’s view.

Liu Bei, forcing a wry smile, said, “The current situation is out of our hands. Second brother, third brother, try to keep a low profile.”

“Big brother, why do you say that?” Zhang Fei asked, still unable to grasp the gravity of their predicament.

In truth, even Guan Yu was no different.

Just then, a soldier came to report, “Cao Cao has arrived.”

Liu Bei was startled, but quickly composed himself and put on a calm façade.

Moments later, Cao Cao entered the tent, bringing Cao Peng with him.

Cao Peng was helpless. He had intended to retire to his quarters and sleep, but Cao Cao, apparently fascinated by Liu Bei, insisted on bringing him along for this visit—clearly to test Liu Bei’s intentions.

As soon as he entered, Cao Cao laughed heartily, “Xuande, I found myself thinking of you late at night and brought a flask of wine. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”

“You jest, Lord Chancellor. I am delighted by your visit—how could you possibly disturb me?” Liu Bei replied, maintaining perfect composure and guiding Cao Cao to a seat with a graceful smile.

Once seated, Liu Bei ordered a few dishes, poured the wine for Cao Cao, and began to make pleasant conversation.

After a while, Cao Cao steered the conversation to his true purpose.

“Xuande, when Lü Bu has been dealt with, I intend to appoint you as Governor of Xuzhou. Would you be willing to take charge again?”

At these words, everyone’s expressions changed.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were instantly excited. If Liu Bei could govern Xuzhou once more, their efforts would have been worthwhile.

“Why do you say this, Lord Cao?” Liu Bei responded with remarkable composure, his face betraying nothing.

At this point, Cao Cao smiled and had Cao Peng bring forth a box.

Everyone was curious—what could be inside?

Cao Peng opened it to reveal a large, colorful umbrella, folded up, its surface covered with signatures and handprints of literate and illiterate folk alike.

“This is the ‘Umbrella of the People’—a gift from the people of Xuzhou to you, Xuande!”

“Just look, Xuande, how the people of Xuzhou support you. Upon my return, I will petition His Majesty to appoint you as Governor of Xuzhou!”

Liu Bei, far from showing any sign of joy, immediately declined, saying, “My Lord, I am unworthy and lack the ability to govern Xuzhou. Please choose someone more capable.”

But Cao Cao persisted, “Xuande, you are too modest. I am well aware of your talents. And this umbrella is proof of how beloved you are among the people.”

“Lord Chancellor, after this defeat, I have recognized my shortcomings and know I am no longer fit to rule a province. Please say no more—I cannot accept.”

Liu Bei remained composed and dignified, exuding a righteous air, showing no hint of attachment to Xuzhou, leaving Cao Cao unable to read his thoughts.

Thus, the matter was dropped.

After Cao Cao and Cao Peng had left, Zhang Fei immediately voiced his bewilderment.

“Big brother, why did you refuse? Cao Cao was offering you Xuzhou!”

“Yes, big brother, why?” Guan Yu echoed.

Liu Bei, his heart heavy, began to weep. Wiping his eyes, he said, “Second brother, third brother, you are both straightforward men and don’t understand what kind of person Cao Cao is. He was testing us just now—had I shown the slightest longing for Xuzhou, he would surely have moved against us!”