Chapter 065: The Mi Clan Seeks a Powerful Ally, Intending to Offer the Youngest Sister

Xuzhou—a place where all matters were drawing to a close, and the Cao army was preparing to return to the capital. Without question, the man of the hour this time was none other than Cao Peng. He had seized the spotlight, gaining both prestige and fortune, and in the eyes of the Cao army, his future appeared boundless. Consequently, many were eager to seek his favor.

Among these were frustrated civil and military officials within the Cao ranks, as well as the prominent clans of Xuzhou. For several days, Cao Peng’s temporary residence in Xuzhou had become a bustling hub of visitors. He could not help but sigh at the ways of the world—how all things revolve around profit. Now, being the foremost favorite before Cao Cao, these people sought him out solely to cozy up to power and secure for themselves a measure of official protection.

While Cao Peng was occupied with managing these various figures, the Mi family of Xuzhou was busy plotting how best to attach themselves to his rising star. The Mi family was among the most illustrious clans in Xuzhou, and in this prosperous city, thriving on commerce and trade, they were one of the economic pillars.

At present, the family was stewarded by the brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang.

“Brother, is it truly worth spending so much to win over someone as young as Cao Peng?” Mi Fang inquired.

“Can’t you see?” Mi Zhu replied. “Though young, Cao Peng holds an extremely important place in Cao Cao’s heart. If we secure his favor, the Mi family will surely rise even higher.”

Mi Zhu felt his younger brother was still somewhat slow to grasp the situation. He continued, “And do you really think it’s so easy to connect with the Cao family now? Your prior dealings with Liu Bei have likely not escaped Cao Cao’s notice.”

At this, Mi Fang sighed. “Indeed, when Liu Bei was in Xuzhou, I did think of siding with him. Because of this, the family now suffers from Cao Cao’s distrust. The blame is mine.”

“Enough. We still have a trump card in hand. If we play it well, the Cao family will become our strongest shield,” Mi Zhu asserted, confident in his strategy.

Mi Fang asked in confusion, “Brother, what trump card do you mean?”

“Our little sister seems to have caught Cao Peng’s eye. Why not…”

At this, Mi Fang instantly understood, a sly smile spreading across his face. “If Cao Peng is interested, we should strike while the iron is hot—send him some money and grain, and let our sister marry him as well…”

Mi Zhu nodded approvingly—his brother was finally catching on. “Tomorrow, go call on him at his residence. Invite him here, and I’ll speak with our sister at once.”

The next day, Mi Fang rose early, intending to visit Cao Peng, but it was not until well past noon that he was finally admitted to the general’s residence. Throughout the wait, his spirits never flagged; impatience was a thing of the past. In days gone by, he might have left in frustration long before, but now he was eager for the opportunity to ally himself with Cao Peng. This shift was perhaps due to a change in his outlook.

Previously, even after Xuzhou fell to Cao Cao, Mi Fang had not planned to seek a position from him. With so many talented men in Cao Cao’s service, he, being of only average ability, saw little hope for advancement. Now, however, things were different. If his younger sister became Cao Peng’s concubine, he could use that family tie to secure a decent post without much difficulty.

Lost in these thoughts, he finally saw Cao Peng appear.

“Brother Mi, I must apologize. There are simply too many visitors here these days—sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“There’s no need for such words, General. For a man of your stature to receive me at all is a great honor.”

Cao Peng’s demeanor was affable. He led Mi Fang into the reception hall, where they sat, and tea was soon served.

“I’ve come today on behalf of the Mi family to present a generous gift to you, General,” Mi Fang said, producing a list, which he handed over.

Cao Peng glanced at it, and his expression shifted slightly—the gift was indeed lavish. The Mi family was willing to bestow upon him enough money and grain to equip a small army of over a thousand men. He closed the list calmly and said, “This is too generous. I cannot accept it. Your thoughtfulness suffices; please, take the list back.”

“General, you jest. Such an offering is our duty,” Mi Zhu interjected, his anxiety plain—he truly feared that Cao Peng might refuse.

Still, Cao Peng declined. “I cannot accept a reward for no service rendered.”

“When Lü Bu held Xuzhou, he ruled with cruelty, and we lived in constant misery. Heaven has favored us at last—Cao Cao led his forces to destroy that villain, and we are all overjoyed. This is the heartfelt gratitude of the entire Mi family. Please, General, do not refuse, or I will have failed in my duty,” Mi Fang pleaded, his words delivered with such feeling and skill that even Cao Peng could not help but silently applaud.

Cao Peng smiled faintly. “Very well, if that is so, I shall accept.”

Who would turn down wealth? His earlier refusal had merely been a formality. Since the Mi family was willing, he was happy to accept—the resources were precisely what he needed.

Yet he suspected this was not Mi Fang’s true purpose in coming. Though only a guess, he believed the seed he had sown earlier was about to bear fruit.

After a while, Mi Fang turned to the main matter. “My elder brother sent me with another request, though it may be presumptuous.”

“Please, speak freely.”

“My brother wishes to invite you to visit the Mi residence, so that we may be proper hosts.”

At this, Cao Peng chuckled inwardly—the fish had indeed taken the bait.

“Very well. Since your family is so hospitable, I ought to pay a formal visit and thank you properly.”

With Cao Peng’s agreement, Mi Fang departed, beaming with delight.

The next day, as promised, Cao Peng arrived at the Mi family’s grand mansion.

Mi Zhu had already begun preparations to welcome his honored guest, taking the matter very seriously. He was eager to see his plan to unite his sister and Cao Peng succeed. As head of the family, Mi Zhu saw further than Mi Fang; beyond rank and riches, the Mi family urgently needed political protection from the Cao clan.

As a vast mercantile family with wealth and resources, without the shelter of a powerful warlord, they were but a fat sheep awaiting the butcher. If they could establish a tie with Cao Peng, not only would their concerns vanish, but their status would also rise even higher. Xuzhou now belonged to the Cao family, after all.

Yet it was not only Mi Zhu who harbored such thoughts; there was another with a heart full of complex emotions—Mi Zhen, the family’s cherished younger sister.

Born into a merchant family, Mi Zhen had received an excellent education from childhood. With beauty and grace, she was renowned throughout Xuzhou as a woman of both talent and charm.

At that moment, this lovely young woman stood by the window, gazing out with anticipation.